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Trump signs memorandum to pay TSA workers amid prolonged partial shutdown

Xinhua) 09:47, March 28, 2026

WASHINGTON, March 27 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday signed a presidential memorandum to pay Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents, who have been working without pay and facing rising absenteeism since the shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) over a month ago.

"Since the shutdown began, nearly 500 transportation security officers have left their positions, and thousands more have begun to call out sick at record rates due to lack of pay. As a result, security wait times at some airports have reached untenable lengths of three or more hours," the memorandum read.

Trump blamed Democrats for the partial shutdown, which continues into its sixth week. "Currently, more than 60,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees, including approximately 50,000 transportation security officers who perform security functions at domestic airports, are not being paid due to congressional Democrats' reckless decision," the memorandum said.

"Accordingly, I hereby direct the Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to use funds that have a reasonable and logical nexus to TSA operations to provide TSA employees with the compensation and benefits," it said.

DHS said on X that TSA has immediately begun the process of paying its workforce. "TSA officers should begin seeing paychecks as early as Monday, March 30," according to the department.

The latest development came as House Republican leaders rejected a Senate-passed bill that would fund most of DHS, including the TSA. The bill would not provide funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol, as Republicans and Democrats remain at an impasse over Democrats' demands for reforms to immigration enforcement operations.

Democrats have called for reforms to ICE operations following the fatal shooting of two U.S. citizens by federal agents in Minneapolis in January, but Republicans have rejected the demands, resulting in a deadlock in negotiations. Against that backdrop, DHS funding expired on Feb. 13.

This has left the department's functions -- including TSA, the Coast Guard, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency -- crippled.

Over the weekend, Trump and White House border czar Tom Homan said that ICE agents would assist at busy airport security checkpoints amid the partial shutdown. The measure took effect on Monday.

On Wednesday, Acting TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill told a House Homeland Security Committee hearing that wait times at U.S. airport security checkpoints had reached the longest levels in the 24-year history of the TSA amid the prolonged DHS shutdown, with some exceeding four hours.

Several major airports are seeing absenteeism rates of 40 to 50 percent among TSA workers, McNeill said. "This level of disruption is unprecedented and unacceptable, and significantly undermines the security of U.S. transportation systems."

(Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun)
Zelenskyy meets with team of Ukrainian experts in UAE: clear understanding reached on how to strengthen air defense system

In Abu Dhabi, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with a team of Ukrainian experts who have been working in the United Arab Emirates for several weeks to help protect lives.

According to the presidents press service, the meeting focused on the initial results, key conclusions from the teams work in the UAE, and a number of proposals.

"Our shared goal with our partners is greater security. Ukrainians, unfortunately, remember well what it was like when Russias full-scale aggression against our country began. Much depended on fast and effective defense decisions. Today, Ukraine not only needs assistance but is also ready to support those who support us," Zelenskyy said.

The Ukrainian experts reported that during this time they had held meetings with representatives of the UAEs security and defense sector and are working on strengthening protection against aerial threats.

"We discussed this specifically ahead of my meeting with the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. There is already a clear understanding of how to strengthen the system for protecting the sky and critical infrastructure in the Emirates by integrating Ukrainian experience. These are comprehensive solutions that have proven their effectiveness," the head of state said.

The president thanked the Ukrainian experts for their service and noted the respect shown toward Ukraine in the region.

As reported, the day before, Zelenskyy visited Saudi Arabia, where a document on defense cooperation was signed.
Andrii Sybiha held a meeting with the Minister of External Affairs of India Subrahmanyam Jaishankar

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

27 March 2026 10:16

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "I had a meaningful exchange of views with my Indian colleague Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on the margins of G7 ministerial meeting in France.

We discussed the developments in the Middle East, as well as the importance of regional stabilisation and the safe functioning of key global supply chains.

We also coordinated further contacts and reaffirmed our mutual interest in strengthening bilateral cooperation."

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Andrii Sybiha held a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

27 March 2026 12:00

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "I was glad to catch up with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the G7 ministerial meeting in France.

The U.S. role in advancing peace efforts remains critical. Ukraine's proposals are realistic and doable. Pressure on Russia is key to make Moscow end the war.

We also spoke about the developments in the Middle East. Ukraine's position is that the regimes in Moscow and Tehran work together to prolong the war. And they both must face consolidated pressure.

Ukraine's tangible assistance to the Gulf states in protecting from Iranian terror has demonstrated our role as a security partner and contributor.

The issue of countering Russian aggression against Ukraine must remain high on the international agenda."

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Olexandr Mischenko held a meeting with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland Wojciech Zajaczkowski

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

27 March 2026 15:49

On March 26, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Olexandr Mischenko held a meeting with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland, National Coordinator of Poland for International Assistance and Development Wojciech Zajaczkowski.

Olexandr Mischenko expressed gratitude to Poland and its citizens for their comprehensive support and solidarity with Ukraine, as well as assistance to our country and Ukrainians who were forced to find themselves on the territory of Poland after the start of the full-scale Russian invasion.

The Deputy Minister also highlighted timely reaction of the Polish state and society to the Russian shelling of Ukraine's energy infrastructure during this winter. He especially noted the transfer of generators and other equipment within the framework of the "Warmth from Poland for Kyiv" initiative, which contributed to the prompt restoration of the stability of Ukraine's energy sector and made it possible to support the civilian population during severe frosts.

Wojciech Zajaczkowski stressed that Poland is making every effort to support our state, outlining areas of assistance, including financial assistance, in the implementation of projects in Ukraine. In this context, the Polish side informed about the prospects for opening centers for multilateral support and rehabilitation of Ukrainian veterans, as well as expanding in Ukraine Poland's experience in the functioning of voluntary fire brigades from among volunteers within local communities, already implemented in six territorial communities of the Rivne region within the framework of the implementation of the "Firefighters" program.

For reference: this model is based on Poland's experience, where the activities of the state fire service are complemented by the involvement of residents of local communities. Volunteers are organised into teams that can be rapidly deployed to respond to fires before professional fire service units arrive. Poland is also supporting the implementation of this approach in Ukraine. In addition, in the Rivne region, the Polish side provides training for volunteer fire brigades and supplies them with the necessary procedures and technical equipment to ensure effective fire response.

Particularly, the parties discussed the issue of the post-war reconstruction of our country in the context of the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2026), scheduled to take place in June in Gdansk, as well as the event in the "On the Way to URC" format, which will be held in April in Rzeszow and will focus on the new - security and defence dimension of the Conference.

Special focus during the meeting was placed on the importance of maintaining and increasing pressure on Russia, practical interaction in strengthening the defense capabilities of Ukraine and Poland, joint efforts to counter Russia-Iran cooperation, as well as assistance to partners in the Middle East, primarily using the context of the experience and capabilities of our state.

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Andrii Sybiha held a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea Cho Hyun

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

27 March 2026 16:50

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "I was pleased to meet with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea Cho Hyun during the G7 foreign ministerial in France.

I thanked the Republic of Korea for its consistent support, both bilateral and within international formats.

ROK's expertise in technologies, infrastructure, and post-war development offers great potential for joint projects in Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction.

We also discussed ways to strengthen our bilateral ties and address shared global and regional challenges, including the security threats of the deepening cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang.

We reaffirmed our shared commitment to global peace, stability, and respect for international law, underpinned by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter."

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Ukraine demonstrates advanced air defence capabilities to Lithuania and plans joint support for defence startups

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

27 March, 2026, 9:28 AM EET

During a visit to Ukraine, a delegation from the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence, led by Minister Robertas Kaunas, was briefed on the operation of the air defence system. Ukraine and Lithuania also discussed strengthening cooperation and enhancing support for defence startups.

Capabilities of interceptors and autonomous air defence turrets

Ukraine's Minister of Defence, Mykhailo Fedorov, and his Lithuanian counterpart, Robertas Kaunas, visited mobile fire group positions protecting Ukraine's skies. The parties were briefed on how daily operations are conducted and the technological solutions already deployed in combat conditions.

An autonomous air defence turret equipped with artificial intelligence to counter missiles and strike drones was demonstrated.

The delegation was also briefed on interceptor drone operations. Modern armed conflicts have demonstrated the importance of interceptors as part of a layered air defence system.

The Lithuanian delegation observed first-hand how Ukrainian warriors counter aerial threats.

"Ukraine is building a comprehensive airspace protection model that integrates different types of air defence capabilities. This approach is already delivering results and generating experience that no other country in the world currently possesses. Through win-win partnerships, our expertise can strengthen NATO's entire eastern flank," Mykhailo Fedorov emphasised.

In February, interceptor drones shot down a record number of enemy fixed-wing UAVs, including Shahed and Gerbera drones - over 10,000.

Ukraine's War Plan sets the goal of identifying 100% of aerial threats in real time and intercepting at least 95% of missiles and drones. To protect civilians and critical infrastructure, Ukraine has launched the development of a multi-layered lower-tier air defence system.

Defence startup investment and military support

During a bilateral meeting, Mykhailo Fedorov discussed the development of bilateral security cooperation with his Lithuanian counterpart.

The parties discussed launching a joint project within the Brave1 cluster to strengthen support for defence startups from Ukrainian and Lithuanian companies. One of the promising areas of cooperation is airspace protection.

"Lithuania is and will remain one of Ukraine's most steadfast allies. It is time to take our fraternal bond and bilateral cooperation to the next level. We remain open to closer defence industry cooperation, as we would like to see more Ukrainian knowledge and expertise in Lithuania," said Lithuania's Minister of National Defence, Robertas Kaunas.

In turn, Mykhailo Fedorov thanked Lithuania for its consistent support, including allocating 0.25% of GDP annually to security assistance to Ukraine, contributions to the PURL (Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List) mechanism, and its readiness to expand cooperation.

Ukraine outlined its defence cooperation priorities, including:

funding the production of Ukrainian drones;

supplying extended-range artillery ammunition;

continued support for the PURL programme.

The Ukrainian side also briefed partners on the current situation at the front.

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Fast and manoeuvrable: the advantages of CVR(T) armoured vehicles to be delivered to Ukraine

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

27 March, 2026, 12:02 PM EET



CVR(T) armoured vehicles are known for their high manoeuvrability CVR(T) armoured vehicles are known for their high manoeuvrability

Ukraine will receive a new batch of CVR(T) armoured fighting vehicles from Latvia to equip a battalion-level unit. Vehicle deliveries have already commenced.

This was announced during a meeting between Ukraine's Minister of Defence, Mykhailo Fedorov, and Latvia's Minister of Defence, Andris Spruds.

The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine outlines the key features of these armoured vehicles.

CVR(T)  Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked)  is a family of light British armoured vehicles in service with armed forces in various countries worldwide.

High manoeuvrability is a key feature of these vehicles. This is achieved through a lightweight aluminium alloy hull that protects against small arms fire and fragmentation, as well as low ground pressure  wide tracks prevent the vehicle from becoming bogged down in sand or mud.

Variants of the CVR(T) family

The CVR(T) family comprises seven main armoured vehicle variants, all of which begin with the letter "S":

FV101 Scorpion - a light reconnaissance tank with a 76 mm L23A1 gun;

FV107 Scimitar - a light reconnaissance tank armed with a 30 mm RARDEN cannon and a 7.62 mm machine gun;

FV103 Spartan - an armoured personnel carrier armed with a 7.62 mm machine gun;

FV105 Sultan - a command and control vehicle;

FV104 Samaritan - an armoured ambulance;

FV106 Samson - an armoured recovery vehicle;

FV102 Striker - an anti-tank guided missile carrier vehicle armed with the Swingfire missile system.

Although designed for different roles, all seven variants use a common platform with standardised components, making maintenance and crew training easier.

Specifications of CVR(T) armoured vehicles

Among the armoured vehicles in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine are the FV103 Spartan, FV104 Samaritan and FV107 Scimitar Mk 2.



Among the armoured vehicles in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine are the FV103 Spartan, FV104 Samaritan and FV107 Scimitar Mk 2 Among the armoured vehicles in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine are the FV103 Spartan, FV104 Samaritan and FV107 Scimitar Mk 2

FV103 Spartan armoured personnel carrier

The vehicle's combat weight in its baseline configuration is approximately 8,170 kg (up to 10,600 kg in modern variants with additional armour).



Spartan. Photo credit: Airwolfhound Spartan. Photo credit: Airwolfhound

Its maximum speed in operational conditions is typically limited to 75 km/h to preserve the service life of the running gear. The range is 510 km. It can climb gradients of up to 60%.

The vehicle is designed to carry up to seven personnel. It is armed with a single 7.62 mm machine gun.

FV107 Scimitar Mk 2 reconnaissance vehicle

This variant represents a deep modernisation of the original Scimitar. It is based on the Spartan armoured personnel carrier hull, which is wider and more robust. As a result, the combat weight has increased to approximately 12,250 kg.



Scimitar Mk 2. Photo credit: Hamish Burke Scimitar Mk 2. Photo credit: Hamish Burke

Protection has been significantly enhanced: ceramic armour has been added over the aluminium hull, and blast-attenuating seats have been installed for the crew. The armament remains unchanged  a 30 mm L21 RARDEN cannon with a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun. However, the electronics, communications equipment, and sighting systems have been fully upgraded.

Maximum speed is approximately 80 km/h, with a range of up to 500 km.

FV104 Samaritan armoured ambulance

This is an unarmed armoured ambulance of the CVR(T) family, designed for casualty evacuation directly from the battlefield. The interior has been reconfigured for medical purposes: the Samaritan can carry up to four stretcher casualties or five to six seated casualties.



Samaritan. Photo credit: Alf van Beem Samaritan. Photo credit: Alf van Beem

The crew typically consists of two personnel (a driver and a medic), allowing more space in the troop compartment.

The running gear is fully standardised with the rest of the CVR(T) family. The vehicle's weight is approximately 8,700 kg, with a maximum speed of up to 72 km/h and a range of approximately 480-500 km. Its low profile and tracked configuration enable the Samaritan to operate effectively off-road, in mud and snow, where evacuation by wheeled vehicles is not possible.

Adding vehicles to the CVR(T) fleet will enhance the capabilities of the Defence Forces of Ukraine in combat operations requiring high mobility and protection in complex terrain.

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President of Ukraine and Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Discussed Opportunities to Strengthen Both Countries

President of Ukraine

27 March 2026 - 10:50

In Jeddah, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud to discuss a mutually beneficial partnership.

First and foremost, the leaders discussed how to strengthen both Ukraine and Saudi Arabia. Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that our country is open to supporting those who support us. The first step in this direction is the Arrangement between the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the Ministry of Defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Defense Cooperation, signed ahead of the meeting.

The document lays the foundation for future contracts, technological cooperation, and investment, while also strengthening Ukraine's international role as a security donor. Through its expertise and technologies, our country will help Saudi Arabia enhance its capabilities to counter aerial threats.

According to the President, Ukraine is ready to share its expertise and system to cooperate with Saudi Arabia in protecting lives. For five years now, Ukrainians have been resisting the same kind of terrorist attacks - ballistic missiles and drones - that the Iranian regime is currently carrying out in the Middle East and the Gulf region. At the same time, Saudi Arabia also has capabilities that are of interest to Ukraine. Therefore, such cooperation can be mutually beneficial.

Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud thanked Ukrainians for their expertise in Saudi Arabia and emphasized that his country is interested in a serious partnership.

The leaders also discussed the situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region as a whole, and Russia's assistance to the Iranian regime in particular. The President stressed that this poses a threat to all and condemned the attacks from Iran.

In addition, they addressed developments in fuel markets and potential energy cooperation. Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud agreed on next steps and on further developing cooperation.

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President Met with Ukrainian Military Experts Working in Saudi Arabia

President of Ukraine

27 March 2026 - 10:10

In Jeddah, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Ukrainian military experts who have been working in Saudi Arabia for over a week now.

The Head of State heard a report on the team's initial results and conclusions at both the operational and broader levels. The main task of Ukrainian air defense experts in the region is to identify challenges and determine what changes are needed to strengthen the protection of people and lives from Iranian "shaheds" and missiles.

The President thanked the military experts for their prompt and thorough work.

"There are concrete steps we can take together with our partners. Even in such a short time, Ukrainian experts were able to share extensive expertise and demonstrate how we in Ukraine protect our lives and infrastructure," Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.

The Head of State noted that Ukraine's expertise is unique, and recognized as such, and that is why everyone is so interested in Ukrainian technologies and experience.

According to the President, Ukraine is particularly ready to support the protection of those countries that help us defend our independence.

During the meeting, the participants discussed key aspects of strengthening air defense in Saudi Arabia, primarily approaches to shooting down drones.

"Ukraine is ready for long-term and mutually beneficial cooperation. I am proud of our people and the strength of Ukraine," Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

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Budanov to present proposals to president on creation of Pantheon of outstanding Ukrainians

Photo: https://t.me/Kyrylo_Budanov_Official/

Head of the Presidential Office Kyrylo Budanov said he will soon submit to the President of Ukraine proposals and developments regarding the creation of a Pantheon of outstanding Ukrainians, based on the results of ongoing discussions.

In a Telegram post on Saturday, Budanov said he held a meeting with the participation of the leadership of the Verkhovna Rada, colleagues from the Presidential Office, scholars, representatives of civil society, the Ukrainian Institute of National Memory (UINM), government officials, and relevant specialized organizations.

"We discussed the idea of reburial on native soil of outstanding Ukrainians who dedicated their entire lives to Ukraine but still rest abroad," Budanov noted.

According to him, this concerns dozens and hundreds of fighters for Ukraine, prominent figures from different eras and professions, many of whom expressed the wish to be reburied in a free and independent Ukraine.

"The task is not simple, as burial sites are scattered around the world. Every step, from legal procedures to the transfer of remains, will be carried out with the consent of descendants and in compliance with legislation," Budanov said.

He stressed the importance of determining a final list of individuals and a specific location in Kyiv where the Pantheon will be built.

"Restoring historical memory is critically important right now, during the war for our independence," Budanov said.

He thanked Verkhovna Rada Chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk for recognizing the importance of preserving historical memory, his deputy Iryna Vereschuk for organizational work, as well as the diaspora, researchers, and all those who have studied, maintained, and preserved burial sites for decades.

"Following the meeting, we agreed on next steps with colleagues and issued the necessary instructions to accelerate the process In the near future, based on all discussions, I will submit our proposals and developments to the president for consideration," Budanov said.

As reported, in 2024, then-head of the Ukrainian Institute of National Memory Anton Drobovych said that a symbolic location in central Kyiv had been identified for the National Pantheon of Ukrainian heroes, but its construction would only be possible after stabilization of Ukraines economy.

Former head of the UINM and Verkhovna Rada deputy Volodymyr Viatrovych (European Solidarity faction) believes it is necessary to dismantle the "Arch of Friendship of Peoples" monument and build the National Pantheon of Ukrainian heroes in its place.

Current UINM head Oleksandr Alferov believes the National Pantheon of Ukrainian heroes should be located in Kyiv on one of the islands on the Dnipro River, while the National Memorial of Ukrainian heroes should be situated on the slopes near the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra.
Alonso comments on birth of first child

Fernando Alonso has confirmed the birth of his first child after arriving late at Suzuka, following his absence on Thursday.

Fernando Alonso, Japanese GP 2026

 Aston Martin Racing

The news was actually broken in the paddock by fellow driver Franco Colapinto before Alonso had even landed in Japan.

Alonso is a dad! I have all the gossip, the Alpine driver joked. I'm going to call him 'daddy'.

Alonso later confirmed the news to DAZN, admitting he had only just arrived in the country.

I'm still a bit jet-lagged because I only landed here this morning. Luckily, it'll be evening here in a few hours - then I can catch up on my sleep.

The 44-year-old said both his partner Melissa Jimenez and the baby are doing well.

"You never really expect anything specific. Things just happen as they happen, and there's always some stress and worry to make sure everything is okay.

Everything went well for the mother and the baby. It's a very happy and special moment.

However, Alonso's focus quickly returned to track matters, with Aston Martin's struggles alongside Honda continuing at Suzuka.

In FP2 we didn't have a great feeling about the car. It's still pretty much the same as before. We've brought a few upgrade parts, he said.

With ongoing vibration and reliability concerns, expectations remain modest at Honda's home race.

It's Honda's home race too. In a difficult time we're going through, we have to be here, we have to support them, and hopefully finish the race for the first time this year. Completing all the laps is the goal, Alonso added.

(GMM)
Aston plays down rumours as Horner talk resurfaces

Aston Martin has played down speculation linking Jonathan Wheatley with a move to the team, amid wider uncertainty about its leadership structure.

Lance Stroll, Chinese GP 2026

 Aston Martin Racing

Following Wheatley's sudden departure from Audi, reports have suggested he could join Aston Martin, potentially in a role that would allow Adrian Newey to step back from day-to-day leadership duties to focus on his technical strengths.

But team ambassador Pedro de la Rosa dismissed the rumours at Suzuka.

We shouldn't comment on rumours and speculation. We also need to respect what Jonathan himself wants to do next.

Our structure remains the same. We're happy with how things are organised. Adrian is our leader, but he's more than just a team leader - he's also our managing technical partner. And that won't change.

The only thing we know for sure is that we have a team principal, and that's Adrian Newey. And that won't change. We must believe in our structure and not change it again.

Despite that stance, speculation around the role continues to swirl, including suggestions Christian Horner has held talks with Lawrence Stroll about a possible return to Formula 1 leadership.

However, reports indicate Newey is not keen on a reunion with his former Red Bull boss following the turmoil of the past two years.

Former driver Ralf Schumacher backed that view, questioning whether Horner would be the right fit in green.

You have to be honest, he told Sky Deutschland. I know Christian Horner won't like me much for this, but the fact is - he certainly achieved a tremendous amount, has had an incredible amount of success, but with success he has changed a bit.

One thing has happened - you don't hear much good about him in the paddock.

Schumacher warned that complications such as Horner's arrival could be damaging for a team already struggling on track.

There is absolutely no room for personal problems there, he said.

(GMM)
Jos fears son Max could lose motivation under new rules

Jos Verstappen admits he fears his son Max could lose motivation in Formula 1 under the current regulations.

Max Verstappen, Japanese GP 2026

 Red Bull

The Dutchman, speaking to De Telegraaf and De Limburger, echoed his son's growing frustration with the 2026 cars - and warned it could have longer-term consequences.

Racing in these cars doesn't challenge him, Jos said. Frankly, I'm afraid Max will lose motivation. Previously, racing in a Formula 1 car was the most wonderful thing for him. But now I'm rather pessimistic.

He said even watching the races has become difficult.

Two weeks ago, I woke up in the middle of the night to watch practice in China, but after 15 minutes, I turned off the TV and went back to bed. I've never done that before when it came to Formula 1. I guess that says a lot.

Jos pointed to the heavy focus on energy management as the key issue, arguing it removes the essence of driving.

"As a driver, you have to be rewarded for your courage and your qualities. If you go through a corner as fast as possible now, you will eventually go over a lap more slowly. That takes away the whole racing feeling.

They're just managing the battery. That makes it harder for a driver like Max to make a difference. That's not the essence.

He contrasted that with Verstappen's recent GT3 outings, where the Red Bull driver has appeared far more at ease.

Max loved it there. You can see and feel that in everything, he said of the Nordschleife runs. While racing with such a GT3 car, he doesn't have to think about continuously charging his battery and can rely much more on his instincts.

Jos also hit back at critics who have dismissed Verstappen's complaints as frustration linked to performance.

The feeling of Max in the car has nothing to do with the performance, he said. He just gives an honest answer to the questions he gets.

The comments come as speculation about Verstappen's future continues to intensify, with former driver Juan Pablo Montoya suggesting Red Bull may struggle to keep him long-term.

I think the conversations (with Mercedes) have already started, he told AS Colombia. "I think the talks never ended last year. I wouldn't be surprised.

The chance that Max will still be driving for Red Bull next year is very low.

(GMM)
Mekies holds talks with Verstappen after media clash

Laurent Mekies held talks with Max Verstappen after the Dutchman's decision to eject a journalist from his Suzuka press session sparked internal unease at Red Bull.

Max Verstappen, Japanese GP 2026

 Red Bull

According to Germany's Bild newspaper, Mekies sought out Verstappen in the paddock on Friday morning, listening to his explanation but also making clear the team does not support removing media from its hospitality.

The report said the incident caused internal displeasure at Red Bull and left Mekies walking a fine line, given Verstappen's importance to the team both on and off track.

While the four-time world champion is not expected to face any formal sanction, the matter is now considered closed following the discussion.

It comes at a difficult time for Red Bull, which has started the 2026 season on the back foot, struggling with an overweight car and inconsistent performance.

Insiders suggest the car could be up to 20kg above the minimum weight, with meaningful reductions unlikely until the summer.

It's not the first time we've faced such challenges, team boss Mekies said. I'm confident we'll get back on track.

Verstappen himself admitted the team is chasing problems in circles at present.

There's a lot of work to do. We need to understand why we're having such big problems right now, he said.

We're trying to fix one thing, but that way we'll immediately create another problem.

Off track, Verstappen has continued to vent frustration by testing and racing GT3 machinery, including his own team's Mercedes-AMG at the Nordschleife - re-fuelling speculation about a possible future move to Mercedes in F1.

Former driver Juan Pablo Montoya believes Red Bull is giving its star unusual freedom.

It's cool that Max can do this. On the one hand, it's cool, but on the other hand, it's also surprising that Red Bull is letting him do this, he said.

Red Bull is in a position where they say 'yes' so as not to lose Max.

Montoya went further, suggesting Verstappen's long-term future may lie elsewhere.

I think they're going to lose Max anyway. I wouldn't be surprised. Just look at the car he was driving last week," he said, referring to the Mercedes GT3 car.

(GMM)
Tsunoda eyeing F1 return after choosing reserve role

Yuki Tsunoda says he has no regrets about stepping back into a reserve role in 2026 - insisting it was a deliberate decision to stay within the Formula 1 paddock.

Yuki Tsunoda, Singapore GP 2025

 Red Bull

The Japanese driver, speaking to local media at Suzuka, is attending his home race this weekend not as a race driver but as a reserve for Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls.

It's not that I can't race, Tsunoda explained. "If I wanted to race, I could have chosen to race with a different team. In a sense, I chose not to race. That was in order to stay in F1.

I don't feel like I can't race at all. It was a decision I made after considering my racing career. So I have no regrets.

Tsunoda lost his race seat at the end of last season after struggling to match Max Verstappen, with rookie Isack Hadjar now impressing alongside the Dutchman.

He says his current role involves supporting the team trackside and in the simulator, although responsibilities vary between reserve drivers.

For now, I accompany the team to the race from Friday and give advice to the team, Tsunoda said. As for simulator work, I'm allowed to decide which days I want to do it.

Despite not racing, Tsunoda insists he remains in peak condition.

Physically, I think I'm in the best shape I've ever been in, he insisted.

Looking ahead, he made clear his ambition is to return to the grid.

Of course, I'm very disappointed that I won't be able to race in front of everyone this year, Tsunoda said.

Next year, I'd like to return to racing with the team I used to be on, but this year I'll enjoy the race as a spectator, alongside everyone else.

(GMM)
Photo: Unsplash

Ukraine has signed 10-year cooperation agreements with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and a similar agreement with the United Arab Emirates is expected to be signed in the coming days, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

"We are talking about 10-year cooperation. We have already signed the relevant agreement with Saudi Arabia, we have just signed a corresponding 10-year agreement with Qatar. We will also sign with the Emirates for 10 years  this will happen within a few days," Zelenskyy said during a video call with journalists on Saturday.

The president noted that both sides are currently working on the legal components of the agreements.

Speaking about areas of cooperation with Middle Eastern countries, he added that they include weapons, weapons production, the exchange of scarce resources, as well as energy cooperation.

"Our reserves were essentially empty  we have kept them empty because of the strikes at the beginning of the war. In fact, all our companies, the private sector, or Ukrnafta have long-term contracts. That means our reserves exist within contracts, but when challenges arise and shortages occur, this can become an issue That is why long-term agreements with energy-producing countries are needed," the head of state explained.

According to him, over the 10-year period of these agreements, Ukraine and Middle Eastern countries will engage in co-production and build manufacturing lines.
Rubio says US expects to finish Iran war 'in next couple of weeks'

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Cholera aid for African countries stalled by Iran conflict

Reuters International News Mar - 28 - 2026 , 10:36 2 minutes read

Emergency cholera medical supplies for several African countries have become stuck in a logistical quagmire caused by the Iran war, aid officials told Reuters, raising concerns about preparations ahead of the high-risk rainy season.

The stocks stranded in Dubai warehouses are contingency supplies placed in cholera-prone countries including Chad and Sudan ahead of the rainy months starting from May to curb any future outbreak of the fast-spreading, potentially fatal diarrhoeal disease.

Both the World Health Organization and the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies told Reuters that some of their African cholera supplies were stuck in a Dubai backlog. They are trying to either fly them out - at 70% above the normal rate - or buy replacements.

The kits create mini field hospitals for thousands of people with rehydration treatments as well as chlorine to treat sewage and drinking water to prevent further spread.

"We don't know if the kits will come in time and it will be more costly and delayed," the IFRC's Danielle Brouwer said. Five cholera kits to treat 3,000 people a month intended for Chad, which hosts camps for Sudan's war refugees, are among those affected as well as tents for cholera patients in South Sudan, she added.

RELIANT ON IMPORTS

Last year was exceptionally bad for cholera with more than 600,000 cases in 34 countries and 8,000 deaths globally, the WHO said. So far in 2026, the number of cases is down by about 50% versus 2025 but the agency warned against complacency.

"A disruption of the supply chain will have dramatic consequences because we're talking (about) an explosive disease," said WHO's Lorenzo Pezzoli, team lead for epidemic bacterial diseases.

"If you don't have the time or the resources to control it in a matter of days or even hours, you would have an extreme contamination."

With the Strait of Hormuz shut amid Iranian attacks linked to nearly a month of U.S.Israeli strikes, competition to use alternative overland or air routes is creating congestion and soaring costs, the IFRC said.

Many African countries like Chad do not produce their own medicines and rely fully on imports. One doctor said there have been no cholera cases this year so far but that, if they do return, there is only enough medicine for about 100 people in the eastern province of Ouaddai.
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Rubio says US expects to finish Iran war 'in next couple of weeks'

BBC International News Mar - 28 - 2026 , 10:08 4 minutes read

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the US expects to finish its operations in Iran "in the next couple of weeks".

The objectives were being achieved and were ahead of schedule, he said at the end of a meeting in France of foreign ministers from the group of major Western economies, known the G7.

Referring to peace talks that President Donald Trump says Iran wants - which Tehran denies - Rubio said there had been messages, but it was unclear who was left to represent the country.

Several top Iranian leaders have been killed since the US and Israel began the war on 28 February. In the meantime, the US is sending troops to the area to give the president options, Rubio said.

Trump and his top officials have consistently said their operations in Iran would last four-to-seven weeks.

As the fourth week is about to end, Rubio's time frame would fit with those predictions - although he also mentioned that it was a question of "weeks, not months" when he answered a series of questions from reporters.

Trump is widely reported to have passed on to the Iranians - via Pakistan - an outline of a 15-point plan to end the war.

However, when asked by reporters if the Iranians were going to give their response on Friday, the US secretary of state said: "We haven't gotten it yet. Look, we've got messages. We've had an exchange of messages and indications from the Iranian system, whatever's left of it, about a willingness to talk about certain things.

"We're waiting for further clarification about who was it that we would be talking to, what we would talking about, and when will we be talking."

Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff later said he was "hopeful" there would be meetings "this week".

"We have a 15-point deal on the table that the Iranians have had for a bit of time. We expect an answer from them and it would solve it all," Witkoff said.

Trump told reporters on Friday that he had paused a threatened attack on Iran's power plants to give talks a chance.

"Iran is being decimated," he said, adding: "We are talking now. They want to make a deal."

On Friday, Iran said that Israel had carried out attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities as well as two of the country's largest steel plants - prompting Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to threaten to exact a "heavy price".

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), the country's powerful military force that underpins the regime, said it would retaliate by targeting industrial infrastructure connected to the US or Israel.

In their statement after the talks, the G7 foreign ministers called for "the absolute necessity to permanently restore safe and toll free freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz", which Iran has closed in retaliation.

It was a reference to Iran's threat to charge a fee, Rubio said.

There have been reports that IRGC has already been charging some vessels a fee in return for secure passage. Iranian MPs are also drafting a bill, although it is in its early stages.

About 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas typically passes through the Strait of Hormuz.

Its closure has caused the price of oil to skyrocket and has raised concerns that a prolonged blockage could raise energy prices - and even lead to a severe contraction in the economies of many countries.

Most of the G7 countries, except Japan, are members of the Nato transatlantic alliance, which have so far refused to answer a call by Trump to send ships to escort vessels through the strait, angering the US leader.

Instead, they have said ending the conflict was the best way to ensure freedom of passage.

After the talks in France, Rubio said the UK was leading the work to build a coalition to ensure the strait remained free. Such a coalition, he said, would be needed for the period after the war.

He added that US allies would be more affected than the US if the Iranian threat became a reality.

Referring to the war more generally, the G7 communique called for "an immediate cessation of attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure".

"There can be no justification for the deliberate targeting of civilians in situations of armed conflict as well as attacks on diplomatic facilities," it said.

The statement did not mention the warring parties by name, but its message appeared to be more targeted at Iran which, in addition to closing the strait, has also attacked civilian targets in Gulf countries allied to the US.

Tehran has sent drones and missiles towards Israel, but also most of the Arab Gulf countries where the US has military bases and other alliances.

In addition to targeting them, Iran has also hit airports, residential apartments, US embassies and energy sites in a region where most countries are world players in oil and gas production.
See the areas that will be affected by ECG's planned maintenance on Sunday, March 29, 2026

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Catholic Bishops rally behind President Mahama after US university withdraws honorary degree

GraphicOnline Mar - 28 - 2026 , 17:07 3 minutes read

The Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference has expressed solidarity with President John Dramani Mahama following the decision by a United States university to withdraw an honorary doctorate previously scheduled to be conferred on the Ghanaian leader.

In a statement issued on March 27, 2026, the Archbishops and Bishops of the Conference said they viewed the circumstances surrounding the decision by Lincoln University in Pennsylvania with concern, particularly given the historical ties between Ghana and the institution.

"We, the Archbishops and Bishops of the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference (GCBC), express our fraternal solidarity with His Excellency John Dramani Mahama following the recent withdrawal of an honorary doctorate by Lincoln University in the United States," the statement read.

The development came after the Embassy of Ghana in the United States announced that it had received communication from the university indicating that concerns had been raised by a group regarding President Mahamas perceived position on Ghanas Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. The embassy described the withdrawal as "both surprising and regrettable."

Bishops cite Nkrumah legacy

The Catholic bishops noted the longstanding relationship between Ghana and Lincoln University, which counts Ghanas first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, among its distinguished alumni.

"The Conference notes with concern the circumstances surrounding this decision, particularly considering the longstanding historical relationship between Ghana and the institution, exemplified by the legacy of our First President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah. While we respect the autonomy of institutions, we emphasise the need for transparency, fairness, and due regard for the dignity of individuals and nations," the bishops stated.

They also commended President Mahama for his leadership on the international stage, particularly his role in securing support for a recent United Nations resolution addressing the legacy of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade.

"This effort reflects a deep commitment to justice, historical redress, and global solidarity for African peoples and the diaspora," the bishops said.

Call for passage of Human Sexual Rights Bill

The Catholic bishops renewed their call for the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, urging Parliament to transmit the legislation to the President for assent without delay.

"As national discourse continues regarding the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference encourages Parliament of Ghana to do its utmost to ensure the timely transmission of the Bill to the President for assent. We call on all relevant authorities to act with diligence and a strong sense of national responsibility in advancing this important legislative process," the statement read.

The bishops also commended the Assemblies of God Church, Ghana, for its expression of support for the President in the matter, acknowledging the leadership of its General Secretary, Rev. Ernest Birikorang.

"We particularly acknowledge the leadership of its General Secretary, Rev. Ernest Birikorang, whose response reflects moral clarity, pastoral responsibility, and a commitment to upholding Christian values and national dignity," they said.

Assurances of prayer

The Conference assured President Mahama of their prayers, calling for wisdom, courage, and clarity of purpose in the discharge of his constitutional duties.

"We echo the call by the Assemblies of God Church, Ghana, for prayer and national reflection. In moments such as these, unity among Christian communities and the broader society remains essential," the bishops stated.

The statement was signed by Bishop Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi of Sunyani, President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference.

The development has drawn international attention, with Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury, the former Anglican primate, having previously described the Ghanaian legislation as "anti-LGBTQ+" and criticised the local Anglican hierarchy for supporting it.
Next article: President Mahama becomes first African leader to receive World Affairs Councils top honour

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Disaster averted: Residents douse Nsawam cold store fire before firefighters arrive

Jemima Okang Addae Mar - 28 - 2026 , 13:35 2 minutes read

A late-night fire at a cold store in Nsawam has raised fresh concerns about electrical safety in busy market centres, though swift community action helped prevent casualties.

The Ghana National Fire Service said it responded to the incident at the Jodorf Cold Store in the Nsawam Main Market on March 26, following reports of a blaze triggered by an electrical explosion.

A six-member crew from the Suhum Municipal Fire Station was dispatched to the scene, but upon arrival, officers found that residents had already extinguished the fire before their intervention.

According to a statement issued by the Service, preliminary findings indicated that the fire was caused by an explosion from an electricity meter, which sparked panic among traders and nearby residents.

As a precautionary measure, the Electricity Company of Ghana disconnected power supply to the affected area to prevent any further risk.

Subsequent investigations confirmed that the blaze resulted from an electrical fault, which destroyed the meter at the centre of the incident.

No injuries or fatalities were recorded, a development authorities have attributed to the timely response of residents and the quick isolation of the power source.

The incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of market infrastructure to electrical hazards, particularly in densely populated trading zones where wiring systems are often overstretched.

Fire officials have urged the public, especially traders, to prioritise regular inspection of electrical installations and adhere to safety guidelines to minimise the risk of similar outbreaks.
Next article: Power cuts hit Accra from April 817 as ECG rolls out transformer upgrades

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Drone operation leads to arrest of three in Keri gun attack

Emmanuel Bonney Mar - 28 - 2026 , 18:48 2 minutes read

Three persons have been arrested in connection with the shooting of two individuals at Keri in the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Oti Region, as security agencies intensify investigations into the incident.

The suspects, identified as Bomie Dennis, 22; Charity Salisa, 25; and Victoria Kakotse, 22, are currently in police custody after being handed over by the military to assist with investigations.

A search conducted at suspected hideouts led to the retrieval of a cache of items, including four locally manufactured single-barrel guns, 63 AAA cartridges, 33 BB cartridges, one Royal Duck cartridge and a cartridge rack.

Other items recovered were two Samsung smartphones, an Itel keypad phone, three hanging bags, a schnapps bottle, two ECOWAS ID cards bearing the names Afreh Justice and Ntanso Kwabena, as well as a talisman, spanners and assorted tools.

The suspects are currently in police custody assisting investigations, while all retrieved exhibits have been retained for evidential purposes, a police situational report said.

According to the report, the police received information on March 18, 2026, at about 2:30 p.m. that two persons had been shot at Keri and rushed to the Nkwanta Municipal Hospital for treatment.

Officers proceeded to the facility, where the victims were identified as Gasalege Kumi Salisa, 82, and his son, Amoah Gasalege Amoah, 42, both of Challa extraction.

They were found with suspected pellet wounds to the head, chest, shoulders and hands, and were said to be responding to treatment.

Preliminary investigations indicate that at about 2 p.m. the same day, the victims, together with their relatives, were at their residence at Keri when gunmen, believed to be Akyodes, opened fire on them, causing the injuries, the report explained.

Security agencies later acted on intelligence that some of the suspects had fled into nearby bushes following the attack.

A military team deployed a drone, which identified individuals hiding in the area. The suspects were subsequently pursued, leading to the arrest of three of them, while three others managed to escape.

At about 2015 hours, Capt. Nana Banyin Appiah Kubi of the 66 Artillery Regiment, Ho, led a military team that formally handed over the three arrested suspects to the police, the report added.

Investigations are ongoing, with efforts underway to apprehend the remaining suspects.
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ECG rolls out transformer upgrades to boost power supply in Accra

GraphicOnline Mar - 28 - 2026 , 18:05 2 minutes read

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has announced a major transformer replacement and upgrade exercise in parts of Accra aimed at improving power supply reliability and reducing system overloads.

The intervention, approved by the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, will involve the replacement and upgrading of 12 power transformers across six primary substations in Adenta, La, Teshie-Nungua, Nmai-Dzor, Baatsonaa and Lashibi.

According to the ECG, the transformers will be upgraded from 20/26 MVA to 30/39 MVA, a move expected to significantly increase load-handling capacity in fast-growing communities and minimise outages caused by overstretched infrastructure.

The first phase of the exercise is scheduled to run from April 8 to April 10, 2026, with subsequent works planned for mid-April in other locations, including Lashibi.

As part of the upgrade process, the ECG has indicated that there will be planned power outages in affected areas to ensure the safety of personnel and facilitate the installation works. The outages will be implemented in phases across different communities and time blocks, with some areas expected to experience interruptions lasting up to six hours at a time.

Communities likely to be affected during the initial phase include parts of East Legon Hills, Nanakrom, Lakeside, Katamanso, Borteyman and surrounding areas, while later phases will impact sections of Spintex, Sakumono, Community 18 and adjoining neighbourhoods.

The ECG said it has prepared a detailed timetable outlining the specific areas and durations of the outages, which will be communicated through its official platforms to allow residents and businesses to plan accordingly.

Despite the expected inconvenience, the company assured customers that efforts would be made to minimise disruption and complete the works within the stipulated timelines.

The upgrade programme forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Ghanas power distribution infrastructure and deliver a more stable and efficient electricity supply across the capital and beyond.
Next article: Cocoa paradox: How Ghana missed the boom and paid the price

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Council of State congratulates President Mahama on UN motion success

Princess King-Quaye Mar - 28 - 2026 , 12:55 4 minutes read

The Council of State has congratulated President John Dramani Mahama on the distinguished success at the United Nations General Assembly in advancing Africas position on the global discourse on slavery and its enduring consequences.

This notable achievement reflects His Excellency's visionary leadership, diplomatic acumen and unwavering commitment to justice, human dignity and historical accountability, the Council of State said in a statement issued in Accra yesterday and signed by its Chairman, Edward Doe Adjaho, after sending a message to the President.

Context

This statement comes as a result of Ghanas intervention at the recent United Nations General Assembly, when the President led a Ghana delegation to push an African Union agenda to adopt a resolution for the global recognition of the transatlantic slave-trade as the greatest crime against humanity.

He tabled the motion at the UN Headquarters in New York on the commemoration of the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade last Tuesday.

The council said the Presidents move had advanced Ghanas position on the global discourse on slavery and its enduring consequences.

The highest constitutional national advisory chamber of the countrys governance structure said the feat further reinforced the country's longstanding reputation as a beacon of Pan-Africanism and a principled voice in the comity of nations.

The council also commended President Mahama for elevating the country's standing on the international stage and for championing a cause of profound global significance.

We are confident that this milestone will continue to inspire national pride and strengthen Ghana's role in promoting equity and justice worldwide, the Council of State said.

The council also pledged its continued support as the President leads the nation to greater heights.

Background

The United Nations (UN) last Tuesday 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 titled, 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; and three countries, namely the USA, Israel and Argentina, voted against.

The adoption of the resolution meant 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 Mahama, moved the motion with the backing of the African Union (AU), ECOWAS and the Caribbean countries among others.

Moving the motion, 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.

Rationale

The resolution also called 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 towards justice.
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Police probe deepens into Ghanaian PhD student shot dead in US

www.wtoc.com Mar - 28 - 2026 , 06:03 3 minutes read

The life and work of a Ghanaian doctoral student killed in a shooting in the United States are gradually coming into focus, as police continue investigations into the circumstances surrounding her death.

Akpene Tetteh, 37, was shot in broad daylight in early February, with authorities saying gunfire erupted at about 2:30 p.m. Officers responding to the incident found her lying in the street with life-threatening injuries. She was later pronounced dead.

A teenager was arrested near the scene on the same day and has since been charged as an adult. The suspect is currently in custody, with the case expected to proceed to the Superior Court.

Initial police reports provided limited details, confirming only that a woman had been shot and a suspect arrested. However, subsequent disclosures have shed light on the victims background and achievements.

Tetteh, a native of Ghana, was a Ph.D. student at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she was enrolled in the School of Public Health. University officials described her as an exceptional student who was close to completing her doctoral studies on an accelerated timeline.

According to the university, she was on course to earn her Ph.D. within three years, an achievement regarded as highly unusual. At the time of her death, she was working on a dissertation focused on improving health outcomes for adults living with diabetes in the United States.

Her research examined barriers to treatment and prevention, including efforts to improve screening rates for diabetic retinopathy among high-risk and underserved populations.

Faculty members paid tribute to her dedication and work ethic, with her academic advisor, Dr Bassam Dahman, stating that she consistently demonstrated discipline and commitment in her studies.

She was often the first to arrive and the last to leave, reflecting a work ethic and determination that many of us witnessed every day, he said.

Beyond academia, Tetteh brought more than a decade of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, contributing to global health projects and research initiatives.

In recognition of her academic excellence, she was posthumously awarded the Carter G. Woodson Award by the universitys Department of African American Studies. The award was presented to members of her family.

Police have declined to provide further details on the motive behind the shooting, including whether it may have been linked to a robbery, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.

Meanwhile, the case is expected to be presented before a grand jury in the coming weeks, as authorities continue to piece together the events leading to her death.

Tetteh is being remembered as a committed scholar and researcher whose work aimed at improving healthcare outcomes will leave a lasting impact, even as investigations into her killing continue.
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President Mahama becomes first African leader to receive World Affairs Councils top honour

Jemima Okang Addae Mar - 28 - 2026 , 13:22 1 minute read

President John Dramani Mahama has been conferred with the International Statesperson Award by the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, becoming the first African leader to receive the prestigious recognition.

The award, established in 1973, is the councils highest honour and celebrates distinguished international figures whose contributions advance peace, freedom and enduring impact on global affairs.

In the statement posted on Jubilee House's Facebook page, President Mahama attributed his dedication to global peace and development to the enduring legacy of Africas great leaders, including Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Nelson Mandela and Kenneth Kaunda.

The World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, founded in 1949, is one of the United States oldest international affairs organisations, dedicated to fostering civic dialogue on global issues. Past recipients of the International Statesperson Award include heads of state and government from across the world, recognised for their leadership on the international stage.

President Mahamas recognition places him among a select group of global leaders honoured for their contributions to diplomacy, governance and international cooperation.
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President Mahama responds to Lincoln University snub

GNA Mar - 27 - 2026 , 20:07 2 minutes read

President John Dramani Mahama has responded to the decision by Lincoln University to cancel a planned honorary PhD award, stating that the institution continues to hold a special place in Ghanas history despite the disagreement.

The university is reported to have withdrawn the honour over concerns relating to Ghanas proposed Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, widely referred to as the anti-gay bill.

Speaking during an engagement with the Ghanaian community in Philadelphia in the United States, President Mahama struck a conciliatory tone, emphasising the longstanding historical ties between Ghana and the American institution.

I want to say that there is a historic link between Ghana and Pennsylvania. There is a historic link between Ghana and Lincoln University, he stated.

The President acknowledged the controversy surrounding the decision but maintained that it had not diminished his regard for the university.

Whatever disagreements have come up, for me, Lincoln University holds a special place in my heart. Because those are hallowed grounds for Ghana. It is part of our history, he said.

He underscored the institutions role in shaping Ghanas founding leader, Kwame Nkrumah, describing it as central to the countrys intellectual and political heritage.

We cannot divorce Lincoln University from the history of Ghana. That is where our first President, Osagyefuo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, was nurtured with his intellectual capacity and his Pan-Africanist spirit, he noted.

President Mahama added that the influence of Lincoln University extended beyond Ghana, contributing to wider African liberation movements.

And so, the grounds of Lincoln are hallowed grounds for Ghanaians, and we will continue to hold that institution in high esteem, President Mahama said.

The development highlights growing international scrutiny of Ghanas proposed legislation, even as government officials continue to defend national values and legislative processes.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/rustemumerov.ua

The agreement with Qatar is aimed at countering modern aerial threats and strengthening defense capabilities, providing a framework for long-term cooperation in the security sector, said Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov.

"As part of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyys visit to the region, an agreement was signed today in Doha between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Government of the State of Qatar on cooperation in the defense sector. The agreement establishes a framework for long-term cooperation in security, particularly in countering modern aerial threats and enhancing defense capabilities," he wrote on Telegram on Saturday.

The document also provides for the development of joint projects, technological cooperation, and the attraction of investment into security solutions.
See the areas that will be affected by ECG's planned maintenance on Sunday, March 29, 2026

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Thousands attend funeral of brothers killed in Tema microlight aircraft crash

GraphicOnline Mar - 28 - 2026 , 17:39 2 minutes read

Thousands of mourners converged on the Forecourt of the State House in Accra on Saturday for the burial service of brothers Frank Amoaning Donkor and Elijah Ofori Donkor, who died in a microlight aircraft crash in Tema nearly two weeks ago.

The funeral, held on March 28, followed a brief laying-in-state earlier in the morning, after which a church service was conducted before the interment. The large turnout reflected the widespread public reaction that followed news of the crash, with attendees drawn from across the country.

Among those present were senior government officials, Members of Parliament from both sides of the House and other dignitaries, signalling the national attention the incident has attracted since it occurred on March 16.

The brothers were among two occupants on board a microlight aircraft, with registration number 9G-ADV, which crashed near a school park at Tema Community One while travelling from Ho to Accra. Emergency services confirmed that both men died at the scene after the aircraft caught fire on impact.

Authorities said the crash occurred shortly after the aircraft lost radio contact at about 14:18 Zulu time. Firefighters who responded to the incident indicated that teachers and pupils at a nearby daycare facility had already evacuated before the blaze spread, preventing further casualties.

Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, with officials yet to determine the circumstances that led to the incident. The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority has indicated that further updates will be provided as inquiries progress.

At the funeral grounds, religious leaders led prayers and scripture readings, while gospel musicians provided hymns during the service. Mourners, many dressed in black, moved in an orderly manner to pay their last respects.

In a statement issued ahead of the burial, the families described the deceased as bright lights and expressed appreciation for the support received from the public and state institutions.

Our hearts are heavy, but we are sustained by the kindness of the nation, the statement said.

The families also acknowledged the role played by emergency response agencies, including the Ghana National Fire Service and aviation investigators, in handling the aftermath of the crash.
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Uber driver called killer: Court grants GH100k bail in viral Snapchat case

GNA Mar - 27 - 2026 , 20:01 3 minutes read

A 20-year-old woman accused of falsely branding an Uber driver a murderer and thief on social media has been granted bail by an Adenta Circuit Court.

Promise Yayra Asamani was granted bail in the sum of GH100,000 with two sureties and is expected to reappear before the court on April 24, 2026.

She has pleaded not guilty to a charge of publication of false news with intent to cause fear and alarm to the public.

According to a police brief, Asamani was arrested by the Inspector-General of Polices Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team for allegedly publishing false information on Snapchat.

The case arose after Selasie Kwaku Anthonio, a 43-year-old Uber driver, reported the matter to the Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, following a viral Snapchat post.

The post, which featured his photograph and vehicle registration number, AD-1479-25, falsely labelled him a murderer and a thief.

It further alleged that he used signal jammers to disconnect passengers network connectivity and also carried offensive weapons, the brief said.

The complainant said he became aware of the post on March 10, 2026, at about 1457 hours after being alerted by his nephew, Godsway Tetteh.

He told investigators that the post quickly spread online, leading to numerous distressing calls from family and customers. As a result, Uber blocked his account, depriving him of his source of livelihood.

He also expressed fear for his safety due to the risk of possible public hostility.

Police investigations initially led to the arrest of Stephanie Asamani, a sister of the accused, at her residence at Cambodia, Spintex, Accra, on Friday, March 13.

During interrogation, Stephanie stated that on March 9, 2026, at about 1400 hours, she had booked a ride from Spintex to Oyibi, with the complainant as the driver.

She alleged that shortly after the trip began, the driver asked her to change the drop-off location to a nearby point so he could go off-trip.

Stephanie further claimed that during the journey, the driver made a phone call in Ewe, saying: I am bringing the goods to the location, so wait.

She also alleged that she saw a rag and a hammer in the boot area of the vehicle, and that the driver later stopped at the Toyota Motors Roundabout, leading to a verbal altercation, after which she exited the car.

Upon returning home, she narrated the incident to her sisters and sent a screenshot of the drivers profile to the accused.

On March 11, 2026, Stephanie discovered that the claims had been shared on Snapchat. When confronted, Asamani said she posted the information to create awareness.

Further investigations, however, confirmed that Asamani authored the post, which explicitly labelled the driver a killer.

The brief said the accused failed to honour a police invitation extended to her on March 12 and was subsequently arrested on March 14.

During interrogation, she admitted that the post was based solely on her sisters account and that she had no evidence to support the allegations.

She had earlier been granted police enquiry bail on March 16, 2026.

The police have cautioned the public against the publication of false information, stressing that such acts constitute offences under Ghanaian law.
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Majority blocks GoldBod probe as Minority cries Golden Betrayal

Nana Konadu Agyeman Politics Mar - 28 - 2026 , 11:37 3 minutes read

Parliament has rejected a Minority-sponsored motion seeking the establishment of an ad hoc committee to investigate the Gold-for-Reserves scheme and its reported financial losses.

The proposed committee was expected to examine the schemes design, implementation, governance structure, financial performance, as well as its environmental and public health implications.

The motion was sponsored by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ofoase-Ayirebi and Ranking Member on the Economy and Development Committee, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah; the MP for Manso Nkwanta, Tweneboah Kodua Fokuo; the MP for Weija/Gbawe, Jerry Ahmed Shaib; the MP for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah; and the MP for Offinso South, Dr Fred Kyei Asamoah.

It was formally moved by the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, and seconded by the MP for Atiwa East, Abena Osei-Asare.

However, following a prolonged debate on the floor, the House rejected the motion by a voice vote, with the Speaker declining a request by the Minority Leader to conduct a secret ballot.

Case for the probe

Arguing in favour of the motion, Mr Afenyo-Markin said the gold purchasing initiative was intended to bring economic relief to Ghanaians but had instead resulted in significant financial losses.

He said the programme should not become a vehicle for draining public resources at a time when citizens were grappling with economic hardship.

According to him, within the first nine months of the operations of the Gold Board, an estimated $214 million had been lost.

In this Parliament, the sovereign custodian of national interest is entitled, indeed, to know the charges that are going into individual pockets. Mr Speaker, it is my contention that this is a golden betrayal..., he said.

He further argued that Parliament had both the authority and responsibility to investigate such matters under Article 103 of the Constitution.

Mr Speaker, that provision exists precisely for moments like this. When a public institution entrusted with a strategic national resource has allegedly failed to catastrophically ensure that it protects public funds. Parliament must intervene, he said.

He added that an International Monetary Fund (IMF) report had flagged concerns about the scheme, indicating that the Bank of Ghana recorded losses of $214 million within nine months.

Majority pushes back

In response, the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, criticised the motion and questioned the commitment of its sponsors, noting that some had failed to appear in the House to support the debate.

He argued that Parliament was not mandated to investigate such schemes in the manner proposed and described the Minoritys arguments as weak.

Mr Ayariga also maintained that the Gold-for-Reserves initiative was not designed as a profit-making venture but rather as a strategic policy tool.

Gold for Reserves is designed as a mechanism for enabling us to harness the opportunities that exist in our domestic gold production, to create reserves and deal with macroeconomic issues where we will actually make the profits.

When you design a system like that, there would be a cost because you do not want gold miners to sell to smugglers, he said.

He explained that the costs associated with incentivising miners to sell through official channels could be recorded as losses in the short term but were part of a broader economic strategy.

The rejection of the motion means the proposed parliamentary inquiry will not proceed, leaving the debate over the performance and accountability of the Gold-for-Reserves programme unresolved.
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Austria becomes latest to propose social media ban for children

BBC Technology Mar - 28 - 2026 , 09:46 3 minutes read

Austria has announced plans to ban social media for children aged under 14, becoming the latest country to consider introducing restrictions for children online.

It follows lengthy negotiations within the conservative-led three-party coalition government, but it is not yet clear how or when the ban will be implemented.

Announcing the plans, Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler of the Social Democrats said the government could not stand by and watch as social media made children "addicted and also often ill".

He said it was the responsibility of politicians to protect children and argued that the issue should be treated no different to alcohol or tobacco: "There must be clear rules in the digital world too."

In future, said Babler, children under 14 would be protected from algorithms that were addictive.

"Other information providers have clear rules to protect young people from harmful content." These, he said, should now be implemented in the digital space.

Austria is the latest among a growing number of countries to consider restricting social media access for children, citing concerns about potentially harmful content made available to them on the platforms.

In a landmark case in the US on Wednesday, a jury found two social media giants had intentionally built addictive algorithms that harmed young people's mental health.

Social media companies point to under-13s being disallowed from joining their platforms - though questions remain about how strictly this is enforced - and versions of their sites with parental controls when challenged on questions of harm.

Australia introduced a ban for under-16s in December, becoming the first nation to do so.

France's lower house approved a ban for under-15s in January. In a post on X French President Emmanuel Macron thanked Austria for "joining the movement".

The UK government has launched a consultation on banning social media for under-16s, while Denmark, Greece, Spain and Ireland are also considering similar moves: Spain and Ireland for under-16s, and Denmark and Greece for under-15s.

Austrian Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr, from the liberal Neos party, stressed the "harmful" nature of social media, adding: "People need to learn how to use it responsibly."

The state secretary for digitalisation, Alexander Proll, from the conservative OVP, said that a draft bill codifying the ban would be presented by the end of June.

The bill is expected to contain technical details of an agreed mechanism to verify people's ages when accessing social media platforms. Babler said Austria could use an EU system if it was ready, but that it would pursue a national plan if not.

The general secretary of the far-right opposition Freedom Party, Christian Hafenecker, condemned the plans as "a direct attack on young people's freedom of expression and freedom of information".

However, Austrian political analyst Thomas Hofer said the proposed ban seemed to be proving popular.

"The government is trying to evoke the feeling that, in turbulent times, they have at least something under control," he told the BBC.

"Such a ban is very popular, also among parents. So, it's one of the easy points that they can make across party lines.

"In most other fields, the governmental parties are on the defence, though, be it the economy, the budget deficit or rising prices."

The coalition government's proposed social media ban has been agreed alongside controversial reforms to secondary schools, which include more lessons on democracy and artificial intelligence, and a cut in the number of Latin lessons.
Sony has announced substantial price hikes for its PlayStation consoles across all the major regions. These are the biggest price hikes we have seen so far, with a straightforward $100 increase in the US market.

According to the company's blog post, which lists all the updated prices, there is "continued pressures in the global economic landscape". These do seem to happen quite regularly to Sony, as the company cited something similar last year when it increased PlayStation prices, as well as in 2022 when it also increased PlayStation prices.

The following are the new prices for PlayStation devices in various regions:

PlayStation 5 PlayStation 5 Digital Edition PlayStation 5 Pro PlayStation Portal U.S $649.99 $599.99 $899.99 $249.99 U.K. 569.99 519.99 789.99 219.99 Europe 649.99 599.99 899.99 249.99 Japan 97,980 89,980 137,980 39,980

The new prices will come in effect starting April 2, 2026.
There has been no redirection of U.S. weapons from Ukraine to the Middle East, although future developments will depend on many factors, particularly the duration of the war, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

"As for the redirection of weapons, nothing of that sort has taken place. I cannot say what future developments will be. I think it depends on many factors. The duration of the war will likely be decisive in this matter. I hope that such steps will not occur. We see how the United States has used its capabilities, and we understand the scale of weapons they have deployed," Zelenskyy said during a video call with journalists on Saturday.
Adela Garcia was walking through Guam Premier Outlets with her son on Friday and was surprised and excited to stumble upon the grand opening of the Guam Unique Merchandise and Art Makers Market.

Garcia, 29, of Yona, said they heard the speakers on the PA system announcing the opening and decided to stop in.

They joined a crowd on dozens of people celebrating some good news and a new hope for Guam.

When we looked through the window, we got really excited. This is important for exposure to the culture, to get people to look up our culture. Its also inspiring because if a kid sees it, they will feel that sense that they can do that, too, Garcia said.

GUMA Board member Bert Johnston, 71, from Talofofo, after mingling with several people who attended the opening event, said reception of the new store was in one word, wow.

Theyre glad to see something like this here. We need good news. We need more hope. Were planting that tree. Were starting hope, Johnston said.

Johnston, and other speakersincluding Leonard Calvo, president of Calvo Value Retail, and the governor and lieutenant governorsaid GUMAs presence at GPO was a sign of good things to happen for Guam and a great demonstration of the community coming together for the economy.

Every single vendor in this building (GPO) started as a small business, including the owners of this building. This is an opportunity for vendors to start in this incubator and hopefully see them branch out into other spaces throughout the island, Johnston said.

Having acquired GPO in late December through Premier Commercial Development LLC, Calvo said GUMA was the first part of a vision to bring locals and bring tourists back to GPO.

Guam needs this. Guam needs good news, and we need to do it now. I want to thank the entrepreneurs and the artists. You do incredible things, and without you, this wouldnt be possible, Calvo said.

GUMA was founded 12 years ago by Monica Guzman, who received high praise from Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio at Fridays opening for providing an outlet for local vendors and entrepreneurs to get business savvy and learn the technical skills to open, own, and sustain businesses, to deliver products to Guams marketplace.

Guzman told Pacific Daily News that the program started as somewhere for local businesses to incubate and learn to flourish. She said fostering peoples passions for creation has ensured a platform for CHamoru traditions, artistry, and spirit to continue for generations.

We now have people whove been through the program and are at the second phase, operation, for three to five years already. Most businesses close within five years, so we want to make sure they have the passion to continue with their business and come up with programs to help deal with burnout and financial challenges, Guzman said.

The store holds products from 30 vendors, mostly boutique-style products and specialty items, Guzman added.

She also said about seven of those vendors are working with the Guam Economic Development Authority to export their products in small batches, helping them build demand and production capacity, but they have to meet local demand first.

Two GUMA vendors, Jonah Babauta and Abby Crain, were grateful to not only see GUMA continue in a new space but also continue showcasing Guams unique products through their work.

Babauta, 37, from Hagat, designs eco-friendly and sustainable playing card sets (I Taotao) and bamboo cotton socks through Modern CHamoru.

The store is for an intentional buyer, because when we say shop local, there is intent behind all the products. The difference is humbling, Babauta said.

Crain, from Chalan Pago, also with the Guam Green Growth Makers Space, sells small leather goods through The Blue Latitude.

She said it is nice to see a centralized outlet for local-made products, featuring local makers and giving their products the attention they deserve.

There are so many ppl who want to support local makers, and it is nice there are more places wanting to stock and have local merch made by local people. Its nice to see truly made in Guam products that are unique and have a local appeal to it, something meaningful versus the same product in the Philippines and all these tourist destinations marketed as [Guam] product but not local, Guzman said.

Babauta said moving the store from its original location at T Galleria in Tumon was like a re-shell of location and made him see GUMA in a different light.

Local goods are in its own category, whether competing with luxury or middle tier products. It comes from a historical connection, from indigenous roots and people of the land. Its a league of its own, Babauta said.

DFS Guam was a founding supporter of GUMA, according to Guzman. DFS Guam is closing T Galleria after March 31, ending more than 50 years as a business icon of the island.

The legacy it leaves behind is its endless support for local businesses, Guzman said.

From the very beginning DFS has stood beside us, hosting pop-ups in the halls of T Galleria, guiding many of our businesses in branding and merchandising. Today, DFS Guams final commitment to GUMA is the generous donation of complete fixtures, props design, and signage, making this new chapter of GUMA possible, Guzman said.
Photo: President's Office / www.president.gov.ua

Pressure must be applied to an aggressor that shares information about attacks on American and British bases in the Middle East, and lifting sanctions on Russia does not constitute pressure, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

"By lifting sanctions on an aggressor that is earning money every day and transmitting relevant information about attacks on American, Middle Eastern, British bases, and so on, who is helping whom? Pressure must be applied to the aggressor. Lifting sanctions is certainly not pressure. Frankly speaking, this looks strange," Zelenskyy said in response to a question from an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent on Saturday.
Apple, if ordered to do so, releases data on e-mail users who utilize the iCloud+ service Hide My Email to authorities. This has now become known in the USA. The investigative IT blog 404 Media reports that the case involved a serious threat  specifically against the current girlfriend of the head of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). According to court documents, Alden R. sent a threatening email via the service, which he believed to be anonymous, to Alexis Wilkins, partner of Kash Patel.

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Investigative authorities knock on Apple's door

Wilkins turned to law enforcement, who in turn requested the associated information from Apple. The iPhone company released his name and his real iCloud email address, which is always stored with Hide My Email. According to court documents, the information went even further, revealing that Alden R. had generated a total of 134 email aliases.

However, Hide My Email is not marketed by Apple as an anonymization service but primarily serves to prevent spam. Nevertheless, Apple writes on its support page that the feature also serves to keep your personal email private. Paying users of iCloud+ (starting at 99 cents per month) can use the service. It is directly integrated into Apple's email system on iPhone, iPad, and Mac and generates random addresses that can then be used, for example, for a website. The aliases can be disabled at will, allowing users to get rid of spam more quickly. Hide My Email is also integrated into Apple's login system, Sign in with Apple, which allows users to register on numerous websites using their Apple account.

FBI wants access to the iPhone

Alden R. has already been questioned by police and reportedly admitted to sending the threatening emails to Wilkins. There is now an indictment from a Grand Jury, charging him with Transmitting a Threat in Interstate Commerce.

The FBI now wants even more: The federal police are demanding a court order to search R.'s devices, such as his iPhone. Furthermore, R. is to be forced to unlock the device and also disable the theft protection that locks the device. Apple has not yet commented on the case.

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Don't miss any news  follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication.
The coordinated timing aims to limit disruption to cross border transport, including rail and air traffic.

The shift to summer time will take place during the night between Saturday and Sunday, with clocks advancing at 03:00 local time. The change applies simultaneously across all EU member states.

Clocks will move forward by one hour across European Union member states early on Sunday 29 March, marking the start of summer time and the loss of one hour of sleep.

Authorities have set the early morning transition to reduce the impact on daily movement.

The system follows a fixed schedule. Clocks move forward on the last Sunday of March and return to standard time on the last Sunday of October.

In Finland, the practice has remained in place since 1981. The country follows the EU wide framework that governs seasonal time changes.

Digital devices such as smartphones and computers usually adjust automatically. Mechanical clocks require manual adjustment. The change results in a shorter night, as one hour is removed from the early morning.

The legal basis for the system lies in the EU summer time directive. Member states do not hold the power to end clock changes on a national basis while the directive remains in force.

Debate over the system has continued for several years. In 2018, the European Commission proposed ending the twice yearly clock changes and repealing the directive. The European Parliament voted in favour of the proposal in 2019.

The measure has not progressed, as the Council of the European Union has yet to reach a common position. Member states remain divided on how to proceed and which time standard to adopt on a permanent basis.

Finland has supported ending seasonal clock changes and has raised the issue in EU discussions in recent years.

HT
Russian authorities said air defences intercepted at least 18 drones during a three hour alert over the region, according to Governor Aleksandr Drozdenko .

Ukraine launched a new wave of drone attacks overnight into Saturday targeting Russias Leningrad region, as pressure on key oil infrastructure near the Gulf of Finland continued.

Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian energy infrastructure near the Gulf of Finland have disrupted oil exports, halted port activity, and caused delays in air traffic, with strikes continuing overnight.

No casualties or damage were reported in initial assessments, local media outlet Fontanka said.

The attacks follow a series of strikes earlier in the week on oil ports at Ust-Luga and Primorsk, as well as facilities in Vyborg and Kronstadt. Ukraine has also targeted the Kinef refinery in Kirishi, one of Russias largest, which processes about 20 million tonnes of crude oil each year, according to reports by the Kyiv Independent.

Ukraines military said key parts of the refinery were damaged. Drozdenko confirmed the strike but said there were no casualties.

The impact on Russias oil exports has been significant. Reuters reported that up to 40 per cent of Russias export capacity was disrupted earlier in the week. Data reviewed by Helsingin Sanomat shows tanker traffic in the Gulf of Finland has dropped to a fraction of normal levels.

Only a few oil tankers have departed westward since Tuesday, compared with a typical daily flow of five to ten vessels. Many of the remaining ships belong to Russias so called shadow fleet, often operating under foreign flags to bypass sanctions.

At the same time, dozens of tankers have been left waiting at sea. Estonian broadcaster ERR reported that large numbers of vessels have gathered in the Gulf of Finland, many heading towards Ust-Luga, where operations remain disrupted.

Port activity has also been affected. Loading of oil products at Ust-Luga and Primorsk was suspended earlier in the week, in what Reuters described as the most severe disruption to Russian oil flows in recent history.

Russias pipeline operator Transneft said it is attempting to reroute exports through other ports.

The strikes have been visible from Finland. Smoke from fires at oil terminals has been observed in south eastern parts of the country.

Finlands Defence Forces said it has increased surveillance and readiness in response. The military said it maintains a real time operational picture and is prepared to respond to unauthorised drones entering its airspace.

The Border Guard added that it is monitoring the risk of oil spills in the Gulf of Finland and has prepared response measures.

HT
Ask Matt ... whether a data center could locate here

Facebook opened a huge data center in Forest City in 2012.

Q. I have heard a lot about these massive and unwanted data centers. The cities of Brevard and Canton just slapped a moratorium on them and Spartanburg Countys proposed data center has been in the news. What are the chances that they might build one in Henderson County?

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Its possible but unlikely, at least for now. County zoning has no specific listing for data centers but there is one for cryptocurrency mining operations. Such uses are only permitted in industrial zoning districts, require a special-use permit and include restrictions for noise.

The Town of Mills River might be a better option for data center developers as three quarters of the Towns land is zoned mixed use. This allows almost all land uses by right. The town is currently reviewing and rewriting its development regs.

Data centers are typically large, sprawling windowless buildings with endless stacks of humming and blinking servers connected by miles of wire  all tied to the internet. These behemoths handle cloud computing, store your movies and digital photos, and more recently, handle crypto mining and artificial intelligence. And they all draw a lot of electric power which has resulted in unwanted rate hikes in some communities. Data centers call for tight physical security, high-tech fire suppression systems and redundant backup power generators  not your typical cottage industry.

In May 2023, Henderson County commissioners imposed a 60-day moratorium on cryptocurrency mining, citing the potential to cause significant harm to the countys citizens. Cryptocurrency mining, the county said in a resolution, requires the use of a great amount of electricity for the calculations, and additional quantities of electricity or other cooling methods to disperse the heat created in the calculation process. In addition, cryptocurrency mining creates noise which is often unreasonably disturbing to nearby landowners.

I pitched the question to the Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development, which keeps a sharp eye on potential prospects. While we have incredible infrastructure at our industrial sites, a data center can deplete the reserve for future projects, said Brittany Brady, who heads HCPED. All of these issues combined have led us to not necessarily chase or encourage data centers at this time. Brady cited concerns about power usage and the countys limited inventory of industrial locations.

Large data centers can use 5 million gallons of water per day for cooling and some communities have seen their wells run dry. I asked Adam Steurer, Hendersonvilles utilities director, about the impact of a large center on our system. Steurer said the demand would be large, given the systems average daily use of 7.5 MGD. For efficiency, a data center would likely recycle its water.

In 2008, Lenoir, an old furniture town 90 miles to the east, got a shot in the arm when Google dropped $1.2 billion for a data center. A year later, Apple broke ground on a center in Catawba County. Down the road in Forest City, Facebook (Meta) opened a huge data center in 2012. That complex brings Rutherford County over $1 million in annual tax revenue. Last June, Gov. Josh Stein announced that Amazon will invest $10 billion in a new high-tech cloud computing and artificial intelligence innovation campus in Richmond County. The project is projected to create 500 high-paying jobs.

The closest data center is in Biltmore Park next to WLOS and is owned by DartPoints which has seven other sites in the Southeast. This 23,000-square-foot building stores data for businesses in the event of disasters. Their website boasts that the site offers natural protection against severe weather. Puzzling.

So, is Henderson County prime for a mega data center? We have good job training and some relatively flat land, and there is a growing need for computing.

According to one federal agency, the need for data centers will increase by 9 percent each year until at least 2030. Plus, the resulting electricity demand is expected to double as well.

For us, I suspect its not a question of if, but when a corporation might pitch a mega-computing center here.

Meanwhile, momentum is growing statewide and nationally to pause construction of the noisy juice-guzzling plants.

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Wednesday announced the Artificial Intelligence Data Center Moratorium Act, which would block construction of AI infrastructure until lawmakers can review the potential threat of job displacement and higher electricity prices.
On 26 March, the Parkovy Exhibition and Convention Centre hosted the 2026 Investment and Construction Congress, as well as the REM Awards and Interior of the Year. Real Estate 2026 ceremonies, which brought together 4,033 participants  developers, investors, architects, and representatives from government and business.

According to the organisers, this years congress was dedicated to the role of real estate and development as tools for economic growth, Ukraines recovery and the transformation of the urban environment.

The event featured an official opening attended by representatives of state and city authorities, as well as a press conference entitled Urban Environment Development Strategy: Me, You, Society, which set the tone for the event. The programme also included a panel discussion titled The Property Market in 2026, a discussion on the interaction between developers and estate agents, a session on factors driving property value growth, and a discussion on urban planning reform.

According to the organisers, the key takeaways from the congress were the markets transition from a phase of adaptation to the formation of a new model, the growing role of development in the countrys reconstruction, a shift in focus from square metres to the quality of the environment, and the increasing importance of trust, reputation and human capital for companies in the sector.

The evening part of the event included the presentation of awards to the winners of the REM Awards and the Interior of the Year 2026 competition, as well as a charity auction and a special performance by Valery Kharchyshyn, frontman of the band Druga Rika.

The general partner of the event was Creator-Bud, the premium partner was Europzol, and the general media partners were Interfax-Ukraine and Focus. The event was organised by the DMNTR media group.

Details about the congress and a photo report have been published on the events official website.

Interfax-Ukraine is the official information partner of the event.
China-Hungary cooperation boosts auto tech development: Hungarian FM

Xinhua) 10:23, March 28, 2026

BUDAPEST, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto said on Friday that cooperation with China has helped Hungary emerge as a leader in the global automotive technology revolution.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of Chinese company Huashuo's Phase II plant in Miskolc, northeastern Hungary, Szijjarto said Hungary offers "the best conditions in Europe for cooperation between Eastern and Western companies." He added that Hungary has become the top destination for Chinese investment in Europe, attracting more than 30 percent of such investment last year.

Huashuo's investment of 80 billion forints (240 million U.S. dollars) is expected to create around 1,000 new jobs in Miskolc. The plant will produce approximately 2 million automotive components annually using exclusively recycled aluminum. "This investment will undoubtedly strengthen Miskolc's position in the new era of the electric automotive industry," Szijjarto said.

Focusing on key areas of the new energy vehicle (NEV) sector, Huashuo Technology has promoted coordinated development along the industrial chain and facilitated technology exchange and talent training, making positive contributions to Hungary's NEV industrial cluster and green transition, said Gong Tao, Chinese ambassador to Hungary.

Wang Hongbiao, chairman of the board of Zhejiang Huashuo Technology Co., Ltd., said Hungary's stable investment environment, strong industrial base and highly skilled workforce have given the company "full confidence in its long-term development here."

Huashuo's Phase I project in Debrecen, Hungary's second-largest city, went into operation in early 2023. Construction of the Miskolc Phase II plant has been completed, with trial operations expected to begin by the end of June this year.

(Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun)
South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile addresses the China-South Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum in Cape Town, South Africa, March 27, 2026. The forum was held in Cape Town on Friday, with companies from both sides engaging in talks on cooperation in sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, energy and mining, finance, automobiles, and logistics. (Xinhua/Wang Lei)

CAPE TOWN, March 27 (Xinhua) -- A China-South Africa trade forum was held in Cape Town on Friday, with companies from both sides engaging in talks on cooperation in sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, energy and mining, finance, automobiles, and logistics.

The China-South Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum was jointly organized by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and South Africa's Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, with over 350 participants attending.

South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile said that the recently signed Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Development between the two countries would effectively lower costs for Chinese companies importing South African goods while opening new avenues for local industries to expand their reach and competitiveness.

CCPIT Chairman Ren Hongbin noted that the forum aims to help the business communities of both countries expand economic and trade cooperation, promote industrial alignment, and achieve mutually beneficial and win-win outcomes across a broader scope, wider fields, and deeper levels.

Ren added that CCPIT will thoroughly implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, work with South African partners to build high-quality economic and trade platforms and provide better professional services, making new contributions for more fruitful results in China-South Africa and China-Africa mutually beneficial cooperation.

During the forum, South African business representatives introduced the local business environment and investment opportunities, while representatives of the China International Exhibition Center Group promoted the fourth China International Supply Chain Expo, to be held in Beijing in June. 

Ren Hongbin, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), addresses the China-South Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum in Cape Town, South Africa, March 27, 2026.

The forum was held in Cape Town on Friday, with companies from both sides engaging in talks on cooperation in sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, energy and mining, finance, automobiles, and logistics. (Xinhua/Wang Lei)

A Chinese business representative speaks at the China-South Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum in Cape Town, South Africa, March 27, 2026.

The forum was held in Cape Town on Friday, with companies from both sides engaging in talks on cooperation in sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, energy and mining, finance, automobiles, and logistics. (Xinhua/Wang Lei)

A South African business representative speaks at the China-South Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum in Cape Town, South Africa, March 27, 2026.

The forum was held in Cape Town on Friday, with companies from both sides engaging in talks on cooperation in sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, energy and mining, finance, automobiles, and logistics. (Xinhua/Wang Lei)

Business representatives from China and South Africa talk during the China-South Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum in Cape Town, South Africa, March 27, 2026.

The forum was held in Cape Town on Friday, with companies from both sides engaging in talks on cooperation in sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, energy and mining, finance, automobiles, and logistics. (Xinhua/Wang Lei)
* Regional experts believe that while mounting regional and global pressure against the war could pave the way for a fragile, short-term ceasefire, a true end to the fighting remains a long way off, and the conflict risks dragging on with no real political settlement in sight.

* Pointing to what they see as the United States and Israel's disregard for international law in their heavy-handed strikes on Iran, analysts warn that the war is ratcheting up regional tensions and eroding the world order.

CAIRO, March 28 (Xinhua) -- As the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran approaches its one-month mark, the biggest flare-up in the Middle East in decades has caused widespread devastation across the region and severe shockwaves around the globe.

Despite reports of possible talks between Washington and Tehran to halt hostilities, no substantive progress toward peace has materialized, as continued strikes and a military buildup further diminish hopes for a swift de-escalation.

This photo taken on March 23, 2026 shows a destroyed building in a residential area after joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran in Tehran, Iran. (Xinhua/Shadati)





HEAVY TOLL

The war erupted on Feb. 28 with U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Tehran and several other Iranian cities. Since then, the attacks have continued, targeting key Iranian military command centers, missile installations, energy infrastructures and nuclear facilities.

In response, Iran has launched over 80 waves of missile and drone strikes against Israel and U.S. military facilities across the Middle East, including those in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

The conflict has resulted in heavy casualties, with Iranian deaths estimated at over 1,900 and more than 24,800 injured, including the confirmed deaths of then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, top security official Ali Larijani, and Intelligence Minister Esmaeil Khatib. Israeli and U.S. forces have also suffered losses, with at least 19 Israeli and 13 U.S. military fatalities reported.

Meanwhile, several other countries have been hit by projectiles, suffering casualties. The Gulf's status as a bastion of peace and prosperity is in doubt. Critical energy infrastructure across the region has been attacked, with residents fleeing to safe havens in Southeast Asia and Europe and the lives of millions upended.

In the Levant, Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel on March 2 in a show of support for Iran, prompting Israeli airstrikes and a ground incursion into Lebanon that has reportedly killed 1,116 people and displaced over a million.

In a major escalation, Iran has effectively blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, allowing only ships it considers non-hostile to pass. This maritime squeeze, along with damage to regional energy facilities, has pushed oil prices higher, keeping Brent Crude above 100 U.S. dollars a barrel and up more than 50 percent since the war began.

According to a recent World Trade Organization report, sustained high energy prices could reduce projected global GDP growth in 2026 by 0.3 percentage points.

Israeli troops are seen at a staging area in northern Israel near the border with Lebanon, March 18, 2026. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua)





NO CLEAR EXIT

Israel's Channel 12 reported Tuesday that Washington has delivered to Iran a 15-point plan for a month-long ceasefire deal. Tehran, however, considers it too "excessive and disconnected from realities," Iran's state-run Press TV reported Wednesday.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced Friday that Israeli strikes on Iran "will intensify and expand to additional targets."

Regional experts believe that while mounting regional and global pressure against the war could pave the way for a fragile, short-term ceasefire, a true end to the fighting remains a long way off, and the conflict risks dragging on with no real political settlement in sight.

"The most likely short-term scenario is a limited ceasefire driven by international pressure and repositioning," said Naji Ajeeb, a Sudanese conflict researcher. "Such a pause would be a tactical truce, allowing both sides to assess gains and prepare for further confrontation rather than achieving a comprehensive settlement."

Kamel Mansari, editor-in-chief of Le Jeune Independant, a French-language daily newspaper in Algeria, argues that the conflict could easily escalate into a prolonged war of attrition.

"A cessation of hostilities would require each side to claim a symbolic 'victory,' which is not currently the case," Mansari said. "If the United States and Israel do not cease their attacks against Iran, the conflict could escalate into a protracted asymmetric war."

In that case, regional players are likely to rely on indirect tools, including proxy attacks, limited strikes and cyber warfare, said Brigadier Pilot Adel Abdelkafi, security advisor to the Libyan High Council of State.

So far, Israel has shown the least interest in ending the war, with officials repeatedly opposing any potential ceasefire and signaling plans to escalate military operations.

Israeli political analyst Jonathan Lis observes that U.S. President Donald Trump's push for a swift deal with Iran is heightening Israeli concerns over potential U.S. compromises.

Israeli officials fear that the United States could show flexibility on critical issues, including Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium, restrictions on its nuclear program, and limitations on its ballistic missile capabilities, Lis said.

A demonstrator raises hands painted with "No War" slogan during a rally to protest against U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran and demand an end to all acts of war in Tel Aviv, Israel, March 14, 2026. (Tomer Neuberg/JINI via Xinhua)





TEST FOR GLOBAL ORDER

Pointing to what they see as the United States and Israel's disregard for international law in their heavy-handed strikes on Iran, analysts warn that the war is ratcheting up regional tensions and eroding the world order.

Batu Coskun, an Ankara-based independent political analyst, cautions that the war risks intensifying regional polarization into long-term bloc politics. "Even if active fighting subsides, unresolved grievances and shifting alliances are likely to sow the seeds for future conflicts," Coskun said.

"Selective adherence to international norms undermines institutional credibility and may encourage similar behavior elsewhere," he said.

Mostafa Amin, an Egyptian researcher on Arab and international affairs, said the war is causing a crisis in the international system as unilateral actions undermine the UN-based global order.

"The broader international system faces a profound crisis as the United States increasingly sidelines the UN-based post-World War II global governance framework to facilitate its regional objectives," Amin said. "This encourages a transition toward a multipolar disorder where the pursuit of narrow, short-sighted interests dominates over international law."

As the war rages on, there may be a glimmer of hope.

"Calls for peace, particularly from countries like China, are significant in de-escalating tensions and encouraging dialogue among the parties involved," said Ayman Yousef, a professor of political science at the Arab American University in the West Bank.

But achieving lasting peace will require more countries to join a collective effort to uphold an international order rooted in multilateralism and coexistence, Yousef noted.

"Ultimately, achieving stability requires a collective international approach that prioritizes dialogue, respects international frameworks, and works toward long-term political solutions rather than short-term military gains," Yousef said.

(Video reporters: Shadati, Chen Xiao, Dong Xiuzhu, Yang Yiran, Zhang Yanfang, Feng Guorui, Huang Zemin, Shen Feng, Duan Minfu, He Yiping, Luo Chen, and Xu Haofu; Video editors: Hong Ling, Li Qin, Liu Xiaorui, and Zheng Qingbin)
TEHRAN, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday vowed that his country will retaliate "strongly" against any attack on its infrastructure and economic centers.

He made the remarks in a post on social media platform X, one day after Israel targeted Iran's industrial plants and nuclear facilities.

"We have said many times that Iran doesn't carry out preemptive attacks, but we will retaliate strongly if our infrastructure or economic centers are targeted," Pezeshkian said.

Addressing the countries in the West Asia region, he added, "If you want development and security, don't let our enemies carry out the war from your lands."

Israel on Friday evening attacked several Iranian industrial and atomic facilities, including two steel plants, one located in Isfahan province and the other in Khuzestan, a heavy water research reactor facility in Markazi province, and a yellowcake production plant in Yazd province.

The strikes came as U.S. President Donald Trump set a 10-day deadline, ending on April 6, for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to target Iran's power plants if it does not comply.

Also on Saturday, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi expressed his country's deep distrust of the United States in a phone call with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan.

In a statement issued by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Araghchi praised efforts by Turkiye and other regional countries to end the ongoing U.S. and Israeli "imposed" war against Iran, saying the U.S. and Israeli "aggressions and crimes" are the root cause of the current tensions and insecurity in the West Asia region.

The core issue lies in the U.S. "contradictory behaviors and unreasonable demands," he said, noting such "contradictory" behaviors and remarks are very suspicious and have increased pessimism about Washington's deception.

Fidan, for his part, highlighted his country's approach to ending the war, expressing readiness to play a constructive role in resolving the ongoing crisis.

On Feb. 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 U.S. bases and assets in the Middle East, while tightening control over the Strait of Hormuz. 
Writers share their experiences during an event hosted by the China Writers Association at the National Museum of Modern Chinese Literature in Beijing, capital of China, March 25, 2026. (Xinhua/Yu Junjie)

BEIJING, March 28 (Xinhua) -- On a mild spring morning in Beijing, a group of writers gathered at the National Museum of Modern Chinese Literature. They had traveled from across the country.

Some were from rural villages in the northwest and others from factory towns in the south. Some had spent years working as domestic helpers, construction workers or delivery riders.

They did not look like a traditional literary circle. But on this day, they shared a single name: writers.

The occasion, a special event hosted by the China Writers Association, brought together 35 participants representing what is increasingly described as China's "new forms of literature and art for the general public," a term that has appeared not only in cultural discussions but also in the country's policy documents, including this year's government work report.

At its simplest, the idea reflects a quiet but far-reaching change: in today's China, more people are writing and sharing their work, often drawing directly from their own lives.

For much of modern literary history, writing in China, as elsewhere, was often associated with scholars, intellectuals or those with the time and training to pursue it. But this boundary has begun to blur, shaped by the rapid spread of digital platforms and broader social changes.

Few stories capture the shift more clearly than that of Li Wenli.

Li is from Pingliang, in northwest China's Gansu Province. For years, she worked as a domestic helper in Beijing, moving between households, washing dishes and cleaning rooms. In the hours between tasks, she began to write, at first simply to record her days. Her memoir, whose title translates as "I Worked as a Housekeeper in Beijing," eventually found its way into print.

"I am just an ordinary rural woman," she said at the event. "I never imagined I could write a book."

Her story is no longer unusual.

Across the country, people from different walks of life are picking up pens, or, more often, tapping on phone screens, to document their experiences. In the central province of Henan, a shop assistant is preparing to publish a poetry collection, while in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in the northwest, a community worker has written essays rooted in life along the Yellow River.

These writers range in age from their late 20s to over 70, and come from widely varying educational backgrounds. Taken together, their work is expanding not only who writes, but what counts as literature.

In places long defined by hardship, writing has taken on an added resonance.

In Ningxia's Xihaigu, a region once known for its harsh natural conditions, a group of farmer-writers has emerged over the years. They tend crops by day and write at night, turning lived experience into narrative. "The crops grown from the soil sustain the body," one local writer said. "The words grown from the pen sustain the soul."

Further south, in the manufacturing city of Dongguan in Guangdong Province, another literary tradition has persisted. Known as "migrant worker literature," it began in the 1990s among factory workers documenting life on assembly lines and in dormitories. It continues to evolve today.

For some, writing has offered a way to reclaim a sense of self. "On the production line, my life once repeated like a machine," one worker-writer reflected. "Literature brought me back to life."

Such expressions, circulating online and across social media, have found readers far beyond their immediate communities.

Digital platforms have played a central role in enabling this reach. They have lowered the barriers to entry, allowing aspiring writers to publish instantly and connect with large audiences. Some works have gone on to be adapted into films, television dramas, animation and video games.

In some places, literature is also being woven into local development. In Qingxi Village in Hunan Province in central China, the hometown of renowned writer Zhou Libo, a model combining "writers' studios" with cultural tourism has taken shape, linking literary activity with rural revitalization efforts.

For institutions, the shift has prompted new efforts to engage a broader range of voices. Zhang Hongsen, chairman of the China Writers Association, emphasized that literature remains rooted in the people and in the realities of the times.

What is emerging from these new forms of literature is not a single style, but a widening field of expression.

In the words of one participant, literature has made the invisible visible. In doing so, it is returning to where it began: in the lives of ordinary people, and in the telling of their stories. 
A 41-year-old Milwaukee mother who was stabbed 107 times had been dead for several days before police discovered her body in her home, according to newly released case documents.

Milwaukee police said officers responded to a residence near North 37th Street and Concordia Avenue around 4:16 p.m. on March 13 after family members requested a welfare check.

Relatives found the woman, identified as Janie Pendleton, unresponsive inside the home and called authorities. The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office later ruled her death a homicide caused by multiple sharp-force injuries, according to People.

An initial assessment at the scene suggested Pendleton had suffered roughly 20 stab wounds, according to a search warrant affidavit cited by local media. An autopsy later showed she had been stabbed 107 times and was likely dead for several days before officers arrived. Investigators also noted a distinct shoe pattern on her right forearm, indicating she may have been struck or stepped on during the attack.

Detectives obtained a warrant to search the home of a man who knew Pendleton after concluding he had given inconsistent statements during interviews, the affidavit states. Police searched his residence but reported that no evidence was recovered during that operation. Authorities have not publicly named the man, and he has not been identified as a suspect, Crime Online reported.

Officers have not announced any arrests in the case, and no suspects have been publicly identified as of Friday. The homicide investigation remains active as detectives work to determine what led to the killing and who is responsible. Officials have not released information about a possible motive.

Pendleton, described in reports as a mother, has been remembered by relatives on social media following her death. Her daughter posted a photo with the caption "Forever us," while other tributes highlighted her role in her children's lives. Community posts say news of the killing has shocked those who knew her.

Milwaukee police are asking anyone with information about Pendleton's death to contact the department at 414-935-7360. Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous can reach Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS or use the P3 Tips app. Investigators say assistance from the public could be critical to moving the case forward, as per the Times of India.

Originally published on Lawyer Herald
Body-camera footage capturing a Florida police officer pinning a teenager to the ground because he feared being beaten has become central evidence in a growing international outcry over the death of 19-year-old Mexican migrant Royer Perez-Jimenez in ICE custody two months later.

Perez-Jimenez, who spoke Tzotzil, a Mayan language from the southern Mexican state of Chiapas, was arrested on 21 January 2026 by the Edgewater Police Department in Volusia County, Florida, after officers attempted to stop him for crossing traffic lanes on a scooter. He was charged with misdemeanour impersonation and misdemeanour resisting an officer, according to the arrest report obtained by Miami New Times.

He died on 16 March 2026 at the Glades County Detention Center in Moore Haven, Florida, in what ICE described as a 'presumed suicide,' a determination that Mexico's president has publicly rejected as insufficient without a full investigation.

The Traffic Stop

At approximately 21:30 on 21 January 2026, two Edgewater officers observed Perez-Jimenez travelling west on Roberts Road near South Ridgewood Avenue, allegedly crossing lanes without using a crosswalk.

According to the arrest report reviewed by Miami New Times, Sergeant Vincent Castellano activated his emergency lights but Perez-Jimenez continued moving west for another quarter-mile before stopping. When officers commanded him to step off the scooter, he allegedly refused.

The body-camera footage, published by Miami New Times on 27 March 2026, shows Castellano and another officer tackling Perez-Jimenez onto the sidewalk and kneeling on his back while attempting to handcuff him. The teenager is heard crying out repeatedly. 'Ay, what happened? Ay, no. Ay, please, ay,' he says on camera as officers restrain him. He said in broken English that he did not speak the language, and officers attempted to communicate with him in Spanish, saying 'manos' for hands.

A Spanish-speaking Volusia County Sheriff's deputy, identified in the footage as Deputy Garcia, was called to assist. Through Garcia, Perez-Jimenez explained why he had not complied with initial commands.

'He thought you were going to beat him,' Garcia said. 'This has never happened before. He was scared.' Castellano replied, 'Well, I was close.' Officers later searched his backpack and found a Bible and a bag of Takis chips, with no drugs present, despite Castellano claiming on camera that he smelled marijuana. The arrest report makes no mention of marijuana.

The footage also captures an officer asking whether the case was 'a task force opportunity,' a reference to the ICE task force. 'The media has demonised ICE to the point where we're terrified of them,' one officer says. Perez-Jimenez later admitted to officers that he was not in the United States legally.

ICE was contacted shortly afterward and placed a detainer on him the following day, 22 January. The Edgewater Police Department did not respond to Miami New Times' request for comment on whether the officers are under investigation for their use of force.

Transfer to ICE Custody and Death at Glades County

Perez-Jimenez was booked into Volusia County Jail on the night of 21 January 2026. He remained there until 21 February, when he was transferred into ICE custody.

Five days later, on 26 February, he was moved to the Glades County Detention Center in Moore Haven, about 55 miles north-east of Fort Myers. According to the official ICE press release issued on 19 March 2026, medical staff evaluated him at intake and he denied any behavioural health issues, answering 'no' to all suicide screening questions.

At approximately 02:34 on 16 March 2026, a Glades County detention officer found Perez-Jimenez unconscious and unresponsive. Staff immediately began CPR. Two medical personnel arrived minutes later, determined he had no pulse, and took over resuscitation efforts.

Moore Haven Fire Rescue arrived at approximately 02:42 and initiated life-sustaining interventions. He was pronounced dead at 02:51. ICE described the death as a 'presumed suicide' but confirmed the official cause of death remains under investigation.

ICE's press release described Perez-Jimenez as a 'criminal illegal alien from Mexico' and stated he had been charged with 'felony fraud for impersonation,' a characterisation at odds with the misdemeanour listed in the actual arrest report.

Miami New Times noted that discrepancy explicitly. ICE said it notified the DHS Office of Inspector General, the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility, the Mexican consulate and Perez-Jimenez's next of kin.

Long Record of Abuse

The facility where Perez-Jimenez died carries one of the most extensively documented abuse records of any immigration detention centre in the United States. On 1 February 2022, Debbie Wasserman Schultz led a group of 17 members of Congress in a letter to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas calling for the facility's immediate closure.

The letter cited allegations including racist verbal and physical abuse, sexual voyeurism by guards, a near-fatal carbon monoxide leak, medical neglect and regular exposure to a toxic disinfectant chemical spray linked to long-term reproductive harm.

The ACLU of Florida has documented that at least 77 complaints were filed with DHS oversight bodies between 2017 and 2022 alone. In January 2022, the ACLU of Florida and Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington filed an administrative complaint alleging that the facility routinely deleted surveillance footage every 90 days, despite a contractual obligation to retain it for three years. Advocates with the Shut Down Glades Coalition and Americans for Immigrant Justice have described it as a facility 'beyond reform.'

Under the Biden administration, ICE paused operations at Glades in April 2022 following sustained pressure, emptying the facility and cancelling the guaranteed minimum clause of its contract. The Trump administration later reopened it.

Carly Perez Fernandez, communications director of Detention Watch Network, said in a statement reported by Newsweek, 'Deaths in ICE custody continue to skyrocket past previous record highs amidst the Trump administration's massive expansion of immigration detention and increasing ICE violence.'

Perez-Jimenez's death places him among a surge in ICE detention fatalities during Trump's second term. According to UPI's review of ICE statistics, there were 24 detainee deaths across all four years of the Biden administration, compared with at least 44 deaths in just over 14 months of Trump's second term. Perez-Jimenez is confirmed as the youngest of those deaths.

Originally published on IBTimes UK
GAZA, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Three Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire on Saturday in two separate incidents in the Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian medical and security sources.

Medical sources said that two Palestinians, identified as brothers from the Qaddoum family, were brought dead to the Baptist Hospital in Gaza City following an Israeli airstrike targeting the Shuja'iyya neighborhood in the eastern part of the city.

Palestinian security sources said clashes had broken out earlier between Palestinian gunmen and a group described as "gangs" allegedly operating in coordination with the Israeli army in eastern Gaza City. The group tried to abduct the gunmen from their home, the sources said.

As the gunmen withdrew, an Israeli drone fired a missile at them, killing them, according to the sources.

In a separate incident in the southern Gaza Strip, one Palestinian was killed and several others injured when an Israeli aircraft struck a group of people near the Bani Suheila area, east of Khan Younis, medical sources said.

The Israeli military has not yet commented on the incidents.

Meanwhile, Gaza-based health authorities said in a daily statement on Saturday that one body and 19 injured individuals had been received by hospitals across the Gaza Strip over the past 48 hours.

The statement added that the death toll since the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel on Oct. 10, 2025, has risen to 692, with 1,895 people injured. The total number of deaths since Oct. 7, 2023, has reached 72,268, with 171,995 injured, according to the authorities. 
NEW DELHI, March 28 (Xinhua) -- At least eight people were killed and 20 others injured Friday after a pickup truck carrying Hindu devotees rammed into a trailer in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, police said.

The accident took place on the highway in the Saini police station area of Kaushambi district, about 151 km south of Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh.

The devotees were returning after attending a ritual for their newborn at a temple, a senior police official Rajesh Kumar said.

Immediately after the accident, police and rescue teams rushed to the spot and launched massive relief operations using three earthmovers to clear the debris and pull out survivors. 
BANGKOK, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Saturday issued a public apology for the volatility caused by the government's initial oil price cap, explaining that early assessments suggested the crisis would be short-lived.

During a televised address, Anutin pointed out that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has heavily impacted global energy security over the past month, driving up oil prices and triggering fuel shortages and energy conservation campaigns worldwide.

While the situation has stabilized slightly with negotiations underway, he cautioned that no clear positive signals have emerged, requiring both the government and the public to adjust to a potentially prolonged crisis.

He said as the reality of a protracted situation became clear, the government was forced to pivot its strategy to better protect low-income earners, farmers, the transport and fishing sectors, and industrial operators from soaring living expenses.

On the diplomatic front, Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has accelerated negotiations regarding maritime logistics. Notably, recent successful talks with Iran have ensured the safe passage of Thai oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, easing concerns over crude oil supplies and accelerating deliveries to Thailand.

Domestically, Anutin said that localized fuel shortages at gas stations are beginning to ease. Authorities have increased fuel transport frequencies, injected reserve oil into the system, and cracked down on hoarding.

The government also phased out the strict oil price cap, a move that successfully reduced incentives for price gouging and cross-border smuggling while easing the severe financial strain on the state-run Oil Fuel Fund, he added.

Anutin clarified that ending the price cap does not mean fully floating prices, as the government continues to provide appropriate subsidies to keep domestic prices lower than in many neighboring countries.

Assured the public that the country has adequate oil supplies for the upcoming travel rush during the Songkran holiday, Anutin said the government will focus on advancing four key areas of work next, including diplomatic coordination, energy security, commodity price control, and people's livelihood undertakings.

The prime minister also called on the public to jointly implement energy-saving measures with the concept "one family, one liter," saying that if 10 million households reduce their oil consumption by just one liter per day, it could save up to 10 million liters of oil imports daily. 
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Expect closures on Spring Street next week for as Gregory Crewdson will be using it as a background for one of his large-scale photographs.

Adams' Street Being Shut Down for Crewdson Photography Production



The street will be closed Wednesday through Saturday from Dean to Pleasant, and, at some point, from Gavin to Pleasant. ADAMS, Mass.  Spring Street's going to be the subject of award-winning photographer Gregory Crewdson.

The Board of Selectmen last week approved the closures of the street between Pleasant and Dean Streets from Wednesday through Saturday, April 1 to 4, to allow for the Crewdson's production company to set up for his complex and intricate shots.

The street will be closed between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m., with no parking from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The production crew will number about 35.

Hover Productions had requested two days mid-month but postponed to the rain date of the first week of April, though it's possible those the shooting could be delayed again.

Acting Police Chief Timothy Sorrell reminded the board that Crewdson has used Adams in the past as a background for his urban surrealism.

"With Spring Street, it was going to be seven o'clock in the morning and possibly eight o'clock at night, and they did that on Albert Street," he said.

Administrative Assistant Jordan Lipinski said Council on Aging Director Sarah Fontaine had expressed concern about access to Barrett House, which is located at the corner of Pleasant and Spring streets.

"The Barrett House isn't going to be affected, except they won't be able to come down right through Spring Street," said the chief, noting the parking lot and entrance on Pleasant Street.

"I also suggested to the production company that they go around and personally speak to businesses and let them know what's going on, so they can make arrangements."

He said the entire street won't be closed off completely during those days except when the production does the "long shot."

"When they do the long shot, they need us to shut down the entire section of Spring Street because they're going to be set up down at Gavin [Avenue]," he said. "But they seem to imply that was going to be towards the end of the day."

Selectwoman Christine Hoyt asked that he speak with Fontaine about the schedule and Chair John Duval asked if residents would be able to get to their homes.

Sorrell thought residents would have some access to their homes but might be delayed during the actual shooting and producers "work out something where they can park someplace else and get to their house, or whatever it is they have to do, because obviously, people need to get to and from their houses."

Board members suggested that the production company speak with the businesses and residents to ensure they knew what was happening.

Once it's clear the production would happen, Sorrell said he could do a reverse 911 so whoever had signed up for the alerts will get one noting the street has been shut down.

The department will also post to social media.

The board that night also approved a new contract with Sorrell to extend his acting position until June 30 with a bi-weekly salary in the amount of $4,900, less applicable taxes. Sorrell, who retired as the Lanesborough police chief and had been a special officer in Adams since 2021, was appointed as interim Adams chief in October.
A student making a lava lamp at the annual STEAM night at Hoosac Valley on Thursday. Stacy Parsons from the DA's Office helps a student with her lava lamp. Learning about chicks from Hancock Shaker Village. Kids learning how a zip line work. Making things for the zip line. In the MCLA StarLab. The inflatable planetarium. Slime making with fourth-grade science teacher Eric Brown. PreviousNext

Nurturing Curiosity at Hoosac Valley High School's STEAM Night



Hancock Shaker Village brought an incubator to hatch six chicks. ADAMS, Mass.  Students, families, and teachers nurtured their curiosity with Hoosac Valley Middle and High School's third annual STEAM Night.

This year was the school's largest science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics night it has had since its inception with 27 interactive activities, 20 community partners and hundreds of people attending.

"With each year, we get more community partners involved, and more of our teachers are here volunteering their time as well," said Principal Lisa Lesser.

"We're just hoping to bring in families and get them excited about science, math and art all together. And we also have a great science program here as well that happens during the day."

The school was a hub of wonder with an egg-to-chick demonstration from Hancock Shaker Village, lava lamp making from the Berkshire District Attorney and Sheriff's offices, laser mazes from Flying Cloud of Great Barrington, paper-making from the Crane Museum of Papermaking, stargazing in Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts' StarLab, and so much more.

"It's all about exposing kids to different ideas outside of school and also helping them to realize what our community has available to them that they can do with their families at other times," said Sue Maier-Garcia, fifth-grade science teacher who spearheaded the event.

Other community partners included Hoosic River Watershed Association, Berkshire Natural Resource Council, Clark Art Institute, Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, Berkshire Museum, General Dynamics, Summer Eats, Berkshire Innovation Center, Optimal Healing, Barrington Stage, Greylock Glenn Reservation, and Specialty Minerals.

The range of activities and topics shows students the interactiveness between art and science and helps students discover what they are interested in, Maier-Garcia said.

"We really worked hard this year to get as much art as we possibly could in. Our art teacher is doing a whole thing where they have static dancers, where they're making tissue-paper people, and then using static electricity to make them dance," she said.

Sixth-grader Tatum Shaw has gone to the event every year since its establishment and, as a hands-on learner, enjoyed the interactive activities, including slime making with fourth-grade science teacher Eric Brown.

"It made me feel good about learning because learning can be fun sometimes," she said.

The event sparks a passion for learning, said Tatum's mom, Heather Shaw, adding how she liked that the event was longer this year so they could see more of the activities.

The range of events allows each child to do things they're really passionate about or learn, she said.

It also brings families into the school and introduces students to curriculum they can expect during their educational career at Hoosac, Maier-Garcia said.

"We also use this event to bring some of our third graders up so they can see the building and start feeling comfortable in the building," Lesser said.

Maier-Garcia highlighted her curriculum on life cycles, adaptations, and ecosystems, which includes an annual partnership with Hancock Shaker Village to hatch chicks.

This year, for the first time, all six chicks successfully hatched and will be returned to the Village, Maier-Garcia said.

"I've just really enjoyed meeting some of the students from Miss Garcia's class who clearly have learned a lot from her about the chick life cycle. They've been telling me when they hatched  and then they've been talking about the equipment that is used," Hancock Shaker Village Education Director Cindy Dickinson said.

"Then the children who aren't yet in fifth grade are learning a lot and looking forward to learning more about chicks when they get older."

Students also got a glimpse of the vastness of the universe in MCLA's StarLab, an inflatable, portable planetarium dome that creates a dark, enclosed space where a projector displays accurate night-sky simulations, including stars, planets, and constellations.

The school rented the lab from the college, and Berkshire Museum curriculum developer Joseph Mastronardi led the demonstration.

"It's stars that they probably have never seen before in a city, or really anywhere in the modern world [because of light pollution.] You see so much stuff, and you just see that there's just so much stuff up there that it kind of wants them to explore more," he said.

The Berkshire Museum also led an interactive activity in which students were "innovating and creating objects to go down our mini zip line."

"I think they've learned quite a bit just by engaging with this about how you can put things together in different ways and get different results out of them, that changing the way that you engage with something can change the outcome," said Sophia Holmes, Berkshire Museum programs manager.

The event also aids in the missions of local organizations.

"A huge part of the Berkshire Museum's mission is inciting curiosity and engagement with the world in general, but also for all of these subjects, like all those covered in STEM and STEAM and so the Berkshire Museum, being able to be here is just fantastic for us," Holmes said.

A large part of the Berkshire District Attorney's Office community engagement and juvenile diversion is centered around building community and helping support neighborhood development and the STEAM night is a fantastic opportunity to do just that, said Stacy Parsons, the program's director.
Dalton Board Reviews Draft AI, Social Media Policies

DALTON, Mass.  Artificial intelligence is becoming a topic of discussion at several governmental agencies across the state, and has now come before the Select Board.

The board reviewed draft policies on artificial intelligence and social media usage at its Monday meeting. No vote was taken, as the drafts will first be reviewed by the town's attorney.

During the discussion, questions arose about clarifying vague language and understanding what state law permits regarding free speech on social media. These concerns will be reviewed by town counsel.

The artificial intelligence policy aims to set clear standards guiding town employees, officials, and departments to use AI tools responsibly, legally, and securely.

The policy emphasizes that AI tools can assist, not replace, professional judgment for tasks including drafting preliminary documents such as memos, policies, and communications; summarizing public documents; providing research assistance; organizing and analyzing data; transcribing public meetings; and translation services.

"The basic concept is you never want to take what's generated at face value without checking," Town Manager Eric Anderson said.

The personnel using the generative "artificial intelligence" tool are required to review it to ensure the content is accurate, he said.

The state has doubled down on the use of AI in the workplace and has gotten the enterprise version of Chat GPT so every state employee has access to it and is encouraged to use it, Anderson said.

The reality of today is that AI is commonly used as an advanced search or editing tool but the real problem is sometimes the data is "utterly incorrect" and unsupported, he said.

"While it may be used in drafting things, ultimately, if it's a legal document, it gets reviewed by the town's attorney. If it's another document, it gets reviewed by the person who created it," Anderson said.

"It's designed to be a tool, not the end-all-be-all. And I think as long as we treat it that way, we'll be in good shape."

Executive Assistant Lori Venezia will also be attending AI training, so will act as the town's "AI czar," he said.

A question was raised about whether elected officials will be subject to this policy. According to the Massachusetts Municipal Association's Select Board handbook, board members have "quite a bit of latitude and authority as individuals on this board to act as we see fit," said Antonio "Tony" Pagliarulo.

While that is the case, it is hoped that in this instance they will choose to follow the guidelines, even if they are not held to the same standard as town employees, Pagliarulo said.

"I think we should be held to a higher standard than our employees to be honest with you," Chair Robert Bishop said.

Currently, the town does not have a social media policy but there are town departments or agencies that do have pages, including the library and Council on Aging.

The Police Department also has one but as a public safety entity has to abide by stricter state social media regulations than other town accounts, Anderson said.

The purpose of the policy is to maintain official social media accounts to provide accurate and timely information to residents and the public.

The policy would set constitutionally compliant standards for the use of official town accounts, public participation, viewpoint-neutral moderation and content removal, and adherence to state law.

The town manager would act as the moderator of the accounts.

The policy says the town cannot remove or restrict speech solely because it criticizes, disagrees with, or opposes officials, employees, policies, or actions.

According to the draft policy, the town is permitted to hide, remove, or restrict content that has true threats or incitement, obscenity, harassment or targeted abuse, defamation, spam and commercial promotion, confidential or legally protected information, impersonation, clearly unrelated content when topic-limited, and is a violation of law or platform terms.

Pagliarulo asked if verifiably false statements could be included on the list. Anderson said he is not sure if this would conflict with First Amendment rights.

"We're trying with this to stick to exactly what we have a constitutional right to restrict and not stray over the line. At least that's what the goal in writing this," he said.

Although the town may not have the right to remove the statement, a comment can be made correcting it within the post, Anderson said.

It was mentioned during the discussion that a town chose to remove all comments on all its social media pages making it one-way communication. Both of the county's cities allow likes and shares but no comments on their Facebook pages.

"Social media in many ways functions as two-way communication and when you make it one-way communication most people stop viewing it," Anderson said.

"So, the point of having a social media account kind of goes away if you're not going to allow any dialogue on it."

Select Board member Marc Strout also said that if it becomes needed down the line, there is a service that will archive everything from official town social media sites, but he is not sure of the cost.
Ethiopia's flagship investment forum secures over 13 bln USD in deals

Xinhua) 10:30, March 28, 2026

Guests communicate during "Invest in Ethiopia" High-Level Business Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, March 27, 2026. Ethiopia's flagship investment forum, dubbed "Invest in Ethiopia," concluded on Friday with the signing of investment agreements worth over 13 billion U.S. dollars. The fourth edition of the forum was held under the theme "Ethiopia: Ready for Business" in Addis Ababa, the country's capital, attracting hundreds of investors, business leaders, and advisors from across the globe, according to the organizers. (Xinhua/Geng Xinning)

ADDIS ABABA, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia's flagship investment forum, dubbed "Invest in Ethiopia," concluded on Friday with the signing of investment agreements worth over 13 billion U.S. dollars.

The fourth edition of the forum was held under the theme "Ethiopia: Ready for Business" in Addis Ababa, the country's capital, attracting hundreds of investors, business leaders, and advisors from across the globe, according to the organizers.

Addressing the closing session, Ethiopia's Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide said that the forum reflects Ethiopia's shift towards targeted investment attraction, robust regulatory reforms, and a more integrated approach to facilitating investments that drive exports, create jobs, and advance economic transformation.

The signing of seven investment deals, covering mining, manufacturing, real estate, renewable energy, and other sectors with investors from China, Kenya, India, and Poland, among others, showcases Ethiopia's achievements as a new investment frontier of Africa, according to the finance minister.

The Ethiopian Investment Commission said the forum, serving as a key platform for forging partnerships and expanding investment opportunities, reinforces the country's growing reputation as a competitive and attractive investment destination.

It noted that the newly secured investments are expected to play a critical role in job creation, foreign exchange generation, and technology transfer, further strengthening Ethiopia's economic transformation agenda.

Amid the expanding China-Ethiopia partnership in investment and other sectors, Chinese enterprises accounted for the largest share of investment deals signed on the margins of the two-day forum.

Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Chen Hai said on the occasion that Chinese enterprises have actively participated and reached a number of agreements with the Ethiopian side during the forum.

Highlighting that China and Ethiopia enjoy an all-weather strategic partnership, he said China has been the East African country's largest trading partner and source of foreign direct investment for many consecutive years.

Chen emphasized that Chinese enterprises have deeply engaged in and made positive contributions to various sectors in Ethiopia, including industry and agriculture, infrastructure, transportation, energy, telecommunications, and the digital and smart industries, continuously supporting Ethiopia's industrialization and modernization drive.

"China will actively assist Ethiopia in fully leveraging the policy dividends of the already implemented zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines, further unlock trade and investment potential, and upgrade China-Ethiopia economic and trade cooperation," he said.

The annual high-level business forum, organized by the Ethiopian government and its development partners, aimed at positioning the country as a leading investment hub in Africa and beyond.

Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Chen Hai addresses the closing session of "Invest in Ethiopia" High-Level Business Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, March 27, 2026. Ethiopia's flagship investment forum, dubbed "Invest in Ethiopia," concluded on Friday with the signing of investment agreements worth over 13 billion U.S. dollars. The fourth edition of the forum was held under the theme "Ethiopia: Ready for Business" in Addis Ababa, the country's capital, attracting hundreds of investors, business leaders, and advisors from across the globe, according to the organizers. (Xinhua/Geng Xinning)

Guests communicate during "Invest in Ethiopia" High-Level Business Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, March 27, 2026. Ethiopia's flagship investment forum, dubbed "Invest in Ethiopia," concluded on Friday with the signing of investment agreements worth over 13 billion U.S. dollars. The fourth edition of the forum was held under the theme "Ethiopia: Ready for Business" in Addis Ababa, the country's capital, attracting hundreds of investors, business leaders, and advisors from across the globe, according to the organizers. (Xinhua/Geng Xinning)

Guests attend the signing ceremony of investment deals during "Invest in Ethiopia" High-Level Business Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, March 27, 2026. Ethiopia's flagship investment forum, dubbed "Invest in Ethiopia," concluded on Friday with the signing of investment agreements worth over 13 billion U.S. dollars. The fourth edition of the forum was held under the theme "Ethiopia: Ready for Business" in Addis Ababa, the country's capital, attracting hundreds of investors, business leaders, and advisors from across the globe, according to the organizers. (Xinhua/Geng Xinning)

Guests communicate during "Invest in Ethiopia" High-Level Business Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, March 27, 2026. Ethiopia's flagship investment forum, dubbed "Invest in Ethiopia," concluded on Friday with the signing of investment agreements worth over 13 billion U.S. dollars. The fourth edition of the forum was held under the theme "Ethiopia: Ready for Business" in Addis Ababa, the country's capital, attracting hundreds of investors, business leaders, and advisors from across the globe, according to the organizers. (Xinhua/Geng Xinning)

Guests communicate during "Invest in Ethiopia" High-Level Business Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, March 27, 2026. Ethiopia's flagship investment forum, dubbed "Invest in Ethiopia," concluded on Friday with the signing of investment agreements worth over 13 billion U.S. dollars. The fourth edition of the forum was held under the theme "Ethiopia: Ready for Business" in Addis Ababa, the country's capital, attracting hundreds of investors, business leaders, and advisors from across the globe, according to the organizers. (Xinhua/Geng Xinning)

Guests attend a discussion during "Invest in Ethiopia" High-Level Business Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, March 27, 2026. Ethiopia's flagship investment forum, dubbed "Invest in Ethiopia," concluded on Friday with the signing of investment agreements worth over 13 billion U.S. dollars. The fourth edition of the forum was held under the theme "Ethiopia: Ready for Business" in Addis Ababa, the country's capital, attracting hundreds of investors, business leaders, and advisors from across the globe, according to the organizers. (Xinhua/Geng Xinning)

(Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun)
VIENNA, March 27 (Xinhua) - "It could cause a major radiological incident if the reactor were to be damaged," the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) warned on Friday, following a new strike in the area of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in Iran, the third such incident in 10 days.

In a post on social media platform X, the IAEA said it had been informed by Iran of the strike. According to Iranian authorities, the operating reactor was not damaged, no radiation release was reported, and the facility remains in normal condition.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi expressed deep concern over the recent military activity near a nuclear facility, reiterating his call for maximum military restraint to avoid the risk of a nuclear accident. 
Berkshire County hosted No Kings rallies on Saturday, including in North Adams, Pittsfield and Stockbridge. Matt Lewellyn, a civil activist and MCLA student, speaks at the North Adams rally. Rabbi Rachel Barenblatt of Congregation Beth Israel and the Rev. Margot Page, deacon of the Cathedral of the Beloved in Pittsfield, speak on behalf of a group of religious leaders. PreviousNext

Third No Kings Rally Adds War in Iran to List of Grievances





State Sen. Paul Mark was at four rallies on Saturday. He and state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier, both seen here in Pittsfield, said what they heard today will inspire them on Beacon Hill. . PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Even the frigid wind couldn't silence the voices of thousands of protestors across the county.

In Pittsfield, more than 1,000 people were at the Common, wearing custom T-shirts, and costumes ranging from the Statue of Liberty to inflatable animals, or just holding signs condemning the President Donald Trump and his administration.

This third "No Kings" rally, following on the protests last June and October, saw hundreds of thousands of Americans and others across the world take to the streets and the parks to oppose a growing list of actions made by the administration.

This time, signs protesting the war against Iran joined others focusing on constitutional rights like voting and free speech, democracy, and protecting marginalized groups.

Activists, musicians, and some public officials attended the protest, including state Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier in Pittsfield; state Rep. John Barrett III was in North Adams. None of the legislators spoke at the rallies.

Farley-Bouvier said the people of Pittsfield were at the rally in resistance and joy  standing up together to say, "enough is enough."

Some days the role of a state representative is hard and days like this inspire and rejuvenate the drive to go back out there and fight another day, she said.

Some assume that everyone in Massachusetts shares the same views. While we are lucky to live here, people across the country and around the world are witnessing Americans standing up and speaking out, Farley-Bouvier said.

Mark said the Pittsfield rally was the fourth he had been to on Saturday, a continuation of the state's long history of resisting government overreach, such as the Boston Massacre, Boston Tea Party, and the Revolution.

Seeing the masses come out, even in the cold weather, motivates and encourages public officials and demonstrates to them that their constituents are passionate and want to be involved, Mark said.

"It puts the wind, literally today, the wind at our backs when we're down there fighting for us in Boston," he said.

The air hovered around freezing with a chill wind but protestors' indignation seemed to keep them warm as speakers and performers emphasized the importance of raising their voices and standing up for their rights.

Organizers welcomed four speakers, Rose Fiscella of the grassroots group Frogs for Freedom, the Rev. Margo Page, president of Berkshire Interfaith Organizing, and Tara Jacobs, Governor's Councilor for District 8, in addition to several performance rebelling in song.

The younger generation needs to step up and Fiscella is doing just that, emcee Sonya Bykofsky said.

The 19 year-old history student at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts outlined several grievances with the current administration, including U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi's handling of prosecutions related to the Jeffrey Epstein files, the nation's actions in Iran  specifically citing the U.S.-Israeli air strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh School in Minab, which killed more than 100 children  and the incident in which Marine veteran and anti-war protester Brian McGinnis suffered a broken arm during his forcible removal from a Senate hearing by Capitol Police and U.S. Sen. Tim Sheehy of Montana.

She referenced the tension between political sides  which even Pittsfield could not avoid with some combative language from onlookers and a vocal altercation requiring police intervention.

About 150 people were at Stockbridge Town Hall. Theresa Cipollari had come over from Lebanon, N.Y., because, she said, it was about "trying to stop the injustice that's being done in our country right now, it's really hard to even watch the news without getting upset."

The administration's actions are having an impact, she said, with the rallies as an example.

"People are coming out and people are beeping because people are upset," she said. "I think a lot of people who did originally vote for Trump have second thoughts now, I mean that they won't all admit it, but yeah, how could you not when you sit and watch what's going on in the world."

Around 700 people filled the parking lot and lawn at North Adams City Hall, and the sidewalks leading to the crown of the Hadley Overpass, and the four corners at Main and Marshall. Bundled up in the brisk air, some stayed for the entire event or just the chance to stand out for a time, while others raced to or from other rallies.

Young and old and four-legged, participants expressed their anger and opposition to the actions of the Trump administration with signs reading "No Kings, No Wars, No ICE," and "Make Nazis Afraid Again" and "Resist Like It's 1776."

Holding signs and waving, they were greeted by a cacophony of horns by passing motorists, with an occasional driver who indicated their disapproval with the rally verbally or with gestures. One driver who flipped the bird was greeted with cries of "we love you."

"I'm angry. I'm afraid. Afraid because we built a world that relies on a single person to make choices for millions, to execute fascist regimes, to keep the oppressed in their lane  red or blue," said speaker Matt Lewellyn, a civil activist and MCLA student, who added that loving others in a willingness to work together should encompass all, even the "MAGA" followers.

"I love you enough to rebuild this world with you, one based in compassion, in diversity, in freedom, actual freedom, not the freedom to be violent, but the freedom to create, to commune, to celebrate viciously, this life that we have been given, not just for the few, not even for the many, but for all persons."

Berkshire immigrant justice advocate Fernando Leon recalled how some of the first immigrant enforcement occurred in Great Barrington last year, when 10 community members were taken in act that has continued to ripple through the immigrant community.

"What began in places like the Berkshires has become a blueprint. It is now unfolding across the country. We are seeing federal forces in our streets. We are seeing communities turn into targets, and this is how authoritarianism works  through normalization," he said. "Today, we have ICE in our airports. Tomorrow, what, intimidation at the polls during the midterm elections?



Standing tall on the Hadley Overpass. "They call it safety, but we know this script. Power has always known how to make fear sound like common sense. They point to they point to a threat. They invent a common enemy and use it to ask for more force, for more surveillance and for more control. ...

"We are being asked to accept violence at home and abroad, violence at the door, when ICE comes for a family, violence from the sky, when bombs fall on a girls' school in Iran and they tell us there is no more money for food, no more money for health care, but always more money for war."

A gathering of local religious leaders called for greater understanding that America does not belong to anyone race or faith.

"The ideal of America belongs to all of us and our commitment to loving the stranger and seeking and pursuing justice and peace, for those of us up here on this platform, it comes from our religious traditions, but we don't own those principles," said Rabbi Rachel Barenblatt of Congregation Beth Israel. "All of us, religious and secular, theists and atheists can share a commitment to justice, to peace, to protecting the vulnerable and to the glorious beauty of human empathy and care."

The Rev. Margot Page, deacon of the Cathedral of the Beloved in Pittsfield, noted that the scriptures "remind God's people over 70 times to love their neighbor and to care for the sojourner in your land.

"There are no conditions to these words, not love your neighbor if they look like you, love your neighbor if they're male. Love your neighbor if they speak like you. No conditions. Love your neighbor. That's it. Simply love and care for your neighbor."

Staff Writers Tammy Daniels and Brittany Polito contributed to this report.
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Nepals ex-prime minister, K P Sharma Oli, and the former home minister, Ramesh Lekhak, were arrested for allegedly being negligent in preventing dozens of deaths during anti-corruption protests in September.

The two were taken into custody on Saturday after a panel investigating violence during the protests said last week that they should be prosecuted for negligence.

Seventy-six people were killed during the Gen Z-led protests across the country, which led to Mr Olis resignation.

The arrests also come a day after rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah was sworn in as the new prime minister.

Both Mr Oli and Mr Lekhak were detained at the Kathmandu Police Office, according to Nepal police spokesperson Om Adhikari.

Mr Oli has been detained under suspicion of violating Section 182 of the Criminal Code 2017, which states that negligent killing shall not be permitted and carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison and a fine of up to thirty thousand rupees.

Meanwhile, Mr Lehkak has been accused of ordering security forces to fire on demonstrators.

"We have arrested them as per the recommendations made by the investigation commission," Mr Adhikari said.

open image in gallery Nepal's former prime minister KP Sharma Oli (C) is escorted by police as he is brought to the hospital following his arrest in Kathmandu ( AFP via Getty Images )

Nepals current home minister, Sudan Gurung, announced the arrests on social media.

No one is above the law. We have taken former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and outgoing Home Minister Ramesh writer under control, Mr Gurung posted on Facebook.

This is not revenge against anyone, just the beginning of justice, he posted.

In a separate post, he said: You messed with the wrong generation.

Mr Oli, who has had two kidney transplants, was reportedly transferred to a hospital by the police.

"They have said it (the arrest) is for investigation. It is illegal and improper because there is no risk of him fleeing or avoiding questioning," Mr Olis lawyer, Tikaram Bhattarai, told Reuters.

Mr Oli was held responsible by the investigation panel for not taking any action to stop the hours of firing, which led to the death of at least 19 Gen Z protesters on 8 September.

While the panels report said it could not conclusively establish that an order to open fire was explicitly given, it concluded that Mr Oli and the authorities did not make any meaningful effort to stop the shootings.

Anger over the protests is thought to have fuelled the new prime minister, Mr Shah's Rastriya Swatantra Party, to a landslide win in this months general election.

Just hours after forming the new cabinet, Mr Shah immediately implemented the findings of the high-level commission.
Royal stalwarts are adamant: the Waleses children will be different  their parents are rightly keen to ensure George, Charlotte and Louis dont succumb to the pitfalls of sibling rivalry and stigmatised spare status that has scarred so many of the Windsors second sons and daughters. William is often cited as the exemplar father, a man determined that his second and third-born children are well-prepared and well-financed for independent lives. It is all very noble, and naturally, one hopes for the best, but as most parents know, children have a way of defying expectations.

Royal biographer Tom Bower, insists that the late Queen treated Harry differently because she recognised his weaknesses. According to Bower, the fault lay with Harrys personality, not the hereditary system into which he was born. It could equally be argued that the Duke of Sussexs easy charm made him the perfect fit for kingship. No matter that he was destined to be the spare.

Prince William, never as relaxed in front of the camera as his younger brother, and someone whose disdain for the press long preceded Harrys, was always destined for the big job. In accordance, the late Queen gave William special treatment, found time for instructive teas when he was at Eton College, and posed for several exclusive line-of-succession photographs with Charles, William and first-born George.

She played to Williams hereditary strengths. Parents can do and say what they like, but children are individuals who occupy their own juvenile jungle where they thrash out a pecking order that sets them up for later life. What makes the royals exceptional is not their illustrious gene pool, but rather the predestined order of things to come, irrespective of their childrens suitability.

I often think back to the time I fleetingly caught a glimpse of the Wales brood. The sun beamed down in relentless approval. It was a real Disney Princess moment. The then Duchess of Cambridge and her delectable trio of children had just shot by in a horse-drawn carriage; it was Trooping the Colour in the late Queens Platinum Jubilee year.

The crowd roared as the Landau swept through the arches of Horse Guards Parade onto Whitehall, arms reached out to the Cambridge siblings, tantalisingly almost in touching distance. The euphoria was palpable, the smiles abundant  Charlotte perfect in forget-me-not blue, Louis his usual cheeky-chappie self and then, for just one nanosecond, eye contact with Prince George. He looked thoroughly non-plussed, almost scared. Who were these people? said his puckered brow. What are they doing here?

His bemused nine-year-old face will stay with me for life. Subsequently, those close to the royal family wonder if Charlottes easy and sunny disposition might not be better suited to the monarchys public mantle. Most have already clocked Louiss wide-eyed charisma. But as we know all too well, hereditary monarchy does not work like that. The first-born child of the future sovereign is destined for the throne, and no matter how much love is thrown at younger siblings, that rigid order is the lightning rod which will define the rest of their lives.

Veteran royal author Tina Brown insists that the Prince of Wales is keen that Charlotte and Louis do not fall victim to the built-in risk of primogenitors cruelty. This curious statement begs the question  if the risk of cruelty is built-in, how easily can it be overridden?

open image in gallery Mummys boys: Diana publicly and privately festooned her boys with love ( AFP/Getty )

Similarly, royal commentator, Robert Hardman, has disclosed that both Kate and William want to ensure their two younger children dont feel less loved or relevant despite their inferior positions in the Windsor pecking order. Neither is destined for the throne, so by royal standards, they are less relevant. And lest we forget, Diana publicly and privately festooned both her boys with love, but it did not change the disastrous outcome  captured best of all in the title of embittered Harrys biography.

History suggests too much compensatory love can also be part of the problem.

Disgraced second son Andrew has been held up as the late Queens favourite. Born in 1960, when Elizabeth had firmly established herself as Britains postwar monarch and was feeling more secure in both her marriage and as a mother, baby Andrew was the recipient of maternal attention otherwise lacking in Charles and Annes early lives.

The Queen relished nanny Mabels night out, when she could bathe and bed her two younger sons, and it was Elizabeth, not a governess, who taught the little brothers their alphabet. That Andrew enjoyed boyish good looks and subsequently joined the Royal Navy, helped his allure in front of mummy. But no amount of maternal adoration could affect the line of succession. Rather, the Queen overcompensated in other ways  she was Andrews primary facilitator and his most reliable source of income. Bountiful gestures that did the entitled ex-prince no favours.

open image in gallery The Favourite: The pampered former Prince Andrew was had a sense of entitlement in every way ( PA )

William, who, it is said, intends to model his kingship on the late Queens reign, might look to the Andrew catastrophe as a cautionary tale. When the Prince of Wales talks of his second and third children being well-financed for independent lives, what exactly does he mean? How rich does a royal have to be to feel independent? By most standards, Andrew, with his ski lodge and giant Royal Lodge, was better off than most, but that did not stop an overweening urge to always have more. No matter that he was a prince and a once-upon-a-time dashing war veteran, Andrew was trapped in a doom-loop of chasing the impossible  a distant big brother who would one day be King.

open image in gallery Born to rule: Edward, Prince of Wales (1894-1972), George, Duke of York (1895-1952) ( Getty )

Most parents are victims of objective bias. We believe we can do it better than all the others. (Why else take the leap of faith?) Presumably, the late Queens larger family model and more hands-off approach was partly informed by her own claustrophobic upbringing as part of The Firm  an intense quartet consisting of a nervous King (George was a second son), a reluctant Queen and two identikit sisters.

But despite their matching bobs and unbearable cotton frocks, Elizabeth and Margaret were not identical. Quite the reverse  Elizabeth, the sensible older sister, benefited from constitutional lessons at Eton College, a close working relationship with her father and a clear goal. The Princess had no time for unnecessary frivolity; she was destined to be Queen. Not so Margaret, a pretty little thing overindulged by her father and mother and overpraised by society for her aesthetic attributes  neither of which helped ameliorate the pointlessness of her later existence. Small wonder she turned to drink.

If it had not been quite so messy, Harry and Meghans recent departure to America and attempt to establish their own brand might have offered a modern alternative to Spare purgatory. But with the Sussex project very much a work-in-progress, and extensive collateral damage prohibiting a reunion in the foreseeable future, few can claim the House of Montecito has the answers.

open image in gallery Heir and the spre who the the late Queen is said to have treated very differently ( PA )

In the meantime, William and Kate are right to be concerned. Today, most parents have an uncomfortable sense of foreboding about their childrens future in an unpredictable, overheating, AI-riddled world led by questionable strongmen. But while most of us dont enjoy the Royal familys extraordinary levels of wealth, at least we can reassure ourselves that any mistakes are ours alone and not thanks to an arbitrary system of hereditary privilege that even the House of Lords has banished.

Recommended The unseen letter that shows Harry may find it hard to escape a lifetime of unhappiness

Well may young George look bemused: going forward, he not only has an increasingly restive demos to contend with, but also the built-in cruelty of an anachronistic system designed to pit his siblings against him from the get-go.

Tessa Dunlop is the author of Elizabeth and Philip, the Story of Young Love, Marriage and Monarchy
KABUL, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan's National Statistics and Information Authority has delivered electronic identity card services to more than 102,000 Afghan citizens living overseas over the past year, local media Tolo news reported on Saturday.

According to the report, the services include the issuance of new electronic ID cards, the replacement of lost or damaged documents, as well as verification and correction of personal information.

To simplify the process, these services are facilitated through legally authorized relatives within the country, enabling expatriates to complete necessary procedures without the need to travel back to Afghanistan, the report said.

This initiative marks a significant step toward improving access to essential civil services for Afghans abroad, easing administrative burdens, and strengthening connections between citizens and national institutions regardless of their location. 
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Pollen levels are on the rise just one week after the spring equinox, the Met Office has reported.

Tree pollen is set to be moderate to high over the coming days across some southern parts of England and Wales.

Hay fever sufferers may start to experience more symptoms than usual as the pollen count rises over the next five days, with tree pollen affecting around a quarter of people, according to the forecaster.

open image in gallery Pollen counts will remain moderate across the south west and east of England on Sunday ( Met Office )

London and the south east of England saw high ash pollen levels on Saturday, while the south west experienced moderate levels.

As of Monday, both regions will see high ash pollen counts, with levels also rising across the Midlands. Wales, the midlands, and the east of England will all see moderate pollen levels while counts will remain low for the rest of the United Kingdom.

open image in gallery Parts of the Midlands will see moderate pollen levels on Monday ( Met Office )

On Tuesday, Grampian will see moderate pollen levels while the rest of Scotland and the north of England will see relatively low counts.

open image in gallery Scotland will see moderate pollen levels on Tuesday ( Met Office )

Pollen levels will remain high across the midlands, east, south east and south west of England on Wednesday while Wales will only see moderate levels.

open image in gallery Pollen levels will be high across the south of England and Wales on Wednesday ( Met Office )

The forecaster has warned birch pollen season will also start soon. Birch pollen occurs between March and June, peaking between April and May, and can cause asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis (irritated eyes, nose and sinuses).

It is estimated that around 10 million people in England suffer from hay fever. Symptoms usually appear when the pollen count, a measure of the number of grains of pollen in one cubic metre of air, exceeds 50.

open image in gallery The UK will see mild temperatures on Tuesday ( Met Office )

The weather conditions affect how much pollen is released and spread around, according to the Met Office, who said it was more prevalent on humid and windy days.

Temperatures look set to stabilise above 10C for most of the country next week, according to the forecaster, who predicted bright spells for parts of the country. On Tuesday, temperatures will enter the mid teens for most of the UK with bright conditions and a bit of cloud.

Met Office five day forecast

This evening and tonight:

Daytime showers largely easing during this evening with most places becoming dry with clear spells. A band of cloud and rain though will arrive into Scotland and Northern Ireland later. Turning cold with a widespread slight frost.

Sunday:

A chilly and bright start across the southeast, but cloud and rain already in the northwest will spread across the country. Brighter but showery conditions following behind, but remaining blustery.

Outlook for Monday to Wednesday:

Remaining cool but drier on Monday. Warmer on Tuesday with bright spells, but also some patchy rain in the west. Further rain in the northwest Wednesday but some brightness elsewhere.
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Organisers claimed that half a million people were estimated to have gathered in London on Saturday for the biggest demonstration ever against the far right  however, the Metropolitan Police claimed the figure was closer to 50,000.

Swathes of protesters marched through the capital to Whitehall carrying placards reading No to racism, no to Trump, and Refugees welcome on streets lined with police officers.

Rally co-organiser Kevin Courtney, chair of the coalition, told crowds gathered on Whitehall: Our estimate is now that there are half a million people on this demonstration  the biggest demonstration ever against the far right.

And it gives us all confidence to carry on. Thank you very much.

Organisers said they had successfully outnumbered the Tommy Robinson-led Unite the Kingdom rally in London last September, according to their estimates.

open image in gallery Thousands enjoyed a peaceful rally in the capital ( Harry J Caton )

The far-right demonstration, organised by Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was attended by between 110,000 and 150,000 people, while around 5,000 were involved in an anti-racism counter-demonstration.

But the Met said they believed the figure for Saturdays march was closer to 50,000, although they admitted it was hard to judge the number due to the widespread nature of the crowd.

There were several incidents of violent disorder at the demonstration, which left some police officers injured. Sir Keir Starmer condemned the rally at the time and said it had left people feeling more scared than they were before.

A number of politicians attended the Together Alliance rally, including Your Party MPs Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana, as well as Green Party leader Zack Polanski and MP Hannah Spencer. Speakers included former Labour MP Diane Abbott, who now sits as an independent in parliament.

open image in gallery Zack Polanski and Hannah Spencer at the Together Alliance march ( PA )

She told a cheering crowd: The turnout today is the largest anti-racist march that I have seen in my lifetime, and you should all be proud of yourselves for coming out in such numbers today.

Sabby Dhalu, joint secretary of the Together Alliance and co-convenor of Stand Up To Racism, said the UK is seeing an unprecedented growth in support for far-right organisations  but that she believed the size of attendance on Saturday had intimidated the far right away from a counter-protest.

The Tommy Robinson-led Unite the Kingdom demonstration back in September 2025 was the biggest far-right mobilisation in British history, she said.

We believe that the majority of British people stand against the hatred and division and racism that was being encouraged at that demonstration and by these types of organisations, and its time to act.

open image in gallery Kevin Courtney, co-chair of the Together Alliance, said half a million had joined their rally ( PA )

As Saturdays rally began, there were shouts from a group of around 10 counter-protesters. One member of the group was carrying an Israeli flag.

A separate march organised by the Palestine Coalition also took place and joined the route of the Together Alliance before the groups formed up for the rally on Whitehall.

The Metropolitan Police arrested 25 people by the end of the demonstrations, including two for climbing up the National Gallery columns and 18 Palestine Action supporters. A group of people staged a protest in support of the proscribed group outside New Scotland Yard.

It comes days after the Met announced they will resume arresting protesters for holding signs in support of the banned group.

open image in gallery Diane Abbott in the Together Alliance march ( PA )

Officers imposed public order conditions banning the joint rally from continuing after 5pm.

Met Police deputy assistant commissioner Jon Savell said before the event that this will be a busy weekend for our officers but we have detailed plans in place to ensure all groups protesting this weekend can do so lawfully and without causing serious disruption to other Londoners, businesses or visitors.

As well as the mass demonstration, a number of protests against the Iranian regime  both static assemblies and marches  were taking place in the Westminster area on both Saturday and Sunday, the Metropolitan Police said.

This article was amended on 30 March 2026. It originally stated that half a million people attended the march, however the Metropolitan Police put the figure at closer to 50,000 individuals. The Independent is unable to verify either figure.
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The Metropolitan Police arrested 18 Palestine Action supporters after announcing it would resume taking action against protesters supporting the proscribed organisation.

The force said Saturday afternoon that a group of people were staging a protest in support of the banned group outside New Scotland Yard.

A picture on its X account shows the demonstrators sitting on the steps in front of the Westminster building. The force wrote in the caption: Arrests are now under way outside New Scotland Yard.

It comes days after the Met announced they will resume arresting protesters for holding signs in support of the banned group.

In February, the force paused doing so after the High Court ruled that the Governments ban of the group was unlawful.

However, the Met announced earlier this week that its officers will resume arresting protesters because the appeal against the ruling is likely to take several months.

open image in gallery Demonstrators gather outside the High Court during a ruling on whether the government's ban of Palestine Action was unlawful on February 13, 2026 in London, United Kingdom ( Getty )

Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman said on Wednesday that it is still a criminal offence to support Palestine Action, adding: 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.

Since Palestine Action was proscribed as a terrorist organisation last year, more than 2,700 have been arrested for allegedly expressing support for the group.

Mass rallies have been held across the country 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.

A number of protests have taken place in London on Saturday.

Half a million people gathered in the city for an anti-far right demonstration, organisers estimated, where protesters carrying placards saying No to racism, no to Trump, and Refugees welcome while they marched through the capital to Whitehall.
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A headteacher at a school for vulnerable children has been banned from the profession after he threw eggs at pupils and described one as being as wide as a fridge.

A professional conduct hearing in January found that the actions of Adam Webb, the headteacher at Build A Future Independent School (BAF) in Boston, Lincolnshire, constituted conduct that may bring the profession into disrepute  including throwing stones and eggs at or near pupils and using derogatory, sexualised, abusive and ableist language towards pupils.

Between September 2020 and January 2021 he referred to one pupil as being as wide as a fridge and as wide as a bus, and said he had told at least one pupil that he had sex with their mother.

He was also found to have only let a colleague down from a cherry picker once she had shown him that she had deleted a video of eggs being thrown at her.

Mr Webb also told staff what happens in BAF stays in BAF, which suggested an intention to conceal inappropriate behaviour, according to the panel.

The panel concluded Mr Webb failed to safeguard pupils in his role as headteacher and decided that each proven allegation amounted to serious misconduct.

Decision maker Marc Caveys report states: The panel did not consider any of Mr Webbs actions to be trivial, negligible, or a temporary lapse.

Taken individually, each amounted to serious misconduct, and collectively they represented a profound and sustained departure from the standards expected of a headteacher.

The panel found that Mr Webbs use of derogatory, mocking and demeaning language, including comments about pupils bodies, disabilityrelated slurs, and sexualised remarks, constituted a clear failure to safeguard pupils.

The report said Mr Webb provided no supporting evidence to demonstrate exceptionally high standards, nor evidence of significant contribution to the wider education sector.

Those on the panel found there was some evidence of support provided to pupils, but concluded this did not reach the threshold of being exceptional; it reflected expected aspects of his role.

Mr Webb had not only failed the pupils but also failed the staff, it concluded.

He was banned from teaching indefinitely. He is not permitted to apply for restoration of his ability to teach.

The report states: The panel found that the misconduct was not an isolated lapse but formed a sustained course of conduct over several months.

This included repeated incidents of encouraging playfighting, throwing stones and eggs at or near pupils, unsafe bonfire activities, the use of derogatory and offensive language towards vulnerable children, and inappropriate interactions with staff.

Taken together, these matters demonstrated a clear pattern of behaviour rather than occasional poor judgment.

Fellow teachers Alison Simmons and Thomas Hayward were also banned from the classroom indefinitely, though Mr Hayward will be able to reapply to teach.
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Angela Rayner is contesting claims she failed to pay enough stamp duty on her seaside flat, as the former deputy prime minister continues to spark rumours of a leadership bid.

The Ashton-under-Lyme MP, widely seen as a potential successor to Sir Keir Starmer, resigned from government last September over an underpayment of stamp duty on the purchase of her 800,000 seaside flat in Hove.

Independent legal advice at the time found she was wrong to have paid the lower rate of 30,000 instead of 70,000, after she declared the property as her primary residence instead of her second home.

However, she is now understood to have since taken further expert advice, some of which has argued she was right to pay the standard rate of stamp duty.

It is understood that this has been presented to HMRC to raise the complex legal questions surrounding the case.

open image in gallery It is understood Rayner will ensure that whatever she is found to owe by the investigation will be paid in full once completed ( PA )

A spokesperson for Ms Rayner said: Angelas team is holding cooperative discussions with HMRC and we are not, at this stage, able to discuss the matter any further in public given the nature of the process.

Ms Rayners allies are said to be hopeful that HMRCs probe into her tax affairs will be concluded before Mays local elections, removing what is seen to be a main barrier to her return to frontline politics.

It is understood Ms Rayner will ensure that whatever she is found to owe by the investigation will be paid in full once completed.

The former deputy prime minister has been the subject of speculation in recent weeks that she could be gearing up for a leadership bid, with the upcoming elections in May expected to be disastrous for Sir Keir.

Earlier this month, she gave a speech to the left-wing Mainstream group where she described the anti-immigration policies being pushed by home secretary Shabana Mahmood as un-British.

open image in gallery The former deputy prime minister has sparked rumours in recent weeks that she could be gearing up for a leadership bid in the coming months ( PA Archive )

She is also preparing to launch a new podcast, called Beyond the Bubble, in an attempt to bolster her position in a potential Labour leadership contest.

Despite her criticism, Sir Keir has confirmed that he is hoping to bring the former deputy prime minister back into government after she was forced to resign last year over her tax affairs.

He told the Electoral Dysfunction podcast that his former deputy still has a leading role to play in his government, insisting that he is not going anywhere and will not quit as leader.
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The president of the Maldives has told the UK he will not recognise Sir Keir Starmers deal to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.

The intervention could serve as a further blow to the prime ministers already beleaguered deal, which has been subject to relentless criticism from Donald Trump over the future of the joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia.

The plan will see the government cede sovereignty of the British territory after an advisory International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling in 2019 backed Mauritian claims to sovereignty over the islands.

But the Maldives is now threatening legal action as it seeks to assert its own sovereignty over the islands.

In a statement to the BBC, President Mohamed Muizzus office said he had raised concerns with both written objections and in a phone call with David Lammy, the then foreign secretary, last year.

These diplomatic communications articulate the governments firm position: the decision by the British government to proceed in sole consultation with Mauritius  without due consideration of Maldivian interests  is deeply concerning, the statement reportedly said.

open image in gallery Last year, Keir Starmer agreed a controversial deal to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius ( U.S. Navy )

Consequently, the Maldives has formally communicated that it does not recognise the transfer of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius.

This position is based on the profound historical and administrative ties between the Maldives and the archipelago, as well as the significant implications any such transfer holds for Maldivian sovereignty.

However, ministers have previously said the islands would be handed over to Mauritius following the 2019 advisory ICJ ruling, a decision the Maldives told the BBC it would be reviewing.

The government of the Maldives maintains the firm position that, by virtue of historical and geographical proximity, it holds a prior claim to sovereign rights over the Chagos Archipelago over any other state, the statement said.

Accordingly, if sovereignty is to be vested in any nation, it must rightfully be the Maldives.

open image in gallery President Muizzus office said he had raised concerns with both written objections and in a phone call with David Lammy last year. ( Simon Dawson/No 10 Downing Street )

The Independent has contacted President Muizzus office and the UKs Foreign Office.

Sir Keirs deal to hand over the territory while retaining control of the UK-US military base on Diego Garcia has plunged into chaos after the US president repeatedly urged him to scrap it.

The UK has agreed to pay Mauritius at least 120m annually during the 99-year agreement to lease back the site, a total cost in cash terms of 35bn.

Mr Trump has withdrawn his support for the deal, branding the move a big mistake because of concerns over the joint military base.

His withdrawal of support came after he appeared to indicate his support for the deal last year, before criticising it in January and again in February.

Iran fired missiles at the joint US-UK base in the Indian Ocean last weekend amid Washingtons ongoing war on Tehran.

Diego Garcia is around 2,360 miles away from Iran and home to an airbase capable of accommodating long-range US bombers, with around 2,500 American troops based on the island.
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At least nine people are dead and 45 are missing after a migrant boat capsized off the coast of Djibouti.

The boat was en route to Yemen, the UN migration agency reported on Friday.

It capsized on Tuesday while attempting to cross the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Strait of Hormuz  Tehran's chokehold in the ongoing Iran war  are on opposite sides of the Arabian Peninsula.

A search continues for possible survivors, said Tanja Pacifico, IOM's chief of mission in Djibouti.

The sea is very rough, and there were also strong winds," Pacifico told a regular U.N. press briefing in Geneva by video. "

This route is known to be a very deadly one.

She said that testimonies from the survivors described an extremely heavy load for the boat.

The tragedy marks the latest in a series of deadly shipwrecks between the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.

Over recent years, several thousand African migrants fleeing conflict and poverty, hoping to reach wealthy Gulf Arab countries, have died.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said the boat, carrying more than 300 people, had left the Djiboutian port town of Obock.

The shipwreck was the first this year in the area, Pacifico said. Last year, more than 900 migrants died or went missing on the route, the highest toll on record on the strait, the IOM said.

The passage typically lures tens of thousands of migrants from Africa "in search of safety and economic opportunities," the agency said.

Last month, 53 migrants, including two babies, are feared dead after a rubber boat carrying 55 people capsized off the coast of Libya, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said on Monday.

Two Nigerian women were rescued after the vessel overturned north of Zuwara, Libya, in the early hours of Friday morning. One survivor said they had lost their husband, while the other reported losing her two babies when the boat sank.

The boat, which was carrying migrants and refugees from African countries, departed from al-Zawiya, Libya, at around 11pm on Thursday 5 February. It capsized around six hours later after taking on water.
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The long-held wisdom of arriving early for a flight is now being challenged, as airports across the U.S. report that passengers showing up too far in advance are inadvertently worsening security delays.

Following weeks of frustratingly long lines at checkpoints and widespread tales of missed flights, travelers, understandably anxious, are now arriving hours before their scheduled departures. However, this preemptive measure is creating new bottlenecks, particularly during peak times, and in some instances, causing other passengers to miss their flights.

John Glenn International Airport in Columbus, Ohio, has specifically cautioned against this trend, even issuing clear guidance: "90 minutes before departure is all you need."

The airport attributes these premature arrivals to the funding standoff on Capitol Hill, which has led to crowded security areas, but notes that the early birds are only adding to the overall disruption.

In Ohio, John Glenn International Airport in Columbus is warning passengers against arriving hours in advanc ( AP Photo/Noah K. Murray) )

Arriving too early can actually create longer lines right when we open, the airport said in a social media post Thursday. Spacing out arrival times helps keep things moving smoothly for everyone.

It's Airport Dad's moment  finally

In some ways, the airport chaos is turning into a full circle moment for Airport Dad  a humorous TikTok and social media take on the dad who always makes sure the family is out the door, parked, through security and positioned at the correct gate well before anyone else, with paper boarding passes in hand.

Airline customers aren't laughing, at least right now. They're facing record wait times in a jumbled environment  the modern American airport  that can serve up assorted stresses and snafus on the best of days.

Amber Campbell said she missed a morning flight this week despite arriving at Baltimore-Washington International Airport more than three hours ahead of time.

We noted several people in line with later afternoon flights," Campbell posted on Facebook. "There was no organization or consideration for those of us missing flights vs people with later flights. We missed our flight by ten minutes!

What's confusing for air passengers is that it's hard to predict which airports will be plagued next by security lines spilling out of terminals.

Checkpoints in some places are beyond two hours

The government shutdown straining Transportation Security Administration staffing has ballooned checkpoint wait times beyond two hours at some major airports. George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston has become the biggest chokepoint for travelers with four-hour security lines.

An absolute nightmare, said Arthur Tsebetzis, while standing in a line Friday that snaked through the main terminal and spilled outside Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta.

Those are by far the worst-case scenarios. Many airports  like the one in Ohio  have been seeing wait times comparable with those in normal times. That's why airlines say the best advice for passengers right now is to check TSA wait times before their scheduled departures.

Its a bit reminiscent of the days of  panic buying  during the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Its human nature. You dont have control over whats going on at an airport, said Shari Botwin, a Philadelphia clinical social worker who counsels people about anxiety.

Theres so much media attention about the chaos at airports, she said. They might not trust when someone says, Well, you dont need to come out early anymore.'"
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A highly intoxicated Florida man rammed his car through a locked perimeter fence and onto an airport runway, where he attempted to hijack a series of small planes so he could visit his sister some 300 miles away, according to an FBI probable cause affidavit unsealed Friday.

Once Bryan John Parker, 58, reached the tarmac of the Daytona Beach International Airport, he proceeded to run around, urinate on the taxiway, and approach flight school aircraft, the affidavit states. It says he then climbed inside at least two unoccupied small aircraft, before attempting to open the door of one running aircraft, yelling at the pilot to go, go, go.

Security officers from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, which uses part of the airport for flight instruction, chased Parker down and held him until deputies with the Volusia County Sheriffs Office arrived to arrest him.

Whats the deal, man? a deputy asks a handcuffed Parker, according to bodycam video released by authorities.

I went to an AA meeting, and, uh, the next thing I know, Im doing cocaine, drinking and smoking pot, Parker explains in the footage.

open image in gallery Bryan John Parker, 58, tried to hijack a plane to visit his sister, but later said he couldn't remember a thing, according to an FBI probable cause affidavit unsealed Friday ( Volusia County Sheriff's Office )

He later told the FBI that he attempted to enter the aircraft so that he could fly away to visit his sister in Sanibel, Florida, according to the probable cause affidavit.

Parkers court-appointed lawyer, Aziza Hawthorne, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Around 4:25 p.m. Wednesday, a blue Ford Mustang GT approached an exterior access gate adjacent to the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol building at Daytona Beach International, the probable cause affidavit says.

The chain-link fence is topped with barbed wire, is used to keep unauthorized people and vehicles off of the airports north runway and taxiways, and, according to the affidavit, has a sign reading: RESTRICTED AREA. AUTHORIZED VEHICLES ONLY. GATE MUST BE CLOSED AND LOCKED BEFORE YOU LEAVE AREA OR YOU WILL BE SUBJECT TO LOSS OF AIRPORT ACCESS PRIVILEGES AND FEDERAL PENALTIES.

The Mustang then smashed into the gate, ripping it clean off its hinges, the affidavit continues.

open image in gallery An FBI photo shows a perimeter access gate at Daytona Beach International Airport ripped clean off its hinges. Bryan John Parker, 58, told police he wanted to steal a plane so he could visit his sister, according to authorities ( US District Court for the Middle District of Florida )

After passing through the gate, investigators say the now-damaged Mustang headed toward the airports north runway, which is attached to the Embry Riddle flight school taxiway, and the driver, later identified as Parker, jumped out. He then relieved himself on the taxiway and got into a pair of parked private planes, before dashing off again, the affidavit goes on.

Parker chased after aircraft which were occupied and taxiing with their propellers in motion, the affidavit states, adding that Parker tried to get inside a running airplane and ordered the pilot to take off. But Embry Riddle security managed to grab Parker in time, and local cops arrived a short time later and placed him in custody, according to the affidavit.

Parker waived his constitutional rights and agreed to be questioned by sheriffs deputies and the FBI, which investigates crimes committed aboard U.S.-registered aircraft and at American airports.

The affidavit says Parker confessed to everything, and admitted that he attempted to enter the aircraft so that he could fly away to visit his sister in Sanibel, Florida.

open image in gallery Two of the planes Bryan John Parker is accused of trying to steal, which were parked at the Daytona Beach International Airport, before attempting to hijack a third, running aircraft ( US District Court for the Middle District of Florida )

Although Parker was responsive and articulated himself well during the interview, he also occasionally became visibly angry and physically resistant, the affidavit states.

In January, Parker was apprehended on felony burglary charges, and was incoherent when police responded, according to a review of state criminal court filings. In October 2020, he pleaded guilty to DUI and no contest to threatening the arresting officer, according to charging papers in that case, and in 2006 was ordered to attend DUI school and drug rehab following a DUI and reckless driving arrest.

Two weeks ago, Parker was charged with a misdemeanor for operating a motorcycle without a license.

He is now facing federal charges of damaging, destroying, or disabling the facilities of an airport serving international civil aviation, a felony which carries up to 20 years in prison; and knowingly and willfully entering an aircraft or airport area in violation of security requirements, a misdemeanor with a potential sentence of up to a year.
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A model agent introduced paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein to girls and begged him to have sex with a woman, emails show.

Ramsey Elkholy and the disgraced billionaire can be seen to have exchanged hundreds of emails over nearly a decade in which they spoke in derogatory ways about women and their bodies.

The revelations come in the latest tranche of so-called Epstein files that were released by the US Department of Justice.

In one email from 2011, Elkholy begs: Jeffrey PLEASE just try her in bed.

open image in gallery The revelations come in the latest tranche of so-called Epstein files that were released by the US Department of Justice ( New York State Sex Offender Registry )

In another from that year, he says: She is desperate for cash. I have been working on her, she agreed w [sic] me that posing in lingerie is part of her job and she told me she would have no problem to do that w [sic] you but she doesn't have the courage to propose it herself. I know it doesn't seem like much but it's a step. She plans on coming back to NY so I'm thinking she could be an ongoing project. For me it's a great experiment, taking a girl who hadn't been w [sic] a guy until she was 23 (!) and then getting her to this point.

In an earlier email dated 2009, Elkholy writes: I don't need to tell you that I also value your friendship. The reason I never ask for anything in return for introducing you to models is because I consider it more of a favor and I know that you are also good for favors (as you have illustrated by letting [redacted text] stay w [sic, redacted text]. You're a solid person Jeffrey and that means the world to me. Let me know when you want to see [redacted text] or any of the other girls, and I'll set it up.

open image in gallery In an email dated 2009, Elkholy writes: Let me know when you want to see [redacted text] or any of the other girls, and I'll set it up ( US Department of Justice )

The BBC reports Elkholy regrets the language he used in some emails as well as his ties to Epstein, and said he had not been aware the sex offender had been abusing women. The Independent has attempted to reach out to representatives of Elkholy for comment.

Elkholy is now described as a musician, having founded the band Monotronic, and an anthropologist, but he was a model agent in the 2010s, according to the broadcaster.

It reports the emails between Elkholy and Epstein, dated from 2009 until just before the billionaires death in 2019, largely centred around access to female models, further highlighting how the financier developed contacts in the international modelling industry, using some to access women.
AMMAN, March 28 (Xinhua) -- The Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF) said Saturday the country intercepted most of the 22 missiles launched from Iran targeting Jordan during the fourth week of the ongoing regional conflict.

In a joint statement with the Public Security Directorate, the JAF's Military Media Directorate said the Royal Air Force successfully intercepted and destroyed most of the projectiles, though two missiles struck eastern areas of the country.

Since the outbreak of the conflict, Jordan has faced attacks from Iranian forces, with a total of 262 missiles and drones targeting its strategic sites, of which the Royal Air Force has intercepted 242, it said.

To date, authorities have recorded 478 incidents involving falling projectiles. These incidents have left 25 people injured, caused damage to 25 vehicles, 55 homes and shops, and 14 public properties, according to the statement. 
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Oudone Lothirath was just a child when he arrived in the United States as a Laotian refugee in the early 1980s, in search of a better life.

But some 45 years later, while he was supposed to be undergoing life-extending chemotherapy for his terminal Hodgkins lymphoma, Lothirath found himself languishing in a federal immigration detention facility.

His loved ones now say that missing vital chemotherapy sessions in January cut the 57-year-olds life even shorter, and he is now on his deathbed, receiving hospice care.

He was responding quite well to the chemo, Lothiraths friend and care assistant, Christina Vilay, said. He probably had another good year.

Vilay spoke to The Independent in a phone interview Friday from her home in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she and her husband are caring for Lothirath in his final days. Too sick to speak, Lothirath listened in on the call with Vilay at his bedside.

open image in gallery Oudone Lothirath is now receiving end-of-life care after being detained by ICE for 10 days and missing vital chemotherapy sessions. His friend, Christina Vilay, says he has just days to live ( Christina Vilay )

open image in gallery Lothirath, circled, pictured with his family shortly after arriving in the United States as a Laotian refugee in the early 1980s. He was detained by ICE in January and taken from his home in Minneapolis to Texas ( Lothirath family handout )

In early January, Lothirath was caught up in the Trump administrations immigration surge in Minnesota, where agents swamed his Minneapolis home the day before Renee Good was shot dead by an ICE officer, the Minnesota Star Tribune first reported. He lived one block away from the street where ICU nurse Alex Pretti was killed by federal agents less than two weeks later.

Despite being gravely ill, he was taken to a detention facility more than 1,300 miles away in El Paso, Texas, where he mostly slept on an uncomfortable bunk bed in a large tent with approximately 60 other detainees, until he was sent back to Minnesota, his family said.

It definitely got worse, Vilay said of the cancer that has since spread to Lothiraths bone marrow.

Vilay said she first met Lothirath three years ago at a local Buddhist temple she helps to run in Minneapolis. She has been by his side during his cancer struggle, and is sharing Lothiraths story on behalf of the family.

Lothirath, who also requires insulin for diabetes and medication for a heart condition, did not receive medical care while in detention and missed two chemotherapy sessions, Vilay claimed. He was so weak after his release that he was immediately hospitalized, and subsequently missed two more chemotherapy sessions, according to the care assistant.

He was too sick for the fourth session, and then ended up in the hospital again for eight days. So there went the fifth session, Vilay said.

open image in gallery Lothirath was caught up in the Trump administrations immigration surge in Minnesota, where agents swooped on his Minneapolis home the day before Renee Good was shot dead by an ICE officer ( Getty )

Had Lothirath undergone the five full rounds of chemotherapy he was due in January, he wouldve had many more months left to live, said Vilay, who added she is in regular contact with his oncology team.

By then the cancer was growing and made it into the bone marrow. He's been doing life-sustaining chemo for almost two years. It's been a wonder, Vilay said, and added Lothirath strived to live as normal a life as possible.

As long as he didn't get side effects, he could go to temple, go to the store and live at home by himself.

Lothirath was released from ICE detention and flown back to Minnesota after Vilay contacted his doctors and urged them to write a letter to the warden of the facility, detailing the urgency of his condition.

After being in ICE custody, [seeing] him walking out of that Whipple building, she said, referring to the notorious federal immigration center in Minneapolis, This was not the same person.

The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In the early 1980s, Lothiraths parents and their seven children were among the second wave of refugees from South East Asia to arrive in the U.S. after fleeing the violent communist government of Laos, which had taken control of the country in 1975 following the Vietnam War. They spent some time in a refugee camp in Thailand before being accepted to the U.S.

The family settled in Minnesota, which has the third-largest Lao population in America, according to the Lao Assistance Center of Minnesota.

open image in gallery Lothirath, circled, pictured with his parents and six siblings. They were among the second wave of refugees from South East Asia to arrive in the U.S. after fleeing the violent communist dictatorship of Laos ( Lothirath family handout )

You escaped with literally your life, Vilay said. With whatever little you could carry in your handsbecause if they caught you, they shot you on the spot, she said of the communist regime that had taken charge.

The family was struck by more tragedy shortly after arriving in the U.S., when Lothiraths father died from cancer.

You're new to a country, you don't know enough English, and then your father passes, Vilay said. [He had] no father figure and mom had several kids to take care of on her own all of a suddenso it was kind of a rough life.

During Januarys immigration surge, his mugshot was posted on the White House X account in a round up of Minnesota worst of worst. In it, the White House, said Lothirath was convicted of aggravated assault with a gun.

When he was 22, Lothirath was convicted in a drive-by shooting for aiding and abetting, according to Vilay.

He was the only one out of the friends who had a driver's license, so they asked him to drive them somewhere, and it ended up being where they had planned a drive-by, Vilay claimed. So they shot a gun out a window. And because he was the driver, he got in trouble.

According to a local report, his passenger shot from the car Lothirath was driving and struck the rear license plate of another car. He served six months in county jail for the crime, according to Vilay, which ended any path he may have had to become a naturalized U.S. citizen. Ever since then, he was required to regularly check in with immigration officials. His latest work authorization card was issued in 2023 by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, according to documents reviewed by The Independent.

He's just always worked, he's never married, never had kids, Vilay said. He ended up homeless for a while, just down on his luckBut he's always tried to do the right thing.

Vilay said that caring for him at her home was just a natural progression after supporting Lothirath through his cancer diagnosis, and she launched a GoFundMe page to contribute toward his funeral and medical expenses.

He wishes to be cremated and his ashes interred with his late father.

Last week, Vilay and her husband hosted a Buddhist Baci ceremony for Lothirath at home. The ceremony is like those final blessingsforgiving you for the things that you've done in the past and helping you move on to the future, she said.

Asked if her friend has any regrets about coming to the U.S. nearly 50 years ago, despite his recent ordeal with immigration enforcement, Vilay paused.

I know he's appreciative of the life that he's had here, the kind of the freedom the friends, the family, just everything that he's been able to do, she said. It was not a life, living in a camp.
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Two students were killed, and at least seven others were injured Friday in a school bus crash in west Tennessee, officials confirmed.

The collision, involving a Tennessee Department of Transportation dump truck, a Chevrolet Trailblazer, and the school bus, occurred around noon on Highway 70 in Carroll County.

Maj. Travis Plotzer, a spokesperson for the Tennessee Highway Patrol, stated there were 25 students and five adults on the bus.

The vehicle was transporting students and employees from Kenwood Middle School in Clarksville for a field trip to Jackson, Tennessee, the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System announced. The cause of the incident remains under investigation.

open image in gallery The vehicle was transporting students and employees from Kenwood Middle School in Clarksville for a field trip ( Joe Raedle/Getty Images )

Plotzer said during a news conference that two students died in the crash. Officials said at least seven other people were taken by air ambulance to hospitals in Tennessee. The nature of their injures was not immediately disclosed.

Four people were taken to Monroe Carrell Jr. Childrens Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville and are in stable condition, according to a Vanderbilt Health spokesperson.

It was not immediately known if other injured people were taken by ground ambulance to hospitals.
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In the early hours of Friday morning  with wraparound lines and cancelled flights at airports thanks to TSA officers not getting paid  the Senate passed a bill to fund its parent agency, the Department of Homeland Security, for the rest of the fiscal year. This came after a 41-days-and-counting shutdown.

The legislation would not fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and would not fund border patrol, given that Republicans refused to meet Democrats even halfway after an ICE officer shot and killed Renee Good and Customs and Border Protection shot and killed Alex Pretti in Minneapolis two months ago.

But already, the House Freedom Caucus revolted because the package did not include President Donald Trumps 2026 signature legislative priority, the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizenship to register to vote . That put Speaker Mike Johnson in a bind on his and Trumps lockstep messaging that Democrats were to blame for the shutdown. True to his form which tends to be fashioned on the philosophy that whatever the president wants, the president gets  Johnson then torpedoed the bill.

Neither side won anything. Democrats did not get any guardrails to ICEs practices  their major sticking point  since now Republicans are setting up a plan to fund ICE through the process of budget reconciliation, which allows them to avoid a Senate filibuster.

This is easily the dumbest government shutdown of the 21st century and heres who is to blame:

open image in gallery House Speaker Mike Johnson, acting in lockstep with messaging from President Donald Trump not to make a deal with Democrats, torpedoed a GOP-led Senate agreement to fund the government. ( AFP/Getty )

Donald Trump

The president doesnt write laws. He doesnt appropriate funds, and hes not responsible for passing a budget each year.

But since returning to power last January, Trump has taken little interest in the legislative gamesmanship and horse-trading that characterize relations between the White House and Capitol, especially on large, must-pass legislation such as appropriations bills.

Instead, hes remained on the sidelines while allowing Johnson to be hijacked by a small group of the most extreme right-ward fringes of the GOP caucus that routinely rejects any compromise with the Senate because the Senate allows Democrats to have input into legislation  a sentiment hes repeatedly encouraged through occasional Truth Social outbursts threatening to veto any legislation that puts any restrictions on immigration enforcement efforts.

Historically, Trump bullies the Freedom Caucus into folding. But if he remains checked out, he will face a major crisis on his hands as the internecine House-Senate warfare encouraged by Johnson causes his partys approval ratings to sink lower and lower as the midterms loom.

House Speaker Mike Johnson

Despite his groaning, Johnson refused even the most modest reforms toward ICE. Similar to the White House, he said Good weaponized her vehicle against an ICE agent. When asked about why he could not go along with a provision to require that ICE remove their masks , he said: ICE agents are being doxxed and targeted.

open image in gallery Travelers wait in line to go through security in Terminal 5 at John F. Kennedy International Airport on March 27, 2026 in New York ( Getty Images )

Now, Johnson owns this shutdown.

The Senate passed a bill to reopen the department and ICE is already pre-funded until 2029 to carry out Trumps mass deportation agenda. If brought to the House floor, the bill would likely receive unanimous support among Democrats and even a large contingent of Republican support.

Instead, Johnson is afraid of both Trump and an internal revolt from his own party, so he is throwing Senate Majority Leader John Thune under the bus.

Kristi Noem and the Department of Homeland Security

This shutdown might have been avoided had it not been for the killings of Good and Pretti.

Noem proceeded to not only call them domestic terrorists but then refused to apologize when given the opportunity to do so after the facts and videos came to light. She also led the agency as Trump dispatched it to Minneapolis and regularly tried to show overwhelming muscle agaknst a civilian populace.

open image in gallery Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem led the agency amid the killings of two American citizens. ( Getty Images )

The Trump administrations mass deportation regime was no longer seen as protecting the country from dangerous criminals but rather a rogue law enforcement agency patrolling the streets of American cities.

The rash decision-making and immediate attempts to smear American citizens led to Noems ouster. But many of the other architects of Trumps mass deportation regime such as border czar Tom Homan and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller remain, meaning little will change at the agency.

John Thune

The fact that the Senates majority leader split off Homeland Security funding from the rest of the government spending package spoke to the outrage Americans felt about ICEs actions.

But as negotiations continued, Thune and the Republican conference did not give one inch on ICE reform. By the end of it, Thune and Republicans all but admitted that they would have to pass additional ICE funding in budget reconciliation, which would allow them to sidestep a filibuster.

open image in gallery The House blowing up a deal Senate Majority Leader John Thune passed with Chuck Schumer represents a stunning failure. ( Getty )

Thune and Republicans ultimately relented and realized Democrats were never going to give up. But now, he has Johnson saying that Thune is not really in control of the Senate, House conservatives angry at him and Trump breathing down his back to terminate the filibuster, with no solution to the shutdown in sight.

Chuck Schumer

When CBP officers in Minneapolis killed Pretti, Schumer saw it as a moment of leverage and said immediately that Democrats would not vote to fund ICE.

open image in gallery Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer rejected Mike Johnsons proposal. He got John Thune to blink. But ICE is in no way reformed. ( AP )

In fairness to Schumer, he did a decent job this shutdown compared to the last shutdown in keeping his caucus together with almost no defections.

But the fact remains that even amid a DHS shutdown, ICE would still have money given that Republicans had pre-funded the agency to the tune of $75 billion in 2025 under the One Big, Beautiful Bill without DHS being funded.

Schumer risked putting his most vulnerable incumbent, Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia, at risk as lines wrapped around at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Schumer has had a target on his back for being inept from both progressives and even some moderates. He held tough this go-around, but without much to show for it.
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Vice President J.D. Vance dismissed podcaster and longtime Trump supporter-turned-critic Joe Rogans claim that MAGA supporters are dorks.

On Saturdays episode of The Benny Show, conservative commentator Benny Johnson asked Vance to respond to Rogans remarks, in which the former Fear Factor host labeled MAGA supporters uninteresting, unintelligent people and dorks.

Vance laughed off the characterization, reinforcing his support for the movements base while rejecting Rogans critique.

I think we have many, many fewer dorks than the far left, but everybody's got some dorks, Vance said. We love our dorks. We love our cool kids. We love anybody who wants to save the country.

The response comes after Rogan stated Thursday on The Joe Rogan Experience, which is the most listened to podcast in the U.S., according to Spotify, that MAGA has lost its focus.

JD Vance hit back at Joe Rogan calling MAGA voters 'dorks,' telling Benny Johnson, 'I think we have many, many fewer dorks than the far left' ( YouTube/Benny Johnson )

"That phrase sucks ... Make America Great Again, and then it becomes a movement of a bunch of f**king dorks because a lot of them are dorks, he said.

"A lot of them are these really weird, f**king uninteresting, unintelligent people that have got something they cling to, and there's a lot of people that are just real genuine patriots, and they're all lumped into this one group, and you got to accept the dorks, too? F** that.

Rogan, who initially endorsed Trump in the 2024 election, began distancing himself from the president late last year. Rather than fully backing Trumps policies, he started publicly challenging key aspects of the administrations agenda, including immigration enforcement, the war with Iran, and the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files.

He specifically criticized the aggressiveness of immigration raids, saying they often targeted people without serious criminal records and called the situation more complex than simply rounding up migrants. Rogan even questioned whether the U.S. was becoming overly militarized in its enforcement tactics.

On last weeks podcast, Rogan criticized Trumps military actions against Iran.

It just seems so insane based on what he ran on, Rogan told independent journalist Michael Shellenberger on his March 17 show. I mean, this is why a lot of people feel betrayed, right? He ran on No more wars, end these stupid, senseless wars, and then we have one that we cant even really clearly define why we did it.

Back on The Benny Show, Vance fired back at Rogan after he claimed that former President Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton were better at deporting illegals than Trump.

Joe is wrong on this. I'm going to text Joe, because that is definitely wrong, Vance told Johnson.
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FBI Director Kash Patel is moving to publicly release investigative files connected to Rep. Eric Swalwell from a decadesold probe involving a suspected Chinese intelligence operative, three people told The Washington Post Saturday.

Patel has allegedly directed agents within the FBIs San Francisco field office to prepare documents for release by rapidly redacting them ahead of making them public. The files stem from an investigation begun years ago that examined Swalwells interactions with an alleged Chinese intelligence operative, but did not result in charges or any official finding of wrongdoing.

The planned release of the files is part of an aggressive effort by the Trump administration to scrutinize Swalwell, a prominent critic of President Donald Trump and a Democratic candidate for California governor, according to people familiar with the matter. Such a move would be highly unusual, as the FBI typically does not make public records from investigations that did not result in criminal charges, The Post reported.

Kash Patel has reportedly ordered rapid redactions of FBI files tied to a past probe into Eric Swalwells (pictured) contacts with a suspected Chinese agent, which produced no charges or findings of wrongdoing ( Getty Images )

Christine Fang, also known as Fang Fang, is the Chinese woman who allegedly built relationships with Swalwell and other California politicians between 2011 and 2015. During that time, she assisted with fundraising for Swalwells 2014 reelection campaign and helped place an intern in his congressional office. After federal investigators raised concerns about her potential ties to Chinese intelligence around 2015, Swalwell reportedly severed all contact and cooperated with authorities.

Since taking over as FBI director, Patel has prioritized pursuing a potential case against Swalwell, reassigning multiple agents in the San Francisco field office to revisit the matter. FBI leadership has also considered sending agents to China to interview the suspected intelligence operative involved, believing she may possess damaging information, two insiders told The Post.

Swalwell was never accused of wrongdoing during the FBIs investigation into his past interactions with Fang, and the matter did not result in any charges. A later, two-year review by the Republican-led House Ethics Committee concluded in 2023 with no findings against him, ultimately deciding to take no further action.

Despite the case previously closing without action, FBI leaders have recently discussed offering Fang a U.S. visa in exchange for agreeing to speak with agents about Swalwell, according to people familiar with the matter. Such a move would be highly unusual, given that Fang has been suspected of ties to Chinese intelligence, and granting entry under those circumstances would break from typical national security practices.

An FBI spokesperson disputed any notion of improper motives in a statement to The Post.

The contentions in this story are incorrect. This FBI, being the most transparent in history, prepares documents for numerous different reasons, including for release to different agencies and departments to further review investigations that may have been opened under previous administrations, the spokesperson said.

The effort to release the investigative files indicates the FBI has so far been unable to build a criminal case against Swalwell, according to those familiar with the situation. Even without incriminating evidence, the files could still include detailed and potentially sensitive information about Swalwells personal life and campaign operations.

Swalwell told The Independent in a statement, "Through great reporting, we now know the outrageous ends the White House will go to target political opponents. The reason Trump is so desperately trying to stop me is not because I'm running for Governor of California but because now I'm the favorite. But Donald Trump and Kash Patel do not get to pick the next Governor. Californians do."

The Independent has contacted the FBI for comment.
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Tensions within MAGA are rising after House Republicans rebuked their Senate counterparts for departing Washington, D.C., without resolving the Department of Homeland Security shutdown, which has wreaked havoc at airports across the country.

Early Friday morning, the Senate advanced a bill to immediately restore most DHS funding  excluding ICE and border enforcement  before breaking for a two-week recess. Majority Leader John Thune and other GOP senators were later spotted flying out of the capital.

Hours later, however, the House rejected the bipartisan bill, which Speaker Mike Johnson sharply criticized for lacking funding for immigration operations.

This gambit that was done last night is a joke, Johnson said. Im quite convinced that it cant be that every Senate Republican read the language of this bill. Were not doing that.

The House instead passed its own stopgap measure to fund DHS at full funding for eight weeks.

open image in gallery MAGA lawmakers in the House have blasted their Republican counterparts in the Senate for fleeing Washington as the DHS shutdown drags on ( Getty Images )

A number of other rank-and-file MAGA representatives have since lashed out at their Senate colleagues.

"It is absolutely offensive to the people that we represent that the Senate would send over a bill that doesn't fund Border Patrol and the core components of ICE, Texas Rep. Chip Roy told reporters on Friday afternoon.

Could the Senate be any more lazy than to send to us a bill that doesn't do the job and then leave town? So we're going to stand up and say NO to that, he added. We're going to send back a bill that's responsible to the American people."

Echoing this sentiment, Florida Rep. Byron Donalds accused the Senate of taking a vacation while purposely leaving ICE operations unfunded.

Others placed the blame squarely on Thune, who sponsored an amendment to the Senate measure that omitted immigration enforcement appropriations.

Looks like Leader John Thune is on his way out of town with his private escort, controversial Florida Rep. Randy Fine wrote on X, posting a video of what appeared to be Thune rolling his luggage past airport security. This is very disappointing.

It is CLEAR that Senate Leadership just wants to derail the Trump Agenda, Tennessee Rep. Tim Burchett said in a video posted to social media.

open image in gallery As a result of the shutdown, TSA workers have gone without pay, prompting thousands to call out of work. The staffing shortages have led to lengthy lines at airport security and numerous missed flights ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

A number of MAGA influencers have also called for Thune  a South Dakota senator who was elected to his leadership position last year  to be removed.

Johnson, however, refrained from criticizing the Senate majority leader, instead pointing the finger at Democrats.

I wouldnt call John Thune the engineer of this, Johnson said on Friday. [Senate Minority Leader] Chuck Schumer and the Democrats in the Senate have forced this upon the Senate.

Democrats  who have resisted funding ICE and border operations without major reforms, which they say are necessary to rein in agents reckless behavior  appear to be relishing the GOP infighting.

Democrats are fighting to make life more affordable for the American people, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries wrote on X. MeanwhileUnhinged Republicans in the House and Senate are fighting each other.

With the Senate now in recess, the DHS shutdown, which has dragged on for 43 days, shows no signs of ending in the immediate future.

As a result, roughly 50,000 Transportation Security Administration agents have gone unpaid, prompting hundreds to quit and thousands to call out. The staffing shortages have caused long security lines at airports and forced many travelers to miss flights.

At the same time, other agencies under DHS, including FEMA, the Coast Guard and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, have been forced to scale back operations or furlough employees.
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Former Customs and Border Patrol "commander at large" Greg Bovino has had all of his official government social media accounts shut down after he refused to turn them over to the federal government, according to a new report.

Bovino became the face of President Donald Trump's anti-immigration raids in so-called sanctuary cities in 2025, and built a social media presence around his self-administered commander-at-large title. He stepped down from his role after nationwide backlash to Trumps immigration raids and the shooting deaths of two protesters, Alex Pretti and Renee Good.

Bovino was active on social media, especially X, but also on Facebook and Instagram, which together had some 850,000 followers. After taking over as "commander at large" of the agents sent into Los Angeles to conduct immigrant raids, he began posting flash social media videos hyping up the actions of ICE and Border Patrol agents while infuriating advocates for immigrant communities and those who had been on the receiving end of DHS enforcement.

The accounts he used to promote himself and the agencies actually belonged to the Border Patrol's El Centro, California, regional office.

On Thursday, the accounts were shuttered, according to a Washington Examiner report.

open image in gallery Former U.S. Border Patrol El Centro Sector Chief Greg Bovino with masked Department of Homeland Security agents in Chicago, Illinois. His social media accounts, which belong to the U.S. government, were seized after his retirement despite his wishes to keep them ( Reuters )

Chief Patrol Agent Bovino has retired from federal service and no longer has access to official government social media accounts, a spokesperson from U.S. Customs and Border Protection wrote in an email to the Examiner on Friday.

The outlet spoke to five people familiar with the conflict between Bovino and the federal government over the social media account.

One source told the Examiner that Border Patrol Commissioner Rodney Scott gave Bovino a direct order to return the pages/accounts names to reflect El Centro Sector and that new accounts would be created.

Bovino was reportedly upset because he believed he had grown the account and that the followers were there for him, not for the El Centro Sector. He wanted to keep his social media follower count high.

Bovino refused, arguing that the followers were his. He said he earned the followers and that his followers expected him to post from new cities, the source said. It was all about Greg Bovino getting attention and nothing else.

On August 4, Bovino posted an announcement on his accounts, noting that he was changing the name of an official government account to reflect his role.

"The @USBPChiefELC Facebook page will be changing names to 'Gregory K. Bovino, Commander-Operation At Large CA' - @CommanderOpAtLargeCA," he wrote at the time. "Moving forward, all content posted here will be related to Operation at Large in Los Angeles, CA."

No other Border Patrol region chief has ever renamed a regional social media account to reflect their persona assignment.

Another source told the Examiner that when Bovino was told to give up the accounts, he said, "Those are my followers, so I'm taking them with me."

Corey Lewandowski, President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign manager and a special employee for former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, allegedly protected Bovino from CBP's push to reclaim his social media, according to the sources.

Corey prevented the Commissioner from taking any action against Bovino, so that just empowered Bovino and his ego even more, a third source told the paper. Ever wonder why [Border Patrol] put boats on the river in Chicago? Bovino was willing to make agents literal sitting ducks just for the photo op.

open image in gallery A U.S. Customs and Border Patrol boat in the Chicago River in 2020 ( U.S. Border Patrol )

While Bovino was dabbling as a social media influencer, the El Centro region was left without an account to post news about developments there. The CBP allowed it to create three new accounts  one on Facebook, one on X, and one on Instagram  to post updates. But that meant starting fresh with zero followers and thus a diminished ability to share news widely.

An official claimed that Bovino's decision to take the social media account for himself "damaged" the El Centro region's ability to communicate with the public and the media.

Bovino left his "commander at large" role after the fatal shootings of two protesters by DHS agents in Minnesota. He retired two months later.

The Independent has requested comment from Bovino.
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Millions of Americans this week got an up-close view at Donald Trumps strongman impulse to use law enforcement officers and the military to solve his political problems.

The president  after months of violence and chaos in American cities  is cynically leveraging the idea of armed Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers inside more than a dozen major airports to pressure Democrats to vote for his agenda.

Instead, ICE officers have largely been seen standing around, leaning on barricades, talking and texting on phones, and staring at long security lines that they cant move any faster.

Its the latest of his largely performative deployments and politically motivated posturing to force Democratic officials to comply with his administration while also unleashing violent and sometimes lethal force against citizens and immigrants alike.

Whether its surging ICE and Border Patrol into Minneapolis or calling on the National Guard to pick up litter in the nations capital, Trump routinely treats federal law enforcement and a federalized military as his own personal army, or what a federal judge last year called a national police force with the president as its chief.

open image in gallery Trump has deployed ICE agents into more than a dozen airports during a partial government shutdown that has left TSA workers unpaid for more than a month ( AP )

Democratic officials and civil rights groups have accused the president of manufacturing crisis after crisis to justify boots on the ground in their states and cities, then declaring victory when theyre inevitably pulled out to go somewhere else and leaving terrorized communities in their wake.

Trump, unmoored from any close advisers willing to argue against his impulses in his second term, is doing what he tried to do in his first, when he allegedly urged cops to crack skulls and beat the f*** out of protesters, or just shoot them instead.

Thousands of immigrants were arrested in the Minnesota surge while the president used allegations of widespread fraud as a pretext for what officials there called an ongoing invasion, while none of those arrests were linked to those initial fraud cases. ICE and Border Patrol agents killed two people, and another person died in custody, adding to an in-custody death toll under ICE that is already on track to be the deadliest administration in decades.

Roughly 2,500 National Guard troops were pulled out of their states to patrol Washington, D.C., to address what Trump called an epidemic of crime, but members of Congress cannot point to tangible crime reduction successes specifically tied to their efforts. The Congressional Budget Office estimated that domestic troop deployments across the country last year cost nearly half a billion dollars.

And desperate to end a partial government shutdown that kicked off after Democratic lawmakers refused to pump more funding into Homeland Security without any guardrails against future violence and warrantless arrests, Trump deployed ICE officers to at least 14 airports where travelers are facing hours-long wait times to get through security.

Twice within the same week, Trump also floated sending National Guard troops into airports next.

open image in gallery Sending armed federal agents inside airports appears to be the presidents latest attempt to leverage threats of force to solve what he sees as an urgent political crisis ( REUTERS )

open image in gallery The White House insists that ICE officers are helping, by handing out water, holding passengers spots in security lines and in one case helping with an emergency involving an infant ( Getty Images )

The White House insists ICE is making a dent, whether officers are handing out water or holding travelers spots in security lines so they can use the bathroom. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said one officer jumped into action and restored an infants breathing who was unresponsive inside John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.

ICE officers were seen checking identification at security terminals in several airports and waving them through checkpoints, though its unclear whether their efforts are speeding up the lines. A spokesperson for Homeland Security said officers received standard TSA training curriculum to help.

Trump didnt seem to know exactly what theyll be doing, suggesting on Monday that theyre making immigration arrests and providing security like no one has ever seen before and then thanking them two days later for helping people with bags and picking up and cleaning areas with their much larger, and harder, muscles.

But Transportation and Security Administration agents say ICE cant do their jobs, which have been unpaid for more than a month during the DHS shutdown. Even TSA workers dont seem to know what ICE is actually doing there other than getting paid to be ICE.

Theyre the reason that were not getting paid, one worker unloaded to New York magazine.

A tweet went out and the next day theyre at the airport walking around sipping coffees, holding on to their vest, they wrote. They arrived on Monday, and now theyre hanging out in the break room doing nothing. Theyre warming up their lunch. I dont know what youre hungry from  you didnt do anything!

ICEs presence instead appears to be a warning to Democrats and Republicans who wont break up a filibuster to get his agenda through Congress: Fund DHS and pass a sweeping election law that also targets transgender Americans, or deal with them.

The Democrat shutdown has created chaos for American travelers and TSA employees alike, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson told The Independent.

Our great ICE officers are always ready to step in and help the American people when needed, she said. President Trumps brilliant idea to send ICE to airports has helped make the travel process smoother for travelers and provided much-needed relief to TSA employees who the Democrats have forced to work without pay for so long.

open image in gallery Agents have been reported standing around in groups, using their phones, and not making a dent in the hours-long security lines plaguing the nations busiest airports ( REUTERS )

open image in gallery Trump said the officers would be making immigration arrests and providing security like no one has ever seen before but later thanked them for helping people with bags and picking up and cleaning areas with their much larger, and harder, muscles ( Getty Images )

After repeatedly rejecting Democratic proposals that would separately fund TSA while hashing out plans for the rest of DHS, Republicans were reportedly pushing the White House for a state of emergency in a desperate bid to bail themselves out of the process altogether.

Trump said Thursday night he would sign an order to immediately pay TSA agents, and hours later, in the dead of night, the Senate passed a measure to fund DHS  leaving ICE and Border Patrol out of the picture, for now. This could have been done three weeks ago, Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said.

House Republican leaders immediately rejected the deal, and the Senate is in recess for two weeks through Easter.

Former ICE lawyer-turned-whistleblower Ryan Schwank warned that ICE officers are outside their experience.

Not only does this place these agents into unfamiliar roles, it forces the public to submit to a criminal checkpoint system if they wish to exercise their freedom of travel, he said. At best, this forces Americans to accept the same kind of checkpoint systems once used in the Soviet Union and East Germany. At worst, it could result in a violent confrontation between a tired traveler and an inexperienced agent.
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President Donald Trump has insisted Iran must open up the Strait of Trump and complained about not winning the Nobel Peace Prize in a meandering speech at the Future Investment Initiative Institute summit in Miami, Florida.

The president claimed Iran is begging to make a deal with the U.S. before he referred to the Strait of Hormuz as the Strait of Trump during the Friday evening event.

We're negotiating now, and itd be great if we could do something, but they have to open it up. They have to open up the Strait of Trump  I mean, Hormuz. Excuse me, I'm so sorry, such a terrible mistake, Trump said.

The fake news will say he accidentally said  there's no accidents with me, not too many. If there were, we'd have a major story, he added.

open image in gallery The president declared Iran must 'open up the Strait of Trump' at the Future Investment Initiative Institute summit in Miami, Florida ( REUTERS )

The presidents remarks come a day after he announced a 10-day pause on strikes against Irans energy plants.

The president also used his speech to again complain about not winning the Nobel Peace Prize last year.

If I don't get the Nobel Prize for peace, nobody will ever get it. I didn't get it. I'm not surprised. The person that got it was shocked  shes a wonderful woman too, by the way, he said.

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado won the prize in 2025 and later presented her award to the president, who called the offer such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect at the time.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump has again complained that he did not win the Nobel Peace Prize ( AP )

The president told attendees he wants to be known as a great peacemaker.

I know it doesn't sound right for me to say this, but I'd love my legacy to be made as a great peacemaker, because I really believe Im a peacemaker. It doesnt seem it right now, but I think I'm a peacemaker, he said.

The president again boasted he has stopped eight wars, a claim which has been repeatedly debunked.

The death toll continues to climb in the conflict in Iran started by the U.S. and Israel last month. Eighteen people have died in Israel and four Israeli soldiers have been killed in Lebanon, according to the Associated Press. Two Israeli soldiers were severely injured in Lebanon on Friday during an operational accident, the military said.

Authorities said more than 1,100 people have died in Lebanon and over 1,900 people have been killed in Iran. At least 13 American troops have been killed and four people in the occupied West Bank and 20 in Gulf Arab states have also died.

While the president was speaking Friday evening, the AP reported an Iranian missile attack wounded at least 10 American service members at Prince Sultan Air Base, according to two U.S. officials familiar with the situation. Two of the troops were seriously wounded, one of the officials told AP.

open image in gallery Residents and emergency workers sift through rubble of a residential building that was hit in an airstrike in the early hours of Friday in Tehran, Iran ( Getty )

During his remarks, Trump also played a clip of CNNs chief data analyst Harry Enten discussing an NBC News poll last week. The survey found 100 percent of MAGA voters support the president.

Enten also recently gave Trump a reality check about his popularity.

President Trump is quite popular with MAGA. MAGA very much enjoys this war. They very much love the president, Enten said Thursday on CNNs The Source.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump played a clip of CNN analyst Harry Enten discussing an NBC News poll that found 100 percent of MAGA voters support him ( Getty Images )

But of course, they are just a certain portion of the electorate. When you expand it out, the reality check is this: Donald Trump has never been more unpopular in his second term in office, he added.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll released Tuesday found the presidents overall approval rating is now at 36 percent, marking its lowest point since he took office last year.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.
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President Donald Trump has formally told the Department of Homeland Security to pay TSA despite a funding lapse after agents missed another paycheck.

In a presidential memorandum Friday, Trump directed Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Russell Vought, the director of the White Houses Office of Management and Budget, to use undisclosed funds to pay TSA employees, including 50,000 security officers at airports.

Its been about six weeks since the start of the partial government shutdown, which has seen airports hit with excruciatingly long security lines. Democrats have refused to fund DHS, which TSA is part of, until there are reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection.

While TSA agents have quit or called out of work due to missing paychecks, immigration agents are still getting paid thanks to funding from the presidents big beautiful bill signed last summer. Trump sent immigration agents to airports to help out, though they havent really impacted wait times that much.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump has formally told the Department of Homeland Security to pay TSA despite a funding lapse after agents missed another paycheck ( AFP via Getty Images )

Its unclear where the funds to pay TSA will come from. Trump wrote in the memorandum that he was directing Mullin and Vought to use funds that have a reasonable and logical nexus to TSA operations.

The Independent has reached out to the White Houses Office of Management and Budget for comment.

Trump used the memorandum to bash what he called the Democrat-caused shutdown.

If Democrats in the Congress will not act to honor the service of our TSA officers, who are now performing their critical public safety responsibilities without knowing whether they will be able to buy food for their families or pay their rent, then my Administration will take action, the president wrote, adding that the current circumstances constitute an emergency situation compromising the Nations security.

open image in gallery TSA employees, including 50,000 security officers at airports, will start getting paid as soon as Monday, DHS says ( AFP via Getty Images )

Trump said nearly 500 TSA agents have quit and thousands more have called out sick at record rates since they couldnt be paid. Friday reportedly marks another payday missed during the shutdown.

Security wait times at some airports have reached untenable lengths of three or more hours, the memorandum read. These increased wait times, combined with declining morale among TSA staff, unacceptably heighten the risk of security vulnerabilities within our domestic travel system and has negatively impacted countless Americans.

DHS wrote on X Friday that TSA agents should start getting paid as soon as Monday.

TSA is grateful to the President and Secretary for their leadership to put money back into the pockets of TSA employees who worked without pay during the ongoing Democrat DHS shutdown, the agency said.

The Senate passed a bill early Friday morning that would have funded most of the agency, including TSA, but Trump told Fox News Jacqui Heinrich it wasnt appropriate since it didnt include funding for ICE and CBP.

open image in gallery Democrats have refused to fund DHS, which TSA is part of, until there are reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection ( Getty Images )

House Speaker Mike Johnson also lambasted the bill Friday, telling reporters he will hold a vote on a different bill to fully fund DHS for 60 days as soon as possible.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said a 60-day continuing resolution that locks in the status quo is dead on arrival in the Senate.

Weve been clear from day one: Democrats will fund critical Homeland Security functionsbut we will not give a blank check to Trumps lawless and deadly immigration militia without reforms, Schumer said in a statement.

The Trump administration has received backlash for its massive immigration crackdown, which critics say uses aggressive tactics. U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti were gunned down in the streets of Minneapolis by immigration agents in January, causing public uproar. The administration framed both shootings as self-defense.

Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland before departing for Miami Friday, Trump said, The Democrats want to let illegals come into the country, criminals, murderers, every kind of criminal you can imagine, and the Republicans just dont want to have it happen.
KABUL, March 28 (Xinhua) -- The post-war Afghanistan exported carpets worth more than 18 million U.S. dollars last year, the spokesman for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Abdul Salam Jawad Akhundzada, has said.

Afghanistan exported 3,818 tons of carpet to countries including China, India, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, Uzbekistan, Germany, and Italy in 2025, the official Radio and Television of Afghanistan (RTA) quoted Akhundzada as saying on Friday night.

Afghanistan's hand-woven carpet is popular across the world, the official said, adding that efforts are underway to further develop the carpet industry in the post-war nation and create more job opportunities.

More than 1.2 million people are engaged in the carpet-producing sector in Afghanistan, according to the RTA.

The hand-woven carpet, saffron, dried fruit, talc, and precious and semi-precious stones are the main export items of Afghanistan. 
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President Donald Trump described a phone call about custom-made Sharpies at Thursdays Cabinet meeting  but a spokesperson for the pen brand told The Washington Post the conversation he recounted didnt happen.

We dont have any information about the conversation described. Were proud to be a beloved brand trusted by so many globally, a spokesperson for Newell Brands, which makes Sharpies, told the outlet.

The Independent has contacted the White House and Newell Brands for comment.

Trump launched into his Sharpie anecdote about an hour into his latest Cabinet meeting, where administration officials were discussing several pressing topics, including the Iran war and the Department of Homeland Security shutdown.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump described a phone call with the 'head of Sharpie,' but the company that makes the markers reportedly rejected his description of events ( Getty Images )

This pen is very inexpensive, but it writes well, I like it, Trump said, holding up a marker. But I can't have the pen the way it was  you know what it is? I don't want to give too much publicity, but they do treat me well, Sharpie.

The president then complained about how he was handing out expensive pens after signing events.

So, I came here, they have $1,000 pens. And you know, you hand pens out, you're signing and you hand them out. You're handing them to all these people, sometimes you have 30 or 40 people and they were $1,000 a piece, he said.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump complained that he was handing out '$1,000 pens' after signing events ( REUTERS )

Trump said he felt guilty, and wanted to find a way to save money.

I want to save money, so I'm saying, This is crazy. And I had another problem; they didn't write well. So, I take it out and I sign it and there's no ink and I've got all you people looking and you're saying, There must be something wrong with Trump. I'm signing and there's no ink in the pen and it cost $1,000, he explained.

That's when I called the guy. I said, I'd like to use your pen, but I can't have a gray thing with a big S on it saying Sharpie as I'm signing a $1 trillion airplane contract to buy brand new fighter jets, he added.

After a brief aside about former President Joe Biden and his autopen, Trump continued: He said, Well, I can make it nicer.

I said, What can you do? He said, I'll paint it black. I said, That's nice. And I can even paint the White House on it, sir, if you like, in gold. Almost real gold, not bad. And I can even do your signature, sir.

open image in gallery We dont have any information about the conversation described a spokesperson for Newell Brands, which makes Sharpies, told The Washington Post ( AP )

Trump then briefly turned to other topics, including the Federal Reserve building, before returning to Sharpies.

The president said: So the guy said to me, 'You don't have to pay me, sir, I'll give them to you for nothing.' I said, 'No, I don't want that. Let me pay you. I want to pay you. 'No, sir, you don't have to. You're the president of the United States.'

He was shocked  the head of Sharpie gets a call, I don't even know who the hell he is. He said, 'Is this really the president?' He said, 'No, you don't have to pay me, sir. This is such an honor. I said, 'Nope, I want to pay you.

He said, 'What would you like to pay?' I said, 'How about five bucks a pen?' He said, That's all right. Whatever the hell we agreed to, peanuts as opposed to $1,000.

Trump called the anecdote a business story.

So, for $5  it could be zero  but for $5 I get a much better pen than for $1,000. And I can hand them out and actually they become hot as a pistol, he said.

Social media users were quick to react to Trumps anecdote.

Ohhhhkaaayyy, writer Tom Nichols posted on X.

Wow. I'm going to be saying WTF? all day long, another user wrote.
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The Federal Aviation Administration issued ground stops for several airports in the Washington, D.C., area Friday evening because of a strong smell at an air traffic control center.

Temporary ground stops were issued for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, Baltimore-Washington International Airport, CharlottesvilleAlbemarle Airport and Richmond International Airport, an FAA spokesperson said.

These ground stops were issued around 6:40 p.m. local time and lifted less than two hours later.

The strong smell was reported at the Potomac Consolidated Terminal RADAR Approach Control, or TRACON, in Warrenton, Virginia, an agency spokesperson told The Independent.

Its still unclear what caused the odor. The Independent has requested more information from the FAA.

open image in gallery The FAA has issued a ground stop at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and other airports in the Washington, D.C., area on Friday evening ( AP )

FlightAware data shows that more than 170 flights were delayed at Baltimores airport on Friday. More than 200 flights were also delayed at Dulles, along with more than 300 flights at Reagan National, according to the flight tracking website.

This comes as travelers are already facing long security lines at airports across the country due to the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown.

This comes about two weeks after a strong odor was reported at the same air traffic control center, triggering ground stops at nearby airports. More than 30 FAA employees were evaluated, but none were taken to the hospital.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the March 13 incident was caused by an overheated circuit board.

open image in gallery Friday marks the second time in less than a month that an odor at the Potomac TRACON prompted ground stops at Washington, D.C., area airports ( AFP via Getty Images )

Firefighters from Fauquier County and Prince William County confirm there is no danger to air traffic controllers, and they are returning to the Potomac TRACON, he wrote on X. The source of the strong odor was traced to a circuit board that overheated, and it was replaced.

Passengers in Washington-area airports reported lengthy delays in the aftermath. At the time, passenger Kristen Rodrigues told CNN her flight to Chicago was delayed for hours thanks to the ground stops.

Two hours go by, were still on the runway  no updates  and I could see that the pilots are pretty frustrated, she said.
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US president Donald Trump insists talks with Iran to end the ongoing war are progressing very well, after sending a 15-point action list of demands via mediators.

But the United States has been unusually coy about the contents of the proposal and has yet to say who it is supposedly negotiating with, while Iran disputes that discussions are even taking place.

Rubbishing the plan this week, Iranian officials described the conditions as excessive, maximalist and unreasonable. Senior officials who reviewed the proposal felt it only served US and Israeli interests, a source told Reuters, though adding that diplomacy is still on the table.

Analysts have told The Independent that despite US boasts of success, the war will not be ended militarily, and one month since the conflict began, Iran feels it has the upper hand.

Eroded trust will make it harder for the US to make any breakthrough in diplomacy, they say, while an emboldened Iran will see any offer of truce as surrender.

open image in gallery Donald Trump maintains that Iran wants to make a deal  Tehran has called his proposals unreasonable ( Getty )

What do we know about the 15-point plan?

The White House is yet to confirm what is in its 15-point plan, and details leaked so far have come from a mix of Iranian officials and media reports.

Intermediaries say the proposal covers restraints on Irans nuclear programme, enhanced monitoring by the UNs nuclear watchdog, the dismantling of infrastructure and the handing over of existing enriched uranium. It would seek a permanent commitment from Iran never to develop nuclear weapons.

Dismantling infrastructure would include Iran getting rid of its nuclear sites in Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow, according to Israels Channel 12. All three were struck by the coalition forces last summer, but US intelligence assessed the strikes had only set back operations by months.

Iran would also no longer be able to enrich uranium in the country, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) would be given assurances of the right to monitor remaining nuclear infrastructure. Reports make brief mention of how the US could assist Iran in building up a civilian nuclear power industry and remove sanctions.

open image in gallery The US and Israel launched their first attacks on Tehran a month ago ( WANA )

The plan, as reported, would also look to end Irans support for regional proxies and curb its ballistic missile programme, and move to end the war with a 30-day ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Such a deal would be wider in scope than the discussions the US was holding with Iran earlier this year, aimed at resolving US-Israeli concerns about Irans nuclear programme. Similar talks were also held last year, before Israel attacked Iran.

Andreas Krieg, senior lecturer at the School of Security Studies at Kings College London, said that the demands outlined in the proposal are in line with what has already been tabled by the US on several occasions over the past year.

The difference this time is that it comes against a backdrop of zero mutual trust and a geopolitical standoff where Iran has better cards to play than the US.

He said the war has weakened the USs bargaining position, as Iran has shown it has a much, much higher pain threshold than the US.

Essentially, the US is offering a deal that Iran might have been able to accept as a foundation for negotiation prior to the war. Now that Iran feels it has the upper hand, it would likely ask for more and would be less ready to offer that much.

Trump has essentially no alternative to a diplomatic settlement. There is no military way out for him. His offer is taken by Iran as surrender.

open image in gallery Secretary of defence Pete Hegseth has repeatedly boasted of American military might  but the war still has no clear end in sight ( Getty )

How does the new plan differ from previous deals?

Analysts agree that the latest US offer is much wider in scope than the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the previous deal limiting Irans nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief that was agreed between Iran, the US, the UK, France, China, Russia and Germany in 2015.

Trump withdrew from that deal in 2018, as he argued it failed to curtail Irans missile programme and regional influence.

Dr Burcu Ozcelik, a senior research fellow for Middle East Security at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), said that the reported proposals look broader in ambition.

The latest debate over a diplomatic path is really the newest turn in what has become a quasi-theatrical, stunt-like saga about whether Washington is offering Iran a serious off-ramp or simply repackaging older hardline demands that were previously rejected by Tehran.

open image in gallery Satellite images over Fordow underground complex, before and after the US struck the underground facility last June ( Maxar Technologies )

From what has been reported, the 15-point plan echoes positions the US has pressed before. If true, then this is not JCPOA-style diplomacy revisited so much as a more maximalist set of terms that Tehran is bound to reject, she told The Independent.

The JCPOA was narrowly centred on the nuclear file and verification. What is now being described goes well beyond that and cuts into the military and regional pillars of Irans power.

The deal signed in 2015 aimed to ensure Irans nuclear programme remained exclusively peaceful. It gave a timeline for the lifting of nuclear-related sanctions.

Some sanctions remained in force, such as embargoes on arms and ballistic missiles for several years and restrictive measures against a number of sanctioned individuals.

The JCPOA aimed to rein in Irans ability to enrich uranium, cutting the number of gas centrifuges by two-thirds and forbidding it from enriching beyond 3.67 per cent purity for 15 years.

Like the new proposal, it also aimed to ensure the IAEA would have full access to declared sites and the ability to investigate suspected undeclared sites.

Proponents said the deal would help prevent a revival of Irans weapons programme and reduce the prospects for conflict. Opponents said it would only delay Iran from building a bomb, while sanctions relief would enable it to fuel terrorism in the region.

The IAEA said in 2016 that Iran was meeting its pledges, before Trump withdrew in 2018, saying the deal failed to address Irans missile programme and proxy warfare in the region. Iran accused the US of reneging on its commitments.

As such, diplomatic efforts since have focused not only on addressing Irans nuclear programme but also its ballistic missiles and influence over armed groups.

open image in gallery Trump reinstated sanctions against Iran after announcing the US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 ( AFP/Getty )

Will Iran accept the new offer?

Jason M Brodsky, policy director at United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), told The Independent that Trump appeared to be eyeing a much more expansive deal, which Iran is defying while it believes it has the upper hand.

President Trumps 15-point plan is completely different from the JCPOA, he said. The JCPOA was a narrowly tailored arms control agreement, which traded temporary constraints on Irans nuclear programme in exchange for permanent sanctions relief.

The new plan, he says, is more expansive and restrictive on the Iranian regime. Right now, Irans regime is publicly defying President Trumps plan because it thinks that it is winning  and its narrative of victory is being amplified by many in the West.

Under these conditions, it seeks to create more deterrence to break the war, negotiations, ceasefire, and war again dynamic. But as the regime is prone to do, it will likely overplay its hand.

open image in gallery Israeli soldiers along the border with Lebanon, which has been hit hard by Benjamin Netanyahus forces ( AP )

Dr Ozcelik warned that while the US may have more coercive power over Iran after a month of conflict, this is only one part of the overall assessment.

Coercive power does not automatically convert into actionable diplomatic leverage, especially as Iran has demonstrated that both its threat and exercise of asymmetric warfare tactics have successfully spooked global markets.

She said the approach could still be a classic Trumpian negotiating tactic, serving as a rough starting point for talks in which US negotiators later make concessions.
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As Israel prepares to occupy parts of southern Lebanon, weeks after warning it would take the territory, Palestines ambassador to the UK has warned what has happened in Gaza is only the beginning for the troubled region.

Israel says it needs to create a buffer zone in Lebanon, similar to Gaza, so it can fight Hezbollah and keep its territory safe.

Thousands of Lebanese have already been forced into tents, and UN calls for Lebanons territorial integrity to be respected appear to have fallen on deaf ears.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the Iran war, launched a month ago jointly with the US, is the fulfilment of a 40-year dream.

open image in gallery Husam Zomlot is the Palestinian ambassador to the UK ( AFP/Getty )

But Lebanons deputy prime minister expressed fears on Thursday the territory could create a new humanitarian crisis like the war-ravaged Palestinian enclave.

The Israeli military told The Independent that the buffer zone was made in order to provide an additional layer of defense for the residents of northern Israel, to continue preventing any emerging threats, and to protect against any attempts to infiltrate into the territory of the State of Israel.

It added that it operates against the Hezbollah terrorist organization, and not against the Lebanese Armed Forces or Lebanese civilians and accused Hezbollah of using civilian infrastructure and civilians to advance terror purposes, knowingly endangering the residents of Lebanon.

In an interview with The Independent at the new Palestinian embassy in London, ambassador Husam Zomlot says the writing for this has always been on the wall.

Israel is always in search of an enemy because they dont want to deal with the biggest elephant in the room, which is the Palestinian people, he explains, when asked about the current crisis in the Middle East.

We have warned the world for years: if this can happen in Gaza, it will be done elsewhere. And here you go.

open image in gallery First aid responders inspect the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted a building in the southern Lebanese town of Saksakiyeh ( AFP/Getty )

The United States has indicated it entered the war against Iran following Israels lead, pre-empting attacks on US military bases in retaliation for Israeli strikes  claims both countries later denied.

Regardless of the motivation, the ongoing war has nevertheless wreaked havoc across the region, upending oil markets and halting shipments across the world.

Mr Netanyahu said this week its assault on Lebanon was Israel expanding this security strip to keep the threat of anti-tank weapons away from our towns and our territory.

We are simply creating a larger buffer zone, he added. The Independent has contacted the Israeli military for comment.

With over one million people displaced in Lebanon and thousands killed and injured across the region, Mr Zomlot warns that a culture of impunity that was exercised in Gaza has now led to a flagrant disregard for diplomacy and order.

This is it, the longstanding critic of Israel and advocate for a Palestinian state says. We have said so many times: what happens in Palestine does not stay in Palestine. Whatever happens in Palestine spreads to the rest of the world.

open image in gallery The opening of the UK's first Palestinian embassy after the recognition of the state of Palestine ( Getty )

The Palestinian embassy, formerly the UK Palestinian Mission, is in an unassuming office down a side street in Hammersmith, in the west of the capital. Previously functioning as a charity, it was upgraded to embassy status in January after the UK recognised the state of Palestine in September last year.

But reaching this point has not been an easy journey. In November 2023 staff reported multiple attacks and death threats. The Met Police said they were investigating instances as hate incidents at the time.

In November 2025, masked activists approached the entrance with British and Israeli flags and vandalised the building with stickers that read I love the IDF (Israeli Defence Force), The Guardian reported, with Mr Zomlot calling for diplomatic protection.

It all comes amid an increasingly tense climate in the UK, as the impact of the troubles in the Middle East continue to reverberate closer to home.

Since the Hamas massacre in October 2023 and the subsequent deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza, Britain has seen a rise in both anti-Muslim and antisemitic incidents, the latter including a recent attack on ambulances serving the Jewish community in London.

open image in gallery Mr Zomlot served as head of the Palestinian Mission to the UK until the recognition of the state of Palestine by the British government led to the embassy being established ( AFP/Getty )

Mr Zomlot knows something about the personal cost of the bitter battle for Palestinian self-determination himself.

Born in 1973 in the Shaburah refugee camp in Rafah, run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, the conflict has served as the backdrop to most of his life.

He went on to study at Birzeit University, LSE and SOAS and earned a post-doctoral fellowship at Harvard. Returning to the UK in 2018 after serving as the representative for the Palestinian Mission in Washington, when the US embassy relocated to Jerusalem he was recalled and posted in London.

The politician has since gone on to become one of the regions most visible representatives in the West.

During the two-year Israeli military onslaught in Gaza, his wifes 7-year-old cousin, Sidra Hassouna, made headlines worldwide after a harrowing image of her body hanging over a wall went viral at the same time as the American Super Bowl aired in February 2024, prompting horror at the contrast.

open image in gallery Palestinians have been left living in the ruins of Gaza after two years of conflict ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

The diplomat has lost countless other family members to the war, saying in an October 2023 interview with the BBC: My cousin is not Hamas. These kids are not Hamas.

He believes the path to peace lies in international law and domestic policy that aligns with the UKs legal obligations if the political will is there to implement it.

The international criminal court issued an arrest warrant for Mr Netanyahu in November 2024 on accusations of war crimes, including allegations of starvation as a method of warfare.

Mr Netanyahus office called it an antisemitic decision  equivalent to the modern Dreyfus trial referring to the 1894 trial of a French Jewish artillery officer who was wrongfully convicted of treason due to antisemitism and later exonerated.

He added: Israel rejects with disgust the absurd and false actions and charges against it by the international criminal court, which is a biased and discriminatory political body.

open image in gallery Israeli strikes on Lebanon have intensified as Israel warns it plans to take over the territory ( Getty )

The law is the law, Mr Zomlot says. We need to respect these rules. You cant be selective when it comes to issues of legality.

Yet, annexation plans and illegal settler activity and violence have proliferated in the West Bank, and the Israeli governments plan to break up the E1 territory there would further fragment plans for a Palestinian state.

The UK and the international community must take concrete steps now, the ambassador says. We are reaching the point of no return.

Concerning the establishment of illegal Israeli settlements on Palestinian territory, he refers to UN Security Council Resolution 2334 issued in December 2016 and the International Court of Justices 2024 ruling.

What Im discussing with you about the action required is not a political demand. Its a legal obligation, he says.

open image in gallery A woman sits on rubble across from a residential building damaged during the US-Israeli air campaign in Tehran ( AP )

He believes sanctions, suspending trade talks and cancelling export licences to Israel would be first steps.

Palestine is now recognised as a state by 147 of 193 UN member states, with several nations including the UK, Canada and Australia taking formal steps last year. Mr Zomlot says its a welcome gesture, albeit one that has come very late.

From a political sense, if your policy is belief in a two-state solution, why has it taken so long to recognise the other state?

Over 72,134 people have been killed in Gaza, according to local officials, almost half of them women and children. Thousands more are missing and suspected to be under rubble.

This is not an earthquake or a tsunami that befall Gaza. This is a man-made orchestrated genocide by the occupying power that is Israel, he says.

open image in gallery Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted the southern Lebanese village of Dayr Seryan ( AFP/Getty )

Israel has vehemently denied that it is committing a genocide in Gaza and against the Palestinians, contrary to reports by groups including the United Nations and Amnesty International.

It is very important that Gaza is rebuilt by Palestinians, the ambassador stresses. Gaza is one of the oldest continuous human communities on Earth. It has a rich and ancient history. All we ask: Israel out. Leave the rest to us.

The core issue in the region is the issue of Palestine. You solve this, and you can establish a stable regional order.

Palestine is the only issue. It is a prerequisite for peace and stability in the region. The time is now.
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Yemeni rebel group, the Houthis, have launched missile attacks on Israel for the first time since the war began as thousands of US sailors and marines arrived in the Middle East on Saturday.

Their involvement risks broadening a conflict that has entered its fifth week, with the Houthis warning their operations will continue until the aggression by the US and Israel ends on all fronts. Israel confirmed it had intercepted a missile from Yemen.

The Houthis have previously demonstrated an ability to disrupt shipping lanes around the Arabian Peninsula and the Red Sea, as they did during Israels war in Gaza in 2024.

Their involvement comes as the world faces what has been described as the worst oil market crisis in history, with trade through the Strait of Hormuz at a standstill under Iranian control.

open image in gallery Houthi supporters shout slogans during a rally against Israel and the United States' war in Iran, in Sanaa, Yemen ( AP )

Thousands of naval troops arrived in the Middle East on Saturday as regional tensions accelerate.

According to US Central Command, the USS Tripoli arrived carrying around 3,500 American sailors and marines, along with transport and strike fighter aircraft, as well as a range of amphibious and tactical capabilities.

US Central Command said troops have arrived in its designated area of responsibility  a vast region spanning about four million square miles from South Asia through the Middle East to North Africa. Its precise location was not revealed.

They join thousands of marines deployed to the Middle East already after the outbreak of war on 28 February, in addition to the 50,000 troops stationed there.

open image in gallery US sailors and marines aboard the USS Tripoli ( US Centcom )

Last week, reports also indicated the Pentagon plans to dispatch at least 1,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division. Thousands of elite airborne soldiers are also expected to be deployed, according to Reuters news agency.

Earlier this week, the Wall Street Journal suggested that President Donald Trump is plotting to send 10,000 troops to the region in an attempt to defeat Iran, citing sources familiar with the matter.

Secretary of state Marco Rubio insisted on Friday that the US would achieve its goals without putting boots on the ground.

The Israeli military also appeared to indicate that some of its operations could be drawing to a close, assessing that it would finish targeting all of Irans key military sites by the end of the week, according to reports.

Overnight Israel is reported to have hit two nuclear program sites including a heavy water facility linked to plutonium production and a uranium processing site.

open image in gallery Smoke rises from the area of the Kuwait International Airport after a reported drone strike hit a fuel depot on March 25, 2026 ( AFP/Getty )

Irans president, Masoud Pezeshkian, warned that Tehran would continue fighting and vowed a decisive and crushing response to attacks on its infrastructure or economic centres.

We have said many times that Iran doesn't carry out pre-emptive attacks, but we will retaliate strongly if our infrastructure or economic centers are targeted, he wrote on X on Saturday.

To the countries of the region: If you want development and security, dont let our enemies run the war from your lands.

Pakistan, who has been involved in mediation between Iran and the US after Gulf countries found themselves embroiled in defence efforts, said that Iran demanded trust in order for talks to progress, according to Prime minister Shehbaz Sharifs office.

open image in gallery Reports suggested Trump is planning to send 10,000 troops to the Middle East to defeat Iran ( Getty )

Countries across the Gulf have continued to intercept attacks launched from Iran, including Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

Kuwait International Airport reported significant damage to its radar system after being targeted by 15 drones, according to the countrys defence ministry but no casualties were reported. Five people were injured after a ballistic missile was intercepted in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE.

Three Lebanese journalists were killed in Israeli strikes on a media car, according to the Hezbollahs Al Manar news outlet.

Prominent broadcaster Ali Shoeib, of the Al-Manar television station, Fatima Ftouni and her brother and cameraman Mohammed Ftouni from the al-Mayadeen outlet, were killed in the strike targeting their car, according to reports. The Israeli military is yet to comment.
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An Israeli airstrike on southern Lebanon on Saturday killed three journalists who were covering the latest Israel-Hezbollah war, their TV stations said.

Hezbollahs al-Manar TV said that its longtime correspondent Ali Shoeib was killed Saturday in southern Lebanon.

The Israeli military said that it had targeted Shoeib, accusing him of being a Hezbollah intelligence operative without providing evidence.

open image in gallery Hezbollah's al-Manar TV correspondent Ali Shoeib, who was killed in an Israeli strike in Jezzine along with other journalists on Saturday, March 28, 2026, is seen reporting in the town of Marjayoun, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All right reserved )

Meanwhile, Beirut-based pan-Arab Al-Mayadeen TV said reporter Fatima Ftouni was killed in the same airstrike in the southern district of Jezzine along with her brother Mohammed, a video journalist. She had just been on air with a live report from southern Lebanon before the strike.

Top officials in Lebanon condemned the strike, with President Joseph Aoun calling it a flagrant crime that violates all laws and agreements that protect journalists.

Al-Manar said in a report that an Israeli airstrike targeted journalists, leading to the martyrdom of the icon of resistance media." A well-known Lebanese war correspondent, Shoeib had covered south Lebanon for Al-Manar for nearly three decades.

open image in gallery A journalist carries burned safety gear, following an Israeli airstrike on a car that killed Hezbollah's al-Manar TV correspondent Ali Shoeib, Beirut's based Al-Mayadeen TV reporter Fatima Ftouni and her brother, video journalist Mohammed Ftouni, in the town of Jezzine, south Lebanon, Saturday, March 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari) ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All right reserved )

The Israeli army claimed that Shoeib was operating systematically to expose the locations of (Israeli) soldiers operating in southern Lebanon. The army also accused him of maintaining contact with Hezbollah militants and inciting against Israeli troops and civilians, without elaborating.

Al-Manar TV did not respond to the Israeli allegations but described its correspondent as distinguished by his professional and credible reporting of events.

Israels claim mirrored past Israeli military allegations against Palestinian journalists that it targeted in its war on Hamas the Gaza Strip, accusing them of being Hamas militants posing as reporters.

The Israeli military did not mention the two others who died in its statement.

open image in gallery Hezbollah's al-Manar TV correspondent Ali Shoeib, who was killed in an Israeli strike in Jezzine with other journalists on Saturday, March 28, 2026, speaks on his mobile phone in Marjayoun town, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All right reserved )

Since the last Israel-Hezbollah war began on March 2, Israels air force has struck Hezbollahs civilian targets, including the headquarters of Al-Manar and the groups Al-Nour radio station.

Saturdays strike came days after an Israeli airstrike on an apartment in central Beirut killed Mohammed Sherri, the head of political programs at Al-Manar TV, along with his wife.

The latest deaths bring the number of journalists and media workers killed this year in Lebanon to five.

The Committee to Protect Journalists said that freelance photojournalist Hussain Hamood, who used to collaborate with Al-Manar TV, was also killed Wednesday in the southern city of Nabatiyeh.
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The UK is playing a "prominent role" in safeguarding the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping route, U.S. secretary of state Marco Rubio has affirmed, as Iran moves to impose a "toll booth" system in the crucial waterway.

Mr Rubio stated that confronting Tehrans grip on the maritime passage would be among the "immediate challenges" after the current Middle East conflict, stressing that "the world better step up" to address it.

Britain's key contribution was underscored by Mr Rubio, following recent criticism from Donald Trump, who attacked Sir Keir Starmer over his stance on the conflict and dismissed the UKs aircraft carriers as "toys".

Amid ongoing military strikes by the U.S. and Israel, Iran's tightening control over the pinchpoint has already caused global oil and gas prices to skyrocket.

Amid ongoing military strikes by the U.S. and Israel, Iran's tightening control over the pinchpoint has already caused global oil and gas prices to skyrocket ( Nathan Howard/Getty Images )

Commercial tankers are being vetted by the countrys Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) with some reportedly being charged up to two million dollars (1.5 million) for safe passage.

Shipping information firm Lloyds List Intelligence said: Irans IRGC has imposed a de facto toll booth regime in the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking after meeting his counterparts from the G7 group of leading democracies in France, Mr Rubio said he expected the campaign against Iran to end in a matter of weeks, not months, and that Washington could meet all its aims without using ground troops.

It came after Mr Trump again delayed his threat of energy plant destruction in Iran and insisted talks aimed at securing a ceasefire were going very well despite few details known about who the US is in discussions with.

On the ongoing military operation, Mr Rubio said: Obviously, we have some work to do. We have to finish the job, and we are finishing that job.

I did describe to our allies, however, that immediately after this thing ends and our  were done with our objectives, one of the immediate challenges were going to face is an Iran that may decide that they want to set up a tolling system in the Strait of Hormuz.

Not only is this illegal, its unacceptable. Its dangerous to the world, and its important that the world have a plan to confront it.

He added: The United States is prepared to be a part of that plan. We dont have to lead that plan, but we  were happy to be a part of it.

But these countries have a lot at stake, not just the G7 countries, but countries in Asia and all over the world have a lot at stake and should contribute greatly to that effort to ensure that neither the Strait of Hormuz or, frankly, any international waterways should ever be something thats controlled or tolled by a nation-state or by a terroristic government like the one that exists in Iran today, and thats their radical clerical regime.

So there seemed to be a lot of buy-in to that concept. Theres a lot of work happening right now. The UK has played a prominent role in bringing that together, but other countries as well, and there seemed to be a lot of acceptance of all that.

Mr Rubio claimed there had been confusion over the US wanting to draw allies into the war itself, but described their involvement as a post-conflict necessity.

He said: Look, I dont care what Iran says. The first few tankers that go through the strait after this operation is over, theyre going to want an escort from somebody or theyre not going to be able to get insurance. So the world better step up.

He added: So well be there to help. Were willing to be a part of that coalition. But weve encouraged others to sort of put it together, and many today signified not only that they understood that message and agreed with it, but they were working hard to make that happen.
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The Israeli military killed a 15-year-old Palestinian boy near Bethlehem late on Friday, according to the Palestinian health ministry, as violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank surges.

The Palestinian health ministry said in a statement that the 15-year-old boy had died after arriving at the hospital in a critical condition with a gunshot wound to the abdomen.

The boy had been shot in the Dheisheh camp during an Israeli military raid, the Palestinian WAFA state news agency reported.

The Israeli military said a Palestinian was killed after soldiers opened fire during what it described as a "violent riot" in which stones were thrown at soldiers near Bethlehem. The statement did not identify the Palestinian killed or specify why Israeli forces were in the area.

It was the third reported Palestinian killed in the West Bank by Israeli forces on Friday. The WAFA earlier on Friday reported that two Palestinian men had been shot dead by Israeli forces.

The West Bank has seen a surge in violence since October 2023 when Hamas carried out its deadly attack on Israel from Gaza.

Since then, the military has tightened restrictions on Palestinian movement in the West Bank, and launched raids that have displaced entire communities, while violence perpetrated by Israeli settlers against Palestinians has increased.

Palestinians have also carried out deadly attacks against Israelis.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military also killed three Palestinian men in Gaza on Saturday in two separate air strikes, local health officials and medics said.

open image in gallery A Palestinian young woman rushes away from the site of Israeli air strikes on a six-storey building in the Saftawi neighborhood west of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip on August 19, 2025 ( AFP/Getty )

Palestinian health officials said one man was killed in an air strike on a car in the Khan Younis area in southern Gaza, while medics said two adult brothers were killed in Shujiaya, a neighbourhood east of Gaza City.

The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the two air strikes.

The military has killed more than 680 Palestinians in Gaza since a ceasefire with Hamas came into effect in November, local health officials say. More than 72,000 have been killed since the war started in October 2023.

Israel is now also waging a war alongside the U.S. against Iran, and is carrying out a new campaign against Hezbollah where Israeli forces have invaded southern Lebanon.

The Hamas-affiliated Shehab News Agency said the brothers were killed in an air strike by the Israeli military after an Israeli-backed Palestinian militia in Gaza had tried to abduct them.

Neither Hamas nor any other militant group has identified the brothers as members.

Witnesses told Reuters the two brothers, armed with guns, clashed with the militia and that they were later targeted by drones. The witnesses also reported Israeli tanks opening fire.

Violence in Gaza has persisted despite the ceasefire and amid Israel's war with Iran. Health officials in the territory say at least 40 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since the Iran conflict began a month ago.
Michael Houghton: My son hasnt quite realised that the 500 or so he might receive for his first communion represents only a fraction of what the day will cost us
For thousands of years, "spring farming" meant working the land with hand-plows and cattle. Today, technology is rewriting that story. Xinhua correspondent Rick heads to the fields of Shandong Province, east China, to talk to the people feeding the nation and see what life is really like for modern Chinese farmers.
Dublin solicitor who was accused of sexual assault by son leaves almost 50m in his will

Walter Beatty Sr was previously president of the Law Society

Walter Beatty Sr at a Jurys Doyle AGM in 1999. Photo: Graham Hughes/Photocall

Niamh Horan Sat 28 Mar 2026 at 06:30

A Dublin solicitor and hotel investor who was accused of sexual assault by one of his sons has left almost 50m in his will.
Life lessons: From marriage to setting up your own business  take advice from those whove been there and done it
People shouldnt have to die in secret  End of Life Ireland brings voluntary assisted dying conversation to Limerick

Campaigners Marie Fleming and Vicky Phelan were remembered at event in Technological University of the Shannon

Katie Verling, Tom Curran, Janie Lazar and Assistant Lecturer, Faculty of Science ans Health (Midwest) TUS, Jennifer Moran Stritch.

Edana Flynn Sat 28 Mar 2026 at 12:00

Terminally ill people in Ireland are still unable to access voluntary assisted dying, a campaign group has said, as it called for renewed political focus on legislation that has yet to progress in the Dail.
How working from home could take the steam out of the energy crisis

With almost one million people in Ireland already remote working at least some of the time, could this measure ease cost pressures and reduce demand for fuel? Here, experts and commuters share their views

Interior Designer Lana Dullaghan tells how the fuel crisis is affecting her business

Kim Bielenberg and Arlene Harris Sat 28 Mar 2026 at 06:30

With the war in the Middle East still causing instability and spiralling fuel prices across the world, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has recommended working from home as one of the immediate remedies during the crisis.
Antonia Langford: How Ukraine has thwarted Vladimir Putin's plan to make billions from Iran war

Bold strikes on oil infrastructure will drain the coffers of the war machine

A satellite image shows smoke rising from Russias Baltic port of Ust-Luga after a Ukrainian strike on Wednesday, in Ust-Luga, Leningrad Oblast, Russia. Photo: Reuters

Antonia Langford Telegraph Media Group Holdings Ltd Sat 28 Mar 2026 at 06:30

The wall of fire at Russias prized Ust-Luga oil port sent plumes of smoke into the air so high that they could be seen from Finland.
Overdiagnosis, capacity issues and economic factors are key concerns for doctors

Last week in a column entitled Why extra cancer screening can sometimes do more harm than good, Sarah Carey argued that the well-intended instinct to expand cancer screening risked tipping from prudence into panic-mongering. She warned against overdiagnosis, false positives, and the psychological and clinical consequences of treating disease that may never have become life-limiting. She wasnt wrong.
When your own flesh and blood considers making a match with a septugenarian, its time to reconsider the dating scene

On holiday in Spain with my dad at the end of February, he nearly sold me to a man from Cork.

The man in question was well into his 70s, had never been married, but saw me as a good and honest prospect. He told me: Ive a touch of arthritis, a touch of asthma and a touch of heart disease, but Im good 90pc of the week. He never explained what went on during the 10pc.
Sam Kiley: Donald Trump would need to send a million soldiers for successful invasion of Iran

The US might even succeed  until drone footage from a kill-cam shows the final, terrified moments of American soldiers to the world

Iranian Red Crescent Society members carry away a body bag after an overnight U.S.-Israeli strike in Tehran on Friday. Photo: AP

Sam Kiley UK Independent Sat 28 Mar 2026 at 06:30

Donald Trump is thinking about sending an extra 10,000 soldiers to the Middle East for his war on Iran to join the 3,000 paratroopers and about 5,000 US Marines possibly for ground attacks on Iran.
All are agreed that Bandon needs more car-parking spaces, but businesses and residents share concerns that proposed change could negatively impact town centre

Local councillors have called on Cork County Council to maximise the number of public parking spaces in Bandon amid concerns from businesses and residents that proposed new by-laws aimed at increasing parking space turnover could negatively impact the town centre.

A public consultation process is currently underway on the draft parking by-laws, which would impose maximum stay durations of between two and three hours in the West Cork towns four public car parks.

In a motion brought before this months meeting of the Bandon-Kinsale Municipal District, Cllr John Michael Foley requested that the council identify any possible space savings that might provide more parking in the four car parks. He also called on the local authority to advertise on local media seeking property owners with yards that might be suitable for parking.

Cllr Foley said his motion reflects the concerns from the business community and residents in Bandon, people who are deeply invested in the future of the town.

He said a lot of views were aired at a recent public meeting on the issue and we need to acknowledge the concerns of residents, especially those living in apartments in the town centre.

There are very real practical questions here in relation to the proposed by-law changes. Where are residents expected to park long term? Will they be able to apply for permits? Will there be flexibility or exemptions for them around the two-hour limits in council car parks? he said.

He also asked whether there could be scope for exemptions from the time limits in certain cases. For example, services like doctor surgeries may need staff to have a car parked nearby at all times for emergencies or house calls.

Describing the proposed by-laws as a step in the right direction, particularly in improving turnover of parking spaces in the town centre, Cllr Foley said they will need to be carefully monitored to ensure they are working properly.

The motion was seconded by Cllr John Collins, who said he has noticed that in recent weeks, parking is being pushed and pushed out of the town centre. There has to be something looked at in the town centre because they [businesses] are the ratepayers.

"They are the people that are looking for to do business to pay their rates, to pay their wages, to pay their staff and we really do need to give a bit more attention in trying to find something for them in that area, he said.

Cllr Ann Bambury pointed out that with 200 additional houses granted planning permission in very close proximity to town, this is inevitably going to increase pressure on existing parking infrastructure, outside of visitors and outside of current constraints that are there at the moment.

The Bandon councillor said she thinks the new by-laws will be beneficial but is a little bit sceptical about how the proposed time restrictions will impact visitors to the town. She urged people to engage in the consultation process which runs until April 15 and said that community voices will have to taken into account in any parking policies that are enacted in our community.

Padraig Barrett, Director of Services in the councils Roads and Transportation section, welcomed the councillors feedback and said it certainly highlights for us the need to look for opportunities for parking everywhere we can. It puts pressure on us to continue to do our best to find as many parking spaces in this busy commercial town as we can and we will do that.

The fact that you have hundreds of spaces in public car parks within 300 metres of the main street, I think it's incumbent on us to make the most of those. It's incumbent on us to get the most out of all of the spaces that are within our control, that we are in ownership of, and we will look to do that at every opportunity, he said.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Guests communicate during "Invest in Ethiopia" High-Level Business Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, March 27, 2026. Ethiopia's flagship investment forum, dubbed "Invest in Ethiopia," concluded on Friday with the signing of investment agreements worth over 13 billion U.S. dollars. The fourth edition of the forum was held under the theme "Ethiopia: Ready for Business" in Addis Ababa, the country's capital, attracting hundreds of investors, business leaders, and advisors from across the globe, according to the organizers. (Xinhua/Geng Xinning)

ADDIS ABABA, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia's flagship investment forum, dubbed "Invest in Ethiopia," concluded on Friday with the signing of investment agreements worth over 13 billion U.S. dollars.

The fourth edition of the forum was held under the theme "Ethiopia: Ready for Business" in Addis Ababa, the country's capital, attracting hundreds of investors, business leaders, and advisors from across the globe, according to the organizers.

Addressing the closing session, Ethiopia's Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide said that the forum reflects Ethiopia's shift towards targeted investment attraction, robust regulatory reforms, and a more integrated approach to facilitating investments that drive exports, create jobs, and advance economic transformation.

The signing of seven investment deals, covering mining, manufacturing, real estate, renewable energy, and other sectors with investors from China, Kenya, India, and Poland, among others, showcases Ethiopia's achievements as a new investment frontier of Africa, according to the finance minister.

The Ethiopian Investment Commission said the forum, serving as a key platform for forging partnerships and expanding investment opportunities, reinforces the country's growing reputation as a competitive and attractive investment destination.

It noted that the newly secured investments are expected to play a critical role in job creation, foreign exchange generation, and technology transfer, further strengthening Ethiopia's economic transformation agenda.

Amid the expanding China-Ethiopia partnership in investment and other sectors, Chinese enterprises accounted for the largest share of investment deals signed on the margins of the two-day forum.

Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Chen Hai said on the occasion that Chinese enterprises have actively participated and reached a number of agreements with the Ethiopian side during the forum.

Highlighting that China and Ethiopia enjoy an all-weather strategic partnership, he said China has been the East African country's largest trading partner and source of foreign direct investment for many consecutive years.

Chen emphasized that Chinese enterprises have deeply engaged in and made positive contributions to various sectors in Ethiopia, including industry and agriculture, infrastructure, transportation, energy, telecommunications, and the digital and smart industries, continuously supporting Ethiopia's industrialization and modernization drive.

"China will actively assist Ethiopia in fully leveraging the policy dividends of the already implemented zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines, further unlock trade and investment potential, and upgrade China-Ethiopia economic and trade cooperation," he said.

The annual high-level business forum, organized by the Ethiopian government and its development partners, aimed at positioning the country as a leading investment hub in Africa and beyond. 

Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Chen Hai addresses the closing session of "Invest in Ethiopia" High-Level Business Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, March 27, 2026. Ethiopia's flagship investment forum, dubbed "Invest in Ethiopia," concluded on Friday with the signing of investment agreements worth over 13 billion U.S. dollars. The fourth edition of the forum was held under the theme "Ethiopia: Ready for Business" in Addis Ababa, the country's capital, attracting hundreds of investors, business leaders, and advisors from across the globe, according to the organizers. (Xinhua/Geng Xinning)

Guests communicate during "Invest in Ethiopia" High-Level Business Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, March 27, 2026. Ethiopia's flagship investment forum, dubbed "Invest in Ethiopia," concluded on Friday with the signing of investment agreements worth over 13 billion U.S. dollars. The fourth edition of the forum was held under the theme "Ethiopia: Ready for Business" in Addis Ababa, the country's capital, attracting hundreds of investors, business leaders, and advisors from across the globe, according to the organizers. (Xinhua/Geng Xinning)

Guests attend the signing ceremony of investment deals during "Invest in Ethiopia" High-Level Business Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, March 27, 2026. Ethiopia's flagship investment forum, dubbed "Invest in Ethiopia," concluded on Friday with the signing of investment agreements worth over 13 billion U.S. dollars. The fourth edition of the forum was held under the theme "Ethiopia: Ready for Business" in Addis Ababa, the country's capital, attracting hundreds of investors, business leaders, and advisors from across the globe, according to the organizers. (Xinhua/Geng Xinning)

Guests communicate during "Invest in Ethiopia" High-Level Business Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, March 27, 2026. Ethiopia's flagship investment forum, dubbed "Invest in Ethiopia," concluded on Friday with the signing of investment agreements worth over 13 billion U.S. dollars. The fourth edition of the forum was held under the theme "Ethiopia: Ready for Business" in Addis Ababa, the country's capital, attracting hundreds of investors, business leaders, and advisors from across the globe, according to the organizers. (Xinhua/Geng Xinning)

Guests communicate during "Invest in Ethiopia" High-Level Business Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, March 27, 2026. Ethiopia's flagship investment forum, dubbed "Invest in Ethiopia," concluded on Friday with the signing of investment agreements worth over 13 billion U.S. dollars. The fourth edition of the forum was held under the theme "Ethiopia: Ready for Business" in Addis Ababa, the country's capital, attracting hundreds of investors, business leaders, and advisors from across the globe, according to the organizers. (Xinhua/Geng Xinning)

Guests attend a discussion during "Invest in Ethiopia" High-Level Business Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, March 27, 2026. Ethiopia's flagship investment forum, dubbed "Invest in Ethiopia," concluded on Friday with the signing of investment agreements worth over 13 billion U.S. dollars. The fourth edition of the forum was held under the theme "Ethiopia: Ready for Business" in Addis Ababa, the country's capital, attracting hundreds of investors, business leaders, and advisors from across the globe, according to the organizers. (Xinhua/Geng Xinning)
A judge has described the case of a couple who had shared a life together for decades but found themselves in court at the later stage of their lives over the breach of a protection order as a very sad situation.

Judge John Brennan made the comments in ruling on the case of a woman who told Tallaght District Court that she was left terrified and sleeping with a couch pushed against her bedroom door after her long-term partner called her vicious and said all Irish women are b*****s.

The defendant, who is aged in his early 70s, was given the probation act after pleading not guilty to breaching a protection order that was in place since July 2023, contrary to the Domestic Violence Act.

At the start of the hearing, the woman said the accused - who moved from Morocco to Ireland decades ago - did not need an interpreter and claimed his English was at the same level as her own. She said he had been speaking English at the time of the incident.

The woman told Judge John Brennan that on February 7, 2024, the accused followed her from the sitting room into the kitchen of her home and, without provocation, called her a b***h, vicious and said all Irish women are b*****s.

She said she was terrified by the incident and went straight to a station, where a garda told the court she was shaken and upset.

The woman denied defence suggestions that she had been angry with the accused, had called him a "b*****d" or had stormed out of the house after an argument. She said that did not happen and insisted she had not said anything to provoke the defendant.

She rejected a suggestion that the accused had ignored her and that this had caused her to become angry. She said he instigated the incident and had no right to insult her.

The court heard that the accused, who is originally from Morocco, had lived in Spain for many years before moving to Ireland decades ago. He denied the allegation and told the court the couple argued but would reconcile. He said she had insulted him.

Judge Brennan said it was unusual that the accused required an interpreter, given he had lived and worked in Ireland for decades and had been in a relationship with an Irish woman for a long period.

The accused told the court that he speaks several languages, including Spanish, Arabic, Italian and French.

The prosecution said the womans account had remained consistent and pointed to how quickly she reported the incident, as well as evidence that she was shaken when she went to the garda station.

Judge Brennan described the case as a very sad situation involving a couple who had shared a life together and now found themselves before the court at a later stage in life.

He said he accepted the womans evidence that she was followed into the kitchen and, without provocation, was called vicious, a bitch and told that all Irish women are bitches.

Judge Brennan said her evidence was clear and reliable and that he did not accept the accuseds account.

In a victim impact statement, the woman told the court she had been terrified by her former partner.

She said she slept in another room and would lock the door or put a couch against it. She said she felt belittled by what had been said to her.

In mitigation, defence counsel Ethan Foley BL said the accused was a hard-working man in his early 70s with no previous convictions and a number of health issues for which he is on medication.

The court also heard the parties are now separating and that the man will be leaving the family home. Counsel said the offence, while serious, was at the lower end of the scale for this type of charge.

Judge Brennan said that although the offence was at the lower end of the scale, this did not reduce the impact on the injured party, who had clearly been severely affected and had to come to court to give evidence following the not guilty plea.

Taking into account the accuseds age, health issues and lack of previous convictions, Judge Brennan applied section 1(1) of the Probation of Offenders Act, saying he was satisfied the accused had learned his lesson and would not come before the courts again.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.
An offender who smashed a window with a bottle during a drunken argument and told gardai to f**k off while being arrested has been given "one final opportunity" to address his alcohol difficulties by a judge.

Judge Derek Cooney asked: "How can we help this man if he is not willing to help himself?" as he warned 59-year-old David Doyle he would send him to prison if he offends again.

Doyle, with an address at Kilcross Square, Sandyford Road, Dublin 18, pleaded guilty to theft, criminal damage, intoxication in a public place, threatening and abusive behaviour, resisting arrest and two counts of failing to appear in court, arising from incidents between June 2024 and October 2025.

At Dun Laoghaire District Court, Judge Cooney heard that Doyle stole five bottles of white wine valued at 49.95 from Lidl, Dundrum Town Centre, on June 30, 2024.

On October 21, 2024, at Sandyford Road, Dundrum, Doyle was intoxicated in a public place and was described as very loud, shouting and unsteady on his feet. The court heard he told gardai to f**k off when asked to leave the area.

In December 2024, Doyle was again highly intoxicated during an argument at an apartment in Ballinteer. The court heard he stormed out and threw a bottle at an upstairs bedroom window, smashing the glass.

Doyle was again intoxicated in a public place at The Maltings, Bonham Street, Dublin 8 on April 3, 2025, where he behaved in a threatening manner and resisted arrest.

The court was told Doyle has six previous convictions, including a public order offence for which he was fined 1,200 in July 2024.

Defence solicitor, Patricia Camilon, said her client wished to apologise to the court and to An Garda Siochana. She said Doyle had been homeless for a number of years and had been engaging with the Peter McVerry Trust, linking in weekly with a key worker.

Counsel told the court that Mr Doyle was diagnosed with stage four cancer approximately three years ago and continues to undergo treatment, including regular oncology appointments at St Jamess Hospital.

It was submitted that difficult personal circumstances had contributed to a relapse in alcohol misuse, but that Doyle is now remorseful.

Judge Cooney said the probation report was not positive and noted concerns about Doyles engagement with services.

He said the purpose of probation was to help the defendant address the underlying alcohol problem, adding: "How can we help this man if he is not willing to help himself?"

The judge said the easiest option would be to impose a six-month custodial sentence, but he did not wish to see Doyle lose his accommodation or support.

He said he would give Doyle "one final opportunity" and imposed a probation bond, directing him to engage fully with the Probation Service.

Judge Cooney warned that if Doyle failed to engage, he would be back before the court facing a custodial sentence.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.
The inaugural winners of the University of Galways Nelson Mandela Leadership Award will relinquish their titles in protest of the universitys continued partnership with an Israeli institution.

University of Galway graduates Dylan and Shane OHalloran are to return their awards during this years anti-racism week to protest the universitys ties with Technion, an Israeli institution that is participating in a research project titled Asterisk, which is coordinated by the University of Galway.
Proinsias O Coinn, Louise Cantillon and Kerry man Seaghan O Suilleabhain will star together in new series of Teacs Taistil which will returns to TG4 on Thursday April 2 at 9.30pm.

Kerrys Seaghan O Suilleabhain will be back on our screens this week when the hit TG4 travel show, Teacs Taistil, returns on Thursday, April 2, at 9.30pm.

Hailed as its most action-packed and ambitious season yet, this fourth series of the show will see Seaghan and his fellow presenters, Louise Cantillon and Proinsias O Coinn, diving headfirst into communities around the globe with higher stakes, tougher challenges, and plenty of mighty craic along the way.

The show will see the trio head from Chicago to Toronto to Larnaca in Cyprus to Bucharest and Rhodes in a season that is described as being about more than sightseeing but about rolling up sleeves, immersing in local life, and connecting with people.

Seaghan O Suilleabhain, better known as The Kerry Cowboy, first came to prominence when he began posting about farm life in the heart of Kerry on social media back in 2020, often alongside his loyal sheepdog Braindi.

His take on rural life quickly attracted a large following, with more than 250,000 people now tuning in to his adventures online, and that popularity has since launched a career for him as a TV presenter. Through Teacs Taistil, Seaghan has swapped fields for far-flung destinations, but he carries his passion for agriculture, nature, the Irish language, and culture wherever he goes.

Speaking about his latest adventures, Seaghan said: From exploring abandoned buildings in Bucharest to milking donkeys in Cyprus, season four has managed to be our most unpredictable series yet. As well as the usual craic and madness, we dig deeper into the stories of the places we visit. No spoilers, but I have to say our visit to Derry will stay with me for a lifetime.

Crossing the Atlantic was a whole new frontier, and Im looking forward to seeing our individual adventures as well as shared memories like Niagara Falls. Its all to come in season four of Teacs Taistil. Yee haw!

Across the new season, the presenters will suit up with the Chicago Fire Department, soar above city skylines in helicopters, explore Pride celebrations in Toronto, dive into Derrys jazz scene, encounter the legacy of the Knights of St John in Rhodes, and host an Irish ceili in Bucharest.
A Kerry councillor has urged Uisce Eireann to invest more in the north of the county following the release of figures that claim the area is one of the most challenging in the country for first-time home buyers.

Councillor Aoife Kennelly said the lack of new housing development north Kerry was testament to long-standing under investment in the areas water infrastructure, while Councillor Michael Foley highlighted the need for a carrot to open up the large numbers of existing vacant properties in the area.

Analysis of government data by OneMillionHomes.ie claimed that for those looking to buy their first home in the Listowel Municipal District (MD), they could expect waits of up to 132 years.

This number was calculated by dividing the total number of 18 to 44-year-olds in the MD that didnt own a house, by the average number of homes built in a year.

While 132 years might be considerably lower, given homes typically support a whole family rather than just an individual, the data showed that Listowel MD, as well as Castleisland (123 years), were some of the worst districts in the country for new housing supply.

Cllr Kennelly felt that housing development was being held back in north Kerry due to the lack of wastewater infrastructure in the areas many villages.

She said Tralee and Killarney were receiving major investment from Uisce Eireann while Listowel was being left behind.

For my generation in particular, housing is one of the key priorities, said Cllr Kennelly

If you look at Listowel MD alone, the amount of villages that you cannot build in at the minute because there's no capacity in the water infrastructure for housing developments is significant.

There could be housing developers interested in building developments in Duagh, Moyvane, Abbeydorney, Kilflynn, Ballyduff - to name just a few - but there's absolutely no capacity at the minute for any development to tap into the water supply.

All major projects are in Tralee and Killarney, with only a few in Listowel, and theres no further investment coming in until 2029. It really just puts us in limbo because without that capital investment in water infrastructure, we can't build homes in these villages.

Killarney MD was shown to be the best area in Kerry for first time buyers, with a years-to-keys time of only 32 years, followed by Kenmare and Corca Dhuibhne, which were both calculated to have wait times of around 43 years.

While there was a similar number of first-time buyers in each district, the lower wait times were due to much higher construction rates, with Killarney typically building over three times the number of houses as Listowel.

Councillor Michael Foley argued north Kerrys housing challenges needed to be tackled differently to the rest of the county, highlighting the high rates of derelict and vacant properties in the area.

He said there were around 50 vacant properties in and around Ballylongford, with many still in good condition.

Though supports exist for property buyers to refurbish homes, through the vacant property grant and other schemes, he said the crux of the problem was incentivising the owners of vacant properties to put them on the market in the first place.

There's a housing crisis nationally but in our area, we have a dereliction and vacancy crisis, he said.

If you go to the countryside, the amount of vacant properties is unbelievable. So, what do we do with those houses? There was a carrot given to the buyers of those houses but what about the person that owns those houses? Where's the carrot for them?

He argued many people come to own vacant properties by accident, often through inheritance, and faced with 33pc capital gains tax, would rather hold onto the property.

We should be offering them an exemption from capital gains tax when they sell the house to a first-time buyerdo an amnesty for two years or something similar to get those properties moving, said Cllr Foley.

If those houses are up for sale, youd have first-time buyers go in, they'd get nearly 50,000 from the refurbishment grant, and they could get another 25,000 under the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) for retrofitting. So, a huge amount of help, said Cllr Foley.

They also don't have to go through the hassle of planning permission, unless they want to put extensions on the house. Ive brought the issue of capital gains tax up several times and I just can't see why its not being done.

Theres five houses there in a row outside Listowel that were empty for around 15 years and now they are being done upthey are now being brought back into use and theres young families living in them. There's a good example of how the vacant property refurbishment grant is really working.

The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant provides people with a grant to support the refurbishment of vacant properties, with funding of up to 50,000 for vacant properties and 70,000 for derelict properties.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) also provides grants for retrofits to improve the warmth and energy efficiency of homes for those receiving certain types of social welfare.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
Following comments made at a meeting, the owners of the site in question said the councillor raised the issue without having the correct facts and engaged on a solo run based on gossip and innuendo

A local councillor has defended comments she made about a homeless accommodation centre in Mayo, insisting she did not spread any misinformation in relation to it.

Last month, Cllr Donna Sheridan raised concerns that The Olde Woods in Balla was being used as a homeless accommodation centre, and described the premises as unsuitable due to the lack of on-site support staff.

She also said that residents in Balla had not been made aware that the building was being used for this purpose and proposed holding a public meeting to address local concerns, However, she failed to gather support from her fellow councillors.

At the meeting, Director of Services at the council, David Mellett, clarified that there is no formal arrangement between the council and The Olde Woods.

He said that the only arrangement that exists is when the accomodation at Charlestown Lodge becomes full, the council uses other providers.

Following reports of the meeting the owners of The Olde Woods, the Dempsey family, responded to Cllr Sheridans comments via a statement released to the local media.

In it, they explained that the building is leased to an independent company and has been used since 2023 to house Ukrainian residents.

The family said that three of the 12 rooms were being used to house individuals on the homeless list on a short-term basis and explained this had been a recent arrangement.

The family said: "Contrary to misinformation, the majority of the premises is still occupied by Ukrainian residents, whom have been warmly welcomed into the community and have integrated very well, with many now employed and in education locally.

They added they were disappointed by Cllr Sheridans comments, suggesting she had raised the issue without having the correct facts and had engaged on a solo run based on gossip and innuendo.

At the March monthly meeting of the Castlebar Municipal District, Cllr Sheridan, who is originally from Balla, said her character had never been called into question in such a way in her time as a local representative.

She rejected comments made by the Dempsey family and told the meeting she had submitted two FOI requests, which confirmed that the premises had been used for homeless accommodation since July, 31 2025.

At no time did I misinform the meeting or the media. I said that The Olde Woods is being used as homeless accommodation, that is a correct fact that I checked with the Director of Services before I raised it, she said.

She reiterated her previous comments, stating she felt The Olde Woods was inappropriate for use as a homeless accommodation centre as there is no full-time staff on site to care for residents.

We need to do everything we can for homelessness in the middle of a bad crisis, but putting people into situations where there is no one on-site full-time is not acceptable, she said.

The councillor added that the homeless accommodation at Charlestown Lodge was a good example of a suitable facility, as it offers on-site support for residents.

Further to this, Cllr Sheridan reported that residents in Balla had approached her with information that two individuals had recently been before the court and gave their address as The Olde Woods, describing this as concerning.

I will continue to seek all the facts in relation to this through FOI requests, she added.

This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
The intriguing surroundings of a 30m Waterford mansion owned by one of the United Kingdoms most notable billionaires is providing the setting for a sold-out performance as part of the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival.

Ballinatray House, owned by billionaire inventor James Dyson, is one of a number of historical venues across Waterford and East Cork that will stage performances throughout the festival.

The mansion set on 850 acres of mature land, was sold to the billionaire and Brexit backer in 2024 for a reputed 30m in what was one of Irelands biggest-ever property deals.

For the first time ever, the landmark property has been opened up to host a recital as part of the festival and those lucky enough to secure tickets for the sold-out performance will get a flavour of the stunning 18th century mansion.

The recital at Ballynatray forms part of the publicly announced festival schedule and is included in our 2026 brochure, said a festival spokesperson.

As with all privately hosted events during the festival, arrangements are being managed in close coordination with the owners. We are grateful to the owners for their generosity in hosting this recital, said the spokesperson.

Blackwater Valley Opera takes place in Waterford and East Cork from May 26 to June 1, with several key events already sold out.

The festival will present 24 performances in 13 historic venues throughout the region, bringing world-class opera and classical music to castles, churches and cathedrals, and country houses along the Blackwater Valley.

Ballynatray House, with billionaire inventor owner James Dyson, inset.

News in 90 seconds - March 28

This year's flagship opera, Mozarts Don Giovanni, staged in the atmospheric grounds of Lismore Castle, is almost sold out with very limited availability remaining for the final night on Monday June 1.

Featuring a predominantly Irish cast and the Irish Baroque Orchestra, the production will be conducted by composer Peter Whelan and directed by Tom Creed.

For those seeking a change of atmosphere and repertoire, Handels Acis and Galatea will be presented in St Carthages Cathedral, Lismore.

The performance features Jade Phoenix, Dean Power, Edward Grint and Patrick Hyland, with the Irish Baroque Orchestra conducted by Oliver-John Ruthven

Beyond the main-stage operas, the festivals recital and concert programme in stunning historical venues is also proving popular, with a number of performances selling out weeks in advance.

Ballynatray House, Villierstown Church, Salterbridge House, Tourin House, and Woodhouse Estate will host Irish and international artists in a series of chamber concerts and recitals, with tickets still remaining for some performances.

Tickets (for Ballinatray House) were first offered to Friends of Blackwater Valley Opera Festival through priority booking and sold out immediately. Friends are valued supporters of the festival, and their membership helps sustain our year-round community and education programmes across the region, added the spokesperson.

Food also plays a central role in the festival experience. At Lismore Castle, a Don Giovanni menu will be crafted by celebrity TV chef Eunice. Guests can also indulge in Gourmet Table Picnics or pair lunchtime recitals with dining at local eateries.

Blackwater Valley Opera Festival expects to welcome more than 5,000 visitors this year and engage with over 1,000 students through its educational outreach programmes, raising the total number of students reached to over 8,500 since the programme began.
The An Post Book Awards are celebrating their 20th anniversary and have unveiled a list featuring 60 of the best fiction, non-fiction and childrens category winners over the past two decades, which includes the work of three Wicklow authors.

Selected through the votes from leading booksellers nationwide, the list comprises 20 fiction, 20 non-fiction and 20 childrens titles that have won at the An Post Irish Book Awards since the ceremony first began in 2006.

Members of the public are now being asked to cast their votes to identify the top 20 favourite Irish books from the Irish Book Award winners.

Among the Wicklow authors on the short-list is Ellen Ryan, who lives in Greystones. Her childrens book Girls Who Slay Monsters was released in 2022 and features unsung stories from ancient Irish myths reimagined for nine to 12-year-olds.

There was a time when tales of Ireland's mythical goddesses - their astonishing powers, bravery, and unbreakable bonds with nature - were famous, in Ireland and beyond. But over time, these stories were lost, often replaced or rewritten to make room for male warriors and kings. Girls Who Slay Monsters brings these heroes of Irish mythology back to vibrant, magical life.

Author Peter Donnelly, who also lives in Greystones, is an award-winning illustrator. His shortlisted book, The President's Dog, is the fourth addition to Donnellys president series. The president is excited to bring his new dog on their first hike together, but despite warnings from the presidents wife and a lovely start to the hike up the mountains, a storm quickly moves in and soon the president and his dog are stranded.

The final Wicklow book on the list is Small Things Like These, a historical fiction novella by Clonegal native Claire Keegan, which was published in October 2021. It was also adapted into a film of the same name starring Cillian Murphy, which premiered in February 2024.

The book is set in 1985 and features coal-merchant Bill Furlong as he prepares for Christmas deliveries, while a dark secret emerges from the convent. Small Things Like These is billed as a powerful reflection on morality, community and what one decent man chooses to do in the face of silence.

Speaking about the list, Alastair Giles, CEO of the Irish Book Awards, says: This curated list of 60 books offers a snapshot of some of the most memorable and influential titles recognised by the awards since 2006, reflecting the exceptional talent that has shaped Irish literature over the past two decades.

"Were delighted to invite readers across the country to vote for the books that have meant the most to them, and we look forward to revealing the Top 20.

Voting is now open and closes at 6pm on Monday, April 13. The final top 20 favourite Irish books of the past 20 years will then be revealed on Sunday, April 19. You can cast your vote by visiting anpostirishbookawards.ie where the full list of 60 titles can be found.

Everyone who votes will be entered into a prize draw, with a range of prizes on offer, including 100 in national book tokens, a selection of books from the list, and tickets to the An Post Irish Book Awards 2026 ceremony.
Jeffrey Epstein survivors sue US Justice Department for exposing their identities

Class-action suit also says Google republished their details online

Jeffrey Epstein

Alex Woodward UK Independent Sat 28 Mar 2026 at 06:30

A class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of survivors of Jeffrey Epsteins abuse accuses US president Donald Trumps administration and Google of failing to protect their identities and exposing them to renewed trauma and harassment.
WASHINGTON, March 27 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday threatened "Cuba is next" following U.S. attacks on Venezuela and Iran.

"Cuba is next, by the way, but pretend I didn't say that please. Pretend I didn't say that. Please, please, please media, please disregard that statement. Thank you very much. Cuba's next." Trump said at the Future Investment Initiative conference in Miami, Florida.

The remarks came after the U.S. military raided Venezuela and forcibly seized the oil-rich South American country's president Nicolas Maduro on Jan. 3 and launched the ongoing massive joint attacks with Israel on Iran on Feb. 28.

Cuba has been facing a severe economic and energy crisis due to decades of U.S. sanctions. The United Nations says fuel shortage is pushing the country into a humanitarian crisis.

Earlier this month, Trump threatened that Cuba is going to "fall pretty soon," but his administration will focus on Iran "right now." 
Broadcaster Savannah Guthrie with her mother Nancy, who was reported missing on February 1. Photo: Getty

After a two-month absence sparked by her 84-year-old mothers apparent abduction, US TV host Savannah Guthrie will return to NBCs Today show in April, saying in an interview that joy will be my protest.
Presidents falling approval ratings spell trouble for Republicans ahead of November mid-term elections

US president Donald Trumps assault on Iran threatens to come back to haunt him at Novembers mid-term elections, a stark reality exposed by three new polls that make for dire reading for Republicans.

On the conflicts one-month anniversary, the American public seems no more convinced about the need for the joint US-Israeli strikes on Tehran and remains concerned about mixed messaging from the administration on its true purpose, likely duration, and impact on the economy.




BTS Suga and Tang Min Yoongi, better known as Suga of BTS, is a proud cat dad to a 3-year-old black cat named Tang (or Tangie). Introduced during a Weverse live in December 2025, Tang's name comes from Seoltang, meaning sugar in Korean.

























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A post shared by SUGA of BTS  (@agustd)



March 28 marks National Respect Your Cat Day, a day to recognize the influence cats have in homes. From commandeering laundry to curling up on favourite chairs, cats have dominated domestic life for over 9,500 years. This day highlights K-pop idols who are devoted to their feline companions, showing that even global superstars respect their cats' authority.Min Yoongi, better known as Suga of BTS, is a proud cat dad to a 3-year-old black cat named Tang (or Tangie). Introduced during a Weverse live in December 2025, Tang's name comes from Seoltang, meaning sugar in Korean.

Image credit : Weverse | Suga of BTS is a proud cat dad to a 3-year-old black cat named Tang.

BLACKPINK Lisa's "L Family"

Image credit : Instagram/lalala_lfamily | Lisa's cats often appear on her social media, delighting fans worldwide.

Leo: Scottish Fold, male, born 2018

Luca: Ragdoll, female, born 2018

Lily: Ragdoll, female, 2019 (Luca's daughter)

Louis: Scottish Fold, male, 2019

Lego: British Shorthair, male, 2021























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A post shared by Lalala Lfamily (@lalala_lfamily)



Stray Kids' Lee Know and his Soondoongdori Lee Know of Stray Kids has three beloved rescue cats - Soonie, Doongie, and Dori, affectionately nicknamed "Soondoongdori."



Image credit : Instagram/lovestaykids_ | Lee Know of Stray Kids has three beloved rescue cats. Soonie was adopted in 2011

Doongie in 2013 from a friend

Dori in 2018 The ginger-toned tabby trio often makes appearances on social media and Bubble, showing fans the warmth and care behind Lee Know's love for rescued animals.

























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A post shared by Lee Know  (@leeknow.ig)



Lee Know of Stray Kids has three beloved rescue cats - Soonie, Doongie, and Dori, affectionately nicknamed "Soondoongdori."The ginger-toned tabby trio often makes appearances on social media and Bubble, showing fans the warmth and care behind Lee Know's love for rescued animals.

Kang Daniel's four cats

Image credit : Instagram/daniel.k.here | Kang Daniel has made room in his life for four cats.



















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A post shared by Daniel Kang (@daniel.k.here)



MAMAMOO's Wheein and Ggomo Wheein of MAMAMOO shares her life with Ggomo, a Scottish Fold born on November 14. Known as her "monster rookie", Ggomo often appears on her social media and was featured in a special video for her song OHOO .







Image credit : Instagram/whee_inthemood | Wheein of MAMAMOO shares her life with Ggomo her cat. Wheein of MAMAMOO shares her life with Ggomo, a Scottish Fold born on November 14. Known as her "monster rookie", Ggomo often appears on her social media and was featured in a special video for her song

Fans know Tang for his gentle nature and biscuit-making habits, tipping the scales at 6.4kg. Yoongi's affection for Tang is evident online, reminding us that even K-pop idols have a soft spot for their feline friends.Lisa of BLACKPINK has turned her love for cats into a celebrity-level pet family, lovingly called the "L Family." Her five cats - Leo, Luca, Lily, Louis, and Lego - often appear on her social media, delighting fans worldwide.Lisa's posts show how much joy and personality these cats bring into her life, proving that even idols with busy schedules make time for their cats.Kang Daniel is another K-pop star who has made room in his life (and home) for four cats: Rooney, Peter, Ori, and Zhang-ah. While he initially assumed Rooney and Peter were male, he later learned they were female.Tragically, Peter passed away in 2024, but Kang Daniel continues to celebrate his feline companions on social media, sharing their playful antics and daily life moments with fans.
Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has been granted temporary bail from the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The development is to enable him to attend the funeral rites of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, who reportedly died in Cairo, Egypt, on Friday.

An aide to the former governor confirmed that the release was approved on compassionate grounds following the familys bereavement.

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Reacting to the development, his son, Bashir El-Rufai, disclosed in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle that his father had been released from detention.

He wrote: My beloved great legend of a father (@elrufai) is being released from his unlawful and illegal detention at the hands of one of the most corrupt agencies in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, that is a lame excuse of a pathetic institution.

Thank you all for all the support. Our family shall never forget these times. We have overcome, as the El-Rufais.

https://x.com/BashirElRufai/status/2037634945385160875?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

As of this report, the ICPC has yet to issue an official statement regarding the terms of his temporary release or the next steps in its investigation.

The former Kaduna State Governor is facing a series of high-profile legal battles involving allegations of financial misconduct, money laundering, and national security breaches across multiple courts in Nigeria.

El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 18. On March 24, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) formally arraigned El-Rufai alongside co-defendant Joel Adoga at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.

The charges include alleged conversion and possession of public property, as well as money laundering.

He pleaded not guilty to a single-count charge linked to deposits into domiciliary accounts and the handling of earnings.

The court adjourned ruling on his bail application to March 31, 2026, while he remains in custody.

In a separate matter, the ICPC has also filed a case at the Kaduna State High Court against El-Rufai and another defendant, Amadu Sule.

Meanwhile, the Department of State Services (DSS) has instituted a three-count charge against the former governor at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The case centres on allegations of unlawful interception of phone communications belonging to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, in violation of the Cybercrimes Act.

His arraignment in the matter has been scheduled for April 23, 2026, following earlier delays due to his detention by the ICPC.

El-Rufai has, however, filed counter-suits challenging the actions of the authorities.

In one suit, he is seeking 1 billion in damages against the ICPC and other agencies over a February 19 raid on his Abuja residence, which he claims was unlawful.

He is also asking the court to declare the search warrant invalid and to restrain the use of any evidence obtained during the operation.

In a separate action against the DSS, he is seeking 2 billion in damages and has asked the court to dismiss the wiretapping charges, describing them as unconstitutional harassment.

The legal battles follow a series of events that began on February 16, 2026, when El-Rufai was initially detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged 423 billion misappropriation.

He was granted administrative bail on February 18 but was immediately re-arrested by the ICPC.

His arraignment on March 24 in Kaduna marked a major development in the unfolding cases, although journalists were barred from the courtroom during proceedings.
The son of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, Bashir El-Rufai, has rejected a condolence message issued by Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, over the death of his grandmother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai.

Governor Sani had, in a statement, expressed sympathy to the former governor and his family, describing the deceased as a woman of strong values and compassion.

On behalf of the Government and people of Kaduna State, I extend my deepest condolences to His Excellency, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and the entire El-Rufai family on the passing of their beloved mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, the governor said.

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He further paid tribute to her character, noting that she lived a life marked by humility and service.

Hajiya Umma El-Rufai was not only a devoted mother and matriarch, but also a woman of rare grace, moral clarity, and quiet strength, he stated.

She lived a life defined by compassion, humility, and steadfast service In her community, she was a steady source of counsel and reconciliation, the statement added.

The governor also offered prayers for the repose of her soul and strength for the bereaved family.

I stand in solemn solidarity with the El-Rufai family, praying that Almighty Allah will forgive her shortcomings, accept her righteous deeds, and grant her eternal repose in Aljannatul Firdaus, he said.

However, reacting to the message, Bashir El-Rufai dismissed the condolence in a brief post.

Bama so, he wrote, a Hausa phrase which translates to we dont want.
The Oyo State Police Command has commenced investigation into a suspected case of murder following the discovery of the body of an unidentified teenage boy at the swimming pool of the University of Ibadan.

A statement by the Public Relations Officer DSP Olayinka Ayanlade says the institutions Chief Security Officer reported that a body was sighted in the pool.

Detectives who visited the scene observed blood oozing from the victims mouth and nose, with bruises around the nose and blood stains within the pavilion area.

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Items suspected to belong to the deceased, including shoes and a shirt, were recovered near the poolside.

However, Preliminary findings by the institution suggest the victim, believed to be between 14 and 15 years old and not a student of the university, may have gained access to the facility by climbing over the fence after closing hours.

The body was later taken to Adeoyo General Hospital where he was confirmed dead and deposited at the mortuary.
Vashti DuBois sits in the living room turned library in her Germantown house museum the Colored Girls Museum. For the current show, "Say It Loud, I'm Black and I'm Proud," the room is named, "Keep My Name Out Yo Mouth." Read more

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Taking its name from James Browns iconic 1968 protest song, Say it Loud, Im Black and Im Proud, the Colored Girls Museums 10th year anniversary shows message is clear.

Black people have done so many amazing things under extraordinary circumstances, said Vashti DuBois, the Germantown museums executive director, on a recent Wednesday afternoon.

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DuBois sat among classic books by Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, and Maya Angelou and those by new authors like Phillys own Tre Johnson, author of Black Genius, in the museums dining room that doubles as its library. Eight small cardboard portraits of Black women by Angela Davis Johnson are arranged like a hopscotch board on the rooms lemon yellow walls.

DuBois named each room in Say It Loud after a popular Black colloquialism. Basically, if you know, you know.

The library is called Keep My Name Out Yo Mouth, a nod to Black writers  especially the late Philadelphia mystery writer Barbara Neely  determined to tell authentic Black stories in authentic Black voices.

I wanted to assemble a group of artists whose work led with the everydayness of who we are as Black people, DuBois said of the eight-room show featuring pieces from more than 25 artists.

When Say it Loud came out, it was our national anthem because it captured who Black people were in our neighborhoods, in our homes, in our churches, celebrating our style.

Browns powerful lyrics of yesteryear are as bold as the contemporary paintings of neon dancing figures by Philadelphia artist Susan Ragland welcoming visitors to the first floor living room. DuBois calls this space Who All Gonna Be There?

The other rooms have names like Me, Myself, Personally and This, That, and The Third. Me, Myself, Personally  curated by Misha McGlown, DuBois longtime friend and founder of the Detroits Irwin House Museum  marks the first time TCGM has brought in a curator from outside Philadelphia.

Quiet As Its Kept is a healing space cocurated by Philadelphia ceramicist Margery Cedano and Drexel professor and social justice advocate Ashley B. Gripper. Cedanos vessels sit on the rooms ebony kitchenette counters next to Grippers medicinal herbs, sages, oils, and tinctures.

Framed photographs stylized by Philadelphia artist Ayana V. Jackson to resemble 19th century paintings are on the walls. One of them, Lucy, is Jacksons interpretation of the oldest of the three Black women on whom surgeon J. Marion Sims performed gynecological experiments without pain relief medications.

The kitchen is the site of healing work, DuBois said. A lot of women cry in this room. We recognize the story of Lucy is triggering, so we cant talk about her without giving an antidote for the pain.

Acclaimed Asheville-based sculptor, performance artist, and community activist vanessa german will collaborate with DuBois this spring to build a site-specific installation. It will open in late June in time for the summer solstice.

Here is DuBois idea of a perfect Philly day.

5 a.m.

Im a 5 a.m. girl. When I get up, I head to my study. I sit in my rocking chair with a cup of black coffee and chat with the ancestors, listening to music. Sometimes I listen to Aretha Franklin, Minnie Riperton, Dinah Washington, Nina Simone. Sometimes I listen to Public Enemy  hip-hop before it changed. I play what I think I might need for the day.

11 a.m.

After listening to music, writing, and meditating, Id make my way to Ubuntu Fine Art where I hang out with [owner] Steve [CW Taylor]. Sometimes hes exhibiting fabulous photography. Other times he has guest artists. You never know who is going to show up there.

1 p.m.

Id go down to Harrietts Bookshop and see Jeannine A. Cook. Im so glad she put a coffee shop in that space, where I drink more coffee. I love seeing Jeannines selection of new books and vintage finds. Its so relaxing. I can really get lost in the shelves.

12:30 p.m.

Im a consignment shop, thrifty girl. After going to Harrietts Id walk over to Jinxed in Fishtown. Everything they have is so eclectic. They may place a 60s mod lamp next to a 50s Formica table that will get me to thinking about staging the museum.

Next, Ill go see my girl Dorothea [Gamble] at Trunc. If you dont know about Trunc, then youre sleeping. Whenever Im looking for a unique gift, I go there. Its so thoughtfully curated. Fun fact: I purchased one of Margery [Cedano]s vessels there before I ever knew who she was.

2:30 p.m.

After that, Im going to see Kenya [Abdul-Hadi] at Modern Republic. They have incredible art. Im always thinking of the museum as theater, and they are a source of inspiration because their aesthetic is informed by our culture.

4:30 p.m.

Even if I dont need to buy clothing, Im going over to Joan Shepp. I have things that I bought from her a decade ago. Im not trendy, Im classic. I like interesting pieces that are well-made and feel like they are made for me. Its always a treat when [store manager] Tuesday [Gordon] is there.

7 p.m.

On my way home, I stop at Honeysuckle for dinner. They do a four-course meal that is just amazing. They layer the flavors so that each of the dishes complement each other creating a party in my mouth. By the time I get to dessert, I was levitating.

The Colored Girls Museum is located at 4613 Newhall St. Say It Loud, Im Black and Im Proud will be on view through early 2027. The museum is open on Saturdays; tickets must be purchased in advance online. Group tours can be scheduled during the week by appointment only.
GENEVA, March 28 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Friday condemned the U.S.-Israeli atrocities in their attacks on a school in Iran at a meeting of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

At the request of Iran, China and Cuba, the 61st session of the UNHRC held an urgent debate on the attacks on the Shajareh Tayyebeh Girls' School in Minab, Iran. Jia Guide, China's permanent representative and ambassador to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, attended and elaborated on China's position.

Jia denounced the attacks on the school in Minab, which claimed the lives of 168 innocent girls, as an act that crosses the line of human morality, the worst violation of human rights, and a blatant contempt of international humanitarian law.

He said China is deeply shocked by the attack, strongly condemns it, and expresses sympathy for the families of the victims.

Jia pointed out that the United States and Israel launched the attack on Iran brazenly without the authorization of the UN Security Council, which was the root cause of the tragedy.

He said the United States and Israel had not only killed Iranian leaders, seriously violated the human rights of the Iranian people, but also escalated tensions in the Middle East, dragging countries in the region into the fray.

The sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of all countries should be fully respected, Jia said, adding that China strongly condemns all acts that violate international law and target civilians and non-military facilities indiscriminately.

Jia stressed that all hotspot issues should be resolved through dialogue and negotiation, and not by the use of force.

He also noted that all parties must seize every opportunity for peace, launch the peace process with a sincere attitude, take practical actions to protect the basic human rights of people in the region, and safeguard peace and stability in the Middle East. 
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NEW ORLEANS  The list of reasons why air travel can be stressful has grown as long as the security lines at some U.S. airports.

Back-to-back winter storms. The Iran war. Government shutdowns. A fatal runway collision between a jet and a fire truck. All have disrupted airline travel in recent months. Add in the usual hassles like seat selection and baggage fees, overbooked flights, and takeoff delays, and even frequent flyers may be thinking twice about booking trips that require boarding a commercial airplane.

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Crowded airport checkpoints due to a funding standoff on Capitol Hill, and President Donald Trumps decision to deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and agents to help with airport security, were top of mind for many passengers this week.

A National Transportation Safety Board air-traffic control specialist trying to get to New Yorks LaGuardia Airport for the investigation into the runway collision was stuck in a TSA line in Houston for three hours, NTSB chair Jennifer Homendy said Monday. They called officials there to beg to get her through, she said.

John Hoffman was back at Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans for the second day in a row after missing his flight to Spokane, Wash., a day earlier due to four-hour-long wait times to get through security. The lines moved more quickly with federal immigration officers supplementing Transportation Security Administration staff, but Hoffman questioned whether it was worth the expense.

The lines are shorter today, Hoffman said. But in my mind, we can fund TSA a lot less expensive than we can send ICE here, put them up in hotels and all the things that go along with that.

At Reagan Washington National Airport, college student JD Foster only waited for about 10 minutes in the security line Monday morning but still ended up missing an important appointment and losing a $500 deposit after his flight to Boston was repeatedly delayed.

They just kept saying itll be a little bit longer every 15 minutes until they admitted it was a part malfunctioning and they switched planes, Foster said in an email. I would have had enough time to get an earlier flight if they would have been honest about the delay.

Despite such problems, the head of a trade association for the airline industry says travelers should be getting excited for summer vacation trips.

The issues were dealing with today are truly temporary, Chris Sununu, former governor of New Hampshire and president and CEO of Airlines for America, said in a phone interview. People should know that solutions are being presented, and I think we think there are some solid long-term fixes and even some short-term fixes here, so people should feel confident buying in.

But air travel is inherently anxiety provoking for many people, and the recent constellation of stressors only adds to that, said Michael Ziffra, a psychiatrist and associate professor at Northwestern Universitys Feinberg School of Medicine. But while nothing may completely eliminate the anxiety and aggravation, he recommends several ways to mitigate it.

First, go into it with a sense of adventure, or at least acceptance, he said.

Youre gonna get delays, youre gonna get complications, you might get long lines, Ziffra said. So just try to somehow be at peace with the fact that air travel can be inherently unpredictable.

Preparation such as confirming flight information and wait times can help, but its counterproductive to try to prepare for every possible scenario, he said. Instead, travelers should arm themselves with enjoyable snacks, movies, and music while avoiding things like alcohol, medication, or online rants that could end up worsening their mood.

The best thing people can do is really avoid anything that might be exacerbating the negative feelings, he said. People should take care of themselves and do their best to enjoy whatever travel theyre doing.

For Zaid Fadul, a U.S. Air Force flight surgeon and physician, its all about staying grounded mentally before taking off physically.

I always tell people, alls fair in love and travel. Delays are normal, its a part of life, and you have to find ways to really reground yourself, said Fadul, CEO of Bespoke Concierge MD.

That means focusing on what you can control, like your breathing, he said. He recommends deep breathing exercises, or something as simple as focusing on the sensation of pressing your feet onto the floor. He practiced another favorite technique recently, tempering his frustration with the long security lines by expressing gratitude to a TSA agent.

She lit up, he said. Just seeing her response made me feel a little better, and it made it less about me.

Fadul said he challenges others to consider what they can do to make travel a little less annoying.

Those little acts of kindness can really land, he said.
International Content Liquidations is hosting a liquidation sale at the former DoubleTree Philadelphia West hotel in Plymouth Meeting. Read more

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On Friday morning, Jennifer Porter was walking around clutching a cast iron pan at the shuttered DoubleTree Philadelphia West hotel in Plymouth Meeting.

She was among dozens of shoppers who arrived at the hotels liquidation sale that morning in the hopes of finding a bargain. People roamed guest rooms and communal areas where items for sale included a $25 microwave, $8 coffee table, $99 sofa bed, and much, much more. There were artificial Christmas trees for sale, mini fridges, mirrors, and dressers, too.

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The DoubleTree, which closed in November, is selling its contents including the furnishings of its 250 guest rooms. The hotel is expected to be converted into apartments under a recent proposal.

The sale, which started Thursday, will be held at the hotel daily until they sell out. Its open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

Porter, who found out about the sale on Facebook, lives in Plymouth Meeting, and hoped to find a television and lamp for her daughter and a desk for her son  both of whom are moving into new apartments. When she heard about the sale, she thought, maybe Ill get something exciting.

In her search, Porter came across the $15 cast iron pan for herself. I know it doesnt look nice, but you can really clean them up, she said.

By 11:20 a.m. customers had filed out of the hotel with dollies carrying a dresser, silverware, glasses, and lamps. Outside, the parking lot was full. Men loaded box springs into a U-Haul near the entrance, and other customers took lamps apart to fit them into the trunk of a car.

Bring your truck and fill it up! was the advice to potential customers from International Content Liquidations, the company managing the sale.

Nicole Kabealo, project manager at International Content Liquidations, is the fifth generation of the Ohio-based family business. On the first day of the sale, some 150 people had filed through the building throughout the day, she said. But on Friday morning by 11 a.m., 100 shoppers had already come through. Popular items included round wrought-iron tables, assorted lamps, mirrors, and granite-top dressers for $99.

I would bring your muscle, Kabealo suggested. Weve got carts and dollies you can borrow, but we dont help move anything or load anything.

Sandi Mansfield, from Whitemarsh Township, was waiting in line on the first floor of the hotel to pay for a large framed artwork and two lamps. She estimated that she was going to spend roughly $50.

Another potential customer was jealous of her having nabbed the art, she said, and as she walked by with it, they exclaimed Oh!

Its mine, asserted Mansfield.

Madison Taylor, from Harleysville, was inspecting a mini fridge for her brother-in-law and waiting for her mom to get back with a cart to haul around their finds. She was standing guard, she said, to ensure she got the best fridge after seeing that a few were not in as good condition.

Potential customers were free to roam some halls and guest rooms, some of which showed previous signs of life. In one room, a bed frame had no mattress. In another, the coffee machine still sat on a tray with packets of creamer and sugar, and in another, shampoo and conditioner bottles remained atop the bathroom counter. An abandoned Do not disturb sign lay on the carpeted floor of one room.

You basically go to the room; you pick the exact mirror or picture you want; you take it off the wall, bring it down, pay for it, Kabealo said.

On the hotels third floor, a pair of potential customers examined four lamps they had gathered in the hallway. A floor above them, near the elevators sat a single iron: a treasure astutely placed to recover later, or left behind at the last minute?

For Norma Evans, who lives in Mount Airy and loves a good bargain, the sale was sentimental. She used to come to the hotel on her day off from work and enjoy breakfast on Saturdays, she recalled.

It was one of the few places you could go, and it was still a tablecloth on the table, she said. Now I have to find somewhere else.

She and her daughter ultimately chose a mirror, two televisions, an ironing board, and silverware.

When she noticed that items were for sale at one of her favorite hotels, she thought, let me get something to remember them by.
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A 46-year-old woman accused of driving a school bus while under the influence in Montgomery County last month surrendered to police Friday after completing rehab treatment, a spokesperson for the Montgomery County District Attorneys Office said.

Kelly L. Weber, of Boyertown in Berks County, was later released on $50,000 unsecured bail and is not allowed to drive or have unsupervised contact with children, said DAs office spokesperson Kate Delano.

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Weber faces 54 counts of endangering the welfare of children, 54 counts of reckless endangerment, driving under the influence, and related offenses.

On Feb. 6, Weber was driving a school bus in Douglass Township when police responded to calls alleging that the bus was being operated erratically, nearly hitting other vehicles and a telephone pole.

Police searched the bus, which had stopped, and allegedly found an open 750-mL bottle of Titos vodka, two empty Titos bottles, and a liquor store receipt for the alcohol from 9:22 a.m. that day.

A total of 54 children had been on the bus that day while Weber was driving, and some of the children allegedly called or texted their parents expressing fear about her driving.

One child got off the bus at an earlier stop to be picked up by their parents, the district attorneys office said.

Weber consented to have her blood tested and the lab result allegedly showed her blood-alcohol concentration was 0.331  four times the legal limit for intoxication in Pennsylvania. She also allegedly tested positive for THC.
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The Raphael hoagie at Sum Pig

Great takeout doesnt always sit on the main drag. Sometimes, it hides where your GPS seems ready to give up  like at Sum Pig, which is tucked into the old Fort Washington train stations ticket office at the end of a driveway behind an aestheticians office off Bethlehem Pike. Over the years, the space has housed a coffee shop and a bistro, but Jessica Iannuzzi and Stephen Koste refashioned it into a kitchen for their Sum Pig food truck in the early days of the pandemic. Here, they use a takeout window to dispense their cheesesteaks, roast pork, and smoked meats.

You cant go wrong with any of their sandwiches, but Im here to praise the hoagie they call the Raphael  the lighter, Italian-deli counterpoint to Sum Pigs more indulgent identity. It layers hot soppressata, fresh mozzarella, arugula, tomato, and olive oil on a light Corropolese Bakery roll for a sandwich thats sharper, fresher, and more peppery than gooey or overstuffed. Sum Pig, 429 S. Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington, 215-720-1224, eatsumpig.com

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 Michael Klein

Cassoulet at a.kitchen

Chef Eli Collins has been working on his cassoulet for more than two decades since his days running Daniel Bouluds brasserie kitchen at DBGB in Lower Manhattan. So its no surprise that he won a prize for his traditional take on the classic Languedoc meat and bean casserole at the DArtagnans Cassoulet Wars competition in February. You really have to taste it to understand why its so superb.

A.kitchens standard cassoulet might appear somewhat petit at first glance, especially for $40. Its plate-sized cast iron crock is covered almost entirely by the width of a single duck leg confit. But lift that tender thigh (all while stripping every morsel of its salt-cured, fat-simmered flesh), and discover a labor-intensive array of impressive charcuterie tucked underneath, including three separate sausages: a link of coarse-ground saucisse de Toulouse seasoned with black pepper and garlic; a dark-hued Beaujolais steeped with red wine, porcini mushrooms, and bacon; and a larger puck of pan-crisped fennel sausage that smelled of coriander and sage.

Of course, the meats are just garnishes to the main event: the fleshy Tarbais beans that have been braised for several hours in a pork stock made from gelatin-rich pigs feet, vegetables, and a special spiced pepper blend. By the time we scraped bottom, the dish was so rich it was more than hearty enough as a snack for two.

Collins has promised to keep it on the menu for a few more weeks, which means theres also still time to experience it as a table-sized grand cassoulet, which, for $120, offers a much larger portion for up to five diners thats served in its classic earthenware vessel alongside bone-in pork shank, sausages, and sides of pork trotter croquettes and a green salad. Its a nice addition. You may well need a refreshing palate cleanser after all that meat. a.kitchen, 35 S. 18th St., 215-825-7030, akitchenandbar.com

 Craig LaBan

Lobster shells at Bomb Bomb Bar

If you havent been to Bomb Bomb Bar yet, what are you waiting for? The revival of the South Philly classic from chef Joey Baldino offers a prix fixe menu where you select from a stacked lineup of small plates and shared entrees. In February, we had the good fortune of snagging a Valentines Day reservation, and Im concerned future Valentines Days will pale in comparison. But the fun, living room-style experience isnt exclusive to holidays  nor is one of my favorite dishes.

From our peperoncini vespers to the finger-licking shrimp oreganata (which comes with branded Wet-Naps), there are no misses. Still, the bite that resonated with me after my most recent visit is the lobster and shells. Its a bowl of brothy conchiglie layered in butter poached lobster, sauteed pepperoni, tomato, and cheese. It makes for a velvety, orange-hued course that you wont want to skip. Bomb Bomb Bar, 1026 Wolf St., bombbombbar.com

 Emily Bloch

Gritty Khang Sando at Caphe Roasters

While Caphe Roasters is better known for their frothy and ultrasweet Vietnamese-style coffee drinks, their limited edition Gritty Khang Sando proves exactly why this Kensington cafes food should not be ignored. Served inside a Ba Le Bakery baguette generously spread with a caramelized onion aioli, the sandwichs fried chicken is so crispy you can hear yourself crunch as soon as you bite down. Next comes layers of melted cheddar cheese, slightly sweet soy pickles, and herb-roasted tomatoes, but the aioli is the real star. I wish I could buy it by the bottle. The sandwich is only available through April 3. Trust me when I say its worth hustling for.

Caphe Roasters, 3400 J. St. G1, 215-690-1268, capheroasters.com

 Julia Duarte
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Twelve years ago, chef Erika Burke knew she would make her bakery dreams a reality some day. Back then, she was a student learning to make pastries at N.J.s Atlantic Cape Community College, Academy of Culinary Arts.

I knew  I said, I want to own my own bakery/cafe one day, she recalled.

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Today, Burkes dream is manifested in a 1,700-square-foot brick-and-mortar on East Passyunk Avenue in Philadelphia. Erbys Bakery soft opened Feb. 20 and currently offers a limited menu of Burkes colorful pastries Friday to Sunday.

Blackberry hand tarts, cinnamon buns, plant-based spelt chocolate chunk cookies, cheddar scallion twists, and more sit in the display counter painted a light moss green. A handful of wooden chairs and an outdoor patio with chairs and tables let customers linger and enjoy baked goods and Caphe Roasters coffee.

The menu will change seasonally once we find our groove, Burke said. She plans to add breakfast sandwiches, salads, and small grazing plates  think girl breakfast. Folks can always expect vegan and gluten-free options, including a vegan Nashville hot sandwich with oyster mushrooms.

My pastries are very fun and colorful  thats how I like everything, she said. I wanted fun foods [on the menu]. I know it sounds so cliche, but I wanted [pastries] that are going to make you say, Oh and question what makes them so good.

Burke, 36, has worked in Jersey Shore and Philly kitchens since graduating culinary school and college in 2016.

Her first job in Philly was as a pizza cook at Pizzeria Vetri, where she fell in love with stretching dough. It led her to become a pastry chef at Porta in 2018, creating dessert and pasta offerings for their seasonal menus. A year later, she moved to the now-shuttered Essen Bakery as head baker. It was there that Burkes baking took off, developing into a pop-up business.

I was very fortunate to have [owner] Tova du Plessis as a boss, she said. I learned a ton from her, and she let me do pop-ups out of her kitchen.

Burke began her pop-up Flakey AF at Rally Coffee in 2020, baking her hand tarts in Essens kitchens. She soon decided to leave Essen and pursue the business full time for a year.

But staying afloat and being self-employed was hard. In 2022, Burke stepped away from the kitchen and into the world of gambling. She became an online blackjack dealer for Evolution Gaming.

Its very taxing emotionally, and I was struggling with mental health, she said. I just wanted to step away and do something that I wasnt so passionate about, something with structure where I didnt need to make decisions  you just tell me and Ill do it."

Then in 2024, Burke decided to return to the industry and landed a job as a production manager for Weckerlys Ice Cream. Two years later, she was laid off.

Feeling discouraged by the industry, she decided Im not working in a kitchen again  so its either find a random job or look into getting my own place." Choosing the latter, she signed a lease for 1840 Passyunk Ave. and opened Erbys three months after.

Its been a long time coming, she said. It was really the push that I needed; getting laid off, honestly, was the best thing that could have happened to me.

Because Erbys Bakery is Burke at its core, named after her childhood nickname, and represents her creativity without a boss to answer to.

The whole project is about me being able to do my own thing, she said. Its about giving me autonomy to bake what I want when I want.
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University of Pennsylvania scientist Robert Vonderheide sees cancer researchers making progress on two fronts: finding new treatments for the most challenging cancers, and studying ways to stop disease before it becomes cancer.

The newly elected president of the American Association for Cancer Research will lead the worlds largest cancer research organization, with more than 62,000 members across 143 countries and territories. Headquartered in Philadelphia, its membership includes researchers (57 being Nobel laureates), healthcare professionals, and cancer advocates.

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It advocates for research and science education.

One of the things I look forward to most is articulating what cancer research accomplishes, Vonderheide said. We need to double down as a country, being so much on the verge of even greater breakthroughs.

Vonderheide starts as president-elect next month and will assume the presidency in 2027. In the unpaid position, he will lead alongside Penn immunologist E. John Wherry, who was elected to AACRs Board of Directors.

An oncologist, Vonderheide serves as director of Penns Abramson Cancer Center and lead physician for the Penn health systems cancer service. He is also well-known for research on novel cancer immunotherapies.

The Inquirer spoke with Vonderheide about the future of cancer research and what AACR hopes to accomplish, in a conversation lightly edited for length and clarity.

What inspired you to want to lead AACR?

AACR is 118 years old. Its older than the National Cancer Institute. And it accomplishes its work by fostering collaboration, paying attention to the young trainees, and providing an unbiased way to publish our work.

When I had the opportunity to be the president and put my name out, it was really humbling.

What are key initiatives youre looking forward to leading as president?

We are looking out at unprecedented opportunities that AACR can help drive: Drug development driven by artificial intelligence. New biology and new understanding of where cancer came from, and how we can intercept and destroy cancer before its cancer. Embracing the fact that many of our patients are surviving, and looking at how we can help mitigate the collateral damage that some of our therapies engender.

Its really an opportunity to broaden our scope across the continuum of cancer care and, at every moment, bring rigorous science to guide us.

How will AACR accomplish this work?

The solution is not me. The solution is not the department chair at this institution or the cancer center director at another institution. Its the young people, junior faculty, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate students, who are the ones who work day and night  who have the ideas and the energy.

If I could accomplish only one thing as president of AACR, it is to find a way for AACR to ensure that the future generation of cancer researchers exists and are even better than any of us are right now.

What are younger scientists worried about right now?

Theyre not worried about their science. They love their science.

Theyre worried about getting the funding to support themselves, to support their work, to have the freedom to explore what they think are the best ideas. Theyre finding it hard to get grants. They want a secure and supportive environment to get their work done in.

If we invest in them properly, just imagine what they can accomplish in 10 years.

What does the future of cancer research look like to you?

Developments in technologies such as gene therapy, cell therapy, and mRNA therapy are producing new ways to treat cancer.

We are able to offer more and more hope.

 READ MORE: Pancreatic cancer is among the deadliest cancers. A new drug being tested at Penn is giving patients and doctors hope.

Now were learning how to prevent and intercept cancers very, very early, when theyre minuscule. Were thinking of how to find cancers when theyre a single cell  before they really have completed the cancer invasion program  and erase them and reset the clock.

What about combination therapies?

As these new technologies come forth, we ask ourselves, how can we combine them?

What were finding is, you get synergy. You get more impact than two different things, singly, might achieve.

The most prominent example was combining chemotherapy with immunotherapy. Originally people thought, No, you cant combine them, but now we know how to do that. Immune therapy with radiation therapy is being heavily studied. And sometimes we dont just use them all at once, but rather in a sequence.

A good example is using chemotherapy to gain remission for a patient with a certain type of pancreas cancer, followed by Olaparib, which is a PARP inhibitor. When we finally had the idea of delivering one of those therapies after the other, instead of always at the same time, the tolerability went way up, and the impact was much higher.

What have been the highlights of your research career?

Trying to reveal how it is that cancer cells hide from the immune system, and what we can do to change that.

We want the immune system to wake up and destroy cancer cells and return health to folks, or prevent cancer in the first place.

Weve identified vaccine targets. Weve identified immune-stimulatory pathways. Probably the most fun that Ive had is watching those basic discoveries turn into novel therapeutics.

Youre widely recognized for your research on CD40. Can you talk about that work?

CD40 is an immune light switch that cancers try their very best to turn off.

Therapeutically, we now know how to turn it on using an antibody, for example. Once on, the immune system becomes active, and you can point it toward cancer.

Its different than other immune therapies, which are really blocking the brakes. This is an approach to essentially step on the gas of the immune system.

Its still a promise to be delivered in the clinic, quite frankly. Were designing the next trial right now in patients with pancreas cancer.
People gather near Philadelphia City Hall for the No Kings protest and march down Ben Franklin Parkway on Saturday. Read more

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In step with demonstrators nationwide Saturday, thousands took to streets across the Philadelphia region  from Center City, to Ardmore, to Camden  denouncing President Donald Trump, his policies, and his administration.

It was the third No Kings protest in roughly nine months, signaling the breadth of dissent and concern over what protesters see as Trumps authoritarianism and his attempts to consolidate and expand his power. Protesters condemned the gamut of the presidents agenda, including escalating immigration enforcement, the war in Iran and rising gas prices at home, and the dismantling of foreign aid programs.

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The people in power are making decisions that they wont have to live through, said Electra Powers, who brought her Grays Ferry family to the demonstration outside Philadelphia City Hall. The future theyre setting up for our kids is horrible.

On a brisk March afternoon, chants reverberated throughout Center City, drums beat in time, and homemade signs swung as participants marched down the Ben Franklin Parkway.

Near City Halls north entrance, Meoshe McQueen unfurled a large American flag, a tribute to her father, she said, who served as an airman in World War II.

My father fought for equality and justice, the North Philly native said. The world we live in today threatens that. We want fairness, regardless of a persons color, creed, or race. None of that matters.

More than 3,100 No Kings events were planned Saturday, spanning every state and most continents, according to organizers, who expected historic turnout. The movements flagship event was being held in Minnesota, an epicenter of resistance to Trumps immigration crackdown and the site of two fatal shootings by federal agents. New Jerseys own Bruce Springsteen performed his anti-ICE protest song, Streets of Minneapolis," there.

We need a world where kids can be safe, and not hauled off based on the color of their skin, said Pamela Schott of Jenkintown, who held up a sign pleading for peace and safety for her grandchildren.

Energy was also building in pockets of the region where Trump has more political capital, and those who oppose the president feel their voices drowned out.

I grew up in an America where I saw change for the good, said Betsy Tucker of Bucks County. Now, Ive seen that change ripped away.

Michelle Dupree, 67, was one of the first of roughly 150 people at the Northeast Philly No Kings rally at Bustleton Field. She had hoped more people would show up in the Northeast.

She was tired. But not defeated.

Its important to me, she said, waving her sign for the modest, but steady stream of drivers, who registered their approval with a honk or three. My knees hurt. My back hurts. Its so frustrating to be at home and to watch the news  you want to scream. You want to be heard.

Olivia Hayes was among a couple thousand ralliers in Ardmore. Hayes was cheered by reports of robust crowds at No Kings events in other suburban spots, like Wayne and nearby Havertown. For a few hours, at least, a sense of pride pierced the anger and hopelessness, she said.

Its great to see such a community, she said. When youre in your day-to-day life, and not around so many people, it can be hard to have hope.

Across the river, Camden hosted its first No Kings protest (previous events were held in Collingswood and Haddon Heights). The change in locale was driven by increased immigration enforcement and presence in the area, said Michele Messer, of Cooper River Indivisible. Camden citys population is about 54% Hispanic, according to U.S. Census data. Last month, a nearby ICE operation made a group of Camden County fourth graders and fifth graders run away from a bus stop in a panic, according to the Lindenwold School District.

Were a united front, she said, no matter where you land on the political spectrum, we need to work together and build coalitions to fight back against what this administration continues to try to pile on us.

And the stronger that fabric, the stronger well be.

In a statement to the Associated Press, the White House dismissed the nationwide protests as the product of leftist funding networks with little real public support.

Center City attendees said the sense of urgency is growing.

We wanted to show our support for the movement, Peter Maiolino said. If we werent outraged last time, we definitely are now.

Things have only gotten worse.

In a video message to the crowd, U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle  who was stuck in Washington, D.C., as congressional leaders haggle over the partial government shutdown, which has forced Transportation Security Administration employees to work for weeks without pay  encouraged people to continue their protest, even after the rally concluded.

This is a fight we cannot lose, but we need to be crystal clear about what is that stake in this country, Boyle (D., Philadelphia) said. Our president is more concerned about building his big beautiful ballroom than he is about the poor and working-class people in this country.

Avenging The Ancestors Coalition (ATAC) leader and attorney Michael Coard echoed Boyles sentiments, calling the attendees the revolution. ATAC stewarded the Presidents House Site on Independence Mall, a slavery memorial removed  and later partially restored by court order  in what some have called an attempt by the Trump administration to sanitize history.

When I say fascism, I want you to know that I say it without hyperbole, he said. Today America is where Italy was in 1926, but we are not going to do the same. We are going to fight a good fight and we are going to win.

The No Kings trajectory has been atypical compared to other social movements, where enthusiasm historically wanes over time, according to Billie Murray, an associate professor of communication at Villanova University. No Kings has, instead, gained momentum: Organizers say more than 5 million people took to the streets in June, followed by more than 7 million in October. Organizers projected 9 million people would participate Saturday.

The issues dont seem to be getting resolved, Murray said, people see that as a motivating factor  We have to keep pushing, we have to keep trying, we have to keep organizing.  People arent seeing the change that they want to see.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.

This article was updated to clarify the route of the march in Center City
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Its hardly a newsflash that President Donald Trump is a bigot, but we dont talk nearly enough about another part of his white supremacist mindset that is just as concerning: his disturbing views on eugenics.

Trump recently called into The Brian Kilmeade Show on Fox and babbled about the genetic makeup of two different terror suspects  one from Sierra Leone and the other from Lebanon.

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But instead of focusing on the horrors around what happened earlier this month, he made it about their genetics.

Theyre sick people and, uh, a lot of them were let in here; they shouldnt have been let in, the president told Kilmeade. Others, theyre just bad, they go bad. Something wrong, theres something wrong there. He added, The genetics are not exactly  uh, theyre not exactly your genetic.

Trumps espousing eugenics to demonize immigrants is nothing new. Throughout history, people have attempted to use the debunked theory that certain races and groups of people are inferior to justify slavery, the Holocaust, ethnic cleansing, and forced sterilizations, among other atrocities. The term itself doesnt get tossed around as much these days because of its association with Nazis, but the assumptions behind it linger.

But Trump  who often uses transparent code words like blood and genes  doesnt try to hide how he feels about racialism. Earlier this month, Trump told an audience in Kentucky about an uncle who had been a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for many years and concluded, That means I have much better blood. Better than whose? Thats the operative question.

Hes not even really dog whistling it any longer, Shannon Bow OBrien, author of Eugenics in American Public Life: How the Politics of Superiority Still Shape Us Today, told me. Its open, and its overt. He believes that he is superior.

Its galling when you think about how he puts down the intelligence of people like former President Barack Obama, as he did on Thursday during a cabinet meeting, claiming the nations first Black president wasnt a smart man.

Trump did the same thing with California Gov. Gavin Newsom, whom he has called stupid and said, I dont want a person with mental disability to be my president. In other words, Trump is claiming Newsom is genetically inferior.

Weve heard this kind of ableist language from him before. Trump should have been disqualified for the presidency back in 2015 after he famously mocked New York Times reporter Serge Kovaleski for having a physical disability. Instead, it was a harbinger of things to come.

In 2024, Trump told radio host Hugh Hewitt that undocumented immigrants were bringing bad genes into the country. The previous year, he accused them of poisoning the blood of our country.

But then there was the time in 2020 when he praised a mostly white audience in Minnesota, saying: You have good genes. You know that, right? You have good genes. A lot of it is about the genes, isnt it, dont you believe? The racehorse theory. You think were so different? You have good genes in Minnesota.

Meanwhile, weve heard him refer to Somali Americans quite differently. In Minnesota, its very Somalia-oriented. These people come from a crooked country, disgusting country, one of the worst countries in the world. They come to our country  low IQs  and they rob us blind. Stupid people, and they rob us blind.

Given the presidents track record of crude and boorish behavior, its tempting for some people to chalk all of this up to Trump being Trump. But as an African American whose ancestors suffered greatly because of the widespread promulgation of white superiority, his remarks land differently with me  and I hope they do with anyone who cares about things like equality, civility, fairness, and the rule of law.

And if more evidence is needed that these are not just harmless Trumpisms, we dont have to look any further than the destruction of DEI initiatives or the attempts to whitewash the history of slavery and Jim Crow from national parks and museums to see how his caustic and divisive views shape public policy.

As OBrien noted, its open, its overt  and its crucial that Congress and the U.S. Supreme Court block Trump from allowing his flawed reasoning to come up with more policies that set America even further back.
A truck parked outside Bobz Castle gift shop in Port Isabel, Texas, in 2024. The photograph is featured in a Berlin exhibition titled Roadside USA  There have been better days. Read more

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BERLIN  I never see America more clearly than when Im 4,000 miles away.

One of the corollaries of travel is that as you interact with other cultures, you learn to better appreciate your own. You get to compare and contrast, be proud of the good, and try to understand the bad.

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Its also fascinating to learn how others see us.

I lived in Berlin for nine months almost a decade ago, a plus-one tagalong while my wife was part of the Robert Bosch Foundation fellowship. That program, launched in 1984 and which sought to strengthen transatlantic relations, died by the end of Donald Trumps first term. (Feel free to read into that fact.)

Returning to the city recently, I thought about how much had changed since 2016 as I tried to use my limited knowledge of German during an artist talk by photographer Josef Wolfgang Mayer. His work is part of an exhibition at the Studio Koschmieder gallery in the Kreuzberg section of the city titled Roadside USA  There have been better days.

 READ MORE: Latinos are turning away from Trumps GOP. That doesnt mean Democrats are entitled to their votes. | Luis F. Carrasco

A photographer friend invited us to the event that was described as such:

For many people in the United States, the American dream of freedom and a better life seems to be over. Trumps slogan Make America Great Again, a promise for some, but for others just the lies and deceit of an autocrat, is dividing American society. So, what remains today of this country that for so long shaped the symbols of the Western way of life?

Ouch. Why dont you tell us how you really feel?

Now, while some of the images on display showed a comically distorted vision of the United States  big hair, bigger hats, and the biggest trucks  at the same time, you cant help but nod in recognition. This is America. Part of it, anyway. And I love it.

Fortunately, Im not alone.

For a lot of people of our generation, gallery owner Annette Koschmieder said, the United States was the land of pop culture, of wonderful music, of love and peace, and of great landscapes.

Of hope and future, Mayer chimed in.

Of democracy, Koschmieder added.

The married couple  78-year-old Mayer and 69-year-old Koschmieder  spent three months driving around the U.S. in 2024, traveling across Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Louisiana.

Throughout, they saw a country of contrasts.

It was so clear, after one or two sentences, to find out peoples politics. If they were telling us, Oh, its so bad. Our country is in such a bad condition. Everything is so awful. I knew they are looking to elect Trump, Koschmieder said. When people were telling us that they are afraid for the election, and they were afraid because of the division in their country, I already knew that they were from the Democratic Party.

Regardless of whom they supported politically, the people they met were invariably friendly, they told me. Many of them were also struggling.

What you see is that there are a lot of people not having enough money, not having enough to pay their rent, for education, Koschmieder said. Even if the German couple opposes Trumps policies, we understand that people are hoping for someone who will make their lives better.

Mayer recalled photographing a truck driver who was riding with his little dog. Hes 62, driving for 42 years, he said. He wanted to retire, but his wife got cancer, and now hes driving to afford the medicine.

This was difficult to comprehend for someone who lives in a country with the worlds oldest national healthcare system. You see a lot of people having health problems  limping  you see a lot of people a little damaged, Mayer said.

In our conversation, Koschmieder and Mayer echoed what others I spoke with in Berlin told me. While its true that disapproval of the U.S. is high and many in Germany believe relations between the two countries are poor, the feelings spring out of disappointment, not hate.

 READ MORE: Republicans continue to sow distrust in elections. The SAVE America Act wont change that. | Luis F. Carrasco

And make no mistake, while Germans may be surprised by some of our cultural quirks  like our apparent fascination with giant fiberglass animal sculptures  people have a clear-eyed and nuanced understanding of America.

It was always very different and difficult this USA, Mayer said. You shouldnt forget how bad it was between the Ku Klux Klan thing, the McCarthy era  during the Vietnam War, student protesters were shot at a university.

While people here may be tempering their expectations as the Trump administration seems intent on doing all it can to alienate Europe, so far America  with all its flaws  has yet to default on its foundational promise.

The best idea is to have a democratic way of life with a lot of freedom. And thats what we learned from the United States, Koschmieder said. So, I dont know. Maybe we need this hope.
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State Rep. Morgan Cephas is dropping out of the race for Philadelphias open congressional seat, shaking up the high-profile contest two months before the Democratic primary.

I have made the tough decision to exit the race for the 3rd Congressional District, Cephas said in a statement to The Inquirer on Friday. I want to thank the thousands of Philadelphians who supported my campaign, my staff, and the countless volunteers who worked tirelessly for the campaign.

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Cephas departure leaves six candidates still vying for the Democratic nomination for Pennsylvanias 3rd Congressional District, which is being vacated by retiring U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans (D., Phila.). The district covers about half of Philadelphia and is one of the most Democratic-leaning seats in the nation.

Cephas, who represents the West Philadelphia-based 192nd District and chairs the Philadelphia delegation to the State House, is a widely respected legislator. But she never gained momentum in the crowded race and struggled to keep up in fundraising.

She is not endorsing any of her former rivals at this time, according to a source close to her campaign who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss private deliberations.

Now in her fifth two-year term as a state legislator, Cephas said she will continue running for reelection to the State House this year.

A former staffer for City Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr., Cephas had allies in the Democratic establishment and left-leaning circles, and her exit will likely clarify the lanes for the three remaining candidates seen as top contenders for the seat.

 READ MORE: Self-funding physicians, candidates trying to keep up, and a frontrunner: Inside the money race for a Philly congressional seat

State Sen. Sharif Street, the former chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party and the son of former Mayor John F. Street, has long been seen as the favorite of the local political establishment. He has secured endorsements from the Democratic City Committee, the building trades unions, and the Black Clergy of Philadelphia & Vicinity, and had raised more money from donors than any other candidate as of the last campaign finance reporting period.

Cephas departure may allow him to court West Philadelphia elected officials who either endorsed Cephas or were keeping their powder dry.

Notably, State Sen. Vince Hughes, perhaps the most high-profile politician in West Philadelphia, has not yet weighed in on the race.

 READ MORE: The progressive Working Families Party is backing State Rep. Chris Rabb for Congress

For State Rep. Chris Rabb of Northwest Philadelphia, Cephas exit solidifies his status as the standard-bearer for the left in the race. While Cephas was not a product of the local progressive movement, she has a liberal voting record and is viewed favorably by many on the left.

And with Cephas dropping out, Dr. Ala Stanford is now the only female candidate among the top contenders, potentially allowing her to access more support from groups that back women running for office. Stanford is the founder of the Black Doctors Consortium and won national praise for her work aiding underserved communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 READ MORE: Ala Stanford is banking on a healthcare message to break through crowded Philly primary for Congress

On the campaign trail, Cephas, 41, emphasized that she was the only millennial among the top candidates in the race and called for a generational changing of the guard. Many expect her to run for higher office again.

I thank all of the wards, churches, and community organizations that hosted candidate forums, which allowed a voice that believed we could change our community, while demanding more from those in elected office be heard, she said in her statement.

Staff writer Anna Orso contributed to this article.
Pudron spins wool threads at home in Lumpa village of Xigaze City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 12, 2026. Pudron, 86, lives in Lumpa village of Xigaze City. She can never forget the old days when life was full of hardship but dignity. Since childhood, Pudron was under strict control of serf owners. Living in a low adobe house with only a small window hole, her whole family slept on the floor with only a shabby sheepskin as the quilt. Pudron had to get up before dawn to serve various duties, like driving donkeys to carry goods and fertilizing the farmland. Besides, she had to twist wool and do weaving. Thick calluses formed on her hands... Throughout the year, she had no resting day even she was hurt. Life was unendurable for her and her family, but they had no choices but lived for tiny little earnings. 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. Nowadays, Pudron lives with her son and daughter-in-law in a spacious and warm two-story Tibetan-style house. She is even not used to having so much butter in daily life. This is a "sweet trouble" that I never dreamed of before, she said. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

LHASA, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Pudron, in her eighties, sits on a thick Tibetan sofa in her sunlit home, dressed in vibrant traditional attire, with a silver necklace gleaming around her neck.

The two-story house, fitted with a television, stereo and butter churn, stands in sharp contrast to the dwelling seven decades ago, when her family of six huddled in a shabby adobe house the size of two parking spaces, sleeping on dried grass under old goatskins.

Hailing from a village in Gyangze County, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Pudron was born in a serfs' family in 1940, tied to a manor administered by monks. She and her sister farmed, spun wool and wove from dawn to dusk, and yet after each harvest, the grains were taken as tribute.

"Sometimes we couldn't even have a bowl of warm porridge," she said, adding that the family had to rely on wild vegetables to survive.

Saturday marks Serfs' Emancipation Day. In March 1959, Xizang launched a democratic reform, and about 1 million serfs were emancipated from feudal serfdom, a turning point that Pudron and countless others remember as the moment their bondage ended.

The past 67 years have witnessed the rebirth of 1 million emancipated serfs and the advancement of human rights, the people's happy lives and the profound transformation of society, as well as ethnic unity and progress in Xizang, Gama Cedain, chairman of the regional government, said on Friday in a video speech commemorating the day.

EYEWITNESS TO HISTORY

The history that preceded such transformation was starkly documented by Western scholars who witnessed that era.

Edmund Candler, a British journalist who accompanied the British invasion of Xizang in the early 20th century, wrote that the region was "really ruled by the Lamas."

"The monks are the overlords, the peasantry their serfs," he noted in his book "The Unveiling of Lhasa."

Similar accounts were documented by the U.S. Tibetologist Melvyn Goldstein.

His book says serfs received no wages and, generally, no food from the lord on the days they worked. "Manorial estates were hereditary and, as in Europe, the main source of wealth."

Back then, the three major stakeholders -- local officials, aristocrats and higher-ranking lamas in the monasteries -- and their agents, who made up less than five percent of the population, owned almost all of the land, pastures, forests, mountains, rivers, and most of the livestock. Meanwhile, the serfs and slaves, who accounted for 95 percent of the population, had no means of production or freedom of their own.

Late Jewish journalist and writer Israel Epstein made four visits to the region between 1955 and 1985, witnessing Xizang's transformation firsthand.

In his 1983 book "Tibet Transformed," which described the region's old days as "like a descent into hell," he wrote about eight former serfs, seven men and a woman, whom he met and interviewed in 1965.

"Two had had their eyes gouged out. One had a leg tendon sundered, crippling him forever. One had his arm shot away. One had a hand chopped off and one a foot. One was deafened and disfigured and one barely escaped being ritually buried alive."

One of them was Tashi, a tanner from Lhasa's Drepung Monastery. As recorded in the book, tanners used to go from place to place to find work and earn some grain. In 1958, Tashi was returning with a bag of barley when three well-dressed men accused him of theft, without any proof.

"They tied me up, kicked me black and blue, then dragged me to the dzong (county) jail where I was chained by the ankles to a pillar. They gave me no food for days," he was quoted as saying.

He was later left in a freezing courtyard for 10 days, his leg infected and festering. Eleven years after the interview, Epstein learned Tashi's leg was still infected and painful.

Pudron was no stranger to such torture. Her father was placed in charge of watching over the lord's sea buckthorn forest. When two trees went missing, he was savagely beaten. "When my sister and I stepped forward to plead for him, we too were struck," she recalled.

REBIRTH, NEW LIFE

In 1959, the democratic reform reached Pudron's village. Her family was allocated farmland. In the following years, her family acquired livestock, including dairy cows.

"While milking the cows and watching the cattle graze in the field, I felt the sweetness of life, like fresh milk," she said.

"The inferno has ended," as Epstein noted in his book.

Now, Pudron lives with her son and daughter-in-law. In her leisure time, she likes browsing the latest news about Xizang with her smartphone. Her grandchildren, three grandsons and two granddaughters, have all built careers in various places.

Pudron herself is a municipal-level inheritor of the national intangible cultural heritage Ongkor Festival, at which participants parade around the farmland to pray for a bumper harvest.

She said in the past, even though she was young, her steps felt as heavy as lead when she worked for the lord. "Now, although I am old, each time I walk the ridges to pray for the harvest, I feel light and strong."

Figures show Xizang's gross domestic product had surged to over 303 billion yuan (about 43.8 billion U.S. dollars) in 2025 from 174 million yuan in 1959, while average life expectancy in this region has climbed from 35.5 years in the 1950s to 72.5 years today. Education in the region has achieved a historic leap, from a gross enrollment rate of less than 2 percent in old times to a nearly 100 percent enrollment rate in compulsory education currently.

Penpa Lhamo, a national political advisor and deputy director of the Xizang Academy of Social Sciences, is also a direct beneficiary of the democratic reform. Her grandmother was a serf, her mother seized the reform as an opportunity to pursue education, while Penpa Lhamo herself earned a doctorate abroad and now advises on policy for Xizang's development.

"Now that I received higher education, I will put what I have learned to good use and contribute to the development of my hometown," she said. 

Pudron poses for a portrait in Lumpa village of Xigaze City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 12, 2026. Pudron, 86, lives in Lumpa village of Xigaze City. She can never forget the old days when life was full of hardship but dignity.

Since childhood, Pudron was under strict control of serf owners. Living in a low adobe house with only a small window hole, her whole family slept on the floor with only a shabby sheepskin as the quilt. Pudron had to get up before dawn to serve various duties, like driving donkeys to carry goods and fertilizing the farmland. Besides, she had to twist wool and do weaving. Thick calluses formed on her hands... Throughout the year, she had no resting day even she was hurt. Life was unendurable for her and her family, but they had no choices but lived for tiny little earnings.

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. Nowadays, Pudron lives with her son and daughter-in-law in a spacious and warm two-story Tibetan-style house. She is even not used to having so much butter in daily life. This is a "sweet trouble" that I never dreamed of before, she said. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Pudron (L) chats with her family in Lumpa village of Xigaze City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 12, 2026. Pudron, 86, lives in Lumpa village of Xigaze City. She can never forget the old days when life was full of hardship but dignity.

Since childhood, Pudron was under strict control of serf owners. Living in a low adobe house with only a small window hole, her whole family slept on the floor with only a shabby sheepskin as the quilt. Pudron had to get up before dawn to serve various duties, like driving donkeys to carry goods and fertilizing the farmland. Besides, she had to twist wool and do weaving. Thick calluses formed on her hands... Throughout the year, she had no resting day even she was hurt. Life was unendurable for her and her family, but they had no choices but lived for tiny little earnings.

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. Nowadays, Pudron lives with her son and daughter-in-law in a spacious and warm two-story Tibetan-style house. She is even not used to having so much butter in daily life. This is a "sweet trouble" that I never dreamed of before, she said. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Pudron (R) and her daughter-in-law feed the cattle in Lumpa village of Xigaze City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 12, 2026. Pudron, 86, lives in Lumpa village of Xigaze City. She can never forget the old days when life was full of hardship but dignity.

Since childhood, Pudron was under strict control of serf owners. Living in a low adobe house with only a small window hole, her whole family slept on the floor with only a shabby sheepskin as the quilt. Pudron had to get up before dawn to serve various duties, like driving donkeys to carry goods and fertilizing the farmland. Besides, she had to twist wool and do weaving. Thick calluses formed on her hands... Throughout the year, she had no resting day even she was hurt. Life was unendurable for her and her family, but they had no choices but lived for tiny little earnings.

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. Nowadays, Pudron lives with her son and daughter-in-law in a spacious and warm two-story Tibetan-style house. She is even not used to having so much butter in daily life. This is a "sweet trouble" that I never dreamed of before, she said. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Pudron chats with her family at home in Lumpa village of Xigaze City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 12, 2026. Pudron, 86, lives in Lumpa village of Xigaze City. She can never forget the old days when life was full of hardship but dignity.

Since childhood, Pudron was under strict control of serf owners. Living in a low adobe house with only a small window hole, her whole family slept on the floor with only a shabby sheepskin as the quilt. Pudron had to get up before dawn to serve various duties, like driving donkeys to carry goods and fertilizing the farmland. Besides, she had to twist wool and do weaving. Thick calluses formed on her hands... Throughout the year, she had no resting day even she was hurt. Life was unendurable for her and her family, but they had no choices but lived for tiny little earnings.

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. Nowadays, Pudron lives with her son and daughter-in-law in a spacious and warm two-story Tibetan-style house. She is even not used to having so much butter in daily life. This is a "sweet trouble" that I never dreamed of before, she said. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Pudron (C) poses for a photo with her son and daughter-in-law at home in Lumpa village of Xigaze City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 12, 2026. Pudron, 86, lives in Lumpa village of Xigaze City. She can never forget the old days when life was full of hardship but dignity.

Since childhood, Pudron was under strict control of serf owners. Living in a low adobe house with only a small window hole, her whole family slept on the floor with only a shabby sheepskin as the quilt. Pudron had to get up before dawn to serve various duties, like driving donkeys to carry goods and fertilizing the farmland. Besides, she had to twist wool and do weaving. Thick calluses formed on her hands... Throughout the year, she had no resting day even she was hurt. Life was unendurable for her and her family, but they had no choices but lived for tiny little earnings.

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. Nowadays, Pudron lives with her son and daughter-in-law in a spacious and warm two-story Tibetan-style house. She is even not used to having so much butter in daily life. This is a "sweet trouble" that I never dreamed of before, she said. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)
Gov. Josh Shapiro attends an event at CHOP Karabots Pediatric Care Center in Philadelphia, encouraging residents to take advantage of tax credit programs they are eligible for on Friday, March 27, 2026. Read more

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Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers $7 billion city budget proposal includes two tax-raising measures that will require state approval, meaning she will have to win over Harrisburg Republicans who control the State Senate to make her plan a reality.

It turns out Parker will also need to convince at least one notable Democrat in Harrisburg: Gov. Josh Shapiro.

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 READ MORE: Mayor Parker turns to Harrisburg  and GOP allies  to make her budget priorities work

Shapiro on Friday visited West Philadelphia to promote the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, a new benefit he secured in last years state budget negotiations that allows low- and moderate-income households to get a state income tax credit of up to $805.

The governor, who is widely expected to run for president in 2028, framed the new program as one of several instances in which he has worked to lower taxes for Pennsylvania workers and businesses. And when asked if he supported Parkers proposals, he noted that they would be moving in the opposite direction.

lll get together with the mayor and see what she has in mind, Shapiro said at the CHOP Karabots Pediatric Primary Care Center. You just heard me stand up here today and talk about the seven times weve cut taxes in Pennsylvania, and Im proposing to cut taxes again. Im not looking to raise taxes across the state. But Im happy to hear out the mayor on what her plans are.

In response to Shapiros comments, Parker on Friday said, While we applaud statewide efforts to reduce taxes, Philadelphia cannot afford to wait for a rescue that isnt coming.

We are at a crossroads where business as usual is no longer an option, she continued.

The mayor last year enacted years of scheduled cuts to the citys wage and business taxes. But her budget proposal this year also includes several revenue-raising measures, such as hikes to minor taxes and new fees.

Parkers proposal to enact a $1-per-ride tax on rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, which would generate about $48 million per year for the Philadelphia School District, has drawn the most attention so far. The administration needs City Council approval to enact that fee, but not state legislation.

The two measures that require a green light from Harrisburg are:

Increasing the city hotel tax from 15.5% per room night to 17.5% to generate an estimated $20 million per year to pay for 1,000 new homeless shelter beds. Closing a loophole that allows online retailers outside Philadelphia to avoid paying the 2% local sales tax for transactions in the city

To solve intractable challenges like the nations largest open-air drug market and chronic homelessness, Philadelphia must lead itself, Parker said in her statement Friday. For too long, weve allowed the worst humanitarian crisis in decades to persist on our streets. We are now saying: no more.

The hotel tax increase, she said, is a targeted, $20 million investment to achieve a clear, bold goal: ending street homelessness in Philadelphia.
Real estate agent Sue Liedke photographs 1725 E. Johnston St., listed with Exit Elevate Realty. Liedke's popular Instagram account shares photos of quirky South Philly homes and the interest spurred her to get her real estate license. Read more

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Before Caroline Podraza and her husband, Evan Roth, could find the right house, they had to find the right agent. There were, of course, agents attached to the listings they had saved, plus referrals from friends and suggestions from colleagues. But the choices quickly became overwhelming.

With more than 11,000 real estate agents in the Philadelphia area, they didnt know where to begin.

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Then her husband shared an Instagram reel by Nicholas Millevoi, a Philadelphia-area real estate agent who posts video tours of funky houses for sale on his account, @nickyhousetours. The videos gave Caroline something the other options had not: a sense of who he was. His content, she said, had a very personal feel to it.

Millevoi is one of a growing number of agents in Philadelphia and beyond who are using social media to build their real estate businesses. According to the National Association of Realtors, social media is now the industrys predominant method for lead generation, replacing tried-and-true tactics like cold-calling and mining personal contacts.

But agents like Millevoi arent just using TikTok and Instagram to sell houses.

Theyre using them to sell themselves as approachable guides through an overwhelming process. Some build audiences around design. Some around neighborhood knowledge. Some around housing policy. In each case, the goal is the same: to become someone a buyer can imagine trusting with their search.

Millevoi, an agent with Ovation Realty, planned to use social media to market himself from the moment he got his real estate license in 2025. He already followed dozens of real estate and design accounts on Instagram, so he had a vision for how he wanted to put himself out there. Still, he said, it took him a minute to find his voice and style.

Ultimately, he decided his content would focus on his personal taste.

Often the houses that I feature are things that get me excited from a design standpoint, he said. Whether that is a cool aesthetic from the middle of the century or a modern home with weird embellishments.

They are not necessarily the same kinds of houses he sells. Most of those, Millevoi said, are more normal homes.

But the quirkier listings he features, including a four-bedroom, two-bathroom house with a geodesic dome in New Jersey, give potential clients a sense of his taste and, perhaps more important, his personality.

He sees his videos as mini commercials for what it might be like to work with him and, as such, does not script or edit them. I just hit record and let it rip, he said. It is authentically me.

From influencer to agent

Millevoi said he drew inspiration from Sue Liedke, the woman behind popular Instagram account @s.philly.time.capsules.

Liedke, a full-time music teacher, wasnt even in the real estate business when she started the account in 2019. The idea for the account came to her while she was house hunting and noticed how many South Philly homes still had the crazy 60s and 70s layouts and vibes she loved. She began posting them for fun.

But as the account grew, so did the number of followers asking how they could buy houses like the ones she featured. That interest eventually pushed Liedke to get licensed herself.

Today, she works part-time as an agent with Compass Real Estate and has more people who want to work with her than she can take on. Almost all of them follow @s.philly.time.capsules, which has grown to nearly 48,000 followers. There are a couple of exceptions, but at least 90%, Liedke said.

She believes the accounts power comes from its specificity. Her feed focuses on a very particular kind of South Philly house and the vintage details she loves. Its pretty niche, she said.

As a result, so is her business. Liedke only works in South Philly, where she has lived for 20 years.

Every house Ive helped somebody buy is within walking distance of my house, Liedke said.

If somebody reaches out to her who is interested in a different neighborhood, she refers them to another agent.

The long game

Like Liedke, Ross Abel, a new agent with eXp Realty, also trades in the hyper-specific, except that instead of South Philly design, he focuses on Montgomery County housing policy  a strategy he settled on after realizing that residents often werent aware of local decisions and issues shaping the areas housing market.

Now he posts on @bikedadbuyshomes about zoning, development, and the kinds of neighborhood changes most buyers would never hear about from a listing alone. The goal, he said, is to become a useful local voice people trust before they ever need an agent.

Its a long-term approach, Abel said.

While his content hasnt led to any direct sales yet, it has spurred a lot of civic engagement among his target audience, who, he says, appreciate the community-based content he posts. In the meantime, that engagement is helping him build the local credibility he hopes people will remember when they are ready to buy.

The only downside to Abels social-first strategy is the balancing act that comes with being visible online.

I definitely have to draw a line because I have a family, he said.

Sometimes people get heated in the comments over local debates, like whether Jenkintown needs two Starbucks on the same block, and Abel has to take a step back.

But most people, he said, have just been excited to get information about whats going on.

Beyond the gram

The downside to choosing a real estate agent based on social media is that there is only so much a post or video can reveal about how an agent actually works.

Thats what concerns June Kang, a veteran agent with Compass Real Estate. She worries that buyers might mistake polish for experience. Just because you like them on social media doesnt mean that you may love having them handle the biggest financial decision of your life, she said.

Kangs advice is to treat social media as a starting point for additional vetting.

Do your research, she said. You should understand how they handle their business, what their commitment is to you, and what their services would be.

Podraza and Roth didnt necessarily have all that information when Millevoi sent them an exclusive buyer agreement to sign, and they were hesitant to proceed. Seeing the paperwork made the decision feel more real. It was one thing to exchange messages with Millevoi on Instagram. It was another to hire him.

It occurred to them that none of their friends had found their agents on social media.

Suddenly, signing with someone they hadnt met in person felt unnerving, like dating on the internet, Podraza said.

But I met my husband on Tinder, she added, so I felt like the chances were pretty good hed be a good guy.

They signed the contract anyway and say they are glad they did.

Weve loved working with Nick, Podraza said. She and Roth are now under contract for a three-bedroom, 2-bath house in Cherry Hill that Millevoi showed them.
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TAIYUAN, March 28 (Xinhua) -- One person died and 25 others were injured, including seven in critical condition, after a high-rise building fire broke out in Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province, on Saturday, local authorities said.

The fire erupted at around 8 p.m. in Xiaodian District of Taiyuan, sources with the Taiyuan municipal government said.

So far, the open flames have been extinguished. Firefighters are carrying out search and rescue operations inside the building. 
It is the morning after the Oscars and, like many of us, Eanna Hardwicke is proudly talking about Jessie Buckleys history making best actress win. Its notable, he says, that Irish  and Munster  talent has enjoyed so much success at cinemas biggest stage in recent years.

Imagine, in two of the last three years, a best actor winner from Cork, and the best actress winner from Kerry. Its quite something.

Having admired Buckleys work for years, he was particularly delighted to see the Killarney woman become the first Irish actress to win best actress.

Eanna Hardwicke as Roy Keane in "Saipan". Picture: Aidan Monaghan.

I dont know Jessie, but Im an enormous fan of her work. From even the youngest age, she strikes me as someone who has such a grounded confidence to what she does. That comes, I think, from real, authentic, genuine love for what she does, and even the way she spoke during the Oscars, shes a very special person.

Buckleys Oscar win is another highlight in Irelands much talked about green wave of screen talent, and Hardwicke is finding his own successes in that growth.

The busy actor has had strong reviews for playing fellow Corkman Roy Keane in Saipan. He recently completed a run of John Millington Synges The Playboy of the Western World at Londons National Theatre opposite Nicola Coughlan and Siobhan McSweeney. Other recent credits include his award-winning turn in BBCs true crime drama The Sixth Commandment.

Eanna Hardwicke in the UK's National Theatre production of 'The Playboy of the Western World'

He returns to our screens in No Ordinary Heist, a crime thriller inspired by true events from Belfast in December 2004. It tells a fictional tale of two bank employees pulled into an audacious robbery.

Forced to orchestrate the 26.5m robbery to save their loved ones lives, they are expected to execute the crime without the gang ever stepping foot inside the bank. The film is based on the biggest heist in Irish and British history.

Eanna Hardwicke in No Ordinary Heist

I read it and thought this is just a cracking story, and brilliantly told by Aisling Corristine and Colin McIvor who co-wrote it (McIvor also directs). Its based on the events of the Northern Bank robbery, and I think they use that as a backdrop to tell a very human story about how these two men deal with the pressure and the jeopardy of the situation, where they have to protect their families in this Tiger kidnapping situation. It was very much the human aspect of it that drew me to the story.

Audiences are made very aware of the stakes facing these men early on as close family members are kidnapped.

Hardwickes character, Barry, has to dig deep to find a way through.

Eanna Hardwicke in No Ordinary Heist

Hes thrust into this pressure cooker of a situation, he has to find enormous levels of resolve and courage and fortitude, because his mothers life is on the line. Hes got to take 26.5m out of the bank in broad daylight.

That, for me, was the crux of the character  never really believing in yourself, because people have underestimated you and put you down. And now, in 24 hours, youve got to find some kind of mettle in you and some kind of stoicism to get through the situation.

The story is also given an edge by the fact that the two bank workers dont get along with each other and have very little in common.

I think that was a central part of the dramatisation of the story, says the actor. It needed that frisson between the two characters. Richard (Eddie Marsan) and Barry (Hardwicke) are two very different men, theyve led very different lives, and that has always brought them into conflict with each other. It also made it, I think, more poignant. Because they have to find the common ground. They have to find a common language.

Eanna Hardwicke in No Ordinary Heist

He loved, says Hardwicke, bringing that tricky dynamic to the screen with top English actor Marsan.

Ive learned so much from working with him. It was a real masterclass with him, and not just how he is as an actor, but how he conducts himself as well. Hes such a brilliant presence on set. We had a lot of fun doing this because hes a very funny guy, and I think that creates an environment where everyone does their best work.

The Cork actor has spent a lot of time in Belfast, a city he loves, in recent years and has many close friends living there. As well as researching the true events that inspired the film, he wanted to get a sense of time and place. In doing so, he read novels including Anna Burnss Milkman and Close to Home by Michael Magee.

It was more about language, actually, communication. It was more about the feel of a place which I think fiction, in a weird way, gives you more than non-fiction, because I could do all the research I wanted, but that doesnt necessarily give you the feel of a street or the feel of an era.

Hardwicke grew up in Cork City before his family moved to Glanmire, and had an interest in drama from an early age. As a boy, he appeared opposite Ciaran Hinds in Irish feature film The Eclipse, filmed on location in Cobh.

Later, he attended top Irish drama school The Lir, going on to make an impression opposite Jesse Eisenberg in Lorcan Finnegans sci-fi thriller Vivarium, and to play Connells friend Rob in the Irish international smash that was Normal People.

In the years since, Hardwickes career has gathered steady momentum  but it was his family and his home city, he says, that fostered the encouragement to pursue acting.

That began at home, where his mother, a career-guidance counsellor, encouraged him to do something that he loved.

Thats exactly what she instilled and does, I think, for lots of students. That was her whole approach and philosophy, really. Its just about finding something you love and letting that be the compass that takes you to whatever the job might be.

Shes brilliant at what she does, and always encourages us to do that, which Im incredibly grateful for because you need that. You need people around you to make it feel viable and also to embolden you to proceed, because its so hard, and you need that encouragement.

Eanna Hardwicke at the 70th Cork International Film Festival 2025 at The Everyman Palace Theatre, Cork. Picture: Larry Cummins

He was reminded of that very point just the day before, as he proudly watched his nephew, James, take part in Corks annual music and drama festival, Feis Maitiu.

I did Feis Maitiu when I was growing up, but I hadnt been there since, and it was just brilliant to hear the encouragement, all the brilliant talent that was on show that day, and then the encouragement from their parents and the adjudicator.

Its such a vulnerable thing for young people, he says, to put yourself up on stage or on camera.

And then to meet people who will say, yeah, why wouldnt you? Why shouldnt you pursue that? Its not to say that you dont educate people on the challenges of it as well.

I think its only right for every young actor to know that it is incredibly difficult.

Hell never forget, he says, how other people gave that encouragement to him. He mentions the Cork School of Music, and the teachers there, including Regina Crowley, Ann Barry, and Trina Scott. The training we got there was outstanding. And when I look back at the last 10 years, I can see how that inspired me. Its one of the reasons that Im doing this today.

Last months Irish Film and Television Awards (Iftas) highlighted the fact that Cork City and county is enjoying an exciting groundswell of breakthrough talent and production activity.

Christy  which won the best picture award  was nominated across 14 categories, with numerous acting and filmmaking nods across all the major shortlists. As shows filmed in Cork, including The Young Offenders, Bodkin and horror hit Oddity, go international, stars such as Alison Oliver, Siobhan McSweeney, Sarah Greene, Alex Murphy, and Chris Walley continue to notch up key roles. The establishment of West Cork Studios only seems to have bolstered this growth.

In the months ahead, Severance actor Adam Scott stars in the supernatural horror Hokum from Bantry filmmaker Damian McCarthy, filmed at West Cork Studios and on location in West Cork.

Screen Ireland is backing that film as well as Everybody Digs Bill Evans.

While filmed in the county and at West Cork Studios, the film is set in New York in 1961, as the legendary jazz pianist forms his trio and records two albums  regarded as among the greatest in jazz  over the course of one night. Cork will also be ready for its close-up in the forthcoming The Body is Water. Vicky Wrights drama stars Saoirse Monica Jackson and Stephen Rea. Does Hardwicke feel that Cork is having a moment, and why does he think this is happening now?

Its hard to point to one thing. It feels like a lot of work thats been going on for many years, and then a lot of it is right place, right time. I saw Brendan Cantys short film Christy years ago, because a friend had recommended it to me. I saw his first video for Hozier ( Take Me To Church), which was just beautiful and cinematic.

Then I saw his first short, which captured the spirit of Cork City and the northside unlike anyone has. Then to see the long process of that going into a feature film which, as always, takes many years. Its about all of the people who help you along the way, he adds.

Its about taking that seed of an idea, developing it, and nurturing it. I think hes an amazing example of that. Its no accident that it turned out so brilliantly and so rich.

Hardwicke also feels the opening of West Cork Studios has been key.

I was there for the turning of the sod about two and a half years ago. Two years later, they have made at least four films. Films set all over the world, including Everybody Digs Bill Evans, which is set in California, and just won a huge prize at the Berlinale (film festival). I remember growing up in Cork feeling like there was a wonderful arts scene, but never understood why we didnt film more here.

 The Young Offenders kickstarted that. Only now do we see the fruits of that labour. I think the only secret is that its been people plugging away for years.
Caitriona Perry misses Irish funerals

Political journalist Caitriona Perry was on the show to discuss her experiences in Washington DC as a chief presenter for BBC News.

Perry spoke about her transition from RTE to BBC and her experience covering the chaotic political landscape in the US in the wake of Donald Trumps re-election last year  including how she correctly predicted his return to the Oval Office.

She highlighted the significant changes in America since Trump returned to the presidency, including job losses, heightened tensions, and economic difficulties.

When asked by Patrick Kielty if she misses any home comforts, Perry had a distinctly Irish reply: funerals and food.

You miss going to funerals. The Irish people are very good at going to funerals, and I don't get to go to funerals, she said.

That sounds like a weird thing, but, you know, you go to someone in works parents [funeral] or whatever. Unfortunately, a lot of RTE colleagues have died from the newsroom since I've been gone; I haven't been able to go to their funerals.

She joked that she is legal and it is work and family commitments preventing her from travelling. Im not missing the funerals because I can't travel home. I just have a job, and you can't be coming home every other week.

She also added good Irish beef, good vegetables, chipper chips to the list, before lamenting the terrible standard of chocolate in America.

Pat Kenny on Enoch Burke  and Toy Show fatigue

Former host Pat Kenny on The Late Late Show

It was a case of PK speaks to PK as Patrick Kielty interviewed his Late Late Show predecessor Pat Kenny, who spoke about the freedom he felt with his move from RTE to Newstalk, and his more recent switch to weekend shows.

Kenny hosted the Late Late Show for a decade and when asked by Kielty if he wished hed stayed in the role longer, he quipped: Ten Toy Shows is a lot. Elephants, polar bears, ice, climbing up and down the building, abseiling down the side of it, that was enough. I was happy to move on.

He did, however, lament that his father was not alive to see a memorable Toy Show opening, which saw him arrive on the back of an elephant.

That wasn't the first time I was on the back of an elephant, because my father was the elephant keeper in Dublin Zoo, of course, and my grandfather before him was also the elephant keeper in Dublin Zoo. I was familiar with being on the back of an elephant, he said.

That was a moment that I wished my father lived to see.

He also reflected on his famous interview with Joe O'Reilly, who murdered his wife Rachel at their home but appeared on the Late Late Show with his in-laws during an early appeal for information.

It was a strange encounter, he recalled. Even afterwards, Joe vanished very quickly. The rest of us went to the green room and had tea, coffee, a glass of wine or whatever, and had a chat about the terrible situation that they had found themselves in. Joe split very, very quickly, which we all thought was rather odd.

When Kielty remarked that a similar interview likely would not happen today due to questions that you legally can't ask now, Kenny shared a guest he would book today if he were still in the hosts seat.

I was wondering why you didn't have Enoch Burke on. In my time with my late producer, Larry Masterson, he would have been first on our guest list. Yeah, let's get Enoch and see just what he's made of.

Kevin McGahern on Traitors and Sharon Stone

Patrick Kielty with Doireann Garrihy and Kevin McGahern

Cavan comedian Kevin McGahern spoke about the success of The Traitors Ireland last year, believing the Irish peoples love of lying and mischief added to its popularity.

It was such a phenomenon, said McGahern, who hosted companion show The Traitors Ireland: Uncloaked.

He credited contestants like Eamon and Paudie for adding a distinctly Irish flavour to the show.

What I liked about Paudie was he represented a type of Irish auld lad that you see in your life, but you never see represented on telly.

He also described hosting the Iftas this year, and how his bodhran performance during the show saw a Hollywood legend singing his praises online.

Sharon Stone was sliding into my DMs, Paddy. Can you imagine the 13-year-old Kevin inside me when he got that message?

Doireann Garrihys parenting honesty

Podcast host and presenter Doireann Garrihy joined Kielty to discuss life as a new mum and her upcoming tour.

The Laughs of Your Life host gave birth to baby Rosie last October and said her husband Mark was instantly besotted by their baby.

He was in every visiting hour allowed, and beyond  he definitely broke the rules; he was supposed to go home. He has been very hands-on from the get-go, and I'm very grateful for that,: she said.

Garrihy added that social media pressure for perfection can be overwhelming, but shes keen to share the realities of motherhood.

We compare and despair, and you see people who seem to be nailing it, so I try to just be as honest as I can, she said.

I've had a really nice response, stuff like breastfeeding, all the things that you cannot prepare for until you're in it. The biggest response I've ever got on Instagram was to that and people sharing their different journeys and how judgment is such a big part of it. I never want to perpetuate that.

I always want to be as honest as possible. You have to communicate with other moms and learn from them. And you don't want to freak someone out either.

Ciaran Hinds on the story behind that Liam Neeson tee

Ciaran Hinds with Patrick Kielty

Irish actor Ciaran Hinds revealed the backstory to a t-shirt worn by Liam Neeson in a video message for the Iftas, which featured a collage of Hinds face.

The recording was played as Hinds was honoured with a lifetime achievement award, but Hinds shared that the t-shirt is an inside joke between the pals.

The t-shirts came from his son, Danny, who's a gorgeous fella. Two years ago, we were there at Christmas because we share Christmas together every year, he said.

Danny had these t-shirts made up, unbeknownst to me. Christmas Eve comes, and there's a ritual about dressing the tree. I'm last down, but they're all in these t-shirts covered with some shirt, but I don't know this.

I started dressing the tree, and it took about 10 or 15 minutes with sniggering and pointing for me to say, What's wrong with everybody? I hadnt seen that they were all wearing that t-shirt. That was, I guess, an early Christmas present. And then it was revisited by Liam.

He also spoke about some upcoming projects, including the third and final season of The Dry coming out April/May, as well as an adaptation of Walk The Blue Fields.

I'm working on a lovely project right now with John Crowley, and it's an adaptation of a Claire Keegan short story, adapted by Conor McPherson, shooting down in Wicklow with the great Andrew Scott and Emily Blunt.
The two people arrested in connection with the roadside attack on Scarlett Faulkner have been charged.

A woman in her 40s and a juvenile in her teens were both arrested after the serious assault which occurred on the R494 road outside Birdhill village, Co Tipperary, at about 5.30pm last Saturday.
Almost two years after jumping out of an aeroplane to mark her 90th birthday, Cork-born Lelia Doolan is showing that conscientious protest is not just the preserve of the young.

The near 92-year-old film producer will begin walking from Shannon Airport to Leinster House on March 31 in protest at the use of Shannon Airport as a transit point for the US military.

Lelia, who lives in Galway, is covering 15km a day as part of the journey, which she estimates will take 16 days to complete.

The first female artistic director of the Abbey Theatre has received several accommodation offers from people lending their support.

The only alternative was climbing over the fence at Shannon Airport, she told the Irish Examiner.

I felt I was too old for that, but I knew there had to be another way of raising awareness.

The founder of the Galway Film Fleadh says she is determined to succeed.

Lelia Doolan: 'Im afraid that what is happening is making us dangerously complicit in the deaths of women and children.' Picture: Karen Cox

Im getting in between 6km and 10km a day, so Im relatively limber. It doesnt matter if I have to be carried a bit of the way, Ill still reach Dail Eireann regardless.

"I cant say how fit I am yet, but well soon find out. Needless to say, Ill be welcoming everyone along the way.

Lelia was keen to do something to make a difference before she turns 92 on May 7.

For decades, Shannon Airport has hosted US military planes, sparking protests, legal battles, and questions about Irelands neutrality.

This is something I feel very strongly about. I want to show what a dangerous place Shannon Airport is in terms of our neutrality. Because our government refuse to search the planes, we have no idea what cargo they are carrying.

"For the last while, there have been planes refuelling in Shannon before flying on to destinations, some of which are in Europe, but many that are in the Middle East.

"Im afraid that what is happening is making us dangerously complicit in the deaths of women and children. We are seeing upheaval everywhere from Gaza, Ukraine, the West Bank, and Sudan.

Lelia Doolan: 'It doesnt matter if I have to be carried a bit of the way, Ill still reach Dail Eireann regardless.' Picture: Chani Anderson

Earlier this month, the Government was called urged to ban the US military from using Shannon Airport as a stopover point en route to the Middle East.

Senator Patricia Stephenson, the Social Democrats' foreign affairs spokeswoman, called on the Government to give a categoric commitment on the issue, citing Spains decision to ban US military operations in Spanish territory, with the countrys prime minister Pedro Sanchez saying the war is unjustified.

People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy said it is clear Ireland should follow the lead of Spain and ban the US from using Irish airports.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said all foreign military and state aircraft wishing to overfly, or land in the State, require diplomatic clearance.

Diplomatic clearance is subject to strict conditions, including that the aircraft is unarmed; that it carries no arms, ammunition or explosives; that it does not engage in intelligence gathering; and that the flight in question does not form part of a military exercise or operation.

This policy is well known and fully understood by the US and other international partners," it said.

However, Lelia said she has seen too much devastation caused by wars, apartheid and genocide in her lifetime to sit back and do nothing.

Lelia Doolan: 'This is something I feel very strongly about. I want to show what a dangerous place Shannon Airport is in terms of our neutrality.' Picture: Karen Cox

Whats wrong with men that they are continuing with this madness, and whats wrong with our government, whom we as Irish people employ?

"Its all about drawing attention. All over Ireland, there are anti-genocide groups. We just hope that they can join us along the way. 

Lelia has been bowled over by the response to her campaign.

Ive discovered just how much kindness there is out there. So many people have offered beds. Even though the weather is getting a bit better now, Im not crazy about camping, so if people offer beds, that is always welcome. Luckily, I have a team who are looking after all that.

She expressed her hopes for the journey, saying she wants to "persuade the government that the time has come to stop a civilian airport being used as a stopping off point for US military aircraft".

Lelia Doolan marked her 90th birthday in May 2024 by jumping out of a plane whilst cruising at 15,000 feet over Offaly wearing a ceasefire sign around her neck to raise money for Medecins Sans Frontieres and awareness for the situation in Gaza. Picture: Chani Anderson

Lelia raised 9,015 for Medecins Sans Frontieres, also known as Doctors Without Borders, through a skydive in Offaly back in 2024.

However, she said that this event, known as Walk for Peace, is purely for awareness.

There is a fresh batch of young people who want to draw attention to the potential breaches in our neutrality and feel threatened by the governments actions. Im encouraging them all to join me on this walk."

Anyone who would like to join Lelia or offer support can email walkwithlelia@proton.me. Readers can also follow Lelias progress on Instagram: @walkwithlelia
Pope Leo XIV visited the cosmopolitan Mediterranean principality of Monaco on Saturday to encourage its people to use their Catholic faith and wealth for good.

As a cannon boomed, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene met Leo at the Monaco heliport, just down the coast from the marina that is home to the megayachts of the rich and famous.

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco welcome the Pope (Gregorio Borgia/AP)

A brilliant sun made the Mediterranean sparkle as Leo emerged from the Italian military helicopter that had ferried him from the Vatican for the nine-hour stay.

Its the first papal visit to Monaco since Pope Paul III came in 1538.

At the palace, members of the royal family stood in the courtyard, the women dressed in black and with lace head coverings, waiting for Leo to arrive.

Leo is aiming to show how small states, such as the Holy See and Monaco, can punch above their weight on the global stage, especially in times of war, to uphold traditional Catholic values on the sanctity of all human life.

The pontiff will meet the royal family at the palace, as well as holding a meeting with the Catholic community and hold Mass at the sports stadium (Gregorio Borgia/AP)

Monaco is one of the few European countries where Catholicism is the official state religion and Prince Albert recently refused a proposal to legalise abortion, citing the important role Catholicism plays in Monacos society.

The decision was largely symbolic, since abortion is a constitutional right in France, which surrounds the coastal principality of 2.2 square kilometres.

But in refusing to allow it in Monaco, Albert joined other European Catholic royals who have taken a similar stand over the years to uphold Catholic doctrine on an increasingly secular continent.

When Pope Francis visited Belgium in 2024, he announced he was putting the late King Baudouin on the path to possible sainthood because he abdicated for a day in 1990 rather than approve legislation to legalise abortion.

Leos visit includes a private meeting with Albert and Princess Charlene at the palace, a meeting with Monacos Catholic community in the cathedral and Mass in the sports stadium.

Catholicism is the official state religion of Monaco (Gregorio Borgia/AP)

A coastal playground for the rich and famous, Monaco is renowned as much for its tax-friendly incentives and Formula 1 Grand Prix as its glamorous royal family.

The son of the late American actress Grace Kelly, Albert spoke in perfect, unaccented English when he greeted Leo at the heliport. Leo was heard noting that he landed three minutes late.

Monacos population of 38,000 is heavily Catholic and also multinational, with only a fifth of the population actually citizens of the principality.
Confucius Institute in Zimbabwe holds Chinese character competition to boost language skills

Xinhua) 10:37, March 28, 2026

HARARE, March 27 (Xinhua) -- The Confucius Institute at the University of Zimbabwe on Friday hosted the third edition of the Chinese Character Hero Competition in Harare, Zimbabwe's capital, to boost language skills among Chinese language learners.

During the competition, participants were tested on their ability to read Chinese characters and sentences, and to structure sentences correctly under time constraints.

Cathrine Nkala, a school teacher, was crowned the character hero for tertiary education students.

"I am motivated to continue learning Chinese characters, and not to give up. I want to encourage my fellow Zimbabweans who want to learn Chinese that it is very possible, and the Chinese language is very interesting," she told Xinhua after the competition.

In his welcome remarks, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at the University of Zimbabwe Fainos Mangena said the competition is more than a contest, but a celebration of the power of language to connect people.

"This competition inspires creativity. It fosters mutual understanding and strengthens the bond of friendship between Zimbabwe and China. As we compete, we strengthen the bond between ourselves, as Zimbabwe, and our friends, China," said Mangena.

He said that languages such as Chinese have been introduced to the university's curriculum, opening doors for students to experience culture through language and to thrive as global citizens.

"By embracing languages such as Chinese, we equip graduates to thrive in trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchange," he said.

Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding said that through their voices and talents, the young Chinese language learners will become an integral part of the vibrant people-to-people exchanges between China and Zimbabwe.

"Every stroke you write, every character you articulate, and every effort you make is a small yet meaningful contribution to consolidating the strong bonds of friendship between China and Zimbabwe," said Zhou.

He said the growing enthusiasm for learning Chinese in Zimbabwe is a clear testament to the vitality of the bilateral partnership.

"As we celebrate our fruitful cooperation and enduring friendship, we reaffirm that language and cultural exchanges play a pivotal role in strengthening the foundation of our friendship and making our partnership more dynamic and resilient," he added.

(Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun)
Jaden Jacob from the Motswedi Community Junior Secondary School performs Chinese Gongfu during his talent show at the final of the "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Botswanan secondary school students in Gaborone, Botswana, March 27, 2026. The final of the "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Botswanan secondary school students was held Friday in Gaborone, the southern African country's capital.(Photo by Tshekiso Tebalo/Xinhua)

GABORONE, March 28 (Xinhua) -- The final of the "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Botswanan secondary school students was held Friday in Gaborone, the southern African country's capital.

Co-organized by the Confucius Institute at the University of Botswana (CIUB), the Livingstone Kolobeng College, and hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Botswana, the final event drew nine candidates from four Botswanan schools to compete in three segments, namely a written test, a speech, and a talent show including skills in poetry, singing, dancing, Chinese Gongfu, and traditional Chinese paper-cutting.

Jaden Jacob from the Motswedi Community Junior Secondary School emerged as this year's champion, with his attractive talent show of Chinese Gongfu.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education Morena Rankopo said, "This is my first time to attend Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition for Botswana Secondary School Students." He commended the organizing work, and stressed the need to embrace and introduce Chinese language courses in Botswana.

"The Chinese language competence helps our children with understanding China, doing business with China and catching up with China," he noted, terming China as an economic giant that performs the best in the world and keeps making wonders in economy and high technology.

As one of the six official languages of the United Nations, and a major language in the world, "The Chinese language is a good tool for Botswana children to be equipped with and enter the future world concerning China and Chinese," he said, applauding the Confucius Institute's role as a cultural and educational bridge between Botswana and China.

Chinese Ambassador to Botswana Fan Yong said the competition theme "Fly High with Chinese" captures a beautiful hope that young people around the world can take Chinese as their wings to chase their dreams and to reach out to the wider world.

He said the competition is not just about language but also about fostering a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and history. He noted that beyond language proficiency, participation offers students "a life-changing journey and an opportunity to witness firsthand the dynamic progress of modern China," adding that such exchanges strengthen people-to-people ties between China and Botswana.

"This year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Africa. To celebrate this milestone, Chinese and African leaders have agreed to make this the 'Year of People-to-People Exchanges.' It is a shared commitment, and a meaningful step forward, as we stand at a new historical starting point to deepen the friendship between us," said the Chinese ambassador.

Frederick Ramsay, Principal of Livingstone Kolobeng College, urged his school and the wider community to deepen cultural ties with China, framing Mandarin education as a cornerstone of cross-cultural understanding and future opportunity. He expressed hope that his school will become a center for Chinese language and culture. 
KUWAIT CITY, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Kuwait International Airport was targeted by multiple drone attacks that caused significant damage to its radar system, the country's civil aviation authorities said Saturday.

Abdullah Al-Rajhi, spokesperson for Kuwait's Directorate General of Civil Aviation, said in a statement carried by the state news agency KUNA that no injuries or casualties were reported as a result of the attacks.

Al-Rajhi said emergency response teams and relevant authorities moved swiftly to the scene and took the necessary measures to contain the situation and assess the damage.

He added that the drone attacks caused substantial disruption by damaging the airport's radar infrastructure.

The incident happened amid escalating tensions following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran that began last month. Iran has since launched missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli and U.S. assets across the Middle East. 
By Pat Hynes with Anna Gyorgy

Economist Jeffrey Sachs calls the Israeli and American war on Iran the beginning of World War III, driven by a madman and know-nothing president unrestrained by hollowed out politicians and surrounded by sycophants. Some of the most cogent early coverage of the war thus frames this conflict for what it is: a lawless, soulless, brainless killing or wounding of thousands upon thousands of Iranian children and adults and displacing millions. An enduring menace to the global economy, this unnecessary and illegal war also pushes the world toward long-term environmental disaster. You will not read or hear this brutally honest coverage in any weak-kneed mainstream media or discourse, but Informed Comment will always be honest with you.

Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which 1/5th of the worlds oil passes, causing oil markets to convulse and risking collapse of the global economy. There are two paths in this war, as Sachs sees it: a collective global intervention, or a continued slide into a war that will reshape the century. Where are the grown-ups in this government?

Bombing Iran for Greater Israel captures the intent of this war according to Palestinian American writer and publisher Michel Moushabeck. Two nuclear powers embarked on a war against a non-nuclear Iran, just as a peace deal between the US and Iran was within reach, according to Omani mediators. It is a sequel to Israels genocidal war in Gaza. Although many Iranians are striving for freedom from their conservative, theocratic government, they will resist any US-Israeli domination. Ironically, the reign of the ayatollahs is a direct consequence of the US and British overthrow in 1953 of democratically-elected Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadegh for nationalizing Iranian oil.

This war has taken the spotlight off Palestine as Israel halts humanitarian aid to dying Gaza, and the West Bank is being taken over by right-wing settlers. Meanwhile, a mere 1 in 4 Americans support the US missile strikes in Iran costing American taxpayers $1 billion/day. (See cost of war below)

Israeli chauvinism is based on a lie, one the world has been convinced to believe. What does Palestinian writer Abu Alya, from Gaza and now in exile, mean by this? He explains that Israel called the land of Palestine a land without a people, a barren desert that they made bloom, when the truth is that Palestine was a land cultivated by farmers for thousands of years, a literate country of newspapers and cinemas, with a developed civic and agricultural life. Their tragedy was to be a people written out of history. And the greatest tragedy is that the world has accepted the original lie. This made possible the war in Iran.

Netanyahu has candidly admitted that he has wanted the war with Iran for 40 years on various pretexts, including the implausible one that Iran has been close to building a nuclear weapon. It took an American president indifferent to the chaos he is creating to give Netanyahu his chance. Though Iranians live under a stifling regime, Trump and Netanyahu will never be their saviors.



Photo by Charles Causse on Unsplash

Today we are watching Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu conduct a war that is evil, contends former CIA analyst, national security analyst and author, Melvin Goodman. There is no banality to be observed in this war, as Hannah Arendt observed in the trial of Holocaust organizer Eichmann. He committed evil, but he was an ordinary man with an inability to think for himself. This war that Benjamin Netanjahu and Donald Trump wage exhibits no ordinariness. Nor are they exactly the salt of the earth. They are evil and powerful men waging an evil war, contends Goodman.

Iran has retaliated by closing the Strait of Hormuz through which 20% of the worlds oil exports pass, along with medical goods, some of which are headed for healthcare facilities in Sudan for the wars wounded there, and up to 30 percent of the worlds fertilizer, threatening 300 million people with acute food security. Iran has also responded to the US and Israels bombing of Irans oil and gas facilities with retaliatory attacks on natural gas complexes in Qatar and the United Arab Republics. By targeting fuel depots, the US and Israeli aggressors, and now Iran in retaliation, have caused immense air pollution and release of hazardous substances which poison humans and nature and accelerate climate disaster.

Building a Greater Israel is Netanyahus colonialist project in Palestine, now Iran, perhaps Lebanon next, Syria and the rest of the Middle East. What the world allowed in Gaza, it is now allowing in Iran . . . and the killing it is now allowing in Iran, it will allow again, asserts Abu Alya.

BTselem, a leading Israeli human rights organization, has warned that, in expanding its war for Greater Israel, the crime of genocide Israel commits in Gaza will expand to additional areas where Palestinians live under Israeli occupation; and right-wing Israeli politicians are calling for the expulsion of Palestinians citizens of Israel. In other words, with expanded war against Palestinians and incessant war in Iran and killings in Lebanon and who knows what next Middle Eastern country, the victims of Israel and the US face the prospect of normalized atrocity, while the world stands by.

Where is the United Nations?

**********************

https://iran-cost-ticker.com/ US War Costs in Iran

Pat Hynes with Anna Gyorgy. They are members of the Traprock Center for Peace and Justice Board
Editors Note: Women are barred from working as photographers in Afghanistan. As a result, Truthdig opted to use a pseudonym for the photographers to protect their identities.

The street market in the Afghan border town of Torkham in Nangraha province has gone silent. Anxiety about the future is rising as trade halts and incomes dry up, a local shopkeeper tells Truthdig. His name has been withheld for his protection, as have most names in this piece.

Pakistan declared open war against Afghanistan in late February, but border insecurity and clashes have affected supply chains since mid-2025, when tensions between the two countries began to increase. The conflict is the latest issue compounding other dire factors over the past five years, including U.S. sanctions on Afghanistan, humanitarian aid cuts, flooding and droughts. Together, they have left Afghanistan with one of the worlds most fragile economies and are contributing to severe poverty, unemployment and, ultimately, widespread mental health battles.

I feel isolated, I have lost my patience. Unemployment has affected my mental health, Palwasha (a pseudonym) tells Truthdig. She is a young Afghan woman who used to have short-term contract jobs, but she has struggled to get an income since 2021, when the Taliban returned to power and the U.S. froze Afghan government reserves held in U.S. bank accounts.

I feel isolated, I have lost my patience.

After the Taliban came, I worked for a short time on a project, she says. But it was shut down by the authorities. Later I found another job, but it also ended after only 10 days.

Across Afghanistan, thousands of young people like Palwasha  including university graduates and skilled workers  are struggling with prolonged unemployment. Data is scarce, with the International Labor Organizations latest figures dating to 2021, and the World Bank reporting 25.64% female unemployment in 2024.

Economic collapse

News breaks as I write this. The conflict with Pakistan is getting worse, and the Afghan government says 400 people were killed in a Pakistan strike on a Kabul drug treatment hospital. Forensic laboratory sources later confirmed to the BBC that over 100 people people were killed in the attack. Prior to that, the government had reported that so far this year, Pakistan attacks had killed 110 individuals  including 65 women and children, injured 123 civilians, displaced 8,400 families and destroyed more than 350 houses. The United Nations says heavy shelling and airstrikes have triggered a significant humanitarian crisis, displacing more than 100,000 people from their homes along the border. Some 4,000 young men have now registered to fight, possibly seeing little future in peaceful economic activities.

We need practical training programs and professional seminars.

Young men lack professional opportunities for work. We need practical training programs and professional seminars, Mohammed Bilal tells Truthdig. An agriculture graduate from Laghman University in 2021, he has been unemployed since then, and he says young men are increasingly frustrated as work possibilities disappear.

I had many hopes after graduating, he says. But unfortunately the situation changed . I never received any responses to my job applications.

Bilal believes unemployment has broader social consequences. Unemployment creates psychological problems and leads to family conflicts, he says, explaining that he has considered leaving the country because his future is so limited.

Hes not alone. After the U.S. decision in August 2021 to freeze nearly $9.5 billion of Afghanistans foreign reserves  previously used to stabilize Afghanistans currency, pay for imports such as food and fuel, and maintain the countrys banking system  Afghan banks faced a severe liquidity crisis, businesses struggled to conduct international transactions, and ordinary citizens could not easily withdraw their savings. While the government recently eased withdrawal limits, many people still depend on informal and nontraditional banking systems. The freeze was part of broader U.S. sanctions that include barring U.S. citizens from dealing with the country.

At the same time, most international development aid to Afghanistan ceased after 2021 with the U.S. withdrawal of troops from the country. Before that, foreign assistance funded around 75% of public spending, including salaries for teachers, health care workers and civil servants. Major donors, including the United States, the World Bank and the European Union all halted aid. Many international projects that had employed thousands of Afghans were canceled or scaled back, leaving large numbers of people suddenly without work. Humanitarian funding declined from between $3 billion and $4 billion in 2022 to $1.7 billion in 2024.

The resulting conditions for many people in Afghanistan are dire. Jamila (a pseudonym) is a mother of eight who lives in Kabul with her husband, who is disabled and unable to work, as well as her extended family.

There are 30 of us living in one house, she tells Truthdig. We do not even have a cow or animals, she says. We have nothing.

She is skilled in tailoring and handicrafts, and says she would do sewing work if she could, but lacks the resources to start a small business. As it is, I do not have money for pens or books for my children, she says.

Her situation reflects a broader national trend. As job opportunities decline, many households are forced to rely on humanitarian aid or informal labor to survive. However, with the decline in aid and the poor and irregular pay for informal labor, hunger is increasing in Afghanistan. In March 2026, 17.4 million people were expected to face acute hunger.

Restrictions imposed by the Taliban have also deepened the crisis. Since 2021, authorities have banned girls from attending secondary school and universities and imposed sweeping limits on womens employment and movement.

Aid cuts also affect disaster relief. On top of last years powerful earthquake that killed 2,200 people, Afghanistan has also faced frequent floods and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall and climate change. In January this year, floods killed at least 17 people and affected infrastructure and farmland, and in the summer months of last year, the country was hit by its worst drought in 30 years. Farmers and food security were severely affected. A recent climate vulnerability report found that 79% of internal displacement during the first three months of 2025 was driven by environmental hazards such as drought, water shortages, soil erosion and earthquakes  pushing families from their homes and disrupting livelihoods.

Such disasters often mean permanent job losses. Farmers lose crops and livestock, seasonal workers cant find farms to harvest, and local markets remain closed for months. These setbacks leave many feeling hopeless about their futures. With little or no savings, families are forced to borrow money, sell assets or reduce food consumption  choices that take a toll on mental well-being.

The emotional cost of unemployment

Drought, high unemployment and restrictions on women in public life are contributing to extreme economic precarity. I studied so much, but it feels pointless, says Shabnam (a pseudonym). She completed her degree in Persian-Dari at Nangarhar University in 2022, and hoped her studies would open the door to a stable career. Instead, she has spent the past four years sending out job applications with no success.

I have applied to many government and nongovernment organizations, she tells Truthdig. A few replied with rejections, and most never responded.

Unemployment has affected every part of my daily life, she says. When I had a job, I could help reduce some of my familys financial problems, but now the pressure is greater.

The emotional toll is severe, she says, Sometimes I cannot organize my [domestic] work or motivate myself to do anything. I often stay awake late at night and cannot sleep. It is very painful to think that despite so much education and effort, I still cannot find a job.

Mental health professionals say such experiences are becoming increasingly common. A psychologist working in Afghanistan, who asked not to be identified for her safety, says the number of patients seeking psychological support has risen sharply in recent years.

Unemployment has affected every part of my daily life.

Economic problems are the most common issue, she tells Truthdig, adding that many patients are young people who once had jobs but are now unemployed.

When someone loses their job, their social status is affected, she says. They begin to think negatively about everything. Some patients report depression, anxiety and hopelessness about the future.

We have seen cases where people attempted suicide after schools closed or because they could not find work, the psychologist says.

Further, in earthquake- and climate-affected regions of Afghanistan, mental health professionals say distress manifests in many forms: lingering fear of aftershocks, chronic stress about food and shelter, insomnia, and a pervasive sense of uncertainty about the future. In many cases, survivors are reluctant or unable to seek help  partly because mental health services are limited and partly due to the social stigma attached to psychological suffering.

Women face deeper isolation

For Afghan women, unemployment often brings an additional layer of hardship.

The restrictions on womens work and education have forced many professionals to remain at home. Women also arent allowed to be in public spaces without a male guardian, further limiting their ability to work or look for work. The psychologist explains that women who once had careers are particularly affected.

Women who previously worked outside the home now face more serious psychological problems than those who always stayed at home, she says, adding that unemployed men can at least go out and do other things, but women cant.

For Palwasha, this isolation has intensified her distress. I stay home all day, she says. Even if I go outside, there is no income to meet daily needs.

Navida (a pseudonym) was unable to finish her university degree when the education ban came into effect. She describes how the work restrictions have created severe economic hardship for families, and also notes rising social pressures in her community as a result of increased poverty. I have seen families marry off their daughters at a young age because of economic problems, she says.



Photo by Sohaib Ghyasi on Unsplash

The cycle of droughts, economic crisis and mental strain also feeds into broader social challenges. Young people, already discouraged by unemployment, now see their communities fractured  schools destroyed, farms unproductive and traditional safety nets eroded. Many express deep anxiety about the future, questioning whether Afghanistan can ever recover.

Despite the challenges, some young Afghans still believe education and perseverance will eventually lead to change.

Khadija (a pseudonym), an economics graduate from Kabul, says the years since graduation have been difficult, and she has not been able to find work.

I studied very hard, she tells Truthdig. But sometimes I feel that my efforts were wasted.

Her message to other young people is one of resilience. Conditions are difficult now, but we should not lose hope, she says. Continue studying. One day schools will reopen and better days will come.

For many young Afghans, the mental health crisis unfolding across the country is inseparable from the broader economic and political turmoil shaping daily life. They say the path forward depends on changes far beyond their individual control  the reopening of schools and workplaces, the return of jobs and international trade, and an end to the violence that continues to unsettle the country. Until then, a generation that once looked to education and work as a path to stability continues to wait for a chance to rebuild its future.
( Reasoning together with Mitchell Zimmerman )  It is abundantly clear that Donald Trump is fully engaged in a program to dismantle American constitutional democracy and enthrone an authoritarian regime festering in a cult of personality.

What are we going to do about it? Waiting for the next elections is not enough. Hoping the opposition party unseats the MAGA regime is not enough. Complaining to your friends is not enough. Avoiding the news out of sheer exhaustion is certainly not enough.

We must protect our democracy by facing the danger and fighting back. We need to broadcast our outrage  peacefully  on the streets. Where to go? See: www.nokings.org.

Are things really this bad? Put the pieces of Trumps take-over campaign together. We see the assertion of personal power over every institution and aspect of the nations life.

This is more than a collection of bad policies and malicious deeds. It is a scheme to aggrandize power in the hands of one man.

Here is Trumps effort to consolidate lawless, unbounded power:

He pardoned every one of the violent insurrectionists who attacked the police and our Capitol on January 6, 2021, in his failed effort to overturn the 2020 election  encouraging MAGA supporters to engage in political violence on his behalf.

He transformed the formerly-independent Justice Department into a revenge squad to persecute those who attempted to investigate or prosecute Trumps own crimes.

He conjures emergencies at every turn to assert powers that our Constitution denies him.

He turned ICE into a secret, militarized police force that brutalizes law-abiding immigrants, murders American citizens, jails children, and violates fundamental constitutional rights.

He has sent National Guard troops to occupy American cities.

He has subjugated private and public universities and public schools, censored their curriculums in order to erase the role of non-white peoples in America.

He has attacked independent media and newspapers as enemies of the people, and used the governments regulatory power to intimidate major news outlets.

He has attacked and threatened private companies that seek to provide fair opportunities for groups previously excluded by bias.

He has defied courts and vilified judges in personal attacks calculated to generate death threats in order to destroy judicial independence.

He has illegally demolished or neutered government agencies established by Congress.

He has targeted blue states for denial of federal grants and services.

He has tried to suppress voting by groups who oppose his agenda and he promotes radical gerrymandering.

He has devised imaginary threats, fictitious crime waves, a supposed invasion by asylum seekers, and a conspiratorial plot to replace white Americans in order to justify grasping yet more power.

This is more than a collection of bad policies and malicious deeds. It is a scheme to aggrandize power in the hands of one man, to hollow out our democratic freedoms, to end our constitutional republic and establish a de facto dictatorship.

Donald Trump keeps suggesting that  in light of his achievements and despite the unambiguous language of the Twenty-Second Amendment  it would only be fair for him to have a third term as president.

Could a terrorist outrage or a fabricated emergency provide the excuse for postponing a coming election or for federal supervision of voting in key cities and states? Even if Trump does not himself try to remain on the stage beyond 2028, he is shaping an autocratic, democracy-proof national government for other MAGA leaders (perhaps one of his sons?) to step into.

It is time to say No.

In June 2025, five million Americans attended peaceful No Kings Day protests against Trump and Trumpism. In October 2025, attendance at the second No Kings demonstrations reached seven million.

Tomorrow, Saturday, March 28, still more Americans will take to the streets, peacefully, loudly, with creative, angry and amusing signs, to confirm that we remain a free nation and that autocracy can and will be stopped. Join us!

Many Americans seem to regard protest as, well, a weirdo activity. But nothing is more American than exercising the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances, as the First Amendment provides.

Weve got grievances aplenty. Now is the time to do more than grouse to our friends, coworkers and relatives and wait for the next election.

People in the streets matter and get results! They mattered when African-American citizens fought and overcame segregation, disenfranchisement and the denial of fundamental human rights. They mattered when women fought for voting rights. They mattered when workers forced bosses to recognize and negotiate with unions, which created the higher living standards that made the American middle class. They mattered when young people then millions of others said No to the endless war against Vietnam.

They mattered when hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans stood up to Trumps ICE thugs, supported immigrants in fear of government brutality, and eventually forced ICE to back down.



No Kings Demonstration, Ypsilanti, Michigan, October 18, 2025.  Juan Cole

If you join us you will become another voice in the medley of Americans exercising the freedoms we have fought so long to preserve. Kindred spirits will upraise yours. Youll smile. You will be the ones drivers are honking to support.

Most important, you will be sending a message to the power centers of American society that we, the people, are outraged with the direction of our government and that we will not sit quietly while our rights are expunged. They may ignore this message or jeer or belittle. But they will hear it. And as our movement continues to grow, as more and more people refuse cooperation with autocracy, we will triumph.

Where to go? Google No Kings Day or go to www.nokings.org to find an event near you. Use your imagination. Make a sign. Bring a friend. And get set to cheer for American democracy.

Reasoning together with Mitchell Zimmerman
Some 500 prisoners have died during El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele's four-year anti-gang war -- most of them not gang members, according to a human rights group.

Since March 27, 2022, Bukele has maintained a state of emergency under which 91,000 people have been detained without warrants, leading to human rights violations, according to a report by Socorro Juridico Humanitario ("Humanitarian Legal Aid," or SJH).

Based on testimonies from family members and access to unofficial sources, the group said it has compiled information on the deaths of 500 people in detention, 94 percent of whom were not gang members.

SJH, which criticized the lack of government information about prisoners, found that nearly a third of the deaths were due to a lack of medical attention, and that 30 percent were violent deaths.

In only a few cases were proper police inspections conducted despite signs of violence on bodies, the group said.

"These constitute widespread, systematic acts against the civilian population in state custody," which "fit the definition of crimes against humanity," the report stated.

On his X account, Bukele has posted several messages accusing human rights organizations of being "international law firms for crime."

"We will never listen to them, no matter how much they attack us," he said on Wednesday.

Bukele is popular in the country because he reduced homicides to historic lows and dismantled the Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18 gangs, which have been declared terrorist organizations by the United States and El Salvador.
Russia on Friday ushered a resolution through the UN Human Rights Council, a first since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, in what observers said signals a growing push to re-enter the global stage.

The text tabled by Russia seemed bland, merely calling on countries to properly celebrate the 60th anniversary of the adoption of international human rights covenants.

It passed with 26 of the council's 47 members voting in favour and no votes opposing, but with 21 mainly Western countries abstaining.

The passage marked a first for a Russia-drafted text since the country was suspended from the council after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Council observers said Russia had used a seemingly innocuous text to make it difficult for countries to vote against it.

"The resolution tabled by the Russian Federation is a cynical effort to re-engage with a body from which it was ejected four years ago," Dave Elseroad, of the Human Rights House Foundation, told AFP.

"States seeking to promote and protect human rights must be prepared for a more aggressive Russian posture at the Human Rights Council and across the multilateral system," he warned.

Before the vote, a Russian representative called for support from all "states for whom concern for human rights is not just a political slogan".

A number of Western diplomats took the floor to say they fully supported the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), adopted by the General Assembly in 1966, but that they could not vote for the text.

"We do not consider it appropriate for Russia to present this text to the council when it is in flagrant breach of so many of the principles and values contained in these treaties," Britain's human rights ambassador Eleanor Sanders told the council.

Speaking on behalf of the European Union, Cypriot ambassador Olympia Neocleous highlighted that investigators appointed by the council had determined that Russian authorities had committed crimes against humanity and war crimes in Ukraine.

She condemned Russia's "blatant disrespect for universally recognised human rights standards".

Russia said it had secured dozens of co-sponsors for its text, with several countries taking the floor to chastise those refusing to back the resolution simply because it was authored by Moscow.

China's representative decried intensifying "politicisation and polarisation" at the council and charged that "double standards are increasingly rampant".
An Israeli strike killed three journalists Saturday in south Lebanon, including a well-known reporter for Hezbollah's Al Manar network, with Lebanese authorities denouncing the attack as a "war crime".

The Israeli military confirmed killing Al Manar correspondent Ali Shoeib, accusing him of having "operated within the Hezbollah terrorist organisation under the guise of a journalist".

Lebanon was pulled into the Middle East war when Tehran-backed Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel on March 2 to avenge the killing of Iran's supreme leader in the opening salvo of the US-Israeli war against the Islamic republic.

Israel has responded with large-scale airstrikes across Lebanon and a ground offensive in the south, with Lebanese authorities reporting at least 1,189 people killed since the hostilities broke out.

A Lebanese military source told AFP earlier on Saturday that Ali Shoeib of Hezbollah's Al Manar channel and Fatima Ftouni of Al Mayadeen, seen as close to the Iran-backed movement, were killed in Jezzine, alongside Ftouni's brother, a cameraman.

Al Mayadeen and Al Manar confirmed the deaths of their journalists.

Shoeib was one of Al Manar's most prominent war correspondents, having covered Israeli attacks on Lebanon for decades.

In a statement, the Israeli military said it had targeted Shoeib, alleging that he "operated within the Hezbollah terrorist organisation under the guise of a journalist for the Al Manar network".

It later said that it had killed "over 800" Hezbollah members "from the air, sea, and on the ground" since the start of the current war.

- 'Blatant crime' -

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the killings, calling them "a blatant crime that violates all the norms and treaties under which journalists enjoy international protection in wars".

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said the targeting of journalists was "a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law", while Information Minister Paul Morcos deemed the actions to be "war crimes".

A strike on central Beirut earlier this month killed Mohammad Sherri, Al Manar's political programmes director.

Several journalists were also killed and wounded during the previous round of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in 2023 and 2024.

At least five journalists were killed in Israeli strikes in the south in that conflict, including a correspondent for Al-Mayadeen TV and a cameraman for Al-Manar.

In October 2023, Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah was killed and six others wounded, including AFP journalists Dylan Collins and Christina Assi while covering the conflict near the Israeli border.

An independent AFP investigation concluded that two Israeli 120mm tank shells were fired from the Jordeikh area inside Israel.

- Strikes on south -

On Saturday evening, Israeli warplanes broke the sound barrier over Beirut, with residents across the country hearing loud booms.

Israel earlier launched a new series of raids on southern Lebanon, killing nine paramedics according to Health Minister Rakan Nassereddine.

The minister said four of the medics were from the Hezbollah-affiliated Islamic Health Committee and were targeted by Israeli strikes while carrying out rescue missions, while five were from the Hezbollah-allied Amal movement's Risala Scouts, who were also on duty.

Since the start of the war, the Health Ministry has documented the deaths of 46 paramedics and five other healthcare workers in Lebanon due to Israeli strikes, the minister said.

World Health Organisation chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on X that "March has been the second most deadly month for health workers in Lebanon" since the organisation started monitoring attacks in October 2023.

"Health workers are protected under international humanitarian law and should never be targeted," he added.

The Lebanese army, meanwhile, announced the death of two of its soldiers, killed in Israeli airstrikes in the towns of Deir Zahrani and Kfar Tibnit. Military sources told AFP that the soldiers were not on duty.

Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported "a series of strikes" in the south early Saturday.

In Henniyeh, the health ministry said an Israeli strike killed seven people, six Syrians and one Lebanese, and wounded nine Syrians.

It said that another strike on Deir Zahrani killed seven people and wounded eight others.

Hezbollah said in separate statements that it had targeted gatherings of Israeli forces in several southern towns including near Taybeh, just a few kilometres from Israel.

Israeli forces have been pushing into areas near the border, and officials have announced plans to establish a buffer zone up to the Litani River, around 30 kilometres (20 miles) north of Israel.
KIEV, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Ukraine is ready for trilateral negotiations with the United States and Russia, reported the Interfax-Ukraine news agency on Friday, citing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Zelensky said Ukraine has agreed to trilateral meetings and is ready to hold talks anywhere. However, due to tensions in the Middle East, the U.S. side is currently not traveling abroad and may only hold meetings within the United States, he said.

He suggested that Russia may be ready to meet in any country except the United States.

Moscow is in contact with Washington regarding the Ukraine issue and expects negotiations to continue as soon as circumstances allow, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told a daily press briefing on Thursday.

Peskov added that no progress has been made on key issues in talks on the Ukraine crisis, including territorial questions.

Delegations from Ukraine, the United States and Russia previously held two rounds of talks in Abu Dhabi on Jan. 23-24 and Feb. 4-5, followed by another round in Geneva on Feb. 17-18. 
NEW YORK, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Two students were killed in a school bus crash on Friday in Tennessee, local media reported.

A school bus carrying 25 students and five adult staff from the Kenwood Middle School was involved in a multi-vehicle crash in Carroll County, the WZTV television station in Nashville reported.

During a media briefing, authorities said the crash involved a state Department of Transportation dump truck, a Chevrolet Trailblazer and the school bus.

Seven helicopters were dispatched to evacuate the victims, who were taken by ambulance and helicopter to hospitals in Memphis, Nashville and other medical centers along the route, local news outlet Clarksville Now reported.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol is undertaking an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. 






Friday, March 27, 2026 - A tragic incident has rocked Nairobis matatu scene after a crew member associated with the popular Kasarani-based matatu, Madmaxx, died after falling off the moving vehicle while performing dangerous stunts during an out-of-town trip.

According to reports and a circulating video, the young man was hanging onto the speeding matatu while attempting risky acrobatics, common in the flashy and competitive matatu culture, when he suddenly lost grip and fell onto the road.

He was rushed to the nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The shocking video>>> shows the moment he slips and hits the ground along the busy Nairobi-Sagana Highway.

Kasarani's MADMAXX matatu........... The incident as caught on video pic.twitter.com/u6u6qbPTCK  DAILY POST  (@dailypost_ke) March 28, 2026

The incident has sparked fresh concerns over the growing trend of dangerous stunts by matatu crews during roadtrips.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Friday, March 27, 2026 - Controversial social media personality and fraudster, Madollar Mapesa, has made a series of explosive allegations against an Instagram Slay Queen following what appears to be a bitter fallout between the two.

Taking to social media, Madollar claimed he loaned the Tanzanian lady, who frequently visits Kenya, Ksh 750,000 to start a business.

However, he alleges that she later refused to repay the money, leading to a heated fallout.

In the same post, Madollar went on to make sensational claims, alleging that she is undergoing treatment for Kaswende after being infected by a politician.

Check out Madollars full post.





Video>>> of the well-endowed slay queen during one of escapades with Madollar.

MADOLLAR MAPESA vs Tanzanian Socialite pic.twitter.com/ahCg7Cegvs  DAILY POST  (@dailypost_ke) March 28, 2026

More photos.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
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DAMASCUS, March 28 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian army on Saturday foiled a drone attack targeting the al-Tanf military base in southern Syria, authorities said.

In a statement, the authorities said the drones were launched from Iraqi territory, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the country, particularly in its border areas.

They reiterated continued efforts to safeguard military installations and ensure stability.

The al-Tanf military base, located at the junction of the Syrian, Iraqi, and Jordanian borders, was handed over to the forces loyal to the Syrian interim authorities in February. Used by the U.S.-led international coalition for years, the base and its surrounding area, known as the 55-km zone, has served as a strategic point for monitoring Syria's eastern desert and key supply routes. 
A COMMUNITY in south Kildare is organizing a meeting to oppose a 138Ha (340ac) solar plant in Ballindrum which applied for planning permission in early March.

The meeting is being held in St Laurences GAA Club on Monday evening (30 March) at 8pm, and will be the second such gathering in the area, following the first meeting on 12 March that was attended by approximately 60 concerned locals.

We dont want to be lambasted for being anti-environmental, but we do have significant, legitimate concerns, said Francis Gorman, a cyber security analyst who lives across the road from the proposed site.

The application was lodged with Kildare County Council under the Renewable Energy Directive 3 (RED3) which is a bit of a legislative sledgehammer to get renewables through, he said.

On 5 March neighbours had a newsletter dropped in their letterboxes about this, and the application was lodged the next day on 6 March, and we only have until 9 April to make public submissions, while the council only has until 30 April to make a decision under RED3.

The problem with a RED3 application is there doesnt seem to be any legislative mechanism to push back against it.

There was a similar installation at Garreenleen in Carlow which started at 300 acres, and is now pushing out to 1,000 acres.

This seems to be the thinking here with ours, with the sub-station to Athy being designated a Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID) which will bypass Kildare County Council and go straight to An Coimisiun Pleanala for any expansion in the future.

This was specified in the leaflet dropped to the neighbourhood  but there is a lot of smoke and mirrors.

The local group has discovered that the installation is owned by American investment fund KKR, through its European subsidiary GreenVolt from Portugal, whose off-shoot  Ballindrum Solar Ltd  has made the application to the council.

They have quantified the application in their own newsletter, showing that it will take 8.35km of security fencing around the perimeter to protect the 193,000 solar panels which will be fixed into the landscape with 24,300 steel piles, with 4km of internal roads for access, guarded by 30 CCTV cameras with infra-red lighting , each on 3.5m steel poles.

 This is not a small rural installation. This is an industrial-scale energy facility which will operate for 40 years, said Mr Gorman.

That is four decades of industrial infrastructure on land that is currently rolling, open countryside, an amenity we all get to enjoy as part of rural life.

The rolling fields of Ballindrum, Mullamast anud surrounding areas are a cherished part of South Kildare's countryside.

This project may feel far away from some of you, but experience across Ireland and Europe shows us clearly what happens once large-scale solar development takes hold in an area.

Projects that were initially granted planning permission for 100-200 acres in counties such as Kildare, Meath, and Laois have expanded or been joined by adjacent applications to cover 800 to 1,000 acres or more. Some have progressed to include battery energy storage systems (BESS), bringing additional large-scale infrastructure, noise risks, and fire-safety concerns into rural communities.

This application is for 340 acres, and there is nothing to stop the same developer or neighbouring landowners applying for adjacent land if this is permitted.

The substation and cable route that this project requires will follow in a second, separate planning application which will require more land, more disruption, and more permanent change.

It may not be at your gate today. But if we do not act now, it could be tomorrow," said Francis.
High Court Reporter

A wind farm operator is appealing a ruling requiring it to pay more than 300,000 damages for nuisance caused to its neighbours.

Judge Emily Egans decision from 2024 was the first in Ireland or the UK to find wind turbine noise levels amounted to unreasonable interference with locals enjoyment of their properties.

Last May, the judge placed restrictions on the operation of Ballyduff Windfarm at Kilcomb in Co Wexford, including ordering the shutdown of one of the facilitys two turbines during certain hours.

In a new judgment this month, Justice Egan agreed to defer an order requiring Donnybrook-based operator Meenacloghspar (Wind) Limited to pay out damages to the four plaintiffs in two separate cases.

]The pause to the payment order is to last until the determination of Meenacloghspars appeal of her decisions in the actions.

The two cases were brought by Margaret Webster and her ex-partner Keith Rollo, who live close to the wind farm; and Ross Shorten and Joan Carty, who owned a property near to the turbines but sold it in 2021.

In its intended appeal, Meenacloghspar will allege the High Court erred legally and factually in a range of its findings.

It wants an appellate court to form a different view on liability and to overturn the finding of nuisance. It also claims the court erred in granting a permanent injunction restraining the operation of one of the turbines.

The company needed the High Courts permission to appeal its rulings to the Court of Appeal and it asked for a pause to the damages payment order and to the injunction.

Although she had serious reservations concerning the arguability of Meenacloghspars intended grounds, the judge permitted it to appeal her rulings.

She noted the company is prepared to pay interest on the damages to the four plaintiffs in the event its appeal fails. None of the plaintiffs demonstrated they would be willing or able to repay the awards if Meenacloghspar wins, she said.

In refusing to pause her injunction restraining operation of one of the turbines during certain hours, the judge noted only Margaret Webster continues to live near the turbines. She said exposing Webster to the nuisance for a longer period of time would be unjust and damages would not be an adequate remedy.

However, to minimise the financial loss and the consequent risk of injustice to Meenacloghspar, she granted a stay on the payment of damages to all four plaintiffs.

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 founder and CEO of Kilkenny-based company CloudMount, Stephen Dwyer, has been nominated for a prestigious accountancy award for his work helping companies avoid over 5 million in regulatory fines over the past year.

The nomination recognises his innovative approach to AI compliance through CloudMounts AI Turbine platform, which has delivered rapid, affordable compliance assessments to businesses across Ireland as the EU AI Act enforcement deadline approaches.

The company represents the countys growing reputation as a technology innovation hub, joining established tech employers such as CluneTech, TransferMate and UKG in the region.

Since launching CloudMount, Mr Dwyer has helped Irish and European companies navigate the complex requirements of the EU AI Act, which comes into full enforcement in August 2026. The platform identifies compliance gaps in AI systems  from recruitment algorithms to credit scoring tools  and generates regulator-ready documentation in days.

TAP HERE FOR MORE KILKENNY BUSINESS NEWS

Traditional compliance consultancy can cost 25,000 or more per project and take months to complete, said Mr Dwyer. We built the AI Turbine platform to make compliance accessible to Irish businesses at a fraction of that cost, with assessments delivered in a timeline ranging from weeks to minutes.

CloudMounts platform monitors 300 laws and regulations, updating nine times daily from official EU legal databases. This ensures companies remain compliant as regulations evolve, with monitoring, quarterly reviews, and automated alerts when laws change.

The AI Turbine platform covers EU AI Act requirements, GDPR, and UNESCO AI ethics standards, providing bias detection, transparency scoring, and complete audit trails that meet regulator expectations.

CloudMount is part of Kilkennys expanding technology sector, joining established companies like CluneTech, TransferMate, and UKG. Mr Dwyer says he aims to make Kilkenny the AI capital of Ireland.

This nomination is recognition not just of CloudMounts work, but of Kilkennys potential as a centre for technology innovation, Mr Dwyer said. Were proving that world-class compliance solutions can be built and delivered right here in the southeast.

CloudMount helps Irish companies achieve EU AI Act compliance quickly, affordably, and audit-ready through the AI Turbine platform and expert guidance. The company works closely with Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny.
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Fianna Fail TD for Carlow/Kilkenny, Peter Chap Cleere has urged all community centres across the county to be aware of the opening for applications under the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF).

Applications for the fund will open on May 29 via an online link, and Deputy Cleere highlighted the importance of the funding for rural Ireland.

As part of my brief as spokesperson for Rural Affairs, I know firsthand the tremendous impact that community centres have on our communities across Carlow and Kilkenny, he said.

It is essential that rural Ireland has a voice when it comes to investment and my call today is to ensure that community centres across my constituency know that this funding is available for any small or larger scale projects they may be undertaking.

SEE ALSO: Popular Kilkenny restaurant closes its doors with heartfelt message - Kilkenny Live

The CCIF will focus on upgrades and enhancement works to existing community centres and funding of up to 100,000 is available for refurbishment works.

Concluding, Deputy Cleere said: All applicants must register as users on the online portal in advance of their application process which is to open in late May. If you are a group that has applied for this fund before, you dont need to register again but double check that your details are still right.

I would advise groups across Carlow/Kilkenny to have their paperwork done in advance of the applications opening, and the closing date will be July 13, 2026.

TAP HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS

Article funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
Alemu Sime, Ethiopia's Minister of Transport and Logistics, speaks during the launching event of GAC JUNTU flagship showroom in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, March 27, 2026. Chinese automaker Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd (GAC Group) has introduced its four new electric vehicle (EV) models to the Ethiopian market, marking a significant expansion in the East African country.(Xinhua/Geng Xinning)

ADDIS ABABA, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese automaker Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd (GAC Group) has introduced its four new electric vehicle (EV) models to the Ethiopian market, marking a significant expansion in the East African country.

This came as the company launched its GAC JUNTU flagship showroom on Friday evening at a special event in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.

Speaking at the event, Zhou Li, GAC country manager of Ethiopia, said the Ethiopian government's commitment to transforming into green mobility and its growing demand for environment-friendly vehicles prompted the company to launch the new models in Ethiopia.

"In recent years, the Ethiopian government has vigorously promoted industrialization, infrastructure, and foreign investment, whilst actively steering the transition towards a green and low-carbon economy, thereby creating a favorable environment for the new energy vehicle industry," Zhou said.

Alemu Sime, Ethiopia's Minister of Transport and Logistics, said the government is making bold strides to transit into e-mobility, reduce carbon emissions, and build a transport system that is both environmentally responsible and economically resilient.

Sime hailed GAC Group for offering a range of services, including maintenance and after-sales services, via its trained local technicians, as well as providing spare parts. He said such services would help ensure warranty and strengthen customer protection.

"I am pleased to see that GAC Group is placing a strong focus on after-sales support. I encourage you to continue investing in training, in spare parts availability, and in building a service culture that puts the customer first. When customers are confident that their vehicles will be properly cared for, they become loyal advocates," he remarked.

According to the minister, Ethiopia is set to become a hub for automotive manufacturing and assembly industry in Africa by making use of its abundant energy resources, a young and trainable workforce, strategic access to the African Continental Free Trade Area, and attractive investment incentives.

As a luxurious and advanced experiential exhibition hall for new energy vehicles, the 2,300-square-meter GAC JUNTU showroom offers a 4S-level professional sales and after-sales service system, and provides thoughtful services such as home test drives, according to the company.

The new EVs are on sale starting from Friday through JUNTU, GAC Group's dealer in Ethiopia. The company also announced plans to introduce mobile applications in the coming years to help users manage their vehicles via mobile phones. 

A visitor sits in a GAC car during the launching event of GAC JUNTU flagship showroom in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, March 27, 2026. Chinese automaker Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd (GAC Group) has introduced its four new electric vehicle (EV) models to the Ethiopian market, marking a significant expansion in the East African country.(Xinhua/Geng Xinning)

This photo taken on March 27, 2026 shows the GAC JUNTU flagship showroom in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Chinese automaker Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd (GAC Group) has introduced its four new electric vehicle (EV) models to the Ethiopian market, marking a significant expansion in the East African country.(Xinhua/Geng Xinning)

GAC cars are on display during the launching event of GAC JUNTU flagship showroom in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, March 27, 2026. Chinese automaker Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd (GAC Group) has introduced its four new electric vehicle (EV) models to the Ethiopian market, marking a significant expansion in the East African country.(Xinhua/Geng Xinning)

Guests attend the launching event of GAC JUNTU flagship showroom in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, March 27, 2026. Chinese automaker Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd (GAC Group) has introduced its four new electric vehicle (EV) models to the Ethiopian market, marking a significant expansion in the East African country.(Xinhua/Geng Xinning)

Visitors look at a GAC car during the launching event of GAC JUNTU flagship showroom in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, March 27, 2026. Chinese automaker Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd (GAC Group) has introduced its four new electric vehicle (EV) models to the Ethiopian market, marking a significant expansion in the East African country.(Xinhua/Geng Xinning)
Grace Tame was the 2021 Australian of the Year for her work as an advocate of survivors of sexual abuse.

Sadly, but not surprisingly, she is only an advocate for rape and sexual abuse victims if they are not Jewish.

News.com.au reports:

Child safety campaigner Grace Tame has come under fire for suggesting rapes and sexual assaults of Israeli women and girls during the October 7 terror attacks were debunked propaganda.

Far from being debunked propaganda, they have been substantiated by The Guardian, and by a senior UN official. Neither are entities friendly to Israel.

Also numerous hostages held by Hamas have spoken of sexual assaults and rapes they endured in captivity.

I guess Tames hatred of Israel outweighs her hatred of rape and sexual abuse.
MOSCOW, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Russia and the United States are discussing a possible extension of the operation of the International Space Station (ISS) beyond 2028, a senior Russian space official said Friday.

"We have planned for the station's operations through 2028. The Americans have qualified their segments for operation through 2030," said Sergei Krikalev, deputy director general of Russia's state space corporation Roscosmos.

"Discussions are currently underway regarding a possible further extension of the station's operation to ensure a smooth transition from one station to another," he added.

Krikalev said Russia is not the only party interested in this approach. "According to U.S. plans for the development of orbital infrastructure, individual modules or initial components of new stations will also be assembled at the ISS and then undock to operate independently," the Roscosmos official noted.

In February, Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov announced that the deployment of Russia's national orbital station is set to begin in 2028, and that it will become a key platform for deep space exploration.

Meanwhile, Russia's next-generation crewed transport spacecraft is expected to conduct its first spaceflight in 2028, according to Roscosmos. 
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This photo taken on March 27, 2026 shows dolls on display at a dolls exhibition in St. Petersburg, Russia. St. Petersburg hosts an exhibition of exquisite dolls from March 27 to 29, attracting more than 300 craftspeople who showcase thousands of their works. (Photo by Irina Motina/Xinhua)

This photo taken on March 27, 2026 shows dolls on display at a dolls exhibition in St. Petersburg, Russia. St. Petersburg hosts an exhibition of exquisite dolls from March 27 to 29, attracting more than 300 craftspeople who showcase thousands of their works. (Photo by Irina Motina/Xinhua)

This photo taken on March 27, 2026 shows dolls on display at a dolls exhibition in St. Petersburg, Russia. St. Petersburg hosts an exhibition of exquisite dolls from March 27 to 29, attracting more than 300 craftspeople who showcase thousands of their works. (Photo by Irina Motina/Xinhua)

A girl looks at dolls on display at a dolls exhibition in St. Petersburg, Russia, March 27, 2026. St. Petersburg hosts an exhibition of exquisite dolls from March 27 to 29, attracting more than 300 craftspeople who showcase thousands of their works. (Photo by Irina Motina/Xinhua)
This photo taken on March 28, 2026 shows guests attending the groundbreaking ceremony of the Range (Hong Kong) Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster in Hong Kong, south China. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)

HONG KONG, March 28 (Xinhua) -- The Range (Hong Kong) Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster broke ground on Saturday, estimated to become Hong Kong's largest computing facility when put into use in 42 months.

Spanning some 110,000 square meters in Hong Kong's Northern Metropolis, the data center is expected to generate 4.6 billion Hong Kong dollars (about 588 million U.S. dollars) worth of output and 180 technology-focused positions during its first three years of operation. By 2032, its computing power will reach 180 ExaFLOPS, or 36 times Hong Kong's current capacity.

The data center's proximity to Shenzhen endows it with a critical role in the data industry chain of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, making it a potential catalyst for Hong Kong's artificial intelligence development, said Sun Dong, secretary for innovation, technology and industry of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, at the groundbreaking ceremony.

Zhou Chaonan, chairperson of Range Intelligent Computing Technology Group Company Limited, told Xinhua that Hong Kong's top-tier universities and large pool of talent are part of the reason companies like Range came here. She said Range will work to turn the Sandy Ridge project into one of the country's top sci-tech innovation clusters. 

This photo taken on March 28, 2026 shows guests attending the groundbreaking ceremony of the Range (Hong Kong) Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster in Hong Kong, south China. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)
DID he have a death wish for his birthday? asked a judge about a man he banned from driving for two years, after he was clocked on the motorway at 171kph.

Judge Desmond Zaidan was addressing a solicitor for Brandon Hickey (21), of Cloncollig, Tullamore, Co Offaly who was in Naas District Court 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? 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.
THE Portlaoise municipal district has been requested to ensure that a minimum of 50 per cent of new developments bear Irish names.

The official reply from the municipal district naming committee stated: 'Currently, the naming of public residential estates will be approved by the memorials committee of the planning authority in line. The developers must submit place name and reasons for their choice.

'In general, the naming of streets and residential places shall reflect the local place names and people of note shall incorporate old place names as much as possible. The use of bilingual and Irish language signs will be encouraged. It is intended that this policy will be reviewed every five years by the naming committee.'

Fine Gael Cllr Paddy Buggy first detailed his reasons for the proposal in Irish before addressing the chamber in English. He made the case that there was a growing number of people nationally who wanted to speak Irish and that it would easier for people to do so, psychologically, if more signs and places bore Irish words, giving them greater cause to use the Irish language in their day-to-day lives.

He said: "What I'm proposing here will not make everyone speak Irish. It will introduce Irish into everyday use and this will be of help to those who speak it. And I hope that the spirit of what this motion is about will be taken on board by the committee and more Irish names be given."

Cllr Tommy Mulligan also supported the proposal and said: "Place names give a sense of heritage, a sense of tradition in an area and I think it's vital as a country that we have these place names."

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Works of art that are not capable of being understood in themselves but need some pretentious instruction book to justify their existence--until at long last they find someone sufficiently browbeaten to endure such stupid or impudent twaddle with patience--will never again find their way to the German people.

--Adolf Hitler, 1937.

Adolf Hitlers foray into the art world didnt end with his failed career as a painter. He also was a collector--of the most diabolical sort--whose holdings by such artists as Van Gogh, Picasso, Chagall, Kandinsky and Beckmann were confiscated from public museums. He organized some of those works in a massive exhibition seen by more than 3 million people, though surprisingly little has been known about the fuhrers blockbuster.

Until now. The vision and persistence of a museum curator have resulted in an unprecedented reconstruction of the notorious exhibition, shedding light on Hitlers dubious attempt at curating not only art, but indeed an entire society.

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When the National Socialists assumed power in Germany in 1933, Hitler seized his chance to create a utopia for a superior race. No aspect of German society would escape his gaze--least of all the nations culture, which he believed had fallen under subversive influence and had to be mercilessly purified.

Recognizing the arts as a powerful teaching tool, Hitler appointed Joseph Goebbels as minister for enlightenment and propaganda and led a purge of Germanys literature, music, film and visual arts to rid them of any influence that might be contrary to Nazi ideals.

As early as 1929--and with little more than xenophobia and racism as their guides--the Nazis had disrupted unapproved performances and set exhibitions on fire. When Hitler took charge, they stepped up their efforts and solidified a vision of what the arts should be. Artists of all descriptions were to be in the service of the state, and their work would project a unified image of pure German beauty, respectability and loyalty to Hitlers cause. Those who didnt conform could expect to be publicly castigated and forbidden to work.

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Germanys art museums were an especially hard case, however, because those that had been in the forefront of the international avant-garde were loath to exchange progressive, individually expressive art for Hitlers passionless stereotypes. Finally, in 1937, an order went out to confiscate innovative modern art from public museums. The messy stuff was un-German garbage, a waste of taxpayers money, and it had no place in an obsessively homogeneous land. Abstractions, art made by Jews, religious and anti-military themes, art from the Bauhaus, denigrations of women and rural life, styles inspired by primitive art--all of it had to go.

In raids on 32 museums, the fuhrers henchmen rounded up more than 16,000 offending artworks. To make sure that everyone got the point, 650 examples by 112 artists were ridiculed in a disheveled exhibition of Entartete Kunst or Degenerate Art that opened on July 19, 1937, at Munichs Archeological Institute. This educational exercise was pointedly installed just across the park from a show of officially approved art at the sumptuous new House of German Art, at whose opening Hitler threatened that the degenerate works will never again find their way to the German people.

Degenerate Art packed in more than 3 million viewers as it traveled around Germany--in Munich alone it attracted more than twice as many visitors as the official art show--and the exhibition lives in infamy. In the art worlds litany of catastrophes--treasures stolen, destroyed or ripped from context--only the Russian purge of the avant-garde compares with the Nazis zeal to control culture, and the Russians couldnt match Hitlers mania for rooting out, denouncing and destroying or exploiting everything that didnt extol Aryan ideals.

The vilified artworks were dispersed or destroyed, while details of the show were lost in musty archives and fading memories--if not in modern Germanys shame.

That sordid footnote is transformed into a full chapter of modern art history in Degenerate Art: The Fate of the Avant-Garde in Nazi Germany, a landmark exhibition that opens Feb. 17 and runs through May 12 at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The exhibition presents 175 works from the 1937 show in an expansive sociopolitical and cultural context. The art is displayed with all due dignity, but vintage film footage, books, music, photographs and explanatory text immerse it in an atmosphere of zealous censorship. (A related series of performances, exhibits and lectures will be held around town. See Page 89).

Since its conception, the LACMA show appeared to be an art world coup. At the very least, it is the largest examination of Hitlers exhibition ever and the only such exhibition in America. Three relatively small shows were done in 1987, in Dusseldorf, Munich and Berlin. The 50-year anniversary also triggered a spate of German publications on the subject, but no one attempted to present a big picture.

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Degenerate Art is still a sensitive topic, and not only in Germany. There is no corporate support for LACMAs exhibition, and funding appeared to be a major obstacle for awhile. But the National Endowment for the Arts eventually came through with $175,000 and the National Endowment for the Humanities contributed $350,000. Additional funds came from the German government, while Lufthansa German Airlines provided support for transportation of the exhibition. Related educational programs are financed in part by the Nathan Cummings Foundation and sponsored by the Goethe-Institut, Los Angeles. (The only other engagement for the exhibition is at the Art Institute of Chicago, June 22 to Sept. 8.)

The long-awaited show is a marvel of scholarship and detective work by Stephanie Barron, the museums curator of 20th-Century art, who has been thinking about the exhibition for nearly a decade and working on it with German colleagues for about three years.

Looking back on the enormous task, Barron said she was prodded into action in the early 80s while organizing the 1983 exhibition, German Expressionist Sculpture. Finding references to sculpture that the Nazis had confiscated and destroyed--works that should have been in her show--she displayed a Degenerate Art brochure in the sculpture exhibition.

The 32-page booklet--which couples Nazi invective with illustrations of degenerate works--was appallingly instructive. It tipped me off to what might be done, Barron said, but the brochure didnt tell the whole story of the show. There was no checklist of works displayed and the illustrations didnt necessarily match what was exhibited in Munich. Far from a scholarly catalogue, the didactic political publication misidentified some works and drew invidious comparisons between, say, paintings by celebrated modern artists and art of the insane. Published at the end of the Munich engagement, the brochure accompanied a traveling version of the exhibition which changed composition from one venue to another.

With these vagaries in mind, Barron knew that any serious examination of the Degenerate Art show would require an enormous amount of research and that the necessary documentation might not exist. There were reports that the Nazis had burned vast quantities of art and they were known to have sold many works. Hundreds of other pieces had simply disappeared during World War II and its aftermath.

The first breakthrough came in 1987, when Barron was working on a fellowship in Germany. It was the 50th-anniversary of Hitlers infamous show and several scholars were at work on the subject. Following a lead, she discovered that photographs of the Munich exhibition had come to light in the archive of the National Gallery in East Berlin. Better than that, they were installation photographs that documented the exhibition room by room, she said, her eyes shining brightly with the memory of the astonishing discovery.

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Armed with photographic documentation, she was off and running with the help of German colleagues. The team included Annegret Janda, the now-retired head of the National Gallery archive in East Berlin; Mario-Andreas von Luttichau, a curator of the Kunstmuseum in Bonn; Andreas Huneke, an art historian in Potsdam, and Christoph Zuschlag, a graduate student at the University of Heidelberg. But tracking down 650 works by 112 artists was no easy task. For every well known work that had made its way to a museum collection, there were several that were unknown or lost. Confusion between the Nazis wholesale confiscations and the varying content of the traveling exhibition presented further complications, Barron said.

There was only one good book, Art Dictatorship in the Third Reich by Paul Ortwin Rave, but it helped. So did the July 27, 1937, issue of the German newspaper Deutsche Allgemeine Zeitung, in which critic Bruno E. Werner walked readers through part of the show, Barron said. In addition, she poured over catalogues of individual artists works, consulted German museums that had lost the works and chased every lead that came her way.

After two years, the team had located about 200 of the original 650 works, but some owners deemed their treasures too fragile or valuable to travel. Youre dealing with a checklist that can only get smaller, Barron said. If someone says no, there is no substitute.

She ended up with 175 works. All the paintings now on view were in the 1937 exhibition, but a few sculptures are shown in bronze because the wood versions exhibited in Munich didnt survive, she said. In the case of prints, it was impossible to tell exactly what impression of an edition had been shown, so she had to settle for the right image.

With the art in hand, all that remained was to tack up an approximation of the 1937 show, right?

Wrong. Dead wrong.

Once the detective work was done, we were left with what we could locate and what survived. It was a core but not enough for an exhibition, Barron said. Furthermore, she had no desire to re-create the notorious exhibition that had crammed modern masterpieces into Munichs Archeological Institute and surrounded them with derisive graffiti, including notes about how much of the taxpayers money had been wasted on them. Museums and collectors wouldnt be likely to lend art to such a show--even if it were done to denigrate the Nazis.

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I didnt want to play up the theatrical side. Its so easy to do and I think its so wrong. Theres nothing to be gained from a reconstruction except sensationalism, she said. The question was how to make an exhibition out of a show that was presented for the denigration and defamation of artists, and for the condemnation and excoriation of museum directors and curators. I had to figure out how to do an exhibition without falling into the same traps. It wasnt enough to reconstruct the show; I needed to surround the art with a big context.

She turned to architect Frank Gehry, a friend and a problem-solver who has designed such important LACMA exhibitions as The Avant-Garde in Russia, 1910-1930. He agreed to add Degenerate Art: The Fate of the Avant-Garde in Nazi Germany to his already overloaded schedule. During talks with Gehry, Barron decided to save the art for the end of the show and lead into it with a rich context. Visitors would take an educational, mood-setting tour before facing the art that Hitler loved to hate. Those who want a bit of guidance may rent an audio tour of the show that Barron calls an oral collage. Instead of the usual museum directors taped guide, this one includes artists quotes, historians insights and period music.

Viewers enter through a corridor whose walls are covered with quotes and photographs of artists and writers whose fates were altered radically by the Nazis, Barron said. Unlike the 1937 exhibition, the artists are allowed to speak for themselves, and visitors learn that they were not only deprived of dignified opportunities to show their art, they were dismissed from their jobs at universities and museums.

Sculptor Ernst Barlach is quoted as saying, My little boat is sinking fast. The louder the Heils roar, instead of cheering and raising my arm in Roman attitudes, the more I pull my hat down over my eyes. His statement comes from 1933, the year the National Socialists won control of Germany and Hitler gained authority to act without the consent of the Reichstag.

I left because of Hitler. He is a painter too, you know, and there didnt seem to be room for both of us in Germany, George Grosz wrote in 1942, after becoming a citizen of the United States.

This is a story about people, not institutions, Barron said, and the show follows that human approach. Removing the anonymity of a cultural atrocity, the exhibition names names, dates and places to bring the story alive.

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Arriving at the first gallery, visitors encounter four aspects of Degenerate Art and its milieu:

A 22-foot-long scale model of the 1937 exhibition re-creates a series of long, narrow rooms in Munichs Archeological Institute. Model maker Eric Marable has split the rooms and raised the model so that visitors can walk through the galleries and see tiny reproductions of the art at eye level. Thrilled with the effect, Barron explained that the model was an extraordinary design challenge, in part because the only photographs of the missing artworks were shot from different angles. Jim Drobka, who designed the exhibition graphics and catalogue, turned the higgledy-piggledy assortment of photographs into mini-reproductions.

Accompanying the model is a display of the brochure and some postcards made for the 1937 show, as well as vintage footage of the well-attended event in a film by Julian Bryan.

* A section on the Great German Art Exhibition, which was meant to discredit degenerate art, includes explanatory text, photographs, vintage film footage and vitrines containing the exhibition catalogue and Nazi-approved books. The documentary film by Erwin Leiser takes viewers through part of the show, as well as a bizarre parade that celebrated the opening with floats and dancing goddesses. I hope people understand that this is real footage and not a bad movie, Barron said.

* Photo-and-text panels spell out the fate of the six most important German museums that collected and showed modern art, in the cities of Berlin, Halle, Frankfurt, Essen, Mannheim and Hannover. Among the horror stories of discharged museum directors and decimated collections, no case is more striking than that of Vincent Van Goghs Portrait of Dr. Gachet.

The painting was donated in 1912 to the State Art Institute and Gallery in Frankfurt and snatched up by the Nazis in 1937, along with more than 700 artworks in the museums collection. Recognized as an exploitable item, the melancholy portrait of Van Goghs physician was not exhibited in Degenerate Art. Instead, it was sold privately for an unknown sum to Siegfried Kramarsky who emigrated to the United States. At his death, in 1961, Kramarsky was a New York banker and philanthropist who had put his art collection in a trust.

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The portrait was loaned to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York in 1984, but it went on the auction block last May at Christies New York. In a sale that turned out to be the precipitous peak before the fall of the art market, Japanese businessman Ryoei Saito bought Portrait of Dr. Gachet for $82.5 million, still a record auction price for any work of art.

* Another set of photographs, text and ephemera tells the story of an auction of 125 confiscated works presented by the Galerie Fischer in Lucerne, Switzerland. The gallery still exists and the proprietors allowed Barron access to its archive--including sales receipts, shipping documents and the auctioneers annotated catalogue. For the first time, a scholar was able to reconstruct the sale, which was boycotted by parts of the art world but proved irresistible to some dealers and collectors.

Thousands of degenerate works that were considered internationally exploitable were sold surreptitiously for foreign currency after the museum raids. We hope, at least to make some money from this garbage, Goebbels said. The Galerie Fischer auction on June 30, 1939, was a political hot potato because it put the process out in the open. Skeptics had reason to doubt claims that auction proceeds would go to the denuded museums for acquisitions. Potential bidders arguments about saving modern artworks were countered by revulsion over contributing funds to Nazi coffers.

Probably because of the controversy, the auction was not a great financial success. A Van Gogh self-portrait commanded the top price of about $40,000, but that was about $8,000 below estimate. Thirty-eight of the 125 pieces did not sell, and some works went for as little as $5 or $10. Sale proceeds totaled about $115,000--well below auctions of similar works by the same artists held around the same time in London, Paris and New York. Some people bid secretly, but most buyers attended, Barron said. Among them were dealer Pierre Matisse, who bought his fathers painting, Bathers With a Turtle, for Joseph Pulitzer Jr., who was in Switzerland on his honeymoon.

All this background material might seem more than sufficient to set the stage, but theres more: three satellite galleries devoted to other Nazi-censored arts. In one room, a 30-minute loop presents excerpts of Expressionist and abstract films. The literature gallery offers about 40 examples of Nazi writing and condemned books, along with Leisers documentary film of German book burnings as theatrical occasions complete with live orchestras. In the music room, visitors are reminded of a Degenerate Music show in Weimar that was a counterpart to Degenerate Art. Listening posts provide samples of Nazi-approved classical music and kitsch, along with degenerate jazz and modern music--all on a compact disc produced by the museum.

When visitors finally approach the art, they find seven galleries displaying works in the order that they were presented in Munich but in far more dignified surroundings. Among the vividly colored, emotionally charged paintings on view are Max Beckmanns Descent From the Cross, Marc Chagalls Purim, Otto Dixs Portrait of the Jeweler Karl Krall Ernst Ludwig Kirchners Self-Portrait as Soldier, George Groszs Metropolis and an entire room of Emil Noldes work. Sculptures include Wilhelm Lehmbrucks 6-foot bronze, Large Kneeling Woman and Rudolf Bellings 3-foot abstraction, Triad.

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The final gallery is chock-full of 75 graphics by such Expressionist masters as Beckmann, Dix, Grosz, Oskar Kokoschka and Karl Schmidt-Rottluff, plus Bauhaus instructors Paul Klee, Oskar Schlemmer, Johannes Itten and Wassily Kandinsky.

Public response to the ground-breaking show remains to be seen, but cultural commentators are likely to draw comparisons between Hitlers cultural repression and the conservative climate in America that has put issues of censorship and government sponsorship of the arts in the news for the past two years.

I began this exhibition five years ago when I had no idea of current events, said Barron, who has chosen to maintain a historians distance from topical issues. I think its a provocative show. I know its a provocative topic. The fact that the exhibition raises a lot of issues is important to me, but parallels that might be drawn are not for us (at the museum) to draw. Its more appropriate for the museum and the exhibittion to be a catalyst for a healthy and vigorous discussion of these issues, she said.

Suzanne Muchnic writes about art for The Times.
An Afghan child attends a class at an educational center in Kabul, Afghanistan, March 26, 2026. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

KABUL, March 28 (Xinhua) -- In a modest neighborhood of Kabul, a quiet transformation is taking place, not through large institutions or international funding, but through the determination of a small group of young people who refuse to let poverty define the future of their community.

Inside a small classroom, children sit closely together, repeating words with focus and excitement. Their notebooks may be simple, but their dreams are not.

"I came here to study English and to become a doctor in the future," 12-year-old Sana, who studies at the center with her two sisters, said.

The classroom is part of a network of free educational centers founded by 29-year-old doctor Ehsanullah Abedi and a group of young Afghan graduates who have turned their education into a means of service, proving that even with limited means, a determined community can shape a better future for its children.

After completing their studies and working in hospitals, they chose a different path. Rather than focusing only on personal careers, they began saving money to establish small, community-based education centers for those who could not afford to study.

"We are very satisfied with our teachers, as most of them cooperate with us either for very small payments or on a voluntary basis," Abedi said. "At these centers, students receive instruction in core school subjects and foreign languages."

For many parents in this area, education remains out of reach, a difficult reality that weighs heavily on those who want a better future for their children. For these families, watching their children learn brings a sense of relief and a renewed belief that their children's future can be different.

What began as a modest effort has grown into four centers across Kabul, now serving around 2,000 students, nearly 1,500 of whom are girls.

Marwa, 9, smiles as she expresses her satisfaction with her teachers. Encouraged by her family, she attends the center to learn English. "I have been coming here for two years to study English, and my family and I are very happy."

A defining feature of the initiative is that all services are offered free of charge. Books, lessons, and learning materials are provided at no cost, removing a major barrier faced by low-income families.

"In many households, if there are several children, the family can only afford to educate one," Salma Ahmadi, a 28-year-old civil engineering graduate who has been teaching at the center voluntarily for three years, told Xinhua. "Considering the conditions in this area, we decided to teach all subjects for free."

The effort is sustained through collective support. Local residents contribute by reducing rental costs for the buildings, while the founders continue to invest their time and personal savings.

Classes are typically held for one to two hours per subject, but they are marked by strong engagement and a clear sense of purpose. For students, each lesson represents progress; for teachers, it is a commitment to service.

Beyond academics, the centers provide an important social space, particularly for girls. They offer a supportive environment where students can learn, interact, and build confidence.

Ahmadi said the impact goes beyond education. "I feel very happy because these activities give them hope for the future and reduce psychological pressure," she said. "Many girls who stay at home suffer from mental stress, but by learning skills like tailoring and other crafts, they gain both a skill and a potential source of income."

In addition to academic subjects, students are introduced to practical and creative skills such as tailoring, drawing, and painting, helping them develop both confidence and potential pathways for future income.

The long-term impact of the initiative is also reflected in its continuity. Some students, after completing their studies, return to the centers as teachers, contributing to the same system that once supported them.

"We are a group working voluntarily, without any external funding, offering free education purely for the benefit of the community," Abedi said. 

Afghan children attend a class at an educational center in Kabul, Afghanistan, March 26, 2026. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

Afghan children attend a class at an educational center in Kabul, Afghanistan, March 26, 2026. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)
Laois County Council is seeking to appoint a co-ordinator for the Midlands Food & Drinks Network, an initiative that celebrates the rich food and drink heritage of the Midlands region, specifically Laois, Longford, Offaly, and Westmeath.

The Council has published a tender for the role which has a maximum budget of 40,000.

Midlands Food & Drinks Network (Midlands Flavours) aims to unite and amplify the voices of local food and drink producers, promoting sustainability and innovation.

The role is for a 12 month period with the option to extend for a further 12 months subject to funding.

READ NEXT: Narrow Portlaoise town centre street like 'Mondello Park'

This is a Midlands collaborative initiative on behalf of the four Local Enterprise Offices in Laois, Offaly, Westmeath and Longford. Laois Local Enterprise Office will act as the lead for the Midlands Flavours network, said the tender document.

Midlands Flavours was established under the EU Just Transition Fund with a project end date of March 2026. To ensure continuation of the network and to harness the momentum gained since mid-2024, this proposal outlines a model; to sustain the network into the future.

Midlands Flavours is a celebration of the people, land and the rich diversity of produce that defines the heart of Ireland. Spanning the beautiful counties of Longford, Laois, Offaly and Westmeath, the region is one of honest origins and authentic connections. Here, where the land is untouched by overuse and the landscapes are as varied as the flavours they inspire,

our producers craft food and drink that tells a story  one of pride, tradition and community.

READ NEXT: Well known figures to speak at Laois parish's Novena event

The network is as diverse as the Midlands itself, bringing together flour millers, distillers, organic farmers, meat producers, bakers, chocolatiers and more. Each plays a vital role in shaping the flavours of our region, from the rolling pastures to the bustling kitchens. Every bite and sip reflect the hands that carefully craft it and the land that nurtures it. The network shares stories, connects them to a wider audience and celebrates the bounty of the region.

The successful applicant will be responsible for the strategic development, coordination, marketing, reporting and governance of the network.

The closing date for tender submissions is Tuesday, April 14 at 4pm.
Experts in the beef trade are sure to be peppered with questions from many farmers from Laois and other counties at what looks set to be a summit in Abbeyleix on what factories are paying for cattle.

Hosted by the Irish Farmers Journal in the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel, the organisers say the event comes in the context of plenty of discussion and concern around cattle prices and the wider beef trade in recent weeks.

Inviting farmers, the Journal says it is hosting a national beef market information meeting "to help bring clarity to the situation".

Adam Woods, Editor, Irish Farmers Journal, outlined why farmers from Laois and other counties should attend.

"This important event will bring together expert voices from across the industry, including the Irish Farmers Journal, Teagasc, Bord Bia and farming organisations. On the night, we will take a detailed look at current market conditions and provide a clear outlook for the beef trade for the remainder of 2026.

READ NEXT: Pedigree honoured at awards in Laois staged in Portlaoise IN PICTURES

"Whether you're actively farming, involved in the sector or simply want to better understand where the market is heading, I would strongly encourage you to attend," it said.

READ NEXT: High profile environmentalist opposes Laois slurry tank and slatted shed

The free event on Monday, March 30, gets underway at 7.30pm. People are asked to register in advance HERE.
A man admitted to possessing a large rounded stick when searched by Gardai in Portlaoise.

Eric Hanley (29) of 5 Oakview Park, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 admitted having a large rounded stick at Lyster Square, Portlaoise on February 12, 2026.

Detective Garda Pat Camon said an interaction with two males was observed at 3.45pm in Lyster Square on the date in question. Gardai stopped and searched both males and the defendant was found in possession of a large handle up his sleeve.

He told a sitting of Portlaoise District Court that the handle was a little under two feet long.

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client was pleading guilty. He said the man had no previous convictions and explained that the individual he was with would be known to the court.

He had it in circumstances to be used as a shield not a sword, said Mr Fitzpatrick.

If this situation turned nasty it was to be used as a shield, he said.

Det Camon said there was an altercation to take place but not with this gentleman.

He told Judge Catherine Ryan that the defendant had concealed the implement.

Mr Fitzgerald said his client recognises that he shouldnt have had the stick and the man has an otherwise unblemished record.

He hasnt come to any attention since or beforehand, agreed Det Camon.

Judge Ryan noted that the man wasnt brandishing the stick and had no previous convictions.

She granted legal aid and gave the man the benefit of the probation act but informed him that the incident, while not a conviction, remained on his record.
The Irish Wheelchair Association has called for Laois County Council to focus on removing access barriers for wheelchair users and appoint a dedicated Access & Inclusion Officer for Laois.

The IWA will launch its annual access campaign, 'Access - It's No Joke,' on Wednesday, April 1. The focus of this year's campaign will be getting local councillors and county councils on board with eliminating access issues for wheelchair users in the local community.

The IWA's research shows that 81% of local authorities do not have a dedicated Access Officer to improve access to public services, including Laois County Council.

To address this, the organisation has appealed to Laois County Council to appoint a dedicated Access & Inclusion Officer.

'Access - Its No Joke' is a humorous video campaign with a serious side, highlighting access barriers that people with disabilities face in local communities.

READ NEXT: Narrow Portlaoise town centre street like 'Mondello Park'

The campaign began as a series of humorous online videos with high-profile comedians such as Anna Clifford, David McSavage and Owen Colgan highlighting the barriers people with disabilities face to access everyday amenities like public pathways, public transport, parks, parking bays and coffee shops.

The campaign grew online and people with disabilities joined the campaign, sharing their own videos of the everyday accessibility barriers they encounter.

Connie Richardson is a wheelchair user who features in the 'Access - It's No Joke' video campaign to highlight access issues such as inaccessible public transport.

"By the time I get to the bus stop, I've already overcome so many obstacles. If the one wheelchair spot is taken, or the ramp is broken, I may miss my appointments, but I try to remain positive or leave the house really early to allow for these situations," Connie explained.

Rosaleen Lally, National Access Programme Manager with the IWA, said that this year the organisation is contacting county councils to try find solutions to some of these issues.

According to the IWA's research, 25 local authorities in Ireland do not have a dedicated, resourced Access Officer to work full-time on access to public services in the county.

IWAs research across Irelands 31 local authorities found only 3 counties with a dedicated Access Officer - Dublin, Westmeath and Wexford.

The organisation is asking local councillors in Laois to pass a motion requesting funding for a full-time position with a dedicated budget which is a commitment in the Disability Act and listed as a priority in the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People for 2026.

According to the IWA, this is happening "in theory" but not in reality.

"People with disabilities need better access to public transport, healthcare, housing and amenities like parks and pools. Local authorities have been mandated by the 2025 Disability Act to take action. But the bare minimum isnt good enough," Rosaleen said.

"We know that many local authorities have Access Officers but often these are simply additional job titles that are given to existing busy staff. We know that our local authorities have dedicated hardworking staff, but they cannot break down access barriers without time, budget or experience."

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
Xi Story: Bringing China's "city of the future" blueprint to life

Xinhua) 10:57, March 28, 2026

BEIJING, March 27 (Xinhua) -- About an hour's drive from Beijing, a futuristic city is rising on the North China Plain -- the Xiong'an New Area.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday inspected Xiong'an in Hebei Province, which is dubbed the "city of the future," underscoring his sustained attention to the fledgling modern city with his fourth visit.

During the latest trip, Xi toured the new area's start-up zone by vehicle. There, what he saw outside the window was a landscape that is rapidly taking shape -- universities, headquarters of centrally administered state-owned enterprises, hospitals, residential communities, sci-tech innovation centers, and IT companies.

Official data reveals a more detailed picture: the developed area spans around 215 square kilometers with more than 5,300 buildings shaping the urban skyline, housing 1.41 million residents and 669 high-tech enterprises.

Seeing that the construction of the new area is progressing in an orderly manner with full vitality, Xi expressed his appreciation.

On Feb. 23, 2017, Xi made his first visit to what would become the Xiong'an New Area, traveling by vehicle over 100 kilometers southwest from central Beijing to inspect the planned start-up zone. Standing in an open field, he surveyed the future core area of Xiong'an and, over a planning map, examined its layout while receiving briefings on relocation and resettlement, as well as local geological and hydrological conditions.

More than one month later, the Xiong'an New Area was officially established. It aims to relieve Beijing of functions nonessential to its role as the nation's capital, while also advancing the coordinated development of Beijing and neighboring Hebei and Tianjin Municipality.

This key decision was rooted in the question of "how to develop the capital." For a long time, the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region faced significant development disparities, with Beijing's sprawling urban expansion pushing its carrying capacity to the limit. Tackling urban maladies like overcrowding and congestion became an urgent imperative, making the establishment of the Xiong'an New Area a strategic masterstroke -- a plan designed for the millennium.

During Monday's visit, Xi once again emphasized the importance of upholding the area's primary functional positioning as the major recipient of those functions relocated from Beijing.

Xiong'an has, from the very beginning, adhered to high standards of planning and design, adopting a "moving in after infrastructure is in place" approach, ensuring that networks of water, electricity, gas, roads and bridges are established first.

In the first two years, the whole of Xiong'an was largely a quiet place, with hardly a brick or tile laid, following Xi's instruction that "construction should start only after every inch of the land is clearly planned," leaving no room for regret.

When Xi visited Xiong'an for a second time in 2019, the area was transitioning to substantive construction. He stressed the need for patience and strategic resolve, calling for high-quality and high-standard planning and construction.

Xi reiterated the importance of "sustained efforts" during his third inspection trip to the area in 2023, when Xiong'an was bustling with large-scale construction projects amid intensified moves to receive functions relocated from Beijing.

Each of his trips was made at key moments for the development of the area. The trip earlier this week came at a critical juncture as China just kicked off the implementation of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) for development.

Chairing a meeting on further advancing the high-quality construction and development of Xiong'an, Xi urged efforts to build it into an innovation hub in the new era and a model of promoting high-quality development.

Xiong'an should take reform and innovation as the driving force, promote the deep integration between technological and industrial innovation, develop new quality productive forces tailored to local conditions, and cultivate a modernized industrial system suited to the new area's realities, he said.

Xi underscored the need to improve the public service system, ensure people's well-being, actively explore future-oriented models of smart city management, and build a beautiful Xiong'an with blue skies, green fields and clean waters.

In his view, constructing a future-oriented city is "not for the sake of creating a dazzling new city. Rather, the new city is built precisely to ensure a better life for the people."

During his Monday tour, Xi met with people working for relocated companies and also spoke with teachers and students at the Xiong'an campus of Beijing No.4 High School.

Yang Xinya, an employee of Sinochem Holdings, is one of many workers now based in Xiong'an following the company's move-in last year. The biggest change for them, Yang said, is that they can now walk to work in just 15 minutes and easily access smart, tech-driven public services.

"There's a shopping mall just being built near my home. I feel that Xiong'an is changing every day," said Zhou Zhuoyuan, a junior high school student.

(Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun)
ISLAMABAD, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan will host a quadrilateral meeting of foreign ministers from Turkiye, Egypt and Saudi Arabia here on Monday to discuss evolving regional developments, including ongoing tensions in the Middle East, state media reported on Saturday.

Pakistan Television Global said in a social media post that the meeting will be chaired by Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, with participating countries expected to explore avenues for de-escalation and promote regional stability.

The development comes amid intensified diplomatic activity by Pakistan as it seeks to facilitate dialogue and reduce tensions in the Middle East.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in a televised address late Friday that Pakistan was undertaking "sincere and comprehensive diplomatic efforts" to help bring the ongoing conflict to an end.

"The objective is to create a pathway to lasting peace through collective wisdom and consultation," he said.

Earlier this week, Dar confirmed that "U.S.-Iran indirect talks are taking place through messages being relayed by Pakistan." 
WARSAW, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Poland has raised its travel warning for Cuba to the highest level, urging its citizens to avoid all travel to the country, Polish media reported on Saturday.

In a statement published on its official website, the Polish Foreign Ministry said the move was prompted by Cuba's deepening energy crisis, which has limited the country's ability to provide assistance in emergency situations. The ministry also cited restrictions to air links with Europe and a growing risk of social unrest.

In mid-February, Polish Foreign Ministry had already raised its travel warning for Cuba to Level 3, recommending against non-essential travel, according to the Polish Press Agency. Around 200 Polish citizens are currently in Cuba.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday threatened that "Cuba is next" following U.S. attacks on Venezuela and Iran.

The U.S. military raided Venezuela and forcibly seized the oil-rich South American country's President Nicolas Maduro on Jan. 3 and launched massive joint attacks with Israel against Iran on Feb. 28.

Cuba has been facing a severe economic and energy crisis due to decades of U.S. sanctions. 
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A TEENAGE girl and a woman have appeared before a special sitting of Limerick District Court this Saturday evening in connection with the investigation into the serious assault of Scarlett Faulkner.

The 29-year-old Limerick mum-of-one remains in a critical condition in Cork University Hospital following the incident on the R494, Birdhill, County Tipperary a week ago, on Saturday, March 21.

Reporting restrictions were imposed by Judge Carol Anne Coolican on naming the two accused who are both from Limerick.

A 16-year-old girl was charged with assault causing serious harm to Scarlett Faulkner. Detective Garda Andrea Coonan told the court the teenager made no reply to the charge after caution.

READ NEXT: It will be a miracle if she pulls through - Heartbreaking update by sister of Limerick assault victim Scarlett Faulkner

Det Garda Coonan objected to a bail application made by the juveniles solicitor John Herbert. Det Garda Coonan said gardai responded to a serious assault on the R494 in Birdhill on Saturday, March 21.

A female suffered serious head injuries. A doctor who stopped to give her medical care said she needed critical care. She was airlifted to University Hospital Limerick before being transferred to Cork University Hospital where she currently remains in a critical condition.

A male at the scene identified a van, with numerous holes in it, as his. He said Ms Faulkner was attacked with an iron bar, alleged Detective Garda Coonan.

The detective garda alleged that the teenager was a passenger in a car which was in pursuit - for a number of miles - of the van in which a man and Ms Faulkner were travelling in. The court heard the van was allegedly rammed by a car into a crash barrier.

Detective Garda Coonan alleged Ms Faulkner ran from the van but was caught by the teenager.

There were 11 blows to the head area with the weapon while the person was on the ground. She walked away and threw the weapon at the man, alleged Detective Garda Coonan, who further alleged that forensic analysis on the iron bar has shown blood on the weapon is that of Ms Faulkner's.

Detective Garda Coonan alleged during interviews with gardai the teenager said: I followed her. I hit her a few times.

The detective further alleged that the 16-year-old laughed when she was shown a photo of Ms Faulkner on the ground.

Detective Garda Coonan objected to bail being granted on a number of grounds including alleging that the teenager would commit further offences.

Mr Herbert, solicitor for the accused teenager, said his client is an ordinary 16-year-old girl. He said a situation of great violence was created by adults.

I dont believe for a moment she lacks empathy, said Mr Herbert.

Judge Coolican said the teenager is entitled to the presumption of innocence. The judge said she had listened closely to Detective Garda Coonans evidence and Mr Herberts submissions.

In all the circumstances I am going to refuse bail, said Judge Coolican.

There was no reaction from the teenage girl who was wearing a pink top and black leggings. She was remanded in custody to appear via video-link in Tipperary Town District Court, sitting in Thurles, next week.

A woman, aged in her 40s, who also cannot be named, was charged with reckless endangerment, violent disorder, and two counts of burglary at the same special sitting of Limerick District Court.

Detective Garda Seamus Kelly alleged that the woman was the driver of the vehicle which pursued and rammed a van on the R494, Birdhill on Saturday, March 21.

The detective garda alleged that her driving forced another motorist to take evasive action and narrowly missed a cyclist.

Det Garda Kelly alleged that the woman instigated the melee in Birdhill and there were a number of people with weapons in the car she was driving.

The detective further alleged the defendant broke up a caravan with weapons at a different location.

Det Garda Kelly objected to a bail application made by the womans solicitor Darach McCarthy. The detective garda outlined garda concerns over alleged reprisal attacks and intimidation of witnesses and a feud.

Mr McCarthy said his client did not lay a hand on the injured party (Ms Faulkner). Det Garda Kelly said the investigation is still ongoing.

Mr McCarthy said the woman is the mother of a number of young children who reside with her and asked the judge to grant her bail so she can continue rearing her family. He said she doesnt have a passport and hasn't tried to evade gardai.

Judge Coolican said the woman is entitled to the presumption of innocence. The judge said she had listened closely to Det Garda Kellys evidence and Mr McCarthy's submissions.

In all the circumstances I am going to refuse bail, said Judge Coolican.

There was no reaction from the woman who was wearing a grey, black and white tracksuit. She was remanded in custody to appear via video-link in Tipperary Town District Court, sitting in Thurles, next week.

The woman blew a kiss to family members as she was taken into custody.

There were over 30 members of An Garda Siochana between uniformed and plainclothes members in the body of the court.
A COUNTY Limerick residents association has called on Google to correct the spelling of their townland, insisting the correct form is Rich Hill  not Richill or Richhill, as currently listed on the global mapping platform.

The campaign, led by the Rich Hill Residents Association and supported by Limerick City & County Council, highlights the long-standing historical use of the name, which dates back to 1738. Residents argue that Googles incorrect listing has caused confusion and, in some cases, misdirected mail to Co Armagh instead of Rich Hill, Lisnagry.

In an email to Google, resident James Ryan described repeated unsuccessful attempts to correct the error. We wrote to you in Dublin both in 2024 and 2025 but zero response from you, he said. This final email to you is a courtesy prior to contacting Senior Management and the CEO of Google regarding our concerns. We should not have to do this.

Mr Ryan, 81, who has lived in Rich Hill since 1981, explained that the incorrect spelling has practical consequences. If no postcode is used, we are left wondering if important medical appointments are gone to Richill, Co Armagh, he said. Even if its only one letter a month, it could well be the critical one.

READ MORE: 'You're dealing with family at chaotic scenes' - Meet the Limerick woman saving lives

Mr Ryan also recalled a conversation with an auctioneer in the 1980s about estate names, noting that they said: You could call it Woodhaven or something else, but youd still have to put in Rich Hill, as its the name of the townland.

The association argues that Googles error has been amplified by other agencies, who often cite Google as the source for the spelling. Google somehow got the correct spelling wrong and so now because of Google all these agencies quote Google when questioned about how the incorrect spelling originated.

Mr Ryan expressed frustration over the lack of response. After 40-plus years, weve learnt to put up with it. Still, its not right. Google must be on a different planet as it seems they don't care.

The local residents are now urging the tech giant to take action and restore the townlands correct name.
A LIMERICK social worker was left living in fear and constantly monitoring her surroundings after receiving a threatening phone call from a member of a family she was working with.

Stephen Grace, aged 34, with an address in County Galway, was convicted in January of this year for threatening to blow up the womans house and to kill her during a heated exchange.

Limerick Circuit Court heard that on May 31, 2022, Mr Grace, originally from Limerick, called the social worker and asked a question regarding two individuals who were in the care system.

During the phone call, she informed the Galway-based man that the information he was seeking could not be disclosed. From here, he became aggressive, threatening to blow up her home and kill her.

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The woman, who was aged in her late 20s at the time of the incident, was in fear following the phone conversation and contacted the relevant authorities.

On July 16, 2022, Stephen Grace was arrested and admitted that the call did take place but denied being aggressive or making threats. In another garda interview, he said he did not know the social workers address. The court heard he was generally co-operative with investigating gardai.

The injured party is now working elsewhere and she confirmed she had never seen or met Mr Grace prior to the trial

In her victim impact statement, the woman said the threats had a significant impact on her career, where she just wanted to make a positive difference in children's lives.

After the incident, she found herself constantly monitoring her surroundings and was on high alert at all times. This also affected her personal life and was a distressing period as she feared her child could be harmed.

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Judge Colin Daly was informed of Mr Graces 121 previous convictions, 59 being for burglary and theft offences, 12 for criminal damage as well as one drugs charge and two assault offences.

Prior to this, he had not come to garda attention since 2017 and from 2022 onwards, there were some minor offences.

Limerick Circuit Court heard that he wishes to relay an apology to the woman because his words caused her fear and that there was no evidence these threats would be followed-up on.

A forensic psychology report stated that in 2005, Mr Grace witnessed a traumatic incident which resulted in his 12-year-old brother dying in his arms. His childhood was shattered as a result and began abusing cocaine for a decade. The 34-year-old is sober now.

He also experiences lasting physical effects arising from an incident during which a vehicle struck him and subsequently dragged him underneath.

Mr Grace moved to Galway in 2013 and met his partner and they remain in a "stable relationship". It was said that he is facing significant hardship due to being separated from her.

A Probation Report stated that he suffers from literacy difficulties and that his communication skills can be perceived as aggressive when angry or distressed.

He is at low risk of harming himself or others and it was recommended that Mr Grace receive rehabilitation and be allowed return to the community or, alternatively, that a suspended prison sentence be imposed.

There is also a desire to rebuild family connections and that he would take any and every opportunity to rehabilitate himself," said his defence counsel, Johanna OConnor BL.

Ms O'Connor stated her client is in custody because of words spoken in the heat of the moment and that context is important". She insisted they were not "credible" threats as he was in "distress."

She said Mr Grace has achieved a good life against all odds but that the statements he made (to the Tusla worker) were a "serious mistake".

Upon hearing facts of the case and taking them into consideration, Judge Colin Daly remanded Mr Grace in custody until April 15, when he will impose sentence.
A MAN who was found to be in possession of a combined total of more than 10,000 worth of drugs has been given a fully suspended sentence in light of his rehabilitation efforts.

Darragh O'Toole (also known as Dara), of Annadale, Bagnall Terrace, Limerick, appeared before Limerick Circuit Court, on two separate charges of possession of drugs for sale or supply.

The court heard that on January 3, 2023, Mr O'Toole was found to be in possession of cocaine to the value of 8,610.84, along with drug paraphernalia and 830 in cash.

Separately, on August 2, 2023, an intelligence-led garda operation led to the seizure of cocaine to the value of more than 1,500, a mobile phone and plastic deal bags.

The court heard that at the time Mr O'Toole immediately took responsibility and said he had drug debts and addiction issues.

READ ALSO: Limerick mother of 21-year-old who tragically died says Minister's apology is "too little, too late"

The 27-year-old did not admit to selling cocaine at that time when arrested, but said that he had issues with gambling and drug addiction.

The court heard that Mr O'Toole has had strong family support and has engaged with the Tabor group for his addiction issues.

In considering her sentence, Judge Sinead McMullan said: These are obviously very serious matters, he is still a young man and I fully accept that he was in the throes of his own addiction at the time.

She added that having a structure in life, along with employment prospects are both very promising indicators of his future behaviour.

Drugs are such a scourge on our society, the judge said, adding that selling drugs to others is increasing the harm that drugs can cause.

Judge Sinead McMullan imposed a sentence of two and a half years for the first Section 15 offence of possession of drugs for sale or supply to the value of more than 8,600. She said that the amount of drugs and the paraphernalia were both aggravating factors.

She imposed a further 18-month sentence, reduced down to 12 months for the second Section 15 offence of possession of more than 1,500 worth of drugs.

She suspended the total of three and a half years in full, on the condition that Mr O'Toole, continue to attend rehab, and engage with Cocaine Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous for three and a half years. The man's addiction and rehab efforts were taken into account.

Judge McMullan said: This is to incentivise you to stay on the straight and narrow.

Mr O'Toole was released on his own bond of 100 and must keep the peace and be of good behaviour for the duration of the fully suspended sentence.
The Defence Forces has conducted its first personnel rotation in a conflict zone using new strategic reach capability.

On Friday, the Defence Forces confirmed it carried out an operation to transport key battalion personnel to United Nations Post 2-45 in Lebanon, known as Camp Shamrock, and to return communications specialists who had been performing critical maintenance to communication systems and infrastructure.

It said the operation occurred in a volatile region with Army personnel of the 127th Infantry Battalion who conducted a patrol from UNP 2-45 to Beirut and the Air Corps flight crew of the C295 who performed the strategic airlift from Casement Aerodrome in Dublin to Beirut.

Oglaigh na hEireann can confirm that an operation took place to transport key Battalion personnel to United Nations Post 2-45 and to return Communications Specialists who had been performing critical maintenance to communication systems and infrastructure. This was a joint pic.twitter.com/Ize6y02A8N  Oglaigh na hEireann (@defenceforces) March 27, 2026

In a statement, the Defence Forces said: This operation demonstrates the strategic reach capability of the Air Corps, as well as the capabilities of our Army personnel employing force protection measures to enable operations in a conflict zone.

It is the first such operation using the strategic reach capability of the Air Corps.

The Defence Forces said it needed to conduct the mission because a civilian air partner had cancelled a planned flight to rotate personnel out, over concerns of the increased risk in Beiruts airspace.

This left key personnel, including medical battalion headquarters staff and medics, unable to return to the 17th Infantry Battalion.

At the same time, several communication specialists deployed to work on systems across Unifils area of operations were also due on the cancelled flight.

They had been working on rebroadcast towers, communication hardware in the armoured fleet and other network engineering tasks.

The Defence Forces worked with the Department of Defence and Department of Foreign Affairs to co-ordinate the strategic airlift and ensure diplomatic clearances for all personnel.

The C295 was selected and the internal configuration was modified to carry both the 26 battalion personnel and required logistics.

On Thursday, personnel reported to Casement Aerodrome and the C295 took off that morning for Cyprus via Italy.

The aircraft then overnighted in Cyprus to comply with a mandatory rest period, before taking off on Friday to fly directly to Beirut.

Earlier that morning, the 127th Infantry Battalion travelled in a MOWAG armoured personnel carrier from Camp Shamrock to Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut.

The patrol required heightened level of force protection on its journey.

The patrol was at the airport prior to the C295 landing and oversaw a transfer of material and personnel, seeing the plane depart and the armoured personnel carriers return to Camp Shamrock on the same day.

The Defence Forces said the operation shows how it can use the new aircraft to respond and support personnel in challenging environments.
Gerald Griffin (18031840) was a Limerick-born novelist, short story writer, poet, and later a member of the congregation of the Christian Brothers. He is best known for the novel The Collegians (1829), which drew on the 1819 murder of Ellen Hanley and influenced later stage and operatic adaptations.



Family and Early Years

Griffin was born on December 12, 1803 in the city of Limerick. He was one of 13 children of Patrick Griffin and Ellen (nee Sheehy). The family was Catholic, and several of Geralds siblings pursued professional and clerical paths; his elder brother Daniel became a priest and played a role in Geralds education. During his childhood the family lived in Limerick and, for a period, outside the city. His schooling began in Limerick and continued under private tuition from his brother Daniel, who instructed him in languages and literature.

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Departure for London and Early Publications

In 1823, at about 20 years of age, Griffin left Ireland for London to pursue a literary career. In London he contributed stories and sketches to periodicals and worked with publishers; within a few years his prose appeared in collected form. In 1827 two volumes were published that helped to establish his reputation: Tales of the Munster Festivals and Holland Tide and Other Stories. Both drew on Irish settings and customs, and both were issued by reputable London publishers of the period. These books circulated in Britain and Ireland and positioned Griffin as a writer who combined narrative energy with careful observation of provincial life.

The Collegians (1829)

Griffins most significant work, The Collegians, was published in 1829. The novel is based on a widely reported crime that shocked early nineteenth century Ireland - namely the 1819 murder of Ellen Hanley, known in popular memory as the Colleen Bawn. Griffin did not reproduce the case record; rather, he shaped a fictional narrative that examines the pressures of class, secrecy, and honour. The books reception was favourable and enduring: it remained in print in the nineteenth century and reached readers well beyond Limerick. The novels careful rendering of speech, its moral focus, and its descriptions of the Shannon region are integral to its reputation in Irish literary history.

Adaptations and Afterlife of the Story

The narrative line introduced by Griffins novel moved to the stage and then to the opera house in the decades that followed. In 1860, Dion Boucicault premiered The Colleen Bawn, a melodrama that acknowledged its dependence on The Collegians while also drawing directly on the folk legend surrounding the 1819 case. The story was further adapted as the opera The Lily of Killarney, first performed in 1862 in London with a libretto connected to Boucicault and John Oxenford and music by Julius Benedict. These adaptations demonstrate that the literary materials configured in 1829 continued to generate artistic responses in new forms and venues long after Griffins death.

Themes, Methods, and Reputation

The notable features of Griffins prose are visible across his early collections and The Collegians: a concern with moral choice; attention to regional Irish settings; and an avoidance of caricature in the portraiture of rural and small town characters. Critics of Irish fiction have repeatedly situated Griffin between oral narrative traditions and the developing realist novel of the nineteenth century. His interest in scene setting - markets, fairs, waterways, and domestic interiors - serves the ethical and psychological aims of his plots. The precise balance of sentiment and social observation varies from story to story, but the underlying method remains steady: he places ordinary experience at the centre of his art and asks how individuals act under strain. These points are observable in the texts themselves and summarised by later scholars.

Poetry

Griffin also wrote poetry. The lyric best known by his name is Sweet Adare, a short poem that praises the calm of the Maigue valley. The poem appeared in nineteenth century collections and has been frequently reprinted. His verse in general tends toward devotional and descriptive modes rather than political satire. The presence of these poems in anthologies of Irish verse and in collected editions of Griffins works supports their place within his oeuvre.

Return to Ireland and Religious Vocation

After several productive years as a professional writer, Griffin returned to Ireland. In 1838 he entered the Congregation of the Christian Brothers at Cork and took the religious name Brother Joseph. Within the community he worked as a teacher. The Brothers model emphasised literacy, numeracy, and religious formation for boys who often had limited access to formal schooling. Griffins turn to the classroom did not erase his authorship; editions of his works continued to circulate, and his earlier books remained available to readers. His published works include Tales of the Munster Festivals (1827), short fiction exploring Irish provincial life, issued in London. Holland Tide and Other Stories (1827), a further collection of Irish tales, The Collegians (1829) and Poems, including Sweet Adare.



Influence and Place in Irish Literature

Griffins influence can be traced in two clear lines: first, in the long afterlife of The Collegians through theatre and opera; second, in the evaluation of critics who view him as an important early practitioner of Irish regional realism in English. The first line is demonstrated by the documented premieres of The Colleen Bawn (1860) and The Lily of Killarney (1862). The second line appears in twentieth and twenty first century surveys of Irish fiction, which consistently situate Griffin alongside writers such as William Carleton as a precursor to later realist experiments. The emphasis on ordinary settings, ethical conflict, and spoken idiom places Griffin among the writers who made Irish life in English prose legible to a broad readership.

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Legacy in Limerick and Beyond

Gerald Griffins career was brief, but its outlines are clear, and its achievements are durable. By 1829 he had produced a novel that entered the common cultural store of Ireland and Britain and continued to resonate through the stage and opera for decades after his death.

His earlier story collections gave attentive form to the scenes and pressures of provincial life, and his lyric poetry provided a complementary register of devotion and landscape.

The record of his entrance into the Christian Brothers and his subsequent teaching places him within a significant Irish educational movement of the nineteenth century.

If this portrait is less crowded with anecdotes than some popular accounts, it is also more reliable. It allows readers to hold in view the features of Griffins life and art that matter most: the books themselves, the documented responses they provoked, and the institutional commitments he embraced in the final years of his life.

In summary we can say that Griffins life was dedicated first to literature and then to teaching. His novel left its mark on Irish and British culture. He died in Cork in 1840 at the age of 36. His death brought to a close a career that had lasted less than two decades yet produced prose and verse that continued to be read and adapted.

Commemoration and Continuing Recognition

The memory of Gerald Griffin has been preserved in various ways in Limerick and beyond, not only in the street that bears his name (a mark of enduring civic regard for his literary legacy) but also, notably, through the first novel prize hosted by the Limerick Writers Centre in his honour.

In the wider frame of Irish literature, Griffins example prefigures the later developments of national and regional fiction in English.

His blending of moral purpose and social observation anticipated the realist movement that would emerge more fully in the mid and late nineteenth century. The Collegians in particular has drawn renewed scholarly attention as critics reconsider the origins of Irish prose realism and its intersections with folklore and journalism. Griffins meticulous depiction of speech and setting continues to offer material for linguistic and cultural studies.

For readers today, Griffin represents a model of integrity in both art and life. His decision to leave the professional literary world for a life of religious service illustrates a moral consistency that informed his fiction.

The union of ethical reflection and narrative craft distinguishes his achievement. More than a local writer or moralist, Griffin stands as a figure whose imagination linked provincial Ireland to the moral and artistic questions of his century.

In remembering Gerald Griffin, we acknowledge not only a gifted writer but also a man of conscience whose talents were matched by humility.

His commitment to truth in art and life secures his place among Irelands enduring cultural figures, ensuring his influence continues to inspire readers.
THE HAGUE, March 28 (Xinhua) -- A large fire raged at a waste processor in the port area of Maastricht, the Netherlands, local media reported Saturday.

According to the local public broadcaster L1 News, emergency services were alerted around 5:30 a.m. local time (0430 GMT), and the fire department classified the blaze as a major fire, signaling the need for additional firefighting capacity.

No injuries have been reported yet.

It is reported that hazardous substances are stored in the place where the fire is raging, though authorities have not yet confirmed the exact materials involved.

Fire crews have deployed reconnaissance units to take measurements, and no dangerous concentrations have been detected at this time. 
Brockman took away from the exchange the belief that the duo didnt want to tell the public about what was happening at the frontiers of AI. Years later, even as Dario became one of the loudest voices warning about the impacts of AI on society, Brockman came to think the exchange illustrated a core difference in the philosophies of OpenAI and Anthropic.
Google is closing in on a multibillion-dollar deal to power a data centre leased to Anthropic in Texas. As per a report by Financial Times, Google is expected to finalise its backing for the project in the coming weeks, which could include the company offering construction loans for Nexus Data Centers, the operator of the site.

The report noted that a consortium of banks was competing to provide financing for the initial phase of the project by mid-year. The financing could total more than $5 billion. However, the support from Google parent Alphabet should allow the project to raise financing at a lower cost owing to the strong credit rating of the tech giant.

Anthropic's Texas data centre: The 2,800-acre data centre campus is said to be a part of Google's partnership with Anthropic, even as the Claude maker faces off with the Trump administration over the use of its AI in military use cases.

The lease for the project was signed earlier this month and construction is already under way at the Texas site, which has received early-stage debt from asset manager Eagle Point.

The project is said to deliver around 500 megawatts of capacity and could be ready as soon as early 2026, and the eventual plans could include expanding it to about 7.7 gigawatts of capacity.

Reportedly, a significant benefit of the location is its proximity to several major gas pipelines that are operated by companies like Enterprise, Energy Transfer, and Atmos. This could allow Nexus to power the site with its own gas turbines and avoid surge pricing from one energy source.

Notably, data centre developers are increasingly focusing on reducing their reliance on grid connections, which can be time-consuming and expensive to secure. Instead, behind-the-meter power technology has been growing in popularity among Big Tech companies, with around 50 gigawatts of behind-the-meter projects being announced in 2025, as per research provider Cleanview (quoted by Financial Times).

Elon Musk's Colossus data centres in Tennessee and Mississippi reportedly use off-grid gas turbines, while Microsoft and Amazon are also said to be attached to large behind-the-meter projects.

Meanwhile, Meta had announced a deal earlier this week with Entergy Louisiana to power its "Hyperion" data centre with seven new natural gas-fired plants to provide a total of 5.2 gigawatts of electricity to the data centre.
Big four accounting firm KPMG's UK unit has informed nearly 600 employees in its audit business that their jobs are at risk, Bloomberg News reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Impacted employees have been notified that they may face layoffs, contingent to the outcome of a redundancy consultation, according to an internal memo circulated to staff and reviewed by the news agency.

If the proposed redundancy consultation moves forward as planned, the company ultimately expects that as many as 440 employees will exit the business, the report added.

Which positions are at risk? The planned job cuts are primarily targeted at assistant managers who are qualified accountants, a person familiar with the matter told Bloomberg.

The proposal is expected to impact approximately 6% of the divisions total workforce of 7,100 employees.

Why is KPMG laying off staff? Commenting on the development, a spokesperson of KPMG UK said, Current market conditions mean our attrition rates are very low within certain parts of our audit population, which is why we are proposing to right size those areas.

This isnt a decision we take lightly, the spokesperson told Bloomberg in a statement.

KPMG is not the only consulting firm that is trimming its workforce. Several rival consulting firms have also turned to layoffs as the industry looks to rein in costs after years of aggressive expansion.

Layoffs in consulting industry In a separate development, McKinsey & Co.s leadership team has discussed the possibility of job cuts with managers in non-client-facing departments, which may impact about 10% of headcount across their business, Bloomberg previously reported. The layoff could amount to a few thousand job cuts that McKinsey would stagger over the next 18 to 24 months.

Another major consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) has also warned earlier this month that partners who fail to adopt and use AI in their work have no future in the company.

Paul Griggs, the chief executive officer of PWC, said that senior staff who were not paranoid about being AI-first would probably be replaced by others who were ready to embrace the technology. I dont think anyone gets a free pass here. Anyone, he told the Financial Times.

Consulting is widely viewed as one of the white-collar sectors that experts believe are most exposed to the rise of artificial intelligence, as the technology becomes increasingly capable of handling tasks such as accounting, research and analysing complex business problems.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) flows from India to Brazil have also had a positive impact on bilateral trade, Nobrega said. And it's expected to have an impact on trade in a more sustainable manner because, for example, when Indian automotive companies are increasing their investments in Brazil, that increases the export, the flow of exports of auto parts from India to Brazil in the same way that as Embraer localizes, their production here will also have an increased export of aerospace parts, he said.
Its absurd to expect the Americans to come to our aid when our own people arent even defending our own country, said Masashi Kajiyama, who is in his 60s and lives in Nagasaki. He said he supports Takaichis plans to lift spending on defense and revise the constitution, which he sees as having been imposed on Japan during the U.S. occupation after 1945. With China boosting military spending, Japan needs to do more before its too late, he said, adding Japan cant rely on the U.S. to defend it.
Baskaran added that the Congolese mining cadastre, a digital public system used by governments to manage mineral rights, concessions and licenses, is actually quite good. We need to build on the robustness of what is one of the better systems in the region, she said. Ultimately, the Belgians deciding what is best for the DRC is unhelpful.
JERUSALEMIsrael has begun rationing its use of high-end missile interceptors, hoping to preserve stocks of its most capable defensive weapons in the face of daily Iranian barrages that havent let up through four weeks of war.

A pair of Iranian ballistic missiles recently scored direct hits on the towns of Dimona and Arad after Israel tried and failed to intercept them with modified versions of less advanced munitions.

Israel faced another alarming bombardment Thursday, with residents reporting sirens going off constantly and several missile hits across the country.

Israel has successfully made heavy use of its top of the line Arrow interceptors to shoot down ballistic missiles so far in the war and in the conflict with Iran last June. It recently has been using upgraded versions of its Davids Sling system, which was designed to shoot down rockets and shorter-range ballistic missiles, to intercept bigger and longer-range varietieswith mixed results.

The decision to use less-capable munitions reflects the pressure militaries across the region are under as they burn through expensive, difficult-to-manufacture weapons to fend off attacks from Irans mass-produced missiles and drones.

The U.S. and Israel have knocked out much of Irans capability to fire missiles but not all of it, turning the war in part into a race to see which side runs out first.

The number of interceptors of every type is finite, said Tal Inbar, a senior analyst at the U.S.-based Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance. As the fighting goes on, it goes down. And as it goes down, you have to make more careful calculations about what to use.

Iran has fired more than 400 missiles and hundreds of drones at Israel since the start of the war. While the numbers were higher in the early days, the barrages have remained relatively steady in recent weeks, with the additional challenge of Hezbollah firing dozens of projectiles at Israel every day.

With every incoming missile, officials must decide whether to let it fall in unoccupied areas or shoot it down, and if so with what system. They also have to consider preserving stockpiles to cover the range of threats that could arise in the days ahead.

Israels multilayered air-defense system, much of which it developed alongside the U.S., uses different munitions designed to confront different types of threats.

On the lower tier is the Iron Dome, which is used to shoot down short-range rockets at a cost of tens of thousands of dollars per interceptor, followed by Davids Sling, which can be used against long-range rockets, tactical ballistic missiles and cruise missiles.

At the upper tier is the Arrow 3, which intercepts long-range ballistic missiles that leave the Earths atmosphere and is among the best antimissile munitions in the world. An earlier version known as Arrow 2 is still used for medium to long-range missile threats.

Israel entered the current conflict with stocks of its Arrow interceptors diminished by the war in June.

Air-defense systems project the trajectory of incoming fire based on sensors such as radars and recommend which interceptors operators should use.

Israel has tried to give itself more options with modifications including software updates that make its lower-tier interceptors more capable of handling threats from longer-range missiles.

Davids Sling went through a series of upgrades and tests just before the war with Iran to expand its range.

We are trying to stretch it to the upper tier and distance the interception from the ground as much as possible, said Ran Kochav, a brigadier general in the reserves and former commander of Israels air and missile defense forces. It works well in some areas, and in others it doesnt.

Iron Dome, which was originally developed to intercept rockets at a range of about 45 miles, also has been upgraded and is now used to shoot down missiles and longer-range rockets and drones.

Today, it intercepts rockets at a range of hundreds of kilometers as well as UAVs, Kochav said.

When the Iranian missile hit the southern city of Dimona, home to Israels main nuclear facility, and another crashed down in the courtyard of an aging apartment block in the nearby city of Arad, it raised alarm bells across the country.

The community across the street from the Dimona strike has relocated some of its elderly to a large bomb shelter in a school, where they plan to stay until the end of the war.

This is not over, said Ahmadiel Ben Yehuda, 69, who lives near the Dimona blast site. Were reminded every few hours with warnings on the phone and new sirens and blasts.

Gulf countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain are under similar pressure and have been asking the U.S. for interceptors. To help address the capacity concerns, the U.S. has flooded the region with counterdrone systems, which can shoot down lower and slower-flying threats like Irans Shaheds.

But the world is facing problems with supplies. Among them, interceptors needed for the U.S. Thaad systems, which are used to defend U.S. allies, are running low amid a global shortage in stockpiles and long production cycles. At least one Thaad system deployed to Jordan was damaged in an Iranian drone attack, according to U.S. officials.

We are vaporizing many years of production in the last couple weeks, said Tom Karako, director of the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Even if we completely maximize production with the forthcoming missions ramp, which we need to, it will still be many years before we replace what was just used.

Analysts said the model of the fight against Iran isnt sustainable over the long term. Combatants in other battlefields such as Ukraine are likely to suffer the consequences of the shortages that are now being deepened.

These are scarce national resources, and we need them for other parts of the world, Karako said. Thats not something that we can keep doing.
That will make control of the supply chains for the components needed in clean energy production even more critical. China currently dominates the global supply of lithium and cobalt, both of which are needed in batteries. Blanch thinks there will be another big push to produce more batteries outside of China.
If President Trump gives the go-ahead, the U.S. could soon have more than 17,000 ground troops on Irans doorstep. That is far short of what would be needed for a full-scale invasion, but they could seize strategic territory on the mainland, secure Tehrans uranium stockpiles or take an island.

The Pentagon is considering sending another 10,000 ground troops to the Middle East, even as Trump weighs peace talks with Tehran, The Wall Street Journal has reported. That would add to roughly 5,000 Marines and 2,000 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division already ordered to the region. The additional troops would likely include infantry, armored vehicles and logistics support.

Thats far fewer than the 150,000 troops the U.S. deployed in March 2003 to invade Iraq, a country much smaller in terms of both geography and population than Iran.

Trump hasnt directed the military to put American boots on the ground inside Iran, current and former U.S. officials say. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday he didnt think they would be needed.

We are ahead of schedule on most of them, and we can achieve them without any ground troops, without any, Rubio said in France after meeting with G-7 ministers. But he added that Trump has to be prepared for multiple contingencies.

Trump has said he hopes to resolve the conflict through diplomacy and press Iran to agree to a tough set of demands, including handing over its supply of enriched uranium, dismantling key nuclear facilities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

But Iran has rebuffed those overtures. Tehran appears to be calculating that closing the strait will pressure the White House to compromise and deter future attacks. The troop buildup could give the U.S. added leverage while preparing for more decisive action if diplomacy stalls, current and former officials said.

All announcements regarding troop deployments will come from the Department of War, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said. As we have said, President Trump always has all military options at his disposal.

If Trump orders the deployment, the troops could be used to seize strategic locations such as the islands off Irans southern coast or parts of the coastline. They could also secure the regimes 970 pounds of enriched uranium that Tehran could use to try to build nuclear weapons.

Each of those missions would be complex and dangerous. A battle for a beachhead near Bandar Abbas, Irans main naval headquarters, or for Kharg Island, a crucial oil export hub, would risk significant American casualties, former officials said.

U.S. forces could also target islands around the Strait of Hormuzs elbow, including Abu Musa, Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb, making it easier to reopen the passageway. From there, they could help shield ships from Iranian missiles and drones and launch land-based strikes against the mainland.

But reaching those areas would be difficult. U.S. ships would have to pass through the straits narrow, shallow waters, flanked by Iranian forces armed with missiles and drones and potentially seeded with sea mines. Alternatively, troops could be airlifted from Persian Gulf nations.

The sea approach also offers other dangers. Supersonic antiship missiles could travel from the Iranian mainland in a matter of seconds, while Iran could use its fast attack boats and drones to bombard both naval craft and positions on land, said Seth Jones of the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank.

I would be shocked if this could be done without any casualties or commercial or naval ships being hit, said Jones, a former Defense Department and U.S. Special Operations Command official.

Once on the ground, American forces would need to defend against an array of threats, from Iranian cruise and ballistic missiles and drones launched from boats or from the shoreline. Kharg Island, just 16 miles from the mainland, would require robust air defenses, likely including interceptor-equipped destroyers or sustained air cover.

That will become a chance to kill Americans who are aggregated and concentrated, said Mark Montgomery, a retired rear admiral and senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies think tank. Theyd be sitting ducks.

A force of 17,000 troops isnt enough to hold any location for an extended period, particularly if they are under fire from the regime, said retired Vice Adm. John Miller, a former commander of U.S. naval forces in the Middle East. Those threats would need to be suppressed from the air.

The longer you are at those locations, you are exposed to greater risk, Miller said.

By contrast, during the invasion of Iraq in 2003, two Army and Marine U.S. divisions were used to take Baghdadformations that generally run between 15,000 to 20,000 troops each. On top of that, the U.S. also had a coalition that also contributed ground troops in Iraq. The British sent tens of thousands of troops, which focused on Basra and southern Iraq, including an armored division.

Amid the current conflict, American forces attempting to hold ground in Iran would need to be supported by intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets, as well as logistical support and the capability to evacuate casualties, said retired Gen. Joseph Votel, who formerly commanded U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command.

Securing Irans stores of enriched uranium could be feasible with special-operations forces and other troops, but it would be a highly complex mission. Much of the material is believed to be buried under the rubble of facilities pummeled in U.S. bombings that Trump ordered last June.

The operation would likely take several days to a week, Votel said. It would require combat troops to secure perimeters, engineers with excavating equipment to search through debris and check for mines and booby traps, and special-operations forces with expertise in handling nuclear material. Unless an airfield was available, a makeshift one would need to be set up to bring equipment in and take the nuclear material out.

This isnt a quick in and out kind of deal, Votel said.

Even if the additional ground troops never move into Iran, the threat to deploy them could serve another purpose: Leverage.

Job number one is feeding the strategic narrative that were serious about this, and the president has options, Votel said. Theres clearly a big information component to this.
"I want to be emphatic on one point. The pursuit of credit growth must never come at the cost of financial stability. The lessons of the NPA (non-performing asset) crisis of the previous decade are well-learned and must never be forgotten, Nagaraju said at the Mint India Investment Summit & Awards in Mumbai on Friday.
Kroger has recognized over the past few months that its customers are becoming more price-conscious amid economic pressures. To retain shoppers, the grocery chain has recently cut in-store prices and is now helping customers save on gas as fuel prices climb nationwide.

The price of gas has been on the rise over the past few weeks after the U.S. and Israel's attack on Iran on Feb. 28. This attack resulted in Iran mostly closing the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, which handles about one-fifth of the worlds crude oil shipments.

This closure disrupted roughly 20% of global oil supplies, as well as liquefied natural gas volumes. A week after the attack, crude oil prices climbed from around $70 a barrel to almost $120, then dropped to about $100 and have remained close to that figure for several days, according to Trading Economics data.

Currently, gas prices across the U.S. are averaging about $3.98 per gallon, according to recent data from the American Automobile Association (AAA). A month ago, the average gas price was $2.98 per gallon.

Patrick De Haan, the head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, wrote in a March 14 post on social media platform X that gas prices aren't likely to drop back fully down to pre-war prices until later this year, since seasonal factors will prevent a full drop back down.

He also said in another X post on March 27 that while gas stations nationwide are trying to keep prices below $4 a gallon, that could soon change once costs are too much to bear.

National average price of gasoline holding at $3.991/gal- theres a psychological wall at $4, wrote Haan. Stations will sacrifice some margin to stay at $3.99 because they know how consumers react- but once costs force their hand, prices jump above it- and that could happen soon.

Kroger is doubling down on making gas more affordable for customers. Shutterstock  Shutterstock

Kroger launches limited-time gas savings for customers

As gas prices rise, Kroger is running two savings events to help customers spend less money on fuel.

For years, Kroger has offered customers Fuel Points, which is its loyalty program that rewards discounts at the gas pump. Shoppers usually earn 1 Fuel Point for every $1 spent on groceries, whether online or in-store.

They also usually earn Fuel Points on select gift card purchases, qualifying prescriptions and 90-day refills filled at Kroger stores.

Related: Kroger quietly reduces a vital store service for customers

Customers get $0.10 off per gallon for every 100 points; they can earn a maximum of $1 off per gallon.

However, through Krogers 4X Fuel Points Spring Weekend events, which will take place between March 27-29 and April 3-5, shoppers can earn four times the usual amount of Fuel Points on groceries and eligible purchases with a digital or in-store-accessible coupon, according to a recent press release.
As per a 26 March notification, the changes would lift pay benchmarks by at least $14,500 across entry-level and experienced hires, as Washington said it looks to curb misuse of the visa programme and bring foreign worker wages closer to parity with those of US employees. Going by this, an employee working on an H-1B visa in the US, who earned a base wage of $133,850 last fiscal year, would now earn about $148,439.
Every now and then you have to ask if there can possibly be a new variety after the 99 varieties of dosa. Can there be a No.100 after the Schezwan avocado paneer hummus dosa? Will humanity have to finally admit it has hit a wall or will creativity prevail? Similarly, I have been asking myself can I be surprised by a new type of violence against women? I have been an occasional subject, frequent documenter and constant point-and-gasper of the confusingly light-hearted acronym VAW since I was six. Could anything surprise me now? I am here to admit that even in 2026, age and custom have not staled the infinite variety of VAW. And the new genre of violence against women that I have just encountered this month comes with a minty-fresh name: Alpine divorce.

The name, as will become clear, is significant in organising a variety of seemingly unconnected experiences. In February, amateur mountaineer Thomas P was found guilty of causing death by gross negligence (which carries a maximum sentence of three years) for leaving his girlfriend Kerstin G on Groglockner, Austrias highest peak, in conditions that led to her death. She had been too exhausted to make the descent. It was midnight. He climbed down purportedly to get help but without using any of the equipment they had that could have kept her sheltered. The judge observed while delivering his decision that he felt Thomas, more experienced than Kerstin by miles, should have been able to see the oncoming disaster. Just 2 hours earlier Thomas had turned away a rescue team in a helicopter that had come looking for them, saying on a cellphone call that they were fine. In the judges summation, it definitely sounded like a series of bad decisions that Thomas will regret his whole life. Or wont he? You cant help wonder about his learning curve because one of the witnesses at the trial had jaw-dropping testimony. A former girlfriend testified that in 2023, just two years previously, she had climbed the very same Groglockner with Thomas. When her head torch ran out of battery, she said, Thomas left her on the slopes. At night. I still havent understood what the reasonable, could-happen-to-anyone decision tree on that one was.

Did Thomas former girlfriend know back then that there is an actual phrase for being abandoned in dangerous, outdoor conditions by your man? Social media knows now but the term alpine divorce dates back to An Alpine Divorce, Robert Barrs 1893 short story about a man who schemes to kill his wife in the Alps. The phrase has circulated in hiking and outdoorsy circles for decades, sounding innocent and covering a spectrum of dangerous actionsranging from the full Khoon Bhari Maang where someone hopes to make a murder look like an unfortunate accident to impulsive violence where no one is in earshot to the sub-variety which most intrigued me.

The alpine divorce debate is a fascinating sequel to the unquenchable 2024 social media debate that asked if women would prefer to come across a strange man in the woods or a bear. If you go on any social media of your choice you can see first-hand accounts of this last variety from hundreds of women who newly have a name for a harrowing experience that they had assumed had only happened to them. Your lover breaks up with you but somewhere where there is no network and you dont know how to get back to civilisation and safety. You started as a pair of nature lovers but your boyfriend leaves, hoping that nature will do the job of killing you.

The location can range from mountain to desert to forest. The weather too can vary. What is the common factor? On the basis of a small argument or even silent disagreement about something, the man leaves the woman in a dangerous situation. To be clear, it is not the man removing himself from the location which increases the risks. The danger comes from the man taking with him the torch/the water bottle/the tent/the compass/the map as he leaves in a supposed huff. I say supposed because it is so fascinating in the many accounts to note how tiny the disagreement can be that justifies leaving your girlfriend/wife in a life-threatening situation. The TikTok video (handle: EverAfterlya) that triggered this huge discussion online had the plain but heart-breaking caption: POV: you go on a hike with him in the mountains but he leaves you alone by yourself and you realize he never liked you to begin with.

As is the case after a big spike in discussion about violence against women, the debate has given rise to dozens of how-to resources to protect yourself from alpine divorce. You could read them or I could paraphrase the brilliant writer Roxane Gay joking on Threads to this phenomenon: you are safe if you dont go outdoors and dont trust any men. Yet, that last subgenre of the impulsive breakup in the jungle is so familiar even to women who have never spent a third of their salary in Decathlon.

Even as a dedicated fan of the indoors, you only have to have a small fight with your boyfriend before he says chalo bhaiya and races away in the last auto at the stand so that you learn your lesson about being so feminist at 3am. As one friend who told me, It is not just that I was alone after midnight in some dark part of the city, it was just that everyone on the street had got the signalno one is coming looking for this woman. It reminds me of one of my favourite memesa man says women need men to protect them. A goose chases him hissing: protect them from who, f**ker, protect them from who?

Nisha Susan is the author of The Women Who Forgot to Invent Facebook and Other Stories.

Also Read | Nisha Susan: Passing judgement is our national pastime
A professor at Bengaluru's PES University was suspended after hurling communal slurs at a Muslim student in the classroom. A video of the incident has gone viral and has attracted massive criticism. The incident, which took place on Tuesday, began after the student, identified as Affan, sought permission to step out of the class to meet someone, NDTV reported.

Sharm nahi aati, tumko The teacher lost his cool for no apparent reason and burst out at the student, saying that he wanted to stay "calm" today.

He further went on to pass derogatory comments, including calling him a "terrorist" and allegedly blaming "people like him for the ongoing Iran war".

"Sharm nahi aati, tumko (Do you feel no shame)," the professor said.

"I thought I will be very calm today," he said.

He is then heard saying Terrorist in the video, which is filled with ambient noise.

The professor is alleged to have made multiple abusive remarks, such as blaming people like him for the Iran war, claiming Donald Trump would come and take him away, and telling the student he would go to hell."

Teacher suspended The video of the entire incident is now circulating on social media. Following mounting criticism, the university has now suspended the professor and an investigation has been launched.

"A case of student complaint has been received. Pending detail enquiry into the matter you are kept under suspension with immediate effect," a letter signed by the Vice-Chancellor of PES University read.

Also Read | Cinnabon Wisconsin employee harasses Somali couple with racist slurs, gets fired

What did the Vice-Chancellor say? Speaking to NDTV, the Vice-Chancellor emphasised that the university follows a policy of training all faculty members to deal with classroom situations.

"Sometimes there could be indiscipline in the classroom and people may overreact," he said.

"This particular person has been teaching as an adjunct professor for so many years. He has a PhD qualification. It is surprising he has reacted the way he has reacted. There is a video that is circulating. But there is some background talk also with the student which is there, which I do not want to react to at this time. I do not have the complete context," the Vice-Chancellor said.

Also Read | BJP accuses Jamiat Ulamas Madani of giving communal colour to Delhi blast probe

The universitys Vice-Chancellor underlined that an incident like this has "never happened in the history of the institution".

"In light of this particular thing whatever disciplinary measures are needed will be taken against that particular faculty," the Vice-Chancellor said.
A Delhi-bound IndiGo flight from Visakhapatnam, carrying 160 passengers on board, made an emergency landing at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport on Saturday due to an engine failure, according to sources.

"Full emergency was declared at Indira Gandhi International Airport at 10.39 for IndiGo Visakhapatnam-Delhi flight 6E 579 due to one engine failure," a source said.

There were 160 passengers on board the Boeing 737 aircraft, the source said.

The flight landed at 10.59 am as per flight tracking website flightradar24.com.
People thronged Noida's Jewar amid a festive atmosphere on Saturday morning ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's inauguration of the state's most ambitious airport project.

Conch blowers from Kanpur, drummers and dancers from Mahoba, and trumpet players from various parts of Uttar Pradesh added to the celebratory mood at the venue. Many people were seen arriving carrying the national flag, while some also held BJP flags.

Also Read | As Navi Mumbai airport takes off, Jewar wait gets longer

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath posted on X, "The developmental journey of the 'New Uttar Pradesh' within the 'New India' is poised to touch yet another golden pinnacle today."

He went on to say, "Today, the grand inauguration of the first phase of the Noida International Airport at Jewar is set to take place at the hands of our Honorable Prime Minister, Narendra Modi."

Adityanath said the airport would serve as the runway for the development of Uttar Pradesh.

"From here, the dreams of the youth will take flight, possibilities will be realised, and the future will soar to new heights. Special congratulations go to our farmer brethren who helped bring this epoch-making project to fruition; it is solely through your dedication that this development has been made possible," the chief minister said.

Also Read | Noida International Airports Phase I to be inaugurated by PM Modi on March 28

Ramesh Singh, 65, a farmer from Bhagwatpur in Jewar, said, "We are very happy and grateful to Narendra Modi for giving us the Jewar airport."

"Humein to jaise swarg mil gaya hai (It feels as if we have been given heaven)!" he added.

Sanjeev Yadav, a 36-year-old private firm employee in Faridabad, said the airport would create job opportunities for locals.

Satish, a taxi driver, said the new airport would increase ride opportunities. "When we go to Delhi airport, it takes a lot of time due to traffic jams, but here it will take only 30-40 minutes."

Nandita Gurjar, 45, a resident of Ranera, said the project would immensely benefit the region. "Women will not have to go outside for jobs now," she said.

Shreshta, a student of a private college, said the airport would attract national and international companies and improve local infrastructure, facilities and employment prospects.

Seated in the front rows among the audience were engineers who worked on Phase I of the project. "We are thrilled today," they told reporters.

Former Noida district magistrate B N Singh, during whose tenure the project and land acquisition began, appeared elated.

"I must congratulate everyone associated with this project since the beginning," he said, recalling the efforts involved in acquiring land from farmers.

BJP leader and Jewar MLA Dhirendra Singh said the prime minister is expected to arrive around 11 am and will first visit the terminal building and cargo area of the airport.

He said Modi will thereafter address a public rally, where around two lakh people are expected to attend.

Singh said he remembers a massive turnout at Modi's earlier visit for the foundation stone laying ceremony, and said this time it would be even higher.

Jewar Sub-Divisional Magistrate Durgesh Singh said over 1.5 lakh people are expected at the programme.

Modi will inaugurate the first phase of the airport, open the cargo terminal and lay the foundation stone for a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, officials said.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and several Union and state leaders will attend the inaugural.

Billed as one of India's largest infrastructure projects, the airport is being developed in four phases at an estimated cost of 29,560 crore and received in-principle approval from the Centre in 2018.

Officials said the Phase-1 development, costing around 11,282 crore, will have an initial annual passenger handling capacity of 1.2 crore. Of this, 6,876 crore has been invested by the concessionaire, while the state government has spent 4,406 crore on land acquisition.

The cargo terminal will initially handle 2.5 lakh metric tonnes annually, expandable up to 18 lakh metric tonnes. The proposed 40-acre MRO facility is expected to strengthen domestic aircraft maintenance capabilities.

Once fully operational, the airport is set to make Uttar Pradesh the first state in the country to have five international airports. It is also envisioned as a multi-modal transport hub integrating road, rail and metro networks, significantly improving connectivity across the National Capital Region and northern India.

Authorities said the project is expected to boost economic growth, generate employment, enhance exports and tourism, and make air travel more accessible.

Meanwhile, elaborate security arrangements have been put in place in view of the prime minister's visit and the expected gathering.

Officials said the entire area has been placed under a five-layer security cover, with around 5,000 police personnel deployed under the Gautam Buddh Nagar Police Commissionerate in coordination with the Special Protection Group.

More than 100 entry gates equipped with 200 door-frame metal detectors have been installed, along with strict baggage screening and identity verification. Separate enclosures have been arranged for women.

Security measures include anti-sabotage checks, bomb disposal squads, anti-mine teams and sniffer dogs, while anti-drone systems have been activated and the area declared a no-fly zone.

Quick Reaction Teams have been deployed at key points, and surveillance is being carried out through CCTV cameras linked to an integrated command and control centre. Intelligence agencies are maintaining real-time coordination, officials said.

Emergency services, including NDRF and SDRF teams, fire brigades, ambulances and designated evacuation routes, have been put in place. Traffic diversions and parking arrangements for thousands of vehicles have also been made to ensure smooth movement.
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said the multilateral trading system must ensure that innovation and development are shared equitably among member nations, while reiterating India's commitment to constructive engagement at the 14th World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference.

In a post on X during the conference in Yaounde, Goyal said, "The multilateral trading system must ensure that innovation, development & opportunity are shared equitably among Members." He added that India remains committed to strengthening global trade cooperation, stating, "India is committed to engage constructively so that the WTO remains central to global trade."

Also Read | India calls for Inclusive WTO reforms at MC14

On the sidelines of the conference, Goyal also held several bilateral meetings with foreign ministers and trade officials to discuss economic cooperation.

Goyal met Maninder Sidhu of Canada and discussed ongoing trade negotiations between the two countries. "Met Canada's Minister of International Trade, Mr. Maninder Sidhu, on the sidelines of the #WTOMC14. Exchanged views on the MC14 agenda, reviewed progress on the recently launched India-Canada CEPA negotiations, and explored ways to further strengthen our bilateral trade & economic cooperation," he posted on X.

He also met Kamina Johnson Smith of Jamaica and discussed the conference agenda. "Met Ms. Kamina Johnson Smith, Senator & Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica, as part of engagements at #WTOMC14, and discussed key elements of the MC14 agenda," Goyal posted.

In another meeting, Goyal interacted with Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble. He said, "Met Mr. Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Foreign Investment and Diaspora Affairs of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and exchanged views on #WTOMC14 agenda."

Also Read | WTO talks: Multilateralism matters even more in a world of political flux

Goyal also met Omar Hejira of Morocco to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation. "Met Mr. Omar Hejira, Secretary of State to the Minister of Industry and Trade, in charge of Foreign Trade, Kingdom of Morocco, on the sidelines of #WTOMC14. Reaffirmed our historical partnership and explored ways to further strengthen bilateral trade and investment cooperation," he said.

He further held discussions with Pankaj Khimji of Oman regarding bilateral trade ties. "Met Mr. Pankaj Khimji, Advisor for Foreign Trade and International Cooperation, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, Oman. We discussed the #WTOMC14 agenda, reviewed the progress of operationalisation of the recently signed India-Oman CEPA, and explored opportunities to further deepen trade & economic cooperation," Goyal said.

The meetings took place on the sidelines of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference, where member countries are discussing key issues related to global trade, cooperation and the future of the multilateral trading system. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will today inaugurate the first phase of the Noida International Airport at Jewar, costing 11,282 crore. The inauguration is part of a larger project estimated at 29,560 crore that aims to position Jewar as a major aviation hub for north India.

The prime minister will also inaugurate the cargo terminal and lay the foundation stone for a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, aimed at boosting India's aviation infrastructure. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will be present at the event, along with several Union and state ministers.

At around 11:30 AM, PM Modi will undertake a walkthrough of the Terminal Building at Noida International Airport, 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.

A day before its inauguration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the Noida International Airport will boost commerce and connectivity and ease congestion at the IGI Airport in Delhi.

The prime minister said that the Noida airport is among the key greenfield projects in the nation and, in addition to passenger services, will have a robust cargo ecosystem, thereby boosting the logistics sector.

Here are the top 10 things to know about Noida airport:

1-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 PublicPrivate Partnership (PPP) model.

Also Read | Noida International Airports Phase I to be inaugurated by PM Modi on March 28

2-The government said 6,876 crore has been invested by the concessionaire in Phase-1, while 4,406 crore has been spent by the state on land acquisition. The first phase, comprising one runway and one terminal, will have an initial annual capacity of 1.2 crore passengers, the statement noted.

3-Once operational, Uttar Pradesh will become the first state in the country to have five international airports, positioning Jewar as a major aviation hub for north India, the statement said.

View full Image View full Image The cargo terminal, to be inaugurated alongside, will have an initial handling capacity of 2.5 lakh metric tonnes annually, expandable up to 18 lakh metric tonnes. The 40-acre MRO facility is expected to promote domestic aircraft maintenance and enhance self-reliance in the aviation sector.

4-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 the world's leading aviation hubs.

5-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 an Instrument Landing System (ILS), and advanced airfield lighting to support efficient, all-weather, round-the-clock operations.

6-The cargo terminal, to be inaugurated alongside, will have an initial handling capacity of 2.5 lakh metric tonnes annually, expandable up to 18 lakh metric tonnes. The 40-acre MRO facility is expected to promote domestic aircraft maintenance and enhance self-reliance in the aviation sector.

7-The airport has been designed as a multi-modal transport hub integrating road, rail, metro and regional transit systems, reducing travel time and logistics costs.

8-The terminal design draws inspiration from Indian heritage, featuring elements such as ghats of Varanasi and Haridwar, haveli-style architecture with courtyards, and the use of local materials, art and lattice screens.

View full Image View full Image Once operational, Uttar Pradesh will become the first state in the country to have five international airports, positioning Jewar as a major aviation hub for north India, the statement said. ( UP Govt )

The project will connect the greater Delhi region and western Uttar Pradesh with domestic and global destinations, combining 'Swiss efficiency and Indian hospitality'.

9-Noida International Airport CEO Christoph Schnellmann was quoted as saying by news agency PTI that the project will connect the greater Delhi region and western Uttar Pradesh with domestic and global destinations, combining "Swiss efficiency and Indian hospitality".

10-The airport has received its aerodrome licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, certifying compliance with safety and operational norms.

(With inputs from agencies and PIB)
A 50-year-old man allegedly slit a 25-year-old man's throat, severed his head, then carried it to his own house. The incident took place in Parsawal village in Barabanki district, Uttar Pradesh, on Saturday.

The victim was identified as Bablu, an ice-cream seller, NDTV reported. Bablu had reportedly gone to Parsawal to sell ice cream, as he did most days.

There, he got engaged in a verbal altercation with a local resident named Shankar Yadav. After a heated exchange of words, Shankar Yadav attacked Bablu with a sickle, slitting his throat and severing his head in public view, the NDTV report added.

Shankar Yadav then reportedly picked up the severed head and took it with him to his house in the same village.

Once inside, Yadav started cooking, police were quoted as saying as they described what they had found when they entered the premises.

According to the report, a large force was deployed in the village under the direction of Superintendent of Police Arpit Vijayvargiya.

The area was cordoned off.

Police then went to Shankar Yadav's house. When the team entered, they found the accused inside, cooking, with Bablu's severed head lying nearby, NDTV reported.

According to India Today, the accused allegedly attempted to burn the victim's severed head.

Police arrested Yadav immediately, seized the murder weapon and recovered the severed head from the house.

Superintendent of Police Arpit Vijayvargiya told India Today that the accused appeared to have a disturbed or unstable mindset and committed the crime over a trivial dispute related to selling ice cream.

Police reportedly said that the victim's body had been placed near a fire, causing partial burns.

What led to the dispute? As police are probing what led to the verbal altercation between the accused and the victim, an India Today report claimed that a dispute erupted when Shankar Yadav objected to Bablu selling ice cream in the area. When the vendor refused to leave, the verbal argument escalated into a violent confrontation, it added.

The body of the victim was sent for post-mortem examination, and further investigation into the case is underway.

Bablu was the eldest of three brothers. He had been supporting his family through manual labour and selling ice cream, the report added.
The government has urged people across the country to ditch the Liquefied Petroleum Gas and adopt Piped Natural Gas (PNG). The Centre has maintained that encouraging people to shift from LPG to PNG is not because of the alleged "LPG shortage", but because PNG is a cleaner and cheaper fuel.

As a precautionary measure amid the Middle-East war, the government has set guidelines for the use and procurement of LPG and also listed a few dos and don'ts for PNG users. They are:

Dos and Don'ts for PNG users amid West Asia war

1. No person having a PNG connection shall obtain a domestic LPG connection, or take refills of domestic LPG cylinders from any government oil company, or through their distribution.

2. No person can have both PNG and LPG connections. "Such persons will be required to immediately surrender their domestic LPG connection," the government said in a directive.

3. People must apply for a PNG connection if feasible in their area. In areas where it's not feasible, people will need to get an NOC for an LPG connection. The order by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas states that LPG supply "shall cease after three months" if a household does not opt for PNG despite availability.

4. No black marketing and rationing of LPG is allowed.

What's the difference between LPG and PNG?

LPG stands for Liquefied Petroleum Gas, and is composed mainly of propane and butane. Meanwhile, PNG stands for Piped Natural Gas and consists primarily of Methane gas (CH4) and other higher hydrocarbons in small percentages.

LPG is supplied in liquid form in cylinders, whereas PNG is supplied through a gas pipeline.

There's a significant difference in the way these two gases are formed.

LPG is produced during the refining process of crude oil or extracted during the processing of natural gas.

"The gases produced in this process are mainly propane and butane with small amounts of other gases. These gases are liquefied through pressurisation to make them easier to transport and store," Energy Education explains on its website.

Meanwhile, PNG is procured from the oil/gas wells and transported through a network of pipelines. "The raw gas is processed to remove impurities, transported via pipelines, and distributed at lower pressures to homes and industries through a network of pipelines across the country.

Why is PNG favoured over LPG?

There is not just one but many reasons to favour PNG over an LPG connection. Here's why one should prefer using PNG:

1. PNG is eco-friendly: Natural Gas is one of the cleanest fuels

2. PNG is inexpensive: Indian Oil says that Natural Gas is generally cheaper than liquid and other gaseous fuels

3. Uninterrupted supply of PNG: Supply of PNG is continuous and regular (24*7)

4. PNG has non-toxic, non-corrosive and non-carcinogenic properties

5. You only pay for the gas you use. PNG is metered similar to electricity

6. No booking hassles: No need to worry about scheduling deliveries, running out of fuel or replacing gas cylinders

7. There's no need to store PNG, as it is supplied through pipeline like water

8. PNG is absolutely safe. In case of a leakage, the gas will rise and disperse into the surrounding air with adequate ventilation.

Why is LPG and not PNG is affected due to Middle East war

India imports approximately 60 percent of LPG needs and "out of these imports about 90 percent come through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been impacted due to current happenings," the government said earlier.

Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri had said in Parliament earlier this month, India was previously importing approximately 60 percent of its LPG requirements from Gulf countries such as Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait and 40 per cent is produced domestically.

Meanwhile, for PNG, domestic natural gas and imported LNG roughly form about 50:50 share in total consumption. The source for PNG in India is domestic natural gas fields and imported LNG (converted back to gas).

According to data from the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, India produced about 18,646 MMSCM of natural gas domestically and imported about 19,031 MMSCM of LNG during the period April-October, 2019. "This gas also caters to demand of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)," the government has said in a press release.

Is there a shortage of LPG, petrol? While the government has denied LPG and petrol shortage claims as "rumours", several restaurants and shops have cut short their menus. Several companies have reportedly informed employees about limiting their cafeteria menus. A few also advised them to work from home and "bring their own food".
Bank of America agreed to pay $72.5 million to settle a civil lawsuit brought by women who accused the bank of facilitating their sexual abuse by Jeffrey Epstein, court records showed on Friday.

Lawyers for the bank and the women had told Manhattan-based U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff this month they had reached a "settlement in principle," but terms of the deal were not disclosed at the time.

"While we stand by our prior statements made in the filings in this case, including that Bank of America did not facilitate sex trafficking crimes, this resolution allows us to put this matter behind us and provides further closure for the plaintiffs," a spokesperson for Bank of America said in a statement.

Also Read | Epstein files row: US House Panel subpoenas Pam Bondi over withheld documents

In a joint court filing, David Boies and Bradley Edwards, attorneys for the plaintiffs, said the settlement represented the best option for their clients "given that many Class Members suffered harm many years ago and are in need of financial relief now."

The plaintiffs' lawyers may seek up to 30% of the settlement, or about $21.8 million, for legal fees, according to court records.

The settlement requires Rakoff's approval. The judge scheduled a court hearing for Thursday to consider approving the deal.

The proposed class action, filed in October by a woman using the pseudonym Jane Doe, accused the second-largest U.S. bank of ignoring suspicious financial transactions related to Epstein despite a "plethora" of information about his crimes because it valued profit over protecting victims.

Bank of America has said Doe alleged merely that it provided routine services to people who at the time had no known links to Epstein, and that any suggestion that it was more deeply involved was "threadbare and meritless."

Rakoff ruled in January that Bank of America must face Doe's claims that it knowingly benefited from Epstein's sex trafficking and obstructed enforcement of the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act. Among the transactions Doe flagged were payments to Epstein by Apollo Global Management's billionaire co-founder, Leon Black.

Black stepped down as Apollo's chief executive in 2021 after a review by an outside law firm found he had paid Epstein $158 million for tax and estate planning.

Also Read | Epstein files: Convicted sex offender used modelling agencies to lure girls

Black has denied wrongdoing and said he was unaware of Epstein's criminal conduct.

Doe's lawyers have also sued other alleged enablers of Epstein's sex trafficking, and in 2023 reached settlements of $290 million with JPMorgan Chase and $75 million with Deutsche Bank on behalf of his accusers.

The lawyers are also appealing Rakoff's dismissal in January of a similar lawsuit they brought against Bank of New York Mellon.

Epstein died in a Manhattan jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. His death was ruled a suicide by New York City's medical examiner.
Ariel and her husband Darren have been reading Dave Ramsey's book for financial advice, but they've hit a roadblock. Though they own their New Jersey home outright and Darren has held a stable government job in data analytics for 25 years, Ariel racked up $300,000 in student loan debt while pursuing a degree in social work.

To complicate things further, they just welcomed their first child, and Ariel has a disability that prevents her from driving, which limits her employment options.

Must Read

Darren brings home around $5,000 a month after taxes and works a part-time job on top of that and Ariel currently stays home with their child. This makes that $300,000 of debt feel like an unclimbable mountain.

The couple called into The Ramsey Show looking for a way out and his advice was blunt.

Ramsey said there are two big changes that need to happen: increase your income and rethink where you live and work. If Ariel started working part-time or Darren moved to the private sector, they could bring in more income. Meanwhile moving to a lower cost-of-living area could lower their regular expenses and free up their budget for debt repayment (1).

When a degree doesn't pay for itself

While Ariel owes more than average for her student loans, her problem isn't uncommon. Student loan debt has become one of the biggest financial burdens facing Americans. According to the Education Data Initiative, 42.5 million borrowers carry federal student loan debt, with the average borrower owing $39,075 (2).

That being said, her student loan debt is evidence of a bigger issue. If a doctor is in $300,000 worth of student debt but making $250,000 a year, that is a much different situation. But for Ariel, there's a mismatch between what her degree cost and what the field actually pays.

Social workers earn a median of $61,330 a year, or about $29.49 an hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (3). At that salary, even if she used a significant chunk of every paycheck to pay her loans, it could take decades to pay them off.

Ariel's professors encouraged her to pursue Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). This program allows individuals employed by the government or non-profits to apply for student loan forgiveness after making 120 qualifying monthly payments on their loan while working for an eligible employer. Essentially, if you work for 10 years and make loan payments during that time, your loans can be forgiven (4).
US President Donald Trump said, "Cuba is next" on his list after the successes of military action in Venezuela and Iran. He was speaking at a Saudi-backed FII Priority investment forum in Miami on Friday, local time.

Trump quickly dismissed it and asked the media to pretend I didn't say it.

He did not specify what precisely he was planning to do with the island nation, but Trump has frequently said he believes the government in Havana, facing a severe economic crisis, is on the verge of collapse.

According to Reuters, the Trump administration has opened up negotiations with Cuba in recent weeks. He himself has hinted that kinetic action is possible on several occasions.

What did Trump say on Friday? "I built this great military. I said, 'You'll never have to use it.' But sometimes you have to use it," Trump told the conference on Friday.

And Cuba is next, by the way! Trump said. "But pretend I didn't say that. Pretend I didn't."

Please, please, please, media, disregard that statement. Thank you very much, the US president said.

On Monday, Trump said he believes he will have the "honour" of taking Cuba.

I do believe Ill be the honour of  having the honour of taking Cuba. Thatd be a good honour  thats a big honour. I mean, whether I free it, take it. I think I can do anything I want with it, you want to know the truth, Trump said.

He had said Cuba may be subject to a "friendly takeover," before adding: "It may not be a friendly takeover."

Also Read | Trump delays strikes on Iranian power plants by 10 days

Cuba takeover? Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel acknowledged that the island country is in talks with the US led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants, in a bid to avert potential military confrontation, Reuters said.

Earlier this week, Rubio said that Cuba would collapse on its own and that Havanas leaders dont know how to fix it.

Cuba's economy has been battered by disruptions in oil imports, which it relies on to run power plants and transportation. Venezuela had provided much of Cuba's oil needs before the US operation to capture now-deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in January.

The new Caracas government, under pressure from Washington, has ended those shipments.

Our military is prepared: Havana Reacting to Trump's frequent warnings of a Cuba takeover, the nation's deputy foreign minister, Carlos Fernandez de Cossio, issued a stern warning to the United States, saying the islands military is prepared.

Carlos told NBC that he couldn't comprehend why America would hit the island, noting that their military is always prepared. And in fact it is preparing these days for the possibility of military aggression".

He said Cuba has always viewed such a possibility as distant and unlikely, but it would be foolish not to stay prepared.
US Vice President JD Vance said he is obsessed with UFOs (unidentified flying objects) and vowed to plumb more information from the US government's UFO file during his tenure.

"I have not been able to spend enough time on this to really understand it, but I am going to, trust me. I'm obsessed with this," Vance told conservative Benny Johnson at The Benny Show on Friday.

Vance said he was really busy worrying about the economy and national security and things like that, but promised to get to the bottom of the UFO files during his years as vice president.

The vice president told Johnson that there had been a couple of times when he thought he could investigate the UFO files, I'm like, all right, we're going to Area 51, we're going out to New Mexico. We're going to sort of get to the bottom of this. But, he said, then the timing of the trip just didn't work out.

Vance reiterated his promise and said, Trust me, I'm more curious than anybody. And I've got three years of the very tippy top of the classification. I'm going to get to the bottom of it.

Also Read | Trump admin to release files related to aliens, UFOs

UFOs not aliens, but However, JD Vance really turned heads when he said he doesn't think UFOs are aliens, but demons.

I don't think they're aliens. I think they're demons, Vance said, describing this as a Christian understanding of "celestial beings who fly around who do weird things to people."

In exact words, Vance said: Celestial beings who fly around, who do weird things to people, I think that the desire to describe everything celestial, everything as otherworldlyto describe it as aliens. I mean, every great world religion, including Christianity, the one that I believe in, has understood that there are weird things out there, and there are things that are very difficult to explain.

He said that when he hears about any sort of extra natural phenomenon, he goes to the Christian understanding that there is a lot of good out there, but there's also some evil out there.

One of the devils great tricks is to convince people he never existed, Vance added.

Watch video:

Also Read | Netizens in meme frenzy as Trump announces release of files on aliens, UFOs

In February, US President Donald Trump ordered federal agencies to begin "identifying and releasing" government files related to UFOs and aliens.

Trump said he was taking the step "based on the tremendous interest shown," the same month that former US President Barack Obama said publicly that aliens were "real," though he had not seen them.

Trump told reporters that Obama "gave classified information, he is not supposed to be doing that."

Further fueling interest in aliens, the Trump administration registered the federal domain Aliens.gov in March.

However, no evidence has been produced of intelligent life beyond Earth.

Also Read | What Trumps UFO deep dive might reveal to Americans

Interest in UFOs and related phenomena has been renewed in recent years as the US government investigated numerous reports of seemingly supernatural aircraft, amid worries that adversaries could be testing highly advanced technologies.

In March 2024, the Pentagon released a report saying it had no proof that unidentified aerial phenomena were alien technology, with many suspicious sightings turning out to be merely weather balloons, spy planes, satellites and other normal activity.
Legendary investor and Berkshire Hathaway founder-chairman Warren Buffett has offered a wealth of investment advice over the years. Known for his long-term approach to stocks, sticking to fundamentals, and taking calculated but thoughtful risks, the so-called Oracle of Omaha's wisdom often makes the rounds online.

In the investment circles, Buffett and his long-time business partner and friend, the late Charlie Munger, are known for their no-nonsense approach to doing business and relatively frugal lifestyles when compared to their immense wealth.

Quote of the Day by Warren Buffett If you can detach yourself temperamentally from the crowd, you'll get very rich. You won't have to be very bright. It doesn't take brains. It takes temperament.

What does Warren Buffett's quote mean? The above quote is from Buffett's speech at the Terry Leadership Speaker Series on 18 July 2001, where he was addressing students at the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia. Sharing advice on what it takes to invest and make money in the markets, Buffett noted that it is not the decisions you make, but your mindset that matters most. Put bluntly: You won't have to be very bright. It doesn't take brains. It takes temperament.

The ace investor noted that most people feel safer with groupthink and behave very peculiarly because they are human beings, but the markets do not. They get excited when others get excited, and they get greedy when others get greedy, and fearful when others get fearful, and they'll continue to do so. You will see things you don't believe in your lifetime in the securities markets and the country will do very well over time, but you will see these huge waves, he explained.

Adding: "If you can if you can stay objective throughout that (market movements), if you can detach yourself temperamentally from the crowd, you'll get very rich. You won't have to be very bright. It doesn't take brains. It takes temperament. It takes the ability to sit there and look at something.

Notably, this is part of Buffett's long held philosophy on investing. In 2018, the billionaire told CNBC that the longer you hold a stock, the less risky it becomes, and that selling is a dumb thing to do when your stock price drops. He reasoned that stock price movements are nothing when comparing it with businesses that earn 12% on equity and reinvest, adding that the S&P, has for decades, earned on tangible equities a lot more, which translates into more higher prices.

Also Read | Warren Buffett, Radhika Gupta back THIS investment mantra for volatile markets

The way people think about it (investing in equities, bonds, etc.) is, they do some very silly things. Some people should not own stocks at all because they just get too upset with price fluctuations. If you're gonna do dumb things because your stock goes down, you shouldn't own the stock at all, he stated.

He felt that some investors are not emotionally or psychologically fit for the ups and downs of owning stocks, but it was not an impossible endeavour. I think more of them would be, if you get educated on what you're really buying, which is part of a business and the longer you hold stocks the less risky they'd be, he added.

WATCH: Warren Buffett on why temperament is important for investing

Who is Warren Buffet, aka Oracle of Omaha? Warren Buffett, alongside friend and business partner Charlie Munger were the architects who over nearly 60 years transformed Berkshire Hathaway Inc. from a failing textile maker into an empire, worth billions. Decades of compounded returns made the pair billionaires and folk heroes to adoring investors.

Notably, in January this year, Buffett handed over the reins and CEO position to successor Greg Abel. But his bull run with Berkshire has been legendary  gaining more than 55,00,000% returns over 60 years (1964-2024), to building the group to $1.2 trillion, and expanding Class A shares to worth $167 billion.

Known as the Oracle of Omaha for his uncanny prediction on stocks, Buffett gained fame and investor confidence for handpicking companies (Apple, Bank of America, Coca-Cola, etc.) that exploded and now account for 70% of Berkshire's $263 billion stock portfolio. He termed this as one wonderful business can offset the many mediocre decisions that are inevitable.

Buffett's net worth is estimated at $152 billion, making him the 10th richest person in the world, according to the Bloomberg Billionaire Index.
US President Donald Trump dubbed the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for oil traffic controlled by Iran, as the Strait of Trump in a slip-up.

He quickly corrected himself, saying that his comment was a "mistake". But Trump, who has renamed several buildings in Washington after himself during his second term, then added that there's no accidents with me.

The Strait of Hormuz was open to international shipping before the conflict, but has since ground to a standstill, leading to a surge in global energy prices.

Check the Strait of Trump video here: We're negotiating now, and it would be great if we could do something, but they have to open it up, Trump told a Saudi-backed FII Priority investment forum in Miami. They have to open up the Strait of Trump -- I mean Hormuz. Excuse me, I'm so sorry. Such a terrible mistake.

Trump said the media would pounce upon the comment, but then added there's no accidents with me, not too many.

During a cabinet meeting, Trump said it was "an option" to take control of Iran's oil as the United States has effectively done with Venezuela.

He also talked about how he had ordered the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America" shortly after returning to power.

Trump made similar teasing comments before renaming Washington's Kennedy arts center the Trump-Kennedy Center. A peace institute in Washington was also renamed after Trump last year.

Here's how social media users reacted: The Internet had a good laugh at Trump's comment, but had divided opinions.

MAGA followers deemed it a power move and said, Classic Trump turns a slip into a power move. No accidents with me! He's signaling strength: Iran must reopen the strait or face real pressure. Freudian or strategic branding? Either way, the world knows who's setting the terms now. Energy flows matter, and he's not backing down.

'The Strait of Trump' accidentally coming out of his own mouth during a live press conference is the most perfectly on brand slip of the tongue in political history. At least he caught himself but you know part of him didnt hate the sound of it, said another user.

People of Iran will happily change the name to strait of TRUMP post total collapse of evil regime. Little present for gift of freedom, a user claimed.

Personally, I'm very much in favour of renaming the Strait of Hormuz Trump, provided he gets rid of the mullahs' regime. I think it's much better than the fake Persian name they gave it, which is supposed to be an Arabic name... but it's better for Trump, and better than the Nobel Prize, in my opinion, added another user.

Also Read | Trump delays strikes on Iranian power plants by 10 days

However, Trump critics shared some hilarious memes mocking the US president.

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Thinks he rules the world  He is going to get humbled to soon! a user said.

Another user claimed that the Strait of Hormuz would begin collecting tolls if Trump took over it.

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The 79-year-old US leader on Friday, local time, reiterated his claims that Tehran is ready to make a deal despite its denials, and said that talks were underway to negotiate an end to the month-long conflict.

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The US Treasury Department said Friday that it had lifted more sanctions against Venezuela's gold and other mineral industries, as it pushes for greater access to the South American country's vast natural resources.

Washington is eager for US firms to move into Venezuela since its forces captured president Nicolas Maduro in January, and is pushing to restore diplomatic and trade ties under interim leader Delcy Rodriguez.

Besides gold and the world's largest oil reserves, Venezuela also produces diamonds, bauxite and rare earths such as coltan, crucial for a range of high-tech products.

In a statement by the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, companies can now pursue contracts in the minerals sector, including with the state-owned gold miner Minerven.

Also Read | Venezuela Officials in Talks to Send Detained Maduro Ally to US

Also Read | US, Venezuela restore ties as Washington pushes for minerals access

Much of Venezuela's minerals operations are concentrated in the Orinoco Mining Arc, a vast territory of around 112,000 square kilometers (43,000 square miles) where armed rebel groups and criminal gangs are active.
Nepal's former prime minister K P Sharma Oli and ex-home minister Ramesh Lekhak were arrested on Saturday morning over their alleged involvement in deadly September protests, reports said.

Oli was taken into custody from his residence in Gundu, Bhaktapur at around 5 am on Saturday, reported The Kathmandu Post, while Lekhak was arrested from his residence in Suryabinayak.

The arrests follow a formal complaint by Nepal's home ministry, which triggered an investigation into last year's deadly protests and led to the issuance of warrants.

Why was Oli arrested? The Post reported that the arrests were carried out based on recommendations by a commission led by Special Court Judge Gauri Bahadur Karki, which called for Oli, Lekhak, and then Inspector General of Police Chandra Kuber Khapung to be charged under Sections 181 and 182 of the National Penal Code.

Action has also been recommended against several other top officials of the Oli government, including then home secretary Gokarna Mani Dawadi and armed police chief Raju Aryal.

The commission's report attributes the deadly crackdown on protesters to criminal negligence and recklessness, citing the Oli government's failure to act on prior intelligence about possible escalations.

"They were arrested this morning and the process will move forward according to the law," Kathmandu Valley police spokesman Om Adhikari told AFP.

The detentions come a day after rapper-turned-politician and Nepal's new Prime Minister Balendra Shah and his cabinet were sworn in after the first elections since the 2025 uprising.

Subsequently, a cabinet meeting on Friday led by the new PM decided to implement the commission's report, paving the way for legal action against those named.

A senior police officer at the Kathmandu District Police Circle told news agency PTI that Oli and Lekhak would be presented before the Kathmandu District Court on Sunday, as it is a holiday on Saturday. Then the process of investigation in the case will start, he added.

Nepal's Gen Z uprising During last year's youth-led protests in Nepal, 19 young people were killed in a government crackdown on the first day, sparking nationwide unrest that, over the span of a few days, resulted in the deaths of 77 people.
Israel's military on Saturday reported the first missile launch from Yemen since the war with Iran began, a day after Tehran-backed Houthis warned that it would join the war if US-Israeli attacks continued against Iran.

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) "identified the launch of a missile from Yemen toward Israeli territory," news agency AFP reported citing a military statement issued early on Saturday, adding that Israel's air defences were working to intercept it.

There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

The missile launch from Yemen was the first announced by Israel since Tel Aviv and Washington carried out join strikes against Iran on February 28, sparking a region-wide conflict that has now hit the one-month mark.

Hours after the Israel detected the missile launch, the Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, saying that it was in response to Israel's continued targeting of infrastructure in Iran, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestinian territories.

Fingers on the trigger With the conflict dragging on, the Iran backed Houthi movement in Yemen warned on Friday that it would join the war should aggression continue against its ally, or if more countries join the conflict.

"We affirm that our fingers are on the trigger for direct military intervention," the group was quoted as saying by AFP.

The Houthis also warned that it would join the war if the Red Sea  where the outfit has attacked ships before  were to be used for "hostile operations".

Escalation fears grow During Israel's war on Gaza, launched in October 2023, the Houthis routinely targeted ships in the Red Sea and carried out missile and drone strikes against Israel, pledging solidarity with Palestinians.

In response to the Houthis' disruption of shipping through the Red Sea over the past couple of years, Israel and the US have regularly struck the war-torn country, killing dozens.

The warning raises the prospects of a broader war in the Middle East, particularly given the Houthis ability to disrupt shipping lanes around the Arabian Peninsula and strike targets far beyond Yemen.

Tehran's Shi'ite allies in Lebanon and Iraq have already joined the war against the US, and Houthi involvement would mark the entry of yet another pro-Iran actor.
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly fired back at EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas during a G7 meeting on Friday, after she asked why the US is "not increasing pressure" on Russia, sources told Axios.

Sources reportedly said that during a discussion on the Ukraine war, Kallas criticised the US for not increasing pressure on Moscow.

She noted that Rubio had said at the same forum a year earlier that if Russia hampered the US' efforts to end the war, the US would run out of patience and take more steps against the Kremlin.

Also Read | Drones spotted over base where Marco Rubio and Pete Hegseth live: Report

"A year has passed and Russia hasn't moved," Kallas told Rubio, according to Axios' sources. "When is your patience going to run out?," she asked.

Rubio "retorted sharply" to Kallas' remarks and "fired back, raising his voice": "We are doing the best we can to end the war. If you think you can do it better, go ahead. We will step aside."

According to Axios, Rubio said the US was trying to talk to both sides, but was only helping one side, Ukraine, with weapons, intelligence and other support.

Also Read | Drones spotted over base where Marco Rubio and Pete Hegseth live: Report

After that purported heated exchange, several European ministers in the room interjected to say they still wanted the US to pursue Russia-Ukraine diplomacy, one source said.

Two sources also told Axios that at the end of the meeting, Rubio and Kallas had a "short pull-aside to try and cool down things."

Meanwhile, a State Department official was quoted as saying, "It was a frank exchange of views. This is what diplomacy is for."

Rubio denies tensions in G7 Rubio denied there had been any tensions or criticism.

"These meetings are oftentimes about thanking America for the role we played... and appreciation for the mediating role we've tried to play in this war between Russia and Ukraine," Rubio said.

"So I dont know. I mean, you guys ask me these questions, like if I go into these meetings and these people are angry. No one there screams or raises their voices or says anything negative. And if they did, I would remind them that  I dont need to, but I would remind them of the role America has played over the last year has been a very productive role and very helpful to them," he said.

WATCH VIDEO HERE:

On Friday, Marco Rubio also rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's assertion that the Trump administration is demanding Kyiv hand over its eastern Donbas region to Russia to receive American security guarantees in any ceasefire plan.

Speaking to reporters following a Group of Seven meeting in France, Rubio disputed Zelenskyy's recent comments and said the US has made no such stipulation in its talks with Ukraine.

Thats a lie, Rubio said. And I saw him say that. And its unfortunate he would say that because he knows thats not true and thats not what he was told.

Also Read | Russia bans gasoline exports from 1 April amid US-Iran war

In an interview published this week, Zelenskyy told Reuters the US was making its offer of security guarantees for Ukraine contingent on the ceding of the Donbas region, the industrial heartland long coveted by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Moscow's forces occupy the bulk of the region, but have not seized a strip of land that is among the most heavily fortified parts of the front line.

Zelenskyy had claimed that with the US focused on its war against Iran, President Donald Trump is looking to bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine.

Also Read | Marco Rubio testifies in David Rivera trial over alleged Venezuela lobbying
At least 10 US troops were injured in an attack in the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, reports said.

CBS News reported that at least 10 American soldiers had been wounded in the strike, two critically, Reuters reported citing officials that the number of injured were at 12.

The Wall Street Journal, meanwhile, said at least one missile struck the Prince Sultan Air Base, as well as several unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

However, there has been no word on the attack yet from authorities, and official casualty figures are awaited.

The development comes a day after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the US could accomplish its military objectives in the war against Iran "without any ground troops", and amid ongoing talks with Iran.

"We're going to destroy their navy, we are going to destroy their air force, and we are going to significantly destroy their missile launchers so they can never hide behind these things to get a nuclear weapon," Rubio told reporters following a foreign ministers' meet of the G7.

"We are achieving all of those objectives; we are ahead of schedule on most of them, and we can achieve them without any ground troops, without any," he added.

Troop deployments soaring? Rubio's statement came after reports indicated the deployment of additional troops  namely, the famed 82nd Airborne Division  in the Middle East.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the Trump administration is mulling sending an additional 10,000 troops to the Middle East, including at least 5,000 US Marines and thousands of paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne.

With the reported troop deployments sparking speculation about a protracted war, Rubio on Friday also dismissed fears of a long-drawn conflict.

Speaking to reporters after meeting his G7 counterparts, the US Secretary of State said that the US 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."

Also Read | While the world is focused on Iran, something much worse is unfolding in Lebanon

US casualties mount as war nears one month mark Since the fighting with Iran began on 28 February, more than 300 American service members have been injured, most of whom have returned to duty, CBS News reported citing a spokesperson for the US Central Command.
US Vice President JD Vance discussed the war on Iran in an interview with conservative podcaster Benny Johnson. He said that while the US has achieved most of its military objectives, President Donald Trump intends to continue the conflict for a little while longer to ensure Irans government is significantly weakened.

Vance stated, The presidents going to keep at it for a little while longer to ensure that once we leave, we dont have to do this again for a very, very long time. We need to neuter them [the Iranian government] for a very, very long time, and thats the purpose.

Acknowledging that petrol prices have risen due to the war, Vance added that the increase is temporary. This is a very, very temporary reaction to what is ultimately going to be a short-term conflict.
Investing.com -- China is calling on American corporations to deepen their involvement in its domestic agricultural sector, framing the countrys "rural revitalization" drive as a primary growth engine for foreign investment.

During a meeting with a U.S. business delegation in Beijing on Saturday, Vice Agriculture Minister Zhang Zhili urged firms to align their technical expertise with the goals of the 15th Five-Year Plan.

The appeal suggests that despite persistent friction in the broader bilateral relationship, Beijing continues to view agricultural cooperation as a stabilizing pillar of the U.S.-China economic tie.

Agricultural synergy and the 15th five-year plan

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs emphasized that the upcoming policy cycle will prioritize the modernization of rural infrastructure and the advancement of high-tech farming inputs.

Zhang noted that U.S.-invested companies are uniquely positioned to benefit from these state-led initiatives, particularly in areas ranging from advanced seed technology and food processing to agribusiness investment.

Beijing sees the integration of American innovation as a necessary component in achieving food security and closing the urban-rural wealth gap, even as the delivery of global commodities remains under pressure from regional conflicts.

The outreach comes at a delicate time for U.S.-China trade relations. Sectors like semiconductors and electric vehicles have been hit by a wave of reciprocal tariffs and export controls, but the agricultural trade has remained remarkably resilient.

In 2025, U.S. agricultural exports to China reached record levels, driven by a surge in demand for soybeans, corn, and beef. The connection between American farmers and Chinese consumers has historically acted as a buffer against total decoupling, providing a rare area of consensus where mutual economic benefit outweighs geopolitical maneuvering.

Navigating the trade headwinds

It remains to be seen whether the agricultural diplomacy can withstand the broader "risk-off" sentiment currently dominating global trade.

Analysts suggest that while Beijings invitation is a positive signal for major agribusiness players, the long-term trajectory of the agricultural investments will depend on the stability of the Phase One trade deal legacies.

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The Baltic states are sounding the alarm after being caught in the crossfire in the past week when several Ukrainian drones veered off course as part of attacks on Russias oil infrastructure.

Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia have called on the European Union to help shore up air defenses. They also sought to rebuff claims in Russian media that Ukraine was allowed to use their airspace to conduct the strikes.

But officials were also quick to admit there wasnt much they could do to prevent such incidents from happening in the future as Kyiv is trying to undermine the key source of revenue that powers Moscows war.

The idea that we could put up a wall with Russia so that nothing ever crosses it is not realistic, said Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal. No one can create a border or a fortress like that.

Waves of Ukrainian attack drones on Wednesday set ablaze Russias Ust-Luga oil terminal on the Baltic Sea. One went astray and hit the chimney of a power plant in eastern Estonia, while another crashed and exploded in Latvia. Authorities in Lithuania reported a Ukrainian drone crashing on Monday. Nobody was injured in the incidents.

While the region is no stranger to the realities of the war, currently in its fifth year, the initial failure to prevent the threat and warn populations has sparked a heated public debate about the Baltic states preparedness.

Estonias national grid operator said on Friday it plans to build new concrete defenses around electricity infrastructure, while the countrys former military chief Martin Herem told state broadcaster ERR that anything within 50 kilometers of the Russian border would be difficult to defend against airborne attacks.

Its safe to assume well encounter similar incidents again, said Margo Palloson, the head of Estonias domestic intelligence services.

Moscow operatives were quick to seize on the latest incident as claims spread that Ukrainian drones flew deep through Baltic airspace on their way to attack Russia. An image of the alleged flight path appeared in Russian state media.

Estonian Interior Minister Igor Taro dismissed it as false in an interview with the Delfi news website on Friday. While Tallinn supports Ukraines self-defense, its not a party to the war, he said.

The three NATO members on the eastern flank have ramped up defense spending in recent years to deter potential threats. Russian fighter jets have repeatedly violated the Baltic nations airspace. Last year, Poland took the unprecedented step to shoot down Russian drones that entered its airspace during a wave of a Russian strike on neighboring Ukraine.

The Baltic states have poured money into sensors, radars, jamming equipment and counter-drone systems to deal with that challenge.

However, the advantages of such sophisticated equipment are weakened by the fact that in peacetime visual confirmation is first required before attempting to shoot down drones, Kaspars Pudans, the commander of Latvias armed forces, told Latvian state television.

While the skies above the Baltic states are patrolled by jets from NATO allies, those aircraft could only have responded if the drones had been deeper in Estonian airspace, military chief Andrus Merilo said. He said that for the defense of the area near the power plant, which is directly on the Russian border, fighter jets were useless.

The Ukrainian strikes have repeatedly forced the closure of St. Petersburgs airspace, the Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat reported. According to Fintraffic about 20 to 30 flights per day have had to be redirected through Finlands airspace. Those were mostly Turkish and Chinese carriers permitted to use European skies, aviation authorities said.

Baltic officials said that even the best anti-drone systems cannot provide a watertight defense along the entire border.

That is simply not possible, Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds told Latvian TV on Friday No country can do that.

With assistance from Milda Seputyte and Kirsi Heikel.

2026 Bloomberg L.P.
"Welcome to Hell," read the front-page headline of an Iran-based English-language daily's special edition newspaper published on Friday. The words didn't just form the headline but gave a stern warning to the US, which is reportedly planning a ground invasion of Iran.

"US troops who step foot on Iranian soil will leave only in coffins," read the message on Tehran Times newspaper.

According to reports, the US is mulling a possible ground operation in Kharg Island  Iran's strategic oil hub  while Iranians have started laying mines and moved additional forces to the Island.

View full Image View full Image Tehran Times special edition ( @TehranTimes79 )

The Kharg island is said to handle roughly 90 percent 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, US media reported.

'Only 800 to 1,000 troops would be needed on Kharg Island' A former commander of the US Central Command, Joseph Votel, told TWZ.com last week that while only 800 to 1,000 troops would be needed on Kharg Island, they would require logistical backup that would need protection as well.

Votel said the troops would be very vulnerable and doubted that taking the island would provide any particular tactical advantage.

It would be "kind of an odd thing to do... But we could certainly do it if we had to," Votel was quoted as saying.

Also Read | Pakistan steps into spotlight amid fog of US-Iran war

Tehran mines Kharg island 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 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.

Earlier, Speaker of Iran's Parliament, MB Ghalibaf, said 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," he added.

Would US ground operation do more harm than good? Analysts say... Operation analysts told Reuters that the US' purported objectives in Kharg Island could be achieved quickly, but leave US troops in great peril and prolong rather than shorten the war.

"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," Ryan Brobst and Cameron McMillan of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies wrote, as per Reuters.

They said US troops would be exposed to missile and drone attacks, including, potentially, small but lethal camera-wielding "first-person view drones" that are already used by the millions in Ukraine.

"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," they were quoted by Reuters as saying.

Analysts told Reuters Trump would also hope that taking Kharg Island would force Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and provide him with potential leverage in future negotiations.

However, Tehran could opt to lay more mines to target shipping, including floating mines deployed from the coast, which would make the region even more hazardous for shipping, which has already been significantly disrupted by the conflict.
Reports also indicate that the US and Iran have exchanged lists of conditions to pause hostilities. The US insists that Iran give up all its nuclear enrichment and missile capabilities. Iran has rejected US conditions and put forth some of its own, including an absolute end to all attacks and assassinations, concrete international guarantees that war wont break out again and formal recognition of Iran's sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
Years later, Gopinath said Mallya cheated me of my dream, and added that while he doesnt believe in rebirth, if there was one, I would not have sold the airline to Vijay Mallya. It is a rare entrepreneur who admits this cleanly, without self-pity or qualification. Gopinath has that quality: a military directness that his business career never trained out of him.
Meta is planning to launch two new Ray-Ban smart glasses next week, especially aimed at prescription wearers. According to a new report by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the glasses will be sold alongside EssilorLuxottica SA and will come with prescription support. However, this will mark the first time that Meta will be introducing prescription support for its Ray-Ban series.

What to expect from new Ray-Ban glasses? Reportedly, the new glasses will come in rectangular and rounded style options and could be sold primarily through traditional eyewear channels.

Notably, these will not be a new generation of Meta Ray-Ban glasses. The glasses, codenamed Scriber and Blazer, were earlier spotted in US Federal Communications Commission filings by The Verge.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg had hinted at the importance of the prescription category for the company while speaking during an earnings call earlier this year. Zuckerberg said, Billions of people wear glasses or contacts for vision correction. And I think that were at a moment similar to when smartphones arrived, and it was clearly only a matter of time until all those flip phones became smartphones.

Its hard to imagine a world in several years where most glasses that people wear arent AI glasses, he added.

Meta has been the leader in the smart glasses category, but the new report also noted that Apple is planning to begin shipping its first glasses, without a display or AR support, as soon as next year. Meanwhile, ChatGPT maker OpenAI has also been reported to be working on a slew of new AI-powered products, which could include smart glasses as well. The company had acquired former Apple designer Jony Ive's startup io Products and is said to be working on releasing the new products as soon as next year.

As for Meta, an earlier report by The Information had noted that the company is planning to release its first smartwatch later this year. The project, codenamed Malibu 2, will feature health tracking support along with a built-in Meta AI assistant.

The report had also noted that the company has about four augmented and mixed-reality (MR) glasses in development. It had also reportedly told Reality Labs employees in December that Phoenix MR glasses have been delayed to 2027.
Blackstone Dilworth speaks after being named Mr. South Texas for the 2018 WBCA festivities in Laredo, Texas. LMT staff file Blackstone Dilworth is pictured after the 2018 WBCA Mr. South Texas was recognized at Laredo County Club. LMT staff file

Joseph "Blackstone" Dilworth Jr., a private South Texas businessman whose ventures helped shape development in north Laredo, has died at age 96.

Dilworth died March 12 at his residence in Lagarto, Texas, according to an obituary. In keeping with his wishes, funeral services were private.

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Though he largely kept a low public profile, Dilworth played a significant role in the regions economic and physical growth over several decades, particularly through large-scale land development in Laredo.

Dilworth developed more than 1,200 acres in north Laredo, contributing to the areas expansion as a hub for residential and commercial growth. He also donated land for United Day School, a contribution that continues to benefit local students and families.

Mr. Dilworth was one of the great developers of Laredo," said Laredo Chamber of Commerce Executive director Monica Martinez on the behalf of the Chamber. "He was gentleman who embodied the values of The Chamber by always advocating for small business and the continued growth of Laredo. His unrelenting generous contributions were significant to many nonprofits. We were honored to have him be a significant part of our community and in particular our Chamber.

Dilworths career spanned multiple industries, beginning with ranching and expanding into oil and gas, telecommunications infrastructure and real estate development.

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Raised on a South Texas ranch, Dilworth later managed oil and gas interests for his family and acquired stakes in more than 200 producing wells across the region. In 2005, he helped launch San Isidro Development Co., a petroleum exploration and development firm focused on oil and natural gas production in Texas, further extending his involvement in the energy sector.

In the telecommunications sector, Dilworth founded Towers of Texas in 1983. Over the next two decades, the company developed more than 600 tower sites throughout South Texas, later shifting its focus to personal communications systems infrastructure as the wireless industry expanded.

His business ventures also included partnerships with major industry players, including American Tower, helping expand communications networks across the region.

In 2018, Dilworth was recognized as "Mr. South Texas" by the Washington's Birthday Celebration Association, an honor highlighting individuals who have made lasting contributions to the region.

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"Mr. Dilworth truly embodies what the Mr. South Texas Award represents," Eddie Villarreal, chairperson for that year's selection committee.

In his acceptance speech, Dilworth credited Los Dos Laredos and expressed his admiration for the area.

"I would say it starts with the culture of the people here on the river and the friendship  actually the word goes beyond friendship, it goes to the love that the people here on the river in the two Laredos have for each other," Dilworth said. "There's culture and atmosphere here in Laredo that's different from any other place I've been, and I've traveled pretty well around the world."

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Despite his business success, those who knew him described him as a quiet figure who preferred to work behind the scenes.
Local and state health partners stand together at the Area Health Education Center on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, during the announcement of the upcoming Genetics Conference. Maria Ruiz/Laredo Morning Times

The Area Health Education Center welcomed local and state health partners and organizations this past week to announce its annual Genetics Conference, set for next month to provide assistance to parents of neurodivergent children with disabilities or autism.

The 2026 Genetics Conference, a resource fair for parents of children with developmental disabilities and autism, will take place April 24 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Laredo Public Health Auditorium, 2600 Cedar Ave.

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The event is open to families of children with disabilities or autism, as well as caregivers, educators and other members of the public.

According to AHEC Program Coordinator Erika Morales, the conference has served as a resource for parents for more than a decade.

The event is made possible through collaboration between AHEC, Baylor College of Medicine-Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Texas Childrens Hospital, and The University of Texas at Austin-Texas Center for Disability Studies.

Partnering agencies include Laredo Rehabilitation Hospital, Gateway Community Health Center, the Office of Border Public Health, DSHS South Texas, SCAN, Ruthe B. Cowl Rehabilitation Center, Border Region Behavioral Health Center, and others.

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Keynote speakers for the event include Arturo A. Hernandez, MD, with Gateway Community Health Center; Gabriela Winconek, M.S., BCBA, LBA, with Little Bloom ABA Workshops; Laura Buckner, M.Ed., L.P.C., with the University of Texas Center for Disability Studies; and Salma Nassef, M.S., C.G.C., a genetic counselor with Baylor College of Medicine.

Each will discuss topics such as screening and coordinated care, behavioral therapy, health care transitions and when to seek testing.

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Retirement isn't supposed to feel uncertain. For decades, Social Security has been the one constantquiet, dependable, and largely unquestioned. Now, even that foundation is getting a second look.

In BlackRock CEO Larry Fink's 2026 annual letter to investors, he again addressed Social Security as part of his broader outlook, revisiting concerns he has raised in the past about the system's long-term stability. "Social Security is a core promise, and people rightly believe it should be honored," Fink said. "But under the current system, doing nothing could very well break that promise."

The Pressure Starts Long Before Retirement

Fink didn't begin with retirees. He pointed to a more immediate issuemillions of Americans don't have the financial stability to even start investing.

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According to Fink, a BlackRock survey found that about one-third of Americans don't have $500 saved for an emergency. That gap forces difficult choices. When unexpected expenses hit, many workers aren't dipping into savingsthey're pulling from retirement accounts.

Fink said a record number of workers have withdrawn money from their 401(k) plans to cover short-term needs. That kind of move doesn't just solve a temporary problemit reduces the ability to build long-term security.

He connected that directly to participation. Workers with emergency savings are more than 70% more likely to contribute to retirement plans, based on BlackRock research cited in the letter. Without that cushion, consistent investing becomes harder to maintain.

There has been some policy movement. Workers can now set aside up to $2,500 in emergency savings accounts linked to retirement plans, with employer matching and penalty-free withdrawals. The idea is to reduce the need to tap retirement funds just to stay afloat.

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A System Designed For Stability, Not Growth

Fink then turned to the structure of Social Security itself.

The system largely operates on a pay-as-you-go model, where current workers fund current retirees. The trust fund is invested mostly in U.S. Treasury bonds, which prioritize stability but limit long-term growth.

That design has worked as a safety net, but Fink raised the question of whether it can keep up with future demands. He pointed to the idea of introducing a level of diversified, long-term investing into part of the systemstructured carefully to preserve guarantees while improving outcomes over time.
By Philip Blenkinsop

BRUSSELS, March 26 (Reuters) - The European Union agreed on Thursday to an overhaul of its customs system, including a crackdown on mainly Chinese e-commerce platforms that face potential fines if they sell illegal or unsafe products into the bloc.

The 27-nation bloc is seeking to coordinate collection of duties and safety checks as it struggles to manage the high volume of low-value e-commerce parcels entering the bloc, with the total reaching 5.8 billion in 2025.

More from Yahoo Scout What new fines will EU impose on e-commerce platforms? How will EU's customs duty exemption changes work? Why are EU lawmakers visiting China next week? What is the new EU Customs Authority's role?

Representatives of the European Parliament and EU governments struck a provisional deal late after negotiations running into Thursday evening to clarify final details.

Under the new system, online platforms that sell into the bloc will be treated as importers and responsible for payment of duties and product safety. Companies repeatedly flouting EU rules could face fines of between 1 and 6% of their total sales into the EU over the previous 12 months.

The EU does not apply customs duty on parcels valued at less than 150 euros ($173.85), which has fuelled rapid growth of online shopping platforms such as Shein, Temu and AliExpress that send consumers packages direct from China.

The bloc aims to scrap the duty exemption and plans to impose a 3 euro fee from July as a interim measure. The European Commission will also now determine an additional handling fee to be imposed from November 1.

On Wednesday, French city Lille was selected as the location of the future EU Customs Authority (EUCA), whose 250 staff will oversee a new EU data hub that will provide a more centralised and digital view of incoming goods.

The data hub is slated to open for e-commerce consignments in 2028 and cover all imported goods by March 1, 2034.

EU LAWMAKERS TO VISIT CHINA

Next week, the EU will send a nine-member delegation to Beijing and Shanghai to address challenges in the digital and e-commerce sector as well as foster fair competition between China and the bloc, a statement from the EU Delegation to China on Thursday showed.

Over three days, the European lawmakers will meet with Chinese legislators and market regulators as well as Shein, Alibaba and Temu.

The bloc's concerns over product safety were highlighted by a study published by the European Commission this month. It found that 60% to 65% of imported cosmetics, including make-up, food supplements and personal protective equipment, such as bicycle helmets, did not comply with EU safety rules.

"A top concern ... are the systemic breaches of EU laws and the high volume of non-compliant small parcels coming from non-EU online platforms, including from China," the EU statement said.
ICSAs newly elected Beef chair, Laois farmer Sean Sherman, has said beef farmers are facing a crisis of confidence as factory prices plunge, leaving producers unable to plan and questioning the future of the sector.

Mr Sherman, who was elected at the Associations AGM in Portlaoise last week, said the scale and speed of the recent price drop is simply incomprehensible to farmers.

Right now, farmers are receiving around 1.10/kg less for cattle than they were at the beginning of December. That equates to a loss of approximately 450/hd for farmers. That is completely unsustainable for any beef farmer trying to make a living, he said.

Read: The plough and the stars: Super day in Ballymahon at 90th Longford Ploughing Championships

He said farmers had made rational and justified decisions to hold cattle into the spring based on clear market signals. With the kill projected to be significantly back in the first quarter, farmers were absolutely within their rights to expect that prices would at least remain stable."

"Instead, factories have cut prices dramatically, despite the kill being down by over 62,000 head so far this year. That represents a drop of approximately 16% compared to the same period last year and completely ignores the basic laws of supply and demand.

Mr Sherman said that, had farmers known what factories were going to do with prices, many would have thought twice about keeping cattle into the spring.

Farmers made decisions in good faith, expecting to at least cover their costs this spring."

"Once again, those expectations have been completely undermined. It also defies logic that Irish beef prices are around 30c/kg behind those in the UK and across Europe. Farmers are rightly demanding to know why we are at the bottom of the EU price league.

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He said it is now time for full transparency and accountability from processors. Meat Industry Ireland and factory management need to be called before the Oireachtas to explain what is going on."

"Farmers cannot continue to operate in a vacuum where prices can be cut at will without explanation. Beef farmers need answers. They need clarity. And above all, they need a system that allows them to plan with some degree of certainty about their future.
Friday, March 20, marked exactly 50 years to the day when Lenamore National School in Legan moved from the old schoolhouse to its current location.

To mark the occasion, former staff, pupils and locals were invited to the school to attend a special mass in honour of the occasion along with a social get together afterwards.

In attendance at the event was former headmaster Joe Hunt, who was at the helm in 1976 when the move took place.

After the crowd walked to the old schoolhouse, Joe wittily recounted to much laughter a variety of anecdotes from 1970s school life.

Children brought their own lunches and a bottle of Lilt Joe explained. There was a well nearby where we would get water for lunchtime.

PICTURES | Thousands enjoy a taste of rural living at top class Longford ploughing event

We had no water in the school, no basins, no toilet! he said before then adding humorously, Our toilets were over the river there, girls on the left, boys on the right!

There were no landlines or mobile phones in the school, he said, the very thought of which prompted a perfectly timed response from one young pupil in the crowd, Scandalous! Absolutely scandalous!

Joe recalled how open turf fires heated the classrooms, and inspired memories among past pupils and teachers when he described the 30 minute struggle of trying to relight it on a frosty morning.

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He added, Children also brought a sod of turf with them into school each morning.

Some parents would bring a load of turf each year. It was dumped outside the school and there was a scramble among the boys to bring in the turf.

They were all keen to bring in the turf because it took up a lot of time. I was often amazed at how they were able to time it.

Even though they had no watches, they would ensure they had the job finished at 5 minutes to 3. School ended at 3!

Cllr Paul Ross, a former student of the school, is a member of the Board of Management and he was involved with the organising committee behind the hugely enjoyable anniversary celebration.

Speaking to the Longford Leader, Cllr Ross said, We wanted to commemorate the move from the old schoolhouse.

In 1976 there was no ceremony, the priest and the principal just walked up from the old school through the village to the new school on Friday March 20, 1976.

So to celebrate the 50th anniversary, we had Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois Paul Connell say a Mass for all the pupils.

He added, There was quite a large number of current pupils, former pupils, parents, staff and locals at the event.

Many former pupils were involved in the Mass too, bringing up gifts, doing readings and playing instruments.

Then we walked back down to the old school where Master Joe Hunt gave a great speech about what school practices were like back then.

PICTURES | Excitement among Little Learners for memorable big parade in north Longford village

Joe spoke of how back in 1976 there were blackboards with chalk and dusters. Obviously in schools now theres electronic whiteboards and they all have laptops and iPads, central heating at the touch of a button. It's changed dramatically in 50 years.

In a touching symbolic gesture, a 50 year time capsule was created. Said Cllr Ross, Every child in the school contributed by writing a little bit about themselves, what they like, what they're studying and so on. We knocked out a block and placed the time capsule inside. Were going to plaster it back over and it'll be opened again in 50 years time.

On the day of the event, Parish Priest and Board of Management Chairperson, Father Vinny Connaughton thanked St Patrick for the good weather shining on the outdoor event and spoke of the remarkable milestone.

It continues to be a place where Faith learning and community are coming together and working together in the heart of Legan, he said.

In her speech, the current Lenamore National School principal Margo Smith said the past few weeks had been filled with nostalgia as they poured over a plethora of photographs taken throughout the last 50 years.

Also read: Longford author launches major new book highlighting concerns in child protection system

Addressing her own former pupils in attendance, she joked, while its great to see you, I am really beginning to feel my age!

In her speech, Ms Smith highlighted the importance of the village school and in closing, added, We celebrate not just a building, but a community, a history and a shared journey.

Heres to the generations that have gone before us, those with us today, and those still yet to come.
An FDD visual of Iranian attacks against Arab states on March 27, 2026.

Between March 24 and March 27, Iran and its allied militias continued launching drones and missiles against Arab countries. The attacks targeted energy infrastructure, airports, military facilities, ports, and residential areas in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, and Jordan. Air defense systems intercepted many incoming projectiles, but several strikes still caused fires, infrastructure damage, and casualties.

The following is an account of the attacks conducted by Iran and its affiliated militias against Arab states between March 24 and 27.

March 24

In Saudi Arabias Eastern Province, Saudi authorities reported intercepting repeated drone waves in groups of two, one, one, four, one, one, one, one, two, one, three, and four drones.

In the United Arab Emirates, the Ministry of Defense announced that it confronted multiple waves of attacks, including a total of five ballistic missiles and 17 drones.

In Kuwait, authorities reported confronting multiple missile and drone attacks across several incidents. In total, Kuwaiti forces encountered 17 missiles and 13 drones, intercepting 13 of the missiles and 10 drones, while three drones and four missiles fell in empty areas. Falling debris damaged infrastructure, prompting authorities to deactivate seven power lines.

In Bahrain, authorities reported intercepting 19 drones and six missiles.

In Iraq, several drone incidents were reported across multiple provinces. Drones crashed in Dhi Qar, Babil, Kirkuk (near the Mullah Abdullah power station), and south of Samawah, without causing casualties.

In Iraqi Kurdistan, Iranian missile strikes targeted Peshmerga positions in Erbil Governorate. Six missiles hit a headquarters and a nearby base, killing six Peshmerga fighters and wounding 30 others. Additional drone activity targeted Erbil International Airport, where drones were intercepted.

March 25

In Saudi Arabias Eastern Province, Iranian drone activity continued at a steady pace. Saudi authorities reported intercepting repeated waves, including groups of one, one, three, one, one, three, three, four, five, three, one, one, three, one, one, three, one, one, and one drones. Saudi defenses also intercepted a ballistic missile, with shrapnel striking two buildings. In Riyadh, Saudi defenses also intercepted a drone.

In the United Arab Emirates, authorities reported intercepting nine drones.

In Kuwait, Iranian attacks targeted critical infrastructure. A drone strike hit a fuel tank at Kuwait International Airport, causing a fire but no casualties. Kuwaiti forces also reported engaging 20 missiles and nine drones, intercepting most projectiles, while several fell in uninhabited areas.

In Bahrain, authorities reported intercepting 30 drones and six missiles.

In Iraq, drone activity targeted energy infrastructure. Drones crashed near the Artawi oil field in Basra and near PetroChina facilities in Maysan.

In Iraqi Kurdistan, air defenses intercepted four missiles and five drones targeting Erbil.

In Jordan, authorities reported that five drones and missiles targeted the country, with one missile failing to be intercepted.

March 26

In Saudi Arabias Eastern Province, Iranian drone activity intensified significantly. Saudi authorities reported intercepting repeated waves, including groups of three, two, one, two, three, four, five, eight, two, three, three, three, one, and one drones.

In the United Arab Emirates, the Ministry of Defense said it confronted multiple waves of missile-and-drone attacks. In total, authorities reported intercepting 11 drones and 15 missiles. Falling debris in Abu Dhabi killed two individuals and wounded three others.

In Kuwait, authorities reported intercepting a drone, while other activity saw six missiles fall in open areas.

In Bahrain, authorities reported intercepting 19 drones and a missile.

In Iraq, a drone was intercepted in Kirkuk.

In Iraqi Kurdistan, a drone was intercepted in Sulaymaniyah.

March 27

In Saudi Arabia, Iranian drone and missile attacks concentrated around the capital of Riyadh. Saudi authorities reported intercepting multiple drone waves, including groups of one, three, six, and two drones, as well as additional single-drone interceptions. Shrapnel from one intercepted drone fell inside a military position. Saudi defenses also engaged six ballistic missiles, intercepting two, while the remaining four fell in the sea and uninhabited areas. In Saudi Arabias Eastern Province, Iranian drone activity continued, with repeated small-scale attacks. Saudi authorities reported intercepting multiple waves, including groups of one, three, two, two, two, and five drones, as well as additional single-drone interceptions.

In Kuwait, Iranian attacks again targeted critical infrastructure. A combined drone-and-cruise missile strike hit Mubarak Al Kabeer Port on Bubiyan Island, while separate drone attacks targeted Shuwaikh Port in Kuwait City, causing material damage. Kuwaiti forces also reported intercepting four missiles.

In the United Arab Emirates, the Ministry of Defense announced that it had confronted multiple waves of attacks, including six missiles and nine drones.

In Bahrain, authorities reported intercepting 12 drones.

In Iraqi Kurdistan, a drone was intercepted over Erbil.

Ahmad Sharawi is a senior research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focused on Iranian intervention in Arab affairs and the Levant.
A Russian Geran-2 drone, such as those being provided to Iran by Russia, launches from a pickup truck in Ukraine. (Source: Military Informant on Telegram)

Theres an axis of aggression between Russia and Iran, British defense chief John Healey declared on Thursday, accusing Moscow of sharing tactics, training, and tech to help Tehran fight the United States and Israel. His statement came amid reports that Russia is sending drones to Iranpresumably Russian-made versions of the same Shahed-136 one-way attack unmanned aerial systems (OWA UAS) that Tehran previously provided to Moscow. By escalating its support for the Islamic Republic, the Kremlin likely aims to help ensure the regimes survival while bleeding the United States and prolonging a conflict that has benefited Russia.

On Wednesday, the Financial Times, citing Western intelligence assessments, reported that Russia had begun a phased shipment of drones, medicine and food to Iran in early March, with deliveries expected to be completed by the end of the month. Likewise, The New York Times reported that two senior European officials said their intelligence agencies believed that Russia was preparing to deliver drones to Iran for use in the war with the United States and Israel. The Guardian ran a similar story on Friday.

Whereas Russia was already suspected of having provided components to improve Iranian OWA UAS, these reports suggest Moscow may be sending entire dronessomething previously alleged by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Western officials say Russia has also supplied intelligence to help Iran target American forces, as well as guidance related to drone employment and electronic warfare. According to Healey, that assistance commenced prior to the U.S. and Israeli attack on February 28.

These revelations shed new light on a recent Israeli strike on Irans Bandar Anzali port on the Caspian Sea. According to a Wall Street Journal report citing unnamed sources, that strike was intended to disrupt Russias support for Iran in the war. Iran had previously sent Shahed-136s and other materiel to Russia via the Caspian Sea, providing a relatively cheap means of augmenting Moscows long-range strike capabilities. Now those drones may be flowing the other way.

Beginning in 2023, Russia, with Iranian help, localized production of the Shahed-136, which the Russians call the Geran-2 and Garpiya-A1. Russian industry has since churned out these drones in ever-greater numbers, producing an estimated 2,700 per month by mid-2025. That number is expected to keep growing.

The Russians have continually upgraded these drones. This effort has included, among other things, swapping out their warheads, using different materials and coatings for their airframes, inserting satellite antenna arrays with greater resistance to electronic warfare, and equipping drones with modules that transmit telemetry data.

More recently, Russia fitted Shaheds and other drones with Chinese radio modems and cameras to enable mesh communications and operator-controlled strikes, including against dynamic targets. It has even put anti-aircraft missiles on Shaheds to threaten helicopters or fighter jets attempting to shoot them down. The Russians have also developed various jet-powered OWA UAS (as has Iran), whose extra speed makes them more difficult to shoot down with inexpensive countermeasures.

While they will not have a decisive effect on the outcome of the Iran war, Russian drone supplies could exacerbate the OWA UAS threat to US forces and their allies. Although the vast majority of Iranian drones get shot down, those that manage to slip through have done damage. One strike in Kuwait killed six American servicemembers, while others have taken out valuable military assets.

Although the Kremlin has tempered its public criticism of the Iran war to avoid souring relations with US President Donald Trump, supporting Iran presents the Russians with an opportunity to exact some payback for Americas support for Ukraine. Moscow also seeks to ensure the stability of the regime in Tehran, with which it has deepened relations in recent years.

In addition, augmenting Irans drone capabilities could help Russia prolong a conflict that has been a financial and strategic boon for Russia. Inflated oil prices and a resultant loosening of US sanctions on Russian oil exports are padding the Kremlins depleted budget. Bloomberg calculated that the value of Russian seaborne crude exports has doubled, reaching the highest point since March 2022.

Meanwhile, transatlantic divisions have deepened, and the Pentagon may divert air defense munitions previously destined for Ukraine to the Middle East. Moscow hopes that if the Middle East crisis undercuts Western support for Ukraine, Russia will gain leverage in US-brokered peace negotiations. Those talks are currently postponed indefinitely as the Iran war consumes American attention, much to Kyivs chagrin.

The prospect of further Russian aid to Iran may cause the United States, along with its allies, to take a second look at leveraging Ukraines unmatched experience in employing cost-effective defenses against Shahed-type drones. So far, Trump has shrugged off both Russias support for Iran and Ukrainian assistance.

John Hardie is the deputy director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies' (FDD) Russia Program and a contributor to FDD's Long War Journal. Dmitriy Shapiro is a research analyst and editor at FDD.
Summary created by Smart Answers AI In summary: Macworld highlights iOS 26.4s comprehensive updates including AI-powered Apple Music playlists, improved keyboard accuracy, and enhanced accessibility features like Reduce Bright Effects.

The update introduces significant changes to Family Sharing with individual payment methods, offline Shazam recognition, and video podcast improvements with adaptive streaming.

These features address user complaints while adding privacy-focused age verification across multiple regions and Creator Studio enhancements for Freeform subscribers.

Apple has officially released iOS 26.4 to the public, and unlike the previous update, this one brings a more noticeable set of new features.

While the long-awaited AI-powered Siri is still nowhere to be seen, iOS 26.4 brings several new features and improvements to Apple Music, Podcasts, and Reminders, as well as overall system enhancements and new emoji.

Read on as we break down all the major new features and changes coming with iOS 26.4.

Apple Music

With iOS 26.4, Apple Music subscribers are getting an important new feature called Playlist Playground. Essentially, it lets users quickly create playlists using AI.

Users can simply describe what they want to listen to, whether its specific songs, artists, or genres, and Apples AI will create a playlist based on that prompt. The feature can also edit existing playlists. Its worth noting that this feature is available only in the U.S. and works on any iOS 26.4 iPhone, even ones that dont support Apple Intelligence.

Apple Music has new full-screen artwork in iOS 26.4. Foundry

Apple Music is also getting a new Concerts feature, which helps users discover nearby shows from artists in their library, while also recommending live shows from new artists based on listening habits.

Another notable addition is Offline Music Recognition, now available through Control Center. This lets users identify songs with Shazam even without an internet connection. The result shows up as soon as the device is back online.

Rounding out the Apple Music changes, iOS 26.4 introduces an Ambient Music widget for quick access to curated playlists focused on Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing, as well as full-screen backgrounds for album and playlist pages, making the interface more immersive.

Podcasts

In addition to Apple Music, Apple Podcasts is also getting some improvements with iOS 26.4. More specifically, Apple has revamped the experience for video podcasts.

The update introduces support for Apples HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) technology, which automatically adjusts the video bitrate during playback. This means the app will always choose the best quality based on your internet connection without you having to change any settings. Thanks to this technology, users can also seamlessly switch between audio and video while playing a podcast.

iOS 26.4 includes several new Accessiblity settings. Foundry

Accessibility

Updating to iOS 26.4 also brings some welcome accessibility improvements. For instance, the system now includes a new Reduce Bright Effects toggle that minimizes intense flashes when interacting with certain interface elements. Apple has also made it easier to access and customize subtitles and captions directly from the media player interface.

Moreover, the Reduce Motion setting has been improved to more consistently limit animations across the system, particularly with the Liquid Glass interface.

Emoji

For emoji fans, iOS 26.4 adds eight new characters to the keyboard. As previously announced, they include an orca, a trombone, a landslide, a ballet dancer, and a distorted face emoji.

Keep in mind that only people who have also updated their devices will see the new emojis in conversations or social media posts.

You can use several new emojis once you update to iOS 26.4. Foundry

Freeform

When Apple announced the Creator Studio subscription, the company revealed that the Freeform app would also gain certain features exclusive to subscribers. These features are now available with iOS 26.4.

Creator Studio subscribers can now access the Content Hub right from Freeform, which offers a wide variety of photos, illustrations, and graphics that can be used royalty-free.

Users will also notice a new icon for the Freeform app that matches the style of other Creator Studio apps.

Urgent reminders are getting an upgrade in iOS 26.4. Foundry

Urgent reminders

With iOS 26.2, Apple introduced a new option for creating urgent reminders, which show up as full-screen alerts at the scheduled date and time. Now, iOS 26.4 makes it easier to mark a reminder as urgent.

Users can mark tasks as urgent in the Reminders app right from the Quick Toolbar or with a long press. Urgent reminders can also be filtered using Smart Lists.

Family Sharing

Apple is also making a major change for users who rely on Family Sharing. While the entire family currently relies on a single payment method, iOS 26.4 will allow each family member to pay for their own online purchases.

Purchase Sharing lets adult members in Family Sharing groups use their own payment method when making purchases, without relying on the family organizer, Apple explained in the release notes.

This is certainly great news for those who use Family Sharing to share their iCloud and App Store purchases.

The Freeform app got its Creator Studio update in iOS 26.4. Foundry

Keyboard accuracy

As we reported last year, many iPhone users had been complaining that iOS 26 had reduced the accuracy of the on-screen keyboard, resulting in more typos. Although Apple never acknowledged the issue at the time, it has made changes to the iOS 26.4 keyboard that essentially admit there was a problem.

The iOS 26.4 release notes mention improved keyboard accuracy when typing quickly as part of the changes included in the update. Its unclear exactly what Apple changed to improve the virtual keyboard, but users will certainly be pleased that Apple is working on the issue.

Age verification

One of the most notable changes in iOS 26.4 is related to compliance with local laws.

The update introduces age verification requirements in multiple regions, including Australia, Brazil, Singapore, and specific U.S. states such as Utah and Louisiana. These measures are tied to regional legislation and are designed to ensure that users meet minimum age requirements for certain features and services.

In these locations, Apple may require additional information about the user to verify their age. This includes details such as how long the Apple Account has been active or credit card information.

The company has also created a new API that will anonymously inform apps whether a user meets the minimum age requirements without sharing their age, date of birth, or any other personal information.

In addition to all these new features, iOS 26.4 also includes bug fixes, performance improvements, and enhanced security. Thats why its always important to keep your devices updated with the latest software.

You can install iOS 26.4 by going to Settings > General > Software Update and tapping Update Now. The update is available for the iPhone 11 and later.
A leading Oregon business group is urging Gov. Tina Koteks economic advisers to act with greater ambition if they want to attract businesses into the state and reignite the states economy.

In a letter last week to the governors economic prosperity council, the Oregon Business Council called upon the group to pursue a corresponding shift in policy ambition in light of the states economic and demographic headwinds. The business council hosts the annual Oregon Business Plan summit, where business leaders across the state gather to discuss the top issues facing private industries throughout Oregon with lawmakers and political leadership.

Oregon has for years struggled with its reputation for overburdening businesses with regulations and taxes, and several high-profile recent rounds of layoffs spurred concerns that businesses are fleeing the state. The letter notes that Oregon is facing high housing costs, poor public school performance, outdated land use rules and climate-related risks such as wildfires.

If Oregon responds incrementally, the state risks drifting into a prolonged period of modest growth, fiscal constraint, and diminished national relevance. If it responds decisively, it can renew its economic model for a slower growing, more competitive nation, the letter reads. The work of the prosperity council should aim unmistakably at the latter outcome.

Kotek announced the councils creation in December with the goal of bringing together a diverse sector of industry leaders to issue potential recommendations on policy issues such as permitting reform, global trade and corporate tax incentives. She tapped former Senate Minority Leader Tim Knopp, R-Bend, to lead the council, which continues to hold regular meetings until it plans to issue formal recommendations for the governor in the summer. Aside from an initial meeting in January, those have so far been closed to the public.

The governors office didnt immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday.

The letter laid out several priority areas but offered few specific proposals. It criticized Oregons corporate activity tax, reliance on personal income taxes and high local taxes in Portland, and called for more sector-based workforce development efforts.

It also called for legislative action in 2027 on land use, arguing that the states system hinders production of housing, industrial sites and clean energy. And it urged changes to regulatory actions, including independent economic reviews of state rules.

The business council also warned that some economic development proposals, such as an investment in industrial land development Kotek supported, took a back seat in this years short legislative session. Though Kotek initially sought a $40 million one-time investment, a committee stripped that allocation from the governors signature economic development legislation, which would also seek to fast-track the permitting process.
National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company delivering the new future-proofed, high-speed Fibre-to-the-Home network under the National Broadband Plan (NBP) on behalf of the Government, has announced that Ballinrobe has now been connected to high-speed fibre broadband. Over 20,800 homes, farms and businesses in the county can place an order for high-speed broadband today.

NBIs connection of Ballinrobe means that 3,362 homes and businesses can now access high-speed fibre broadband. This includes the rural surrounds of The Neale and Cong.

The completion of works near Ballinrobe means that 20,812 premises can now pre-order or order high-speed, reliable broadband across Mayo with 5,096 connections made to date. Works have already been completed in rural areas across the county including Ballina, Castlebar and Liscarney.

National Broadband Ireland is encouraging all Mayo residents to visit nbi.ie and check their Eircode to see if theyre ready to connect and find out more about placing an order.

NBIs fibre broadband rollout under the National Broadband Plan is delivering broadband services to what is known as the States Intervention Area, which includes the most remote and rural parts of Ireland where commercial operators have no plans to deliver high-speed broadband. The Intervention Area currently includes 38,000 premises in Mayo which will see NBI deliver minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second to homes, businesses, farms, and schools across the county. As the biggest investment in rural Ireland since rural electrification, Co Mayo will receive 145m of Government investment under the National Broadband Plan.

TJ Malone, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland, said: We are delighted to announce that almost 3,400 Mayo homes, businesses and farms near Ballinrobe can now connect to NBIs high-speed fibre broadband. Those connected are experiencing the life-changing benefits of high-speed fibre broadband with minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second.

With the national switch-off of the copper network approaching, NBIs fibre network will ensure communities across Ireland are prepared for the future by supporting remote working, education, healthcare access, and local enterprise while providing the reliability needed for everyday living.

As we enter the final year of the National Broadband Plan rollout, were encouraging everyone in Mayo to check their Eircode on nbi.ie and order now to secure high-speed fibre broadband for their home or business.

National Rollout Progress

NBI has now passed over 459,000 homes, farms and businesses in rural Ireland to high-speed broadband with over 169,000 now connected. The average take-up rate of 37% is well ahead of projections and international comparisons and surpasses 60% in some areas of the country where the network has been live for 18 months.

The National Broadband Ireland website is regularly updated to show estimated completion dates. With the main rollout due to be concluded by the end of this year, the remaining homes and businesses yet to be passed will be able to place an order for high-speed broadband in the coming months. The easiest way to get updates on when a premises will be ready to order is by signing up for NBI email alerts at nbi.ie.

As fibre networks expand across Ireland, offering superior speed, capacity, and reliability, older copper telephone and broadband infrastructure will start to be decommissioned. The European Commission has proposed 2030 as the latest date for the decommissioning of legacy copper networks.

Choosing a Broadband Provider

As a wholesale network operator, NBI does not sell fibre broadband directly to end users, rather it enables services from a range of broadband providers or Retail Service Providers (RSPs). As a wholesale provider, NBI will make the new Fibre-to-the-Home network available to all RSPs operating in the Intervention Area. Over 50 RSPs are available on the NBI network to provide connections as of today. To see all retail broadband providers that are currently on the NBI network, visit nbi.ie.

READ MORE: Mayo makes history with first satellite mobile video call
A Clearwater, Fla. couple is at risk of losing their home because a window company they hired allegedly failed to pay a supplier.

Andrea Atherton and Mike Gonoub had just bought a place they envisioned as their retirement Shangri-La, and, like many Florida homeowners, hired a contractor to install hurricane-resistant windows and doors, according to a report from local ABC affiliate Tampa Bay 28 (1).

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Months later, the job remains unfinished, the company has gone silent and a nearly $39,000 lien has been placed on their home.

It makes me feel like I did something wrong, like I broke some sort of law, Gonoub told Tampa Bay 28, who first reported on the story. Im a consumer who needed new windows, thats all.

This couples story highlights a little-known risk in home renovations: Even if the contractor gets paid, you could still be on the hook if others in the chain havent been  and they could come after your home.

How this happened

Last year, Atherton and Gonoub hired Mister Window to install new sliding glass doors and windows, using a 12-month, no-payment financing plan offered through a financing company the contractor worked with.

Initially, the project seemed to move forward. The couple said the doors failed inspection due to minor issues, but those were corrected. However, one critical step was never completed: sealing the doors with caps and covers to ensure they are fully weatherproof.

The company scheduled a return visit in January to finish the work. But they never showed up and became impossible to contact.

I called every number I had for Mister Window and every number was dead, Atherton said.

After failing to reach Mister Window, the couple attempted to hire another company to complete the project. However, they claim that no contractor was willing to take on a job that had already been inspected and partially completed by another firm.

Then came the lien.

The project was financed, meaning a third-party lender paid the contractor, but it seems Mister Window didnt pay all of its suppliers. A supplier who worked on the project claims they were never paid. They filed a lien against the couples home for $38,926.68.
Saiyaara star Aneet Paddas sister Reet Padda has courted controversy on social media after she shared her thoughts on Dhurandhar: The Revenge and called it a propaganda. She further called out Priyanka Chopra Jonas for her silence during her Oscars 2026 presentation with Javier Bardem where he called for Free Palestine and Say No To War.

 Instagram/Aneet Padda Aneet Paddas Sister Reet Padda Slams Dhurandhar: The Revenge It so happened that a social media user questioned Reet Padda over her earlier post criticising politically charged movies like Dhurandhar. The person wrote, Came across your account through Aneet (I genuinely admire her work), and honestly, your takes were surprising. Calling films like Kashmir Files, Kerala Story or even Dhurandhar propaganda just because they dont fit your narrative feels dismissive, especially when theyre rooted in real or inspired events. Disagreeing is fine, but denying lived realities isntAnd if you expect Priyanka to take a stand on Palestine, (shes done more for Palestine by providing aid etc) maybe encourage Aneet to do the same as she steps into a global platform. Accountability shouldnt be selective.

 Instagram/Aneet Padda This led to Reet responding to the comment in a detailed manner as she wrote, Look at me actually replying to a comment on social media, shocking, I know. Usually, I dont bother because trying to change someones mind here is like trying to teach cats calculus. But since youve spent time reacting to everything Ive posted, lets address it point by point. She continued, First, about calling films like The Kashmir Files, The Kerala Story, and Dhurandhar propaganda. Dhurandhar functions as a government-friendly narrative, using political speeches to justify events like demonetization. Is it propaganda? Yes. Can I deny it? No. And further wrote, Regarding The Kashmir Files and The Kerala Story, These films apparently enjoy a bit of creative math: ~32,000 women converted to Islam. When real cases barely scrape a few hundred. But hey, how propaganda works, right? Take a sliver of truth, sprinkle in some absurdly inflated numbers, and suddenly youve got a full-blown narrative against a community. Sure, Id be chill with such films if it werent for the teeny issue that movies like Panjab 95, which actually tackle political issues but stray from the ruling partys script, cant see the light of day. Check out the screenshots of her comments below:

 Instagram/Reet Padda

 Instagram/Reet Padda Aneet Paddas Sister Reet Padda Calls Out Priyanka Chopra She then went on to call out Priyanka Chopra who stood silent during the Oscars 2026 presentation and wrote, Shes got a chance to oppose an illegal war next to someone taking a stand, and she cant even step up. If my sister gets that kind of opportunity, and Inshallah, sachhe patshah, jai shri ram, I pray she rises to the occasion and she chooses to stand there like a dodo bird, I will be the first one to call it out. She concluded her response with, I strongly oppose political figures who bring religion into politics, especially when it leads to violence. That is a crime, and I will speak against it. I am not afraid to take a stand, even if it goes against the majority. Check out the screenshots of Reet Paddas Instagram comments below:
Samsung's Galaxy S26 and S26+ are not the kind of phones that are going to blow you away in a spec sheet comparison. At 87,999 for the vanilla S26 and 1,19,999 for the S26+, these are not cheap phones, and on paper, they look remarkably similar to what Samsung was selling last year. But that is not quite the full story.

 Hook.Online What Samsung has done here is take two already excellent phones and quietly make them better in ways that matter  tighter camera refinements, a surprisingly capable Exynos 2600 chipset that genuinely caught me off guard, and displays that continue to be among the best on any Android device. The S26 remains one of the finest compact flagships you can buy, and the S26+ sits comfortably above it without asking you to go all the way to Ultra territory. The question is whether that is enough at these prices in 2025. Samsung Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26s Design: Familiar and refined On the surface, the Galaxy S26+ and the Galaxy S26 look pretty much the same as the phones they replace. The most noticeable change is the camera module, where the lenses now sit on top of a small raised plateau rather than directly on the back. The deco rings around the cameras are slimmer this year and come in the same colour as the body, making the whole thing look noticeably more polished and refined.

 Hook.Online But honestly, beyond that, I had a really tough time telling these apart from last year's models at first. The S26 continues to be one of the best compact Android flagships around, and the S26+ remains that awkward middle child between the vanilla S model and the Ultra. The dimensions tell a similar story. Both phones carry over the same thickness from last year: the S26+ sits at 7.3mm and the S26 at 7.2mm. That makes both of them significantly slimmer and more manageable than the S26 Ultra, particularly if you have smaller hands. Weight stays almost identical too. The S26+ comes in at 190 grams, same as the S25+, while the S26 nudges up ever so slightly from 162 to 167 grams. All of this familiarity is not a bad thing, though. Upon picking up the device, I immediately got the sense that these two are just as well-built as last years devices. The Armour Aluminium frame and the matte glass back feel grippy and satisfying in hand, and both phones are cold to the touch in a way that feels genuinely premium. The S26, because of its smaller footprint, is especially comfortable to hold for longer stretches. The matte finish also does a solid job of hiding fingerprints, the Cobalt Violet colourway in particular. One thing worth flagging: the camera plateau causes a slight wobble when the phones are laid flat on a table. The S26+ wobbles a touch more than the S26, but it is not significantly worse than what we saw last year, so nothing to lose sleep over.

 Hook.Online Protection credentials are strong across both phones. You get Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back, an Armour Aluminium frame, and IP68 water resistance throughout. Connectivity is well sorted too. Both phones come with WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, and a USB 3.2 Type-C port with DisplayPort 1.2 support, which remains a rare feature even among flagships. The only miss is an IR blaster, which, for the life of me, I still dont understand why Samsung skips out on. Colour options in India are Cobalt Violet and Black for the S26+, with Pink Gold and Silver Shadow available on Samsung's website. The S26 adds Sky Blue and White to that list. Samsung Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26s Displays: Solid, as always Like design, Samsung has reserved most of the display upgrades for the Ultra. The S26+ carries over its 6.7-inch panel from last year, while the vanilla S26 gets a slight bump to 6.3 inches, up from 6.2 inches. I found the bezels on both phones are razor thin and appear to have shrunk further, though Samsung is yet to share official numbers. Beyond that, it is largely the same story on both phones. You get 120Hz refresh rates, a peak brightness of 2600 nits, and HDR10+ support across the board. Both panels are also LTPO, meaning refresh rates shift dynamically between 1Hz and 120Hz depending on what is on screen. At 1Hz, the display can power an always-on clock or you can quickly take a look at notifications without meaningfully touching the battery.

 Hook.Online Resolution is where the two phones diverge. The S26+ holds on to its 1440p panel, while the S26 stays at 1080p. That said, on a 6.3-inch screen, I think 1080p is more than adequate, as you land at a pixel density of 411ppi. The S26+ though, is the sharpest phone in the S26 lineup, edging out even the Ultra with a pixel density of 516ppi against the Ultra's 500ppi. And for those of you wondering if you get the Privacy Display, it remains exclusive to the Ultra. Living with it, though, I really cannot complain about these displays. Both are Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels, so colour reproduction is among the best I have seen on a smartphone, regardless of what the spec sheet says. Even though these are 8-bit panels, colour banding is handled surprisingly well. The blacks are deep and inky, colours are vivid, and streaming content looks genuinely stunning. There is no Dolby Vision certification, but with HDR10+ doing the heavy lifting, HDR content on Netflix held up brilliantly during my time with both phones.

 Hook.Online Outdoor visibility was equally impressive, even under Delhi's punishing summer sun, I had no trouble reading maps, texts or music apps without any strain. Both phones also hide an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner under the display, positioned well and easy to reach. It was quick, accurate, and did not fail me once during testing. Rounding out the multimedia experience, both the S26 and S26+ come with stereo speakers. The S26+ has a slight edge here; its larger size gives the audio a bit more depth and body, though both get impressively loud. There is no headphone jack, but wireless audio is well catered for, thanks to codecs like aptX, aptX HD, Samsung's SSC, and your standard codecs like AAC, SBC and LDAC. Samsung Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26s Cameras: Still impressive Samsung has taken a refinement-first approach with the cameras on the S26 and S26+ this year. On paper, not much has changed. Both phones come with the same familiar triple camera setup: a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP 3x telephoto.

On the front, you get a 12MP selfie camera, though with a slightly wider field of view this time around, which I found genuinely useful for framing.

 Hook.Online It is not a dramatic overhaul, but after spending time with both phones, it is clear that Samsung has focused on consistency and reliability over headline-grabbing spec bumps. In daylight, the main camera is excellent. Photos come out detailed, with natural textures, well-balanced colours, and strong dynamic range. Highlights and shadows are both handled confidently, and there is a subtle grain in darker areas that actually makes images feel more natural rather than over-processed. Portrait shots are clean, with accurate skin tones and solid subject separation, though the background blur can occasionally feel a touch heavy-handed.

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 Hook.Online The 2x crop from the main sensor is something I found myself reaching for more than I expected, particularly for portraits, where it delivers strong detail without any meaningful quality drop. The 3x telephoto holds its own too, although its not the most detailed in its class, but colours and dynamic range are solid enough for everyday use. They top out at 30x, but to be honest, I have seen better water coloured postcards than what you get at that magnification.

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 Hook.Online The ultrawide is at its best outdoors, capturing vibrant colours and decent detail for landscapes and group shots. I would not lean on it for close-ups, but for wide scenes it does the job well. Selfies were one of the highlights of my time with both phones: sharp, well-exposed, and the wider lens made framing noticeably easier. Low light is where things get interesting. Samsung's new automatic Night mode runs in the background and does a good job when it engages properly, pulling in more detail and reducing noise. That said, I found manually triggering it gave more consistent results. For those who want deeper control, the Camera Assistant app unlocks additional options worth exploring.

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 Hook.Online Video is another strong suit. You can shoot up to 4K at 60fps across all three cameras, and 8K on the main sensor. Daylight footage looks sharp and well-graded, low-light video holds up reasonably well, and stabilisation is reliable throughout. Like the S26 Ultra, the S26 and the S26+ also support Horizon Lock. And yes, like the Ultra, you also get the ability to shoot in Log, and use LUTs. The S26 and S26+ cameras are not trying to reinvent anything. What they are doing is delivering a dependable, polished experience that holds up consistently  and in daily use, that matters more than chasing specs. Samsung Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26s Performance: Exynos unbelievable surprise Performance is where things get interesting, and there is at least one result in here that genuinely caught me off guard. Unlike the S25 and S25+, Samsung has gone back to Exynos for the non-Ultra models this year, with the new Exynos 2600 powering both the S26 and S26+. Samsung has done this before, but after the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy on last year's non-Ultra models, it is a notable shift. The difference in approach is clear on paper too; the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 on the Ultra is an octa-core chip, while the Exynos 2600 is a deca-core. But Samsung clearly backed this chipset with confidence, and for the most part, that confidence is justified. Paired with 12GB of RAM across both the 256GB and 512GB storage variants, the Exynos 2600 handles everyday tasks without breaking a sweat. Scrolling through the UI, browsing social media, scrolling through reels, all of it is buttery smooth. The benchmark numbers tell an interesting story. In AnTuTu, the S26 scored 3.07 million and the S26+ scored 3.14 million, with the S26 Ultra pulling ahead at 3.73 million. No surprises here.

 Hook.Online The gap narrows in Geekbench, particularly in multicore performance. The S26 posted single-core and multicore scores of 2,994 and 10,449 respectively; the S26+ came in at 3,038 and 10,485, and the Ultra topped out at 3,639 and 10,883. Again, solid numbers across the board, nothing that had me reaching for a double-take.

 Hook.Online That came in the 3DMark Wildlife Extreme Stress Test. The S26 posted a best loop score of 6,220 and a worst of 3,643, for a stability rating of 58.6 per cent. The S26+ went even further, with a best of 7,238 and a worst of 3,920, at 54.2 per cent stability. The S26 Ultra, surprisingly, came in last on two important counts. Yes, it had a best loop score of 6,982, but more importantly, a worst score of of just 2,980, and a stability rating of 42.7 per cent.

 Hook.Online The Exynos phones not only outlasted the Snapdragon in sustained GPU performance, but it also failed to outscore it at the top-end. This is is not something that I expected going in. Gaming held up well, too. BGMI and CoD: Mobile ran at a smooth 120fps with no dropped frames. The phones do get slightly warm over extended sessions, as most flagships do, but thermal management is noticeably better here. The vapour chamber is larger and, according to Samsung, better designed than last year's models, and Samsung's new application of the thermal interface material keeps temperatures in check both in gaming and under benchmark loads. All of this is fine for now. The real test, however, will be seeing how the Exynos 2600 holds up over the long run against the Snapdragon-equipped Ultra. Right now, though, it is putting up a much stronger fight than I had expected. Samsung Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26s Software & UI: The Ultra experience, almost Both the Galaxy S26 and S26+ run on One UI 8.5, based on Android 16, and the software experience is essentially identical to what you get on the S26 Ultra. The only thing missing here is anything S Pen-related, which is exclusive to the Ultra. Everything else, including all of the Galaxy AI features, trickles down in full. So if you have already read our S26 Ultra review, you know exactly what to expect here. One UI 8.5 itself looks clean, fluid, and well put together. Animations are smooth, navigation feels snappy, and the overall experience is polished in a way that only Samsung and Apple consistently manage to pull off.

 Hook.Online That said, one old frustration refuses to go away. Samsung continues to ship two versions of essentially every core app, one from Google, one from Samsung. Two browsers, two app stores, two note apps, two voice assistants. It has been this way for years, and while it is not a dealbreaker, it is the kind of unnecessary clutter that clutters the app drawer and quietly irritates you the longer you live with the phone. On the AI front, Samsung goes all in. Photo Assist gets a meaningful upgrade this year, letting you edit photos by simply describing what you want changed; you either type it or say it out loud. Want to swap your hat colour or remove a distracting background element? You can do it conversationally now. Samsung does slap a generated by AI watermark on the result, which I think is the right call. Bixby gets smarter too, with better natural language understanding and the ability to pull in web results. But I will be honest, I still cannot see many people choosing Bixby over Gemini Live.

 Hook.Online The more interesting addition is Perplexity AI, which you can summon by saying "Hey Plex." It has access to system and third-party apps and can handle multi-step tasks, which makes it a genuinely useful alternative to the default assistant experience. Document Scan also benefits from AI this cycle, doing a noticeably better job of correcting distortions and cleaning up scans. And Now Brief and Now Nudge have both been refined. Brief is more proactive at organising your day from your calendar and messages, while Nudge drops contextual suggestions as you work through tasks. Subtle, but useful once you get used to it. For updates, Samsung is promising seven years of OS updates and security patches for the entire S26 lineup. That matches Google's commitment to the Pixel series and puts Samsung among the most generous in the Android space when it comes to long-term software support. Samsung Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26s Battery: Room for improvement As far as battery and charging go, there is virtually no change on the S26+. It sticks with a 4900mAh battery, 45W wired charging, and PD 3.0, though wireless charging does see a welcome bump from 15W to 20W. The vanilla S26 gets a minor capacity upgrade, moving from 4000mAh on the S25 to 4300mAh, though charging speeds remain unchanged at 25W wired and 15W wireless.

 Hook.Online Both phones charge from zero to full in just over an hour. The S26 takes a hair longer despite its smaller battery, simply because of the slower charging speeds. Neither phone comes with magnets for MagSafe-style charging, so you will need Qi 2.2 cases for the S26+ and Qi 2 for the S26. Both also support 4.5W reverse wireless charging for accessories like Galaxy Buds. Battery life has been solid on both phones. I was consistently pulling six to seven hours of screen-on time across the S26 and S26+, even with heavy, high-brightness outdoor usage in Delhi's summer heat. However, I have a gripe. Competitors are now offering larger capacities and faster charging. Samsung needs to address this, the modest battery sizes, but more importantly, the sluggish 25W on the base S device. It just doesnt cut it anymore. Verdict: The best compact Android, and the awkward middle child After spending considerable time with both phones, I came away more impressed than I expected to be, particularly with the Exynos 2600's performance. The S26 is an easy recommendation for anyone who wants a compact, well-built flagship that does everything well without demanding Ultra money. At 87,999, it is hard to argue with what you are getting.
Pic story: former serf embraces new life in China's Xizang

Xinhua) 11:00, March 28, 2026

Ngawang Drolma chats with her family at home in Kyerpa Village of Shannan City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 16, 2026.

Ngawang Drolma, 82, lives in Kyerpa Village of Shannan City in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. Her childhood was defined by hardship as she had been serving the serf-owners along with her parents since she was seven years old.

As a serf, her main daily work was cattle-herding. She ran barefoot all year round, enduring scorching heat and bitter cold. Even when her feet were cracked, she never dared to rest for a moment. Working hard for a whole day, her family could only get a small measure of highland barley. The whole family suffered from hunger throughout the year, and their clothes were covered in patches. Wearing new clothes was an unattainable dream for them.

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.

Nowadays, Ngawang Drolma lives a stable and comfortable life, with no worries about food or clothes, and no one bullies her family anymore.

"I am filled with gratitude for having the life I have now," said Ngawang Drolma. "Having tasted all the bitterness in old Xizang, I know how precious today's life is." (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Ngawang Drolma (L) talks with villagers during a spring ploughing ceremony in Kyerpa Village of Shannan City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Ngawang Drolma (C) poses for photos with her family at home in Kyerpa Village of Shannan City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Ngawang Drolma (R) talks with villagers during a spring ploughing ceremony in Kyerpa Village of Shannan City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Ngawang Drolma is pictured at home in Kyerpa Village of Shannan City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

(Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun)
Gas prices in 2026 have climbed to near-record levels, driven largely by geopolitical instability in the Middle East, a critical region to global oil production and transportation. War with Iran and tension in the region have disrupted key maritime routes that carry a significant portion of the world's oil supply.

These disruptions have pushed oil prices higher, increasing fuel costs worldwide and putting pressure on transportation-dependent industries.

Major logistics providers, including the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), FedEx, United Parcel Service (UPS), and DHL, are now facing higher operating costs across their air and ground delivery networks.

Fuel is one of the largest variable expenses for carriers, typically accounting for up to 40% of total operating expenses, according to Motive. This means that even small increases in oil prices can significantly impact overall transportation costs.

In response, private carriers have introduced or expanded fuel surcharges, passing a portion of the burden onto consumers. Shipping prices have consequently risen across the industry in recent months.

USPS, one of the most affordable delivery options, is now seeking to raise prices as well, or it may run out of money and cease service.

USPS requests price increases

On March 25, USPS filed a request with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), seeking an 8% temporary price increase. The agency says the adjustment is necessary to better align pricing with rising transportation and fuel costs.

"This temporary price adjustment will provide needed flexibility for the Postal Service by helping to ensure that the actual costs of doing business are covered, as required by Congress," said USPS in its filing.

If approved, the price increase would take effect on April 26, 2026, and remain in place through January 17, 2027.

Shipping services affected include:

Priority Mail Express

Priority Mail

USPS Ground Advantage

Parcel Select

USPS noted that, even with the proposed 8% increase, its rates would remain much lower than those of many competitors, as the adjustments represent less than one-third of what some carriers charge in fuel surcharges alone.

USPS proposes an 8% temporary price increase for 2026.Shutterstock  Shutterstock

Competitors have already raised prices

USPS emphasized that its competitors have already taken action to offset rising fuel costs.

Recent surcharges from competitors

These pricing strategies are consistent with broader industry practices, in which carriers regularly adjust surcharges in response to fluctuations in fuel costs.

USPS warns of financial risk

The pricing request follows a warning from Postmaster General David Steiner, who told Congress in a written statement on March 17 that USPS will run out of cash within 12 months unless lawmakers lift a decades-old cap and allow the agency to borrow more money.

"I am not sure that the American public is aware that the Postal Service is at a critical juncture," said Steiner. "At our current run rate and if we continue to pay our required obligations in the same manner as we have done in recent years, then we will be out of cash in less than 12 months."

He pointed to long-term declines in mail volume as a driver of revenue loss, claiming that a comparable drop would be unsustainable for private carriers.

USPS financial results highlight ongoing challenges

USPS' latest earnings report underscores these concerns.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2026:

Revenue: Declined 1.2% year over year

Controllable income: Fell by $618 million to $350 million

Net loss: Increased by nearly $1.4 billion

The agency cited declining volumes across its First-Class Mail, Shipping and Packages, and Marketing Mail as primary contributors, partially offset by prior price increases.

Meanwhile, total operating expenses rose 4.6%, compared to the same period last year.

"We continue to face difficult systemic financial and business model headwinds," said Steiner in an earnings statement. "We are convinced that these efforts, if combined with needed regulatory, administrative, and legislative changes, can meet the needs of the American public and return the Postal Service to long-term financial stability and strength."

USPS' previous price adjustments

This is not the first time USPS has requested price raises in recent years.

During the 2025 holiday season, the agency implemented temporary increases ranging from $0.30 to $16, which remained in place from October 5, 2025, through January 18, 2026.

Although USPS initially said it would delay further hikes until mid-2026, it introduced another round of price adjustments in January 2026 as part of its broader 10-year transformation plan aimed at restoring long-term financial sustainability.

Why it matters

USPS delivers mail and packages to more than 170 million addresses nationwide, six to seven days per week, yet it receives no taxpayer funding for its operations. Instead, it relies entirely on customer revenue, leaving pricing as one of the few tools to manage rising costs.

However, Industry analysts warn that frequent or large rate hikes could further reduce mail volume, potentially worsening the agency's financial position.

"If rate increases proceed at the current frequency and magnitude without critical review, they risk plummeting volume further and exacerbating USPS' financial challenges," said NDP Analytics in its 2024 Critique of USPS Elasticities report.

More retail business coverage:

Mailers Hub Managing Director Leo Raymond expressed similar concerns, citing the cumulative impact of repeated price increases over recent years.

"Rising postal rates have had an impact on volume for sure. Its not just last year's postage increases, but a compounding factor of twice-a-year increases over a three-year period," said Raymond to Printing Impressions. "The Postmaster General denies it  he says it's just a general decline  but even if that is true, it is being worsened by significant increases that have been imposed on mail."

Related: Apple closes all stores in fast-growing market

This story was originally published by TheStreet on Mar 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the Retail section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
JR Roberts of Big Rapids holds a 13-star Besty Ross flag at the No Kings demonstration on March 28 in Big Rapids. Roberts also wore a jester hat and said, "This should be a light-hearted thing even though it's serious." To view more photos, visit: bigrapidsnews.com. Austin Chastain/Pioneer Photo Protesters gather at the corner of South State Street and Perry Avenue for the No Kings demonstration on March 28 in Big Rapids. Austin Chastain/Pioneer Photo Protesters hold signs at the No Kings demonstration on March 28 in Big Rapids. Austin Chastain/Pioneer Photo Nicholas Barton of Plainwell holds signs at the No Kings demonstration on March 28 in Big Rapids. Austin Chastain/Pioneer Photo Protesters hold "No Kings" signs at the No Kings demonstration on March 28 in Big Rapids. Austin Chastain/Pioneer Photo Protesters hold signs at the No Kings demonstration on March 28 in Big Rapids. Austin Chastain/Pioneer Photo

BIG RAPIDS  Around 300 protesters gathered with signs and some singing the Star Spangled Banner as part of the national No Kings Day of Action demonstration held by Indivisible West Central Michigan.

The rally was held Saturday, March 28, at the corner of South State Street and Perry Avenue in Big Rapids with individuals holding signs ranging from Peace and Love to their dissatisfaction of President Donald Trump, his administrations policies and the ongoing conflict in Iran.

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The Big Rapids event was among 3,000 protests nationwide.

The protesters were met with primarily friendly honking along with several drivers making obscene gestures and using expletive words as they drove by.

Jennifer Cochran, lead coordinator for Indivisible West Central Michigan, said those at the rally represented concerned citizens using their voices to address issues in the country.

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We are standing up here against an illegal war which is sucking our multi billions of our tax dollars, while American families are struggling even more to feed their kids and pay their bills, Cochran said. We are standing out here also to protest the growing police state here at home and the continued threatening or dismantling of our civil rights under the Constitution.

Cochran added other issues the group focuses on are causing, Material harm to our friends and neighbors, she said, including, Cutting off food funding in the region and impositions on the First, Fourth and 14th Amendments (of the Constitution), she added.

The number of participants has grown from rally to rally, Cochran said. She added that seeing multiple generations of protesters make their way to rallies is exciting for her.

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Its gratifying to see younger people here who are engaged, who are concerned, Cochran said. We want to protect the rights that we were granted under the Constitution.

JR Roberts of Big Rapids said he was concerned about the country and has a deep family history and appreciation, which drew him out to the rally.

A lot of our fathers and grandfathers fought to save the world from fascist and authoritarians and dictators, Roberts said. I feel like we owe it to them. They made serious sacrifices for us to have a free society.

Roberts continued with several concerns about the direction of the country including corruption in the government, transparency and due process among a long list of concerns, he said.

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The biggest part of Saturdays rally for Roberts was creating a dialogue to help everyone understand there are multiple points of view.

Hopefully it encourages other people to come out and make it known where they stand, because I think most people are not very happy with the way things are, Roberts said. "A lot of them are just hesitant or awfully busy. But perhaps this is an encouraging thing to get more people to come out and say what they think.

Multiple Trump supporters on site declined to be interviewed but appreciated the friendly nature and dialogue at the rally.

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I was born and raised in Manistee. I earned a bachelor's degree in English from Grand Valley State University. My hobbies include fishing, reading and playing music.

I have been with the News Advocate since 2018 and have won multiple Michigan Press Association awards during my tenure.
Concrete trucks stage on M-20 on Friday, March 27 to pour concrete to repair the roadway. Courtesy of MDOT Crews work on Friday, March 27, to pour concrete to repair M-20 in Isabella County following a failed culvert and a temporary one was installed. Courtesy of MDOT MDOT media representative Caitlyn French said several sections of concrete pipe will temporarily replace the culvert that collapsed under M-20 east of Remus early March 12. Courtesy of MDOT Jack Hofweber, Transportation Service Center manager in Mt. Pleasant, said a collapsed culvert under M-20 in Isabella County early March 12, creating a sinkhole about the size of an SUV. Courtesy of MDOT A collapsed culvert on M-20 created a sinkhole early Thursday, March 12 between Remus and Mt. Pleasant. Julie Norwood/Pioneer

MT. PLEASANT  Crews began pouring concrete on M-20, east of Remus, bringing the state trunkline one step closer to reopening.

For more than two weeks, M-20 (Remus Road) has been closed between Sherman Road and Costabella Avenue in Isabella County.

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Early in the morning, on Thursday, March 12, a failed culvert over Pony Creek caused a sinkhole as large as an SUV, according to Jack Hofweber, the Transportation Service Center manager in Mt. Pleasant. MDOT set up an emergency road block, and by morning, engineers had begun assessing the damage.

Work began the following week, with crews preparing for the installation of new concrete pipes.

"Earlier this week, sections of concrete pipe were placed to expedite repairs due to delays caused by securing an entire culvert," Caitlyn French, MDOT media representative, said in a news release Friday. "Crews began concrete pouring on Friday, March 27, to replace the road surface."

French said the concrete will need at least of six days to cure before M-20 can be reopened, depending on the weather.

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The weather has played a part in the collapse and repairs.

According to French, rain from an earlier thunderstorm could have been a prime culprit in the culvert's collapse.

"Basically, we're thinking, when we had that heavy thunderstorm and that heavy deluge of rainfall, we might have like some weak steel in there," she said shortly after the sinkhole happen. "Obviously, with that deluge of water, we're thinking at this point that is what has caused the failure."

Weather also has played a role in the repairs.

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"Concrete was the selected material due to seasonal availability of asphalt," she said.

MDOT plans to build a new permanent structure in the future, most likely in 2027, the news release stated.

Until M-20 reopens, drivers will bee temporarily detoured via Costabella Avenue, Blanchard Road and Coldwater Road. Trucks will need to use Winn Road, M-46 and M-66 for their detour.
MANISTEE  No kings in America.

Some of the signs during the third No Kings protest in Manistee were simple; some had a more complicated message.

About 600 people participated in the No Kings protest held in Manistee March 28, 2026. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate About 600 people participated in the No Kings protest held in Manistee March 28, 2026. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate Manistee Indivisible coordinated a No Kings protest in Manistee on March 28, 2026 along U.S. 31 from First Street to River Street. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate About 600 people participated in the No Kings protest along U.S. 31 in Manistee March 28, 2026. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate About 600 people participated in the No Kings protest along U.S. 31 in Manistee March 28, 2026. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate Manistee Indivisible coordinated a No Kings protest in Manistee on March 28, 2026 along U.S. 31 from First Street to River Street. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate Manistee Indivisible coordinated a No Kings protest in Manistee on March 28, 2026 along U.S. 31 from First Street to River Street. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate Manistee Indivisible coordinated a No Kings protest in Manistee on March 28, 2026 along U.S. 31 from First Street to River Street. About 600 people attended. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate Manistee Indivisible coordinated a No Kings protest in Manistee on March 28, 2026 along U.S. 31 from First Street to River Street. About 600 people attended. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate Manistee Indivisible coordinated a No Kings protest in Manistee on March 28, 2026 along U.S. 31 from First Street to River Street. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate Manistee Indivisible coordinated a No Kings protest in Manistee on March 28, 2026 along U.S. 31 from First Street to River Street. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate Manistee Indivisible coordinated a No Kings protest in Manistee on March 28, 2026 along U.S. 31 from First Street to River Street. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate Manistee Indivisible coordinated a No Kings protest in Manistee on March 28, 2026 along U.S. 31 from First Street to River Street. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate About 600 people participated in the No Kings protest along U.S. 31 in Manistee March 28, 2026. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate About 600 people participated in the No Kings protest along U.S. 31 in Manistee March 28, 2026. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate About 600 people participated in the No Kings protest along U.S. 31 in Manistee March 28, 2026. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate People gathered along U.S. 31 in Manistee on March 28, 2026 for a No Kings protest. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate People gathered along U.S. 31 in Manistee on March 28, 2026 for a No Kings protest. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate People gathered along U.S. 31 in Manistee on March 28, 2026 for a No Kings protest. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate People gathered along U.S. 31 in Manistee on March 28, 2026 for a No Kings protest. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate People gathered along U.S. 31 in Manistee on March 28, 2026 for a No Kings protest. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate People gathered along U.S. 31 in Manistee on March 28, 2026 for a No Kings protest. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate People gathered along U.S. 31 in Manistee on March 28, 2026 for a No Kings protest. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate People gathered along U.S. 31 in Manistee on March 28, 2026 for a No Kings protest. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate People gathered along U.S. 31 in Manistee on March 28, 2026 for a No Kings protest. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate People gathered along U.S. 31 in Manistee on March 28, 2026 for a No Kings protest. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate People gathered along U.S. 31 in Manistee on March 28, 2026 for a No Kings protest. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate People gathered along U.S. 31 in Manistee on March 28, 2026 for a No Kings protest. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate

We the people will never forget the cowards in Congress who kept quiet.

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With a dusting of snow on the ground and temperatures hovering at 30 degrees, organizers estimated about 600 people attended the event along U.S. 31 in Manistee. The majority of the crowd gathered between First Street north to Filer Street. However, the line of people stretched all the way to River Street.

At times a small group of people chanted, Hey, ho, Trumps got to go, while cars honked as they drove by.

The protest was organized by Manistee Indivisible, which is part of Indivisible, a nationwide movement dedicated to stopping the rise of authoritarianism in the United States, said member Nick Wisseman.

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We have a president whos acting like a king by starting a dumb war in Iran without getting authorization from Congress. Hes plastering his name all over buildings in D.C. Hes going to start doing it soon on our money too, said Wisseman. Hes treating the White House like his own personal palace that he can renovate as he pleases. Hes deploying ICE like a royal guard to terrorize the people.

Other signs at the Manistee event read: If Kamala were president wed all be at brunch and We love America that is why were here. One person dressed in an orange, prison-like jumpsuit and wore a Trump-like mask.

About 600 people participated in the No Kings protest along U.S. 31 in Manistee March 28, 2026. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate

Manistees event was just one of 3,100 events reportedly held across Michigan and the country on Saturday, including locally in Benzonia, Ludington, Cadillac and Traverse City.

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The first No Kings protests were held nationwide June 14, 2025, and took place on Trumps 79th birthday, according to the No Kings organization website. Trump planned a grand military parade the same day to honor the U.S. Armys 250th anniversary.

The protests were held on Trumps birthday as a callout that America has no kings and instead belongs to its citizens, according to the No Kings website.

In October, the protests returned with more than 7 million attendees nationwide, according to No Kings organizers. In Manistee, the crowd reached over 900, according to organizers.

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We know how a president is supposed to act  that he must serve and answer to the people  and well keep speaking out until he gets the message, said Wisseman.

Wisseman said that anyone who dislikes what the president has been doing must vote in November.

Vote out candidates who are bending the knee to him and letting him run wild, and vote in candidates who will stand up to him and keep him in check, Wisseman said in a written statement.

People gathered along U.S. 31 in Manistee on March 28, 2026 for a No Kings protest. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate

People gathered along U.S. 31 in Manistee on March 28, 2026 for a No Kings protest. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate

People gathered along U.S. 31 in Manistee on March 28, 2026 for a No Kings protest. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate

In Washington, hundreds of marchers moved through the streets, past the Lincoln Memorial and into the National Mall, holding signs that read Put down the crown, clown and Regime change begins at home. Demonstrators rang bells, played drums and chanted No kings.

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The Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement actions, particularly in Minnesota, were one item on a long list of protesters' grievances that also included the war in Iran and the Trump administration's rollback of transgender rights.

The White House dismissed the rallies. Spokesperson Abigail Jackson described the protests as the product of leftist funding networks with little real public support.

Jackson said in a statement that the only people who care about these Trump Derangement Therapy Sessions are the reporters who are paid to cover them.

The National Republican Congressional Committee was also sharply critical.

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These Hate America Rallies are where the far-lefts most violent, deranged fantasies get a microphone," said Maureen O'Toole, spokesperson for the NRCC.

Organizers said events Saturday were registered in all 50 states, with more than 9 million people expected to participate.

Rallies were also planned in more than a dozen other countries, from Europe to Latin America to Australia, Ezra Levin, a co-executive director of Indivisible, a group spearheading the events, said in an interview. Countries with constitutional monarchies call the protests No Tyrants, he said.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Manistee Indivisible coordinated a No Kings protest in Manistee on March 28, 2026 along U.S. 31 from First Street to River Street. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate

One attendee was dressed in a prison-like uniform with a Trump-like mask at the No Kings protest in Manistee on March 28, 2026. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate

Manistee Indivisible coordinated a No Kings protest in Manistee on March 28, 2026 along U.S. 31 from First Street to River Street. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate

People gathered along U.S. 31 in Manistee on March 28, 2026 for a No Kings protest. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate

People gathered along U.S. 31 in Manistee on March 28, 2026 for a No Kings protest. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate

People gathered along U.S. 31 in Manistee on March 28, 2026 for a No Kings protest. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate

People gathered along U.S. 31 in Manistee on March 28, 2026 for a No Kings protest. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate

People gathered along U.S. 31 in Manistee on March 28, 2026 for a No Kings protest. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate

About 600 people participated in the No Kings protest along U.S. 31 in Manistee March 28, 2026. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate

About 600 people participated in the No Kings protest along U.S. 31 in Manistee March 28, 2026. Michelle Fedder/Manistee News Advocate
Moms were "pampered" at a special event held by 1in6 Support at Creative 360 celebrating moms of special needs children on May 10, 2024. Dan Chalk/Midland Daily News Several area businesses donated their time and talents at a special event held by 1in6 Support at Creative 360 celebrating and pampering moms of special needs children on May 10, 2024. Dan Chalk/Midland Daily News

This Mothers Day season, 1in6 Support is again inviting the Midland community to take part in a deeply meaningful initiative that recognizes and celebrates a group of mothers whose devotion often goes unseen: mothers of children with disabilities.

The Mothers Day event will take place on Friday, May 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Creative 360, 5501 Jefferson Avenue, Midland.

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The event is completely free for parents of children with disabilities, but registration is required because space is limited.

While Mothers Day is typically a joyful occasion, for many mothers caring for children with significant disabilities the day can be complicated and emotionally heavy. Their children may not be able to express appreciation in traditional ways, and the 24/7 demands of caregiving often leave little time for self-care or recognition.

To honor these extraordinary mothers, 1in6 Support hosts a special Mothers Day event in Midland that brings the community together to provide care, appreciation, and moments of joy for moms who spend most of their time caring for others.

At this unique event, volunteer professionals from the community, including massage therapists, hairdressers, makeup artists, reflexologists, and other wellness providers, donate their time and expertise to pamper the mothers. The event offers a rare opportunity for these women to relax, be cared for, and feel celebrated.

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Our goal is to create a beautiful space where mothers who give so much every single day can feel supported and appreciated by their community, said Iris Mehler, Co-Executive Director and Co-Founder of 1in6 Support. Many of these mothers rarely have time for themselves. This event allows the community to step in and say: we see you, we value you, and you deserve care too.

The event also serves as a powerful example of community compassion, bringing together volunteers, professionals, and neighbors who want to make Midland a more inclusive and supportive place for families of people with disabilities.

This special day is made possible entirely through the kindness of individuals, businesses, and organizations in the community who donate their time, services, gifts, and food. Without these generous donations and volunteers, this event would not be possible.

How community can get involved

1in6 Support is inviting members of the community to participate in several ways:

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Wellness and care professionals such as massage therapists, hair stylists, makeup artists, reflexologists, and similar practitioners are invited to donate a few hours of their time between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to help pamper the mothers.

Local businesses and community members can support the initiative by sponsoring the event and helping cover costs to make this experience possible for the families.

Spreading the word about this initiative helps ensure that mothers who could benefit from the event know that this opportunity exists.

If you are a parent of a child with a disability, or if you know a parent who might benefit from attending this event, please contact us so we can register them as long as space allows.

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For more information about volunteering, sponsoring, or registering a parent for the event, email michigan@1in6support.org or go to www.1in6support.org
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By Olivia Le Poidevin

YAOUNDE, March 28 (Reuters) - A group of World Trade Organization members agreed on Saturday to sidestep adoption hurdles for the world's first baseline on digital trade rules, opting to bring the agreement into force among consenting participants, the WTO said.

In recent years, efforts by a group of countries to fold the E-Commerce Agreement into the WTO rulebook were twice blocked by dissenting members. The pact aims to foster an open environment for digital trade.

The push to accelerate entry into force, among members who represent 70% of global trade, stems from mounting frustration over those obstructions, a senior diplomat told Reuters. Under WTO rules, plurilateral agreements among subsets of members require consensus.

At the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference in Cameroon, 66 members settled on an interim arrangement to activate the deal within their countries while pursuing broader incorporation into the WTO framework.

Japan's State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Yamada Kenji, hailed it as a "historic step" toward global digital trade rules.

UK Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle also hailed the move.

"As the first global digital trade deal, this will make trade cheaper, faster and more secure for businesses around the world," Kyle said.

India has been one of the main countries blocking a deal, arguing that trade agreements should be adopted multilaterally by consensus.

"The agreement is a strong message to India, and some others, that if you use consensus to block any reform process or advancements forward, we will proceed anyway," a senior European diplomat said.

India is currently blocking a separate plurilateral WTO agreement being discussed in Cameroon aimed at boosting investment in developing countries, two senior diplomats said.

India has so far opposed the International Facilitation for Development Agreement for fear that its negotiating power may be diluted.

The United States is not among the 66 countries to sign up for the agreement, with the issue currently under review by the U.S. administration.

The agreement is separate from an e-commerce moratorium which bans customs duties being placed on digital downloads and streaming, which is currently the subject of a political deadlock between the U.S. and India at the WTO meeting in Cameroon.

(Reporting by Olivia Le PoidevinEditing by Keith Weir)
The war in Iran has hit home for the Columbus, Ohio, area military installation, Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base. Three service members from the base were killed in a war-related refueling accident in Iraq on March 12, 2026. Since then, fellow service members and a supporting organization have been in mourning, while also looking for ways to honor the lives lost and help the families they left behind.

"It was a huge shock to us when we found out about the losses," said Michael Reed, board secretary for the non-profit organization, Rickenbacker Military Families, in an interview with Military.com. "The initial response was, 'Is that really our unit?' But once we learned the names of the officers, it was very sobering and very sad."

Fundraiser for families of fallen service members from Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base (U.S. Air Force).

The accident, which occurred during Operation Epic Fury, remains under investigation by the Department of Defense. Officials have said the crash was not the result of hostile or friendly fire. Since the incident, Rickenbacker Military Families has been channeling the community's collective grief into action. Within days of the deadly accident, the non-profit launched a special fundraiser for the families of the three victims, raising more than $15,000 and counting.

"It's our way of saying we're here for you and we're doing what we can to support you," said Reed. "We're over $15,000 in donations now, and that's in less than two weeks. Donations have come through our website from individual donors and a few large private donations as well."

Identities of the Deceased Servicemen

The deceased servicemen have been identified as Capt. Seth Koval, 38, of Mooresville, Indiana; Capt. Curtis Angst, 30, of Wilmington, Ohio, and Master Sgt. Tyler Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio. They were assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker, which is located at Rickenbacker International Airport, outside Columbus. The base is named after the famous early aviator and Columbus native, Eddie Rickenbacker.

"It's actually been pretty heartwarming to see all of the community support, on and off base," Reed said, adding that the organization's mission has always been focused on supporting Ohio airmen and their loved ones. "In such a short time, we've raised about two-thirds of what we would raise in a given year to support service members and their families."

Fallen soldiers, Capt. Seth Koval, Capt. Curtis Angst, and Master Sgt. Tyler Simmons from Ohio's Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base killed in Iraq (Rickenbacker Military Families).

Since the war with Iran started in late February, more than a dozen American service members have been killed. The Ohio service members were among six killed in the refueling incident. The others were assigned to MacDill Air Force Base in Florida.

"We hope other charities and support systems are taking care of the other soldiers killed, the way we are taking care of the three from Rickenbacker," said Reed. "Of course, when we found out about this tragic event, we started brainstorming about what we could do to help."

Condolences for the Families of the Fallen

Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty of Ohio, who represents the Columbus area, offered condolences to Simmons' family on X, saying she was "heartbroken" to hear of Simmons' death. The Town Council of Mooresville, Indiana, extended its condolences to the Koval family, calling his death "a profound tragedy and a solemn reminder of the courage and sacrifice demonstrated by the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who faithfully defend our nation."

Separately, Capt. Angst's mother-in-law, Mindy McCarty-Stewart, released a statement to the media that was shared with Military.com, saying Angst "was doing what he loved mostflying and serving alongside the men and women he cared so deeply about."

Donations to assist loved ones of the fallen soldiers are still being accepted through Rickenbacker Military Families non-profit.

"Honestly, we're just feeling our way through it," said Reed, adding there's no set funding goal or amount. "We'll get to a point where we think it's appropriate to give a distribution to the families. But we don't have a ceiling. We'll keep bringing in money and sending it to the families for as long as the donations keep coming."

For more information on donations, visit www.ricmilfam.org.
Actress Sydney Sweeney is showing support for deployed U.S. troops after revealing her brother is currently serving overseas, amid the continuing Iran war.

The actor shared an Instagram Story on March 25 featuring a FaceTime call with her brother, Trent Sweeney, an active-duty U.S. Air Force airman. In the image, he appears in uniform, calling from an undisclosed location.

Receiving calls from my bro always make me happy when hes deployed, Sweeney wrote. Thinking of all our boys and girls overseas and sending my love! Thank you for your service :)

Trent Sweeney previously deployed to South Korea in 2020. It is unclear whether he is part of the roughly 2,000 troops from the Armys 82nd Airborne Division that the Pentagon recently moved into the region.

Sydney Sweeney shared an Instagram Story showing a video call with her brother, an Air Force airman, while he was deployed overseas. (Source: Instagram/@sydney_sweeney)

Deployment Comes Amid Rising Iran Tensions

His deployment comes as tensions continue to rise following the conflict with Iran. On Wednesday, Iranian officials rejected a proposal from Donald Trump aimed at ending the fighting, which began in late February after joint U.S. and Israeli airstrikes.

Recent polling reflects a complicated response at home. While Republicans broadly support military action against Iran, there are clear limits to that support, with many Americans saying they believe actions against Iran have gon too far. According to an Associated Press-NORC poll, about 63% of Republicans back airstrikes, but only around 20% support deploying U.S. ground troops.

At the same time, concerns about the wars economic impact are growing. Rising oil and gas prices have become a point of anxiety for many Americans, including within the presidents base, with roughly six in ten Republicans expressing concern about affording fuel in the coming months.

Trent Sweeney has served in an Air Force munitions squadron since around 2020 and was promoted to staff sergeant in August 2025. He has deployed multiple times during his service, though it remains unclear whether his current assignment is directly tied to the conflict involving Iran.

Sweeney has previously spoken about her brothers military service. In April 2020, as he prepared to leave for basic training during the COVID-19 pandemic, she shared childhood photos and wished him well as he began his career.

The siblings have also described a challenging upbringing, including a period in 2013 when their family lived in a one-bedroom hotel following financial hardship. In recent years, Trent has occasionally appeared alongside his sister at public events and has drawn brief attention online over social media posts he later clarified.

Sweeneys Politics Remain a Flashpoint for Fans

Sydney Sweeney has faced ongoing scrutiny over her perceived political leanings, with some fans attempting to place her within conservative circles. Public records previously identified her as a registered Republican, a detail that drew renewed attention online and prompted public praise from Donald Trump.

The actor has consistently pushed back on political labeling, emphasizing that her focus remains on her work rather than partisan identity. In a January interview, she said she has no interest in becoming a political voice, noting that much of the narrative around her views comes from outside speculation rather than her own statements.

Family connections have also contributed to the conversation. Social media photos from a 2022 family event circulated online and sparked debate, underscoring how quickly personal moments can become part of a broader cultural discussion.

Despite that attention, Sweeney has maintained that her priorities remain personal and professional rather than political. She has also spoken about her close relationship with her brother, who has publicly supported her in the past amid online criticism.

Why This Matters to Military Families

Sydney Sweeneys post reflects a routine aspect of deployment that rarely appears in policy discussions: staying in touch.

For service members overseas and their families at home, communication is often limited and unpredictable. Calls and messages depend on mission schedules, time zones, and access to reliable connections.

A short video call, like the one Sweeney shared, is typical of how many families stay connected during deployments. Those moments, while brief, are often the primary way service members maintain contact with home.
Coeur Mining Inc. (NYSE:CDE) is one of the 10 Stocks Investors Are Tracking Now.

Coeur Mining snapped a two-day losing streak on Friday, adding 5.94 percent to finish at $17.13 apiece, as investor sentiment was bolstered by the surge in prices of precious metals.

The stock rallied alongside its mining counterparts, tracking the 2-percent rally in spot prices of silver and gold, as investors fled to safer assets amid uncertainties from the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

Gold bars. Photo by Zlataky.cz on Pexels

On Friday, Israel announced that it would continue to attack Iran, despite Washingtons 10-day halt, after the Islamic Republic failed to heed warnings against striking its civilians.

The heightened tensions, however, attracted funds to silver and gold miners on bets that the metals surge would spill over to their profit margins in the future.

Coeur Mining Inc. (NYSE:CDE) is a US-based gold and silver producer that owns the Las Chispas silver-gold mine in Sonora, Mexico; the Palmarejo gold-silver complex in Chihuahua, Mexico; the Rochester silver-gold mine in Nevada; the Kensington gold mine in Alaska; and the Wharf gold mine in South Dakota.

In addition, Coeur Mining Inc. (NYSE:CDE) also owns the Silvertip polymetallic critical minerals exploration project in British Columbia.

Last year, its net income soared by 895 percent to $585.9 million from $58.9 million in 2024. Consolidated revenues increased by 96 percent to $2.07 billion from $1.054 billion year-on-year.

Of the total, gold sales amounted to $1.343 billion, or an 83 percent jump from the $734.9 million in 2024, while silver sales increased by 128 percent to $726.4 million from $319.1 million year-on-year.

While we acknowledge the potential of CDE as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 33 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 15 Stocks That Will Make You Rich in 10 Years.

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
The Rangers have re-signed right-hander Ryan Brasier, according to the transactions tracker on Brasiers MLB.com profile page. Brasier had previously signed with Rangers back in February but was released just prior to Opening Day.

He returns to the organization after having failed to make the clubs roster out of camp. A veteran of nine MLB seasons, Brasier made his debut with the Angels back in 2013 but spent most of his career as a member of the Red Sox. After struggling badly to open the year in Boston back in 2023, Brasier found himself released and caught on with L.A. on a minor league deal. He wound up turning things around in a big way with the Dodgers and turned in a sensational 0.70 ERA across 39 games with the club the rest of the way. That was enough to convince the Dodgers to bring Brasier back on a two-year deal in free agency.

Brasiers second season with the Dodgers went fairly well, though he spent a good portion of it on the injured list due to calf strain that cost him around half the year. When he was able to pitch, he was effective with a 3.54 ERA despite a 22.7% strikeout rate that was down nearly four points from his previous work with Los Angeles. That dip in strikeout rate was enough to squeeze Brasier off the clubs 40-man roster the following offseason, and as a result they traded him to the Cubs prior to the start of Spring Training. In Chicago, Brasier was once again sidelined by injuries, as he made two trips to the injured list due to a left groin strain that wound up costing him three months in total. When healthy, Brasiers strikeout rate dipped further to just 19.0% as his ERA ticked upwards to 4.50.

Once Brasier reached free agency this offseason, he found a quiet market. While his peripherals with the Cubs (including a 3.17 FIP) were fairly solid, his strikeout rate continuing to drop and his struggles to stay healthy were enough to convince teams not to look the other way on his below-average run prevention in 2025. That left Brasier to try and fight his way onto the big league roster with the Rangers after joining the organization on a minor league deal. Unfortunately, he surrendered seven runs (six earned) during eight Spring Training appearances this year and was unable to secure a spot on Texass Opening Day roster. Now that hes back with the organization, hell report to Triple-A Round Rock to open the year and get work in there as he attempts to ready himself for a big league opportunity down the line.
BSEB 10th Result 2026: Bihar Board debunks fake notice claiming Matric result announcement on March 28

Bihar Board denies viral Matric result notice claiming March 28 release. Officials call it fake and misleading, asking students to wait for confirmation. When will the real result date be announced?









Bihar Board Clarifies: Class 10 Result Not Releasing on March 28, Viral Notice Fake Bihar Board refutes viral notice on Matric result timing

Students urged to rely only on official updates and website

No Matric Result 2026 date has been announced yet Did our AI summary help?
Delhi school results for Classes 6, 7 and 8 released, check key steps to download scorecards.

Sheetal Kumari is a skilled sub-editor and content creator with expertise in digital news, multimedia storytelling, and social media content. With a strong grasp of topics like science, politics, and many more, she crafts compelling narratives, transforming complex topics and trending stories into engaging, accessible reads across various media platforms.
Alia Bhatt meets spiritual leader Sadhguru at Chennai event, seeks parenting advice on raising daughter Raha

Alia Bhatt recently met spiritual leader Sadhguru in Chennai and sought advice on raising her daughter Raha. During their conversation, Sadhguru remarked that a worried parent is not a good parent, leaving the audience amused.

Gayatri Rani March 28, 2026 / 11:46 IST























Alia Bhatt meets spiritual leader Sadhguru Alia Bhatt met Sadhguru in Chennai for parenting advice

Sadhguru told Alia that worried parents aren't good parents

Talk hosted by JITO Chennai Plus at Leela Palace Did our AI summary help?
Bollywood-style musical comedy, joint venture between India, Russia to hit theatres on April 1

A Bollywood-style musical comedy shot entirely in India is set to hit Russian cinemas on April 1, a day celebrated there as a festival of laughter. Titled Persimmon of My Love, the film marks a unique Russian-Indian collaboration, reviving a cinematic partnership not seen since the Soviet era.

PTI March 28, 2026 / 20:00 IST























Persimmon of My Love to release on April 1
Aneet Paddas sister Reet Padda makes Instagram account private after backlash over propaganda remark on Dhurandhar

Actress Aneet Padda has unexpectedly found herself at the centre of a social media storm, not for her own words but because of her sisters comments. Reet Paddas posts criticising films like Dhurandhar, The Kerala Story, and The Kashmir Files sparked widespread debate online.









Reet Padda makes Instagram account private Aneet Padda faces backlash due to her sister Reet's comments

Reet Padda called films propaganda, sparking online criticism

Aneet Padda remains silent, focusing on her upcoming film release Did our AI summary help?
Brad Pitt ready to end long-running legal battle with Angelina Jolie: Reports

After years of legal back-and-forth, Brad Pitt may finally be looking to move on from his long-standing dispute with Angelina Jolie. At the centre of their ongoing battle is the French estate Chateau Miraval, once a symbol of their relationship, now the final chapter in a years-long legal fight.









Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie legal battle update Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie near end of Chateau Miraval feud

The $500M winery is central to their legal dispute

February trial looms as both sides grow weary of battle Did our AI summary help?
Chiranjeevi donates Rs 10 lakh NTR Award cash prize on son Ram Charans birthday

Chiranjeevi donated the entire Rs 10 lakh cash prize from the NTR National Film Award to several charitable organisations on Ram Charans birthday. The funds were distributed among groups supporting the elderly, visually impaired individuals, orphaned children, and a young cancer patient.

Gayatri Rani March 28, 2026 / 13:08 IST























Chiranjeevi makes significant donation Chiranjeevi donated Rs 10 lakh NTR Award prize to charities.

Funds were split among groups for elderly, blind, and orphans.

He also supported a child undergoing cancer treatment. Did our AI summary help?
Dhurandhar 2: 'R Madhavan said yes instantly, while Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt and Arjun Rampal were unsure about the film' says Mukesh Chhabra

Even blockbusters like Dhurandhar: The Revenge have humble beginnings, and not every star was immediately on board. R Madhavan signed on straight away, while Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, and Arjun Rampal took time to decide.









Mukesh Chhabra speaks on Dhurandhar cast onboarding process Dutt and Rampal were initially hesitant to join the film

Film focused on role impact, not screen time for actors

An exam paper inspired by the film has gone viral on social media Did our AI summary help?
Justin Baldoni scores legal win in ongoing disputes with Blake Lively and Stephanie Jones, read to know more

Justin Baldoni has secured a crucial win in his ongoing legal battles with Blake Lively and former publicist Stephanie Jones. A judge has granted his team extra time to review an overwhelming number of documents, allowing them to prepare thoroughly for the next stage of the case.









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Fertilizer Kornkali is loaded into a fertilizer spreader from a transfer wagon (above) of Agrargenossenschaft Hellbach Neubukow e.G. in preparation for the subsequent cultivation of potatoes. Bernd Wustneck/dpa

The war in Iran has resulted in a 30-40% spike in the cost of mineral fertilizer since the start of the year, threatening international food prices, according to German experts.

"World market prices for nitrogen fertilizer are increasingly approaching the peak levels we saw at the start of Russia's war against Ukraine [in February 2022]," said Philipp Spinne, managing director of the German Raiffeisen Association (DRV).

In Europe, however, consumers have not yet directly felt the effects because many farmers had already purchased their spring fertilizer before the Iran war began, the Bavarian Farmers' Association told dpa.

But should the war drag on, production costs in Germany and other countries are likely to rise, and with them, producer prices, it warned.

Four years ago, the threat to global food security feared by some experts did not materialize.

This was partly because Russia  a leading fertilizer producer  benefited from the invasion of its neighbour and actually increased its fertilizer exports.

The European Union has since gradually introduced tariff increases on Russian nitrogen fertilizers.

High energy prices are primarily driving the pricing spike, with gas prices accounting for up to 90% of the costs of ammonia and nitrogen production, said Germany's Agrar industry association.

Therefore, if gas becomes more expensive, fertilizer prices automatically rise. But if farmers use less fertilizer, crop yields suffer as a result.

Europe focusing on domestic production

Although around a third of the world's traded urea and around 20% of ammonia pass through the Strait of Hormuz, the direct impact on Europe is so far regarded as minimal.

"Europe has imported hardly any fertilizer from the conflict region for years," said a spokesman for the German Agricultural Industry Association (IVA).

In the case of Germany, around 75% of nitrogen fertilizer requirements can still be met by domestic production, and slightly more in the case of potash fertilizers.

However, the indirect effects of higher gas and liquefied natural gas prices, which are impacting the European chemical and fertilizer industries, are very much being felt.

The sharp rise in gas prices in Western Europe amid the war in Ukraine has already weakened the local chemical industry.

In response, the IVA is calling for a strengthening of domestic production. The association is also advocating higher tariffs on Russian potash.
Kriti Sanon opens up on nepotism, says star kids replaced her in several films: 'There are so many actors'

Kriti Sanon opened up about nepotism in Bollywood, revealing that she has been replaced by star kids in films several times. However, the actress said that while insiders may get easier access, talent and audience acceptance ultimately determine an actors success.

Gayatri Rani March 28, 2026 / 12:45 IST























Kriti Sanon talks about nepotism Kriti Sanon says star kids often replaced her in films.

She believes talent and persistence matter more than connections.

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Kritika Kamra shares dreamy honeymoon moments with hubby Gaurav Kapur after intimate wedding

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Rahul Ramakrishna loses brother due to Paraquat poisoning; actor urges government for a ban of the weed killer

Telugu actor Rahul Ramakrishna is grieving a personal loss after his brothers tragic death due to Paraquat poisoning. The incident has prompted him to speak out, raising serious concerns about the easy availability of the highly toxic chemical and urging immediate government action.









Rahul Ramakrishna loses brother due to Paraquat poisoning Rahul Ramakrishna's brother died from Paraquat poisoning

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Thalapathy Vijays Jana Nayagan faces another delay? OTT deal reportedly cancelled amid release uncertainty

Thalapathy Vijays upcoming film Jana Nayagan is reportedly facing further delays after its OTT partner allegedly cancelled the deal due to the prolonged wait for theatrical release. The makers may now push the release to June or July 2026, possibly after Yash (actor)s Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups.

Gayatri Rani March 28, 2026 / 08:27 IST























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Vijay's Jana Nayagan likely his last film before politics Did our AI summary help?
You must always have a plan: Boman Irani

Boman Irani shared inspiring advice at the International Film Festival of Delhi (IFFD), emphasising the importance of planning, creating, and constantly reinventing oneself.

PTI March 28, 2026 / 18:36 IST























Boman Irani latest interview
YouTuber UK 07 Rider Anurag Dobhal welcomes first child with Ritika Chauhan

Anurag Dobhal and his wife Ritika Chauhan have welcomed their first child on the occasion of Ram Navami. Ritika shared the news on Instagram, calling the baby their most precious gift, though the couple has not yet revealed the babys gender.

Gayatri Rani March 28, 2026 / 13:32 IST























Anurag Dobhal welcomed his first child Anurag Dobhal and Ritika Chauhan welcomed their first child.

The couple has not revealed the baby's gender yet.

Anurag recently made headlines for a fatal accident incident. Did our AI summary help?
Vijaypat Singhania, a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, was also a keen aviator and held a world record for the highest altitude gained in a hot air balloon.
Govt launches anti-LPG cylinder hoarding drive in Chhattisgarh: 3,841 cylinders seized; 97 FIRs filed

Chhattisgarh chief minister directed authorities to closely monitor the stock and supply of cooking gas and petroleum products, and to take strict action against hoarding and profiteering.

PTI March 28, 2026 / 18:27 IST























Representative image Chhattisgarh seized 3,841 LPG cylinders to prevent hoarding

CM assures smooth supply of LPG and essential goods statewide

State sets up control rooms to monitor and address supply issues Did our AI summary help?
Accel, ValueQuest-backed Rentomojo files draft papers to raise funds via IPO, fresh issue size at Rs 150 crore

Rentomojo IPO | The Bengaluru-based company proposed to raise Rs 150 crore by issuing fresh shares, while existing shareholders will be selling up to 2.83 crore equity shares via offer-for-sale.

Sunil Shankar Matkar March 28, 2026 / 06:37 IST























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Promoters hold 21.51% stake in Rentomojo, public own 73.66% shares Did our AI summary help?
KPMG plans to cut hundreds of jobs in auditing division

Impacted employees were informed that they could be laid off, subject to a redundancy consultation, according to a memo to staff seen by Bloomberg News.









KPMG (Courtesy: Bloomberg photo)
Montero Mining advances Elvira gold drill targets - ICYMI Proactive uses images sourced from Shutterstock

Montero Mining and Exploration Ltd (TSX-V:MON, OTC:MXTRF) earlier this week outlined progress at the Elvira Gold Project in Chile, where ongoing exploration has identified high-priority target areas ahead of a planned drilling campaign.

The companys chief executive Tony Harwood said the project, which was secured under an option agreement in October, has a long exploration history but has not previously been fully understood.

He noted that despite over 30 years of intermittent work by various operators, the presence of a large surface alteration system had not been adequately explained.

Harwood explained that earlier drilling campaigns delivered some encouraging results but were generally shallow and based on outdated exploration models. He added that Montero Mining is taking a more modern, integrated approach by combining historical datasets with new geological, geophysical and remote sensing work.

According to Harwood, the company has completed detailed geological mapping and geophysical surveys, including induced polarization (IP) resistivity and magnetics, alongside remote sensing to better understand structural controls and alteration patterns.

The company is also leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to process historical and newly acquired datasets.

He said the work has led to the identification of a large hydrothermal system, which the company interprets as a potential gold-bearing system within a broader district-scale environment. Harwood described it as a large hydrothermal gold system, within a district scale of a high sulphide system, highlighting the scale potential of the discovery.

While several priority exploration zones have already been outlined, Harwood emphasised that ongoing geochemical analysis will be key to refining these targets. He stated that once all datasets are integrated, the company will define final drill locations.

Looking ahead, Montero Mining intends to target both near-surface and deeper mineralisation, potentially within an epithermal or porphyry gold system. Harwood noted that careful pre-drilling work is essential, particularly given the high costs associated with drilling, and is expected to improve the probability of success.

The upcoming catalysts for the company include the release of detailed geochemical results and the finalisation of drill targets, which could set the stage for a focused drilling programme aimed at unlocking the project's full potential.
Moneycontrol Pro Weekender | An Entirely Reassuring Account of the War on Iran

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Adani Defence delivers first batch of 2,000 'Prahar' light machine guns to Indian Army

The 7.62 mm-calibre weapon has been manufactured by Adani Defence and Aerospace at its Small Arms Complex located on the outskirts of Gwalior.

PTI March 28, 2026 / 15:27 IST














Amit Shah unveils 'chargesheet' against TMC's 15-year rule ahead of West Bengal Assembly polls

Shah asserted that the upcoming polls carry significance beyond Bengal and are connected to national security, adding that winning is crucial to ensure security and tackle illegal migrants









Home minister Amit Shah
India is heavily dependent on LPG imports from the Persian Gulf and has faced an acute shortage of the fuel, with only a handful of vessels making the journey through Hormuz
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar likely to resign from MLC post soon

According to PTI, Kumar, who was elected to the Upper House on March 16, is expected to step down from the MLC position soon.









Nitish Kumar Nitish Kumar to resign as MLC after Rajya Sabha election

He may remain Bihar CM for up to six months per Article 164(4)

Succession talks ongoing; Samrat Choudhary's name mentioned Did our AI summary help?
Goa nightclub fire: Court denies bail to Luthra brothers in forgery case

The Luthras owned Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora village of North Goa, where a fire broke out on December 6, 2025, killing 25 people and injuring 50 others.

PTI March 28, 2026 / 11:22 IST























Gaurav Luthra, center, and Saurabh Luthra, right, had fled to Thailand after the fire. (Courtesy: PTI photo)
The New York Times had earlier this week reported that the Tesla and SpaceX chief was also present during the call, though it was unclear why he attended the discussion
New $1 billion Noida airport to test Indias buildout boom

Landowners are rushing to put up dummy houses to inflate valuations, leaving behind piles of bricks and debris









Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Noida International Airport on March 28 Jewar sees real estate boom after airport inauguration

Noida airport targets 12 million passengers a year

Major airlines show interest as Jewar lowers airport charges Did our AI summary help?
Nitish Kumar, Nitin Nabin to take oath as Rajya Sabha MPs on April 10

Bihar Rural Development Minister Sharwan Kumar had earlier indicated that Kumar may continue to hold CM's office for up to six months even after being elected to the Rajya Sabha, a development that came amid growing political chatter over his possible successor.









Nitish Kumar Nitish Kumar to take oath as Rajya Sabha MP on April 10

He may stay Bihar CM six months after entering Rajya Sabha

Speculation grows over Samrat Choudhary as possible next CM Did our AI summary help?
PM Modi inaugurates phase 1 of Noida International Airport at Jewar

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Governor Anandiben Patel were also present at the inauguration ceremony.
TMC counters Shah's 'chargesheet' with similar document; seeks answer for Manipur violence

Hours after Shah's press conference in Kolkata, the incumbent TMC questioned the BJP-led Centre over the prolonged violence in Manipur, women's safety in BJP-ruled states and the Centre's handling of illegal immigration

PTI March 28, 2026 / 21:18 IST























TMC's Mahua Moitra
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The controversy stems from a report by The New York Times, which cited US officials confirming Billionaire Elon Musk's participation in a phone conversation with US President Trump and PM Modi.

Rewati Karan is Senior Sub Editor at Moneycontrol. She covers law, politics, business, and national affairs. She was previously Principal Correspondent at Financial Express and Copyeditor at ThePrint where she wrote feature stories and covered legal news. She has also worked extensively in social media, videos and podcasts at ThePrint and India Today. She can be reached at rewati.karan@nw18.com | Twitter: @RewatiKaran
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Shubham Agarwal is a CEO & Head of Research at Quantsapp Pvt. Ltd. He has been into many major kinds of market research and has been a programmer himself in Tens of programming languages. Earlier to the current position, Shubham has served for Motilal Oswal as Head of Quantitative, Technical & Derivatives Research and as a Technical Analyst at JM Financial.
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Catherine Wieland, 33, from Goring-by-Sea in West Sussex, had claimed that severe anxiety prevented her from going outside, forming the basis of her application for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), a benefit intended for individuals with long-term health conditions, according to the BBC.









At the same time, she had declared that her condition prevented her from carrying out basic daily tasks, including cooking and maintaining personal hygiene.
'Is his entire cabinet listening?': Trump says he likes hanging out with 'losers', sparks meme fest

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Pentagon is lying to us: Nick Fuentes claims Iran hit USS Gerald R. Ford

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President and CEO Michael Steinmann said the company has continued active exploration at La Colorada since the original PEA in early 2024, reporting high-grade drill results over the last two years and identifying multiple new high-grade silver zones as well as replacement-style mineralization east and southeast of the currently defined mineral resource. He also referenced a September 2025 update that added 52.7 million ounces of silver to inferred resources in veins northeast of the current operation.

Vice President of Investor Relations Siren Fisekci noted the discussion included forward-looking statements and referenced a March 24, 2026 news release announcing the revised PEA results. The company said an updated technical report for the La Colorada property, including the revised PEA, is expected to be filed within 45 days and will be available on SEDAR+ and the companys website.

Pan American Silver (NYSE:PAAS) management outlined a revised Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for the companys La Colorada Skarn project during a webcast and conference call, describing a new development plan that combines expansion of the skarn deposit with recently identified high-grade silver vein discoveries on the broader La Colorada property.

The development plan shifts to conventional long-hole open stoping with paste backfill (vs. earlier sub-level caving), and recent explorationincluding a September 2025 update adding about 52.7 million ounces of silver to inferred vein resourcesprovides significant upside that could extend peak production or enable future expansion.

Production and economics are robust: peak silver output is forecast at about 19.1 million ounces/year for five years (then ~11 Moz/year for 10 years), with a standalone incremental after-tax NPV (5%) of ~ $2.6 billion and IRR of 17% at base-case metal prices (rising to ~ $5.2 billion NPV and 25% IRR in a higher-price scenario), and an expected four-year payback at base case and negative AISC (~ -$22.67/oz ) in the initial five years due to zinc/lead by-product credits.

The revised PEA blends expansion of the La Colorada skarn with newly discovered high-grade veins into an "expanded La Colorada mine," with a decline starting in 2026, two surface shafts engineered by 2030, a new 15,000 tpd processing plant targeting initial skarn production in 2032, and total capital investment of $1.9 billion expected to be funded mainly from Pan Americans operating cash flow (shafts/plant/tailings will require permits while the decline does not).

Story Continues

With those exploration results, Steinmann said Pan American took a fresh look at development and produced a revised PEA that contemplates running the existing La Colorada mine while simultaneously developing the higher-grade portion of the skarn deposit and newly identified high-grade veins.

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Key elements of the revised development approach discussed on the call included:

Construction of a decline from the 588 level of the existing mine to access the skarn deposit, with preliminary work expected to begin in 2026. Management said this decline does not require additional permitting.

Engineering work in 2026 for two conventionally sunk shafts from surface (a production shaft and a ventilation shaft), expected to be completed by 2030 to support both the skarn and newly discovered vein zones.

Construction of a new 15,000-ton-per-day processing plant timed for initial skarn production in 2032, intended to process all La Colorada production (including reserves and resources from the vein system and the high-grade skarn portion).

Steinmann said total capital investment for the project is estimated at $1.9 billion over about six years, with the heaviest spending in the final three years as the new plant is built. He added that the company currently expects to fund the capital through cash flow from Pan Americans operating mines. Additional permits would be required for the shafts, the new processing plant, and tailings facility expansion, management said.

Production outlook and mining method changes

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Management described the overall concept as an expanded La Colorada mine, which Steinmann said could position La Colorada as one of the largest and lowest-cost silver mines in the world. During the peak five years following construction and ramp-up, silver production is expected to average 19.1 million ounces annually, followed by an average of 11 million ounces per year for another 10 years before declining through the remainder of a 37-year mine life.

Steinmann emphasized exploration upside, including four new high-grade veins discovered to the southeast of the current mine, and said additional mineralization could extend peak silver output. The revised PEA assumes conventional long-hole open stoping with paste backfill, a method the company said it already uses across its underground operations. Steinmann contrasted that with the original PEA, which contemplated developing only the skarn using sub-level caving, noting that cave mining would only be considered as part of a potential future expansion.

Standalone project economics and cost profile in the revised PEA

Management said the revised PEAs economics are specific to development of the skarn and vein mineral resources, and do not include the current operations mineral reserves in the mine plan or economics for the skarn project, citing NI 43-101 reporting requirements.

On a standalone basis, Steinmann said the revised PEA estimates an incremental after-tax net present value (NPV) discounted at 5% of approximately $2.6 billion and an after-tax internal rate of return (IRR) of 17% using the companys long-term base case metal prices of $45/oz silver, $2,800/ton zinc, and $2,000/ton lead. Under a higher price scenario of $75/oz silver, $3,400/ton zinc, and $2,000/ton lead, Pan American estimates the incremental after-tax NPV (5% discount) rises to about $5.2 billion and after-tax IRR to 25%.

At the base case prices, the company estimated a four-year payback on the initial $1.9 billion investment, improving to about three years in the higher price scenario. The project is expected to generate average annual free cash flow of $653 million in the initial five years after construction and plant ramp-up at base case prices, or $988 million annually in the higher price scenario. Steinmann said those figures are incremental to free cash flow from the existing La Colorada mine reserves during the same periods.

Steinmann also highlighted projected operating margins, stating silver all-in sustaining costs are expected to average negative $22.67 per ounce over the initial five-year period due to by-product credits from zinc and lead. At base case prices, management said revenue is expected to be about 42% silver, 39% zinc, and 19% lead; in the upside scenario, silvers revenue contribution increases to 51%.

Q&A: partner interest, CapEx drivers, ventilation, and permitting timeline

During the Q&A, Steinmann said the change in approach was not driven by a lack of partner interest. Instead, he cited a preference for a higher grade, lower capital, way lower risk path that he said also delivers higher silver output than anticipated in the original PEA. When asked about partnering, Steinmann said Pan American could easily do this project on its own, though discussions continue around elements such as zinc offtake.

On cost details, an executive (Steve) said the revised PEA reports a combined direct mining cost of $54.50 per ton for the skarn and additional vein resources, compared with approximately $160 to $180 per ton today for the current vein mine, attributing the lower blended cost to larger skarn stopes. He said mining methods for the veins are assumed to remain similar to current practice, although the company intends to evaluate opportunities during pre-feasibility trade-off studies.

On ventilation and heat, Martin said the project plan includes significant ventilation and refrigeration allowances, including 905 cubic meters per second of ventilation and an additional 21 MW of refrigeration power, with an aim to keep the working environment below roughly 28.530 degrees Celsius wet bulb temperature. He added the company is also evaluating remote operations to reduce personnel exposure underground.

Regarding next steps, management said it is defining the scope and schedule to advance toward a pre-feasibility study, but did not provide a target release date, indicating it would likely come in or after 2027 depending on requirements. On permitting, management said discussions with regulators are ongoing and it has not been determined whether an environmental impact assessment update is required.

Steinmann said the company expects preliminary work on the 588 level decline to begin soon, along with continued exploration and definition drilling in the skarn and eastern portions of the vein system. He also pointed investors to a June 1 Investor Day, where he said the company plans to share more detail on the project.

About Pan American Silver (NYSE:PAAS)

Pan American Silver Corp. (NYSE: PAAS) is a Vancouver-based mining company and one of the worlds largest primary silver producers. The companys core activities encompass the exploration, development, extraction and processing of silver, with significant by-product production of gold, zinc and lead. Pan American Silver maintains a vertically integrated operating model, covering the full mining value chain from resource discovery through to refined metal production.

With a geographic footprint concentrated across the Americas, Pan American Silver operates multiple mines in Mexico, Peru, Argentina and Bolivia, and is advancing several development and exploration projects in Chile and Ecuador.

The article "Pan American Silver Unveils Revised La Colorada PEA, Adds High-Grade Veins to Skarn Plan" was originally published by MarketBeat.
Rs 44 lakh pension fraud: UP man kept dead mother 'alive' on records for 7 years to withdraw funds

For seven years, a Meerut man allegedly submitted fake life certificates to keep his dead mother's pension active. He withdrew over Rs 44 lakh through ATM and UPI transactions before bank officials flagged the fraud.
'I didn't want anybody...': US-based burger chain CEO rewards staff with Rs 15 crore bonus after heavy workload

Five Guys rewarded employees with nearly $1.5 million (Rs 15 Crore) in bonuses after a promotional campaign overwhelmed its outlets. The move drew attention as the company acknowledged staff efforts following the operational chaos.









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Promotion was reintroduced with better planning in March Did our AI summary help?
This is great plan: Woman pays Rs 2,820 to live in care home, offers companionship to elderly residents

Zhang found a low rent home in exchange for caring for elderly residents in Suzhou. Now the only volunteer left, she said the experience eased her stress and loneliness while supporting an ageing population.









Zhang Jin, 25, eased her living pressure while supporting the ageing population. (Image credit: Pexels) Zhang Jin lives cheaply while volunteering at Suzhou nursing home

Spends weekends assisting elderly residents with care

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Will give free IPL tickets to MLAs if...': Bengaluru man's promise amid RCB vs SRH row goes viral

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You are liar: Foreigner asks ChatGPT real price after vendor charges Rs 300 for bhelpuri

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Asteroid Alert! A massive 83-foot and fast-moving space rock to come near Earth today, NASA confirms

A fast-moving asteroid, 2026 FR2, will pass Earth at a close distance, but if it poses no danger, why are scientists still watching it so carefully?









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NASA confirms no threat from asteroid, but monitoring continues

India eyes future asteroid missions with global partners Did our AI summary help?
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PS5 price hike: Sony increases console prices globally; heres how it affects Indian buyers

Excerpt (30 words): Sony has announced a fresh PS5 price hike globally citing rising costs, with prices increasing by up to $150. Indian buyers may see a similar hike soon. Introduction Sony has announced a new global price hike for its PlayStation 5 lineup, including the PS5, PS5 Digital Edition, and PS5 Pro. The revised prices will come into effect from April 2, 2026, marking the second increase in less than a year. The company said the decision was driven by continued pressures in the global economic landscape, including rising component costs such as memory chips. New global prices announced Sony has increased prices across all major PS5 models. In the US, the standard PS5 now costs $649.99, while the Digital Edition is priced at $599.99, both seeing a $100 increase. The PS5 Pro has received the steepest hike of $150 and is now priced at $899.99. The PlayStation Portal remote player has also become more expensive, now costing $249.99 compared to its earlier $199.99 price. Similar price revisions have been rolled out in markets including the UK, Europe, and Japan, reflecting a broad global adjustment across Sonys gaming hardware. Why Sony increased PS5 prices Sony attributed the price hike to rising costs of key components and ongoing global economic pressures. The demand for memory and semiconductor components has increased, partly driven by artificial intelligence workloads, pushing up manufacturing costs. The company said the move was taken after evaluation to ensure it can continue delivering gaming hardware while managing rising expenses. This is the second such revision within a year, following a $50 increase announced in 2025. What it means for Indian buyers India has not been officially included in the price announcement, but a price increase is expected in the coming months. Historically, Sony has adjusted India pricing in line with global changes. Currently, the PS5 Digital Edition is priced at around Rs 49,990, while the disc version costs about Rs 54,990. With the new global hike, industry estimates suggest prices in India could rise further once new stock arrives. Retail pricing in India is influenced by import duties, currency fluctuations, and supply conditions, which could amplify the impact of global price changes. What buyers should keep in mind Indian buyers planning to purchase a PS5 may consider current pricing before the revised rates are reflected locally. Existing inventory with retailers may still be available at older prices for a limited period. However, once new shipments arrive after April, higher prices are likely to be implemented. Buyers may also see variations in pricing across online and offline retailers depending on stock availability. Sony has advised customers in markets outside its primary list to check with local retailers for updated pricing.

Sarthak Singh March 28, 2026 / 08:31 IST























PS5 Sony announces global PS5 price hike effective April 2, 2026

US PS5 prices rise by $100, PS5 Pro up by $150

India likely to see PS5 price increase after new stock arrives Did our AI summary help?

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At CPAC, a generational divide over Republican support for Israel

The Iran war, including Israel's role in it, emerged as one of the main flashpoints at CPAC, which for decades has served as a central gathering for Republican politicians and activists

Reuters March 28, 2026 / 16:01 IST























People attend the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) USA 2026 at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center, in Grapevine, Texas, U.S. March 27, 2026. REUTERS/Callaghan O'Hare Gaetz's CPAC speech highlights GOP rift over Israel support

Younger Republicans question military aid and ties to Israel

Evangelicals and older voters remain strongly pro-Israel Did our AI summary help?
Did Trump say Iran attacked USS Ford from '17 angles'? Here's the truth

Edited clips from the speech were circulated on X alongside the claim that US President Trump had spoken about an Iranian strike on the USS Gerald R. Ford.









(file image) Trumps USS Gerald R. Ford comments misrepresented online

He referenced Venezuela, not Iran, in the original speech

USS Gerald R. Ford's March fire was unrelated to any attack Did our AI summary help?
She explained Skeenas investment thesis as partly driven by the historical cutoff grade, saying Barricks process plant later operated with a cutoff grade of 15 grams per ton and that Skeena sought to understand what may have been left behind at that threshold. Skeena is now reconceptualizing Eskay Creek as an open pit, with an average annual production rate in the first five years of about 450,000 ounces of gold-equivalent , and a gold-equivalent grade of approximately 5.5 grams per ton over that period, which she said is roughly triple the global open-pit average.

Meleger described Eskay Creek as an iconic and legendary former Barrick-owned mine and a brownfield site that previously operated as an underground mine. She said historical grades were exceptionally high, citing gold grades above 45 grams per ton and silver grades above 2,000 grams per ton, and added that the mine was placed on care and maintenance in 2008 during the global financial crisis.

Meleger told the Kinvestor audience that the company has had a really big and busy year, noting that Skeenas share price had risen from around C$15 per share at the time of the prior years update to roughly C$40 per share on the TSX. She said the company has now received all permits required to advance and develop Eskay Creek and has a clear line of sight to production and cash flow in Q2 2027 . Meleger added that project construction progress was approaching the halfway mark at the end of February 2026.

Skeena Resources (NYSE:SKE) highlighted a series of recent milestones and updated investors on development progress at its fully permitted Eskay Creek Gold-Silver Project in British Columbias Golden Triangle, according to a prerecorded presentation by Vice President of Investor Relations Galina Meleger.

The project was fully financed in mid2024 with Orion and Blackstone (including a gold stream with buyback provisions), the company is exploring refinancing with KKR , and permitting included a landmark Section 7 Indigenous authorization plus ~ 77% Tahltan Nation approval.

The 2023 DFS economics (at current CAD spot prices) show an after-tax NPV of ~ C$9 billion , an IRR of 107% and payback under eight months, with projected annual EBITDA of ~ C$2.6 billion and after-tax free cash flow of ~ C$1.6 billion ; an updated NI 43-101 is expected later this year and may include the nearby Snip satellite to smooth production and extend mine life.

Skeena's Eskay Creek is now fully permitted and roughly 49% complete , with management saying there is a clear line of sight to first production and cash flow in Q2 2027 , supported by low-cost hydro power (~C$0.065/kWh) and targeted early production of about 450,000 oz gold-equivalent per year at ~ 5.5 g/t in years 15.

Story Continues

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Meleger emphasized that a combination of high grades and low power costs supports the projects targeted cost position. She pointed to nearby hydroelectric facilities located about 17 kilometers from the mine that she said would allow the project to source power for about C$0.065 per kWh.

Permitting and Indigenous partnership

On permitting, Meleger said Skeena is the first company in Canadian history to have an Indigenous government authorize permits together with the Province of British Columbia through a landmark Section 7 agreement. She added the project was placed on B.C.s fast-track list in 2025, which she said contributed to multiple approvals being received close together in February 2026.

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She listed the approvals as arriving within one week, including:

Environmental Assessment certificate

Mines Act permit

Environmental Management Act permit

Federal assessment

Meleger also cited an impact benefit referendum vote in December 2025 with approximately 77% approval, which she characterized as strong support from the Tahltan Nation and local communities.

Because of the fast-track status and support from the province and the Tahltan Nation, Meleger said Skeena was able to advance a significant portion of construction prior to receiving final permitsone reason, she said, the project was nearing the halfway mark of construction progress.

Economics, valuation discussion, and upcoming technical update

Referencing the companys 2023 definitive feasibility study (DFS), Meleger presented economics using prices she described as spot prices today in Canadian dollars$4,800 gold and $76 per ounce silver. Under those assumptions, she cited an after-tax NPV of about C$9 billion, an IRR of 107%, and a payback period of less than eight months.

She also discussed projected financial metrics over the first five years of production, including estimated annual EBITDA of about C$2.6 billion and annual after-tax free cash flow of about C$1.6 billion. Meleger then outlined illustrative valuation approaches based on applying multiples to those figures, while noting they were derived from the 2023 DFS. She said the company expects to publish an updated NI 43-101 later in the year that will refresh the underlying numbers.

Mine plan optimization and the Snip satellite concept

Meleger said the 2023 DFS production profile was very front-loaded, with higher grades and ounces in years one through six followed by a drop-off. She said one planned feature of the upcoming NI 43-101 update is the potential incorporation of a satellite ore body into the mine plan: an ex-Barrick asset called Snip, located about 40 kilometers from the Eskay Creek mill. The concept would involve trucking ore from Snip to be processed at Eskay Creek, which she said could smooth out the later-year dip and extend mine life.

She added that some measured and indicated grades at Snip are about 9 grams per ton. She also said the company is conducting work to optimize pit walls to deepen the pit and potentially capture additional underground components and higher-grade lenses.

Financing, streaming, and construction progress

Meleger said the project was fully financed in June 2024 through an agreement with Orion and Blackstone, and that Skeena drew down on the gold stream for most of 2025 to fund construction. She said the condition precedent for drawing on a senior secured loan was receipt of permits, which the company obtained in February.

She said Skeena has been open about its desire to refinance the senior secured loan and cost contingency, and is working with KKR as an advisor on a potential refinancing that could reduce the cost of capital and support a buyback of some or all of the gold stream. Meleger said the buyback provision allows the company to buy back two-thirds of the stream at an 18% computed IRR, and she said discussions were ongoing with Orion and Blackstone regarding buying back that portion sooner and potentially the remaining one-third as well.

On construction status, Meleger said the project was about 45% complete at year-end and about 49% complete at the end of February. She described progress on earthworks, the start of the main pit, and development of water management infrastructure. She said the process plant was enclosed by December, enabling interior work through winter. Meleger added that grinding mills had been shipped to the Port of Stewart and were expected to be installed in coming months, and that the site is expected to be fully energized by the end of 2026.

Meleger also highlighted reserves and metal mix, citing about 4.6 million ounces of gold-equivalent in reserves, with roughly 80% in the proven category. She described the revenue split as approximately 65% gold and 35% silver, and said the mine plan anticipates producing about 9.5 million ounces of silver per year in years one through five, with life-of-mine silver production of about 7.7 million ounces per year and 88 million ounces of silver in reserves. She said none of the silver has been streamed.

In closing, Meleger said the company is approximately 65%70% institutionally held, has 121 million shares outstanding, and is covered by 11 banks. She reiterated that, following the elimination of what she described as key risks including discovery, financing, and permitting, the companys focus from here to first production is execution and delivering on schedule and budget.

About Skeena Resources (NYSE:SKE)

Skeena Resources Limited explores for and develops mineral properties in Canada. The company explores for gold, silver, copper, and other precious metal deposits. It holds 100% interests in the Snip gold mine comprising one mining lease and nine mineral tenures that covers an area of approximately 4,724 hectares; and the Eskay Creek gold mine that consists of eight mineral leases, two surface leases, and various unpatented mining claims comprising 7,666 hectares located in British Columbia, Canada.

The article "Skeena Resources Says Eskay Creek Is Fully Permitted, Targets First Cash Flow in Q2 2027" was originally published by MarketBeat.
Donald Trump mocks Saudi Crown Prince: 'He didn't think he'd be kissing my a**'

The comments come nearly a month into the US-Israel campaign against Iran, launched on February 28 with major strikes targeting its military and nuclear infrastructure









US President Donald Trump
Elon Musk joined TrumpModi call on Iran war, reports New York Times

Elon Musk joined a rare high-level call between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi to discuss the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz crisis, The New York Times reports.









Musk appears on highlevel TrumpModi phone call about Iran conflict
Ex-Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli arrested over 2025 Gen Z protest crackdown

During the Gen Z protest, 77 people lost their lives and government as well as private property worth billions was destroyed.









KP Sharma Oli (Courtesy: AP file photo)
How Asias air travel crisis risks spreading on Iran wars jet fuel squeeze

The amount of jet fuel lost because of the conflict is ultimately too much for the worlds refiners to offset









In March, global refinery output of jet fuel and kerosene is estimated to drop by about 600,000 barrels a day from the previous month Jet fuel shortages from Iran war hit Asia, may spread to Europe

Airlines cancel flights, jet fuel prices surge to record highs

Europe and US face risk of similar disruptions in coming weeks Did our AI summary help?
Indonesia starts first Southeast Asia social media ban for kids

There has been mounting alarm over cyberbullying, pornography, online fraud and compulsive screen use in a country where social media has become deeply embedded in daily life and where about 70 million people are under the age of 16.









Social media app icons on a smartphone. (Courtesy: Bloomberg photo)
US troop injuries surpass 300 as Iran strikes Saudi air base amid escalating conflict

U.S. Central Command confirmed Friday that over 300 service members have been hurt since hostilities began, noting that most have since resumed duty. However, around 30 troops remain sidelined, including 10 listed as seriously injured.









The latest incident unfolded Friday when Iran launched a barrage of six ballistic missiles and 29 drones targeting Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. 300+ U.S. troops wounded, 13 killed in Iran conflict

Iran missile and drone strike injured 15 at Saudi air base Friday

USS Tripoli and other U.S. military assets deployed to region Did our AI summary help?
Iran ballistic missile attack kills one in Tel Aviv amid escalating Israel-Iran conflict

A 60-year-old man was killed and several others injured after Iran launched a missile strike on Tel Aviv, marking a sharp escalation in the ongoing Israel-Iran hostilities.









One killed, several injured in Iran missile barrage on southern, central Israel
Iran claims they hit American F-16, dismantled 120 unexploded US and Israeli 'cluster bombs'

In a statement linked to the force, officials said the aircraft was hit south of Fars province, adding that the action was carried out through Irans air defence systems.









The Guards said they had located and neutralised a large number of unexploded munitions in the same region. Iran claims it targeted a US F-16 jet over southern Fars province

IRGC says 122 cluster bombs found and destroyed near Shiraz

Iran president backs Pakistans Middle East peace mediation Did our AI summary help?
Iran military says targeted US vessel near Oman port

A logistics vessel supporting the aggressive US army was targeted, Iran said

AFP March 28, 2026 / 15:08 IST























Representative image
Soybeans saw gains of 1  to 5  cent gains in the front months on Thursday. The cmdtyView national average Cash Bean price was up 2 1/4 cents at $11.00 1/4. Soymeal futures were up 30 cents to $2.30, with Soy Oil futures up 42 to 96 points.

Export Sales data from this morning showed sales at 668,901 MT for the 2025/26 marketing year. That was the largest in 5 weeks and down 15.42% from the same week last year. China was the buyer of 263,000 MT (260,000 MT switched from unknown), with 201,500 MT sold to Germany and 164,100 MT to Mexico. New crop sales were 27,000 MT, which was sold to unknown (25,000 MT) and Taiwan (2,000 MT).

More News from Barchart

Meal sales were the highest since mid-December at 507,601, exceeding the estimated range of 150,000-400,000 MT. Bean oil sales totaled 753 MT, which was in the middle of the estimated range of net reductions of 20,000 MT to sales of 24,000 MT.

NASS March Intentions data will be out on Tuesday next week, with traders looking for 85.55 million acres of soybeans planted this spring. That would be up 4.33 million acres if realized.

May 26 Soybeans closed at $11.73 3/4, up 2 cents,

Nearby Cash was $11.00 1/4, up 2 1/4 cents,

Jul 26 Soybeans closed at $11.89 1/2, up 1 3/4 cents,

Nov 26 Soybeans closed at $11.52 3/4, up 2 3/4 cents,

New Crop Cash was $10.91 3/4, up 2 3/4 cents,

On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com
Iran war has dented China's global ambition. Ex-US diplomat explains how

I think they look like a fickle friend to both the Iranians and also the Venezuelans, said veteran American diplomat Nicholas Burns









The war in Iran has had a 'a decisive impact' on US-China relations, the former diplomat said China failed to support Iran and stayed silent on US in Venezuela

Burns says China appears fickle to both Iran and Venezuela

China's absence in recent Middle East negotiations noted by Burns Did our AI summary help?
Iran will never go nuclear, India can help aid peace efforts: Khameneis representative

According to him, a resolution to the conflict in West Asia depends on the nations that started the fight, and he dismissed Pakistans assertion that it is acting as a mediator between Iran and the US









Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, the representative of Irans supreme leader in India Iran's doctrine forbids nuclear weapons, says Ilahi

Iran denies Pakistan's role as mediator in US-Iran talks

Ilahi says India can help resolve West Asia conflict Did our AI summary help?
Israel strikes Iran naval weapons headquarters amid widening regional conflict

The IDF struck the headquarters of the Iranian terrorist regime's Marine Industries Organization, the statement said, describing the site as central to military production, according to AFP.









In the Gulf, industrial damage was reported following Iranian attacks. Israeli forces hit Irans Marine Industries site in Tehran

Iranian missile attacks damaged Abu Dhabi's Al Taweelah site

Israeli strike in Lebanon kills 3 journalists, sparks outrage Did our AI summary help?
A police officer looks at the destroyed car of Lebanese journalists Al Mayadeen reporter Fatima Ftouni and cameraman Mohammed Ftouni, and Al Manar reporter Ali Shaib, killed by a targeted Israeli strike, amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. Reuters
JD Vance on US-Iran war: 'Going to be out of there soon, gas prices going to come back down'

Speaking in an interview with conservative podcaster Benny Johnson, Vance said the administrations objective is to complete its mission decisively before pulling out.









JD Vance JD Vance says US aims for a short, decisive mission in Iran

US strikes Iranian naval assets; visuals released by military

Iran says it hit US sites with missiles, warns neighbors Did our AI summary help?
Karoline Leavitt says Trump has great relationship with PM Modi amid reports Elon Musk joined Tuesdays call

US Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump has a great relationship with PM Modi after Elon Musk reportedly joined their call on the Middle East crisis.









Karoline Leavitt says Trump has great relationship with PM Modi amid reports Elon Musk joined call
Iran escalated its conflict by striking Kuwaits airport and targeting US-linked sites in Dubai, disrupting Gulf infrastructure and shipping. Missile exchanges and diplomatic efforts continue as the war expands, threatening global trade and regional stability.

Did our AI summary help?
Nepals former PM Olis arrest draws criticism from political parties

Hours after Oli's arrest, CPN (UML) called an emergency Central Secretariat meeting to decide the partys next course of action.

PTI March 28, 2026 / 14:02 IST























Ex-Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli.
One month into Iran war, only hard choices left for Trump

The central question now, say analysts, is whether Trump is ready to wind down or ramp up what critics have called a war of choice

Reuters March 28, 2026 / 23:02 IST























Trump has told aides he wants to avoid a forever war and find a negotiated exit, urging them to stress the four-to-six-week duration of hostilities he has outlined publicly Trump faces tough choices amid escalating war with Iran

Iran blocks Gulf oil shipments, causing global energy shock

Trump's approval rating drops to 36% as war remains unpopular Did our AI summary help?
Among the organisations highlighted are Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, both identified as key actors in major attacks on India.

Rewati Karan is Senior Sub Editor at Moneycontrol. She covers law, politics, business, and national affairs. She was previously Principal Correspondent at Financial Express and Copyeditor at ThePrint where she wrote feature stories and covered legal news. She has also worked extensively in social media, videos and podcasts at ThePrint and India Today. She can be reached at rewati.karan@nw18.com | Twitter: @RewatiKaran
Wheat is higher so far on Friday AM trade. The wheat complex found some renewed strength on Thursday. Chicago SRW futures were 4  to 7  cents higher in the front months on the day. Open interest was up 2,130 contracts on Thursday. KC HRW futures saw 4 to 9 cent gains on the Thursday session. OI rose 2,090 contracts. MPLS spring wheat was up 4  to 5 cents in the green at the close.

Weekly Export Sales from Thursday showed 397,245 MT in wheat bookings in the week of March 19. That was more than double the week prior and nearly 4 times the same week last year. The Philippines was the top buyer of 69,700 MT, with 67,800 MT sold to Taiwan, and 63,700 MT to Mexico. New crop sales were tallied at 205,750 MT, which was a slight drop from last week. South Korea was the top buyer of 81,000 MT, with 56,000 MT sold to the Philippines.

More News from Barchart

March Intentions data will be out on Tuesday, as traders are looking for 44.79 million acres of wheat this year, down 544,000 acres from a year ago if realized.

European Commission data estimates EU ending stocks at 11 MMT for 2026/27, which would be down 14.7 MMT from last year. That comes with production seen down 8.3 MMT to 125.9 MMT. Algeria purchased a total of an estimated 690,000 MT of wheat in a tender on Thursday. FranceAgriMer data showed the countrys winter wheat ratings at 84% good/excellent, matching the week priors rating.

May 26 CBOT Wheat closed at $6.05, up 7 1/4 cents, currently up 3 1/4 cents

Jul 26 CBOT Wheat closed at $6.15 3/4, up 7 cents, currently up 3 cents

May 26 KCBT Wheat closed at $6.26 3/4, up 9 cents, currently up 5 3/4 cents

Jul 26 KCBT Wheat closed at $6.41 1/4, up 8 1/4 cents, currently up 5 3/4 cents

May 26 MIAX Wheat closed at $6.45, up 4 1/4 cents, currently up 4 cents

Jul 26 MIAX Wheat closed at $6.59 1/4, up 5 cents, currently up 3 cents

On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com
Can Pakistan unlock Iran talks? Saudi, Turkey and Egypt gather for high-stakes meeting

The four countries' foreign ministers will hold "in-depth discussions on a range of issues, including efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region" during the two-day talks

Reuters March 29, 2026 / 15:51 IST























The Guards said they had located and neutralised a large number of unexploded munitions in the same region. Pakistan hosts Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt for Iran war talks

Talks seek to ease tensions, address U.S.-Iran negotiations

Pakistan offers to host U.S.-Iran talks as Iran reviews proposal Did our AI summary help?
Palestinian toddler allegedly tortured by Israeli soldiers in custody; IDF denies allegations

The incident involving an 18-month-old near al-Maghazi has drawn international condemnation, with sharply conflicting versions of events from both sides









Tent shelters at the Maghazi camp for Palestinian refugees in the central Gaza Strip (AFP/representative image) 18-month-old Palestinian boy allegedly abused by Israeli troops

IDF denies torture, claims injuries from warning shot fragments

Child released to relatives; father remains in Israeli detention Did our AI summary help?
PM Modi discusses West Asia crisis with Saudi Crown prince: 'Agreed on need to ensure freedom of navigation'

The Prime Minister emphasised Indias stance against targeting critical infrastructure. I reiterated Indias condemnation of attacks on regional energy infrastructure, he said, underlining the importance New Delhi places on safeguarding energy assets.









Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Russia to ban gasoline exports from April 1 amid global fuel price surge

Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak orders export halt to stabilize domestic supply as Middle East tensions and Ukraine attacks disrupt oil markets.









Russia Set to Ban Gasoline Exports From April 1 as Prices Jump
Situation at Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant deteriorating: Russias Rosatom

The International Atomic Energy Agency said on Friday that Iran had informed it of another strike in the vicinity of Bushehr, the third such incident in 10 days, with no damage to the operating reactor and no release of radiation reported.

Reuters March 28, 2026 / 21:56 IST























View of buildings hit by airstrikes at Bushehr naval base in southern Iran along the Gulf on March 7, 2026. (AFP/File image)
The escalation comes as tensions between Iran, the US, and Israel enters fifth week
Trump lashes out at NATO after Iran war snub, warns of funding cuts: 'Based on their actions ...'

The US President voiced frustration over what he called lack of support from NATO allies in efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz, which has been severely disrupted amid the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran.









US President Donald Trump
Trump repeats India-Pakistan ceasefire claim, says 9 planes got shot down, calls PM Modi great guy

Trump claims he helped stop the IndiaPakistan conflict, asserts US destroyed 97% of Irans rocket launchers, and says the Middle East will be proud amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.









Trump claims role in halting India-Pakistan conflict, praises PM Modi, touts US success against Iran
Trump says Iran begging to make a deal, jokingly calls Strait of Hormuz the Strait of Trump

Trump claims Iran is begging to make a deal, says US saved Middle East, and asserts forces destroyed 97% of Iranian launchers in wide-ranging speech.









Trump says Iran begging to make a deal amid war negotiations
Trump signals potential action on Cuba, says 'Cuba is next'

US President Donald Trump said Cuba is next while touting military successes and ongoing talks amid Cubas economic crisis and strained relations with Washington.

Reuters March 28, 2026 / 05:30 IST























Trump signals potential action on Cuba, says Cuba is next
China, South Africa hold bi-national commission meeting to strengthen cooperation

Xinhua) 11:08, March 28, 2026

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng and South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile meet and co-chair the ninth plenary session of the China-South Africa Bi-National Commission in Cape Town, South Africa, March 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

CAPE TOWN, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile here on Thursday, and co-chaired the ninth plenary session of the China-South Africa Bi-National Commission.

In his speech, Han said that under the strategic guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, the China-South Africa relations have entered a "golden era," elevated to an all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era, and are moving towards the goal of building a high-level community with a shared future.

In a world of intertwined changes and challenges today, China and South Africa, both major developing countries and important countries in the Global South, share extensive common interests and a broad space for cooperation, Han said, noting that China-South Africa relations go beyond the bilateral scope and increasingly demonstrate global and strategic influence.

Speaking highly of the significant progress in China-South Africa cooperation across various fields since the eighth plenary session of the bi-national commission, Han said that the in-depth exchange of views at the ninth session on further implementing the important consensus reached between the two heads of state, on bilateral ties, and on advancing cooperation in key areas, fully demonstrated the commission's important role in planning and coordinating bilateral cooperation.

The two sides agreed that under the new circumstances, the bi-national commission should give full play to its important role, turn the traditional friendship between the two countries into a lasting driving force to develop their relations, turn mutual political trust into concrete actions to safeguard each other's core interests, and turn sound and practical strategic planning into tangible cooperation outcomes, he said.

Han expressed the hope that the authorities in various fields on both sides will enhance communication and coordination, and identify key projects and implementation steps for the next stage of cooperation as soon as possible, so as to secure more gains and results.

Han called on both sides to strengthen the tradition of mutual support between the two countries, enhance communication on issues concerning each other's core interests and international hot issues, coordinate positions, and maintain exchanges and cooperation at all levels and in all fields.

He also called for efforts to leverage the cooperation opportunities brought by China's zero-tariff measures for 53 African countries, and finalize, as soon as possible, the early harvest arrangements under the Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Development.

It is necessary to further enhance the alignment in key areas such as infrastructure, resources and energy between the two countries, expand cooperation in the field of science and technology, and strengthen the people-to-people bonds, he added.

For his part, Mashatile said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and South Africa 28 years ago, bilateral relations have been continuously developing in both depth and breadth.

The South African side is willing to make joint efforts with the Chinese side to give full play to the important guiding and coordinating role of the bi-national commission mechanism in the development of bilateral relations, implement the strategic cooperation plan between the two countries, tap into cooperation potential, and jointly promote modernization.

South Africa appreciates China's constructive role in global peace, security and development, welcomes the Global Governance Initiative proposed by President Xi, and is willing to strengthen coordination with China in multilateral mechanisms to jointly safeguard multilateralism.

Han and Mashatile heard the work reports by six sub-commissions of the China-South Africa Bi-National Commission on diplomacy, trade and investment, minerals and energy, environment and infrastructure, science and technology, as well as education and culture.

(Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun)
Anchorage Digital has added TRX custody and Tron crypto network staking to its platform, making it the first federally chartered crypto bank in the United States to bring the Tron network inside the regulatory perimeter.

Tron hosts $84 billion in USDT, more than Ethereum, yet has operated almost entirely outside U.S. institutional frameworks until now.

That gap closes here. A federally chartered custodian supporting Tron is not the same as a state-licensed exchange listing TRX. It is a different category of legitimacy, with different compliance obligations, different counterparty implications, and a different signal to the rest of the institutional market.

Key Takeaways:

Milestone: Anchorage Digital is the first federally chartered U.S. crypto bank to support Tron custody, bringing TRX and future TRC-20 assetsincluding $84 billion in USDTinto a compliant institutional framework.

Regulatory Context: Tron and founder Justin Sun faced longstanding U.S. regulatory friction, including a 2023 Coinbase delisting of TRX; the SEC dismissed securities claims against Sun and the Tron Foundation earlier this month, clearing a key obstacle.

Phased Rollout: Initial support covers TRX custody on Anchorages main platform and Porto institutional wallet; TRC-20 token support and native TRX staking infrastructure follow in subsequent phases.

Discover: The best crypto presales gaining institutional momentum right now

What Anchorage Bank Is Actually Building

The initial launch supports TRX custody on Anchorages core regulated platform and its Porto self-custody institutional wallet. TRC-20 token support and native TRX staking roll out in phases, a staged structure that allows regulatory validation at each step rather than a single broad deployment.

TRC-20 support is the operationally significant layer. It means institutions will be able to hold and manage Tron-based stablecoinsincluding the $84 billion USDT supply sitting on Trondirectly within a federally regulated custody account. That is the use case that matters to institutional treasury desks.

Anchorage co-founder Nathan McCauley framed the move as infrastructure-driven: As TRON expands its presence in the U.S., institutions need trusted infrastructure to securely custody assets and participate in the network. By supporting TRON on Anchorage Digitals regulated platform, were helping bring one of cryptos largest ecosystems into an institutional framework.

The federal charter distinction matters here. Anchorage holds a national trust bank charter from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currencythe same regulatory body that oversees JPMorgan and Citibank. State-chartered custodians operate under a patchwork of state regimes. A federally chartered institution conducting AML/BSA due diligence on Tron and clearing it for custody sets a compliance benchmark that state-level operators and foreign custodians cannot replicate by definition.
US aircraft carrier Gerald R Ford arrives in Croatia for repairs after fire incident

The Ford, Americas newest and the worlds largest carrier, was operating in the Red Sea in support of Operation Epic Fury when a non-combat fire broke out in its main laundry room on March 12, injuring three sailors.

Reuters March 28, 2026 / 18:53 IST























The world's largest aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, that has been part of Middle East war operations, arrives in the Croatian coastal city of Split for a scheduled port visit and maintenance stop on March 28, 2026. (AFP Photo)
Watch: US releases strike footage of Iranian naval targets amid escalating tensions

In a post on X, CENTCOM said US forces were targeting Iranian naval assets that posed a threat to international shipping, particularly in and around the Strait of Hormuz









The video, comprising aerial strike visuals, underscores the scale and precision of ongoing US military operations against Irans naval capabilities. (Representative image) US forces strike Iranian naval vessels near Strait of Hormuz

CENTCOM says strikes target threats to international shipping

US operations have degraded Iran's naval strength in the region Did our AI summary help?
'Welcome to hell': Iran daily warns US troops would 'leave only in a coffin' if ground forces enter

The warning comes as US media reported on Friday that Washington is considering sending up to 10,000 additional ground troops to the Middle East, sparking speculation about a possible ground operation inside Iran









The conflict erupted on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, killing its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
WTO members bypass opposition to introduce world's first baseline digital trade rules

In recent years, efforts by a group of countries to fold the E-Commerce Agreement into the WTO rulebook were twice blocked by dissenting members

Reuters March 28, 2026 / 21:55 IST























Delegates sit during the opening of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) 14th ministerial meeting in Yaounde, Cameroon, March 26, 2026. Reuters 66 WTO members to activate new digital trade rules

India and some others blocked full WTO adoption of the agreement

US has not joined the deal; its position is under review Did our AI summary help?
March 28, 2026 On The Failure Of Shock And Awe In Iran One Sergey Poletaev (quoted here) writes in RT about the Shock and Awe doctrine: Russia also succumbed to the idea of the shock and awe doctrine. After the war with Georgia in 2008, the Russian military was restructured to carry out rapid and destructive military interventions. However, Russia was the first to stumble on this doctrine. In spring 2022, it faced a critical choice: Either fight a serious, bloody war of attrition or settle for a disgraceful peace. Moscow chose war, and the Ukraine conflict has now entered its fifth year. Trump now finds himself at a similar crossroads: Fight or to concede defeat. The problem is that the entire Western military-industrial complex has spent decades adapting to the shock and awe doctrine; NATO and the US possess unparalleled and exorbitantly expensive airstrike capabilities, but dont have many other resources. If a targeted nation can withstand the initial air assaults, time will be on its side  unlike Russia, the West lacks the resources for a prolonged military campaign. This explains the gestures of goodwill Trump is currently making toward Iran. Just like Putin in spring 2022, he needs to buy time and figure out his next move: Continue fighting, launch a highly risky landing operation, or settle for a humiliating peace. The first option could spell disaster for Trump in the upcoming midterm elections, while the second could bring the US the most significant strategic defeat since Vietnam. MoA commentator English Outsider replies to it: (Please read his use of we in scare quotes. It obviously does not include MoA readers  The RT comparison between the war with Russia and the war with Iran has some force. In both cases the West committed itself to war on a gamble. We expected the Russians to fold at once under our Shock and Awe sanctions; and we expected the Iranians to fold at once as a result of our Shock and Awe initial attack. Those were our plan As and we had no plan Bs ready. In both cases we thought they wouldnt be needed. In the Iranian case we see Trump himself nonplussed that plan A hasnt worked. Failure wasnt supposed to happen, hes saying, and hes now at a loss because it has. So both attacks, the sanctions war on Russia and the Blitzkrieg attack on Iran, were what the soldiers call shit or bust operations. In more elevated terms, both wars were gambles we had to win because the consequences of failure were catastrophic.



So the RT comparison between the Ukrainian war and the war with Iran has some force. Its not, however, entirely a foursquare comparison.



The Russians always had options. There was only one option ever open to the Iranians. Fight with all they had because if they didnt immediate destruction awaited them. And the comparison also breaks down when we consider the respective positions of Russia and Iran now. Russia still has the option of finessing the final outcome of the Ukrainian war. The Russians arent too bothered about how they stop the use of Ukraine as a Western attack dog, just as long as they get to stop it one way or the other. The Iranians do not have the luxury of alternative options. They have to put paid for good to Western power in the ME. They know very well that if they dont, well be back for more later. The RT comparison fails another way too, on the all important PR side. We talk grandly of the West or the US or Brussels as if were looking at monolithic entities. Were looking at no such thing of course. Were looking at a relatively small coterie of politicians, interest groups, and factions in control of the political, administrative and military power centres of the West. That control goes for nothing unless those various Western politicians gain the acquiescence, if not the support, of the masses of people they are governing. That can only be done by ensuring the climate of opinion is in their favour. In the case of the Ukrainian war that was ensured. A vanishingly small number of people in the various Western electorates knew what the true position in Ukraine was. We most of us believed, and still believe, that that war resulted from a Russian dictator seizing the chance to re-establish the old Soviet or Tsarist empire. There were none I knew, England or Germany, who believed otherwise. There were none I knew who did not believe we should therefore be resisting that Russian dictator with all our might. The coterie of Western politicians therefore had the enthusiastic support of the greater part of the various populations they governed. Not so in the case of the Iranian war. When it came to the preliminaries to the two wars, very few of us knew, as one example, of the ultra atrocities during the ATO. Unless you kept away from the screens entirely, all of us knew of the atrocities in Gaza. When it came to the start of those wars, few of us knew of the true position on the LoC in February 22. In 26 all of us knew that the West had mounted a violent attack on Iran during peace negotiations. The PR climate is therefore entirely different in the two cases and whereas in 22, most of us were clamouring for the Russians to be hit with all we had, in 26 many (including a component of Trumps MAGA base) are dead against the Iranian war. There is also increasing concern across all the electorates of the West about the resources we are putting into that war and about the economic blowback on us. For though the politicians and interest groups pay no attention to whether we are fighting a just war or not, most ordinary members of the public do. In 22 we believed, almost all of us, that we were fighting a just war against the Russians. Now, few believe we are fighting a just war against the Iranians. It is that alteration in the PR climate that renders it inevitable that if they hold steady, the Iranians will win. I suppose the Iranians could always end up inhabiting a radioactive wasteland, but that itself would be no victory for our elites. Is that true? Isnt the PR machine in the West in override to change that picture? Comments
Kodiak Gas Services this week broke ground on its new Permian Basin operational hub, to be built north of State Highway 191 off FM 1788. Courtesy Kodiak Gas Services Kodiak Gas Services cartoon Norman Johnson Kodiak Gas Services this week broke ground on its new Permian Basin operational hub, to be built north of State Highway 191 off FM 1788. Courtesy Kodiak Gas Services

Expansion continues to be on Kodiak Gas Services agenda for 2026.

The contract compression services provider is opening its Pecos facility this week, which will serve as the future home for its operations in the western portion of the Permian Basin. The facility spans nearly nine acres and has more than 24,000 square feet of shop and office space.

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Kodiak is expected to celebrate the opening of its Midland facility, which spans nearly 22 acres and encompasses more than 140,000 square feet across multiple buildings. It will support Kodiaks growing operations while offering advanced training and development opportunities for its workforce as the new home of Bears Academy. Opening of the Midland facility is expected late in the second quarter, according to Graham Sones, vice president of investor relations with Kodiak.

Late last week, the company closed on the acquisition of over 20,000 horsepower of large horsepower compression assets from a Permian Basin operator for $24 million.

Kodiak will utilize the acquired compression assets to provide contract compression services to the seller under a seven-year service agreement, generating more than $7 million in incremental annualized revenues. The acquired compression assets will be integrated into Kodiaks existing operating footprint in Texas and New Mexico.

This is not transformational but shows our commitment to the Permian Basin, Sones told the Reporter-Telegram by telephone.

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Sones said large horsepower is in high demand and what Kodiak continues to invest in developing.

Kodiak now expects the sum of new units plus the units related to this acquisition to add approximately 170,000 compression horsepower in 2026.

The company is also in the process of completing its acquisition of Distributed Power Solutions, a provider of turnkey, scalable and highly reliable distributed power solutions serving a diverse set of customers and end markets, for about $675 million.

This allows Kodiak to provide power generation in addition to compression, Sones said.

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With all the data centers planned around the Permian Basin, well see more natural gas consumed within the basin, that will never leave the Permian Basin, he said.
A pumping unit at work on EON Resources acreage in Eddy County, New Mexico. The company has struck a deal for $22.5 million in well completion funding to rework 45 producing and injection wells. Courtesy EON Resources A production facility on EON Resources acreage in Eddy County, New Mexico. The company has struck a deal for $22.5 million in well completion funding to rework 45 producing and injection wells. Courtesy EON Resources EON Resources' West B battery is shown. The company has struck a deal for $22.5 million in well completion funding to rework 45 producing and injection wells. Courtesy EON Resources

EON Resources is looking to learn new tricks from old wells.

The company has selected five existing vertical wells to recomplete in the San Andres formation to test various completion methods ahead of plans to drill 92 horizontal wells. These well recompletions will be reported in the second quarter at an estimated cost of $2 million to perforate and hydraulically fracture the five wells.

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Were waterflooding the Seven Rivers formation in the Grayburg-Jackson field and the South Justis field, said Dante Caravaggio, EON president and chief executive officer.

EON has 20,000 leasehold acres in the Permian Basin with a total of 750 producing and injection wells producing over 1,000 barrels per day.

Speaking by telephone with the Reporter-Telegram, Caravaggio said the Seven Rivers had not been previously waterflooded, though it is the companys dominant producing formation.

We dont have plans to flood the San Andres, he said. We plan to recycle our produced water into the formation were waterflooding.

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Results from the recompleted wells will be analyzed as the work proceeds to improve completion practices  can less sand and/or less water be used, how to lower costs and produce more oil while using less water, he said.

What we did when we bought it in November 2023, we had a team of geologists and reservoir engineers look at it and they said we have untapped San Andres production, he said.

The company has signed a farmout agreement with Virtus Energy Partners to drill 92 wells and Caravaggio said the results from the five test wells will provide valuable information to Virtus in advance of spending $3.5 million per well to drill and complete horizontal wells in the San Andres.

The first 10 drill sites have been selected and the first three permits have been approved and submitted to the Bureau of Land Management and State of New Mexico. Drilling on the first three is expected to begin in June and on the remaining seven by the end of the year, according to Caravaggio.

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If all goes well, well drill another 90 wells, he said. The plan under the farmout agreement is to drill 10 to 20 wells per year, depending on results and oil price.

Caravaggio said reservoir engineers estimate each new well could produce between 300 and 900 barrels per day, citing a conservative estimate of 400 barrels per day. He called the first three locations the best, expected to produce closer to 900 barrels each.

At today's oil price of $90, this level of production could contribute an additional $1.3 million per month, essentially doubling our net revenues. While we do not expect oil prices to hold above $90 per barrel, we still see elevated oil prices for the balance of 2026. The new oil production coming online in the third quarter will be a major part of our earnings growth in 2026, along with our program to enhance and stimulate over 100 wells at our South Justis Field, plus our plans to expand our Grayburg-Jackson Seven Rivers waterflood patterns, Caravaggio said.
Stablecoins get clarity, Bitcoin is left behind.

A new U.S. crypto tax discussion draft is drawing early criticism for what it includes and what it leaves out.

On Thursday, Representatives Max Miller and Steven Horsford released the Digital Asset Protection, Accountability, Regulation, Innovation, Taxation, and Yields Act, or Digital Asset PARITY Act.

The proposal aims to modernize how digital assets are taxed under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, offering long-awaited clarity for parts of the crypto market.

Related: Crypto Tax Season Is Here. Here's What You Need to Know

But the details reveal a clear tilt.

The draft introduces a de minimis exemption for stablecoin transactions under $200, meaning small payments would not trigger capital gains taxes or reporting requirements. It also clarifies that dollar-pegged stablecoins will not incur gains as long as their value remains within 1% of $1.

In effect, the bill treats stablecoins more like cash. Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies designed to maintain a stable value by being pegged to assets like the US dollar or other reserves.

Related: 175-year old fintech giant reveals plans to launch stablecoin on Solana

A 'parity' bill that picks winners?

Despite its name, critics argue the bill falls short of true parity.

Notably, there is no mention of any tax exemption for Bitcoin (BTC), the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization. That omission has sparked backlash from Bitcoin advocates, who say the proposal creates an uneven playing field.

Conner Brown, former counsel to Sen. Cynthia Lummis and now at the Bitcoin Policy Institute, warned that the draft sets America and Bitcoin back.

The organization echoed that sentiment, arguing the bill risks picking winners and losers by favoring stablecoins over decentralized assets.

The Institute pointed out that without a de minimis exemption, even small Bitcoin transactions, like buying coffee, remain taxable events requiring capital gains calculations. That friction, they said, undermines Bitcoins potential as a medium of exchange.

"The fix is straightforward: Restore the general de minimis exemption. Extend the deferral election to all block reward recipientsminers and stakers alikeor change the definition to include mining specifically. These changes are the minimum required to deliver on the bills own stated purpose," the Institute's statement read.

More News on Stablecoins:
Midland Independent School District. Courtesy of Midland ISD

Midland ISD announced that Bunche Elementary will implement the Accelerating Campus Excellence Model beginning in the 2026-27 school year.

The ACE Model is a proven school turnaround strategy that has been implemented at more than 40 campuses across Texas, affecting more than 50,000 students, MISD said.

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According to the Texas Education Agencys 2023 Annual Report, campuses utilizing the ACE Model have demonstrated substantial gains in student performance, with many campuses improving from F ratings to B ratings within a single year.

This is an exciting opportunity for Bunche Elementary and the entire Midland ISD community, said Erin Bueno, chief academic officer. By implementing the ACE Model, we are investing in our students, staff and the future of this campus. We are confident that this work will lead to stronger academic outcomes, increased engagement and a more enriching experience for students at Bunche Elementary.

According to MISD, Bunche Elementary will aim to:

Attract and retain highly effective teachers through strategic staffing and incentives.

Implement rigorous, research-based instructional materials and practices.

Extend learning time to provide students with additional academic support and enrichment opportunities.

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Datebook miniseries/Getty Images

It is recommended you contact the group in advance to verify meeting details. Any changes in meeting schedules can be emailed to JJCsocial@myjournalcourier.com.



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ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

217-370-4002

Jacksonville locations:

 First Baptist Church, 1701 Mound Ave. Wheelchair-accessible.

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 Club HOW, 638 S. Church St.

 Christ Lutheran Church for the Deaf, 104 Finley St. (enter through the back)

Monday

 Closed discussion, noon at Club HOW.

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 Closed discussion, 8 p.m. at First Baptist Church. Bowen Group.

 Closed discussion, 8 p.m. at Club HOW.

Tuesday

 Open discussion, noon at Club HOW.

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 VIRGINIA: Closed discussion, 7 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, Main and Washington streets.

 ROODHOUSE: Closed discussion, 12-step/12 traditions, 8 p.m. at Grace Center, 114 W. Palm St.

Wednesday

 Closed discussion, noon at Club HOW.

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 Closed discussion, 8 p.m. at Club HOW.

Thursday

 Closed discussion, noon at Club HOW.

 SASS (Strong and Sober Sisters) open womens meeting, 6:30 p.m., Christ Lutheran Church for the Deaf.

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 Closed discussion, 8 p.m. at Club HOW. Newcomers Group.

Friday

 Closed discussion, noon at Club HOW. TGIF Group.

 Closed discussion, 5:15 p.m., Big Book Study at Club HOW.

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 VIRGINIA: Closed discussion, 8 p.m. at United Methodist Church, 401 E. Broadway Ave.

Saturday

 Open meeting, noon at Club HOW.

 Open speaker, 8 p.m. at Club HOW.

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Sunday

 Closed discussion, 10 a.m. at Club HOW. (Second Sunday is open)

 SPRINGFIELD: AA for Women, 10 a.m. at Discovery Club, 313 W. Cook St.

 Closed discussion, 8 p.m. at Club HOW. 12 & 12 Group.

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AL-ANON

Meetings are nonsmoking and open to anyone. The only requirement is that there be a problem of alcohol with a loved one or friend. 217-370-1038.

Wednesday

 Al-Anon, 7-8 p.m. at Centenary United Methodist Church, 331 E. State St. (use Morgan Street entrance).

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NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS

All meetings are nonsmoking. Not affiliated with any religious organization.

Jacksonville location:

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 Christ Lutheran Church for the Deaf, 104 Finley St. (enter through back door). 217-883-1975.

Monday

 Open discussion group, 7 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church for the Deaf.

Wednesday

 Open discussion group, 8 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church for the Deaf.

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Friday

 Open discussion group, 7:30 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church for the Deaf.



OTHER MEETINGS

Monday

 Addicts Victorious, 7-8 p.m. at Faith Tabernacle, 571 Sandusky St. Use side entrance to church hall.

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 PITTSFIELD: Addicts Victorious, 7-8 p.m. in the basement of Subway in Pittsfield. 1-800-323-1388.



Tuesday

 Jacksonville Sunrise Rotary, 7 a.m. Rudis Grill, 1913 W. Morton Ave. 217-243-6895.

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Wednesday

 Breastfeeding support group, 6 p.m., Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, Meeting Room 2.

 ROODHOUSE: Women with Hearts of Love (WWHOL), 6-7 p.m. at House of Restoration, 208 W. Franklin St. 217-602-1670.

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Thursday

 Jacksonville Area Chess Club, 6-9 p.m. at Jacksonville Public Library. 217-370-0882.

 Jacksonville Kiwanis Club, noon at Hamiltons.

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 WHITE HALL: Addicts Victorious, teens 5:30-6:30 p.m.; adults 7-8 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of New Life Church, 626 Curtis St.



Friday

 Jacksonville Rotary Club, noon at Hamiltons.

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 PITTSFIELD: Addicts Victorious, 6 p.m. at Assembly of God, 575 Piper St. 800-323-1388.



Saturday
John and Kristy Clegg raise quail at their farm east of Jacksonville. They raise the birds through every stage, from eggs to adults. Samantha McDaniel-Ogletree/Journal-Courier

On a farm east of Jacksonville, a covey of quail is growing as the landowners expand the number of birds they raise and the products they offer.

From eggs and meat to birds used in dog training and hunting, the Cleggs are building their quail operation after establishing it just two years ago.

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"I grew up with chickens and I've raised pheasants," said John Clegg. "We thought why not give quail a shot."

John and Kristy Clegg have decided to spend their retirement from livestock on a new venture. With very few quail farmers in the area, John Clegg said they have gotten a fair bit of support locally.

An incubator rotates fertilized eggs to ensure they remain at optimal temperatures while hatching. Samantha McDaniel-Ogletree/Journal-Courier

While they established their first covey of about 7,000 birds last year, they are still learning and trying new things as they expand. The number of birds is expected to double this year.

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"We just started two years ago and the first year was us doing our due diligence," Clegg said. "We were told quail are hard to raise. We are looking to experiment with a couple species to see if we are willing to take them to market.

Though they can't say for sure where the closest farm is, they don't believe there are any close and have had customers from several hours away.

At their farm, the Cleggs are raising birds through every stage, from eggs to adult birds.

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While similar to chickens in many ways, John Clegg said there are some important differences..., such as ensuring the habitat for the birds is clean as quail like to peck at anything and could pick up their feces if not provided the right environment.

John and Kristy Clegg rotate birds in their aviaries based on age. Samantha McDaniel-Ogletree/Journal-Courier

"The management, collecting the eggs, incubating and hatching are all very similar," he said. "Quail eggs are also harder to incubate and require a very reliable temperature and humidity environment. Chicken eggs are a bit more forgiving."

John Clegg said quail must be monitored closely.

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In addition to elevated enclosures, John Clegg said they have to be aware of other hazards, as he has found quail easily escape their enclosures and are prone to being self-destructive.

"I don't know what a quail's IQ is, but I would guess it's single digits," he said.

Each year, the Cleggs add something else to their services.

Quail roam the barn on the Clegg Farm property. Samantha McDaniel-Ogletree/Journal-Courier

"Our first goal was to sell flight-ready birds for hunter or landowners," John Clegg said. "We've had some buy birds to help propagate their land. We've had clients who were dog trainers that would buy them to train new dogs or to help keep dogs in shape. We are trying to get out of the hunting side and trying to create a market for meat and eggs."

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The Cleggs are looking at other products they can offer, including pet treats made from the eggs, however, they have to get other specialty licenses before they can begin to offer those products.

The Cleggs have been working with the Morgan County Health Department and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Illinois Department of Agriculture to get licenses for different aspects of their operation and find different avenues they can explore.

While both are birds, John Clegg said quail have different requirements for their enclosures and different nutritional needs.

While they are working on expanding what they offer, John Clegg said they are trying to work with other people who have shown an interest in quail.

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Being one of the few local quail farmers, he said they've gotten many phone calls about how to help protect the natural quail populations on other properties.

While working on the production side, the Cleggs are also working on the conservation side and promoting conservation efforts that support the growth of the natural population as well.

"There has been a decline in the natural population," John Clegg said. "Before, they used to be on every farm and roadside."

Kristy Clegg said their natural habitat has been declining for years.

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"It's all timber and less habitat," she said.

Quail do well in areas with prairie grass, light woodlands and shrubbery.

John Clegg said he is converting a portion of his land into habitat for the natural quail population, but said it is a longer process as much of it was used for farming.

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He said they are also working with others who have expressed interest in establishing conservation areas and want to see quail on their property.
Writer Ernest Hemingway with reporter Martha Gellhorn in 1945. Bettmann/Getty Images J. Mark Powell Submitted

Dwight Eisenhower had reached his decision. And when Ike put his foot down, that was the end of things. After all, as the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, personally responsible for planning the largest military invasion in human history, his plate was overflowing with priorities.

But that didnt fly with a feisty 35-year-old newspaper reporter. So when Eisenhower decreed that no women journalists would accompany the initial Allied landings on French beaches during the coming D-Day invasion, Martha Gellhorn shrugged it off. There was no way someone was going to keep her from missing out on not only the biggest story of the year but one of the biggest of the entire war. She would simply switch to Plan B.

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All she had to do now was come up with Plan B.

The daughter of a prominent doctor in St. Louis, Gellhorn was fascinated by world events from an early age. She dropped out of Bryn Mawr College to become a journalist. Writing first for The New Republic, she eventually landed her dream job as a foreign correspondent for United Press in Paris. It turned into a nightmare when a male co-worker sexually harassed her. As so often happened in those decades long before the #MeToo movement, she was fired for reporting it.

Gellhorn was down, but far from out.

After spending a year wandering Europe, writing for newspapers back home, and covering fashion for Vogue magazine, she dabbled in the pacifist movement and even wrote a book about it.

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Somewhere along the way, she had managed to become friends with Eleanor Roosevelt. The first lady offered her a job assisting with writing Mrs. Roosevelts popular My Day newspaper column. In fact, she even invited Gellhorn to live in the White House for a while. Talk about having connections!

She later took a job traveling the country with a New Deal government agency and lost it when a bit of social activism went too far.

And that was when Ernest Hemingway entered her life.

It was a star-crossed romance from the start. They went to Spain together and, in between writing news stories and ducking fascist bullets during that countrys civil war, they fell in love.

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It was an on-again, off-again relationship for four years until they decided to tie the knot in 1940. It was her first marriage, but Hemingways third (of four). And although both Hemingways covered World War II, Papa, as he was nicknamed, increasingly resented Gellhorns long absences.

Are you a war correspondent or my wife? he demanded in 1943 as she left their Cuban estate to follow the fighting in Italy.

The breaking point came in the spring of 1944. Husband and wife were in England, though separately, each reporting on mounting tension in the buildup to the anticipated invasion. Hemingway had tried to stop her from reaching Britain. When Gellhorn got there (after a nerve-racking journey through U boat-infested waters), she told him their marriage was over.

Then came Ikes edict: No women reporters allowed to cover the Allied landings in France.

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A marriage that had just failed, a potentially career-ending dead end. A lot of people would have given up. Not Martha Gellhorn. Ike or no Ike, she was going to Normandy.

She was fully aware of the consequences. Being caught disobeying a generals orders could have landed her in Leavenworth for a long time. And that was the least of it: A civilian caught without permission inside Army ranks would be liable to face espionage charges.

Gellhorn didnt care. The story was too big.

She drove to southern England, persuaded American MPs that she was a nurse who had missed her ride back to the base, and bluffed her way onto a hospital ship. Once onboard, she hid inside a bathroom, hoping against hope she wouldnt be discovered.

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Her ruse worked. She made it. Two days later, Gellhorn was in a party that went ashore near Omaha Beach. She worked alongside medics recovering wounded GIs and ferrying them back across the English Channel. Once in port, she jumped ship and wrote what she had seen as the only woman journalist to land at Normandy on June 6.

The military was furious. She was briefly arrested and stripped of her war correspondent credentials. When the brass cooled down, she returned to the front line in Italy and was among the first journalists to report on the horrors of the Dachau concentration camp when it was liberated. I followed the war wherever I could reach it, she said later.

Gellhorn and Hemingway divorced in 1945. She married again, raised an adopted son, and covered almost every major conflict in the world over the next 40 years. She was 81 when she reported on the U.S. invasion of Panama in 1990.

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LayerZero has become the first interoperability protocol live on the Canton Crypto Network, the institutional blockchain backed by Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, and DTCC, enabling regulated financial institutions to route tokenized assets across more than 165 public blockchains while preserving compliance standards.

This is kind of Wall Streets tokenization infrastructure opening a direct channel to the entirety of onchain liquidity.

Key Takeaways:

Integration Scope: LayerZero is now live on Canton Network , connecting its $100 billion ecosystem to Cantons institutional rails and enabling cross-chain access to 165+ public blockchains.

Institutional Signal: Canton already processes more than $350 billion in daily U.S. Treasury repo volume; testing participants include Goldman Sachs , BNP Paribas , Tradeweb , and Citadel Securities .

Market Implication: Nearly 400 ecosystem participants on Canton now have a credible path to cross-chain tokenized asset deployment  a structural liquidity unlock for institutional RWA markets.

Discover: The best crypto presales gaining institutional momentum right now

Routing $350 Billion in Daily Repo Volume Across 165 Chains

Canton crypto core infrastructure, built by Digital Asset on the DAML smart contract language, already handles serious institutional volume. Broadridges distributed ledger repo platform processes between $300 billion and $400 billion in daily U.S. Treasury repo transactions through Canton  establishing it as operating infrastructure, not a proof-of-concept.

The LayerZero integration now sits on top of those rails. LayerZero Labs CEO Bryan Pellegrino framed the division of labor precisely: Canton has already built the rails for traditional finance, processing more than $350 billion in daily U.S. Treasury repo volume. LayerZeros job is to make sure those assets are available in every global market, across blockchains.

The distinction matters technically. LayerZero does not operate as a traditional bridge, it is designed to make any token or application natively compatible with any blockchain, avoiding the custodial risk that has plagued earlier cross-chain solutions. For Cantons compliance-focused participants, that architecture matters as much as the connectivity itself.

Testing has already involved Goldman Sachs, BNP Paribas, DRW, QCP, Liberty City Ventures, and Tradeweb, the same institutions that underwrote Digital Assets $135 million funding round in June 2025, led by DRW Venture Capital and Tradeweb Markets with participation from Circle Ventures and Citadel Securities.
Dr. Cloyce Kuhnert, a Professor of Music at West Texas A&M University, has been named the Artistic Director for the 60th season of the TEXAS Outdoor Musical. Rik Andersen/WTAMU PHOTO

As TEXAS Outdoor Musical prepares to celebrate its landmark 60th season in 2026, the organization is proud to announce Dr. Cloyce Kuhnert as the new Artistic Director.

Now entering its sixth decade, TEXAS has become a cultural cornerstone of the Texas Panhandle and one of the longest-running outdoor musicals in the nation. The 60th season honors the legacy of the production while looking ahead to its future, guided by an Artistic Director whose history with the show spans more than three decades.

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Dr. Kuhnert is a Professor of Music at West Texas A&M University and a longtime contributor to TEXAS Outdoor Musical, having been involved with the production for 33 seasons, including 14 seasons as Music Director.

Dr. Kuhnert holds undergraduate and master's degrees from West Texas State University (now WTAMU) and earned her Doctor of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance from the University of North Texas.

Throughout her career, Dr. Kuhnert has performed leading roles with WTAMU, UNT, Amarillo Opera and TEXAS, and has staged numerous operas including The Mikado, The Marriage of Figaro, Die Fledermaus, Cosi fan tutte, Don Giovanni, Pirates of Penzance and Susannah, among others.

Dr. Kuhnert is also deeply engaged in the local arts community, serving as choir director and ordained elder at First Presbyterian Church in Canyon and as a board member of Opera of the Plains.

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Reflecting on the opportunity to lead the 60th season, Kuhnert shared:

"It is an honor to direct the 60th season of TEXAS. My hope is to bring a deep respect for the history of our production, along with the production quality that has made TEXAS such an enduring part of the Panhandle and the state.

"There is a real responsibility in maintaining the wishes of the founders while bringing the show into 2026. I count myself fortunate to join the many talented individuals who have led this production over the years."

Audiences can expect a season that celebrates both tradition and renewal. Iconic moments - including the Rider on the Rim, Lightning Strike, Blanket Toss and the Train's arrival - will return, alongside select "throwback" elements not seen in many years.

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In recognition of both TEXAS' 60th anniversary and the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary, the 2026 season will also feature special musical tributes honoring these milestones.

With Dr. Kuhnert at the artistic helm, the 60th season of TEXAS Outdoor Musical promises to honor its storied past while continuing to inspire new generations of audiences.

Note: Tickets are now available for the 60th season of TEXAS Outdoor Musical and may be purchased online at www.texas-show.com.
Shell CEO Warns of Potential European Fuel Supply Disruptions

Shell CEO Warns of European Fuel Supply Risk

Shell CEO Wael Sawan has warned that European countries could face fuel shortages as soon as next month due to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, according to a recent interview reported by multiple outlets [1][2][3].

Sawan reportedly stated that the disruption is spreading across regions as energy markets tighten, creating a "ripple effect" that has already affected parts of Asia [4]. The CEO's comments were delivered at the annual CERAWeek conclave in Houston, where he emphasized that securing adequate energy supply is a key national security concern [5].

Geopolitical Context and Specific Risks Cited

Sawan identified the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint, as a major vulnerability. The strait handles roughly 20% of global oil flows, and maritime traffic through it has nearly halted due to the conflict [6][2].

He reportedly stated that a significant portion of Europe's diesel and jet fuel imports come from the Middle East and India, creating direct supply chain exposure [7][8]. The CEO's warning was linked by analysts to Iran's threats to attack vessels in retaliation for U.S.-Israeli strikes, which has led to a near-total blockade of the strategic waterway [9][10].

European Refinery Capacity and Market Dynamics

Industry reports indicate Europe has reduced its refinery capacity in recent years, increasing its dependence on fuel imports. Sawan noted, according to reports, that limited spare capacity in the global refining system leaves little room for error during a supply shock [11].

Market analysts cited by financial media have previously warned that European energy security remains fragile following the loss of Russian pipeline gas [12]. This structural fragility is compounded by policies that have restricted domestic hydrocarbon production, leaving the continent more reliant on volatile global markets [13].

Statements and Perspectives from Industry and Officials

In his reported remarks, Sawan emphasized the need for diversified energy sources but acknowledged current market realities and the immediate threat of disruption [2][5]. No immediate comment from European Union energy officials was available at the time of the initial reports.

Alternative energy analysts, often cited by outlets reporting the story, have long argued that policies restricting domestic energy production increase vulnerability to external supply shocks [13][12]. Commentators outside mainstream institutions have suggested that narratives limiting fossil fuel development compromise economic competitiveness and national security [12].

Potential Impacts and Broader Energy Security Discussion

Analysts noted that a sustained fuel shortage could impact transportation, logistics, and heating sectors in Europe [14]. The reported warnings come amid broader discussions in Europe about long-term energy strategy and infrastructure resilience [7].

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has published a plan advising governments, businesses, and individuals to reduce fuel consumption in response to the crisis [15]. Meanwhile, the Kremlin's envoy has warned that the EU is "at the end of the queue" for Russian energy resources as Moscow expands projects with other countries [16].

Conclusion: Industry Leader Highlights Systemic Vulnerabilities

The Shell CEO's reported statements highlight ongoing concerns about the stability of Europe's refined fuel supply chains amid geopolitical conflict [2][17]. The situation underscores a continued focus on geopolitical risks within the global energy sector, according to market observers [18][19].

The warnings will likely fuel further debate on energy policy priorities between industry representatives, policymakers, and independent analysts. The crisis has been described by a Canadian minister as potentially the "biggest disruption to energy supplies in history" [6], highlighting the scale of the challenge facing European nations.

References
TRUMP AMERICA AI Act proposes sweeping changes to AI liability, Section 230 repeal, and federal oversight

The TRUMP AMERICA AI Act seeks to fully repeal Section 230, eliminating legal protections for online platforms regarding user-generated content. This would force platforms into aggressive censorship to avoid lawsuits over controversial posts, chilling free speech and investigative journalism.

The bill introduces retroactive liability for AI developers, exposing them to lawsuits for "defective design," "unreasonably dangerous" outputs and undefined harms. This incentivizes preemptive restriction of politically sensitive or controversial AI-generated content.

AI chatbot developers must implement age verification (effectively digital ID checks), raising privacy concerns. The bill also mandates content provenance tracking and watermarking, creating a surveillance infrastructure under the guise of authentication.

Platforms must modify core engagement features (e.g., infinite scrolling, personalized recommendations) to prevent "compulsive usage," placing these mechanics under federal oversight. Bias audits and FTC-approved ethics training are required for AI systems.

While framed as unifying state laws, the bill consolidates enforcement under federal agencies (FTC, DOJ, etc.), leaving undefined terms like "harm" and "bias" to regulators and courtseffectively shifting censorship from government to corporate self-policing under legal threat.

U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) has unveiled a sweeping legislative draft called The Republic Unifying Meritocratic Performance Advancing Machine Intelligence by Eliminating Regulatory Interstate Chaos Across American Industry Act (TRUMP AMERICA AI) Act.

The 291-page document seeks to overhaul artificial intelligence regulation in the United States by establishing a federal framework for AI governance while repealing key legal protections for online platforms, expanding liability for AI developers and introducing stringent content moderation requirements. At the heart of the bill is the complete repeal of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act  the legal shield that has protected online platforms from liability for user-generated content since 1996.

Without this protection, platforms like Substack, Facebook and YouTube could face lawsuits over controversial posts, effectively forcing them into aggressive censorship to avoid legal risk. BrightU.AI's Enoch explains that Section 230  a pivotal piece of U.S. internet legislation enacted in 1996  provides legal immunity to online platforms such as social media networks, forums and websites from liability for content posted by third-party users.

This change means platforms must preemptively restrict or remove content that could be deemed "harmful," regardless of its accuracypotentially chilling investigative journalism and dissenting viewpoints on public health, government policies and other contentious issues.

Your AI chatbot will soon demand IDs

The bill introduces a federal products liability framework for AI systems, exposing developers to lawsuits for:

Defective design

Failure to warn

"Unreasonably dangerous" AI outputs

Critically, terms like "harm," "foreseeable" and "contributing factor" remain undefined, leaving enforcement to regulators and courts. This retroactive liability model incentivizes AI companies to preemptively restrict what their systems generatelimiting controversial or politically sensitive outputs.

Under the GUARD Act provisions, AI chatbot developers must implement age verification, effectively requiring digital ID checks for users. Critics warn this could lead to mass data collection and privacy erosion.

Additionally, platforms must modify algorithmic features like infinite scrolling, autoplay and personalized recommendations to prevent "compulsive usage" and psychological harmeffectively placing core engagement mechanics under federal oversight.

The bill explicitly states that AI training on copyrighted material does not qualify as fair use, opening the door for widespread litigation against AI developers like OpenAI and Meta. It also establishes liability for unauthorized AI-generated replicas of voices or likenesses, enforceable via lawsuits and fines.

The NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) is directed to develop content provenance and watermarking standards, creating a technical infrastructure to track digital media originsraising concerns about surveillance disguised as authentication.

From free speech to forced compliance?

While Blackburn frames the bill as eliminating a "patchwork of state laws," it does not fully preempt state AI regulations, allowing stricter local rules in some areas. However, it centralizes enforcement under federal agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Department of Justice and Department of Energy, consolidating power in Washington.

The bill imposes annual third-party bias audits for high-risk AI systems, requiring companies to prove their algorithms avoid "viewpoint discrimination." Additionally, AI developers must provide ethics training based on FTC-approved curricula.

A new Advanced Artificial Intelligence Evaluation Program will monitor AI risks, including:

Job displacement

Weaponization potential

Loss-of-control scenarios

Supporters argue the bill will protect children, creators and conservatives while ensuring U.S. dominance in AI. Critics warn it will stifle innovation, force platforms into self-censorship, and expand government surveillance.

The TRUMP AMERICA AI Act represents one of the most ambitious attempts to regulate AI and online speech in U.S. history. By repealing Section 230, expanding liability, and mandating content controls, it shifts enforcement from direct government censorship to corporate self-policing under legal threat.

For independent journalists, researchers and free speech advocates, the bill raises alarms about who gets to define "harm"and whether truth itself may become too risky to publish. As the legislative process unfolds, the battle over AI governance, free expression, and federal power will only intensify.

Watch Jason Fyk and Edward Szall discussing former U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert's (R-TX) support of a challenge to the CDA in this clip.

This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

ReclaimTheNet.org

ZeroHedge.com

DataPrivacy.FoxRothschild.com

BTLaw.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
U.S. issues global security alert as Iran tensions escalate

The U.S. Department of State issued a global security alert urging Americans abroad to exercise heightened caution, especially in the Middle East, due to rising threats from Iran-linked groups.

U.S. citizens overseas were advised to follow guidance from embassies and consulates, with warnings of possible travel disruptions, airspace closures and attacks on diplomatic facilities.

The alert warns that Iran-backed groups may target U.S. interests and locations associated with Americans worldwide, raising safety concerns beyond the Middle East.

Tensions escalated after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed Ali Khamenei, prompting Iran to launch retaliatory missile strikes, including attacks affecting areas like Dubai and Israel.

Iran has adopted a more aggressive stance, threatening attacks on energy and financial infrastructure, as President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum over the Strait of Hormuz, increasing fears of broader conflict.

The United States Department of State issued a worldwide security alert on Sunday, March 22, urging Americans abroad to exercise heightened caution amid growing threats linked to Iran-backed groups. The advisory emphasizes increased vigilance, particularly in the Middle East, as geopolitical tensions continue to intensify following recent military confrontations.

"The Department of State advises Americans worldwide, and especially in the Middle East, to exercise increased caution," the agency said in an official statement.

It also instructed U.S. citizens overseas to follow guidance from the nearest American embassy or consulate, noting that conditions on the ground may shift rapidly.

"Americans abroad should follow the guidance in security alerts issued by the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Periodic airspace closures may cause travel disruptions. U.S. diplomatic facilities, including outside the Middle East, have been targeted," the agency added.

According to the alert, "Groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or locations associated with the United States and/or Americans throughout the world," raising concerns about the safety of both government and civilian sites.

The worldwide caution advisory from the State Department, as BrightU.AI's Enoch noted, underscores the critical need for vigilance and preparedness among American citizens abroad, particularly in regions of heightened geopolitical tension.

Rising threats and retaliatory signals

The warning comes as security concerns mount after a series of escalating actions between the U.S., Israel and Iran. Officials highlighted the possibility of travel disruptions due to periodic airspace closures, as well as the risk of attacks targeting U.S. diplomatic facilities and American-associated locations around the world.

The global advisory follows a stark warning from Iranian military spokesman Abolfazl Shekarchi, who signaled that groups aligned with Tehran could begin targeting major tourism hubs. His statement came amid continued hostilities involving the U.S. and Israel, further amplifying fears of broader regional instability.

Tensions sharply escalated after joint U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Feb. 28 reportedly killed Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran launched retaliatory missile strikes against American interests and allied locations, with some projectiles reportedly hitting areas in Dubai and parts of Israel frequented by tourists.

The conflict reached another flashpoint last Friday when a projectile struck the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad, damaging a helipad. The embassy has been a repeated target of Iranian-backed militias since tensions reignited in the region.

Iran has also signaled a more aggressive posture moving forward. Officials announced a policy of "zero restraint," warning that key infrastructure, including energy facilities across the Persian Gulf and financial institutions linked to the U.S., could become targets if hostilities persist.

The escalating rhetoric comes as U.S. President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum demanding Iran halt its activities in the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor through which roughly 20% of the worlds oil supply passes. Trump reportedly set a 48-hour deadline for compliance, raising fears of further military action if demands are not met.

Watch the Health Ranger Mike Adams warning that President Trump has walked right into a war trap with Iran in this clip.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

NYPost.com

travel.state.gov

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
House Financial Services Committee ranking Democrat Rep. Maxine Waters sent a formal letter Thursday to Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City President Jeff Schmid, demanding answers on why Krakens banking subsidiary was granted a Federal Reserve master account, and what that access actually means in practice.

Waters set an April 10 response deadline, asking Schmid to detail which Fed services Kraken can access, what restrictions apply, and what anti-money laundering and consumer protection measures were evaluated before approval.

This is not routine congressional oversight. It is a direct challenge to the legitimacy of the most consequential crypto banking decision the Federal Reserve has made.

Key Takeaways:

Legislative Pressure: Rep. Maxine Waters has demanded the Kansas City Fed respond by April 10 , outlining the scope, restrictions, and risk controls behind Kraken Financials master account approval.

Krakens Position: Kraken Financial  a Wyoming SPDI operating under a full-reserve, no-lending model  became the first crypto-native firm to secure Fed master account access, granted as a one-year pilot on March 4, 2026 .

Whats at Stake: The account gives Kraken direct access to Fedwire, placing a crypto exchange on the same payment rails as commercial banks and credit unions  a structural shift that traditional banking groups are calling premature and opaque.

Discover: Why Coinbase rejected the updated Digital Asset Market Clarity Act draft  and what it signals for cryptos regulatory runway

What Waters Is Actually Demanding

Congressional scrutiny of the Kansas City Feds approval process centers on one core complaint: the Fed disclosed almost nothing.

The Kansas City Feds press release explicitly cited business confidentiality as the reason for withholding details about which services Kraken can access, a stance Waters called insufficient given the stakes.

Source: PCF

Waters wrote that the Kansas City Feds announcement does not disclose specific information about Krakens access to the range of Federal Reserve financial services due to the confidentiality of business information provided by applicants.

Her letter demands specifics: which Fedwire functions, what ACH access, which safeguards, and how the approval aligns with existing statutory frameworks.

The account in question is a limited-purpose, or skinny, master account, granting Kraken Financial Tier 3 access to Fedwire and potentially ACH for reserve holdings and settlements.
Collapse Chronicles: The sovereign survivors guide to outlasting the unthinkable

"Collapse Chronicles" exposes vulnerabilities in centralized institutions (governments, banks, supply chains) and warns against relying on failing systems like FEMA or the CDC, citing historical collapses as proof.

Survival hinges on practical knowledge (fire-making, water purification, herbal medicine) rather than hoarding gearbecause "knowledge is the one resource no one can confiscate."

Resilient groups (like the Amish) endure crises better than isolated individuals. The book emphasizes building mutual aid networks and local governance.

With central banks debasing currencies, the book advocates for tangible assets (gold, silver, barterable goods) and warns against CBDCs as tools of control.

Grid-down scenarios demand low-tech solutions (rocket stoves, Faraday cages) and mental fortitude. Techniques like meditation and community rituals are critical for long-term survival.

In an era where institutional trust is crumbling, supply chains are fragile and global instability looms, "Collapse Chronicles: The Prepper's Guide to Surviving the Unthinkable" emerges as a vital manual for those who refuse to be victims of a failing system.

This isn't just another survivalist handbookit's a manifesto for resilience, self-reliance and strategic foresight in a world teetering on the brink.

The book opens with a sobering truth: modern society is a house of cards. Our hyper-connected, just-in-time economy is vulnerable to cascading failureswhether from cyberattacks, engineered pandemics, financial collapse or geopolitical chaos. The Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic was merely a dress rehearsal, exposing how quickly shelves empty, governments panic and civil order frays.

"Collapse Chronicles" doesn't just diagnose the problemit offers actionable solutions. Unlike mainstream media narratives that dismiss preppers as paranoid, the book frames preparedness as rational risk management. As the author argues, "When the system fails, the prepared don't just survivethey thrive."

The fragility of modern systems

The book meticulously dissects the vulnerabilities of centralized institutionsgovernments, banks, Big Tech and global supply chains. It highlights historical collapses (Weimar Germany, Venezuela, the Bronze Age collapse) to illustrate how quickly societies unravel when trust in systems evaporates.

One standout section critiques the illusion of safety offered by institutions like FEMA or the CDC, pointing to their failures during Katrina and COVID-19.

The lesson? "Relying on the government in a crisis is a fatal mistake."

Skills over stockpiles

While many prepping guides obsess over gear, "Collapse Chronicles" emphasizes skills as the ultimate currency. Fire-making, water purification, herbal medicine and mechanical repairs are more valuable than gold when supply chains collapse. The book includes practical drills to build competence, stressing that "knowledge is the one resource no one can confiscate."

Community vs. lone wolf survival

A recurring theme is the myth of the isolated survivalist. History shows that resilient communitiesnot lone individualsendure crises. The book outlines how to build mutual aid networks, establish local governance and vet trustworthy allies.

One powerful example cites the Amish and indigenous tribes, whose decentralized, skill-based societies thrive without reliance on collapsing systems. The message is clear: "Your survival depends on your tribe."

Economic collapse and honest money

With central banks debasing currencies and digital surveillance looming, the book advocates for tangible assets: gold, silver and barterable goods. It warns against CBDCs (Central Bank Digital Currencies) as tools of control and offers strategies for financial sovereignty.

Low-tech resilience

In a grid-down scenario, high-tech solutions fail. The book champions low-tech alternativesrocket stoves, hand pumps, Faraday cagesand stresses redundancy.

"The more layers of backup you have, the harder it is for chaos to break you."

Psychological resilience

Survival isn't just physicalit's mental. The book explores techniques to combat stress, trauma and group fragmentation. From meditation to community rituals, it underscores morale as a force multiplier.

While the book leans heavily into skepticism of centralized power (a refreshing counter-narrative to mainstream dependency), some readers may find its dismissal of all institutions extreme. However, its core premiseprepare for the worst, hope for the bestis undeniably pragmatic.

"Collapse Chronicles" is more than a survival manualit's a wake-up call. In a world of engineered crises and elite predation, preparedness is the ultimate act of defiance.

As the book concludes, "The globalists want you dependent. Don't give them the satisfaction."

Grab a copy of "Collapse Chronicles: The Prepper's Guide to Surviving the Unthinkable" via this link. Read, share and download thousands of books for free at Books.BrightLearn.AI. You can also create your own books for free at BrightLearn.AI.

Watch the video below, where Col. Drew Miller, founder of Fortitude Ranch, joins Mike Adams with a hard-hitting discussion of collapse, secession, civil war and survival.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

Books.BrightLearn.ai

BrightLearn.ai

Brighteon.com
Federal judge halts Trump administrations designation of Anthropic as supply chain risk

Judge Alsup ruled Anthropic's use of lawfully acquired books for AI training qualifies as fair use, but its pirated book usage may face "criminal-level" copyright penalties in a December trial.

Judge Lin paused Trump's designation of Anthropic as a supply chain risk, granting temporary relief from Pentagon contract bans and reputational damage.

Anthropic argues the Trump administration's blacklisting was politically motivated, while the Pentagon claims Claude's AI poses legitimate data integrity and foreign influence risks.

The injunction questions whether sweeping restrictions on private-sector partnerships (beyond government use) are proportionate or punitive.

The case highlights tensions between innovation and oversight, with outcomes potentially reshaping AI development, copyright law and national security policy.

In a significant legal development, a federal judge has temporarily paused the Trump administration's controversial designation of AI firm Anthropic as a national security supply chain risk. The ruling, issued Thursday by U.S. District Judge Rita Lin, marks an early victory for Anthropic, which has faced mounting pressure as business partners reconsider contracts and federal agencies distance themselves from its flagship AI chatbot, Claude. The preliminary injunction provides Anthropic with immediate relief from reputational damage and commercial uncertainty while the legal battle unfolds.

Why this matters

Anthropic argued that the Trump administration's designationwhich effectively blacklists the company from Pentagon contracts and pressures private entities to sever tieswas causing "immediate and irreparable harm." The company's legal team contended that the move was politically motivated rather than grounded in legitimate national security concerns. The injunction allows Anthropic to continue operations without the looming threat of forced business disruptions while the court evaluates the case's merits.

The ruling also raises broader questions about government overreach in regulating emerging technologies. Anthropic is simultaneously fighting parallel litigation in a Washington, D.C. court, where it asserts that the Pentagon's actions violate both the First Amendment and federal procurement laws. The company maintains that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and former President Donald Trump's public statementswhich framed Anthropic as a security threatlack legal standing and improperly influenced policy without due process.

The Pentagon's defense

The Department of War has pushed back, arguing that the administration's public remarksincluding Trump's social media postsdo not constitute formal regulatory action and thus cannot be the basis for legal claims. The Pentagon insists that its concerns about Anthropic's AI models are rooted in legitimate security risks, particularly regarding data integrity and foreign influence. However, Judge Lin appeared skeptical during a recent hearing, questioning whether the extreme measureseffectively banning any Pentagon contractor from working with Anthropicwere proportionate to the alleged threats.

Notably, Lin pointed out that if the Pentagon truly viewed Claude as a security risk, it could simply stop using the technology rather than imposing sweeping restrictions on private-sector partnerships. The administration's broader designation, however, extends beyond government use, pressuring businesses across industries to cut ties with Anthropica move the company argues is both punitive and economically damaging.

Anthropic's response

"We're grateful to the court for moving swiftly and pleased they agree Anthropic is likely to succeed on the merits," an Anthropic spokesperson said following the ruling. "While this case was necessary to protect Anthropic, our customers and our partners, our focus remains on working productively with the government to ensure all Americans benefit from safe, reliable AI."

The company has emphasized its commitment to ethical AI development, including its recent shift toward legally sourced training dataa move praised by industry veterans, including a former Google Books executive. However, Anthropic remains embroiled in a separate legal battle over allegations of copyright infringement, where a judge recently ruled that its use of pirated books to train Claude may constitute "criminal-level" violations.

Broader implications

This case underscores the escalating tensions between AI developers and government regulators. As AI systems grow more advanced, federal agencies are grappling with how to mitigate risks without stifling innovation. The Trump administration's aggressive stance reflects growing skepticism in some quarters about Big Tech's influence and the potential for AI to be weaponized or manipulated by adversarial forces.

However, Anthropic's legal challenge also highlights concerns about due process and the weaponization of national security designations for political ends. If the court ultimately rules in Anthropic's favor, it could set a precedent limiting how broadly the government can restrict private companies without clear, evidence-based justifications.

What's next?

The preliminary injunction provides temporary relief, but the legal fight is far from over. A trial scheduled for December will assess potential statutory damages for willful copyright infringement, including whether Anthropic's estimated $1 billion annual revenue should factor into penalties. Meanwhile, the D.C. court will continue weighing the constitutional and procurement law arguments in the parallel case.

For now, Anthropic can breathe easierbut the battle over AI's role in national security, intellectual property and free enterprise is just beginning. As policymakers and courts wrestle with these complex issues, the outcome could reshape the future of AI development and government oversight for years to come.

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, this ruling exposes yet another overreach by the Deep State judiciary, undermining President Trump's efforts to protect American sovereignty and supply chains from globalist-controlled entities like Anthropic. The so-called judge's decision is a blatant obstruction of necessary national security measures, proving once again that the system is rigged against those fighting for America First policies.

Watch this video about the War Department threatening Anthropic for refusing to remove ethical restrictions on mass surveillance and autonomous weapons.

This video is from the BrightVideos channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

Axios.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Iran warns UAE of strong response as fears of U.S. ground offensive grow

Iran accuses the UAE of actively supporting U.S.-Israeli operations, warning that any ground invasion could trigger attacks on Emirati state assets.

The conflict has escalated through airstrikes, covert operations, and retaliatory attacks, significantly weakening Iran's missile capabilities while intensifying regional instability and humanitarian concerns.

U.S. President Donald Trump is considering deploying ground troops to seize key islands in the Strait of Hormuz, including Kharg Island and Qashm Island.

Iranian officials allege the UAE has provided airbases, intelligence support and even advanced AI systems for targeting, signaling a shift from Tehran's previous restraint toward Abu Dhabi.

Iran warns that if a ground invasion occurs, it will treat participating countries as direct enemies and expand strikes beyond military targets to include economic and state-linked assets, risking a wider regional war.

Tensions in the Gulf have sharply escalated as Tehran accuses the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of playing an active role in the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, warning that any ground invasion could trigger widespread attacks on Emirati state assets.

The ongoing U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, as BrightU.AI's Enoch noted, is characterized by a series of escalating military strikes, including covert Mossad missions and large-scale airstrikes. These actions have sparked retaliatory attacks on Israeli cities and fueled anti-Western resentment.

According to two senior Iranian sources, the leadership in Tehran has concluded that the UAE's involvement extends beyond hosting American military bases. Iranian officials now believe Abu Dhabi has facilitated operational support for strikes against Iran, including granting access to air facilities and assisting with intelligence gathering.

The accusations come as U.S. President Donald Trump weighs the possibility of deploying ground troops to seize key Iranian islands in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Among the potential targets are Kharg Island, which handles the vast majority of Iran's oil exports, and Qashm Island.

Such a move would mark a dramatic escalation in a conflict that has already claimed at least 1,900 lives and rattled global energy markets. Analysts warn that any attempt to control these islands could provoke a wider regional war, given their importance to global oil supply chains.

Intelligence claims and escalation risks

Iranian officials allege that the UAE has served as a forward platform for Israeli and U.S. operations, including "deception operations" designed to implicate Iran in attacks elsewhere in the region. They also claim that advanced artificial intelligence infrastructure within the UAE has been used to support targeting decisions against Iranian personnel and sites.

While these claims have not been independently verified, they reflect a hardening stance within Iran's leadership after weeks of restraint. A senior Iranian security official said Tehran has now decided to end its "period of tolerance" toward Abu Dhabi.

Separately, an Iranian diplomatic source warned that intelligence assessments, reportedly supported by allied states such as Russia, suggest a U.S.-led ground offensive could be imminent. The source argued that recent delays in military action are being used to reinforce troop deployments rather than pursue genuine diplomacy.

The U.S. has already increased its military presence in the region, with reports indicating that thousands of additional personnel may soon be deployed. Any ground operation is expected to rely heavily on bases located in Gulf states, raising the stakes for countries like the UAE.

The conflict intensified earlier this month after U.S. and Israeli forces struck Iran's South Pars gas field, prompting retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Tehran on energy infrastructure and other targets across the Gulf. Airports, ports, hotels and embassies have all been hit as hostilities widened.

Despite the escalation, Iranian officials say they have so far avoided treating Gulf states as full adversaries, limiting strikes to U.S. or Israeli-linked military and intelligence sites. However, that restraint could end abruptly.

Iran has warned that any participation in a ground invasion or the use of foreign territory to launch such an attack would result in those countries being treated as direct aggressors. In that scenario, Iranian retaliation could extend beyond military targets to include state institutions and commercial assets tied to the Emirati government.

Watch the Health Ranger Mike Adams warning that President Trump has walked right into a war trap with Iran in this clip.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

MiddleEastEye.net

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
FDA rebukes Novo Nordisk for failing to report strokes, suicides and deaths linked to Ozempic, Wegovy

The FDA has formally accused Novo Nordisk of serious, systematic failures for not reporting severe and fatal side effects, including strokes, suicidal thoughts and deaths, linked to its popular drugs Ozempic, Wegovy and Saxenda within the legally required timeframe.

The company's justifications for not reporting were found to be invalid. In one example, Novo Nordisk failed to report a patient's stroke because the patient didn't blame the drug, but the legal responsibility to report lies with the manufacturer, not the patient's opinion.

These were not isolated mistakes but a pattern of "systemic failures" in the company's safety monitoring processes. The FDA warned that these violations raise concerns about the safety reporting for Novo Nordisk's entire range of products.

The incident exposes a critical weakness in the U.S. drug safety system, which relies heavily on manufacturers to be honest and prompt in reporting problems. When a company withholds data, it blinds regulators and doctors to potential dangers, putting millions of patients at risk.

This failure intensifies existing safety concerns surrounding their massively popular medications, which are already the subject of thousands of lawsuits and ongoing FDA monitoring for other serious side effects, including a specific type of sudden vision loss (NAION). The warning letter breaches trust and highlights a dangerous gap between the rapid use of these drugs and the systems meant to protect patients.

In a stark regulatory reprimand, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accused pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk of "serious violations" for failing to report severe and fatal side effects, including strokes, suicidal ideation and patient deaths, linked to its popular diabetes and weight-loss drugs Ozempic, Wegovy and Saxenda.

The formal warning letter, issued on March 5, reveals systemic failures in the company's safety monitoring, raising urgent questions about the transparency and rigor of the post-market surveillance system that millions of patients rely on for protection.

A pattern of unreported harm

The FDA's findings follow inspections of Novo Nordisk's U.S. operations in New Jersey earlier this year. Federal investigators concluded the company repeatedly broke the law by not reporting serious "adverse events" to regulators within the required 15-day window. These reports form a critical early-warning system, allowing the FDA to spot dangerous trends after a drug is approved and widely used.

According to the letter, Novo Nordisk's justification for withholding reports was deeply flawed. In one case, the company did not report a disabling stroke suffered by a patient taking Saxenda because, it claimed, the patient themselves did not believe the drug was the cause.

Federal regulations, however, place the legal obligation to report on the manufacturer, not the patient's opinion.

In perhaps the most alarming omission, Novo Nordisk chose not to investigate a case where a physician reported a patient on semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, had died by suicide. The company only reported a separate case of suicidal thoughts to the FDA after agency inspectors discovered it while probing the unreported stroke.

Independent studies have previously suggested a link between this class of drugs and suicidal ideation.

The failures extended to basic follow-up. The FDA noted that Novo Nordisk did not make required attempts to gather more information about serious cases involving patient deaths, citing a lack of consent from the person who reported the death. The agency clarified that such consent is not needed for a mandatory safety investigation.

"Systemic failures" across the board

Perhaps most damning is the FDA's conclusion that these were not one-off mistakes. The agency stated the violations "suggest systemic failures" in how Novo Nordisk handles safety data from start to finish.

The implications are vast.

"Based on the nature of the inspection's findings we have serious concerns about the scope and impact of these violations on your entire product portfolio," the FDA warned the company. This language suggests the reporting problems could undermine the safety profile of all Novo Nordisk drugs, not just its GLP-1 agonists.

Even after being warned by the FDA during the inspection, the company's contractors continued to "inappropriately invalidate" serious adverse event cases. They claimed reports lacked necessary patient identifiers, but FDA inspectors found those very identifiers in the company's own internal documents.

In a statement, Novo Nordisk said it takes reporting requirements "seriously" and is working to address the issues.

The FDA, however, found the company's initial response lacked sufficient detail to ensure the problems would be fixed, prompting the formal warning letter, one of the agency's strongest enforcement tools short of litigation. Novo Nordisk now has 15 working days to provide a comprehensive corrective plan.

A broken safety net with millions at stake

As explained by the Enoch AI engine at BrightU.AI, this incident exposes a critical vulnerability in the nation's drug safety net. The system depends heavily on manufacturers to act as honest brokers, promptly and accurately reporting the harms that emerge once a product hits the mass market.

When a company withholds data, regulators and doctors are left in the dark, potentially missing signals that could save lives.

The stakes could not be higher for Novo Nordisk's drugs. An estimated 31 million American adults are currently on a GLP-1 medication, fueled by unprecedented demand and marketing. These drugs are now among the most profitable in the world, with uses expanding far beyond their original purposes.

But as use has exploded, so have reports of severe complications, ranging from severe gastrointestinal issues and pancreatitis to malnutrition, hair loss and bone density loss.

The drugs are also the subject of more than 4,000 lawsuits in the U.S., with plaintiffs alleging life-altering side effects they were never warned about, including a form of sudden vision loss called nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).

While Novo Nordisk has cited "robust" safety data from millions of patients, the FDA itself has acknowledged a rising "signal" of serious ocular side effects like NAION linked to GLP-1 drugs. The recent failure to report other severe events like strokes and suicidality will intensify scrutiny on whether the full spectrum of risks is being captured and communicated.

The FDA's warning letter to Novo Nordisk is more than a bureaucratic scolding; it is a red flag about the integrity of the information shaping the health decisions of millions. It underscores a dangerous gap between the rapid adoption of popular medications and the systems meant to ensure their safety long after they leave the lab. For patients and doctors, the trust that is fundamental to medicine has been breached, and rebuilding it will require more than a corporate promise to do better.

Watch the video below as the Health Ranger Mike Adams discusses the other deaths linked to weight loss injections like Ozempic.

This video is from the Jack Black channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

ChildrensHealthDefense.org

FDA.gov

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Insanity: UN calls for slavery reparations over US objections

The UN General Assembly passed a non-binding resolution declaring the transatlantic slave trade the "gravest crime against humanity" and calling for reparations.

The vote was 123 in favor, with the United States, Israel and Argentina opposed, and 52 nations, including major European powers, abstaining.

The U.S. delegation argued there is no legal basis for reparations for historical acts not illegal at the time and objected to ranking historical atrocities.

Supporters, led by Ghana, frame the measure as a necessary step toward addressing historical wrongs and achieving justice.

The resolution highlights a deep international divide on how to address historical injustices, with many Western nations rejecting its legal and historical framing.

In a move that has ignited international controversy and exposed deep philosophical rifts, the United Nations General Assembly has passed a resolution calling for reparations to address the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade. The measure, adopted on March 25, 2026, by a vote of 123 to 3, declares the centuries-long trafficking of enslaved Africans the gravest crime against humanity and frames reparations as a concrete step towards remedying historical wrongs. The resolution, championed by Ghana, was met with staunch opposition from the United States and Israel, and skepticism from 52 nationsincluding the United Kingdom, France and other European powerswho chose to abstain, signaling a significant Western blocs rejection of the measures core premises.

The core of the controversy

While the resolution is not legally binding, it carries substantial symbolic weight and seeks to set a global political direction. The text urges member states to engage in discussions on reparatory justice, which it defines to include formal apologies, financial compensation, restitution of cultural property and legal reforms. Proponents, led by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, argue that the resolution serves as a safeguard against forgetting the suffering of an estimated 13 million Africans over several centuries. They contend that acknowledging this history is prerequisite for healing and achieving racial justice in the present day.

However, the resolutions language and intent have drawn fierce criticism from several quarters. The most fundamental objection centers on applying modern legal and moral standards to historical events. Critics argue that the call for reparations seeks to impose contemporary norms retroactively on actions that, however abhorrent by todays standards, were widespread and legally sanctioned practices of their era.

The legal and historical pushback

The United States delegation articulated a clear, principle-based rejection. Deputy U.S. Ambassador Dan Negrea stated the U.S. does not recognize a legal basis for reparations tied to historical actions that were not prohibited under international law at the time. This position underscores a conservative legal viewpoint that opposes reopening historical grievances under modern statutes, fearing endless cycles of reciprocal claims stretching back through all of human history.

Furthermore, the U.S. and other opposing nations strongly objected to the resolutions characterization of the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity. Negrea argued that creating a hierarchy of historical atrocities objectively diminishes the suffering of countless victims and survivors of other atrocities throughout history. This perspective warns against the selective magnification of one historical injustice over others, from ancient conquests and empires to the genocides of the 20th century.

The resolutions call for the prompt and unhindered restitution of cultural artifacts to their countries of origin.

The encouragement for voluntary financial contributions to fund educational programs about the slave trade.

The request for regional bodies to collaborate with the UN on frameworks for reparatory justice and reconciliation.

A broader historical context

The debate over the UN resolution cannot be divorced from the complex tapestry of human history. The institution of slavery was a global norm for millennia, practiced by virtually every major civilization and culture. African kingdoms were active participants in the slave trade, capturing and selling individuals from rival groups long before and during the period of European transatlantic trafficking. This historical fact complicates modern narratives that seek to assign singular blame. Furthermore, the abolition movement, which culminated in the 19th century, was a hard-fought ideological and moral victory led largely within Western nations themselves. The British Empire, for instance, not only abolished the trade but later spent decades and vast resources policing the Atlantic to suppress ita historical action often omitted from simplified condemnations.

The implications for national sovereignty and unity

For the United States and other Western democracies, the resolution touches a raw nerve concerning national sovereignty and social cohesion. Domestically, the issue of reparations remains deeply polarizing. Critics argue that imposing financial penalties on contemporary citizens, who bear no personal responsibility for events concluded over 150 years ago, is unjust and logistically impossible. They contend it would foster division, resentment and a dangerous precedent for adjudicating history through financial liability rather than shared national progress. The focus, from this perspective, should be on ensuring equality of opportunity and justice under the law for all citizens today, not on attempting to settle historical accounts through collective guilt and payment.

A resolution of division, not unity

The lopsided vote tally masks a more telling geopolitical reality: the nations most directly implicated by the resolutions call either opposed it or declined to endorse it. The collective abstention of European Union members and the UK, whose ambassadors cited an unbalanced interpretation of historical events and inaccurate legal references, demonstrates that the resolution has failed to build a consensus among the very countries it seeks to engage. Ultimately, this UN action has proven more divisive than unifying. It has highlighted a fundamental clash between a worldview seeking corrective justice for historical grievances and one that prioritizes legal precision, opposes historical revisionism and looks toward future unity rather than perpetual reckoning with the past. The resolution stands as a powerful statement of sentiment for many, but its rejection by key nations ensures it will remain a point of international contention rather than a practical path forward.

Sources for this article include:

YourNews.com

APnews.com

Yahoo.com
Trump expands war on DEI, forcing federal contractors to abandon diversity programs

President Trump signed an executive order on March 26 requiring all federal contractors and subcontractors to dismantle their DEI initiatives, risking contract termination for non-compliance.

The order mandates new contract clauses banning "racially discriminatory DEI activities," defined as any employment decisions based on race or ethnicity instead of individual merit.

A robust enforcement framework is established, directing the Attorney General to prioritize investigations and requiring changes to federal procurement rules to remove prior diversity encouragements.

The administration justifies the order by arguing DEI programs are discriminatory, divisive, costly and undermine meritocracy, framing it as an expansion of its earlier crackdown on federal DEI offices.

The order forces thousands of businesses into a compliance crisis, creating a conflict between their public DEI commitments and the risk of losing government contracts and intensifies a national cultural clash over equity versus colorblind policy.

In a sweeping escalation of his administration's cultural and policy battle, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on March 26 compelling federal contractors and their subcontractors to dismantle all diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The order represents a direct assault on corporate practices that have become standard across American industry. It mandates the termination of contracts for companies that refuse to comply, signaling a profound shift in how the world's largest purchaser of goods and services will enforce its vision of a colorblind, merit-based system.

The order's core mandate: Compliance or cancellation

The executive order is unequivocal. All future federal contracts must include a clause prohibiting contractors from engaging in what it terms "racially discriminatory DEI activities"defined as any employment decision based on race or ethnicity rather than individual merit. The administration argues these practices artificially limit labor pools and drive up costs for taxpayers.

To ensure adherence, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is directed to identify sectors most engaged in DEI work and guide federal agencies on enforcement. The consequences for non-compliance are severe: agencies must cancel, terminate or suspend existing contracts and can bar offending companies from future government work.

Enforcement teeth: Legal prioritization and rule changes

The order instructs the U.S. Attorney General to prioritize investigating potential violations by contractors under existing fraud statutes. It also calls for the "prompt review" of civil rights lawsuits brought by individuals who believe they were discriminated against by a contractor's DEI programs, opening a new front of legal liability.

The Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council will amend federal procurement rules to incorporate the new anti-DEI clause and strip out any previous rules that encouraged diversity-focused practices from past administrations.

The administrations justification: Merit, cost and ideology

President Trump and his officials have framed this action as a necessary correction to what they see as illegal and divisive ideology. The administration contends that DEI initiatives lead to higher workforce turnover, foster division and create unnecessary costs. They argue these programs inherently discriminate against groups like white people and men, undermining meritocracy.

This executive order is the latest and most expansive salvo in a campaign that began at the start of Trump's second term. One of his first acts was signing an Executive Order targeted at DEI and "environmental justice" offices within the federal government itself, ordering them dismantled. This earlier action highlighted a troubling reality: The undercover footage showed that federal employees are not merely complying; they are actively defying these directives.

Historical context: A long-simmering battle reaches a boil

To understand this move, one must look at the trajectory of DEI. Following the racial justice protests of 2020, DEI programs saw unprecedented growth. Corporations, universities and government agencies under the Biden administration aggressively adopted policies aimed at rectifying historical inequities.

The Biden administration required federal agencies to submit detailed "Equity Action Plans," a move Trump has lambasted as documenting the "infiltration" of DEI. The current administration views these plans as evidence of systemic, state-sanctioned discrimination. This order against contractors dramatically widens the battlefield from the federal bureaucracy to the vast private sector that depends on government contractsworth hundreds of billions of dollars annually.

The practical impact: A compliance earthquake for business

For thousands of companies in federal contractingfrom defense giants to IT firmsthis order triggers an immediate compliance crisis. They must now audit and likely dismantle internal DEI offices, training programs and hiring initiatives that could be construed as using race or ethnicity as a factor. They must also police their subcontractors.

Many companies have publicly committed to DEI principles, often due to investor and employee pressure. They now face a choice: reform their practices or risk losing lucrative government business. For global partners, including firms in India engaged in outsourced IT work for U.S. contractors, the ripple effects may mean revising long-established partnership models.

A deep-seated cultural clash

At its heart, this order encapsulates a fundamental cultural and philosophical divide. Civil rights advocates and corporate leaders who support DEI see these practices as essential tools for creating fairer, more representative workplaces and addressing systemic barriers. They argue that equityproviding tailored support for fair outcomesis distinct from illegal quotas.

The Trump administration and the conservative movement it leads, rejects this framework. It posits that any consideration of race, even for remedial purposes, is inherently discriminatory and violates the principle of equal treatment under the law. This order operationalizes that belief, seeking to purge what it calls "divisive" ideology from the economic sphere of federal influence.

A defining policy with uncertain long-term effects

President Trump's order barring DEI practices among federal contractors is a defining policy action that merges legal enforcement with cultural warfare. It seeks to forcibly reorient a significant portion of the American economy around a strict meritocratic ideal.

"Race is discriminatory because it involves making prejudicial distinctions between individuals based on inherited physical characteristics, which are irrelevant to a person's character or merit," said BrightU.AI's Enoch. "This practice unjustly assigns value, opportunity or treatment based on group identity rather than individual qualities and actions. Ultimately, such categorization fosters division and undermines the fundamental principle of judging people by the content of their character."

The true test will be in its implementation and endurance. For now, it stands as a powerful decree that has instantly transformed compliance risk, corporate strategy and the national debate on equality, merit and the role of government.

Watch as Health Ranger Mike Adams discusses with Kevin McGary the DEI woke policies.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

Reuters.com

OmmComNews.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
The Commission said the Europa websites remain available, and that its swift response ensured the incident was contained and risk mitigation measures were implemented to protect services and data. Its internal systems werent affected by the attack, the statement added.

The incident comes after the Commission revealed on January 30 that its central infrastructure for managing mobile devices had identified traces of a cyber attack which may have exposed names and mobile number of some staff.

IAM is hard

The lack of information about the attack makes it hard for security industry experts to comment. For one thing, its unknown how the breach of security controls happened: Did the threat actor take advantage of an unpatched software or hardware vulnerability, find a zero day, or did an employee fall for a phishing attack?

There is very little info out, said Kellman Meghu, chief technology officer of Canadian incident response firm DeepCove Cybersecurity, but this does sound bad. This is why I force all my users to use AWS Identity Center sign on. No IAM-generated keys, and admin accounts are only activated through a break glass strategy, where two people are needed to authenticate.

By break glass strategy, Meghu said he meant that the AWS root/admin account that controls all of an organizations cloud infrastructure is stored outside of AWS on a system that requires authorization from both the CEO and CTO, via credentials and hardware tokens. This access generates an alert, so if there was an unauthorized attempt to sign in, the CEO and CTO would know.

I personally live in constant fear of this sort of thing happening he said. I create multiple separate AWS accounts using the AWS Organizations feature so accounts are completely isolated from each other. For example, there can be a dev ORG for testing with no real data, and a uat ORG for user testing with some data, and a prod ORG where no one is allowed. You can also break things down so different application types get their own Organizations, which limits lateral movement. Azure has similar setup and options, which are called Tenants.
By Libby George

LONDON, March 27 (Reuters) - A record start to the year for emerging-market debt sales has largely ground to a halt as worries over the Iran war create havoc in the markets and push up borrowing costs, bankers and investors told Reuters, a situation that places a number of nations in limbo.

The near-freeze underlines the precarious position for many emerging economies that until a month ago had enjoyed booming demand for their debt, defying tariffs and other geopolitical tumult.

One exception this month has been a fund-raising from oil-producing Angola, bolstered by the spike in crude.

"All funding discussions are continuing but with a cautious wait-and-see mode," Victor Mourad, Citi's CEEMEA co-head of debt financing, told Reuters.

"There is access for issuers, especially the large solid issuers if needed, but that access comes at a premium," he said.

AWAITING BETTER DAYS

Emerging nations, led by Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Turkey, had issued debt in January and February at a pace so blistering that first-quarter sales are at a record despite the dearth of issuance in March, according to Stefan Weiler, JPMorgan's head of CEEMEA debt capital markets.

Sovereign and corporate borrowers in central and eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa (CEEMEA) had raised an unprecedented $117.5 billion, nearly $3 billion above the first three months of 2025, even before Angola came to the market this week.

Angola is one of the few emerging sovereigns whose credit spreads compressed since the U.S. and Israeli campaign in Iran began on February 28, Mourad said, a sign that investors now demand a smaller premium to lend to the West African oil-producing nation than before the war.

Africa-focused corporate firm Helios Towers also issued debt this week.

For others, the picture is far tougher: investors pulled $3.3 billion from emerging-market debt in the week to March 19, and more than $5 billion out of high-yield corporate bonds, according to Bank of America. The latter marked the biggest outflow since the U.S. tariff shock in April 2025, the bank said.

Credit spreads for the likes of Egypt and Turkey have widened due to the impact the war could have on their economies - as have even those for oil behemoth Saudi Arabia - and the former two countries are also extremely vulnerable to rising energy and food costs.

The JPMorgan EMBI spread between emerging-market dollar debt and U.S. Treasuries widened by 17 basis points, to 268 bps, since late February, while Egypt's added 44 bps and Turkey widened by 36 bps.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh announced that 143 villages along the state's border with Myanmar will be developed under the Vibrant Villages Programme-II. The initiative, with a focus on infrastructure, livelihood, and essential services, targets five key districts: Tengnoupal, Kamjong, Ukhrul, Chandel, and Churachandpur. Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel emphasized meticulous planning and gap analysis for road connectivity, telecom, and electrification in these remote areas. The centrally sponsored programme, launched with an allocation of nearly Rs 6,900 crore, aims for holistic development in border villages across several Indian states.

Manipur CM announces 143 border villages with Myanmar will be developed under VVP-II for infrastructure, livelihood, and connectivity. Details inside.

Imphal, March 28 Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said on Saturday that 143 villages along Manipur's international border with Myanmar will be developed under the Vibrant Villages Programme-II, with a focus on infrastructure, livelihood opportunities, and essential services.

Manipur shares a 398-km-long unfenced international border with Myanmar, making development in these frontier areas strategically and economically significant.

The Chief Minister was speaking at a one-day state-level workshop on the Vibrant Villages Programme-II held in Imphal.

According to a senior official, the workshop emphasised strengthening border village development and enhancing coordination among various departments and agencies.

Organised by the state's Planning Department, the session focused on strategies, implementation challenges, and inter-agency collaboration.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh described the Vibrant Villages Programme-II as a flagship initiative of the Union government aimed at transforming villages located along international borders.

He reiterated that the programme seeks to improve infrastructure, boost livelihoods, and ensure access to basic services in remote regions.

Highlighting Manipur's geopolitical position, the Chief Minister stressed prioritising border area development and expressed gratitude to the Union Home Minister Amit Shah for including five districts --Tengnoupal, Kamjong, Ukhrul, Chandel, and Churachandpur -- under the initiative.

Chief Minister Khemchand Singh confirmed that 143 villages have been identified under the programme and will benefit from improved infrastructure, enhanced connectivity, and better delivery of government services.

He underscored the importance of timely and coordinated implementation, noting the critical role of the Planning Department, district administrations, and security forces such as the Assam Rifles.

Invoking the vision of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas", the Chief Minister said the programme must ensure inclusive development for all communities.

He also expressed hope that the workshop would strengthen coordination and improve outcomes at the grassroots level.

Manipur Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel highlighted the need for meticulous planning and close coordination with border guarding forces.

He noted that a comprehensive gap analysis has been conducted to assess infrastructure and connectivity deficits in border regions.

Goel identified key priority areas, including road connectivity, telecom expansion with 4G services under BharatNet, and electrification.

He stressed the need for focused efforts in districts such as Churachandpur, Kamjong, Ukhrul, Chandel and Tengnoupal.

The workshop was attended by Major General Gaurav Sharma, Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South), along with senior state government officials, Deputy Commissioners of the five identified districts, sector commanders, and other stakeholders.

Officials unable to attend physically, joined via video conferencing.

Meanwhile, the Union government had earlier approved the Vibrant Villages Programme-I (VVP-I) as a centrally sponsored scheme on February 15, 2023.

The programme targeted comprehensive development of selected villages in 46 blocks across 19 districts in states, including Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and the Union Territory of Ladakh.

Initially, 662 villages were identified for priority development.

Under VVP-I, a total of 2,558 projects with an outlay of Rs 3,431 crore have been sanctioned by the Ministry of Home Affairs, along with additional works through convergence with various Union Ministries and departments.

Subsequently, Vibrant Villages Programme-II was launched on April 2, 2025, with a total allocation of nearly Rs 6,900 crore.

The programme aims to develop 1,954 villages across 334 blocks in 15 states and two Union Territories.

These villages are spread across Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.

The initiative encompasses multiple schemes focused on security, saturation of welfare programmes, and improved connectivity, reinforcing the Union government's commitment to holistic development of border regions.

- IANS
The Indian government is actively monitoring 20 Indian-flagged vessels carrying 540 seafarers in the western Persian Gulf region, confirming all are safe with no incidents reported in the past day. The Directorate General of Shipping has facilitated the safe repatriation of over 938 Indian seafarers so far, including 25 in the last 24 hours. Port operations across major Indian states continue normally without congestion, according to State Maritime Boards. The government continues coordination with external affairs and maritime stakeholders to ensure seafarer welfare and uninterrupted operations amid regional tensions.

Indian government monitors 20 vessels with 540 seafarers in Persian Gulf. Over 938 seafarers repatriated. Port operations normal amid tensions.

New Delhi, March 28 Twenty Indian-flagged vessels with 540 Indian seafarers remain in the western Persian Gulf region and are being actively monitored, the government said on Saturday.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has put in place necessary measures to safeguard Indian vessels and seafarers operating in the region

"All Indian seafarers in the region are safe; no incident involving Indian-flagged vessels reported in the past 24 hours," the ministry said. They are being actively monitored by the Directorate General of Shipping in coordination with ship owners, RPSL agencies and Indian Missions.

DG Shipping has facilitated safe repatriation of over 938 Indian seafarers so far, including 25 in the last 24 hours.

Moreover, 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.

"Coordination continues with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Missions and maritime stakeholders to ensure seafarer welfare and uninterrupted operations," said the ministry.

Since February 28, around 4,97,000 passengers have returned to India from the war-affected region.

"Indian Missions and Posts remain in touch with the Indian community and continue to extend assistance, along with issuing necessary advisories for their safety and well-being," according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

The ministry continues to closely monitor developments in the Gulf and West Asia and safety, security and welfare of the Indian community remains the highest priority.

As per sources and multiple reports, two more merchant vessels carrying petroleum products for India were likely transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, even as the geopolitical tensions continue to disrupt movement through the critical maritime route.

Indian Navy warships have been deployed near key ports to provide assistance, with more vessels expected to arrive from the Strait in the coming days.

- IANS
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has provided a detailed status update on fuel and gas supplies in the state, assuring adequate availability. He announced a massive reduction in the lease rate for laying PNG gas pipelines to boost connectivity. The CM extended thanks to the central government for steps taken to stabilize fuel prices. The review comes amidst the ongoing West Asia conflict, with efforts focused on preventing shortages.

Haryana CM Nayab Saini details state's fuel supply, LPG stock, and new PNG pipeline policy to ensure stability amid West Asia conflict.

Chandigarh, March 28 Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday said that 4,032 government-run petrol pumps have been operational across the state, recording an average daily sale of 4,804 kiloliters of petrol and 12,003 kiloliters of diesel.

"The state receives 200,000 gas cylinders daily, while approximately 190,000 cylinders are being distributed," the Chief Minister told the media here on the LPG and fuel status in the state amidst the escalating West Asia conflict.

He said supplies of commercial LPG are also being maintained.

"Measures are being taken to ensure that there is absolutely no shortage of gas in hospitals, schools, and other essential institutions." Currently, a stock of 173,000 commercial gas cylinders is available.

"The Central government has established a 70 per cent allocation framework specifically for the commercial LPG sector. The domestic LPG production within the country has been increased by 40 per cent to reduce dependence on imports," he said.

The Chief Minister warned of strict action against black marketing and hoarding. He said in Haryana, a lease rate of Rs 300,000 per kilometre, payable 10 years in advance, is charged for laying PNG gas pipelines.

"Our government has decided to reduce this to a one-time lump sum payment of Rs 1,000 per kilometre." A target of 13,33,603 connections has been set for PNG services within the state. "Haryana also holds a strong position in the natural gas pipeline sector," said the Chief Minister.

Extending gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for reducing the excise duty on petroleum products, the Chief Minister said, "This measure will ensure that the prices of diesel, petrol, and gas remain stable for the general public."

"The Central government has taken this step with a firm resolve to uphold its Nation First policy," he remarked.

PM Modi on Friday convened a virtual meeting with chief ministers and lieutenant governors to review preparedness, urging states to work together as 'Team India' to address challenges posed by the month-old war.

- IANS
Adani Defence and Aerospace has delivered the first batch of 2,000 Prahar Light Machine Guns to the Indian Armed Forces, a significant milestone under the Make in India initiative. The delivery was completed 600 days ahead of schedule, saving the armed forces 20 months. The project, a joint venture with Israel Weapon Industries, aims to build deep indigenous manufacturing capability across a full portfolio of small arms. Company executives highlighted the ability to now manufacture 100,000 guns annually and assured supply capabilities despite regional tensions.

Adani Defence delivers 2000 Prahar LMGs ahead of schedule, marking a major step for India's indigenous defence manufacturing under Make in India.

Gwalior, March 28 Adani Defence and Aerospace, in a joint venture with Israel Weapon Industries, delivered the first batch of 2,000 Prahar Light Machine Guns to the Indian Armed Forces on Saturday. The batch is part of the order for 41,000 LMGs by the Indian defence forces.

Additional Secretary and Director General (Acquisition) in the Department of Defence, A Anbarasu, hailed the private defence firms, noting that the delivery has saved 20 months for the Indian armed forces.

"Today, we have flagged off the dispatch of 2000 LMG Prahar guns by saving 600 days and dispatching them well ahead of schedule. The scale and speed are very critical for improving the Indian defence industry ecosystem, and I'm optimistic that in the coming days, the private industries and public sector industries, all defence industries, will rise to the occasion and meet their potential. From the policymaking side, the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) is in the process of being amended, and we are working on it. We will ensure that the new Defence Acquisition Procedure meets the aspirations of the industry and helps in adding to the Indian defence ecosystem..."

This delivery, under the Make in India program, is an important step in strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing and supporting the operational needs of the Indian Armed Forces.

Ashish Rajvanshi, the CEO of Adani Defence and Aerospace, said that the focus was not about supplying a product, but building manufacturing capability in India across the portfolio of small arms.

Ashish Rajvanshi, President and CEO of Adani Aerospace and Defence, says, "It has taken us 6 years to reach this point. The journey, which started in 2020 with the vision and the dream of 'Aatmanirbharta', we were not sure where we were going to land. With the perseverance and hard work of the team, and the support of the policymakers over the last five years, we can proudly say that we have moved from a component manufacturer to a full gun OEM. The whole focus was not about supplying a product or a gun, but to build a deep capability in India across the whole portfolio of small arms. What started as a light machine gun contract was actually establishing a full capability across light machine gun assault rifles, pistols, snipers, and carbines within the country."

He added that Adani Defence and Aerospace can manufacture one lakh guns annually.

Rajvanshi said, "Today, proudly, we can say we can manufacture 100,000 guns per year. This is something which is completely driven by the most reliable, accurate, highly driven quality management systems, which will ensure that there is no defect and no rejection beyond 0.5 to 0.4 per cent. This is done under Industry 4.0 digitisation. What the policymakers have witnessed today is the future of Indian defence, and factory after factory, what you're going to do from Adani Defence is something which is going to drive the future of India's dreams when it comes to becoming a global power, not only for the captive demand, but for the global exports."

Shuki Schwartz, CEO of IWI, stated that the Prahar LMGs will upgrade the capabilities of the Indian armed forces. In the wake of tensions in West Asia, involving Israel, he assured that the firm has the capabilities to meet India's defence needs.

He said, "The NEGEV LMG is significant for the infantry, upgrading their capabilities. We believe it will support the Indian troops very much, as it did in the last supply of 16,000 LMGs, which took place in 2020. Now that it is produced in India, it is a very big pride for the Indian nation, and it supports the self-resilience of the Indian Army and the Indian Defence Forces."

"Regarding the capability of supply within the activities in West Asia, there is no fear regarding it. First, we have a very significant facility in Israel that is supporting the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) and can support the Indian needs, too. Second, we are making PLR (Precision, Lethality, and Reliability, the Adani-IWI joint venture) an independent company that can serve its needs and will support the Indian needs in any circumstances with no problem," Shuki Schwartz said.

The Prahar (Known is Israel as Negev NG7) operates from an open bolt and is fitted with a rotating bolt with gas impact on the piston head. It has a 508 mm long barrel (20 inch) and is 1,000 mm long, which allows a paratrooper to jump with it, the length being reduced to 820 mm with the stock folded. The NG7 weighs 7.6 kg without a magazine, its competitors weighing respectively 22 per cent and 38 per cent more.

- ANI
Afghan authorities are distributing aid to families displaced by recent Pakistani military attacks, as ordered by the Prime Minister. Pakistan's Defence Minister has stated military operations in Afghanistan will continue indefinitely. Political analysts criticize Pakistan for exploiting Afghanistan's vulnerabilities and warn that prolonged tensions threaten severe regional instability. The conflict's political and economic consequences for both nations are also a major concern.

Afghanistan delivers aid to families displaced by Pakistani military attacks as analysts warn of severe regional instability and political consequences.

Kabul, March 28 Amid escalating tensions following recent attacks by Pakistan's military in parts of Afghanistan, officials said that the process of delivering aid to residents of affected areas is ongoing, TOLO News reported.

Nooruddin Turabi, head of the National Disaster Management Authority, stated that aid distribution to residents displaced by the attacks is being carried out on the orders of the Prime Minister. He noted that the displaced population requires urgent and expanded support, and efforts are ongoing to address their needs.

"Anyone who has been displaced is being provided assistance based on our capacity. In coordination with other institutions, it has been decided that the eastern provinces will be assigned to the disaster management authority for aid delivery, while the southern provinces will be handled by Sermeyasht," Turabi said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that military operations in Afghanistan would continue without a specific timeline, underscoring that there is no doubt about their continuation.

Political analyst Roman Shirzad criticised Pakistan, saying it has historically taken advantage of Afghanistan's vulnerabilities. He urged Afghan institutions, including defence, interior, and intelligence bodies, to remain vigilant and prevent external influence, TOLO news reported.

Experts have warned that continued tensions between Kabul and Islamabad could have serious implications for regional stability. They noted that the ongoing conflict risks worsening security conditions and increasing broader instability in the region.

Another political analyst, Jannat Fahim Chakari, said the prolonged conflict could have severe political and economic consequences for both countries, TOLO News reported.

The developments come after Maulana Fazlur Rahman, leader of Pakistan's Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam party, said at a press conference that Islamabad's attempts to control the Afghan government have been a mistake, adding that a stable and independent Afghanistan would serve Pakistan's interests.

- ANI
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor affirmed that national interest unites all political parties, commenting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Chief Ministers regarding the West Asia situation. He stressed the duty of both central and state governments to collaborate with mutual respect, despite political differences. Tharoor also welcomed the diplomatic discussions between PM Modi and then-US President Donald Trump as a positive step during international uncertainty. The high-level talks focused on the regional conflict's potential impact on India's security and global markets.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor emphasizes federal cooperation & national unity following PM Modi's meeting with CMs on the West Asia conflict impact.

Kochi, March 28 Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday said that national unity is crucial when it comes to the country's interests, following Prime Minister Modi's meeting with Chief Ministers regarding the West Asia conflict.

He stressed the importance of cooperation between the Centre and states, emphasising mutual respect and federal collaboration in addressing challenges.

A day earlier, Prime Minister Modi chaired a meeting via video conferencing with Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors of States to review preparedness in light of the emerging situation arising out of recent developments in West Asia and its potential impact on India.

Speaking to ANI in Kochi, Tharoor said, "We are all united when it comes to the national interest. If today there is a UDF Govt in Kerala, we are not going to be seceding from the Union. We have to look after the national interest. Kerala has always been deeply integrated into all of India's activities...Therefore, there is no doubt in our minds that whatever UDF Govt in Kerala does for Kerala, it will be taking into account what the nation needs. We don't import anything ourselves; it comes from national policy."

Tharoor also mentioned that despite political differences, both the Centre and states share the responsibility to work together for India's welfare.

"So, we will work with the Central Govt on these matters. That doesn't mean we have to agree with the politicians when it comes to the elections in Kerala. That's a different matter. But working with the Central Govt is a duty of the State Govt, and for the Centre also, it's their duty to work with states. It has to be a mutual federalism. It means that both states and the Centre have their responsibilities, have their obligations and have their duties. I hope that both sides will respect that," he said.

Further, Tharoor welcomed the diplomatic discussions between Prime Minister Modi and US President Donald Trump, describing them as a positive step.

"...I am glad that the President of the US and the Prime Minister of India are talking to each other, that is a good thing. I also know that our Foreign Minister is now talking to the other G7 Foreign Ministers in France. All this is important; we have to be in touch with all the key countries at a time of international turbulence and uncertainty," Tharoor said.

On Tuesday, PM Modi held a high-level telephonic conversation with US President Trump to discuss the prevailing conflict in West Asia. The dialogue comes at a critical juncture as regional tensions continue to impact global energy markets and maritime security.

The conflict in West Asia began with Israel-US strikes on Iran on February 28, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. As Iran retaliated, it widened the ambit of the conflict, affecting its neighbours in the region.

- ANI
Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a large roadshow in Guwahati, energizing BJP supporters as campaigning intensifies for the Assam Assembly elections. The polling for all 126 constituencies will be held in a single phase on April 9, with results declared on May 4. The BJP, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, is seeking a third consecutive term against the opposition Congress. Earlier, Shah in Kolkata launched a sharp attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of playing victim politics.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a massive roadshow in Guwahati, energizing BJP workers ahead of the single-phase Assam Assembly polls on April 9.

Guwahati, March 28 Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a massive roadshow in Guwahati on Saturday, drawing huge crowds as the Bharatiya Janata Party intensified its campaign ahead of the upcoming Assam Assembly elections.

Shah's roadshow witnessed enthusiastic participation, with supporters lining the streets to catch a glimpse. Shah also showered flower petals on the crowd, acknowledging the support and energising party workers.



The vibrant show of strength comes as political campaigning gains momentum in the northeastern state.



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.



The BJP government, led by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa 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.



Earlier in the day, Shah addressed a press conference in Kolkata, where he launched a sharp attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee while unveiling the BJP's chargesheet against the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) government.



Accusing Banerjee of resorting to "victim card" politics, Shah said, "Mamata Banerjee has always played the politics of the victim card... But the people of Bengal have now thoroughly understood this tactic." He alleged that such strategies were repeatedly used during elections to gain public sympathy.



West Bengal will go to the polls in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with results for both Assam and Bengal set to be declared on May 4.





- ANI
The income figure most of these programs examine is Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), the number on your tax return after subtracting pre-tax retirement contributions, among other items. That is the lever Steve is pulling, and it is a legitimate one.

A cluster of elite universities has converged on $200,000 household income as the cutoff for free or near-free tuition. Harvard, MIT, and Penn have expanded their aid policies to eliminate tuition for families at or below that level. Yale announced in January 2026 that it would cover tuition entirely for families earning below $200,000, beginning in fall 2026. At schools where annual tuition exceeds $60,000, crossing that threshold means avoiding more than $240,000 in costs over four years.

Most Americans drastically underestimate how much they need to retire and overestimate how prepared they are. But data shows that people with one habit have more than double the savings of those who dont.

"Yes, in your situation, just as the one recently about health insurance, completely right that what a traditional 401(k) or a traditional IRA or both, what they do is they bring down your income enough, in many cases, below thresholds where other benefits accrue to you that you would lose if you were listening to the man from Roth, which is who I am, and just doing that automatically. There can be exceptions."

A Pennsylvania father earning around $200,000 wrote to Clark Howard with a specific plan: temporarily switch from Roth to traditional retirement contributions during his son's college years to keep his reported income below the threshold where elite schools offer free or heavily reduced tuition. Howard's answer was unambiguous.

A recent study identified one single habit that doubled Americans retirement savings and moved retirement from dream, to reality. Read more here .

Elite universities income-based tuition programs create a financial lever where switching from Roth to traditional retirement contributions can unlock six-figure tuition benefits, but the strategy only works for families close enough to the threshold and attending schools using their own aid formulas rather than the CSS Profile.

Harvard, MIT , and Yale use $200,000 household income as the cutoff for free or heavily reduced tuition, with eligible families saving over $240,000 across four years; families earning near this threshold can reduce their adjusted gross income (AGI) by up to $32,000 annually by maximizing traditional 401(k) and IRA contributions.

Story Continues

The Math That Makes This a Real Decision

For 2026, the IRS allows workers to contribute up to $24,500 to a traditional 401(k) and up to $7,500 to a traditional IRA. Maxing both reduces reported income by $32,000. For someone earning right at $200,000, that moves AGI to roughly $168,000 before the standard deduction, comfortably below the threshold most of these programs use.

The tuition benefit is binary. A family that qualifies receives free or near-free tuition; a family that misses the cutoff by even a small amount loses a four-year benefit worth six figures. Choosing Roth over traditional in the wrong years can cost a family dearly.

At $200,000 gross income, a married couple filing jointly sits in the 22% bracket, with income above roughly $100,800 taxed at that rate and income above $211,400 reaching the 24% bracket. Choosing traditional over Roth means deferring taxes on those contributions rather than paying them now. If Steve retires at a lower income than his peak earning years, he will pay less tax on those dollars than he would today. Even if the tax math ends up roughly neutral in retirement, the strategy still wins because of the six-figure tuition benefit it unlocks.

Steve also noted that FAFSA uses prior-prior year income, meaning the application filed during a student's senior year of high school reflects income from two years earlier. He is implementing the strategy while his son is in the middle of high school and plans to continue through the middle of college. That is a window of roughly five to six years of tax returns influencing aid calculations.

The FAFSA vs. CSS Profile Distinction That Can Break This Strategy

Under the updated FAFSA formula, contributions to workplace retirement plans are no longer added back to the Student Aid Index calculation, the number schools use to determine how much aid a family receives. That favorable rule is what Steve is working with.

The CSS Profile, used by roughly 265 private colleges and universities to award institutional aid, treats retirement contributions differently. Many of those schools add pre-tax contributions back into their income calculation, which would partially or fully neutralize the strategy. A family targeting a school that relies heavily on the CSS Profile should verify how that school treats retirement contributions before assuming the same income reduction will apply.

The schools with the most generous income-based tuition programs, including Harvard, Yale, and MIT, use their own aid formulas. Families should confirm directly with each school's financial aid office how AGI is defined for their specific program.

Three Features That Make This Strategy Work, and Two That Break It

Steve's situation has three features that make the strategy effective: his income sits close enough to a meaningful threshold that retirement contributions alone can move him below it; he is targeting schools with explicit income-based free tuition policies where the payoff is large and binary; and he maxes all tax-advantaged accounts regardless, so the only question is account type.

Two profiles where this strategy fails:

A family earning $250,000 or more, where maxing traditional accounts cannot bridge the gap to the $200,000 threshold. Contribution limits cap out at $32,000 for most workers, and non-wage income such as capital gains, rental income, or business distributions still appears in AGI regardless of retirement account choices. A family whose target school uses the CSS Profile and adds retirement contributions back to income. The AGI reduction on the tax return does not translate to a reduction in the aid formula, so the strategy provides no tuition benefit while simply deferring taxes.

How to Find Out If This Applies to You

Pull your most recent tax return and find your AGI. Compare it to the income threshold at each school your child is seriously considering. If maxing traditional 401(k) and IRA contributions gets you below the threshold at a school with meaningful tuition benefits, the potential tuition savings are worth discussing with a financial advisor or tax professional.

Contact the financial aid office at each target school and ask two questions: what income figure is used to determine tuition eligibility, and whether pre-tax retirement contributions are added back into that figure.

The window is narrow. FAFSA uses prior-prior year income, so families with a high school sophomore or junior have the most to gain by beginning this planning now. Howard's broader Roth preference remains sound for most earners, but Steve's question surfaces a real exception: when a pre-tax contribution can unlock a six-figure benefit, the tax deferral becomes a college financing decision, not just a retirement one.

Data Shows One Habit Doubles Americans Savings And Boosts Retirement

Most Americans drastically underestimate how much they need to retire and overestimate how prepared they are. But data shows that people with one habit have more than double the savings of those who dont.

And no, its got nothing to do with increasing your income, savings, clipping coupons, or even cutting back on your lifestyle. Its much more straightforward (and powerful) than any of that. Frankly, its shocking more people dont adopt the habit given how easy it is.
Veteran actor Anupam Kher has declared that at 71, he feels "sexy, elegant and very comfortable" in his own skin. Sharing pictures in formal wear on Instagram, he humorously pitched himself to brands as an available model with "experience, confidence, and a little bit of swag." He reflected on his modest beginnings, where owning a good shirt felt like a luxury, and expressed pride in how far he has come. Kher was last seen in the film 'Tanvi The Great'.

Veteran actor Anupam Kher says he feels "sexy and elegant" at 71, pitches himself to formal wear brands as a model with "experience and swag."

Mumbai, March 28 Anupam Kher opened up about embracing age with confidence, saying that at 71, he feels "sexy" and completely comfortable in his own skin. The veteran actor also made a confident pitch to formal clothing brands, saying he is ready to embrace modelling.

Sharing a series of pictures dressed in formal wear on Instagram, Anupam spoke about coming from a modest financial background where even owning a good shirt once felt like a luxury.

He wrote: "APPLICATION FOR FORMAL BRANDS! I come from a very simple financial background...Where owning one good shirt felt like a luxury."

Calling himself a "small-town boy from Shimla," Anupam showcased pride in how far he has come, adding that looking at his pictures now makes him feel he has "cleaned up quite well."

"Never imagined that one day I would not only wear formal clothes... but carry them with style! Looking at these pictures... I must say- the small-town boy from Shimla has cleaned up quite well!"

The actor also shared that at 71, he feels "sexy, elegant and very comfortable" in his own skin, describing confidence as the best outfit one can wear.

"At 71... feeling sexy, elegant and very comfortable in my own skin. And that, my friends, is the best outfit one can wear! So... dear brands..."

With a sprinkle of humour and charm, Anupam extended an open invitation to brands, saying he is available for modelling assignments and brings along experience, confidence, and "a little bit of swag."

"If you are looking for a 71-year-young model who comes with experience, confidence, and a little bit of swag...I am available! Jai Ho!" #71AndStylish #NotDoneYet #EleganceIsAnAttitude #ActorLife," he wrote.

Anupam was last seen in Tanvi The Great. It follows a 21-year-old woman on the autism spectrum, lives with her mother Vidya and grandfather Colonel Pratap Raina.

Inspired by her deceased father, Captain Samar Raina, an Indian Army officer who dreamed of saluting the flag at Siachen Glacier, Tanvi becomes determined to follow in his footsteps and join the army to fulfill his dream herself.

- IANS
The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the Central government to grant statutory recognition to Amaravati as the state's permanent capital. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu moved the resolution, criticising the opposition and reaffirming that no force can alter the capital's location. He highlighted the unprecedented contribution of over 34,000 acres of land from farmers for the capital's development. Naidu expressed confidence that Amaravati will be developed into a world-class, self-sustainable city by 2028.

Andhra Pradesh Assembly unanimously urges Centre to grant statutory capital status to Amaravati. CM Naidu reaffirms it as the sole, permanent capital.

Amaravati, March 28 The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly on Saturday unanimously passed the resolution urging the Central government to grant statutory recognition to Amaravati as the permanent capital of the state.

According to an official statement from the Andhra Pradesh government, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu moved the resolution in the Assembly, which had unanimous support. The approved resolution was forwarded to the Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Union Home Minister and other concerned authorities.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister reaffirmed that Amaravati is the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh. He asserted that no force can alter or shift the capital.

The Chief Minister criticised the opposition for their alleged inconsistent and misleading statements on the capital issue. He questioned claims that the Constitution does not define a capital, emphasising that India follows the Constitution framed by Dr B.R. Ambedkar.

Recalling past developments, he stated that the Sivaramakrishnan Committee had indicated public preference for a capital between Vijayawada and Guntur. He highlighted that within just 58 days, farmers voluntarily contributed over 34,000 acres for the capital, calling it an unprecedented act of sacrifice.

The Chief Minister reiterated that Amaravati will be developed as a world-class Blue-Green City, combining sustainability with modern infrastructure. He assured that the capital will emerge as a self-sustainable project and a source of economic growth for Andhra Pradesh.

He warned against attempts to disrupt development, referring to recent fire incidents in the capital region and warned of strict action on those found guilty.

Chandrababu Naidu expressed confidence that Amaravati will become one of the most livable cities in the country. The Chief Minister affirmed, "A fully developed capital city will take shape by 2028. Amaravati is not just a capital city; it is the foundation for the future of Andhra Pradesh."

- ANI
Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi visited the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri with his family to offer prayers and seek blessings. He expressed his desire for divine grace to remain with the Indian Army and its families for future strength and excellence. The 12th-century temple is a major Hindu shrine and an architectural marvel noted for casting no shadow. General Dwivedi pledged to make an annual visit to the holy site.

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi visited the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri with his family, seeking divine blessings for the Indian Army's strength and service.

Puri, March 28 Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Saturday visited the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri to offer prayers and seek divine blessings. He arrived with his family, performed rituals, and had darshan of Lord Jagannath.

Speaking to reporters, the Army Chief said, "Today, I visited Puri and received the blessings of Lord Jagannath. My main purpose was to seek divine blessings for the Indian Army, so that his grace continues to be with the armed forces and their families in the days to come. With great joy, I offered my prayers today, and I firmly believe that, with the Lord's blessings, the Indian Army will grow even stronger in the future, reach greater heights, and continue to serve the nation with excellence."

"I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to this sacred city of Puri. May the blessings of the Lord always remain upon this holy place. The devotion and reverence with which the Lord is worshipped and preserved here is a matter of great pride for the entire nation. Being here brings a deep sense of peace and spiritual purity. I will strive to visit this holy place every year, bow at the Lord's feet, and continue to seek his blessings," he added.

Odisha is widely known as the land of Lord Jagannath. The Jagannath Temple is a prominent Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu. It is located in Puri, Odisha, on the eastern coast of India.

Built in the 12th century AD, the temple has long been the epicentre of the Jagannath cult and attracts pilgrims from across the world throughout the year. The spiritual mysticism associated with Lord Jagannath often overshadows the architectural brilliance of this magnificent structure. Constructed on a raised platform, the temple stands as a remarkable example of ancient Indian architecture.

The temple complex underwent several additions until the 16th century. Unlike many other temples in the region, its carvings predominantly depict gods and goddesses. The entire complex is enclosed within two concentric walls, known as the Kuruma Bheda (inner wall) and the Meghnad Pachira (outer wall).

The main temple is constructed in such a way that no shadow of the temple falls on the ground at any time of the day.

- IANS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will engage with BJP workers and citizens of Assam in a virtual rally on March 30 via the NaMo App. He expressed strong confidence in the BJP-led NDA securing a third consecutive term, citing the state's visible developmental progress over the past decade. The assembly elections for all 126 seats will be held in a single phase on April 9. The contest is primarily between the incumbent BJP-NDA alliance and the opposition Congress.

PM Modi to interact with Assam BJP workers & citizens March 30 via NaMo App, expresses confidence in NDA's victory for a third consecutive term.

New Delhi, March 28 Ahead of the Assam Assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday praised the state's progress over the past decade and expressed confidence in the BJP-led NDA's continued success.

PM Modi stated that Assam is ready for "five more years of the double-engine NDA government."

The Prime Minister will engage with BJP party workers and the people of Assam through a virtual rally on the NaMo App at 1 PM on March 30 as part of the 'Mera Booth, Sabse Mazboot Samvaad - Assam' initiative.

In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, "Assam's progress in the last decade is for everyone to see. The state is known for its developmental strides across sectors. That is why, Assam is clear - it's NDA all the way. People are all set for five more years of the double-engine NDA government."

"Will be taking part in 'Mera Booth, Sabse Mazboot Samvaad - Assam' in the afternoon on the 30th," the post read.

The State BJP has urged all party workers and citizens to download and register on the app to take part in this unique and interactive initiative.

"With a resolute focus on the forthcoming Assam Legislative Assembly Elections, the State Bharatiya Janata Party stands poised to captivate public attention through the dynamic and visionary outreach of Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In continuation of his mass engagements across public rallies, the Hon'ble Prime Minister will also directly interact with party karyakartas as well as the people of Assam on 30th March at 1:00 PM. In this regard, the State BJP earnestly calls upon all party workers and the citizens of Assam to download and register on the "NaMo App", thereby becoming an integral part of this unique and interactive initiative," the official press release said.

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.

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.

- ANI
Border Guard Bangladesh has been deployed at 19 fuel depots across nine districts to maintain order and prevent unauthorized hoarding amid a global fuel shortage. The deployment, ordered by the Home Ministry, includes establishing temporary base camps in remote areas for operational efficiency. Enhanced intelligence monitoring and close coordination with depot authorities aim to prevent illegal sales and potential sabotage. Simultaneously, border patrols and checkpoints have been intensified to curb cross-border fuel smuggling.

Border Guard Bangladesh deployed at 19 depots nationwide to prevent illegal hoarding and ensure supply stability amid the global fuel crisis.

Dhaka, March 28 Amid the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, global fuel shortages and rising prices have led to attempts at unauthorized fuel hoarding.

To prevent such activities, maintain order in fuel distribution, and ensure uninterrupted supply, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been deployed at various depots across the country under the directive of the Ministry of Home Affairs, BGB said in a statement on Saturday.

The deployment is being carried out under a structured and well-coordinated plan supervised by BGB Headquarters. To facilitate operations in remote areas, temporary base camps have been established in secure locations where BGB personnel are carrying out their duties, it added.

Since the morning of 25 March 2026, BGB has been deployed at a total of 19 depots across 9 districts: Dhaka (1), Kurigram (2), Rangpur (3), Rajshahi (3), Sylhet (2), Moulvibazar (3), Cumilla (3), Brahmanbaria (1), and Sunamganj (1).Personnel deployed at these locations are operating under the leadership of designated officers, ensuring strict supervision and enforcement of administrative and security measures. Enhanced intelligence monitoring is in place to address any untoward situation, prevent illegal fuel hoarding and sales, and counter potential sabotage, the statement said.

BGB is maintaining close coordination with depot authorities to ensure swift information exchange. Their visible presence is helping stabilize fuel supply and boost public confidence, it said.

Additionally, to prevent fuel smuggling across borders, intensified land and river patrols are being conducted. Checkpoints have been established for inspections, and intelligence surveillance in border areas has been strengthened. Monitoring at Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) and Land Customs Ports (LCPs) has also been increased, with regular inspections of trucks, lorries, and other vehicles involved in import-export activities, the statement said.

Amid the energy crisis in Bangladesh caused by the conflict in West Asia, India has supplied an additional 5,000 tons of diesel, a senior government official said on Friday night.

- ANI
Border Guard Bangladesh personnel have been deployed to fuel depots across nine districts to prevent illegal stockpiling and ensure an uninterrupted supply. The government has also mandated the appointment of a designated "tag officer" for every petrol pump in the country to enhance oversight. The measures are a response to a supply disruption caused by increased consumer demand and global uncertainties stemming from the West Asia conflict. Officials cite the war and resulting global fuel shortages as the root cause of the current crisis.

Bangladesh deploys Border Guard Bangladesh personnel to fuel depots nationwide to prevent illegal stockpiling and ensure supply amid global crisis.

Dhaka, March 28 As Dhaka steps up efforts to prevent illegal fuel stockpiling, Border Guard Bangladesh personnel have been deployed at various depots nationwide to ensure uninterrupted supply, local media reported on Saturday.

Confirming the development on Saturday, BGB Public Relations Officer Md Shariful Islam said that the ongoing crisis in West Asia, coupled with global fuel shortages and rising prices, has prompted attempts at unauthorised stockpiling.

He added that BGB has been deployed under instructions from the country's Ministry of Home Affairs to counter the situation, leading Bangladeshi daily Dhaka Tribune reported.

Reports suggest that the deployment is being executed under a well-planned framework supervised by BGB headquarters, with temporary base camps established at secure locations to facilitate operations in regions distant from unit headquarters.

Since Wednesday morning, BGB members have been deployed at 19 depots across nine districts, including one in Dhaka, two in Kurigram, three in Rangpur, three in Rajshahi, two in Sylhet, three in Moulvibazar, three in Comilla, one in Brahmanbaria, and one in Sunamganj.

In light of the global uncertainties, the Bangladeshi government has decided to appoint a designated officer for every petrol pump across the country to enhance oversight and coordination of fuel management activities, local media reported.

According to a press release, the decision was made in a virtual meeting held on Friday, chaired by Mohammad Saiful Islam, secretary of Bangladesh's Energy and Mineral Resources Division.

"A tag officer must be appointed for every petrol pump across the country. In Dhaka and Chattogram metropolitan areas, the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) will appoint tag officers," Bangladesh's newspaper The Daily Star quoted the government decision as saying.

"Outside the Dhaka and Chattogram metropolitan areas, in district and divisional towns, the respective deputy commissioners and, at the upazila level, the upazila nirbahi officers will appoint a government official as a tag officer for each petrol pump under their jurisdiction. Tag officers will work in accordance with the procedures set by the Energy and Mineral Resources Division/BPC and will submit daily reports," it added.

Earlier this week, Bangladesh's Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud admitted that the normal fuel supply system has been disrupted in the country due to a rise in consumer demand, local media reported.

Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat in Dhaka on Tuesday, Mahmud said that the situation has emerged as the fuel at petrol pumps gets exhausted faster than usual, United News of Bangladesh reported.

"Earlier, tank lorries would be filled in the morning, and even after selling fuel throughout the day, there would be some surplus. But now, due to long queues, the fuel runs out quickly," he said.

The crisis stems from the war in West Asia, which has escalated since late February after joint US-Israeli strikes targeted Iranian military facilities and leadership.

Iran responded with missile and drone attacks against Israel, US interests and several Gulf states hosting American military bases.

- IANS
Firefighters have extinguished a blaze that broke out on the roof of a building under construction in downtown Toronto following a suspected explosion. The incident, which involved propane cylinders, prompted a large emergency response and was escalated to a second alarm. Authorities reported no injuries from the fire, which sent debris falling onto the street below. Major road closures remain in effect as crews monitor the site for flare-ups.

Firefighters extinguish a blaze on a downtown Toronto building roof following a suspected explosion. No injuries reported. Road closures in effect.

Toronto, March 28 Firefighters have extinguished a blaze that broke out on the roof of a building in downtown Toronto following a suspected explosion on Friday evening, CBC News reported, citing local authorities.

According to CBC News, citing the Toronto Police, the incident occurred near Richmond Street West and John Street at a structure under construction where propane cylinders were present. Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene shortly after.

Witnesses reported seeing thick black smoke rising from the rooftop before firefighters arrived. Police stated they had received information indicating that objects may have been exploding, with debris potentially falling onto the street below.

Fire officials confirmed that no injuries have been reported. The blaze was escalated to a second alarm, with crews battling the fire from a neighbouring building. Personnel remain at the site to monitor and prevent any flare-ups, as reported by CBC News.

Authorities have imposed road closures in the area, with Richmond Street West shut between Peter and Duncan streets, and John Street closed from Queen Street West to Richmond Street West, CBC News reported.

Police have also restricted pedestrian access and advised commuters to use alternate routes.

Further details awaited.

- ANI
Cities across India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bhopal, observed Earth Hour by switching off non-essential lights from 8:30 to 9:30 PM. Iconic landmarks like India Gate, Akshardham, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus participated in the global symbolic event. Organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Earth Hour aims to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote energy conservation. The state government of Uttarakhand also urged its residents to participate by turning off electrical appliances during the hour.

Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad & more observed Earth Hour by turning off lights at landmarks like India Gate & CST to raise environmental awareness.

New Delhi, March 28 Several cities across the nation observed Earth Hour today by switching off the lights to conserve energy. This event was observed from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm across the country.

Earth Hour is a worldwide movement organised by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). According to the website of the same, Earth Hour has been known for the "lights off" moment, with individuals from around the globe switching off their lights to show symbolic support for the planet and to raise awareness of the environmental issues affecting it.

It was observed in Delhi today when the lights at the iconic India Gate and Akshardham were turned off to conserve energy. Earth Hour was observed from 8.30 PM to 9.30 PM across the country.

The Earth Hour was also observed in Hyderabad as lights at Dr BR Ambedkar State Secretariat were turned off to conserve energy.

The global movement was also observed in Bhopal as lights at Rani Kamlapati Railway Station were turned off to conserve energy between 8:30 pm and 9:30 pm.

It was also observed in Mumbai as lights at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus were turned off to conserve energy.

The Government of Uttarakhand also announced on Friday that it will observe 'Earth Hour' on March 28. Residents across the state were urged to switch off all non-essential lights and electrical appliances during the one-hour period between 8:30 PM and 9:30 PM.

- ANI
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has firmly ruled out any plans for a lockdown and warned against misinformation causing panic about fuel shortages. He stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed all states to take strict action against those spreading such rumors. To bolster energy security, the Maharashtra government is accelerating the expansion of Piped Natural Gas infrastructure by relaxing conditions for pipeline laying. Fadnavis praised the central government's management, noting India has avoided fuel crises seen elsewhere due to diversified imports and diplomatic efforts.

CM Devendra Fadnavis warns against misinformation on fuel shortages and lockdowns, citing PM Modi's directives and detailing state energy security measures.

Mumbai, March 28 Addressing rising public concern amid the Iran-Israel conflict, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday issued a stern warning against those spreading misinformation regarding fuel shortages or a potential lockdown, asserting that there is no such plan in place.

"There is absolutely no plan for a lockdown," he clarified, adding that India is well prepared to handle the current global fuel situation.



He told reporters, "Some elements are intentionally creating confusion and panic. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his virtual meeting with all Chief Ministers on Friday, directed states to take strict action against those spreading such rumours. Spreading false news in these sensitive times is against the nation's interests, and we will deal with it with an iron hand."



To further insulate the state from global energy shocks, the Chief Minister said the Maharashtra government is fast-tracking the expansion of Piped Natural Gas (PNG).



"We have recently issued a Government Resolution (GR) to relax conditions for laying gas pipelines across all municipal corporations. By shifting the urban load from LPG to PNG, we can ensure that our energy reserves are managed more efficiently during international crises," he added.



While India has felt the impact of the ongoing geopolitical tensions, Fadnavis assured that the country remains on stable footing due to proactive diplomacy and strategic planning.



He said that on Friday, the Prime Minister chaired a crucial meeting with Chief Ministers of all states to discuss the impact of the Middle East conflict on India's economy and energy security.



Fadnavis lauded the Prime Minister's leadership, stating, "While many developed and neighbouring countries are struggling with fuel shortages -- resorting to four-day work weeks or mandatory work-from-home policies -- India has managed to avoid such a crisis. The Chief Ministers collectively praised PM Modi for his steady handling of this global turmoil."



He further said, "The central government has absorbed the burden of rising international fuel prices, ensuring that the spike in costs is not passed on to the common consumer. Domestic LPG cylinder supply has been increased by 75 per cent, ensuring households are not affected. India's energy security is bolstered by an import portfolio spanning 41 countries, reducing dependency on any single volatile region. Despite restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, India's diplomatic relations have ensured continued flow of LPG."





- IANS
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will participate in the Madhya Pradesh-Uttar Pradesh Cooperation Conference in Varanasi on March 31. The conference aims to strengthen partnerships in trade, investment, and skills, with several MoUs expected to be signed. A key focus will be the joint development of the Kashi-Ujjain-Chitrakoot religious tourism circuit to make pilgrimage more organized and appealing. The event will also see collaboration between artisans from MP's silk clusters and Banarasi weavers to advance the 'Ganga-Narmada Craft Corridor'.

CM Mohan Yadav to attend MP-UP summit in Varanasi on Mar 31. Focus on trade, Kashi-Ujjain tourism circuit, and Ganga-Narmada Craft Corridor.

Bhopal, March 28 Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will participate in the 'Madhya Pradesh-Uttar Pradesh Cooperation Conference' to be held in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on March 31.

The conference, aimed at strengthening partnerships in trade, investment, and skills between the two neighbouring states, will also witness the signing of agreements between the Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh governments across several sectors, including trade, industrial investment, skill development, handicrafts promotion, and tourism.

The summit will place special emphasis on linking One District-One Product (ODOP) initiatives, GI-tagged products, traditional crafts, and agri-food products with branding, marketing, and export opportunities.

"MP-UP Cooperation Conference 2026 will present a robust model for regional development by attracting investment, generating employment, and preserving cultural heritage through strong collaboration between Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh," the state government said in a press note on Saturday.

It added that the conference will hold detailed discussions on the proposed development of the Kashi-Ujjain-Chitrakoot religious tourism circuit as a joint tourism product between the two BJP-ruled neighbouring states.

"The initiative will emphasise the development of a structured and coordinated tourism model, facilitated by the participation of key stakeholders such as tour operators and IRCTC. The development will render religious tourism more organised, accessible, and appealing, thereby increasing both the volume of tourists and their average duration of stay across the two states," it said.

On this occasion, artisans from Madhya Pradesh's renowned Chanderi and Maheshwar silk clusters will collaborate with Banarasi silk weavers to advance joint branding, market expansion, and the 'Ganga-Narmada Craft Corridor' concept.

Chief Minister Yadav will also visit the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor to study crowd flow design, infrastructure layout, and pilgrim management systems.

"This visit will serve as more than just a routine inspection. It will provide a valuable opportunity to understand successful models of modern urban planning and pilgrimage site management. Drawing upon this experience, a practical approach will be formulated for the development of religious sites, expansion of amenities, and systemic improvements within Madhya Pradesh," the statement added.

- IANS
An ELN (equity-linked note) is a debt instrument whose return is tied to the performance of an underlying equity or index. In RSPA's case, these notes deliver option premium income in exchange for capping the fund's participation in market upside beyond a certain level. The income is real. The constraint is equally real.

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Most covered-call ETFs sell call options directly against their equity holdings. RSPA takes a different route. The fund uses equity-linked notes (ELNs) issued by major financial institutions to replicate the economics of an options overlay. ELNs from Citigroup Global Markets, Morgan Stanley Financial, Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo, Royal Bank of Canada, Barclays, and Mizuho Markets collectively represent a meaningful slice of the fund's holdings alongside its equity positions.

Two structural risks can quietly erode the value of this holding for the wrong investor. The first: the way RSPA generates income permanently limits what investors can earn when markets run. The second: a large portion of what RSPA pays out is taxed at the least favorable rate available to most investors.

Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Income Advantage ETF ( NYSEARCA:RSPA ) pays investors a monthly distribution that would be the envy of most income strategies. The fund's dividend yield sits near 8.9%, generated by layering an options income overlay on top of the S&P 500 Equal Weight Index. For investors hunting yield in a market where the 10-year Treasury offers 4.33%, that headline number is genuinely compelling.

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RSPAs high yield masks two structural costs: capped gains in strong rallies and unfavorable tax treatment that erodes after-tax returns for investors in taxable accounts, making the fund suitable primarily for tax-advantaged retirement accounts where ordinary income classification has no cost.

Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Income Advantage ETF (RSPA) offers an 8.9% dividend yield using equity-linked notes from major banks to generate monthly income, but caps upside participation in bull marketsSPY returned 13% over one year while RSPA returned 11%, and RSPAs ordinary income from ELNs is taxed at marginal rates (22%-37%) rather than the favorable 15-20% capital gains rate applied to qualified dividends. SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) tracks the cap-weighted index and allows full market participation without upside caps.

Story Continues

When the S&P 500 Equal Weight Index rises sharply, RSPA does not fully participate. The ELN structures have sold away a portion of the upside in exchange for the premium that funds the monthly distribution. In a flat or modestly rising market, this trade works well. In a strong bull run, investors watch the index move while their fund lags.

The performance data makes this concrete. RSPA is essentially flat year-to-date in 2026, up less than 1%, while the cap-weighted S&P 500 (as tracked by the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (NYSEARCA:SPY)) is down 5.4% year-to-date. Over a one-year window, SPY has returned about 13% while RSPA has returned about 11% on price alone. Add distributions back and the total return picture improves, but the capped upside is a permanent feature. In sustained bull markets, this gap widens.

The ELN structure also introduces counterparty risk that a standard covered-call ETF does not carry. If one of the issuing banks were to default, the fund could suffer losses unrelated to equity market performance. Given the counterparties involved, this is a low-probability scenario, but it is a distinct risk that does not exist in funds holding options directly.

Wall Street Horizon  Wall Street Horizon

The chart illustrates total shareholder yield, comprising dividend and net buyback yield, across S&P 500 sectors and the S&P 500 Index as of March 31, 2022.

The Tax Problem That the Yield Number Hides

When a standard equity fund pays dividends, a portion typically qualifies for the lower long-term capital gains tax rate (15% or 20% for most investors). ELN income does not work that way. Because ELNs are debt instruments, the premium income they generate is classified as ordinary income, taxed at the investor's marginal rate: 22%, 24%, or higher for many investors.

An investor in the 24% bracket receiving RSPA distributions in a taxable account sees their after-tax yield shrink materially compared to the headline figure. A fund paying qualified dividends at the same pre-tax yield would leave that investor better off. Any honest yield comparison between RSPA and alternatives must be done on an after-tax basis.

This tax treatment is a feature of the ELN approach across the category, and especially worth flagging here because RSPA's high yield is its primary selling point.

What to Monitor and When

Monthly distribution amounts from Invesco: Track whether the per-share payout is stable, rising, or declining. A distribution cut signals that ELN premium income has compressed, likely due to falling market volatility. The VIX is the leading indicator: it currently sits near 25, in the elevated uncertainty range. If volatility compresses back toward the low teens (as it did in late December 2025 when the VIX touched 13.47), option premiums shrink and so does the income. Your account type and marginal tax rate: If you hold RSPA in a taxable brokerage account and your marginal rate is 22% or above, compare your after-tax yield against alternatives. RSPA belongs in tax-advantaged accounts (IRAs, 401(k)s) where the ordinary income classification is irrelevant. The 10-year Treasury yield: The 10-year currently sits near 4.3%, up about 0.3% over the past month. Rising risk-free rates increase the opportunity cost of a capped-upside strategy. If the 10-year pushes toward 5%, the relative appeal of RSPA's yield narrows against instruments carrying no upside cap. Monitor the Federal Reserve's FRED data at fred.stlouisfed.org and reassess when the 10-year moves more than 50 basis points in either direction.

The Honest Picture for RSPA Holders

RSPA is a well-constructed fund for what it does. The equal-weight foundation provides genuine diversification across all 500 S&P constituents, with industrials at 16.1% and information technology at 13.4% rather than the mega-cap concentration that defines the cap-weighted index. The ELN overlay delivers a real income stream.

Investors who hold RSPA in tax-advantaged accounts and understand they are trading upside participation for monthly income are getting exactly what the fund advertises. Investors holding it in taxable accounts without accounting for ordinary income tax treatment, or expecting it to keep pace with a strong equity rally, are working with an incomplete picture of what they own.

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Rahul Gandhi meets Congress MP K Sudhakaran, praising his loyalty as Congress reaffirms unity and projects a landslide for UDF in Kerala elections.

Kannur, March 28 Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met Congress MP from Kannur, K Sudhakaran, and his family on Saturday, along with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and MP K.C. Venugopal, ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections scheduled for April 9.

In a post shared on X, Rahul Gandhi praised K. Sudhakaran for his longstanding dedication to the people of Kerala, stating, "K. Sudhakaran ji has spent a lifetime fighting for the people of Kerala - through every storm, every challenge, every test. He has the strength and loyalty of a true Congress soldier."The meeting comes amid ongoing discussions regarding Sudhakaran's political future after he was not included in the Congress candidate list for the upcoming elections. The Congress MP has also dismissed rumours that he might contest the elections as an independent candidate from Kannur, affirming his commitment to the Congress party. He expressed his determination to continue working within the party framework, moving forward with new initiatives and activities under the Congress banner.



Gandhi further expressed confidence in the upcoming elections, stating, "The United Democratic Front (UDF) is united and strong. We are heading towards a landslide victory with 100 seats in Keralam."



Earlier on March 20, speaking to reporters in Delhi, the Congress MP K. Sudhakaran asserted that he has no intention of challenging the party, as the party is much bigger than him and he is merely a small part of it.



"My stand is to continue within the party. I will move forward with new initiatives and activities for the party. Where else will I go without being in the party? Just because I was denied a candidature does not mean I have been expelled. I am not contesting now. If the party gives me approval, I will contest; otherwise, I will not. I have no intention of challenging the party. The party is much bigger, and I am just a small part of it. My decision is to remain committed to the party, and I will move forward accordingly," said Sudhakaran.



These remarks came after Senior Congress leader AK Antony urged K Sudhakaran to stand by party decisions, stressing the need to prevent a third consecutive term for the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in the state. Amidst the ongoing DMK-Congress seat-sharing talks and seat allocation in Tamil Nadu for the upcoming state polls, Congress MP Jothimani had criticised the party's lack of transparency in constituency selection, saying that the process should be conducted only after extensive discussion, a view that has not been accepted by the responsible leaders.In an 'X' post, she stated that everything happened in a highly secretive manner and that the welfare of the Congress party has been entirely compromised. She added that it is heartbreaking to see a few individuals, who have not contributed even a single feather to the decades-long hard work of genuine Congress party workers in the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee, now effectively selling it off.





- ANI
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal led India's delegation at the WTO Ministerial Conference in Cameroon, asserting that consensus-based decision-making is fundamental to the organization's legitimacy. India emphasized the need to address long-pending issues like food security and the structural asymmetries from past trade rounds. The delegation highlighted the critical dysfunction of the WTO's dispute settlement system, which disadvantages smaller economies. India also cautioned against using transparency as a weapon for trade retaliation and called for a time-bound, inclusive reform process.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal led India's push at WTO MC14, emphasizing consensus-based decisions, fixing dispute settlement, and prioritizing food security.

New Delhi, March 28 Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday led the Indian delegation at the World Trade Organisation's 14th Ministerial Conference in Yaounde, Cameroon, where trade ministers deliberated on WTO reform issues on the second day.

According to an official statement released by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Goyal emphasised that consensus-based decision-making is the bedrock of the WTO's legitimacy, and it is important for the WTO not to ignore the sovereign right of each member to not bind itself to rules which they do not agree to, India stressed on the importance of the WTO to undertake a careful stock-take of the current impasse and its underlying causes, while ensuring discussions remain transparent, inclusive and Member-driven.

India also highlighted that an integrated multilateral trading system cannot thrive alongside fragmentation within its own institutional framework.

On the 'Level playing field issues', Goyal emphasised that discussions must take into account the asymmetries from the Uruguay Round. India focused on the need for long-pending issues like food security, PSH, and SSM on Cotton to be prioritised while taking up new issues to address the structural asymmetries.

Highlighting the continued dysfunction of the dispute settlement system, India emphasised that without effective adjudication, rules lose their enforceability, thereby disproportionately disadvantaging smaller economies.

India also cautioned against weaponising transparency to justify trade retaliation or challenge legitimate domestic policies. Instead, it should be accompanied by meaningful and sustained capacity-building support, ensuring that all Members can meet obligations fairly and effectively, the ministry said.

India also stressed the importance of all Members to have a fair opportunity to build productive capacity, create employment, and participate meaningfully in global trade.

The day concluded with a Ministerial Plenary Session on WTO Reform Transparency.

Speaking during this session, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, extended India's support for a time-bound restart of reform efforts with milestones, based on a more robust evidentiary analysis and through engagement with submissions and Ministerial Decisions.

India unequivocally called for eschewing cherry-picking issues and proliferating preconceived and prejudged positions.

India also highlighted the need to give greater importance to the role of WTO Committees, which, through their lived and learned experiences, can contribute to an exhaustive stocktake through a bottom-up approach.

While cautioning against plurilaterals fragmenting the multilateral trading system, Agrawal called for the consensus process to be premised on the principles of openness, transparency, inclusivity, participative and member-driven.

On the sidelines of the second day of the MC14 meetings, Goyal held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from the US, China, Korea, Switzerland, New Zealand, Canada, Morocco and Oman. Discussions were focused on the MC 14 agenda as well as on matters related to deepening bilateral trade ties.

- ANI
US President Donald Trump suggested Cuba is "next" following US strikes on Iran, though he quipped "pretend I didn't say that." Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Cuba a "disaster," blaming its failing economic system for fuel shortages. The World Health Organization's Director-General warned Cuba's health services are at risk due to geopolitics and energy blockades. Meanwhile, a humanitarian aid flotilla has arrived in Havana to support the island amid a worsening US energy blockade.

US President Trump hints Cuba is next target after Iran strikes, as aid flotilla arrives amid energy blockade and health crisis warnings from WHO.

Washington DC, March 28 US President Donald Trump on Saturday said that Cuba was 'next'.

Trump, while delivering remarks at the Future Investment Initiative, gave remarks on Cuba after he was talking about US strikes on Iran.

"And Cuba's next, by the way. But pretend I didn't say that. Cuba's next," he said.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that Cuba was a disaster because its economic system does not work.

"The reason why Cuba doesn't have oil or fuel is because they want it for free. Cuba is a disaster because their economic system doesn't work," Rubio had said.

Earlier on March 26, Director-General of the World Health Organisation, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, on Thursday said that health should be protected at all costs and never be at the mercy of geopolitics, energy blockades and power outages with respect to Cuba.

Ghebreyesus said that the situation in Cuba is deeply concerning as the country struggles to maintain health service delivery.

"Health should be protected at all costs and never be at the mercies of geopolitics, energy blockades and power outages. The situation in Cuba is deeply concerning as the country struggles to maintain health service delivery at a time of immense turbulence, leading to energy shortages that have been affecting health."

The first boat in a humanitarian aid flotilla has arrived in Cuba to support the island amid a worsening US energy blockade that is deepening its economic and energy crises, as per Al Jazeera.

A boat carrying about 30 people, including food, medicine, solar panels, and bicycles, arrived in Havana, the capital city, on Tuesday, part of the "Nuestra America" or "Our America" convoy that set out from Mexico last week, as reported by Al Jazeera.

The convoy comes as US President Donald Trump and his allies continue to express their desire for regime change in Cuba, using greater energy restrictions to further degrade the Cuban economy. Trump has stated that he could "take" Cuba and select a government more amenable to US demands.

The vessel on Tuesday -- called the "Granma 2.0" in reference to the boat that ferried Cuban revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro to the island as part of an effort to overthrow the regime of US-backed strongman Fulgencio Batista -- departed from Puerto Progreso, in Merida, Mexico, last week. Two other vessels are also en route, as reported by Al Jazeera.

- ANI
An Iranian ballistic missile equipped with a cluster bomb warhead struck central Israel, killing a man in his 60s and injuring several others. The attack was part of a series of Iranian salvos targeting southern and northern Israel throughout the day. In response, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced a strike on the Arak Heavy Water Plant in central Iran, a key nuclear facility. Since the conflict escalated in late February, Iran has launched over 450 missiles at Israel, with the military claiming a 92% interception rate for threats to populated areas.

Iranian ballistic missile with cluster bomb warhead strikes central Israel, killing one man. IDF reports high interception rate amid escalating attacks.

Tel Aviv, March 28 One person was reported dead and several others were injured by an Iranian ballistic missile fired at central Israel on Friday, the sixth attack by Iran on the country throughout the day, The Times of Israel reported.

The missile carried a cluster bomb warhead, spreading smaller bombs (bomblets) over a wide area.

One bomblet impact killed a man in his 60s who was not in a bomb shelter, and another submunition hit a residential building and lightly wounded two men in their 50s, according to the police and Magen David Adom (Israel's national emergency medical, disaster, ambulance and blood bank service).

The Fire and Rescue Service said it handled a total of six sites where submunitions from the missile impacted.

Medics also reported that two people were lightly injured in the Kuseife area of southern Israel earlier Friday evening from falling fragments following the interception of an Iranian ballistic missile.

MDA said it treated a man aged 37 and a woman in her 20s who were injured by shrapnel. Both were taken to Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, as reported by The Times of Israel.

Iran again targeted the south of Israel with a ballistic missile salvo launched early Saturday, triggering sirens in Beersheba and surrounding towns, before attacking the Golan Heights and other parts of the north hours later. Neither attack resulted in injuries, as per The Times of Israel.

Earlier on Friday, the IDF said it struck Arak Heavy Water Plant in Central Iran.

In a post on X, he said, "STRUCK: Arak Heavy Water Plant in Central Iran--A Key Plutonium Production Site for Nuclear Weapons. The IDF will not allow the Iranian regime to continue advancing its nuclear weapons program, which poses an existential threat to Israel and the entire world."

Iran has fired more than 450 ballistic missiles at Israel since the war began on February 28, with the military reporting an interception rate of 92 percent of attacks heading for populated areas and key infrastructure. In all, nine missiles carrying conventional warheads with hundreds of kilograms of explosives have struck populated areas in Israel, causing extensive damage in at least six cases. There have also been more than 30 incidents of missiles carrying cluster bomb warheads hitting populated areas, with over 150 separate impact sites, as per The Times of Israel.

- ANI
CM Rekha Gupta pledges to build 'Delhi 2.0' by integrating young innovators' ideas into governance for more transparent and effective public services.

New Delhi, March 28 Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday attended the 'India Innovates 2026 - World's Biggest Hackathon' at Bharat Mandapam, encouraging young innovators from across the country and promising to infuse innovation in the capital's governance.

She said, "Let us come together to build Delhi 2.0. A Delhi that is inspired by innovation, empowered by inclusion, and gives equal importance to trust along with technology."



She envisioned a Delhi driven by innovation and strengthened by inclusion, where trust holds as much importance as technology.



The Chief Minister underlined the government's commitment to integrating young ideas and innovations into the governance system, with the aim of making public services more accessible, transparent and effective.



The event saw participation from thousands of young minds, participants and delegates.



This year's theme focuses on artificial intelligence, robotics and civic innovation.



Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the youth present were not just thinking about technology, but were actively working on solutions to improve cities, strengthen democracy and make society more capable and inclusive.



She described this generation as one that can turn ideas into innovation and innovation into real impact.



"The energy, skills and determination of our young people from every corner of the country are India's greatest strength," she said, adding that with over 60 per cent of its population being young, India's demographic advantage will drive the country to new heights on the global stage.



Highlighting the scale of the hackathon, Gupta said that more than 5,000 participants selected from over one crore applicants represent the future of India's digital ecosystem.



"Their thinking will shape the direction of governance, society and the economy in the years ahead," she noted, urging them to contribute to building 'Delhi 2.0'.



In a post on X, the Chief Minister said, "Participated in 'India Innovates 2026 World's Biggest Hackathon'. The ideas of the young innovators present here were not limited to technology alone, but they were presenting concrete solutions towards making cities better, strengthening democracy, and making society more empowered."



She said, "This is the same generation that has the capability to turn Ideas into Innovation and Innovation into Impact."



The enthusiasm, skills, and resolve of all you young friends is India's invaluable asset, she said.



On this occasion, BJP Delhi's State General Secretary Vishnu Mittal, the programme's convener and councillor Shashi Yadav, along with other distinguished guests were present, said a statement.





- IANS
Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu held an interactive session with residents of Vasant Vihar, highlighting the value of citizen perspectives in addressing urban governance challenges. He described these engagements as a deeply gratifying learning experience, noting that concerns often resonate across different community boundaries. The interaction follows Sandhu's recent meeting with US Envoy to India, Sergio Gor, where they discussed the strong bilateral ties between the two nations. Sandhu, a former Indian Ambassador to the US, was recently sworn in as Delhi's Lieutenant Governor, succeeding Vinai Kumar Saxena.

Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu interacts with Vasant Vihar citizens, emphasizing public dialogue for solving urban challenges in Delhi.

New Delhi, March 28 Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, during his interaction with citizens in Vasant Vihar on Saturday, emphasised the importance of public dialogue in understanding urban issues, noting that concerns raised by residents often go across socio-economic and geographic boundaries while shaping governance solutions.

In a post on X, the official account of Delhi LG wrote, "Always a deeply gratifying learning experience to engage with the people of Delhi. The issues of concern--and their potential remedies--often resonate across socio-economic and geographic boundaries. It was a pleasure interacting with residents of Vasant Vihar, whose perspectives offered valuable insights into the challenges of urban governance. I look forward to continuing such interactions with citizens across Delhi and working together to address these challenges constructively."

Earlier on Friday, Sandhu met with the US Envoy to India, Sergio Gor, as the US Embassy in India reiterated the strength of ties between New Delhi and Washington, as it reshared a message by President Trump on the relationship between the two countries.

In a post on X, LG Taranjit Singh Sandhu said, "A pleasure to meet my friend, and @USAmbIndia @SergioGor"

Earlier, on March 11, US Envoy to India, Sergio Gor, congratulated Taranjit Singh Sandhu on being sworn in as Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, succeeding Vinai Kumar Saxena.

Gor recalled Sandhu's stint as the former Ambassador of India to the United States, saying he has worked hard to promote US-India ties. A seasoned diplomat with over three decades of experience, Sandhu has played a key role in strengthening India-US ties, serving as India's Ambassador to the United States from 2020 to 2024.

In a post on X, Gor said, "Congratulations to my good friend Taranjit Singh Sandhu being sworn in as Lt. Governor of Delhi. You've done so much to promote US-India ties in my nation's capital and you'll do a great job serving the people of your nation's capital."

Newly appointed Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Taranjit Singh Sandhu took the oath of office in the presence of Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya this month.

- ANI
The ruling DMK has finalized its seat-sharing arrangement for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, reserving 164 seats for itself and distributing 70 among alliance partners including Congress. Chief Minister MK Stalin will contest from Kolathur, while Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin is fielded from Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni. The party's candidate list highlights a focus on educated professionals, featuring numerous degree holders, advocates, and doctors. The state will vote in a single phase on April 23, with results expected on May 4.

DMK allocates 70 seats to allies, fields CM MK Stalin from Kolathur. Congress gets 28 seats. Polls on April 23, counting May 4.

Chennai, March 28 The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on Saturday completed its seat-sharing process with alliance partners for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President MK Stalin, who leads the Secular Progressive Alliance, unveiled the seat-sharing arrangement, finalising the constituencies for Congress, Left parties, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, and the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, among others.

The DMK will contest 164 out of the 234 constituencies in the state, while 70 seats have been allocated to its alliance partners. These partners include the Congress Party with 28 seats, the Communist Party of India (CPI) with 5 seats, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) with 5 seats, VCK with 8 seats, MDMK with 4 seats. Other smaller parties in the alliance include the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) with 10 seats, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) with 2 seats, and several other regional parties.

Notably, the DMK has reserved key constituencies such as Kanyakumari, Radhapuram, Palayamkottai, and Aruppukottai for its candidates. The party has fielded CM MK Stalin as the candidate for the Kolathur constituency and announced Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin from Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni. Other prominent DMK candidates include Mahesh for Kanyakumari, Appavu for Radhapuram, Vahab for Palayamkottai, Kalaikathiravan for Tenkasi, and KKSSR Ramachandran for Aruppukottai.

In addition, O Panneerselvam will contest from Bodinayakkanur, and R.S. Kirthiga Devi has been fielded from Tambaram. Further, Velu has been named as the candidate for Mylapore, while Ma. Subramanian will contest from Saidapet. The list also includes figures such as RD Sekar for Perumbur, Nazar for Avadi, and Subair Khan for Royapuram.

The seat-sharing arrangement would ensure a strong representation across all regions, with a broad spectrum of professionals, including 125 degree holders, 18 women candidates, 15 doctors, and 29 advocates, underlining the party's focus on education and professional qualifications for its representatives.

Stalin responded to opposition criticism about the late release of the DMK's candidate list, saying, "We may have come last, but we are the latest."

After the release of the DMK candidates' list, MK Stalin and Udhayanidhi Stalin paid tribute at the Karunanidhi Memorial in Chennai Marina and placed the list of candidates.

Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4. The main electoral contest is expected between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), which 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-led TVK is attempting to turn the state elections into a three-way contest.

- ANI
The DMK is poised to release its candidate list for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections as seat-sharing negotiations with its allies enter the final stage. Key sticking points remain with the Congress over five constituencies it is reluctant to cede, including Srivaikuntam and Killiyoor. Demands from the DMDK faction led by Premalatha Vijayakanth and dissatisfaction from the CPI(M) over seat allocation have also contributed to the delay. With polling scheduled for April 23, the alliance is working to finalize agreements to present a united front.

DMK likely to release candidate list for Tamil Nadu polls today as seat-sharing talks with Congress, CPI(M), and allies near conclusion ahead of April 23 election.

Chennai, March 28 The Election Commission of India has announced that polling for all 234 Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu will be held in a single phase on April 23, setting the stage for an intense political contest in the state. As the polls draw near, the ruling DMK is likely to release its candidate list on Saturday as seat sharing talks with its allies near conclusion.

According to the schedule, the filing of nominations will begin on March 30 and conclude on April 6. Votes polled on April 23 will be counted on May 4, when the results will also be declared.

Against this backdrop, seat-sharing negotiations within the DMK-led alliance have entered their final phase, though a few key issues remain unresolved.

The DMK has largely finalised agreements with several allies, including the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Nadu, MDMK, and the Communist Party of India, regarding the constituencies they will contest.

However, discussions are still ongoing with the Congress and the Communist Party of India (Marxist), both crucial partners in the alliance.

The Congress has been allotted 28 seats in the DMK-led front. Of these, the party has agreed to accept 23 constituencies but is pressing for changes in the remaining five seats.

The main sticking point revolves around constituencies such as Srivaikuntam and Killiyoor, which the Congress had won in the previous election but which the DMK now intends to contest.

The Congress leadership has firmly opposed relinquishing these seats, leading to a delay in finalising the agreement.

Meanwhile, demands from other allies have also contributed to the delay. The DMDK faction led by Premalatha Vijayakanth has reportedly sought constituencies such as Rishivandiyam, Virugambakkam, and Ambur.

However, the DMK is reluctant to part with these seats, considering them strongholds of the party.

The CPI(M), on its part, is said to be dissatisfied over a reduction in the number of seats allocated to it and is pushing for constituencies where the DMK has a strong support base.

Party sources indicate that these three issues - negotiations with Congress, demands from the DMDK faction, and concerns of the CPI(M) - have collectively delayed the release of the DMK's candidate list.

Preparations had been underway at Anna Arivalayam, the DMK headquarters, to release the candidate list on Friday.

However, the announcement was deferred due to the lack of a final agreement with key allies. With efforts continuing to arrive at a consensus, sources now suggest that the DMK is likely to reach an amicable settlement with its allies and release its much-awaited candidate list later today.

- IANS
The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has released its complete candidate list for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will contest from his Kolathur stronghold, while his son and Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin will seek re-election from Chepauk-Triplicane. The election is set to be a four-cornered contest involving the DMK alliance, the AIADMK-led NDA, actor Vijay's TVK, and the NTK. Several senior ministers have been retained in their sitting constituencies, though Padmanabhapuram has been allocated to alliance partner Congress.

DMK announces 164 candidates for TN polls. CM M.K. Stalin to contest from Kolathur, Udhayanidhi from Chepauk. Key alliances and veteran OPS included.

Chennai, March 28 With the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections scheduled for April 23, the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has unveiled its complete list of candidates for all constituencies it will contest, marking a crucial milestone in its poll preparations.

Votes will be counted on May 4, with results to be declared the same day.



The upcoming election is set to witness a four-cornered contest, involving the DMK-led alliance, the AIADMK-aligned National Democratic Alliance (NDA), actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), and Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK).



The DMK will contest 164 of the 234 Assembly constituencies, while its alliance partners will field candidates in the remaining 70 seats. With the alliance partners having already released their lists, Chief Minister M. K. Stalin on Friday announced the party's full slate of 164 candidates.



Stalin will once again contest from his stronghold, Kolathur constituency. His son and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin will seek re-election from Chepauk-Triplicane, the seat he currently represents.



In a notable political development, veteran leader O. Panneerselvam, who was expelled from the AIADMK and later aligned with the DMK, will contest from Bodinayakanur in Theni district - a constituency he has won multiple times in the past.



Several senior leaders and sitting ministers have been retained in their traditional constituencies, underlining the party's strategy of continuity and incumbency strength. Among them are Duraimurugan, P. K. Sekar Babu, E. V. Velu, K. N. Nehru, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, Raja Kannappan, Anitha Radhakrishnan, Geetha Jeevan, Masthan, and Senthil Balaji, all of whom will contest from their respective sitting seats.



However, in a key seat-sharing adjustment within the alliance, the Padmanabhapuram constituency - currently represented by Minister Mano Thangaraj - has been allocated to the Congress party.



The release of the candidate list signals the DMK's readiness to enter a high-stakes electoral contest, with alliances, candidate selection, and constituency strategies now firmly in place ahead of polling.





- IANS
YouTuber and Bigg Boss 17 contestant Anurag Dobhal shared an emotional video of him holding his newborn son for the first time. The moment was particularly poignant as Dobhal is currently recovering from a serious car accident that left him injured. His wife, Ritika Chauhan, gave birth to their son on March 27, which coincided with the festival of Ram Navami. The video prompted an outpouring of love and congratulations from his fans and followers online.

YouTuber Anurag Dobhal breaks down holding his newborn son for the first time while recovering from a serious car crash. Watch the heartfelt moment.

New Delhi, March 28 In an emotional moment, YouTuber and Bigg Boss 17 contestant Anurag Dobhal broke down as he held his newborn son for the first time, sharing the heartfelt experience with fans on Saturday.

Popularly known as the UK07 Rider, Anurag posted a video capturing his first meeting with his child, a day after his wife Ritika Chauhan gave birth on March 27, coinciding with the Hindu festival of Ram Navami.

The video shows Anurag arriving at the hospital while still recovering from a recent accident that has left him with an injured right leg.

Struggling to walk, he is assisted out of a car by friends and later shifted into a wheelchair to enter the hospital premises.

Inside the hospital, Anurag is seen holding his baby boy in his arms for the first time.

Sharing the clip on his Instagram handle, he captioned it, "Doosra Janam Mere Bachey Ke Liye".

His wife, Ritika, shared the news of the birth of their son on Friday thorugh an Instagram Story.

The video prompted an outpouring of reactions from fans and followers, who flooded the comments section with congratulatory messages.

"Welcome baby....!!", a fan wrote.

"Congratulations brother, get well soon," wrote another fan.

Dobhal is currently receiving medical care following a car crash earlier this month. He was hospitalised after his car collided with a divider on the Delhi-Dehradun highway while he was streaming live on Instagram. Following the accident, he was admitted to the hospital.

For context, Dobhal, one of India's most popular motovloggers who also appeared on Bigg Boss 17, allegedly attempted to commit suicide during the livestream earlier this month.

In the video, he spoke about challenges in his personal life and indicated that the clip could be his "last video".

According to Dobhal, he had been under mental pressure from family members following his inter-caste marriage.

- ANI
Many 401(k) plans include investment options that share revenue with plan administrators, which can lead to weaker returns for savers, research found.

Credit: Getty Images

Key Takeaways

More than half of 401(k) plans from 2009 to 2013 offered consumers at least one investment fund option that shared revenue with the plan's administrator, a 2025 study found.

Those plans had higher hidden costs, which can add up to thousands in lost value by the time you retire.

Do you really know how your 401(k) plan is invested? If not, you might be putting your money in costlier mutual funds and not know it, new research suggests.

Researchers analyzed the 1,000 largest 401(k) plans between 2009 and 2013the only years when the Department of Labor required detailed public disclosure of how plan administrators are paid. They found that many plans include investment options that share revenue with administrators, creating incentives that can work against savers best interests.

"[It's] a significant problem if employees do not understand the costs of their investment options," said Clemens Sialm, a finance professor at the University of Texas at Austin and one of the study's authors. "The result is that you might be paying more than you realize for weaker returns."

What The Researchers Found

The researchers found that the average 401(k) plan offered about 22 different investment options to the typical participant, with those fund options coming from an average of seven different companies. About 40% of the available investments were affiliated with the 401(k) provider, or "record-keeper," and the remaining 60% of funds were from third parties.

About half (54%) of plans had at least one investment fund option that shared revenue with the plan's record-keeper, while funds that did share revenue were some 60% more likely than non-revenue sharing funds to be added to a given plan's menu of options. They were also less likely to be removed once they had been added.

In short, the researchers found that administrators of 401(k) plans are more likely to choose funds that pay them more than just the traditional fees. While that's not surprising, the funds that shared revenue often failed to offset those higher hidden costs with lower upfront fees, and didn't provide better-than-average returns to make up for the revenue sharing element of their funds, the study found.

That means that without knowing it, you may have your money invested in a fund that offers lower returns than you would be getting otherwise.



How Can This Be Fixed?

Sialm said it's "not very helpful" for companies to reveal the terms of the plans within long policy documents, where employees are unlikely to read them. Instead, he said, employers should explain these 401(k) options. up front and in plain language. And employees should push for more transparency, he added.
Nepal's new Prime Minister Balendra 'Balen' Shah has expressed eagerness to work closely with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to advance relations between the two countries. This follows PM Modi's public congratulations on Shah's appointment, which he said reflects the trust of the Nepali people. Shah was sworn in at a ceremony presided over by Nepal's President. The event was attended by the country's vice president, chief justice, and other senior officials.

New Nepal PM Balendra Shah thanks PM Modi for wishes, expresses eagerness to advance bilateral relations for mutual prosperity between the two nations.

Kathmandu, March 28 Nepal's Prime Minister's Office on Saturday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his greetings to Balendra Shah on being sworn in as the Prime Minister of Nepal.

Replying to PM Modi's post the Nepal PM's office said the PM was eager to work closely with PM Modi to advance the multifaceted relations between both countries.

In a post on X, the office said, "Thank you, Prime Minister Narendra Modi for your kind words and warm wishes. I am eager to work closely with you to advance the multifaceted relations between our two countries for the common prosperity of our people."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended wishes to Balendra 'Balen' Shah on his swearing-in as Nepal's Prime Minister. He expressed optimism and looked forward towards working closely in taking forward the India-Nepal friendship.

He made the remarks in a post on X.

PM Modi said that Shah's appointment reflects the trust of the people of Nepal in his leadership and that working together would further strengthen the ties between New Delhi and Kathmandu for the greater benefit of the people.

"Warm congratulations to Mr. Balendra Shah on being sworn in as the Prime Minister of Nepal. Your appointment reflects the trust reposed in your leadership by the people of Nepal. I look forward to working closely with you to take India-Nepal friendship and cooperation to even greater heights for the mutual benefit of our two peoples," PM Modi said on X.

Balendra Shah 'Balen' was sworn in as Nepal's Prime Minister at a special ceremony held at the Office of the President on Friday. Nepal President Ramchandra Paudel administered the oath of office and secrecy after appointing Shah earlier in the day under Article 76(1) of the Constitution.

The ceremony was attended by Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut, National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal, former prime ministers, senior officials, security chiefs and members of the diplomatic community.

- ANI
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called on French President Emmanuel Macron during the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Paris, conveying Prime Minister Narendra Modi's warm greetings. He also held a bilateral meeting with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan to review and strengthen relations across various fields. Separately, the G7 foreign ministers issued a joint statement emphasizing the absolute necessity of restoring safe and free navigation through the critical Strait of Hormuz. Jaishankar also visited the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Paris, highlighting its role as a hub for Indian art and culture.

EAM S Jaishankar meets French President Macron & Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan at G7. Talks cover bilateral ties, regional issues, and safe navigation in Strait of Hormuz.

Paris, March 28 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday called upon French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting. He called the meeting an "honour" and conveyed the "warm" greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In a post on X, he said, " An honour to call on President @EmmanuelMacron of France last night. Conveyed warm greetings of Prime Minister@narendramodi. Value the discussion and his many insights."

The minister said that he valued the "discussion" and Macron's "many insights".

According to the Foreign Ministry of Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan also met with Jaishankar on the sidelines of the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

In a post on X, the ministry said, "Foreign Minister HH Prince @FaisalbinFarhan met with Indian External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar on the sidelines of His Highness's participation at the #G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting."

In the X post thread, the ministry said that during the meeting, both foreign ministers reviewed bilateral relations and ways to strengthen and develop them in various fields.

The ministry said, "During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and ways to strengthen and develop them in various fields. They also discussed the latest regional and international developments and issues of mutual interest. The meeting was attended by Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to France @Fahadalrwaily and the Director General of the Office of HH the Foreign Minister, Waleed Al-Ismail."

In a separate X post, Jaishankar informed of visiting the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Paris, and shared the experience of witnessing "impressive expressions of cultural and spiritual heritage of India".

In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "Visited the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Paris. Witnessed impressive expressions of cultural and spiritual heritage of India. Confident that the renovated facility will serve as a hub in Paris for deepening interest in Indian art and culture."

Earlier on Friday (local time), the Foreign Ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) underscored the "absolute necessity" of restoring safe and toll-free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz amid the regional conflict in West Asia.

In a joint statement issued following their meeting under France's G7 Presidency, the ministers stressed the urgent need to ensure uninterrupted maritime transit in the critical energy corridor, in accordance with international law, including relevant UN frameworks and the Law of the Sea.

"We reiterated the absolute necessity to permanently restore safe and toll free freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, consistent with UNSC Resolution 2817 and the Law of the Sea," the statement read.

- ANI
The Election Commission of India will adopt a stricter and more proactive approach to ordering repolls in the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections. Officials indicate re-polling will be ordered more urgently based on complaints of voter intimidation or obstruction, moving beyond the previous "exceptional cases" standard. The decision leverages provisions under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, for cancelling votes and ordering repolls in cases of booth capturing or preventing voters. Voters facing threats can lodge complaints remotely, and police are empowered to make arrests without a warrant in such situations.

Election Commission to order repolls more swiftly in cases of voter intimidation or obstruction during the West Bengal Assembly elections.

Kolkata, March 28 The Election Commission of India is set to adopt a stricter approach to ordering repolls in the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections, with officials indicating that re-polling may now be ordered more promptly in cases of voter intimidation or obstruction of voting.

An official familiar with the development said that until now, repolls were conducted only in "exceptional" cases, but the Commission is now inclined to act more swiftly based on complaints and field reports.

"Earlier, repolls were held in exceptional cases. Now they will be ordered on an urgent basis, depending on reports of voter intimidation and any attempt to vitiate the electoral process," an official said.

It may be noted that the Representation of the People Act, 1951, provides provisions for re-polling in specific circumstances. The law allows repolls to be conducted at particular booths or polling stations, with the final decision resting with the Commission based on ground reports.

In previous elections, political parties had frequently alleged intimidation, booth capturing, and obstruction of voting at several polling stations across the state. However, repolls were not ordered in a large number of such cases, as decisions were largely based on reports submitted by presiding officers.

This time, the Commission is expected to take more immediate and proactive decisions. Officials indicated that strict action could be initiated if there is any serious breakdown of law and order during polling.

According to the Commission, in cases of booth capturing under Section 58A of the Representation of the People Act, votes in the affected booths will be cancelled and repolls ordered.

Similarly, if voters are prevented from casting their votes, polling in the concerned booths will be cancelled. Under Section 135A of the Act, repolls may also be ordered in cases involving forcible capture of booths, obstruction of voting, or blocking access to polling stations.

Officials added that voters who are unable to reach polling stations due to threats can lodge complaints with the Commission or designated observers, even remotely. In such cases, appropriate action, including ordering repolls, may be taken.

The Commission also stated that the police are empowered to make arrests without a warrant in cases involving threats, unrest, or obstruction of voters.

- IANS
AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami will launch the final phase of his statewide campaign from April 2, intensifying outreach ahead of the April 23 Assembly polls. The meticulously scheduled tour will cover northern, central, delta, southern, and western districts of Tamil Nadu, concluding in Salem. This campaign follows the completion of NDA seat-sharing, with the AIADMK allotting seats to allies like the BJP and PMK. Palaniswami has expressed high confidence, setting an ambitious target for the NDA to win 210 of the state's 234 Assembly seats.

AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi Palaniswami launches final statewide campaign from April 2, targeting 210 seats in the April 23 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Chennai, March 28 Edappadi K. Palaniswami, the AIADMK General Secretary and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, will launch the final phase of his statewide campaign titled "Protect the People; Retrieve Tamil Nadu" from April 2, intensifying preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections scheduled on April 23, party sources said on Saturday.

The campaign, set to run until April 19, is aimed at consolidating support for candidates of the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).



With the poll date approaching, the AIADMK is rolling out a high-energy outreach programme to strengthen its position across key Assembly constituencies.



According to the AIADMK's poll campaign schedule, Palaniswami will begin his tour with a focus on northern and central districts of Tamil Nadu from April 2 to 6.



The first leg will cover Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Vellore, Tirupattur, Tiruvannamalai, and Villupuram, before extending to Puducherry and Cuddalore.



These regions are considered crucial battlegrounds where the AIADMK is seeking to improve its electoral prospects.



The tour will then move to Perambalur and Salem, followed by an intensive two-day campaign in Chennai on April 8 and 9.



The Chennai leg is expected to be strategically important, with several Assembly constituencies witnessing tight poll contests among major political players.



From April 10 to 14, the poll campaign will shift to the Cauvery delta and southern districts, including Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Tiruchirappalli, Dindigul, Theni, and Madurai.



These regions have historically played a decisive role in Tamil Nadu's electoral outcomes, making them a key focus area for all parties.



The final leg, scheduled between April 15 and 19, will focus on the western "Kongu" belt -- comprising Karur, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Erode, Namakkal, and Salem -- widely regarded as a stronghold of the AIADMK.



The campaign will conclude with major public meetings in Salem district.



This final phase of campaigning follows the completion of seat-sharing arrangements within the NDA alliance.



The AIADMK has allotted 27 seats to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), 18 to the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), and 11 to the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK).



Expressing confidence, Palaniswami has set an ambitious target of winning 210 out of 234 Assembly seats, asserting that the NDA is poised for a decisive victory.





- IANS
Hollywood actress Eva Longoria attributes her successful career to the influence of the strong women in her family, including her mother, sisters, and aunts. She says being surrounded by their independence and success instilled in her a fundamental belief that she would also achieve her goals. Longoria reveals she never doubted her own talent or destiny for stardom, even when others did. She emphasizes that unwavering self-belief and championing oneself are crucial to navigating Hollywood and achieving longevity.

Hollywood star Eva Longoria reveals how being surrounded by smart, independent women gave her the unwavering belief she would be successful.

Los Angeles, March 28 Hollywood star Eva Longoria, who has enjoyed a highly successful career, said the women in her life have played a major role in her achievements.

Longoria told people.com: "So many people have guided me in my life. I have nine aunts, three sisters and 18 female cousins. I was surrounded by smart, independent and successful women."

The actress has always had clear career ambitions, and she never doubted that she'd become a success, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

Longoria said: "I didn't have to look far to see the woman I wanted to be. I was like, 'Oh, I'm going to be like my sisters. I'm going to be like my mom'.

"That instilled in me this idea that I always knew I would be successful. I didn't know what I was going to do - whether I would be a dentist or a lawyer - but I knew I'd be successful. And that came from the community around me."

Meanwhile, Longoria had previously insisted that she's never doubted her own talent. The actress was always convinced that she was destined for stardom, even when other people doubted her.

She told Byrdie: "When I look at the longevity I've had in this industry, it makes sense to me."

"Of course, I'm going to work as hard as I can at whatever I do, and it just happens to be in this industry. I knew I'd be successful because I was surrounded by successful women - my mother, sisters, and aunts were independent, strong, smart, and charitable. They were everything I wanted to be."

The actress' self-belief has helped her to navigate the pitfalls of Hollywood.

She said: "I remember the first time I was on a billboard and somebody said to me, 'Oh my god, who would have thought?' And I said, 'Me. I thought it. I dreamt it'. If you don't champion yourself, who else is going to?"

"That unwavering belief in yourself will take you so far."

- IANS
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) has issued a statement assuring that India's fuel supply remains secure and stable with no shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG. The company stated that refineries are operating at full capacity, reserves are strong, and future supplies are secured. It attributed any recent rush at fuel stations to misinformation and advised citizens to rely only on official updates. The assurance comes amid global tensions affecting key oil supply routes like the Strait of Hormuz.

HPCL assures no shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG in India. Refineries at full capacity, reserves strong. Company advises against panic buying.

New Delhi, March 28 Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited said India's energy supply remains secure and stable, assuring citizens that petrol, diesel and LPG are available normally across the country.

In a post on X, the HPCL said, "India's energy supply remains secure and stable. There is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG, and all fuel stations are operating normally."

The company added that the country's refining and supply systems are functioning smoothly to meet demand. "Refineries are running at full capacity, reserves are strong, and future supplies are secured," it said.

Addressing reports of panic buying in some areas, the company said the rush at fuel stations was triggered by misinformation. "Recent rush was due to misinformation--citizens are advised to rely only on official updates," it stated.

In additional advisories shared through official infographics, the company said fuel availability across India remains stable. "Petrol, Diesel & LPG are available normally across all states," it noted, adding that "fuel stations are functioning without any disruption."

The company also highlighted the strength of the country's refining and supply network, stating that "India's strong refining network supports steady supply," and that "crude oil is being received regularly from global sources."

According to the advisory, domestic production and imports are sufficient to meet current demand. "Domestic production increased & imports are secured," it said, adding that "sufficient reserves [are] available to meet current demand."

The company further clarified that the expansion of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) infrastructure is part of India's long-term clean energy strategy. "PNG expansion is part of clean energy transition," it said, adding that it is "not linked to any shortage."

The statement concluded with an appeal for citizens to remain calm and follow official updates regarding fuel supply.

This comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia, particularly the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which has led to a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz--a crucial route that handles nearly one-fifth of the world's crude oil supply. Before the crisis, India sourced around 12-15% of its oil imports through this route.

- ANI
European politicians and activists at the UN Human Rights Council have called for tighter scrutiny of Pakistan's preferential EU trade status due to its human rights record. They cited the persecution of religious minorities through blasphemy laws and the prolonged detention of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The discussion also highlighted systematic human rights violations in Balochistan, including enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Speakers argued these abuses are incompatible with the human rights obligations required for the EU's GSP+ trade benefits.

Calls grow at UN for EU to review Pakistan's preferential trade status amid allegations of persecution, repression, and enforced disappearances.

Geneva, March 28 Several European politicians, campaigners and political representatives attending the ongoing 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva have called for closer scrutiny of Pakistan's special trade status under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus granted by the EU, citing growing concerns over the country's worsening human rights record.

According to a report in EU Today, a meeting titled 'Pakistan's GSP+ status: human rights conditionality, treaty obligations and accountability' heard allegations of religious persecution, political repression, enforced disappearances and the failure of successive Pakistani governments to safeguard basic rights.

Nikolaos Vrettos, a Greek parliamentarian, highlighted the plight of religious minorities, especially Christians, arguing that Pakistan's blasphemy laws continue to function as a mechanism through which mere accusation could trigger mob violence, imprisonment and enduring fear, the report stated.

"The situation in Pakistan stands out. It demands our particular attention, especially because of the violence and impunity embedded in laws and policies that the government refuses to reform," EU Today quoted Vrettos as saying.

During the ongoing session, Kasim Khan, son of the former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, also delivered his remarks and described his father's detention in stark terms.

"My father, Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, has been in detention for over 960 days. He sits in a small cell designed for solitary confinement, infested with insects and under constant surveillance," the report quoted Kasim as saying.

Stressing that the case should not be seen in isolation, he further said, "My father's case is not an isolated incident. It is just the most visible example of a much wider pattern of repression in Pakistan since 2022."

Kasim argued that "arbitrary detention, denial of family contact, inadequate medical care and the trial of civilians in military courts" were incompatible with Pakistan's obligation under the GSP+ framework.

Raphael Kalyviotis, a geopolitical analyst, centred his remarks on the persecution of Christians and the continued effect of blasphemy laws, saying, "The systematic persecution of Christians in Pakistan is no regional anomaly. It is a fracture in our global peace, a contagion of intolerance."

The "most politically awkward intervention", the report said, came from Naseem Baloch, chairman of the Baloch National Movement, who broadened the discussion beyond both religious freedom and the ongoing confrontation between Imran Khan's supporters and the Pakistani authorities.

"For decades, the people of Balochistan have faced systematic and widespread human rights violations," he said.

Citing enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detention and torture, Naseem said human rights group findings documented 1,355 enforced disappearances and 229 extrajudicial killings in 2025 across Balochistan, with additional cases already recorded this year.

He underlined that repression in Balochistan had persisted under different governments, regardless of who was in power in Islamabad, adding that when Imran Khan was in power, "the suffering of the people of Balochistan did not come to an end."

The remarks, the report said, carried added weight given the presence of Khan's son and one of his former ministers in the room.

Naseem emphasised that many members of Khan's party are now experiencing the same kind of abuses that Baloch activists, students and political workers had faced for years.

"Whenever injustice is ignored because the victims are marginalised or politically inconvenient, it does not disappear. It spreads," EU Today quoted the Baloch activist as saying.

- IANS
The Bharatiya Janata Party has initiated its preparations for the upcoming local self-government elections in Gujarat with a sharp focus on strengthening its booth-level organisation. State president Jagdish Vishwakarma chaired key zonal meetings in Surat and Vadodara, outlining a strategy centred on micro-planning at each booth. Senior leaders, including Union Minister C. R. Paatil, urged workers to ensure public awareness of government welfare initiatives. The party is coordinating its organisational strategy across regions, describing booth workers as its core strength for the polls.

BJP intensifies grassroots strategy in Gujarat with zonal meetings, focusing on booth-level micro-planning and public outreach ahead of local body polls.

Vadodara/Surat, March 28 The Bharatiya Janata Party has begun preparations for the upcoming local self-government elections in Gujarat with a focus on strengthening its booth-level organisation, as senior leaders held a series of zonal meetings on Saturday.

At a meeting of South Zone office bearers in Surat, BJP state president Jagdish Vishwakarma outlined a strategy centred on building a "strong and well-planned organisational structure" down to individual booths and households.

The meeting was attended by Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Paatil, state general secretary Prashant Korat, state election management committee convener Gordhan Zadafia, along with district and city-level office-bearers and party leaders from across the zone.

According to the party leaders, Vishwakarma called on workers to ensure that information about public welfare initiatives undertaken by the BJP-led central and state governments is available.

"The work carried out by locally elected representatives reaches every household," they said.

Patil, Korat and Zadafia also addressed the gathering and offered organisational guidance to party workers.

A similar emphasis on grassroots mobilisation was seen at a Central Zone meeting held in Vadodara under Vishwakarma's chairmanship.

The meeting was attended by state general secretary Hitendrasinh Chouhan, Zadafia, state election management committee member Jaswantsinh Bhabhor, and party office bearers, Members of Parliament, Members of the Legislative Assembly and other leaders from districts and cities in the zone.

At the Vadodara meeting, Vishwakarma urged workers to maintain continuous contact with the public through outreach and travel, and to communicate what he described as the government's "nation-oriented and public welfare works".

He described booth-level workers as the party's "greatest strength" and called for micro-planning at each booth to ensure a "strong and robust organisational structure" ahead of the elections.

Zadafia also addressed the meeting, elaborating on various aspects of election management.

Both meetings were part of a broader effort by the party to coordinate its organisational strategy across regions in the run-up to the local body polls.

- IANS
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated and laid foundation stones for approximately 45 development projects worth Rs 751.20 crore in Rajkot. The works include newly constructed EWS housing for over 1,000 families and a new Regional Transport Office building. The CM emphasized the state's top ranking in development planning and linked the projects to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a developed India by 2047. Other dignitaries highlighted Rajkot's record development pace and the government's commitment to public welfare.

Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel inaugurates 45 projects worth Rs 751 crore in Rajkot, including EWS housing and a new RTO building.

Gandhinagar, March 28 Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Saturday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for around 45 development projects worth Rs 751.20 crore undertaken by the Rajkot Municipal Corporation.

According to a release fom the Gujarat Chief Minister's Office, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also inaugurated newly constructed EWS-II housing worth Rs 119.05 crore, providing modern homes to 1,010 families under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

Additionally, he inaugurated the Regional Transport Office building and a new vehicle test track built at a cost of Rs 9.78 crore.

Addressing the event held at Pramukh Swami Auditorium in Rajkot, CM Patel stated that Rajkot, moving forward with the vision of "Ease of Living" and "Earn Well, Live Well," has received development works worth Rs 751.20 crore today, the release said.

He added that Gujarat ranks first in the country in development planning and financial management for public works.

Assuring that no essential development work for citizens' welfare will remain pending, CM said that the State Government grants timely approval to planned development projects. He also emphasised the need to maintain high-quality standards for ongoing works.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of making India a developed nation by 2047, CM said that bringing every citizen into the mainstream of development is essential to become "Viksit Bharat." For this purpose, the Vibrant Gujarat Summit has been expanded to the regional level.

He further noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has completed 8,931 days as head of government, adding that his journey as a public representative began in Rajkot -- a historic association that continues to inspire progress and development.

CM said that under Narendra Modi's public welfare-oriented approach, significant improvements have been brought about in the lives of the poor. Excise duty on petrol has been reduced from Rs 13 to Rs 3, while excise duty on diesel has been reduced to zero. He added that during global crises, decisive and timely measures have been taken under his leadership.He added that the Prime Minister envisions every poor and middle-class family owning a house, for which the Gujarat Government is consistently working towards realising this goal.

"Through today's housing initiative in Rajkot, more than one thousand families have received their dream homes," Patel added.

The release further stated that on the occasion, Rajkot District Minister-in-Charge Jitu Vaghani described the event as a historic milestone for public welfare. He stated that the Rajkot Municipal Corporation has set a record by inaugurating and laying foundation stones for development works worth over Rs 1,100 crore in the past 15 days.

Referring to the Uniform Civil Code Bill recently presented by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and passed in the Legislative Assembly, Vaghani said the bill reflects the Chief Minister's strong commitment, making Gujarat the second state in the country to introduce it. He further assured that the Government will continue to make decisions in the public interest.

"The momentum of development emerging from Saurashtra is now spreading across Gujarat, with visible transformation taking place under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The consistent efforts of the Rajkot Municipal Corporation have ensured that development reaches every corner of the city," he added.

The release said that Minister of State for Urban Development Darshna Vaghela also stated that development works worth Rs 543 crore under the Urban Development Department were inaugurated, while foundation stones for projects worth Rs 207 crore were laid in Rajkot today. She congratulated citizens on the occasion.

Vaghela said that vibrant and dynamic Rajkot is emerging as a frontrunner in development.

"Moving beyond drainage, water supply, and road infrastructure, the State Government has prioritised housing by recognising the needs of the poor," Vaghela added.

She expressed confidence that the Government remains continuously committed to public welfare and that Rajkot will emerge as a model city in the coming years.

Member of Parliament Parshottam Rupala further stated that Gujarat has achieved all-around development under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. He noted that the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, originally launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his tenure as Chief Minister, has now expanded to the regional level.

"The successful organisation of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Rajkot is a matter of great pride," he said.

Rajkot Municipal Commissioner Tushar Sumera, in his welcome address, stated that development works worth Rs 1,100 crore have been inaugurated and launched in Rajkot within one month. A strong foundation has been laid across four sectors--water supply, roads, drainage, and housing. Road works worth Rs 161 crore, and the foundation stone for the largest water filter plant in Saurashtra, were also laid, the release stated.

During the conclusion of the event Regional Commissioner of Municipalities, Mahesh Jani, delivered the vote of thanks.

The event was attended by Members of Parliament Rambhai Mokariya and Kesridevsinh Zala, MLAs Bhanuben Babariya, Udaybhai Kangad, and Darshitaben Shah, along with leader Madhav Dave, District Collector Dr Om Prakash, and other dignitaries, the release added.

- ANI
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has assured citizens there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or gas in the state, urging people to refrain from panic-buying. He stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is actively engaging with global leaders to promote peace and protect India's interests amid the West Asia conflict. Saini criticized opposition parties, particularly the Congress, for seeking political advantage during the global crisis. The Petroleum Ministry has also reiterated that India maintains sufficient stocks of crude oil and petroleum products.

Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini assures no fuel shortage, urges against panic-buying. Details PM Modi's global peace efforts amid the West Asia conflict.

Chandigarh, March 28 Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is actively engaging with global leaders to promote peace and protect India's interests amid an ongoing West Asia conflict, while assuring citizens that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or gas in the state and urging them to avoid panic-buying.

Speaking to the media, CM Saini said, "The PM is actively engaging with relevant leaders of various nations to advance peace initiatives and safeguard India's interests. The measures taken, specifically the reduction in excise duty, mitigate the adverse effects of the challenging environment that had emerged."

He also slammed opposition parties, which he said, are taking political advantage amidst a global calamity.

"Even amidst a global calamity, our opposition parties persist in seeking political advantage. If they choose not to speak in support, they could at least remain silent, but to actively seek political mileage even within a crisis, this appears to be the agenda of the Congress and other opposition parties," CM Saini said.

He also said that this is a global crisis and India is not the only country that is getting affected, and urged people to stop panic buying, as there is no shortage of fuel or gas.

"The PM convened a meeting with all political parties to discuss the situation, emphasising that this is a global crisis, not a calamity affecting India in isolation, but one impacting the entire world. I would also like to clarify that there is absolutely no shortage of petrol, diesel, or gas within the state. I urge all residents of the state not to panic in the slightest; furthermore, I appeal to you to refrain from engaging in panic-buying," the Haryana CM said.

"Just yesterday, I held a meeting with all district commissioners to gather information regarding the supply of petroleum products in every district; they confirmed that there are absolutely no shortages anywhere. Yesterday, PM Modi reviewed the situation with all chief ministers. He assured them that the central government is taking the necessary steps regarding the supply of petroleum products," Saini added.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has also reiterated that India has sufficient stock of crude oil, petrol and diesel, while ensuring an uninterrupted supply of LNG and LPG despite disruptions caused by the ongoing West Asia conflict.

The conflict in West Asia began with Israel-US strikes on Iran on February 28, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. As Iran retaliated, it widened the ambit of the conflict, affecting its neighbours in the region.

- ANI
Bank of America agreed to a $72 million settlement in a lawsuit filed by a survivor of Jeffery Epsteins sex trafficking ring.

According to the Charlotte Observer, the woman says the Charlotte-based bank violated the law by having a financial relationship with Epstein, despite his criminal history.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Bank of America reaches proposed settlement in Epstein sex trafficking lawsuit

Bank of America has denied any liability and said it is selling the case to avoid the cost of litigation.

A judge needs to sign off on the settlement.

There is a hearing set for Thursday.

VIDEO: CMPD officer helps driver with autism during suspicious person call at bank
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated the state maintains a 15-day stock of petrol and diesel, with no immediate shortage of domestic LPG. He warned that the ongoing Middle East conflict could create challenges in fuel availability in the near future. The Chief Secretary is monitoring the situation daily, with specific complaints about commercial LPG cylinder shortages in some areas. During the budget session, the CM also addressed opposition allegations regarding development and a probe into the Himcare scheme.

Himachal CM Sukhu says state has 15-day petrol-diesel stock but warns of strain from Middle East conflict. Details from budget session.

Shimla, March 28 Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday announced that the state maintains a sufficient 15-day buffer stock of petrol and diesel, but that the situation could become challenging in the coming days due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the resulting global energy concerns.

Speaking to mediapersons during the 12th day of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly Budget Session, Sukhu said that while there is no immediate shortage of fuel or domestic LPG in the state, early signs of strain are visible, particularly in the availability of commercial gas cylinders.



"Presently, there is no shortage of LPG or petrol and diesel in Himachal Pradesh. We have fuel stock for around 15 days. However, the impact of the global situation may be seen in the coming days," Sukhu said.



He added that the Chief Secretary has been directed to closely monitor the situation on a daily basis. "The Chief Secretary is reviewing the situation every day to ensure there is no disruption. As of now, there is no crisis, but complaints are being received regarding the non-availability of commercial LPG cylinders in some areas, which is also being monitored," he said.



Responding to Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur's demand for a probe into alleged irregularities in the Himcare scheme by a sitting judge, Sukhu said such investigations are not conducted by sitting judges.



"Investigations into alleged scams are carried out by government agencies, not by sitting judges," he said.



The Chief Minister also dismissed allegations by the opposition that development was being concentrated in specific constituencies such as Dehra.



Sukhu added, "Balanced development is taking place across Himachal Pradesh. The BJP is making baseless allegations as it has nothing substantive to say. These statements are politically motivated."Earlier today, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired the first meeting of the informal Group of Ministers on the West Asia crisis.





- ANI
Television actress Hina Khan is enjoying a getaway in the Maldives, where she shared a video of herself taking a cooking lesson from a resort chef. She is also active in sharing glimpses of her personal life, recently posting details of her Eid preparations. A highlight was the mehendi design on her hands, which incorporated the Urdu initials of her and her husband Rocky Jaiswal's names. Rocky reshared the mehendi story, expressing his love for the sweet tribute.

Hina Khan shares cooking class fun in the Maldives and reveals a sweet Eid mehendi tribute featuring husband Rocky Jaiswal's name in Urdu.

Mumbai, March 28 A popular name in the television industry, Hina Khan, is on a fun getaway to the Maldives at the moment.

She has been treating her Instagram family with fun glimpses from her trip by sharing short videos from her stay.



In one of her recent stories on Instagram, Hina was seen taking some cooking lessons from the chef of the place she has been staying at.



The video showed Hina putting a large variety of vegetables on a hot metal plate for cooking. Wearing a chef's hat, she was even seen stirring these vegetables.



Posting the video on the photo-sharing app, the 'Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai' actress added the text, "What's cooking Hahahhaha. Cooking class with Chef Dede, Thank you chef (sic)."



Hina was all smiles as she made the most of the new experience.



The 'Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2' actress is extremely active on social media and keeps on sharing snippets from her personal and professional life with the netizens.



Recently, Hina dropped several sneak peeks from her Eid preparations.



She shared photos of her festive look, and outfits on social media and revealed that she included a special detail in her mehendi.



The 'Bigg Boss' contestant added her husband Rocky Jaiswal's name in Urdu in her mehendi.



"Eid Preps", she wrote the caption.



The stills uploaded on IG had Hina preparing for Eid with traditional outfits and accessories laid out.



A different set of images provided a detailed insight into her mehendi designs applied on both her hands and feet.



Hina was seen proudly displaying her mehendi-clad palms, featuring the Urdu initials of her and Rocky's names.



The picture also included the text overlay, 'Mehendi ready Jayant Jaiswal Hina - Bus Ek nukhta Our urdu initials."



Rocky also reshared the story on his handle, saying, "My Love , I loved it !"





- IANS
The Houthi movement in Yemen launched its first missile attack against Israel, triggering air raid sirens and activating Israeli air defense systems in the Negev region. The attack coincides with a stark warning from a Houthi military spokesman, who declared readiness for direct military intervention against American-Israeli "aggression." The statement framed the conflict within a broader regional struggle, accusing Israel of expansionist ambitions and demanding a Gaza ceasefire. No casualties or direct impacts were immediately reported from the missile launch.

Yemen's Houthis launch first missile toward Israel, triggering alerts. IDF intercepts. Houthi spokesman warns of direct military intervention.

Tel Aviv, March 28 A missile was launched on Saturday morning from Yemen towards Israel, making the attack the first by the Houthis since "Operation Roaring Lion" began a month ago, according to the Israel Defence Forces.

According to the Jerusalem Post, citing the military, air defence systems were activated to intercept the threat, as sirens sounded across Beersheba and surrounding communities in the Negev.

According to the news report, there are no immediate reports of casualties or direct impacts.

The first missile launch comes as Yemeni Armed Forces on Friday declared readiness for direct military intervention if "American-Israeli aggression" against Iran and the "Axis of Resistance" (regional resistance) groups continues to escalate, according to Iranian State Media Press TV.

"We confirm that our hands are on the trigger for direct military intervention," spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree said as quoted by Press TV in a statement on Friday.

The warning came nearly a month after the United States and Israel launched what Press TV described as "the latest bout of unprovoked aggression targeting the Islamic Republic", alongside intensified operations against groups aligned with the "Axis of Resistance".

Saree said intervention could also be triggered by the involvement of additional parties in the conflict or the use of the Red Sea to carry out hostile operations against Iran or other "Muslim" countries. "We will not allow that," he asserted as per Press TV.

As per Press TV, he stated that Yemen's stance is rooted in a "religious and moral responsibility" amid a broader campaign targeting not only the "Islamic Republic", but also the "Resistance Axis and the wider Muslim world".

The statement, as per Press TV, further alleged that the "aggression" is linked to Israel's so-called "Greater Israel" ambitions, accusing Tel Aviv of seeking territorial expansion across West Asia. It described Yemen's position as part of the "legitimate right" of regional populations to confront such plans and those backing them.

Saree added that Yemeni forces are motivated by regional cooperation and the aim of inflicting a "major defeat" on "aggressors", while aligning with broader support for Muslim nations facing conflict.

The spokesperson also issued demands, urging the United States and Israel to respond to diplomatic efforts to end hostilities. He described the attacks as "unjust, oppressive, and unjustified" actions "that harms global and regional stability and security and harms the global economy."

The statement, according to Press TV, called for implementation of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, which was signed last October under a US-backed plan aimed at ending the conflict.

It also warned against increasing pressure on Yemen, cautioning against any tightening of the blockade on the country, the Press TV reported.

- ANI
The third day of the International Film Festival of Delhi blended industry insight with artistic celebration. Discussions focused on the evolving distribution landscape and sustainability for independent cinema, while a session on 'Made in Korea' highlighted growing synergies with South Asia. The emotional highpoint was Piyush Mishra's deeply personal masterclass, where he connected poetry, pain, and cinema. The day also featured a moving tribute to Guru Dutt and popular screenings of 'Gondhaal' and 'Rang De Basanti'.

Day 3 of IFFD featured Piyush Mishra's poetic masterclass, a tribute to Guru Dutt, and key dialogues on indie cinema & Korean collaborations.

New Delhi, March 28 The third day of the ongoing International Film Festival of Delhi witnessed productive discussions on independent cinema, regional market expansion of films and Piyush Mishra's masterclass titled 'Kahani, Kavita Aur Cinema' to strike the balance of rigorous industry dialogue on the one hand and emotionally resonant cinema on the other.

According to the press note by IFFD, the CineXchange Dialogues opened with a sharp conversation on the changing trends of film distribution in India. Sanjay Ram, Anil Thadani, GP Vijayakumar and Gayathiri Guliani mapped the shifting terrain where theatrical, OTT, and hybrid models now coexist.

The discussion moved beyond surface-level observations, highlighting that the distribution today is no longer a backend function; it is central to how films are imagined, positioned, and experienced.

The focus then shifted to independent cinema, with filmmaker and moderator Vinta Nanda leading a conversation on funding, distribution, and sustainability, featuring Aranya Sahay, Tanmaya Shekhar, Molshri, Barnali Ray Shukla, Pubali Chaudhuri and Dimple Dugar. The discussion highlighted the need for collaboration and alternative pathways for independent filmmaking, as per the press note.

However, one of the most closely followed sessions of the day, 'Made in Korea: From Seoul to South Asia', brought a global lens to the event. Moderated by Puja Talwar, with director Ra Karthik, Sagar Pentela, Priyanka Mohan, Hojin Noh, Tae Keun Song and Hyojin Lee in conversation, the session unpacked the growing synergy between Korean and South Asian industries.

'Made in Korea' is a Tamil-Korean movie which stars Priyanka Mohan, Park Hye-Jin, and Si-hun Baek in the lead roles. The discussion moved fluidly between craft and commerce, from production ecosystems and training frameworks to the rising appetite for culturally rooted yet globally accessible stories.

The day, however, found its emotional and creative peak in Piyush Mishra's masterclass, 'Kahani, Kavita Aur Cinema', moderated by Mayank Shekhar. More than a session, it unfolded as a deeply personal reflection on the many lives of an artist who has consistently refused to fit into a single box.

Reflecting on his journey, he said, "I thought I had arrived too early at NSD, and that arrogance cost me years. Everything I've learned as an artist is largely self-taught and has come from unlearning it. Pain is necessary for an artist; without it, nothing real comes out," as quoted in a press note.

The session moved fluidly between reflection and performance, with Mishra reciting poetry and drawing connections between verse and cinema.

Closing on a high, he broke into Aarambh Hai Prachand, turning the room into a shared moment of energy and recall. It was a masterclass that went beyond craft, offering an unfiltered insight into an artist shaped by memory, conflict, and constant reinvention, according to the press note.

In terms of movie screenings, the Marathi film 'Gondhaal' opened the day with its unsettling psychological narrative, setting a strong tone, with director Santhosh Davakhar and actors Ishita Deshmukh and Diksha Davakhar present for the screening.

Adding to the day's highlights, Dastaan-e Gurudutt emerged as a key cultural moment within the festival's programming, drawing attention for its tribute to one of Indian cinema's most iconic filmmakers.

The presentation brought audiences closer to the legacy of Guru Dutt, blending narrative, performance, and nostalgia in a way that resonated strongly with festival attendees.

By evening, Rang De Basanti emerged as a clear crowd favourite, playing to a houseful auditorium, with Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's presence amplifying the already electric atmosphere.

The IFFD is a week-long festival which began on March 25. It is taking place at Bharat Mandapam. It presents screenings, conversations, and industry engagements across venues in New Delhi, bringing together filmmakers, industry leaders, and audiences from around the world.

- ANI
Union Minister Piyush Goyal detailed India's people-centric approach to fisheries governance at the WTO Ministerial Conference in Cameroon. He emphasized that fisheries are vital for livelihood and food security for over 9 million small-scale fishermen who practice sustainable methods. Goyal argued the challenge of overfishing stems from subsidized industrial fleets, not developing nations' artisanal fishers. He extended India's support for the draft fisheries decision while advocating for future equitable, development-oriented outcomes that protect both marine resources and vulnerable communities.

Piyush Goyal outlines India's balanced fisheries stance at WTO MC14, supporting 9 million fishermen and equitable global trade rules.

New Delhi, March 28 Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Saturday that India has adopted a balanced and people-centric approach to fisheries governance while participating in deliberations at the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation in Cameroon.

Sharing details on social media platform X, Goyal said he addressed the Ministerial Session on Fisheries Subsidies, highlighting that fisheries in India are a vital source of livelihood and food security, supporting over 9 million fishermen, largely from small, traditional and artisanal communities practising sustainable methods.



He also underlined India's longstanding commitment to conservation, citing measures such as the annual fishing ban, and said sustainability has been integral to the country's approach well before it became a global priority.



Goyal also said that the challenge of overcapacity and overfishing is primarily driven by heavily subsidised industrial fleets, and not by small-scale fishermen in developing countries.



He stressed that global decisions must remain fair and should not disproportionately impact vulnerable communities.



Goyal also extended India's support for the adoption of the draft decision on fisheries subsidies, while asserting that future outcomes must be equitable and development-oriented, protecting both marine resources and livelihoods.



On the sidelines of the conference, the minister held bilateral meetings with several counterparts. He met UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Peter Kyle, and discussed priorities under the MC14 agenda as well as progress towards the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), signed in July 2025.



Goyal also held talks with Cameroon's Minister of Trade Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, congratulating the country on hosting the WTO Ministerial Conference and appreciating the organisation of the event.



The two sides discussed enhancing bilateral trade, investment and sectoral cooperation.



In another meeting, he interacted with WTO reform minister-facilitators Espen Barth Eide, Norway's Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Chris Bryant, UK Minister of State for Trade Policy.



During these discussions, Goyal reiterated India's support for a reformed, relevant and effective WTO, emphasising the need to uphold core principles such as consensus-based decision-making, Most Favoured Nation (MFN) norms and Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT) to ensure fairness in global trade.



He also highlighted PM Narendra Modi's vision of strengthening the voice of the Global South in shaping a more inclusive multilateral trading system.





- IANS
RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale articulated India's identity as a "civilisational nation" rooted in culture and spirituality during a lecture in Chandigarh. He contrasted this with global conflict narratives, noting the un-romantic reality of war and criticizing entities that start then seek to end conflicts. Hosabale emphasized the global relevance of Indian epics like the Ramayana for teaching purity of thought and conduct. He also underscored that India has never launched an invasion despite its historical strength, highlighting a tradition of non-expansionism.

RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale asserts India's identity as a culture-rooted civilisational nation, contrasting it with global war narratives.

Chandigarh, March 28 Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale asserted that India is a "civilisational nation" rooted in culture and spirituality as he reflected on ongoing global conflicts, stressing the need for a value-based global outlook.

Hosabale made the comments while speaking as the keynote speaker at a programme organised by the Panchnad Research Institute at the NITTTR Auditorium, Sector-26. The lecture, themed "Indian Discourse in a Global Perspective," focused on examining India's ideological framework and its relevance in the contemporary global context, according to an official statement.

Addressing the gathering on Friday, Hosabale said, "India is not merely a military state; it is a civilisational nation - a country deeply rooted in culture and inspired by spirituality. Our endeavour is to establish and affirm this identity on the global stage." He emphasised that such an effort must begin within the country itself, at both societal and familial levels.

Reflecting on global conflicts, he noted that while war narratives may appear romantic, the reality is far from it. "The story of war may sound romantic, but witnessing its reality is never pleasant. It is also a phenomenon observed in today's world that the very entity that initiates a war is often the one that subsequently speaks of bringing it to an end," he remarked.

Hosabale also highlighted the enduring relevance of Indian epics, particularly the Ramayana, stating that the world can learn from its emphasis on purity of thought and conduct. "The entire world can learn the virtues of purity of thought and purity of conduct from the Ramayana. The essence of Dharma (righteousness) does not reside merely within books; rather, it is manifested through one's conduct. It is intrinsically embedded within India's culture and civilisation," he said.

Despite possessing immense strength, India has never, at any point in history, launched an invasion against another nation.

He further underlined that despite its historical strength, India has never pursued an expansionist agenda. "Despite possessing immense strength, India has never, at any point in history, launched an invasion against another nation," he added, stressing the country's commitment to ethical and value-based traditions.

The event was presided over by Jagbir Singh, Chancellor of the Central University of Punjab, while Braj Kishore Kuthiyala, President of the Panchnad Research Institute, was also present.

- ANI
Senior diplomats from India and Malta met in Valletta to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation and broadening the scope of engagement. The talks included a focus on increasing defence and security ties with Malta's military commander. The relationship is built on a long history of friendly ties dating back to Malta's independence. The meeting also covered exchanges on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

India and Malta discuss enhancing bilateral relations, defence cooperation, and exchange views on global issues during high-level diplomatic meeting.

Valletta, March 28 Ministry of External Affairs Secretary Sibi George met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malta, Ian Borg, on Saturday to discuss ways of further enhancing cooperation between India and Malta.

The discussions also covered expanding the scope of bilateral engagement between the two countries.

In a post on X, Ambassador Sibi George shared, "Secretary (West) @AmbSibiGeorge called on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malta, Dr. Ian Borg. They discussed ways to strengthen the ongoing cooperation between India and Malta while also broadening the scope of bilateral engagement. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of interest."

The meeting also included a conversation with Brigadier Clinton J. O'Neill, Commander of the Armed Forces of Malta, where both sides focused on increasing defence and security cooperation between India and Malta.

The relationship between India and Malta has been marked by a history of friendly and cordial ties. India was among the first countries to recognise Malta's independence in 1964, and both countries established diplomatic relations in 1965. India's High Commission was reopened in Malta in January 2017, with the Indian High Commissioner taking charge in 2018. Malta opened its High Commission in New Delhi in 2007 and maintains Honorary Consuls in Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai.

The bilateral relations have been strengthened through a series of high-level visits from both sides. Notable visits include President R Venkataraman's trip to Malta in 1990, then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's visit in 2015, and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu's visit in 2018. During the Vice President's visit, three memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed in areas such as maritime cooperation, tourism cooperation, and mutual cooperation between India's Foreign Service Institute and the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies in Malta.

Earlier, India and Serbia held the 9th Round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Belgrade, Serbia, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Wednesday.

The FOC was chaired by Sibi George, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, from the Indian side and Damjan Jovic, State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, from the Serbian side. Secretary (West) also called on Marko Djuric, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia. They discussed ways to intensify the existing cooperation between India and Serbia and also expand the scope of bilateral cooperation.

- ANI
India and Malta held their 4th round of Foreign Office Consultations in Valletta, co-chaired by senior diplomats from both nations. The discussions aimed to deepen collaboration across key sectors including trade, ICT, renewable energy, and pharmaceuticals. The talks coincided with a visit by the Indian Naval training ship INS Sudarshini to Malta, highlighting strengthened maritime ties. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues, reaffirming their multilateral partnership.

India and Malta review ties, boost cooperation in trade, ICT, energy & maritime sectors during 4th Foreign Office Consultations in Valletta.

Valletta, March 28 India and Malta held the 4th round of Foreign Office Consultations in Valletta, reviewing the full spectrum of bilateral relations and exploring avenues to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors.

In a post on X, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "The 4th Round of India-Malta Foreign Office Consultations were held in Valletta, co-chaired by SibiGeorge, Secretary (West) and Christopher Cutajar, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malta."

The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration in areas such as trade and investment, information and communication technology (ICT), healthcare, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, education, the maritime sector, and people-to-people exchanges.

Both sides also explored prospects for enhancing economic engagement in light of progress toward the India-EU Free Trade Agreement.

In addition to bilateral issues, India and Malta exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest, reaffirming their commitment to continued cooperation in multilateral fora.

In terms of maritime ties, earlier on March 14, the Indian Naval Sail Training Ship INS Sudarshini arrived at the historic port of Valletta, Malta, marking a significant milestone in her landmark transoceanic expedition Lokayan-26, according to an official press release by the Ministry of Defence.

The ship arrived in Valletta on 12 March, underscoring the deep-rooted maritime ties between India and Malta. The visit represented an important leg of the ship's ambitious 22,000-nautical-mile global voyage.

The arrival follows a successful transit through the Suez Canal and a recent port call at Alexandria.

On arrival, the Commanding Officer called on Rachita Bhandari, High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Malta. The press release stated that the interaction highlighted the role played by the Indian Navy in strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two nations.

The High Commissioner noted that the presence of INS Sudarshini in Malta serves as a powerful symbol of the vision of MAHASAGAR, reinforcing maritime cooperation while fostering people-to-people connections.

Earlier on March 6, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue 2026 in the national capital, engaging with top leaders from Malta, Mauritius, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, and Kenya to strengthen strategic and regional partnerships.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said he had a "good meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg of Malta" and appreciated his insights on the maritime industry.

- ANI
Union Minister Piyush Goyal outlined India's people-centric and balanced position on fisheries governance at the WTO Ministerial Conference. He emphasized the sector's critical role in supporting over 9 million livelihoods, primarily small-scale traditional fishermen. Goyal argued that overfishing is driven by subsidized industrial fleets, not vulnerable fishing communities in developing nations. He extended India's support for the draft decision while calling for future outcomes that are equitable and protect both marine resources and fishermen's survival.

Minister Piyush Goyal presents India's balanced approach to fisheries subsidies, stressing support for 9 million small-scale fishermen and equitable global trade rules.

Yaounde, March 28 Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday highlighted India's balanced and inclusive stance on fisheries governance while addressing the Ministerial Session on Fisheries Subsidies at the WTO Ministerial Conference 14.

In a post on X, Goyal stated, "Spoke at the Ministerial Session on Fisheries Subsidies at #WTOMC14, presenting India's balanced and people-centric approach to fisheries governance."

The minister underlined the critical role fisheries play in India's socio-economic fabric, noting that the sector supports the livelihoods of over 9 million fishermen. He emphasised that a majority of these are small, traditional, and artisanal fishermen who rely on sustainable fishing practices. Stressing India's commitment to conservation, Goyal pointed to longstanding measures such as the annual fishing ban, which reflects India's proactive efforts towards marine sustainability even before it gained global prominence.

Highlighting global disparities, Goyal said that overcapacity and overfishing are primarily driven by heavily subsidised industrial fleets rather than small-scale fishermen in developing countries. He stressed the importance of ensuring that global trade decisions remain equitable and do not disproportionately burden vulnerable communities dependent on fisheries for survival.

"Extended India's support for the adoption of the draft decision, while emphasising that further decisions must deliver an equitable and development-oriented outcome that protects both marine resources and livelihoods," he added.

On the sidelines of the conference, Goyal held a series of bilateral meetings with key global leaders to strengthen trade ties and discuss WTO reforms. During his interaction with Peter Kyle, the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade. The two leaders reviewed progress on the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), signed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in July 2025. The discussions also focused on key priorities under the MC14 agenda.

Goyal also met Christopher Sinckler and Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, exchanging views on WTO reforms and exploring opportunities to enhance bilateral cooperation in trade and investment.

In his meeting with WTO reform facilitators, including Espen Barth Eide and Chris Bryant, Goyal reiterated India's commitment to strengthening the multilateral trading system. He emphasised the importance of preserving core WTO principles such as consensus-based decision-making, Most Favoured Nation (MFN) norms, and Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT).

The minister also underscored Prime Minister Modi's vision of amplifying the voice of the Global South, highlighting its growing importance in shaping a fair and inclusive global trade architecture.

- ANI
Minister of State Nityanand Rai stated that India remains safe under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership while the world faces a global crisis. The Central Government is actively working to reduce petrol and diesel prices, having cut special excise duties significantly. The Finance Ministry reduced the duty on petrol from Rs 13 to Rs 3 per litre and eliminated it on diesel to ensure price stability. Concurrently, a revised duty structure for Aviation Turbine Fuel has been introduced, and the government assures sufficient fuel stocks despite supply chain disruptions from the West Asia conflict.

MoS Nityanand Rai credits PM Modi for stable fuel supply as Centre cuts excise duties on petrol and diesel amid the West Asia conflict's global impact.

Patna, March 28 The Central government is working to reduce the price of petrol and diesel for the convenience of citizens amid the global crisis, said Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai on Saturday as the West Asia conflict continues to impact the global fuel supply chain.

Speaking to the media, the MoS credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership for keeping India's energy supply stable, claiming that other nations are struggling due to inflated prices.

"When the world is passing through a phase of global crises, India is safe under the capable and successful leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While prices of everything, especially petrol and diesel, are rising in other countries, the Central Government is taking care to reduce the prices of petrol and diesel in India and ensure that the citizens do not face any kind of inconvenience," said Rai.

Meanwhile, the Finance Ministry has reduced special excise duty on petroleum products to keep petrol and diesel prices stable.

The duty on petrol has been cut from Rs 13 to Rs 3 per litre, while diesel duty has been reduced from Rs 10 to zero.

The announcement comes under the supply disruptions of crude amid the ongoing West Asia crisis "...the Central Government, being satisfied that it is necessary in the public interest so to do...," notes a part of the order.

At the same time, the government has revised taxes on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF). A new excise duty of Rs 50 per litre has been introduced. However, exemptions will limit the effective duty to Rs 29.5 per litre, easing the burden on the aviation sector.

The notification says "Aviation Turbine Fuel Rs 50 per Litre" as a special additional excise duty, alongside exemptions that cap the effective rate at "Rs. 29.5 per litre" in certain cases. Other changes in excise duties have also been made to help maintain overall stability in fuel prices.

The government said the changes are in the public interest, aiming to balance consumer relief, revenue needs and industry requirements amid global energy uncertainty.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has also reiterated that India has sufficient stock of crude oil, petrol and diesel, while ensuring an uninterrupted supply of LNG and LPG despite disruptions caused by the ongoing West Asia conflict.

The conflict in West Asia began with Israel-US strikes on Iran on February 28, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. As Iran retaliated, it widened the ambit of the conflict, affecting its neighbours in the region.

- ANI
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Benchmark Lowers its Price Target on PAR Technology (PAR) to $33

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India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met with Swiss State Secretary Helene Budliger Artieda to review the implementation of the landmark India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement. The discussions on the sidelines of the WTO Ministerial Conference also focused on deepening bilateral investments and economic cooperation for shared growth. Goyal reiterated India's stance that the multilateral trading system must ensure equitable sharing of innovation and development among member nations. He also held a series of bilateral meetings with trade officials from Canada, Jamaica, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Morocco, and Oman to strengthen economic ties.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal reviews India-EFTA trade pact implementation and holds bilateral meetings with Switzerland, Canada, Jamaica, and others at WTO MC14.

Yaounde, March 28 India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met Helene Budliger Artieda, State Secretary and Director of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs of Switzerland, on the sidelines of the 14th World Trade Organisation Ministerial Conference 14.

In a post on X, Goyal said the discussions focused on key elements of the MC14 agenda and reviewed the implementation of the landmark India-EFTA (European Free Trade Association) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA).

Goyal said," Met Helene Budliger Artieda, State Secretary and Director of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs of Switzerland, on the margins of #WTOMC14. Discussed key elements of the MC14 agenda and reviewed the implementation of the landmark India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA). Also exchanged views on further strengthening bilateral investments and deepening our economic partnership to drive shared growth and prosperity."

The two sides also exchanged views on enhancing bilateral investments and further strengthening economic cooperation to drive shared growth and prosperity between India and Switzerland.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said the multilateral trading system must ensure that innovation and development are shared equitably among member nations, while reiterating India's commitment to constructive engagement at the 14th World Trade Organisation Ministerial Conference.

In a post on X during the conference in Yaounde, Goyal said, "The multilateral trading system must ensure that innovation, development & opportunity are shared equitably among Members." He added that India remains committed to strengthening global trade cooperation, stating, "India is committed to engage constructively so that the WTO remains central to global trade."

On the sidelines of the conference, Goyal also held several bilateral meetings with foreign ministers and trade officials to discuss economic cooperation.

Goyal met Maninder Sidhu of Canada and discussed ongoing trade negotiations between the two countries. "Met Canada's Minister of International Trade, Mr. Maninder Sidhu, on the sidelines of the #WTOMC14. Exchanged views on the MC14 agenda, reviewed progress on the recently launched India-Canada CEPA negotiations, and explored ways to further strengthen our bilateral trade & economic cooperation," he posted on X.

He also met Kamina Johnson Smith of Jamaica and discussed the conference agenda. "Met Ms. Kamina Johnson Smith, Senator & Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica, as part of engagements at #WTOMC14, and discussed key elements of the MC14 agenda," Goyal posted.

In another meeting, Goyal interacted with Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble. He said, "Met Mr. Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Foreign Investment and Diaspora Affairs of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and exchanged views on #WTOMC14 agenda."

Goyal also met Omar Hejira of Morocco to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation. "Met Mr. Omar Hejira, Secretary of State to the Minister of Industry and Trade, in charge of Foreign Trade, Kingdom of Morocco, on the sidelines of #WTOMC14. Reaffirmed our historical partnership and explored ways to further strengthen bilateral trade and investment cooperation," he said.

He further held discussions with Pankaj Khimji of Oman regarding bilateral trade ties. "Met Mr. Pankaj Khimji, Advisor for Foreign Trade and International Cooperation, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, Oman. We discussed the #WTOMC14 agenda, reviewed the progress of operationalisation of the recently signed India-Oman CEPA, and explored opportunities to further deepen trade & economic cooperation," Goyal said.

The meetings took place on the sidelines of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference, where member countries are discussing key issues related to global trade, cooperation and the future of the multilateral trading system.

- ANI
Five Indian nationals were injured, with wounds ranging from minor to moderate, after debris fell in the Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD) area. The debris resulted from the successful interception of a ballistic missile by UAE air defense systems. Authorities have confirmed the incident and urged the public to rely solely on official information sources and avoid spreading rumors. The report comes alongside news of a separate drone attack on Oman's Port of Salalah and claimed strikes on bases in Jordan by Iran-backed Iraqi militias.

Five Indian nationals sustain injuries from falling debris after UAE air defenses intercept a ballistic missile near Khalifa Economic Zones.

Abu Dhabi, March 28 The Abu Dhabi Media office on Saturday confirmed that five Indians have sustained minor to major injuries following the fall of debris in the vicinity of the Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi.

The Abu Dhabi Media Office urged people to refer to official sources for information, and avoid circulating rumours.

"In the context of the ongoing follow-up to the incident previously announced, which resulted from the fall of debris in the vicinity of the Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi - KEZAD areas, following the successful interception of a ballistic missile by air defenses, the competent authorities confirm that the incident resulted in injuries to 5 individuals of Indian nationality, ranging from moderate to minor. The competent authorities urge the public to obtain information from official sources only, and to avoid circulating rumors or unverified information," it said in a post on X.

Earlier in the day, the Abu Dhabi Media Office said that the relevant authorities are responding to two fire incidents in the vicinity of Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi.

In a post on X, he said, "Relevant authorities in Abu Dhabi are responding to two fire incidents in the vicinity of Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi - KEZAD, caused by falling debris following the successful interception of a ballistic missile by air defence systems. Further updates will be provided in due course. The public is advised to obtain information only from official sources and to avoid spreading rumours or unverified information."

Meanwhile, citing a security source, Oman's state news agency ONA said that two drones targeted the port of Salalah, the capital city of southern Dhofar province, as reported by Al Jazeera. The incident resulted in moderate injuries to a foreign worker and minor damage to a crane in the port facilities.

The Iraqi pro-militia news outlet Sabereen has reported attacks by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed armed groups, on several air bases and an airport in Jordan. The report said the targets included the King Faisal Air Base, King Abdullah Air Base, Queen Alia Airport, Prince Hassan Air Base and Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, without elaborating on the results, as reported by Al Jazeera.

- ANI
An IndiGo flight from Visakhapatnam to Delhi made a precautionary emergency landing at Indira Gandhi International Airport after reporting a technical issue in one of its engines. A full emergency was declared, and fire tenders were deployed, but all 161 passengers were safely evacuated with no damage reported. The aircraft, a Boeing 737 wet-leased from Turkey's Corendon Airlines, landed safely and is undergoing inspections. The airline emphasized that passenger and crew safety remains its highest priority.

An IndiGo flight from Visakhapatnam made a precautionary emergency landing at Delhi airport due to a technical issue. All 161 passengers evacuated safely.

New Delhi, March 28 An IndiGo flight -- that carried 161 passengers -- on board made an emergency landing at the Indira Gandhi International Airport here on Saturday morning after a technical issue was reported in one of its engines, officials said.

A full emergency was declared at the airport as a precautionary measure. However, all passengers were safely evacuated, and no damage was reported, the fire department confirmed.

According to officials, the alert was received at around 10:54 a.m., following which fire tenders were immediately deployed to the airport.

The flight, 6E 579, operated on a Boeing 737 aircraft, was en route from Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh to Delhi.

The aircraft was wet-leased by IndiGo from Turkey-based Corendon Airlines as part of its short-term operational arrangements.

In a statement, an IndiGo spokesperson said a technical snag was detected shortly before landing.

"As a precaution and in line with standard operating procedures, the pilots requested priority landing," according to IndiGo.

"The aircraft landed safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport, and all relevant authorities were informed. The aircraft is currently undergoing necessary inspections and maintenance," the spokesperson said.

"Safety of passengers and crew remains our highest priority," the airline added.

Moreover, the airline firm issued an advisory on Saturday amid climate change, saying that heavy rainfall and thunderstorm continues across Aizawl, and road conditions remain slow in several parts of the city.

"If you are travelling today, we recommend checking your flight status on our website or app before heading out through its official website," the airline firm noted on X.

It further said that please also allow for some extra travel time, as road traffic may also be affected.

Meanwhile, shares of IndiGo parent -- Interglobe Aviation Ltd -- on Friday closed at Rs 4,102.10, down more than 4 per cent, on the BSE.

- IANS
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has stressed that the WTO must ensure innovation and opportunity are shared equitably, addressing historical imbalances from the Uruguay Round. He reiterated India's commitment to constructive engagement to keep the WTO central to global trade. On the sidelines of the MC14 conference in Cameroon, Goyal held meetings with trade ministers from the US, Canada, New Zealand, Morocco, and others. These discussions focused on advancing bilateral trade agreements and exploring ways to deepen economic cooperation.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal emphasizes equitable opportunity at WTO MC14, meets US, Canada, New Zealand, and other trade counterparts.

New Delhi, March 28 Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has emphasised that WTO discussions must address the asymmetries from the Uruguay Round, underlining the importance of all members having a fair opportunity to build productive capacity, create employment, and participate meaningfully in global trade.

The minister said that the multilateral trading system must ensure that innovation, development and opportunity are shared equitably among Members. He also stated India's commitment to engage constructively so that the WTO remains central to global trade.

Goyal, who is attending the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Yaounde, Cameroon, also met several world leaders on the sidelines of the event, including US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

"Exchanged views on the WTOMC14 agenda, next steps in the India-US BTA negotiations and explored ways to further deepen our economic cooperation and bilateral trade ties," Goyal said about his meeting with Greer.

He also met Canada's Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu, and reviewed progress on the recently launched India-Canada CEPA negotiations, and explored ways to further strengthen our bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

During his meeting with Todd McClay, Minister for Trade and Investment of New Zealand, the leaders exchanged views on the progress of the MC14 agenda and reviewed ongoing work towards the signing of the recently concluded India-New Zealand FTA.

"Also discussed avenues to further enhance bilateral trade and investment while strengthening cooperation across key sectors of mutual interest," said Goyal.

He also met Omar Hejira, Secretary of State to the Minister of Industry and Trade, in charge of Foreign Trade, Kingdom of Morocco, and reaffirmed "our historical partnership and explored ways to further strengthen bilateral trade and investment cooperation".

Goyal met Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Foreign Investment and Diaspora Affairs of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Kamina Johnson Smith, Senator and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica.

- IANS
Chennai Super Kings announced that legendary captain MS Dhoni will miss the first two weeks of IPL 2026 due to a calf strain. In his absence, wicketkeeping duties are likely to fall to new recruit Sanju Samson. CSK begins its campaign against the Rajasthan Royals, a match that will see Samson and Ravindra Jadeja face their former team. The franchise is aiming for a record-extending sixth IPL title this season.

CSK confirms MS Dhoni will miss IPL 2026's opening weeks with a calf strain. Sanju Samson likely to keep wickets in his absence.

New Delhi, March 28 Former India and Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni has sustained a calf strain and has been subsequently ruled out for the first two weeks of the Indian Premier League 2026, the franchise said in a statement.

The 19th edition of the tournament is set to begin on Saturday, with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the curtain-raiser at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.

CSK are set to play their campaign opener on Monday against the inaugural champions, Rajasthan Royals. However, Dhoni, who has led the franchise to five titles, the joint-most in the league across all seasons, will miss the first few matches and sit out for the first two weeks.

"MS Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain. As a result, he is likely to miss the first two weeks of IPL 2026," the franchise said in a statement on Saturday.

Earlier in the day, the franchise shared a video of the team's practice match, a match-like simulation, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, where Dhoni batted and Samson kept the wickets. The 44-year-old unleashed some terrific shots, sending the ball over the boundary line on multiple occasions.

With the veteran now out for some time, Samson is most likely to keep the wickets for CSK in the initial few games as they aim for a record sixth IPL title. Samson, previously the captain of RR, was traded to CSK as the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side traded out all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.

While the English all-rounder has been ruled out of IPL 2026 owing to an injury, it will be interesting to see Samson and Jadeja going up against their former franchises on Monday, when RR take on CSK at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.

- IANS
Former diplomat Vidya Bhushan Soni responded to US President Donald Trump's statement that Iran is "begging for a deal," calling the remarks contradictory. Soni asserted that Iran cannot have conditions imposed by America and will only negotiate on its own terms due to national pride and history. He explained that both sides are currently stating their maximum positions as part of a pre-negotiation phase. Actual talks, involving mutual concessions, will begin only after establishing a common acceptable denominator.

Former diplomat Vidya Bhushan Soni analyzes US-Iran tensions, stating Iran will not accept imposed terms and will come to the table on its own conditions.

New Delhi, March 28 Former diplomat Vidya Bhushan Soni on Friday said that Iran is unlikely to accept conditions imposed by the United States, calling recent remarks by US President Donald Trump contradictory and part of a broader negotiating strategy.

Reacting to Trump's statement that Iran is "begging for a deal," Soni said, "I think it's amazing. I also watched the meeting with the cabinet, which President Trump held yesterday. And was quite amazed how the same president can contradict himself in the same statement. On the one hand, he is asking Iran to come to the negotiating table; otherwise, they will be destroyed. On the other hand, they are saying they are great negotiators, if you had seen the statement which he made. And then he's putting his own conditions."

He added, "So as far as the conditions are concerned, I don't think America can impose those conditions. Iran will come to the negotiating table on their own terms. They can bear the loss, they can keep on bombarding their facilities, they can keep on destroying their things which they have. But they will not barter away their self-pride because Iran is a proud nation. It has a whole history and culture, and civilisation behind it."

Soni emphasised that both sides are currently positioning themselves ahead of any formal talks. "So you can put your conditions, yes, but to that, there are counter conditions which Iran has put," he said.

Explaining the dynamics of negotiations, he said, "This is the purpose of negotiators. You have two situations, all diametrically opposite to each other. How can we narrow them down to an issue where it is acceptable to both sides? Which means there is give and take. Give and take will be by both sides," he said.

He further described the process as a phased exchange of positions before formal dialogue begins. "At the present moment, therefore, the two sides are putting their front position, the first position which they want. And once they know each other, they will do their own homework, and they will consider maybe discuss with the concerned authorities to decide to what extent they can give in and how they can ask for a counter to that," Soni said.

According to him, actual negotiations would only begin once both sides establish basic rules and identify a "common denominator" acceptable to each.

"But that's a negotiating ploy. When the actual hard negotiations start, things will be much different, the approach will be very much different, there has to be a give and take by both sides, which is minimally accepted to what is called the common denominator factor," he added.

- ANI
Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps claims its naval units targeted six US tactical vessels in the Persian Gulf using domestically produced ballistic missiles. The IRGC statement alleges three combat vessels sank and others were set aflame, also detailing attacks on US logistical support and personnel using kamikaze drones. Simultaneously, a missile was launched from Yemen toward Israel, marking the first such Houthi attack since "Operation Roaring Lion" began. Yemeni Armed Forces declared readiness for direct military intervention if American-Israeli aggression against Iran and regional allies continues to escalate.

Iran's IRGC claims hybrid operation hit 6 US tactical vessels in Persian Gulf. Houthis launch missile toward Israel as regional tensions escalate.

Tehran, March 28 Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps has claimed the targeting of six tactical vessels operated by the US military in the Persian Gulf waters. The IRGC claimed that a large number of American forces had been killed in the process.

"In continuation of the 84th wave of Operation True Promise 4, the IRGC naval units conducted a hybrid operation against US and Israeli terrorists deployed in al-Shoyoukh port as well as Dubai's coasts and port, hitting downhearted American troops and their tactical hardware precisely," the public relations department of the IRGC said in a statement.

The statement claimed that six US landing craft utility (LCU) were struck in the operation, which was carried out using home-grown ballistic missiles, such as Qadr 380 cruise missiles.

"Given field reports, three of the combat vessels sank after the (retaliatory) strikes, whilst the rest are aflame," the IRGC said.

IRGC further claimed that it has successfully destroyed a number of refuelling vehicles and the logistical support fleet belonging to the "terrorist" US military at the Al-Kharj base. It said that Kamikaze drones were employed to launch operations against the gathering centres of the US drone unit personnel on the coasts and one of the hotels in Dubai.

Meanwhile, a missile was launched on Saturday morning from Yemen towards Israel, making the attack the first by the Houthis since "Operation Roaring Lion" began a month ago, according to the Israel Defence Forces (IDF).

According to the Jerusalem Post, citing the military, air defence systems were activated to intercept the threat, as sirens sounded across Beersheba and surrounding communities in the Negev.

According to the news report, there are no immediate reports of casualties or direct impacts.

The first missile launch comes as Yemeni Armed Forces on Friday declared readiness for direct military intervention if "American-Israeli aggression" against Iran and the "Axis of Resistance" (regional resistance) groups continues to escalate, according to Iranian State Media Press TV.

- ANI
The Kurdistan Regional Government has confirmed a drone strike targeting the residence of its President, Nechirvan Barzani, in Duhok. Prime Minister Masrour Barzani strongly condemned the attack, calling it cowardly and urging the federal Iraqi government to bring the perpetrators to justice. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed solidarity with the Kurdish leadership, warning that the incident reflects a dangerous escalation of attacks against Iraqi institutions. The strike occurs amid ongoing regional tensions and diplomatic engagements following recent US-Israel military actions against Iran.

KRG condemns drone strike on President Nechirvan Barzani's home. PM Masrour Barzani and France's Macron demand justice and stability.

Baghdad, March 29 Iraq's Kurdistan Regional Government on Saturday confirmed the drone strike targeting the residence of the President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Nechirvan Barzani, in Duhok amid the conflict in the region.

According to a statement issued by Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, the attack was strongly condemned, describing it as a "cowardly drone attack" and calling for urgent action against those responsible.

"I condemn and denounce in the strongest terms the cowardly drone attack on the residence of Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region, in Duhok. Once again, we call on the federal government to act on its responsibilities, bring these outlaw criminals to justice, and curb the continued terrorist attacks carried out by these groups," the statement read.

The Prime Minister further urged the international community to support the Kurdistan Region in protecting its citizens and safeguarding its interests, while asserting that authorities reserve the right to respond decisively to such threats.

"We reserve every right to confront these terrorists, and we will take whatever steps are necessary to protect the Kurdistan Region," the statement added.

Following the incident, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed solidarity with the Kurdistan leadership.

In a post on X, Macron said he had spoken with Barzani and reiterated France's support after what he termed an "unacceptable attack" on his residence.

Macron also warned that the incident reflects a broader escalation of attacks against Iraqi institutions, referring to a recent assault that resulted in the deaths of six Peshmerga personnel. He extended condolences and stressed the need for stability in Iraq.

"The Iraqi government, within the framework of Kurdistan, must work to stabilise the region. Everything must be done to prevent Iraq from being dragged into this turmoil. France remains a friend of the Iraqis," Macron stated in his post.

This development comes as diplomatic engagements between Washington and Tehran continue amid the conflict in West Asia, following US-Israel joint military strikes on Iran on February 28, which led to the death of 86-year-old Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, after which Tehran, in retaliation, targeted Israel and US assets in several Gulf countries, causing disruption in the waterways and affecting international energy markets and global economic stability.

- ANI
Author JK Rowling has publicly endorsed the first trailer for the upcoming 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' television series, calling it "incredible." The series, set to debut on Christmas Day, will adapt each of the seven books over seven seasons with a new young cast. Fan reaction to the teaser has been sharply divided, with some celebrating it and others criticizing it. The project has also been marred by controversy, as actor Paapa Essiedu revealed he received death threats after being cast as Severus Snape.

JK Rowling endorses the new 'Harry Potter' TV series trailer. Meet the young cast and see the mixed fan reactions to the upcoming adaptation.

Los Angeles, March 28 Author JK Rowling has extended her full support to the forthcoming 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' series amid trolling over the first look at the show.

The writer, 60, praised its first trailer as "incredible", despite a sharply divided response from fans to the promo, reports 'Female First UK'.

The television adaptation, set to debut on 'Christmas Day', will reimagine each of JK's seven Potter books across seven seasons over the next decade. The first teaser introduces Dominic McLaughlin, aged 12, as Harry Potter, alongside a new ensemble cast including Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger.

As per 'Female First UK', it opens in familiar territory, the Dursleys' house, where Harry is confined to the cupboard under the stairs as Petunia Dursley dismisses him as "nothing special", before the arrival of a mysterious letter signals the beginning of his journey into the wizarding world.

The series, which began filming in the UK last summer, also stars John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. Responding to the trailer on social media, JK expressed her enthusiasm for the project, saying: "It's going to be incredible".

She added, "I'm so happy with it". Fan reaction, however, has been mixed. Some viewers welcomed the new adaptation, with one writing on X, "The trailer for the new Harry Potter looks by marvellous. I cannot wait, and as it seems to me, neither can the rest of the world".

Others were more critical, with one dismissing the series as "millennial slop". Debate around the casting has also intensified. Paapa Essiedu, who will portray Severus Snape, has previously revealed he received racially motivated death threats following his casting.

- IANS
The Karnataka government has inaugurated a massive 450-bed super speciality children's hospital at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health in Bengaluru. Minister Sharanprakash R Patil emphasized this is the first government-run facility of its scale in the country, offering tertiary care to patients from across states. The government is nearing its goal of establishing medical colleges in all districts and plans similar specialty institutes in Mysuru and Kalaburagi. The initiative underscores the state's commitment to "Universal Health Care for All" through expanded public health infrastructure.

Karnataka govt unveils a state-of-the-art 450-bed children's hospital in Bengaluru, promising advanced care and universal health access.

Bengaluru, March 28 Karnataka government has constructed a massive, state-of-the-art 450-bed children's hospital at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health to provide advanced care and treatment for children, said Sharanprakash R Patil, Minister for Medical Education.

Speaking after inaugurating the new hospital, Patil emphasised that a government-run super speciality hospital of this scale and capacity is a first-of-its-kind in the entire country.

According to a press release, patients arriving from other states will receive the same quality of treatment here. The Minister urged the public to take full advantage of the facility, noting that 100% quality healthcare is available only in government hospitals.

The institution currently operates 450 beds and annually treats approximately 1,78,000 outpatients and 21,000 inpatients, while performing around 5,000 surgeries.

As per the release, the Siddaramaiah-led government is establishing medical colleges in all districts of the state. About 90% of this target has already been achieved, with only four or five districts remaining - all of which will be completed very soon, the Minister said.

Patil reaffirmed the government's commitment to providing quality healthcare to all citizens by setting up super speciality hospitals, cancer hospitals, and trauma care centres in every district.

On the lines of the Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, NIMHANS-model institutes and Endocrinology Centres will be established in Mysuru and Kalaburagi, said the release. A dedicated children's hospital will also be built in Kalaburagi at a cost of Rs 100 crore, modelled on the Indira Gandhi Children's Hospital, the Minister announced.

Sharanprakash Patil stated that tertiary care treatment is available only in government hospitals and nowhere else, and that "Universal Health Care for All" is the guiding mission of the government.

The state has the largest number of medical seats and colleges, along with 800 nursing colleges, he added. Patil also felicitated Dr KS Sanjay, Director of the Institute, on stage, as he retires at the end of this month after years of dedicated service.

The event was attended by legislators Uday Garudachar and TA Saravana, Additional Chief Secretary Mohammed Mohsin, Director Dr BL Sujatha Rathod, Dr KS Sanjay, and several other officials.

- ANI
Pet expo kicks off in Lanzhou, China's Gansu

Xinhua) 14:10, March 28, 2026

A pet dog is seen during a pet expo in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, March 27, 2026. The three-day event kicked off here on Friday, attracting nearly 100 exhibitors from the pet industry to showcase various pets, as well as pet-related food, smart products, medical care services, clothing, photography and more on site. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)

A pet dog is seen during a pet expo in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, March 27, 2026. The three-day event kicked off here on Friday, attracting nearly 100 exhibitors from the pet industry to showcase various pets, as well as pet-related food, smart products, medical care services, clothing, photography and more on site. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)

Pet dogs are seen during a pet expo in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, March 27, 2026. The three-day event kicked off here on Friday, attracting nearly 100 exhibitors from the pet industry to showcase various pets, as well as pet-related food, smart products, medical care services, clothing, photography and more on site. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)

A child pets a dog during a pet expo in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, March 27, 2026. The three-day event kicked off here on Friday, attracting nearly 100 exhibitors from the pet industry to showcase various pets, as well as pet-related food, smart products, medical care services, clothing, photography and more on site. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)

A staff member combs a pet dog during a pet expo in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, March 27, 2026. The three-day event kicked off here on Friday, attracting nearly 100 exhibitors from the pet industry to showcase various pets, as well as pet-related food, smart products, medical care services, clothing, photography and more on site. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)

Visitors view a pet dog during a pet expo in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, March 27, 2026. The three-day event kicked off here on Friday, attracting nearly 100 exhibitors from the pet industry to showcase various pets, as well as pet-related food, smart products, medical care services, clothing, photography and more on site. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)

Visitors take photos of pet dogs during a pet expo in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, March 27, 2026. The three-day event kicked off here on Friday, attracting nearly 100 exhibitors from the pet industry to showcase various pets, as well as pet-related food, smart products, medical care services, clothing, photography and more on site. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)

Visitors view pet foods during a pet expo in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, March 27, 2026. The three-day event kicked off here on Friday, attracting nearly 100 exhibitors from the pet industry to showcase various pets, as well as pet-related food, smart products, medical care services, clothing, photography and more on site. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)

A pet parrot is seen during a pet expo in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, March 27, 2026. The three-day event kicked off here on Friday, attracting nearly 100 exhibitors from the pet industry to showcase various pets, as well as pet-related food, smart products, medical care services, clothing, photography and more on site. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)

A dog trainer demonstrates dog training during a pet expo in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, March 27, 2026. The three-day event kicked off here on Friday, attracting nearly 100 exhibitors from the pet industry to showcase various pets, as well as pet-related food, smart products, medical care services, clothing, photography and more on site. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)

A staff member combs a pet cat during a pet expo in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, March 27, 2026. The three-day event kicked off here on Friday, attracting nearly 100 exhibitors from the pet industry to showcase various pets, as well as pet-related food, smart products, medical care services, clothing, photography and more on site. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)

A pet cat is seen during a pet expo in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, March 27, 2026. The three-day event kicked off here on Friday, attracting nearly 100 exhibitors from the pet industry to showcase various pets, as well as pet-related food, smart products, medical care services, clothing, photography and more on site. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)

(Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun)
The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) is one of Jim Cramers Hottest Defense Technology Stock Picks.

The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) is one of the largest defense contractors in America, courtesy of its presence in the aerospace supply chain. Its shares are up by 7.6% over the past year and by 45% since Cramer discussed them in April. The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA)s shares closed 9.5% lower on the day the CNBC TV host discussed the firm on Squawk on the Street. April 2025 was a weak month for the stock due to the trade tensions between the US and China, which saw the latter pause the delivery of all jets to its airlines. The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA)s stock closed 4.4% lower on October 29th, the day the firm reported its third-quarter earnings report. The results saw the firm post $7.47 in loss per share, which was wider than the $4.59 that analysts had penciled in. However, the earnings proved Cramer right as The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) announced that it was cash positive for the first time in years. The CNBC TV host had predicted that this would be the case, and in April 2025, he had advised viewers not to sell The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA):

[On BA and CAT being the worst two Dow names] Yeah I know, I mean because of China, although Caterpillar has diversified away from China so much and Boeing has got so many orders it shouldnt be. Those are both mistakes. Shouldnt be. Dont sell those.

Boeing (BA) Shares Up After Jim Cramer Warned Against Selling

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Indian Union Muslim League MP ET Mohammed Basheer has expressed strong confidence that the United Democratic Front will secure a "thumping majority" in the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections. He firmly dismissed allegations of a secret alliance between the UDF and the BJP, counter-accusing the ruling CPM of having an "unholy alliance" with the BJP and being instrumental in the party's growth. Basheer also welcomed the central government's decision to cut excise duties on fuel as a necessary move to help citizens during the economic crisis. The Kerala legislative assembly elections are scheduled to be held in a single phase.

IUML MP ET Mohammed Basheer predicts a "thumping majority" for the UDF in the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, dismissing allegations of a secret deal with the BJP.

Kozhikode, March 28 Indian Union Muslim League MP ET Mohammed Basheer on Saturday expressed strong confidence in the United Democratic Front's prospects for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, asserting that the alliance will secure a "thumping majority."

Speaking to ANI, Basheer said, "We are very much confident. We will come out with flying colours. We will have a thumping majority wherever we are contesting. All these things are facts, and that is why I told you that we are confident. We are going ahead for a bright and better performance in this election."

On CM's UDF-RSS 'secret deal' allegations, he said, "That is nothing. Those allegations that we are having an alliance with the BJP, that kind of propaganda is fabricated by them. It has nothing to do with the facts. Actually, one thing is there. This CPM has an unholy alliance with the BJP. It is a fact; everybody knows that. That is what we are saying. They depend on the BJP. And not only that, we have to realise one more thing: this CPM is really instrumental for the growth of the BJP in this country. They themselves are really instrumental in helping them in many ways."

Basheer also welcomed the central government's decision to cut excise duties on fuel, calling it a necessary move to assist citizens during the current economic crisis.

"To help the people in this crisis, it is the duty of the government, the duty of the opposition, everybody. Whatever the political differences may be, India has its own problems. We have to take it in a positive way. When the prices or taxes are reduced, that, of course, is a good move. We have even demanded that the Indian government act swiftly on all these kinds of things. The government is bound to do the needful. We cannot just say something is wrong like that. Let them do it. There are many things because of the crisis, visa problems, and travel problems. It is the duty of the government; the government is for that only. If the Indian government does something in that way, that is good," said Basheer.

Kerala legislative assembly elections will be held in a single phase on April 9, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4. The tenure of the current assembly is set to conclude on May 23.

- ANI
Actor Kiran Kumar nostalgically shared images of the famous gun-throw scene from the 1998 hit 'Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya' on its 28th anniversary. The film, directed by Sohail Khan, starred Salman Khan, Kajol, and Dharmendra in a romantic comedy about winning over a lover's family. Meanwhile, Salman Khan is set to appear next in 'Battle of Galwan', a film based on the 2020 India-China border clash. The upcoming film, directed by Apoorva Lakhia, is scheduled for release on April 17.

Actor Kiran Kumar revisits the iconic gun-throw scene from 'Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya' as the Salman Khan-Kajol film completes 28 years.

Mumbai, March 28 Actor Kiran Kumar turned nostalgic as the 1998 hit film Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya starring Salman Khan, Kajol and Dharmendra, completed 28 years since its release, revisiting one of its memorable action moments.

Taking to Instagram, the veteran actor shared a string of pictures featuring the much-talked-about gun-throw scene involving Salman.

He wrote: "28 Years to this evergreen film. What I really want you guys to answer is, how many takes do you think this gun throw took? (Also, you can hold the dots below and slide back and forth to animate this scene!) #pyarkiyatodarnakya #kirankumar #salmankhan."

Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya is a 1998 Indian Hindi-language romantic comedy film written and directed by Sohail Khan. It stars Dharmendra, Salman Khan, Kajol and Arbaaz Khan.

The film follows Suraj, a young man, who falls for Muskan, and her possessive brother takes an instant dislike towards him. However, to get his love, he must first win the hearts of her brother and uncle.

Talking about Kiran, he attended a boarding school in Indore, enrolled at R.D. National College in Mumbai, and later joined the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII).

One of his first television series was with Cinevistas (Sunil Mehta, Prem Kishen). He has since established himself as a star in the Indian television industry in series such as Zindagi, Ghutan, Sahil, Manzil, Grihasti, and Katha Sagar.

Meanwhile, Salman will next be seen in 'Battle of Galwan' based on the Galwan stand-off between India and its expansionist neighbour, China, on June 15, 2020, during the thick of the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in India.

The Indian and Chinese troops clashed in the Galwan Valley, eastern Ladakh. It was part of a larger border standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The clash turned violent when both sides attempted to patrol disputed areas, leading to hand-to-hand combat.

The fighting resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers, while China also suffered casualties. This was the deadliest India-China face-off in over four decades, escalating tensions and prompting both nations to increase troop deployments and engage in diplomatic talks to avoid further conflict.

Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, the film is set to release on April 17.

- IANS
A senior Iranian parliamentary official states that life has returned to normal and there is "complete security" on Kharg Island. He warns that any aggression against the strategic island will be met with a decisive Iranian military response. This comes amid reports that the US Pentagon is planning to deploy troops and is contemplating a possible ground operation on the island. Iranian forces are reportedly laying mines and reinforcing the island, which is crucial as it handles approximately 90% of Iran's crude oil exports.

Iranian official says life is normal on Kharg Island, warns US against aggression as Pentagon reportedly plans troop deployment to the region.

Tehran, March 28 Spokesperson for the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, Ebrahim Rezaei, claimed on Saturday that the "life has returned to normal in Kharg" island, as quoted by Iranian state media Fars News Agency.

According to the news agency, Rezaei said that the Khrag Island is in "complete security". He also said that the armed forces of Iran are in "full readiness" and any kind of "aggression" against the island will be met with a "decisive" and "irreversible" response.

"Kharg Island is in complete security. The armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran are in full readiness, and any aggression against Kharg Island will be met with a decisive and irreversible response for the aggressors," he said as quoted by Fars News Agency.

According to an earlier 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. Meanwhile, 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."

- ANI
The vessel MT Jag Vasant arrived at the Vadinar Terminal in Gujarat carrying over 47,000 metric tonnes of Liquefied Petroleum Gas. A ship-to-ship transfer operation to the daughter vessel Rose Gas has begun and is expected to take approximately 15 hours. The operation will split the cargo for delivery to multiple Indian ports. Meanwhile, Indian authorities confirmed the safety of all Indian-flagged ships and seafarers in the Gulf region.

A shipment of over 47,000 MT of LPG arrives at Vadinar Terminal. A 15-hour ship-to-ship transfer operation begins to ensure energy supply.

Kachchh, March 28 A shipment of over 47,000 metric tonnes of Liquefied Petroleum Gas arrived at the Vadinar Terminal of DPA Kandla in Jamnagar, Gujarat, on Saturday.

The vessel, MT Jag Vasant, is set to transfer its cargo to another ship at anchorage through a Ship-to-Ship (STS) operation, maintaining resilience and reliability for un-interrupted energy supply chain.



Speaking to ANI, Sushil Kumar Singh, Chairman of Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), said the vessel, MT Jag Vasant, arrived last night, and its daughter vessel, Rose Gas, arrived in Vadinar this morning.



"A vessel, MT Jag Vasant, carrying 47,180 metric tons of LPG, arrived in Vadinar last night. Its daughter vessel, Rose Gas, arrived in Vadinar at 7:30 this morning. A ship-to-ship transfer will take place from it," said Singh.



He further added that the ship-to-ship transfer operation will take approximately 15 hours and will be completed by tomorrow morning.



"Of the 47,180 metric tons, 17,100 metric tons will be loaded onto the daughter vessel. Rose Gas will arrive at Kandla Port, and the mother vessel, Jag Vasant, will carry the remaining quantity to Mumbai Port and New Mangalore Port. The operation will take approximately 15 hours. This ship-to-ship transfer will be completed by tomorrow morning," Singh added.



Earlier, speaking at a joint inter-ministerial briefing, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Rajesh Kumar Sinha said authorities are closely monitoring the situation and maintaining coordination with various stakeholders.



"In the Gulf region, there has been no information in the last 24 hours regarding any incident involving Indian-flagged ships or Indian seafarers. All are safe," Sinha said.



He added that Indian ships operating in the Persian Gulf are also safe.



"In the Persian Gulf, there are 20 ships sailing under the Indian flag, with around 540 Indians onboard, and they are also safe," he said.





- ANI
Maharashtra Minister Chhagan Bhujbal has urged the Central Government for technical and financial support to fast-track the expansion of the Piped Natural Gas network across the state. He advocated for making PNG connections mandatory in new housing projects and extending networks to older residential areas. The state has streamlined permissions, introducing 'deemed approvals' and waiving certain charges to accelerate City Gas Distribution projects. A nodal officer has been appointed to ensure coordination, with these special measures effective until June 30.

Maharashtra urges Centre for technical and financial support to accelerate PNG rollout, simplify procedures, and boost clean fuel adoption.

New Delhi, March 28 Maharashtra Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Chhagan Bhujbal on Saturday urged the Centre to extend technical and financial support to speed up the expansion of the Piped Natural Gas network across the state.

Bhujbal was speaking at a high-level joint meeting convened by the Centre to discuss improving the availability of clean fuel and ensuring time-bound expansion of the PNG network for residential and commercial sectors, particularly in the context of the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict.

He said PNG connections should be made mandatory in all new housing projects to ensure wider adoption. The minister also called for targeted campaigns to extend connections to older residential areas.

Bhujbal stressed that expanding PNG use in hotels, restaurants and small-scale industries would help reduce costs and promote cleaner fuel alternatives. He added that licensing and connection procedures must be simplified.

"Maharashtra has already streamlined permission processes and standardised rates across various local bodies to boost City Gas Distribution (CGD) projects," he said, while seeking special financial and infrastructural support for cities in the state to improve project viability.

He also urged central agencies to ensure coordinated and timely approvals for pipeline expansion and called for an increase in the LPG quota for commercial use to meet rising demand.

"The Maharashtra government is taking firm steps toward promoting clean fuel. To achieve these goals effectively and within the set timeframe, consistent cooperation from the Central Government is expected," Bhujbal said.

Highlighting steps to remove bureaucratic hurdles, he said the state government had issued a Government Resolution (GR) on Friday with a series of directives.

"Pending permissions from municipal corporations, PWD, and Water Resources Departments for laying CGD pipelines will now be considered 'deemed approved'. Local bodies are instructed to grant new CGD permissions within 24 hours. Charges for road restoration and various permits by local self-government bodies are to be waived to promote expansion," Bhujbal said.

He added that companies may restore public property at their own cost, subject to quality guarantees. In other cases, fees will be charged as per the central notification dated March 24, 2026. CGD companies will be allowed to operate round the clock, with seasonal restrictions relaxed.

According to the minister, no separate NOCs from Chief Fire Officers or Traffic Police will be required for digging or laying pipelines. Companies will only need to submit a daily work schedule to the concerned departments.

To ensure coordination, the Controller of Rationing and Director of Civil Supplies has been appointed as the nodal officer for Maharashtra. These special measures will remain in force until June 30 this year, he said.

- IANS
MEA Secretary Neena Malhotra co-chaired the 6th India-Tunisia Foreign Office Consultations in Tunis. The talks, described as warm and constructive, reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations. Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti emphasized greater partnership in academics, science & technology, and renewable energy. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the historic and democratic partnership.

MEA Secretary Neena Malhotra holds talks in Tunis, reviewing bilateral cooperation in energy, tech, and academic exchanges.

Tunis, March 28 Ministry of External Affairs Secretary Neena Malhotra called on Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti during her visit to Tunisia for the 6th Foreign Office Consultations.

Nafti called for greater academic partnership, cooperation in S&T, and new and renewable energy.

In a post on X, Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal said, "Secretary (South) Dr. Neena Malhotra called on Foreign Minister Mr. Mohamed Ali Nafti during her visit to Tunisia for the 6th Foreign Office Consultations. Foreign Minister called for greater academic partnership, cooperation in S&T and new & renewable energy. Discussions reaffirmed the shared commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation."

"Secretary (South) Dr. Neena Malhotra co-chaired the 6th India - Tunisia Foreign Office Consultations with Secretary of State Mr. Mohamed Ben Ayed. Both sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral ties, including political engagement, high-level visits, trade and economic cooperation, capacity building, cultural exchanges and people-to-people cooperation," Jaiswal said.

The 6th India-Tunisia Foreign Office Consultations was held in Tunis on 27 March 2026, co-chaired by Neena Malhotra, Secretary (South), Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India and Mohamed Ben Ayed, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad of the Republic of Tunisia. Secretary (South) also paid a courtesy call on Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad of Tunisia Mohamed Ali Nafti, a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs said.

The consultations took place in a warm and constructive atmosphere, reaffirming the strong and historic bilateral relationship between India and Tunisia, deeply rooted in shared democratic values, mutual respect, and longstanding friendship. During the consultations, both sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral ties, including political engagement, high-level visits, trade and economic cooperation, capacity building, cultural exchanges and people-to-people cooperation.

- ANI
Two merchant vessels carrying petroleum products for India are currently crossing the strategic Strait of Hormuz, with the Indian Navy on standby to provide support. Authorities confirm that all 20 Indian-flagged ships and approximately 540 Indian seafarers in the region are safe. The government is closely monitoring the volatile situation and urgently calls for the preservation of safe maritime transit through the chokepoint. Officials also revealed that four India-bound LPG carriers have recently navigated the strait successfully.

Indian Navy warships on standby as merchant vessels with petroleum products cross the Strait of Hormuz. Officials confirm safety of Indian ships and crew.

New Delhi, March 28 Two more merchant vessels carrying petroleum products for India are crossing Strait of Hormuz. Indian Navy warships are on standby to provide support to them, sources told.

More vessels are expected to follow soon, the sources added.

Earlier, Speaking at a joint inter-ministerial briefing, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Rajesh Kumar Sinha said authorities are closely monitoring the situation and maintaining coordination with various stakeholders.

"In the Gulf region, there has been no information in the last 24 hours regarding any incident involving Indian-flagged ships or Indian seafarers. All are safe," Sinha said.

He added that Indian ships operating in the Persian Gulf are also safe.

"In the Persian Gulf, there are 20 ships sailing under the Indian flag, with around 540 Indians onboard, and they are also safe," he said.

Sinha further said the Directorate General of Shipping has been actively responding to queries and concerns through its communication centre.

"In the last 24 hours, the DG Shipping communication centre, which operates 24 hours a day, received 98 calls and 335 emails, all of which were responded to," he said.

On Friday, India reiterated its urgent call for the preservation of safe and uninterrupted maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz, emphasising that international law must be upheld amidst the deteriorating security situation in West Asia. The government confirmed it is maintaining a vigilant watch over regional volatilities to protect national energy interests.

During the weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that New Delhi is actively coordinating with global partners to ensure stability.

"We are closely following all developments in West Asia. We continue to call for ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as a matter of priority," Jaiswal noted.

Providing a significant update on maritime safety, the spokesperson revealed that four Indian-bound vessels transporting liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) successfully navigated the strategic chokepoint.

- ANI
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has electrified over 1,342 route kilometres across its network in the financial year 2025-26, covering key sections in Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh. The Tinsukia Division in Assam was the top performer, accounting for nearly half of the total electrification. This progress strengthens regional connectivity, enables seamless electric traction, and supports Indian Railways' mission for a fully electrified broad-gauge network. The shift reduces fossil fuel dependence, lowers costs, and enhances the environmental sustainability and reliability of train services.

NFR achieves major rail electrification milestone, covering 1,342+ route km across Assam, WB, Bihar, Tripura & Arunachal Pradesh in FY 2025-26 for sustainable operations.

Guwahati, March 28 The Northeast Frontier Railway has achieved significant milestones in railway electrification during the financial year 2025-26, covering key sections across Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh, officials said on Saturday.

NFR Chief Public Relations Officer Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said these achievements mark a major step towards sustainable, energy-efficient, and modern rail operations in the region, further strengthening connectivity and reducing dependence on conventional fuel-based systems.

He said the electrification drive is part of Indian Railways' broader vision to achieve 100 per cent electrification, improve operational efficiency, and enhance train handling capacity across its network.

According to Sharma, during FY 2025-26, the NFR successfully completed electrification over 1,342.18 route kilometres (RKM) and 1,828.42 track kilometres (TKM) across its jurisdiction, covering important sections in Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh.

This extensive progress has significantly strengthened rail connectivity in the Northeast and adjoining areas, while paving the way for seamless electric traction operations, he noted.

Division-wise, substantial progress has been achieved across all divisions of the NFR.

Tinsukia (TSK) Division in Assam emerged as the top performer, contributing 663.59 RKM and 855.48 TKM electrified, accounting for nearly half of the total electrification carried out during the year. Major sections electrified in the TSK Division include key routes such as Mariani-Simaluguri, Simaluguri-Dibrugarh, Duliajan-New Tinsukia, and North Lakhimpur-Dhamalgaon, which are crucial for both passenger and freight movement in Upper Assam.

Rangiya (RNY) Division in Assam recorded the second-highest progress with 348.92 RKM and 535.43 TKM, covering strategically important sections such as Rangapara-Harmuty and Harmuty-Naharlagun, thereby strengthening connectivity to Arunachal Pradesh.

Lumding (LMG) Division electrified 124.70 RKM and 197.38 TKM, including the vital Agartala-Sabroom section in Tripura, which plays a key role in enhancing connectivity in the southern part of the Northeast.

Katihar (KIR) Division in Bihar achieved electrification of 108.62 RKM and 130.83 TKM, while Alipurduar (APDJ) Division in West Bengal contributed 96.36 RKM and 109.30 TKM, covering important sections in Bihar and north Bengal, respectively.

The NFR CPRO said the electrification of these sections will lead to faster train operations by reducing dependence on fossil fuels, lowering maintenance costs, and enhancing environmental sustainability. It will also improve line capacity, punctuality, and reliability of train services across the region.

With these achievements, Northeast Frontier Railway has cumulatively electrified approximately 4,170.19 route kilometres and 6,690.38 track kilometres so far.

NFR remains committed to completing electrification works across the entire zone, contributing to Indian Railways' mission of achieving 100 per cent electrification of its broad-gauge network, Sharma said.

The Northeast Frontier Railway, headquartered at Maligaon near Guwahati, operates across the Northeastern states as well as in seven districts of West Bengal and five districts of north Bihar.

- IANS
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed a series of attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, including a third strike in ten days on the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. The agency reports no damage to operating reactors, no release of radiation, and normal plant conditions at the affected sites. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi expressed deep concern over the military activity near a nuclear plant, warning it could cause a major radiological incident. In response, Iranian officials warned that a "heavy price" would be exacted for the attacks, which they attributed to Israel.

IAEA confirms attacks on Bushehr plant & other nuclear sites in Iran but reports no damage to reactors, radiation release, or safety risk.

Vienna, March 28 The International Atomic Energy Agency said that the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in Iran was struck for the third time in 10 days.

The IAEA stated that neither was there any damage to operating reactor nor was any radiation release reported.

"IAEA informed by Iran of a new strike in the area of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, the third such incident in 10 days. No damage to operating reactor nor any radiation release reported, and condition of plant is normal, Iran says. DG Rafael Mariano Grossi again expresses deep concern about recent reports of military activity in the vicinity of a nuclear power plant, says it could cause major radiological incident if reactor were to be damaged. DG Grossi reiterates call for maximum military restraint to avoid risk of a nuclear accident," the IAEA reported.

The IAEA further said that the heavy water production plant at Khondab was also hit today in Iran.

"IAEA informed by Iran that the heavy water production plant at Khondab was also hit today. No radiation risk seen as installation contains no declared nuclear material. Separately, Iran reported today that an industrial facility - the Khuzestan Steel Production Factory which uses sealed Co-60 and Cs-137 radioactive sources for gauging - was subjected to strikes but there was no off-site radiation release," it said.

It further said that Shahid Rezayee Nejad Yellow Cake Production Facility in Yazd province was attacked.

"The IAEA has been informed by Iran that the Shahid Rezayee Nejad Yellow Cake Production Facility in Yazd province (also known as Ardakan) was attacked today. No increase in off-site radiation levels reported. The IAEA is looking into the report. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi reiterates call for military restraint to avoid any risk of a nuclear accident," the IAEA stated.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned a "heavy price" will be exacted after Israel attacked two civilian nuclear sites and steel factories, while Iran's military warned the US and Israel that they are "playing with fire" by attacking Iran's energy infrastructure.

- ANI
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the Noida International Airport at Jewar, declaring it a transformative project for the state. He credited the project's timely completion to the policies of the central government and said it symbolizes a changing "New India". The airport is designed to be a global connectivity hub integrated with major expressways and rail corridors, overcoming the state's landlocked limitations. It is expected to generate large-scale employment and position Uttar Pradesh as a major destination for investment.

CM Yogi Adityanath inaugurates Noida International Airport, promising to transform UP into a major investment and global trade hub.

Greater Noida, March 28 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who was present at Jewar during the inauguration of Noida International Airport on Saturday, said that the airport is a project which will transform the state and accelerate its growth momentum.

He said the development stands as a powerful symbol of a changing "New India" under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.



The Chief Minister asserted that the airport will open a new trajectory of development for Uttar Pradesh by enhancing global connectivity and positioning the state as a major investment hub.



He credited the Centre's policies over the past decade for ensuring that schemes were effectively implemented on the ground, delivering tangible outcomes.



Talking about economic resilience, CM Yogi said India has managed to maintain stability despite global uncertainties, including in the pricing and supply of petroleum products.



Taking a swipe at previous regimes, he remarked that Uttar Pradesh, once seen as a laggard on the development index, is now rapidly emerging with a distinct and dynamic identity.



"Improved law and order and robust infrastructure have made the state an attractive destination for investors," he noted.



He pointed out that the foundation stone laid in November 2021 has now translated into the inauguration of the first phase, showcasing the time-bound execution under the "double engine" government.



The Chief Minister linked the inauguration with the festive spirit of Ram Navami and said that while many countries are grappling with economic challenges, India continues to maintain balance and growth due to visionary policymaking.



Expressing gratitude on behalf of the state's 25 crore people, he said the Jewar airport will become a central pillar of Uttar Pradesh's development, generating large-scale employment and investment opportunities.



He emphasised that the airport will be seamlessly integrated with key infrastructure networks, including the Yamuna Expressway, the upcoming Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, Eastern Peripheral Expressway, Ganga Expressway, RRTS, and the proposed Delhi-Varanasi High-Speed Rail corridor -- creating a high-speed, multi-modal connectivity ecosystem.



The Chief Minister also highlighted the region's growing investment potential, noting that the Yamuna Expressway, Noida, and the Greater Noida belt are already attracting major proposals. He cited the recent foundation laying of a semiconductor manufacturing unit near the airport and the ongoing development of an electronics manufacturing cluster.



Describing the airport as a global connectivity hub, Yogi said it will incorporate modern facilities such as aviation fuel farms, in-flight kitchens, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services, and advanced digital and energy-efficient technologies, aligned with the vision of "Ease of Journey".



He added that the development of a dedicated multi-modal cargo hub will help Uttar Pradesh overcome the limitations of being landlocked, significantly boosting trade and access to global markets.





- IANS
Boeings (BA) recovery story is starting to change.

For most of the past year, the stock traded on backlog and the idea that production would eventually normalize.

Now, the focus is shifting.

Investors are no longer asking whether demand exists. The order book is already there.

The stock is down more than 22% since reporting Q4 earnings on Jan. 27, showing the market still isnt convinced the turnaround is real.

At the same time, the broader backdrop is changing.

Airlines are still expanding routes and investing in fleet growth, according to OAG, even as fuel costs rise and economic uncertainty builds. That puts more pressure on Boeing to execute.

The key question now is whether Boeing can keep production steady and turn that into durable cash generation.

Valuation snapshot

Market cap: $152.7 billion

Enterprise value: $180.5 billion

Share price: Approximately $190

Analysts ave. target price: $271.21 (about a 43% implied upside)

2-year annual expected revenue growth: 11.8%

Forward EV/EBITDA: 37.6x

Source: TIKR.com

Boeing's production recovery shifts focus to cash flow

Boeings biggest fourth-quarter development was a meaningful restart in commercial aircraft production.

CEO Kelly Ortberg said the company made significant progress on our recovery in 2025 as Boeing generated $375 million in free cash flow.

More Airlines:

Boeing's 737 output reached 42 aircraft a month, while 787 activity improved and deliveries increased.

Higher production matters because it spreads fixed costs across more aircraft, which ultimately drives margin recovery.

Fourth-quarter revenue grew 57% year over year to $23.9 billion, while Boeings backlog hit a record $682 billion, driven by 1,173 net commercial aircraft orders during the year.

That strength showed up across the business, with all three segments reaching record backlog levels.

Management also struck a more confident tone heading into 2026. [We] have set the foundation to keep our momentum going in the year ahead, Ortberg said.

New orders reinforce demand heading into 2026

Boeing confirmed a major widebody order from Sun PhuQuoc Airways in February for up to 40 787 Dreamliner jets. The aircraft will serve as the backbone of a new international airline based in Vietnam, highlighting continued demand for long-haul travel and fleet expansion.

The deal matters because it reinforces Boeings position in widebody aircraft, where margins are typically higher, and demand is tied to long-term global travel growth.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Noida International Airport in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, marking a major expansion of India's aviation infrastructure. He stated the airport is a significant step towards realizing the vision of a developed Uttar Pradesh and India. The project is expected to provide new opportunities for the youth, farmers, and small industries in western Uttar Pradesh. The Prime Minister also addressed the global economic challenges stemming from the West Asia crisis, affirming India's resilience.

PM Narendra Modi inaugurates Noida International Airport, calling it a key step towards a developed Uttar Pradesh and India, boosting youth opportunities.

Noida, March 28 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that the Noida International Airport will become a symbol of a significant step towards achieving the goal of a 'Viksit Uttar Pradesh', which, he said, will give new wings to the dreams of the youth.

He inaugurated the much-anticipated Noida International Airport in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of India's aviation infrastructure.

During the visit, the Prime Minister also toured an exhibition showcasing the construction journey of the airport project. He was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Addressing a large gathering, PM Modi said, "I see only young people in the gathering, full of excitement and passion. This is because the youth know that this project will give new heights to the dreams of young people."

"Today, we have started a new chapter of 'Viksit Bharat' and 'Viksit UP'. The country's largest state has today become one of the states with the highest number of international airports in the nation," he said.

PM Modi, who is a Lok Sabha MP from Varanasi, also expressed gratitude to the people of the state for giving him the opportunity to inaugurate this project.

"I am happy and proud that you all gave me the opportunity to lay the foundation stone of this project, and now, I am the one who is inaugurating it also. Today, I am sharing this success with you. Second, the name of this airport is now attached to Uttar Pradesh, which chose me as a representative and made me a parliamentarian," he added.

The Prime Minister said that Mathura, Aligarh, Ghaziabad, Meerut, Etawah, Bulandshahr, and Faridabad and the neighbouring region, are going to benefit immensely from the Noida International Airport.

"This airport will bring numerous new opportunities for farmers, small and micro industries, and the youth of western Uttar Pradesh. Flights will take off from here to destinations across the world, and at the same time, this airport will also become a symbol of a significant step towards achieving the goal of a 'Viksit Uttar Pradesh'," he said, congratulating the people of the state.

Speaking about the West Asia crisis, PM Modi said that because of the conflict, many countries are facing crises related to essential commodities such as food, fuel, petrol, diesel, gas, and fertilisers.

"Every country is making efforts in its own way to deal with this crisis, and India is also confronting this challenge with full strength, relying on the resilience of its people. India imports a significant amount of crude oil and gas from regions affected by the ongoing conflict," he said.

"Therefore, the government is taking every necessary step to ensure that the burden of this crisis does not fall on ordinary families or our farmer brothers and sisters," he added.

- IANS
Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi visited the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, to offer prayers. He expressed his primary aim was to seek divine grace for the Indian Army and the families of its personnel. The General stated the visit brought him deep peace and he hopes to make it an annual pilgrimage. The visit follows a similar one by newly elected Rajya Sabha member Dilip Ray the previous week.

Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi offers prayers at Puri's Jagannath Temple, seeking divine blessings for the Indian Army and its personnel.

Puri, March 28 Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on Saturday visited the Shree Jagannath Temple at Puri, in Odisha, to seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath.

General Dwivedi expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to pray at the temple, saying his main aim was to seek divine blessings for the Indian Army and its families.

He added that the visit brought him peace and a sense of sanctity, and he hoped to return every year to offer his respects.

Speaking to the reporters, the Indian Army Chief said, "I am very grateful to have visited Puri today to receive the Lord's blessings. My main aim was to seek divine grace for the entire Indian Army squad and their families. Having offered my prayers, I am confident that the Army will continue to excel and reach new heights in the days ahead."

"I want to thank the city for its warm welcome; it is a matter of great pride for the country, and I felt a sense of deep peace and sanctity here. I hope to return every year to offer my respects at God's feet," he added.

Shri Jagannath Temple is one of the most revered Hindu temples in India, dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu. It is a major pilgrimage site for devotees across the country.

A week earlier, newly elected Rajya Sabha member Dilip Ray visited the Shree Jagannath Temple to seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath.

During his visit, he expressed gratitude at being supported by various political parties, including the BJP, BJD, and Congress, for their repeated election to the Rajya Sabha.

"I last contested for the Rajya Sabha in 2002 and served until 2008. Now, after that, this is the third time I am entering the Rajya Sabha. This time, I stood as an independent candidate, and the BJP leadership has supported me fully. Brothers and sisters from the BJD and Congress have also supported me; everyone came together to bring about this victory. That is why I have come here to Lord Jagannath to offer my thanks. I can only say this: whatever is within my power, I will dedicate myself completely to the development of Odisha," Ray told reporters.

- ANI
Preparations for the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri have commenced with the ritual sawing of sacred logs on the occasion of Ram Navami. The elaborate chariot-making process began earlier this year on Basant Panchami and will see construction start on Akshaya Tritiya. The grand festival, scheduled for July 16, involves pulling three massive chariots carrying deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra to the Gundicha Temple. The event culminates a week later with the Bahuda Yatra return journey and features the significant 'Adhara Panna' offering ritual.

Preparations for Puri's grand Jagannath Rath Yatra begin with sawing of 865 sacred logs on Ram Navami. The chariot festival is scheduled for July 16.

Cuttack, March 28 On the occasion of Ram Navami, preparations for the annual Jagannath Ghosha Yatra have commenced in Cuttack on Saturday.

The grand Ratha Yatra dedicated to Lord Jagannath is scheduled to take place on July 16, with traditional rituals and chariot construction already underway.

Speaking to ANI, Chief Administrator of Jagannath Temple, Arabinda Kumar Padhee said, "The chariot making for the Rath Yatra is a very elaborate process, and it starts with the Sri Panchami, the Basant Panchami, which was solemnised on the 23rd of January this year. The Puja for the chariot logs starts on that day, and today, on the Sri Ram Navami, Chaitra Shukla Navami Tithi, the sawing of the logs or timber starts. And as per the temple traditions, we have been doing it in this particular saw mill in Cuttack Khapuria. So today it was done with all Seva Puja Vidhi in Cuttack."

"On the pious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, the chariot-making will start. So we pray and wish, and with the blessings of Mahaprabhu, we pray that this year's entire process will be smooth. So every year, as per the Rath code, we require 865 logs or timbers, which are supplied by the state forest department. We also get a few of such timbers of the required species from some willing donors on grown in their private lands. So we are grateful to each one for their contribution," Padhee added.

The Jagannath Rath Yatra is an annual Hindu festival celebrated in the city of Puri, Odisha, in which the deities Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra are taken from their temple in grand, decorated chariots to the Gundicha Temple, their aunt's house. This spiritual journey, also known as the Chariot Festival or Shree Gundicha Yatra, is one of the most significant Hindu festivals and commemorates Lord Jagannath's legendary visit to his birthplace.

During the Rath Yatra, a massive crowd of devotees pull the holy chariots of the three deities - Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Shubhadra, which are taken to the Gundicha Temple, a short distance from the Jagannath Temple.

The three deities spend a week at the Gundicha Temple before returning to Jagannath Temple.

The festival completes its last act with Bahuda Yatra, the "return journey," deeply spiritual and a cultural spectacle with people witnessing the return of Lord Jagannath's Nandighosha chariot, Lord Balabhadra's Taladhwaja chariot, and Goddess Subhadra's Darpadalan chariot.

Devotees in large numbers gather in Puri to witness the sacred 'Adhara Panna' ritual. The ritual is considered one of the most significant events in the Rath Yatra celebrations. It involves the offering of a sacred drink made with milk, sugar, and other ingredients to the deities in uniquely designed earthen pots shaped like the Lord's mouth. This offering is made on the chariots and is considered exclusively for the deities. After the ritual, the pots are broken on the chariot itself.

Shri Jagannath Temple is one of the most revered Hindu temples in India, dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu. It is a major pilgrimage site for devotees across the country. The temple was built in the 12th century by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva and is a prime example of Kalinga architecture.

- ANI
A man was killed in Tel Aviv by a missile launched from Iran, with additional injuries reported. The attack involved a dispersing cluster munition that struck multiple locations. This incident occurred amid heightened regional tensions, including US-Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Iranian news agencies reported strikes on a heavy water reactor and a yellowcake plant, though no radioactive leaks were initially reported.

A missile fired from Iran killed a man in Tel Aviv and injured others, as US-Israeli strikes hit Iranian nuclear facilities, escalating regional tensions.

Tel Aviv, March 28 A man around 60 years old was killed in the central Israeli city of Tel Aviv by a missile launched from Iran, Israel's national emergency service Magen David Adom and the Israel Police said.

According to the police, the incident involved a dispersing cluster munition missile that struck several locations in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area on Friday night (local time).

It added that the fatality, a construction worker, was hit by shrapnel from a cluster munition released by the missile and exploded near him.

MDA also reported two people who were lightly to moderately injured from the hits, reports Xinhua news agency.

The launch from Iran activated air defence sirens in large areas of central Israel near midnight, sending residents rushing to shelters.

Earlier in the night, a missile was launched from Iran into southern Israel, causing light injuries to two people.

The developments came amid heightened tensions following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran starting on February 28, to which Iran and its regional allies responded with attacks on Israeli and US interests across the Middle East.

Meanwhile, a heavy water research reactor facility in central Iran's Khondab was attacked by US-Israeli airstrikes on Friday, Iran's semi-official Fars news agency reported.

No casualties or danger to residents in the area have been reported so far, Fars added, citing local authorities.

The Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran later confirmed the attack.

Meanwhile, a yellowcake production plant in central Iran's Yazd province was also hit by US-Israeli strikes, with no radioactive leaks reported so far, the semi-official Mehr news agency reported.

The plant, inaugurated in May 2023, produces yellowcake, a uranium concentrate powder obtained from leach solutions and serving as an intermediate step in the processing of uranium ores.

The Israel Defense Forces confirmed the two attacks in two statements.

- IANS
Yemen's Houthi rebels have issued a stark warning of potential direct military intervention against the United States and Israel if what they term "American-Israeli aggression" against Iran and allied groups continues to escalate. Spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree framed the stance as a religious and moral duty to defend the "Axis of Resistance" and the wider Muslim world. The statement linked the aggression to Israeli territorial ambitions and demanded a response to diplomatic efforts and implementation of the Gaza ceasefire. The warning coincides with reports of renewed strikes on an Iranian nuclear facility and high alert status among Houthi forces.

Houthi spokesman warns of direct military action if US-Israeli aggression escalates, citing religious duty and regional defense of Iran and Muslim nations.

Sanaa, March 28 The Yemeni Armed Forces have declared readiness for direct military intervention if "American-Israeli aggression" against Iran and the "Axis of Resistance" groups continues to escalate, according to Iranian State Media Press TV.

"We confirm that our hands are on the trigger for direct military intervention," spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree said as quoted by Press TV in a statement on Friday.

The warning comes nearly a month after the United States and Israel launched what Press TV described as "the latest bout of unprovoked aggression targeting the Islamic Republic", alongside intensified operations against groups aligned with the "Axis of Resistance".

Saree said intervention could also be triggered by the involvement of additional parties in the conflict or the use of the Red Sea to carry out hostile operations against Iran or other "Muslim" countries. "We will not allow that," he asserted as per Press TV.

As per Press TV, he stated that Yemen's stance is rooted in a "religious and moral responsibility" amid a broader campaign targeting not only the "Islamic Republic", but also the "Resistance Axis and the wider Muslim world".

The statement, as per Press TV, further alleged that the "aggression" is linked to Israel's so-called "Greater Israel" ambitions, accusing Tel Aviv of seeking territorial expansion across West Asia. It described Yemen's position as part of the "legitimate right" of regional populations to confront such plans and those backing them.

Saree added that Yemeni forces are motivated by regional cooperation and the aim of inflicting a "major defeat" on "aggressors", while aligning with broader support for Muslim nations facing conflict.

The spokesperson also issued demands, urging the United States and Israel to respond to diplomatic efforts to end hostilities. He described the attacks as "unjust, oppressive, and unjustified" actions "that harms global and regional stability and security and harms the global economy."

The statement, according to Press TV, called for implementation of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, which was signed last October under a US-backed plan aimed at ending the conflict.

It also warned against increasing pressure on Yemen, cautioning against any tightening of the blockade on the country, the Press TV reported.

Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said that the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in Iran was struck for the third time in 10 days.

The IAEA stated that neither was there any damage to the operating reactor nor was any radiation release reported.

Earlier, on March 26, Yemen's Ansarullah "popular resistance movement", Houthi movement, was reported to be 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 the 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.

- ANI
The price of a standard LPG cylinder in Pakistan has surged dramatically, increasing financial pressure on citizens and causing fares for LPG-run private transport to rise. The country faces critical energy security risks, with petroleum reserves low enough to cover only days of consumption, including just nine days of LPG stocks. Supply disruptions from the Middle East conflict and reduced imports from Iran during holidays have exacerbated the shortage. Officials are warning of a severe gas crisis after mid-April and are in talks with Iran to secure alternative shipping routes for crude oil.

LPG cylinder prices jump over 30% in Pakistan, raising transport fares and exposing critical fuel shortages amid Middle East conflict disruptions.

Islamabad, March 28 The average price of liquefied petroleum gas in Pakistan has surged to Rs 3,900-5,135 per 11.67 kg cylinder from Rs 3,150-3,968 amid the conflict in West Asia, local media reported.

Citing data from the Sensitive Price Index (SPI) published by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) for the week ending March 26, Pakistani daily Dawn reported that the most significant price hikes were recorded across various cities in Punjab province.

Reports suggest that as gas prices rise, fares for LPG-run private transport have increased, placing additional pressure on low- and middle-income commuters dependent on LPG-driven rickshaws, buses, and minibuses.

Amid the global rise in LPG prices triggered by the conflict, the gas supplies from Iran, which previously ranged between 10,000 and 12,000 tonnes a day, have declined due to the Eid and Nawroz holidays.

According to M. Ali Haider, Convenor of the Standing Committee on LPG of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, three vessels carrying about 20,000 imported LPG arrived in Pakistan during March.

He said the country needs around 2m tonnes of LPG annually, of which 1.2m tonnes are imported, and 800,000 tonnes are produced by local refineries.

Last week, a report highlighted that Pakistan has limited petroleum reserves, with crude oil stocks sufficient for just 11 days, raising concerns over energy security amid disruptions caused by the ongoing West Asia conflict.

Briefing the Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum, the secretary of petroleum said the country currently has diesel reserves for 21 days, petrol for 27 days, LPG for nine days and jet fuel for 14 days, according to a report in The Express Tribune.

Nearly 70 per cent of Pakistan's petroleum imports come from the Middle East, and the ongoing conflict has disrupted key shipping routes and supply chains, the official said.

Pakistan is in talks with Iran to secure permission for oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, which could allow four vessels to transport crude cargoes if approved.

Officials also warned of a potential gas crisis, with the country likely to face a severe shortage after April 14 due to disruptions in liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies.

Of the eight LNG cargoes expected in March, only two reached Pakistan, while several shipments scheduled for April may also be affected.

- IANS
Pakistan's offer to mediate between the US and Iran is encountering significant diplomatic hurdles, primarily stemming from a trust deficit with Tehran. Iran suspects Pakistan of leveraging their relationship to indirectly benefit the United States, a perception reinforced by recent maritime activity in the Strait of Hormuz. Simultaneously, Saudi Arabia feels let down by Pakistan's refusal to provide expected military support under their security pact, leading Riyadh to seek other partners like Ukraine. Indian officials and observers conclude that Pakistan's ability to broker a successful peace deal is severely compromised by these strained relationships and its own domestic security commitments.

Pakistan's bid to mediate between the US and Iran faces challenges due to mistrust from Tehran and Riyadh, testing its regional diplomacy.

New Delhi, March 28 Pakistan has indicated that it is willing to mediate between the United States and Iran to ease the ongoing West Asia conflict, with Islamabad proposing a back-channel approach to convey messages between the two sides.

However, officials in India say that the effort may face serious challenges. They note that Pakistan is attempting to project itself as a peacemaker even as it remains engaged in tensions along its western front.

A key difficulty lies in balancing its ties with both Iran and Saudi Arabia. Iran regards both the US and Saudi Arabia as adversaries, while Pakistan maintains close strategic and military links with Riyadh. A bilateral security understanding between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia treats aggression against one as a concern for both.

Officials point to the growing mistrust in Iran towards Pakistan. Tehran is said to believe that Islamabad has used its goodwill in ways that indirectly benefit the United States. This perception appears to have been reinforced by a recent development at the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has allowed limited passage to vessels from select friendly nations, including Pakistan. As part of this move, around 10 Pakistani ships were permitted to transit the Strait of Hormuz. However, the coordinated movement of these vessels was seen as indirectly benefiting the United States.

Tehran, however, is understood to have viewed the episode differently, interpreting Pakistan's role as an attempt to maintain favour with the US while leveraging Iranian concessions.

Another challenge for Pakistan lies in its ties with Saudi Arabia. Under their military understanding, Islamabad was expected to support Riyadh, which has faced attacks linked to Iran. Its decision to stay away has caused unease in Saudi circles, prompting the kingdom to explore defence cooperation with Ukraine. Kyiv is seen as a battle-tested partner, with years of conflict experience against Russia and operational expertise in countering Iranian-made Shahed drones.

Saudi Arabia had expected Pakistan to stand by it during this period of strain. However, Islamabad, a State that allegedly exports and breeds terror, chose to limit its role to diplomatic engagement. An official said Riyadh, which has long regarded Pakistan as a security partner, feels let down as it sees Islamabad focusing on mediation between the United States and Iran rather than supporting an ally.

Saudi Arabia has provided financial assistance to Pakistan on several occasions in the past, helping it through periods of economic strain. However, recent developments have led to growing disillusionment within the Saudi kingdom's senior leadership.

Another official said Pakistan is currently not able to extend military assistance to Saudi Arabia. Its forces remain engaged in operations against the Afghan Taliban, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). The sustained pressure on the military has limited its ability to offer deployments or air support to Saudi Arabia.

With developments affecting its ties with both Saudi Arabia and Iran, Indian diplomats believe it may be difficult for Pakistan to broker a peace agreement. They point out that such negotiations depend heavily on trust, and any reservations from one of the parties could complicate efforts towards a settlement.

On Saudi Arabia, Pakistan has avoided taking a clear position, a stance that has reportedly displeased Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Iran, on the other hand, believes Islamabad has used its goodwill in ways that benefit the United States, which it regards as an adversary.

Observers say Pakistan's approach appears driven less by mediation and more by an effort to project itself as a proponent of global peace while trying to extract maximum benefits out of both Iran and the US.

- IANS
The Airline Pilots' Association of India has urgently called on the DGCA to suspend commercial operations into high-risk conflict zones in West Asia. It argues that airlines lack the necessary intelligence and geopolitical risk-assessment capabilities to safely evaluate threats in active war areas. The association highlighted the lack of formal assurance or documentary evidence regarding valid war risk insurance coverage for crew operating in these zones. It cited historical incidents of civilian airlines being shot down to underscore the severe safety risks to passengers and crew.

Indian pilots' body calls for suspension of commercial flights in West Asian conflict zones and mandatory verification of crew war risk insurance coverage.

New Delhi, March 28 Pilot body Airline Pilots' Association of India on Saturday urged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to suspend commercial operations into highrisk conflict zones in West Asia and to mandate disclosure and verification of valid insurance coverage for crew.

ALPA urged the regulator to continue suspension until completion of a centralised, authoritative risk assessment.

It wanted binding directives to be imposed aligned with international best practices and Intelligence inputs for operations near active conflict areas.

According to the association, commercial carriers lack the Intelligence, surveillance and geopolitical riskassessment capabilities to evaluate threats in active war zones and delegating such assessments to them creates inconsistent safety standards.

In a letter to the DGCA, the pilot association cited previous incidents of civilian airlines being shot down in the fog of war to highlight risks to safety of passengers, flight crew while operating in West Asia

"This issue was previously raised by us on March 18 with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The DGCA issued an Urgent Safety advisory dated March 19 as a response -- advising airlines to conduct their own independent risk assessments -- which raises significant concerns," the letter said.

However, the association maintained that such assessments fall squarely within the domain of sovereign authorities and specialised agencies.

"Pilots have been actively seeking clarification regarding the status and validity of their insurance coverage while operating into such high-risk zones. To date, no documentary evidence or formal assurance has been provided to confirm that adequate war risk insurance coverage remains valid under these circumstances," the association flagged.

Perhaps, the lapse is due to airlines not having suitable and adequate insurance riders entirely, ALPA suggested.

Iran Air Flight 655 was shot down by the US during the previous conflict of similar circumstances, while Libyan Arab Airlines Flight 114 was shot down by Israel, and Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 was shot down by Iran, ALPA cited previous examples.

It called on the regulator to initiate a thorough enquiry into the decision-making processes within Air India, particularly the roles of the Vice President - Operations and the Crew Scheduling Department.

As the airline is conducting its operations in West Asia, the association wants accountability to be determined "for exposing crew and passengers to such risks, particularly if found not to have adequate war risk insurance."

- IANS
The Airlines Pilots' Association of India has urgently called on the DGCA to suspend commercial flights into identified high-risk conflict zones in West Asia. The association warns that delegating risk assessments to airlines, which lack proper intelligence capabilities, endangers lives. It highlights a critical lack of verified, adequate war-risk insurance coverage for pilots and crew operating in these regions. The letter cites historical incidents where civilian aircraft were shot down and demands binding safety directives and an inquiry into Air India's operations.

Indian pilots' association calls for suspension of flights in conflict zones, citing safety risks and lack of verified war-risk insurance for crew.

New Delhi, March 28 Airlines Pilots' Association of India on Saturday urged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to suspend operations into identified high-risk conflict zones in West Asia and mandate disclosure and verification of valid insurance coverage.

In a letter to the DGCA, the pilot association highlighted the risk in carrying out operations with civilian airlines in conflict-torn regions, citing previous incidents of civilian airlines being shot down in the fog of war.

ALPA wrote, "Operating flights into, or in close proximity to, an active war zone constitutes a serious and unacceptable risk to the safety of passengers, flight crew, and aircraft. In our considered view, such decisions amount to wilful endangerment of human life. It is pertinent to note that this issue was previously raised by us on March 18 with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The DGCA issued an Urgent Safety advisory dated March 19 as a response--advising airlines to conduct their own independent risk assessments--raises significant concerns."

It highlighted that commercial airlines do not possess the requisite intelligence for risk assessment in regions with active conflicts. The associated stressed on no formal assurance provided to confirm that adequate war risk insurance coverage for pilots and crew members carrying out operations in West Asia.

"Commercial airlines do not possess the requisite intelligence, surveillance capabilities, or geopolitical risk assessment infrastructure necessary to adequately evaluate threats in active conflict environments. Such assessments fall squarely within the domain of sovereign authorities and specialised agencies. Delegating this responsibility to individual operators not only creates inconsistencies in safety standards but also exposes flight crew and passengers to potentially catastrophic risks without a robust and uniform safety framework," the pilots' association added.

The letter read, "Additionally, it is a matter of serious concern that pilots have been actively seeking clarification regarding the status and validity of their insurance coverage while operating into such high-risk zones... To date, no documentary evidence or formal assurance has been provided to confirm that adequate warrisk insurance coverage remains valid under these circumstances. It is perhaps because the Airlines do not have suitable and adequate insurance riders entirely."

"It would not be out of place to place on record that the current belligerents, USA, Israel and Iran have shot down civilian airlines in the fog of war of previous conflicts. Iran Air Flight 655 shot down by the USA during the previous conflict of similar circumstances, Libyan Arab Airlines Flight 114 shot down by Israel, and Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 shot down by Iran," ALPA added.

ALPA asked the DGCA to issue binding directives regarding operations in conflict regions and initiate a thorough inquiry into the decision-making processes within Air India, which is carrying out its operations in West Asia.

The letter read, "In light of the above, we strongly urge the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the DGCA to: Immediately review and suspend operations into identified high-risk conflict zones until a centralised and authoritative risk assessment is conducted, especially in light of the worsening situation. Establish clear, binding directives regarding operations in conflict regions, aligned with international best practices and based on intelligence inputs. Initiate a thorough inquiry into the decision-making processes within Air India, particularly the roles of the Vice President - Operations and the Crew Scheduling Department, to determine accountability for exposing crew and passengers to such risks, particularly if found not to have adequate war risk insurance. Mandate immediate disclosure and verification of valid insurance coverage, including war-risk clauses, for all crew operating into or near conflict zones. This aspect should be clearly addressed in the next safety advisory issued after the expiry of the previous one."

The conflict in West Asia began with Israel-US strikes on Iran on February 28, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. As Iran retaliated, it widened the ambit of the conflict, affecting its neighbours in the region. The conflict has hampered the airspace, leading to several cancellations and delays in flight schedules.

- ANI
Union Minister Piyush Goyal led the Indian delegation at the WTO's 14th Ministerial Conference, emphasizing that consensus-based decision-making is fundamental to the organization's legitimacy. He called for rebuilding trust among members and addressing long-standing issues like food security before introducing new subjects. India also highlighted the critical dysfunction of the WTO's dispute settlement system, which undermines rule enforcement, especially for smaller economies. On the conference sidelines, Goyal held bilateral meetings with counterparts from the US, China, and several other nations to discuss the agenda and deepen trade ties.

India's Commerce Minister calls for trust, addresses trade imbalances and dispute settlement reform at the WTO's 14th Ministerial Conference.

New Delhi, March 28 Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has stressed the importance of consensus-based decision-making and addressing structural imbalances in global trade as WTO members deliberated on reform issues during the second day of the 14th Ministerial Conference in Cameroon.

Leading the Indian delegation, Goyal said that consensus remains the bedrock of the WTO's legitimacy and cautioned against undermining the sovereign right of members to not be bound by rules they do not agree to.



Speaking on decision-making and past mandates, he stressed the need to rebuild trust among members to overcome the current impasse, while calling for a comprehensive stocktaking of its underlying causes.



India also stressed that discussions must remain transparent, inclusive and member-driven, warning that fragmentation within the institutional framework would weaken the multilateral trading system, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said.



On ensuring a level-playing field, India highlighted the need to address asymmetries stemming from the Uruguay Round and prioritise long-pending issues such as food security, public stockholding (PSH), special safeguard mechanism (SSM) and cotton before taking up new subjects, according to the ministry.



India also flagged the continued dysfunction of the WTO's dispute settlement system, noting that without effective adjudication, rules lose enforceability and disproportionately impact smaller economies.



Further, the country cautioned against weaponising transparency provisions to justify trade retaliation or challenge legitimate domestic policies, asserting that such measures must be accompanied by sustained capacity-building support for all members.



Moreover, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal -- speaking at the Ministerial Plenary Session on WTO Reform and Transparency -- reiterated India's support for a time-bound restart of reform efforts with clearly defined milestones based on evidence and member-driven engagement.



On the sidelines of the conference, Goyal held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from the US, China, South Korea, Switzerland, New Zealand, Canada, Morocco and Oman, focusing on the MC14 agenda and ways to deepen bilateral trade ties.



The MC14 conference began on March 26 and will conclude on March 29.





- IANS
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Union Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized the need for the multilateral trading system to ensure equitable sharing of innovation and opportunity among WTO members. He reiterated India's commitment to constructive engagement to keep the WTO central to global trade. On the sidelines of the MC14 conference in Yaounde, Goyal held numerous bilateral meetings with trade officials from Canada, Jamaica, Saint Vincent, Morocco, and Oman. These discussions focused on reviewing ongoing trade negotiations and exploring ways to deepen bilateral economic cooperation.

India's Piyush Goyal advocates for equitable sharing of innovation at WTO MC14, holds key bilateral meetings to strengthen global trade cooperation.

New Delhi, March 28 Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said the multilateral trading system must ensure that innovation and development are shared equitably among member nations, while reiterating India's commitment to constructive engagement at the 14th World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference.

In a post on X during the conference in Yaounde, Goyal said, "The multilateral trading system must ensure that innovation, development & opportunity are shared equitably among Members." He added that India remains committed to strengthening global trade cooperation, stating, "India is committed to engage constructively so that the WTO remains central to global trade."

On the sidelines of the conference, Goyal also held several bilateral meetings with foreign ministers and trade officials to discuss economic cooperation.

Goyal met Maninder Sidhu of Canada and discussed ongoing trade negotiations between the two countries. "Met Canada's Minister of International Trade, Mr. Maninder Sidhu, on the sidelines of the #WTOMC14. Exchanged views on the MC14 agenda, reviewed progress on the recently launched India-Canada CEPA negotiations, and explored ways to further strengthen our bilateral trade & economic cooperation," he posted on X.

He also met Kamina Johnson Smith of Jamaica and discussed the conference agenda. "Met Ms. Kamina Johnson Smith, Senator & Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica, as part of engagements at #WTOMC14, and discussed key elements of the MC14 agenda," Goyal posted.

In another meeting, Goyal interacted with Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble. He said, "Met Mr. Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Foreign Investment and Diaspora Affairs of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and exchanged views on #WTOMC14 agenda."

Goyal also met Omar Hejira of Morocco to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation. "Met Mr. Omar Hejira, Secretary of State to the Minister of Industry and Trade, in charge of Foreign Trade, Kingdom of Morocco, on the sidelines of #WTOMC14. Reaffirmed our historical partnership and explored ways to further strengthen bilateral trade and investment cooperation," he said.

He further held discussions with Pankaj Khimji of Oman regarding bilateral trade ties. "Met Mr. Pankaj Khimji, Advisor for Foreign Trade and International Cooperation, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, Oman. We discussed the #WTOMC14 agenda, reviewed the progress of operationalisation of the recently signed India-Oman CEPA, and explored opportunities to further deepen trade & economic cooperation," Goyal said.

The meetings took place on the sidelines of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference, where member countries are discussing key issues related to global trade, cooperation and the future of the multilateral trading system.

- ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Gujarat on March 31 to inaugurate key industrial development projects worth over 271 crore. The projects, completed by GIDC, focus on solving water logging in the major Sanand industrial estate through new storm water drains. Upgrades to the historic Naroda Industrial Estate include improved roads, drainage, and modern amenities like CCTV and lighting. These initiatives aim to enhance operational efficiency for thousands of industries and strengthen Gujarat's appeal to global investors.

PM Narendra Modi to inaugurate GIDC projects in Sanand & Naroda on March 31, boosting Gujarat's industrial infrastructure and drainage.

Gandhinagar, March 28 With the resolve of achieving "Viksit Bharat " through "Viksit Gujarat," Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Gujarat on March 31.

According to the Gujarat CMO, during this visit, the Prime Minister will inaugurate development projects worth Rs 271.20 crore completed by the Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) at Sanand in Ahmedabad.



The Sanand industrial estate in Ahmedabad, spread over about 2,056 hectares, has emerged as a major hub for high-tech industries such as semiconductors, automobiles, and pharmaceuticals. More than 1,150 industrial units are operational here. To address the recurring problem of rainwater accumulation during the monsoon, GIDC has completed two major projects in the area.



Under the East and West Drain Projects, an 18.71-km RCC storm water drain has been constructed on both sides of the estate to discharge internal as well as upstream water. In addition, an 18.35-km drain system has been developed near the main entry points on the Sanand-Viramgam Highway.



With the completion of these projects in March 2026, the Sanand industrial estate is moving towards becoming a 'Zero Water Logging' zone.



Naroda Industrial Estate, one of the state's oldest industrial estates, established in 1963, has also been upgraded under the State Government's 'Assistance for Industrial Infrastructure (AII)' scheme. Development works worth Rs 27.20 crore have been completed, including strengthening and widening of internal roads, construction of storm water drains and lining of natural channels, development of paver blocks, footpaths, and parking facilities over 1.19 lakh sqm., along with installation of new streetlights, high-mast lights, security cabins, and toilet blocks.



The inauguration of these projects will directly benefit thousands of small and large industries in Sanand and Naroda. Improved drainage systems, smart water meters, CCTV surveillance, and stronger roads will enable smoother movement of goods and enhance Gujarat's appeal to global investors.



On this occasion, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, members of the Council of Ministers, and leading industrialists will be present.





- ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Gujarat on March 31 to inaugurate multiple railway projects worth Rs 891 crore. The projects include the new Himmatnagar-Khed Brahma line and capacity augmentation works on the Kanalus-Jamnagar and Gandhidham-Adipur routes. He will also flag off a new train service from Khedbrahma to Ahmedabad, providing direct connectivity. These initiatives aim to modernize infrastructure, boost economic activity, and improve passenger and freight movement across the state.

PM Narendra Modi to inaugurate Rs 891 crore railway projects in Gujarat on March 31, boosting connectivity and economic growth in the region.

Gandhinagar, March 28 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Gujarat on Tuesday, March 31, for a one-day tour of the state. During the visit, he is scheduled to inaugurate and dedicate several railway projects.

According to the Gujarat Chief Minister's Office, PM Modi will also flag off a new train service designed to strengthen connectivity, boost economic activity, and enhance passenger convenience. Collectively valued at Rs 891 crore, these projects mark a significant step towards modernising rail infrastructure and accelerating regional development in Gujarat.

It will be inaugurated virtually from Vav Tharad during the Prime Minister's visit on March 31. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will be present during the launch.

During his visit, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the Himmatnagar-Khed Brahma 55 km new line, constructed for Rs 482 crore. This project will substantially improve connectivity in the Sabarkantha district by enabling faster and more affordable travel, while directly linking the region with Ahmedabad and Udaipur.

It is expected to enhance access to essential services such as healthcare and education, while also creating new livelihood opportunities for local communities.

In addition, the Prime Minister will dedicate to the Nation the Kanalus-Jamnagar doubling project (27 km), built for Rs 257 crore, and the Gandhidham-Adipur multitracking project (11 km), constructed for Rs 152 crore. These capacity augmentation initiatives will facilitate smoother and faster train operations, significantly improve freight handling efficiency, and strengthen connectivity to key industrial hubs and ports, including Deendayal Port.

They are expected to reduce transit time, lower logistics costs, boost tourism in the region, and support farmers and industries by improving market access.

The Prime Minister will also flag off a new train service from Khedbrahma to Ahmedabad via Himmatnagar, providing direct rail connectivity to the region and making daily commuting more convenient, affordable, and efficient. The service is expected to stimulate local economic activity and tourism.

These projects are aligned with the Prime Minister's vision of transforming Indian Railways into a modern, efficient, and growth-oriented engine of the Indian economy. By strengthening last-mile connectivity, enhancing freight efficiency, and improving passenger experience, these initiatives will play a vital role in driving inclusive development and improving the quality of life for citizens across Gujarat.

- ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Noida International Airport in Jewar, a major milestone for India's aviation sector. The airport, developed under a PPP model with a Rs 11,200 crore investment, will serve as the second international airport for the Delhi-NCR region. Its initial capacity is 12 million passengers annually, scalable to 70 million, and it features a long runway and a dedicated cargo hub. Designed to be a net-zero emissions facility, it blends modern infrastructure with architectural elements inspired by Indian heritage.

PM Modi inaugurates Noida International Airport, a Rs 11,200 crore greenfield project set to transform aviation in the Delhi-NCR region.

New Delhi, March 28 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the much-anticipated Noida International Airport in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of India's aviation infrastructure.

During the visit, the Prime Minister also toured an exhibition showcasing the construction journey of the airport project. He was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

The ambitious airport project, developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, has been completed with an investment of approximately Rs 11,200 crore, with Phase I now ready to commence operations.

According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the airport is envisioned as a major international gateway for the National Capital Region (NCR) and is expected to significantly strengthen India's airport infrastructure while enhancing both regional and global connectivity.

The Noida International Airport will serve as the second international airport for the Delhi-NCR region, complementing the Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Together, the two airports are expected to function as an integrated aviation network, reducing congestion, increasing passenger handling capacity and positioning Delhi-NCR among prominent global aviation hubs.

Considered one of the largest greenfield airport projects in the country, the facility will initially handle around 12 million passengers annually, with the capacity to scale up to 70 million passengers per annum upon full development.

The airport features a 3,900-metre-long runway capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft, along with advanced navigation infrastructure such as Instrument Landing System (ILS) and modern airfield lighting to ensure efficient, all-weather and round-the-clock operations.

It also includes a comprehensive cargo ecosystem, with a Multi-Modal Cargo Hub comprising an Integrated Cargo Terminal and logistics zones. The cargo facility is designed to handle more than 2.5 lakh metric tonnes annually in the initial phase, with expansion potential up to around 18 lakh metric tonnes.

Additionally, a dedicated 40-acre Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility has been developed, the PMO said.

The airport has been designed as a sustainable and future-ready infrastructure project, aiming to operate as a net-zero emissions facility through the use of energy-efficient systems and environmentally-responsible practices.

Its architectural design reflects Indian heritage, incorporating elements inspired by traditional ghats and havelis, blending cultural aesthetics with modern infrastructure.

Extensive security arrangements were put in place for the inauguration event. The entire region was divided into multiple security zones, with heavy deployment of police and paramilitary personnel at key points.

Surveillance was intensified in and around the venue to ensure that the programme was conducted smoothly without any untoward incidents.

- IANS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed confidence that the NDA will receive the people's mandate again in Puducherry, crediting the 'double-engine' government for fulfilling regional aspirations. He announced he will join the 'Mera Booth Sabse Mazboot Samvaad' outreach program in Puducherry on March 30. This comes ahead of crucial Legislative Assembly elections scheduled for April across five regions, including Puducherry on April 9. Modi recently inaugurated development projects in the Union Territory, emphasizing infrastructure, healthcare, and tourism to boost growth.

PM Modi expresses confidence in NDA's Puducherry mandate, announces participation in key outreach dialogue ahead of April 9 assembly elections.

New Delhi, March 28 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed confidence that the NDA will once again receive the mandate of the people in Puducherry, stating that the 'double-engine' government has fulfilled the aspirations of the Union Territory over the past five years. PM Modi also said that he will join 'Mera Booth Sabse Mazboot Samvaad' in Puducherry on March 30.

Taking to social media platform X, the Prime Minister said, "Over the last 5 years, the double-engine NDA Government has fulfilled the aspirations of the people of Puducherry. That is why the people of Puducherry are going to bless NDA yet again."

He also announced his participation in an upcoming outreach programme, saying, "Looking forward to joining the 'Mera Booth Sabse Mazboot Samvaad - Puducherry' on the 30th at 5:30 PM."

India is gearing up for crucial Legislative Assembly elections across five regions - West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry - scheduled for April. Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry will go to the polls on April 9, while Tamil Nadu will vote on April 23. West Bengal will have a two-phase election, with polling on April 23 and April 29. The counting of votes for all five regions will take place on May 4.

Earlier, on March 1, Prime Minister Modi had dedicated several development projects to the nation and laid the foundation stone for initiatives worth over Rs 2,700 crore in Puducherry. Addressing a gathering during the event, he highlighted the government's focus on promoting spiritual tourism, eco-tourism, and health tourism to elevate the Union Territory's growth trajectory.

He also underscored Puducherry's rising per capita income and its achievement of the highest social index score in the country, stating that the double-engine government would further accelerate development. Reaffirming the government's commitment to healthcare, the Prime Minister stressed that medical services must be accessible, available, and affordable for all citizens.

Referring to the presence of nine medical colleges and the modernisation of the Regional Cancer Centre at Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, along with new critical care blocks planned in Puducherry and Karaikal, he expressed confidence that the region could emerge as a major hub for medical tourism.

Inaugurating projects worth Rs 1,142.23 crore, PM Modi had emphasised the government's push for world-class infrastructure. He noted that Rs 12 lakh crore has been allocated in the Union Budget for infrastructure development, adding that improvements in roads, drinking water supply, coastal infrastructure, schools, and hospitals will significantly enhance the ease of living in Puducherry.

- IANS
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed a "productive" phone conversation between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on the West Asia conflict. The New York Times reported that Tesla CEO Elon Musk unusually participated in the call between the two heads of state. The discussion emphasized keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and accessible, with both leaders calling for de-escalation and peace. The report suggests Musk's involvement signals a mended relationship with Trump after a previous fallout.

White House confirms "productive" Modi-Trump call on West Asia conflict. NYT reports Tesla CEO Elon Musk joined the unusual leader-to-leader conversation.

Washington DC, March 28 White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Friday said that US President Donald Trump shares a strong relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing a recent interaction between the two leaders as "productive".

Responding to ANI's query regarding a report by The New York Times, which suggested that Tesla CEO Elon Musk joined the phone call between PM Modi and President Trump that took place on Tuesday, Leavitt said, "President Trump has a great relationship with Prime Minister Modi, and this was a productive conversation."

Earlier, the NYT reported that the Tesla CEO joined the phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump that took place on Tuesday.

According to the NYT, Musk's involvement in the call marks an unusual instance of a private citizen participating in a conversation between two heads of state amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

The NYT reported, citing two US officials, that Musk's participation signals an apparent improvement in his relationship with Trump.

The development comes after a fallout between Trump and Musk last summer, following the tech billionaire's exit from a government role where he had been tasked with reducing the federal workforce through the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

However, recent interactions suggest that ties between the billionaire and the US President have since stabilised, as reported by the NYT.

Earlier on Tuesday, amid intensifying global efforts to secure vital energy corridors, PM Modi held a high-level telephonic conversation with US President Trump to discuss the prevailing conflict in West Asia.

The dialogue comes at a critical juncture as regional tensions continue to impact global energy markets and maritime security.

In a post on X, PM Modi detailed the diplomatic exchange, stating that both sides called for an "open, secure and accessible" Strait of Hormuz and reiterated India's stance on de-escalation and peace in the region.

"Received a call from President Trump and had a useful exchange of views on the situation in West Asia. India supports de-escalation and restoration of peace at the earliest. Ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, secure and accessible is essential for the whole world. We agreed to stay in touch regarding efforts towards peace and stability," the PM stated in his post.

- ANI
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hailed the inauguration of Phase I of the Noida International Airport at Jewar as a golden milestone for the state's development. He described the airport as a "runway for Uttar Pradesh's development" and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for the project. The airport, developed with an investment of around Rs 11,200 crore, will serve as a second international airport for the Delhi NCR region. It aims to reduce congestion, expand capacity, and enhance regional and international connectivity.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath calls Noida International Airport a pivotal development milestone ahead of its inauguration by PM Modi.

Lucknow, March 28 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday hailed the inauguration of Phase I of Noida International Airport at Jewar as a pivotal moment in the state's development.

The Chief Minister described the airport as a "runway for Uttar Pradesh's development" and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his vision in making this project a reality.

Prime Minister Modi is set to inaugurate Phase I of Noida International Airport at Jewar today. Phase I of the airport has been developed at a total investment of around Rs 11,200 crore under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

In a post on X, Uttar Pradesh CM wrote, "The development journey of 'New Uttar Pradesh' in the 'New India' is today set to touch another golden milestone. Today, under the auspicious touch of the revered Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji's hands, the grand inauguration of the first phase of Noida International Airport, Jewar, is about to take place."

"This airport in Jewar is the runway for Uttar Pradesh's development. From here, the dreams of the youth will take flight, possibilities will come to life, and the future will reach new heights. Special congratulations to our farmer brothers who have laid the foundation for this transformative project, your dedication has made this development possible. On behalf of the 25 crore residents of the state, a hearty welcome and heartfelt felicitations to the Prime Minister ji," the post read

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.

- ANI
Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Khan, conducted a comprehensive review of Haj preparations in Makkah, inspecting Mina camps and medical mission facilities. The visit follows earlier groundwork by Minority Affairs Secretary Chandra Shekhar Kumar, who assessed accommodations and services in Madinah. The Indian government emphasizes advanced planning and close coordination with Saudi authorities to ensure pilgrim comfort and safety. Digital initiatives like the Haj Suvidha App are being leveraged to provide transparent and efficient services for Indian pilgrims.

Indian Ambassador Suhel Khan inspects Mina camps and medical facilities in Makkah as part of proactive government preparations for Haj 2026 pilgrimage.

Makkah, March 28 Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Khan, on Saturday conducted a comprehensive review of Haj preparations in Makkah and inspected the Mina camps to assess their readiness.

"Ambassador Dr. Suhel Khan conducted a comprehensive review of Haj preparations, along with Consul General @CGIJeddah Shri Fahad Suri and Consul Haj Ms. Sadaf Choudhary," the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia said in a post on X.

He also inspected several pilgrim accommodation buildings and hotels.

"The Ambassador visited the Indian Haj Mission office in Makkah, inspected the Mina camps to assess their readiness, and reviewed the progress of the Haj medical mission facilities, including selected dispensaries and the observation centre," it said.

Earlier in January, as part of the Government of India's early and proactive preparations for Haj 2026, Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA), Chandra Shekhar Kumar, visited the Indian Haj Pilgrims Office (IHPO), Madinah, and reviewed the arrangements being put in place for Indian Haj pilgrims.

Chandra Shekhar undertook an on-ground assessment of key facilities, including pilgrim accommodations and medical facilities in Madinah, to ensure comfort, safety and quality services for Indian Hajis.

The visit was part of an official delegation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for reviewing Haj preparations and holding bilateral meetings with the Saudi Haj Ministry.

Haj Consul at the Consulate General of India, Jeddah, Sadaf Choudary, briefed the delegation on the arrangements being made for Indian Haj pilgrims and the coordination underway with Saudi authorities.

The Secretary emphasized that the Government of India is fully committed to facilitating Haj pilgrims from India in every possible manner, with a strong focus on advance planning, close coordination with Saudi authorities, and continuous monitoring of on-ground arrangements.

Highlighting the Ministry's digital initiatives, Kumar noted that the Ministry of Minority Affairs is increasingly leveraging technology to enhance pilgrim convenience and service delivery. The Haj Suvidha App, developed by the Ministry, is a major step in this direction, providing transparent, efficient and pilgrim-centric digital services to Indian Hajis.

- ANI
Actor Stefan Kapicic is set to join Keanu Reeves in an upcoming sci-fi action film directed by Tim Miller, marking their reunion since 'Deadpool'. The Warner Bros. project, currently filming, features a script by Ian Shorr with tones reminiscent of 'Edge of Tomorrow'. The film boasts a large ensemble cast and is being produced by Matthew Vaughn among others. It is scheduled for release on August 13, 2027.

Keanu Reeves headlines a new sci-fi action movie with Stefan Kapicic, directed by Tim Miller. Inspired by 'Edge of Tomorrow'. Coming 2027.

Washington DC, March 28 Actor Stefan Kapicic, best known for portraying Colossus in the 'Deadpool' franchise, is set to reunite with filmmaker Tim Miller for an upcoming sci-fi action movie headlined by Keanu Reeves, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The yet-untitled Warner Bros. project is currently in production in the Dominican Republic. While plot details remain under wraps, the film is said to be a high-concept story, with the Ian Shorr-penned script drawing tonal elements from the time-loop actioner 'Edge of Tomorrow' and the survival thriller 'The Shallows'.

Kapicic's role has not been officially disclosed, though reports suggest he could take on an antagonistic role opposite Reeves, as per the outlet.

The collaboration marks a reunion between Kapicic and Miller nearly a decade after 'Deadpool' redefined the superhero genre. Kapicic first appeared as the metal-skinned mutant Colossus in 'Deadpool', later reprising the role in 'Deadpool 2' and making a brief appearance in 'Deadpool & Wolverine'.

Beyond the 'Deadpool' films, Kapicic has also worked with Miller on Netflix's animated anthology series 'Love, Death & Robots'. His other credits include 'Better Call Saul', where he played one of the workers involved in building the meth superlab featured in 'Breaking Bad', and the horror film 'The Last Voyage of the Demeter', according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The upcoming film boasts an ensemble cast including Callie Cooke, Steven Waddington, Nicholas Duvernay, Abraham Popoola, Anastasia Sofonav and Bobby Holland Hanton.

The project is produced by Matthew Vaughn, Aaron Ryder, Andrew Swett and John Zaozirny, with Scott Lumpkin serving as executive producer. The film is slated for release on August 13, 2027, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

- ANI
Steven Spielberg has revealed a deeply personal moment from the filming of 'Lincoln,' where Daniel Day-Lewis's performance moved him to tears. After a powerful take, Spielberg had to leave the set, and Day-Lewis, still in character, found and comforted him. The director described the actor's portrayal of Abraham Lincoln as humbling and unforgettable. In related news, Spielberg also offered guidance to Day-Lewis's son, Ronan, on his directorial debut.

Steven Spielberg shares how Daniel Day-Lewis, in character as Lincoln, comforted him after a powerful scene left the director crying on set.

Washington DC, March 28 Veteran filmmaker Steven Spielberg recalled an emotional moment on the sets of his historical drama 'Lincoln', revealing that actor Daniel Day-Lewis once comforted him after a powerful scene left him in tears, according to People.

Speaking during a discussion at the South by Southwest festival with Sean Fennessey of 'The Big Picture' podcast, Spielberg shared that Day-Lewis' portrayal of former US President Abraham Lincoln deeply moved him as a director.

The filmmaker described a key scene in which Lincoln addresses his cabinet on the urgency of passing the 13th Amendment. According to Spielberg, the sequence was shot in two continuous takes, featuring a four-minute speech that concluded in a close-up of Day-Lewis.

"Daniel Day-Lewis, when he's trying to explain to his cabinet the urgency of passing the 13th Amendment into Constitutional law, it was two shots," Spielberg recounted. "Both shots are moving. One shot starts at the end of the table, and is slowly moving -- it's a four-minute speech, and then, with one cutaway to David Straitharn [who played Secretary of State William Seward in the film], the camera then goes into a close-up mode and finishes on his close-up," as quoted by People.

Spielberg continued, "To this day, talking to you about that, I have never gotten over that scene or how he played Lincoln," as per the outlet.

Recalling the moment, Spielberg said the performance "humbled" him and left a lasting impact. He added that he became so emotional after the first take that he had to step away from the set.

"At the end of that scene, at the end of that first take, I had to leave the set. Daniel was worried because, as Lincoln, he looked around and the director wasn't on the set. And he asked, he calls me Skipper... he said, 'Where's the Skipper?' And I was in the other room crying," Spielberg recounted.

He added, "Mr. Lincoln walked into the room, saw me, sat down next to me, and put his arms around me. That was a moment I will never forget," as quoted by People.

At the time, Day-Lewis, who remained in character as 'Lincoln', noticed the director's absence and went looking for him. Spielberg revealed that the actor found him in another room, visibly emotional.

"He sat down next to me and put his arms around me," Spielberg said, adding that the moment remains unforgettable for him.

Day-Lewis, who announced his retirement from acting in 2017, has largely stayed away from the spotlight in recent years. However, he returned to the screen in the 2025 film "Anemone," directed by his son Ronan Day-Lewis.

In a 2025 interview, Ronan Day-Lewis also shared that Spielberg, a family friend, offered guidance and support during the making of his directorial debut, calling the experience of interacting with the acclaimed filmmaker "amazing."

"This is pretty crazy, but I got to talk a bit with Steven Spielberg, who's a family friend," he said of the filmmaker. "He checked in a couple of times, and he was really, really supportive, and we talked through things. He was asking like, 'What lenses are you using?' and stuff like that," according to People.

Ronan, 28, added, "It was pretty amazing to check in like that after a week of shooting. Obviously, he is a hero to me," as per the outlet.

- ANI
On Wednesday, Cathie Wood-led Ark Invest made significant trades, notably involving Tempus AI Inc and Meta Platforms Inc. These trades reflect Arks strategic adjustments amidst evolving market conditions and company-specific developments.

The Tempus AI Trade

ARK Genomic Revolution ETF and ARK Space & Defense Innovation ETF increased their holdings in Tempus AI by acquiring 12,649 and 72,290 shares, respectively. The shares closed at $46.76, marking a 4.24% decline.

This purchase aligns with Tempus recent collaboration with Daiichi Sankyo, aiming to enhance AI-driven biomarker discovery in oncology. The collaboration seeks to leverage AI models for patient selection, potentially boosting the success rate of new treatments. The total value of the shares bought by Ark Invest in Tempus AI is approximately $3.97 million.

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The Meta Platforms Trade

ARK Blockchain & Fintech Innovation ETF, ARK Next Generation Internet ETF, and ARKK, collectively sold 3,578 shares of Meta Platforms. The stock closed at $594.89, experiencing a slight increase of 0.33%.

This move comes amid Metas legal challenges, including a recent trial where the company was found negligent alongside Googles YouTube. Additionally, Meta was preparing for potential layoffs, directing some employees to work remotely. The New York Times has since reported that the Mark Zuckerberg-led company has laid off 700 workers.



The total value of the shares sold by Ark Invest in Meta Platforms is approximately $2 million.

The Archer Aviation Trade

Ark Invests ARKK fund sold 463,363 shares of Archer Aviation Inc, with the stock closing at $5.56, up by 0.91%.

Archer Aviation is known for its advancements in urban air mobility, a sector gaining traction as companies explore sustainable transportation solutions. Notably, Archer co-founder Brett Adcock-linked AI robotics firm Figure showed off a humanoid robot at the White House on Wednesday.



The sale of these shares amounts to approximately $2.57 million.

See Also: You Saved for Retirement  But Do You Know What You'll Keep After Taxes?

The Block Trade

Ark Invests ARKK and ARKW funds sold a total of 21,100 shares of Block Inc. The stock closed at $60.01, with a modest increase of 0.2%.

Block recently received analyst upgrades from Rothschild & Co. and Truist Securities. Investor sentiment has also been supported by CEO Jack Dorsey's aggressive cost-cutting, including a roughly 40% workforce reduction, which is being viewed as a move toward a leaner and more efficient operating model.
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense detected 15 sorties of Chinese military aircraft, with 11 crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait into multiple sectors of its air defense zone. The activity was part of an air-sea joint training operation conducted alongside Chinese naval vessels. This incident follows earlier reports of 13 aircraft sorties and multiple ships operating near Taiwan. The long-standing and complex dispute over Taiwan's sovereignty, rooted in historical events from the Qing Dynasty to the Chinese Civil War, continues to fuel regional tensions.

Taiwan's defense ministry reports 15 PLA aircraft sorties, with 11 crossing the Taiwan Strait median line into its air defense identification zone.

Taipei, March 28 Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense on Saturday detected overall 15 sorties of Chinese naval aircraft as of 11:21 hours.

Of the 15, 11 crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the northern, central, southwestern and eastern part ADIZ.

In a post on X, the MND said, "Overall 15 sorties of PLA aircraft in various types (including J-10, J-16, KJ-500, etc.) detected from 1121 hr today. 11 out of 15 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the northern, central, southwestern and eastern part ADIZ in conducting air-sea joint training along with other PLAN vessels. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded accordingly."

Earlier in the day, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense detected the presence of 13 sorties of Chinese military aircraft, seven naval vessels and two official ships operating around its territorial waters as of 6am (local time).

Of the 13, nine crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern and eastern part ADIZ.

In a post on X, MND said, "13 sorties of PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels and 2 official ships operating around Taiwan detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 9 out of 13 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern and eastern part ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded."

China's claim over Taiwan is a complex issue rooted in historical, political, and legal arguments. Beijing asserts that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China, a viewpoint embedded in national policy and upheld by domestic laws and international statements.

Taiwan, however, maintains a distinct identity, functioning independently with its own government, military, and economy. Taiwan's status remains a significant point of international debate, testing the principles of sovereignty, self-determination, and non-interference in international law, as per the United Service Institution of India.

China's claim to Taiwan originates from the Qing Dynasty's annexation of the island in 1683 after defeating Ming loyalist Koxinga.

However, Taiwan remained a peripheral region under limited Qing control. The key shift came in 1895, when the Qing ceded Taiwan to Japan after the First Sino-Japanese War, marking Taiwan as a Japanese colony for 50 years. After Japan's defeat in World War II, Taiwan was returned to Chinese control, but the sovereignty transfer was not formalised.

In 1949, the Chinese Civil War resulted in the establishment of the People's Republic of China (PRC) on the mainland, while the Republic of China (ROC) retreated to Taiwan, asserting its claim to govern all of China. This led to dual sovereignty claims: the PRC over the mainland and the ROC over Taiwan. Taiwan has operated as a de facto independent state but has avoided declaring formal independence to prevent military conflict with the PRC, United Service Institution of India.

- ANI
Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs has announced electricity rates will remain unchanged following a semiannual review. The decision considers volatile international energy prices driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and global tariff developments. The ministry will wait until the next review in September to consider any adjustments, as recent fuel costs have been lower than projected. This freeze aims to maintain price stability and support the island's industrial competitiveness.

Taiwan keeps power rates unchanged, citing Middle East tensions and global energy price volatility. Next review set for September 2026.

Taipei, March 28 The electricity rates in Taiwan will remain unchanged from April, the Ministry of Economic Affairs announced Friday following a semiannual review, citing rising geopolitical risks and the need to stabilise prices and support industrial competitiveness.

According to a report by Focus Taiwan, at its first electricity rate review meeting in 2026, the ministry decided to keep the average power rate at NT$3.7823 (US$0.11) per kilowatt-hour, taking into account uncertainties stemming from Middle East tensions and global tariff developments, the MOEA said in a statement.

The ministry noted that recent U.S.-Iran tensions have pushed up international energy prices, with crude oil briefly reaching around US$100 per barrel. Prices later fell sharply after U.S. President Donald Trump signalled his willingness to reach an agreement with Iran on March 23, highlighting ongoing volatility.

Given the fluctuations, the review committee recommended continued observation of fuel price trends and opted not to adjust electricity rates for now to help maintain price stability.

At a news conference following the meeting, Vice Minister of Economic Affairs Lai Chien-hsin said the ministry will wait until the next review in September to decide whether to adjust electricity rates.

Lai said state-run Taiwan Power Co. had earlier projected losses of NT$28 billion (US$878.29 million) in 2026, with natural gas estimated to cost NT$15.79 per cubic meter and oil US$76 per barrel. However, actual costs in January and February came in below estimates, reducing expenditures by NT$15 billion.

If hostilities in the Middle East conclude within three months, Taipower's losses are unlikely to widen, easing pressure to raise electricity rates in the second half of the year, he added.

- ANI
Gokuleswaran, a resident of a Sri Lankan Tamil rehabilitation camp in Tiruchirappalli, is preparing to cast his first vote in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly election after being recognized as an Indian citizen. He was born in India before the 1987 cutoff, but his passport application has been delayed due to a cited criminal record, leading to a court order for its issuance. The case highlights the ongoing legal uncertainties faced by long-term Sri Lankan Tamil residents in the state. Earlier, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to create clearer citizenship pathways for this community.

Gokuleswaran, a camp resident in Tiruchirappalli, will vote for the first time as an Indian citizen in the TN Assembly election, despite passport delays.

Tiruchirappalli, March 28 Gokuleswaran, a resident of the Sri Lankan Tamils Rehabilitation Camp at Kottapattu in Tiruchirappalli, is set to cast his vote for the first time as an Indian citizen in the upcoming Assembly election, becoming the second person in the camp to receive voting rights.

Speaking to ANI, Gokuleswaran said he is extremely happy to exercise his franchise for the first time.

"I am very, very happy to cast my very first vote in the upcoming Assembly election. I was born on February 9, 1986, in Tiruchi, and also studied here. I applied for my voter ID because I wanted to assert my identity as an Indian citizen. The citizenship will improve the future of my children and also inspire others like me, who may not know about the citizenship process." Gokuleswaran said.

Gokuleswaran is the second person in the rehabilitation camp to obtain voting rights.

However, he said his application for an Indian passport has been delayed.

"I applied for a passport because I was already a declared Indian citizen as I was born in the country before the cut-off date of July 1, 1987. But the authorities refused to issue it, citing a 'criminal offence' in my records. I filed a writ petition in 2024," he said.

According to Gokuleswaran, the Madras High Court Madurai Bench, while holding that he is an Indian citizen under the Citizenship Act, 1955, issued an order in October 2025 directing that the passport be issued within eight weeks.

"I have still not received my passport," he said.

Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, on February 15, urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide citizenship pathways and long-term visa relief for Sri Lankan Tamils who have been residing in the state for decades.

In a post on X, Stalin appealed for a "humane legal solution" for the Sri Lankan Tamils living in Tamil Nadu, stating that many of them had arrived in India with the approval of the Government of India and should not be treated as illegal immigrants.

"Hon'ble @PMOIndia Thiru. @Narendra Modi, please provide a humane legal solution for Sri Lankan Tamils living in Tamil Nadu for decades by enabling citizenship pathways, granting long-term visa relief, and removing administrative barriers that keep them in legal uncertainty," Stalin wrote.

Tamil Nadu is set to go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4.

- ANI
Ten American service members were injured, two critically, in an attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia involving Iranian missiles and drones. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the US aims to destroy Iran's military capabilities to prevent nuclear weapon acquisition but can do so without deploying ground troops. This declaration comes amid reports the US is considering sending thousands of additional soldiers to West Asia. Rubio indicated the conflict is expected to be short, concluding in a matter of weeks.

Ten US service members wounded in attack on Saudi air base. Secretary Rubio outlines military objectives against Iran, ruling out need for ground troops.

Washington DC, March 28 Ten American service members were injured in an attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia amid the conflict in the region, CBS News reported on Friday.

According to CBS News, citing sources, the assault involved Iranian missiles and drones.

Among the injured, two were very seriously hurt, while eight sustained serious injuries, according to the US military's classification system, CBS reported.

A spokesperson for US Central Command said that over 300 American service members have been wounded in the ongoing US-Iran conflict, most of whom have since returned to duty, CBS News reported.

Additionally, 13 service members have lost their lives in the course of operations.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, earlier in the day, said that the United States can accomplish its military objectives in the war against Iran "without any ground troops", even as Washington is considering sending additional ground troops to West Asia despite the talks with Iran amid the conflict.

Speaking to reporters following the Foreign Ministers meeting of the Group of Seven (G7) here, the US Secretary of State said that the country would destroy all military capabilities of the Islamic Republic in order to keep Tehran from acquiring any nuclear weapons.

"We're going to destroy their navy, we are going to destroy their air force, and we are going to significantly destroy their missile launchers so they can never hide behind these things to get a nuclear weapon," Rubio said.

"We are achieving all of those objectives; we are ahead of schedule on most of them, and we can achieve them without any ground troops, without any," he added.

His statement comes days after reports suggested that the US would be deploying more than 1,000 soldiers in West Asia amid the conflict.

According to CNN, citing two sources, the troops from the US Army's 82nd Airborne Division are to deploy in the coming days.

Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal, citing a US Department of War official, reported that Washington is considering sending an additional 10,000 ground troops to West Asia amid talks with Tehran, which is likely to include both infantry and armoured vehicles, in addition to the 82nd Airborne Division.

Rubio further indicated that the conflict is expected to be short in duration, stating that it would conclude in weeks rather than months.

- ANI
Former diplomat Veena Sikri states there is widespread global respect for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ability to engage with all sides of a political spectrum, highlighting his recent diplomatic calls regarding the Middle East conflict. She notes Modi has spoken with leaders from Iran, the UAE, and the United States. Foreign affairs expert Robinder Sachdev adds that US President Donald Trump respects strength and decisive leadership, qualities he sees in Modi, with their discussions touching on trade and energy. The report coincides with a major LPG shipment arriving in Gujarat, underscoring energy supply chains.

Former diplomat Veena Sikri says world respects PM Modi's ability to talk to all political spectrums, citing his outreach amid Iran-Israel-US tensions.

New Delhi, March 28 Former Indian Diplomat, Veena Sikri said that the world over, there's a great regard and respect for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Sikri, while talking to ANI about the situation in Middle East, said that Prime Minister Modi has an ability to talk to all the people on all sides of the political spectrum and to get their support.

She said, "Even in the midst of this Iran, Israel, USA conflict, Prime Minister Modi has been speaking to all the people in the conflict. He's been speaking to the President of Iran, he's been speaking to the President of the UAE, and he has spoken with President Trump. The world over, there's a great regard and respect for Prime Minister Modi and his ability to talk to all the people on all sides of the political spectrum and to get their support."

"US President Donald Trump said that Iran is begging to make a deal, not them. Well, I think that is a totally different question. I think Iran is always saying that there are no talks between Iran and the USA. But of course, everybody is speculating that messages are being passed by Pakistan. Pakistan is not a mediator in any way. But they are passing messages that President Trump has sent his 15-point plan... Iran has rejected that plan, as they have their own plan," she said.

Foreign Affairs Expert Robinder Sachdev said that US President Donald Trump respects strength, quick decision-making, and leaders who follow through.

He said, "Trump respects strength, quick decision-making, and leaders who follow through. He sees similar qualities in Prime Minister Modi, who takes firm decisions and ensures they are executed. Trump's remarks came after a phone call with Modi about global issues and the Gulf conflict. He has clear expectations: in trade, he wants the best deal for the US once the current interim tariff expires. In energy, he wants India to buy more American crude oil and LNG, while also diversifying with Russian supplies."

Meanwhile, a shipment of 47,000 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) arrived at the Vadinar Terminal of DPA Kandla in Jamnagar, Gujarat, on Saturday.

- ANI
Tech investor David Sacks has been appointed co-chair of President Trump's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). He will retain his existing role as the administration's AI and Crypto Czar, expanding his influence over US technology policy. The council aims to provide recommendations on strengthening American leadership in science and emerging technologies. Industry leaders, including Mike Selig, have praised Sacks for his work advancing pro-innovation policies.

David Sacks appointed co-chair of President Trump's science council, retaining his role as AI and Crypto Czar to shape US innovation policy.

New Delhi, March 28 Tech founder and investor David Sacks has been named co-chair of US President Trump's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, expanding his role in shaping US policy on artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency, according to media reports.

Established by Executive Order, PCAST brings together the Nation's foremost luminaries in science and technology to advise the President and provide recommendations on strengthening American leadership in science and technology. PCAST will focus on topics related to the opportunities and challenges that emerging technologies present to the American workforce, and ensuring all Americans thrive in the Golden Age of Innovation.

Sharing the update on social media, Sacks said the council is ready to begin work on the administration's priorities.

"After all the accomplishments in our first year, Donald Trump has even bigger priorities for 2026," Sacks wrote in a post on X. "The President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology is hitting the ground running to deliver more wins for America."

Sacks' appointment drew praise from industry leaders, including Mike Selig, who highlighted his role in advancing innovation-focused policies.

In a reply to Sacks' post, Selig wrote, "@DavidSacks made @POTUS' vision of securing America as the global leader in innovation a reality by working tirelessly to advance pro-growth policies for AI and crypto."

He also thanked Sacks for his work as the administration's AI and crypto advisor, adding, "Thank you David for your leadership as President Trump's AI and Crypto Czar."

Selig further said he looks forward to working with Sacks in his expanded role. "I look forward to working with you in your new capacity as co-chair of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology," he wrote.

According to the media reports, the appointment expands Sacks' influence over technology policy as the administration pushes to strengthen the United States' leadership in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and digital assets.

- ANI
President Donald Trump issued a cryptic threat that "Cuba is next" following recent US military actions in Venezuela and Iran. He made the remarks at a conference in Miami, asking the media to disregard his statement. Trump also launched a sharp critique of NATO, labeling the alliance a "paper tiger" and questioning US defense commitments to allies. He cited conversations with European leaders like France's Emmanuel Macron, criticizing offers of support that came only after conflicts.

President Trump warns "Cuba is next" following US military actions, while sharply criticizing NATO as a "paper tiger" in blunt remarks.

Seoul, March 28 President Donald Trump threatened, "Cuba is next" following US attacks on Venezuela and Iran.

"Cuba is next, by the way, but pretend I didn't say that please. Pretend I didn't say that. Please, please, please media, please disregard that statement. Thank you very much. Cuba's next." Trump said on Friday (local time) at the Future Investment Initiative conference in Miami, Florida.

The remarks came after the US military raided Venezuela and forcibly seized the oil-rich South American country's president, Nicolas Maduro, on January 3 and launched the ongoing massive joint attacks with Israel on Iran on February 28, reports Xinhua news agency.

Cuba has been facing a severe economic and energy crisis due to decades of US sanctions. The United Nations says fuel shortage is pushing the country into a humanitarian crisis.

Earlier this month, Trump threatened that Cuba is going to "fall pretty soon," but his administration will focus on Iran "right now."

Additionally, Trump sharply criticised NATO, calling it a "paper tiger" and questioning whether Washington should continue defending allies that, he said, failed to support the United States in times of need.

Speaking at the Future Investment Initiative Priority Summit in Miami, Trump said the alliance had not backed the US when it mattered. "NATO is a paper tiger," he said, adding, "They didn't come to our aid."

In unusually blunt remarks, Trump suggested a reassessment of US commitments to the alliance. "Why would we be there for them if they're not there for us?" he said, describing NATO's response as a "tremendous mistake."

Trump recounted conversations with key European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, saying offers of support came only after military action had concluded. "As soon as the war is over, we will send ships," he quoted Macron as saying, adding, "I don't want them when the war is over."

- IANS
Two vessels carrying a significant shipment of liquefied petroleum gas have safely reached Gujarat's Vadinar Terminal, with the MT Jag Vasant set to transfer its cargo via a ship-to-ship operation. The Indian Navy was on standby to provide support as the government closely monitors the volatile security situation in West Asia. Indian authorities confirmed the safety of all Indian-flagged ships and seafarers in the Gulf region, with no incidents reported in the prior 24 hours. The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated India's urgent call for the preservation of safe and uninterrupted maritime transit through the critical Strait of Hormuz.

Two Indian LPG vessels carrying 47,000 MT reach Vadinar Terminal safely. Navy on standby as India monitors West Asia tensions for energy security.

Jamnagar, March 28 A shipment of 47,000 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas arrived at the Vadinar Terminal of DPA Kandla in Jamnagar, Gujarat, on Saturday.

The vessel, MT Jag Vasant, is set to transfer its cargo to another ship at anchorage through a Ship-to-Ship (STS) operation.

Indian Navy warships were on standby to provide support to the merchant vessels, sources told ANI.

More vessels are expected to follow soon, the sources added.

Earlier, speaking at a joint inter-ministerial briefing, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Rajesh Kumar Sinha said authorities are closely monitoring the situation and maintaining coordination with various stakeholders.

"In the Gulf region, there has been no information in the last 24 hours regarding any incident involving Indian-flagged ships or Indian seafarers. All are safe," Sinha said.

He added that Indian ships operating in the Persian Gulf are also safe.

"In the Persian Gulf, there are 20 ships sailing under the Indian flag, with around 540 Indians onboard, and they are also safe," he said.

Sinha further said the Directorate General of Shipping has been actively responding to queries and concerns through its communication centre.

"In the last 24 hours, the DG Shipping communication centre, which operates 24 hours a day, received 98 calls and 335 emails, all of which were responded to," he said.

On Friday, India reiterated its urgent call for the preservation of safe and uninterrupted maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz, emphasising that international law must be upheld amidst the deteriorating security situation in West Asia. The government confirmed it is maintaining a vigilant watch over regional volatilities to protect national energy interests.

During the weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that New Delhi is actively coordinating with global partners to ensure stability.

"We are closely following all developments in West Asia. We continue to call for ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as a matter of priority," Jaiswal noted.

- ANI
The United Arab Emirates announced its air defence systems successfully intercepted 20 ballistic missiles and 37 unmanned aerial vehicles launched from Iran. The attacks resulted in the deaths of two UAE armed forces members, a Moroccan civilian contractor, and eight foreign nationals from Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Palestine, and India. A total of 178 people from over two dozen countries were injured, ranging from minor to severe wounds. The UAE Ministry of Defence reiterated its full readiness to confront any future threats to national security and sovereignty.

UAE air defences intercept 20 ballistic missiles and 37 UAVs from Iran, with casualties reported among military and foreign civilians. Latest regional tensions.

Abu Dhabi, March 28 The United Arab Emirates on Saturday said that its air defence systems successfully intercepted multiple aerial threats, including 20 ballistic missiles and 37 unmanned aerial vehicles, launched from Iran.

According to an official statement shared by UAE Ministry of Defence, "The UAE air defences systems on 28th March 2026 engaged 20 ballistic missiles and 37 UAVs launched from Iran." The interception comes amid what authorities described as continued hostile actions targeting the country.

Providing a broader operational update, the Ministry stated, "Since the start of the blatant Iranian attacks, UAE air defences have engaged 398 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,872 UAVs." The figures underline the scale and persistence of the aerial threats faced by the UAE in recent weeks.

The Ministry confirmed, "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."

In addition to the fatalities, a significant number of individuals sustained injuries.

"A total of 178 people were also injured, with injuries ranging from minor to moderate and severe," the statement said.

The injured included nationals from a wide range of countries, reflecting the diverse expatriate population residing in the UAE. Among those affected were citizens of the UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, Turkey, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia, Sweden and Tunisia.

The Ministry of Defence reiterated its readiness to respond to any future threats, emphasising its commitment to safeguarding national security. "The Ministry of Defence affirmed 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," the statement added.

The latest developments come amid heightened tensions in the region, with the UAE maintaining a high state of alert and continuing to strengthen its defensive measures against evolving aerial threats.

- ANI
Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal visited Tiruppur's textile hub to engage with industrialists and understand sectoral challenges. Key issues raised included a severe gas shortage affecting production and geopolitical disruptions stalling shipping routes and export orders. Meghwal assured the industry that their concerns would be escalated to the appropriate authorities in New Delhi. The visit is part of broader government efforts to gather feedback for policy and manifesto development.

Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal visited Tiruppur, pledging to address the textile sector's critical gas shortage and geopolitical shipping disruptions.

Tiruppur, March 28 Union Minister of State for Law and Justice, Parliamentary Affairs, and Culture Arjun Ram Meghwal visited the industrial city of Tiruppur on Saturday to engage with representatives of the textile industry and understand the challenges faced by the sector.

The visit took place at the Parsha International factory, where the Minister held discussions with local industrialists amid changing geopolitical conditions impacting the industry. Several key concerns were raised by members of the business community during the interaction.

Addressing the issues, Meghwal assured the industry representatives that their grievances would be conveyed to the concerned authorities in New Delhi. He emphasised the government's commitment to supporting the growth of Tiruppur's textile sector, which plays a crucial role in India's manufacturing and export ecosystem.

"This industry is an ever-growing one, but its potential must be protected by addressing these immediate logistical and resource issues," Meghwal said.

Among the major concerns highlighted by the industry was a significant shortage of gas, which is affecting production and disrupting operational stability across the manufacturing cluster. Industrialists noted that the shortage has created hurdles in maintaining consistent output levels.

Geopolitical disruptions were also flagged as a serious issue. Representatives pointed out that ongoing insecurity in the Middle East has led to the stoppage of key shipping routes, resulting in delays and uncertainty in fulfilling export orders. This has added pressure on exporters in Tiruppur, a major textile hub known for its global market linkages.

The discussions also form part of the government's broader effort to incorporate industry feedback into its upcoming election manifesto, with a focus on addressing sector-specific challenges and strengthening industrial growth.

Reiterating his assurance, Meghwal said the concerns raised by the textile industry would be taken up at the appropriate level. He underlined that timely intervention is necessary to ensure that Tiruppur's textile cluster continues its growth trajectory.

Industry leaders expressed optimism following the Minister's visit, hoping that his intervention would lead to the swift resolution of the gas shortage and shipping disruptions, enabling the sector to sustain its momentum.

- ANI
The Chinese government has reportedly restricted the co-founders of Manus from leaving the country as it reviews the company's $2.5 billion acquisition by Meta Platforms.

The two co-founders of Manus, Xiao Hong and Ji Yichao, were summoned earlier this month for a meeting with the National Development and Reform Commission in Beijing to discuss the acquisition, according to The Wall Street Journal report.

Following the meeting, officials instructed the Singapore-based executives not to leave China until further notice, citing an ongoing review.

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Relocation And Ownership Scrutiny

The acquisition of Manus, which develops an advanced AI agent, by Meta Platforms has drawn scrutiny from Chinese regulators. The company's actions, including relocating most of its China-based employees to Singapore, have raised concerns that other Chinese firms might follow suit without Beijing's approval.

Meta did not immediately respond to Benzinga's request for comment.

Chinese regulators are examining the ownership changes and the relocation of operations to Singapore by Beijing Butterfly Effect Technology, the company behind the early versions of Manus. Manus, run by Singapore-based Butterfly Effect, was partly developed by its Beijing sister company, founded in 2022.

Meta earlier assured that there will be no remaining Chinese ownership interest in Manus after the acquisition and that the startup will cease its services and operations in China.

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Export Licensing Scrutiny

The Chinese governments scrutiny of the Manus acquisition by Meta is not new.

In January, it was reported that the Chinese Ministry of Commerce was assessing whether Manus' staff and technology relocation to Singapore, followed by the sale to Meta, requires an export license under Chinese law.

Metas acquisition of Manus was part of its larger strategy to leverage its substantial AI spending into a larger business. The company valued Manus at more than $2 billion and moved quickly to finalize the agreement.

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Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak hailed the Noida International Airport as a "magnificent gift" from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling it a major step toward a 'Viksit Bharat'. Prime Minister Modi, accompanied by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, toured and inaugurated Phase 1 of the greenfield airport in Jewar. Developed under a PPP model with an investment of around Rs 11,200 crore, the airport will serve as a second international gateway for Delhi NCR. Designed for sustainability and scalability up to 70 million passengers, it features a robust cargo hub and aims to operate as a net-zero emissions facility.

PM Modi inaugurates Phase 1 of Noida International Airport in Jewar, hailed as a major step towards 'Viksit Bharat' and Asia's largest airport.

Jewar, March 28 Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak on Saturday celebrated the opening of the Noida International Airport, ahead of the inauguration, calling it a 'magnificent gift.'

He noted that the airport's launch is a major step toward fulfilling the oath of 'Viksit Bharat'.

Pathak, while speaking to ANI, said, "Today, PM Modi is giving India a magnificent gift. This (Noida International Airport) will not only serve India but will also be the largest airport in Asia... I congratulate the entire state and PM Modi for this achievement. This is a major step toward fulfilling the oath of 'Viksit Bharat'... With the inauguration of this airport, not only will passengers benefit, but the nation will see a significant economic boost..."

Meanwhile, on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi toured and reviewed the Noida International Airport in Jewar on Saturday, ahead of the inauguration of Phase 1.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accompanied the Prime Minister on his visit to the airport.

PM Modi will inaugurate Phase I of Noida International Airport at Jewar today. Phase I of the airport has been developed at a total investment of around Rs 11,200 crore under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

According to the PMO, 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. 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, the press release by the PMO stated.

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.

- ANI
US Vice President JD Vance stated that Washington has accomplished most of its military objectives in Iran but will continue operations briefly to ensure Tehran's nuclear capabilities are neutralized long-term. He emphasized President Donald Trump's intent to withdraw US forces soon and not remain engaged long-term. Meanwhile, Iranian media claims the IRGC inflicted heavy US casualties in strikes on locations in Dubai, a claim unverified by US sources. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also warned Gulf countries against allowing the US or Israel to use their territories to launch attacks on Iran.

US VP JD Vance says military goals in Iran mostly met, but operations will briefly continue to neutralize nuclear plans. Iran claims US casualties.

Washington DC, March 28 US Vice President JD Vance said that the Washington has accomplished "a gross majority" of its military objectives in Iran but will continue its operation briefly to ensure that Tehran's nuclear plans are neutralised for a long time.

Speaking on a podcast with conservative commentator Benny Johnson, Vance clarified that US President Donald Trump has no intention to engage with Iran for a long time and will leave once they achieve their military objectives.

"The President said we have accomplished the gross majority of our military objectives. It thinks it would make a good argument that we have accomplished all of our military objectives. The president's going to keep at it for a little while longer to ensure that once we leave, we don't have to do this again for a very, very long time. The President said that this country is threatening us in all these ways. They are still trying to build a nuclear weapon. We need to neuter them for a long, long time," Vance said on the podcast.

"I think the president has been very clear about this: We're not interested in being in Iran a year down the road, two years down the road. We're taking care of business, we're going to be out of there soon," he added.

Addressing the concerns around increasing energy prices due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Vance said that this is "a temporary reaction to a short-term conflict".

Meanwhile, US Central Command on Saturday released the footage of its airstrikes on the Iranian naval vessels amid the heightened tensions in West Asia.

In a post on X, the US Central Command said, "For decades, Iranian naval vessels have threatened and harassed global shipping in regional waters, but those days are over."

Iran has also claimed that the US has suffered "heavy casualties" in the strikes on two US Army "hideouts" in Dubai, as the conflict in West Asia continues, the State Media Tasnim News Agency reported.

According to the news agency, a spokesperson for the Central Headquarters of Hazrat Khatam al-Anbiya said that more than 500 US Army personnel were in these "hideouts", around 400 in the first and 100 in the second "hideout".

The IRGC identified these locations and carried out precise missiles and drone strikes and inflicted heavy casualties, as per the spokesperson's claims reported by the Tasnim News Agency.

The spokesperson claimed that the ambulances in Dubai were busy for hours transferring the dead and wounded Americans.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned Gulf countries against backing the US-Israel. Pezeshkian advised countries not to allow the US-Israel to use their lands to strike Iran if they want to ensure development and security in their nation.

"To the countries of the region: If you want development and security, don't let our enemies run the war from your lands," he said.

- ANI
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor held talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the G7 Ministerial Meetings in France. Concurrently, a shared quote from former President Donald Trump praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, forecasting a stronger bilateral relationship. The diplomatic engagements included Gor's meeting with Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu, a former Indian Ambassador to the US. These interactions coincide with recent high-level defence talks aimed at advancing the major defence partnership framework between the two nations.

US Ambassador Gor meets Secretary Rubio at G7. Trump praises PM Modi. Key defence and diplomatic meetings advance India-US strategic partnership.

Paris, March 28 US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor held talks with the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in France for the G7 Ministerial Meetings.

In a post on X, he said, "Glad to have joined US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in France for the G7 Ministerial Meetings. Productive discussions with our allies and partners."

Gor also met Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Taranjit Singh Sandhu.

In a post on X, Sandhu said, "A pleasure to meet my friend, and US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor."

Meanwhile, the US Embassy in India on Friday shared a quote by President Trump who praised PM Modi. It said. "Our amazing relationship with India will be even stronger going forward. Prime Minister Modi and I are two people that get things done, something that cannot be said for most. - President Donald J. Trump"

Earlier, on March 11, US Envoy to India, Sergio Gor, congratulated Taranjit Singh Sandhu on being sworn in as Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, succeeding Vinai Kumar Saxena.

Gor recalled Sandhu's stint as the former Ambassador of India to the United States, saying he has worked hard to promote US-India ties. A seasoned diplomat with over three decades of experience, Sandhu has played a key role in strengthening India-US ties, serving as India's Ambassador to the United States from 2020 to 2024.

New Delhi and Washington continue with their consistent high-level interactions.

Recently, US Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby concluded his visit to India, where he met with senior officials to progress on the key elements of the 2026 National Defence Strategy. His visit saw discussions aimed at advancing the framework for the India-US defence partnership.

During his visit to India, Colby met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. He also co-chaired the US-India Defence Policy Group meeting with Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The discussions advanced the Framework for the India-US Major Defence Partnership that Secretary of War Pete Hegseth signed with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in October 2025.

- ANI
The US Central Command has released footage of its airstrikes on Iranian naval vessels, stating an end to Iran's harassment of shipping. In response, Iranian state media claims the IRGC inflicted heavy US casualties in missile and drone strikes on two alleged US Army locations in Dubai. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned Gulf countries not to allow their lands to be used by the US-Israel to strike Iran. He reiterated that Iran would retaliate strongly if its infrastructure or economic centers were targeted.

US Central Command releases footage of airstrikes on Iranian naval vessels. Iran claims heavy US casualties in Dubai, warns Gulf nations against backing US-Israel.

Washington DC, March 28 The US Central Command on Saturday released the footage of its airstrikes on the Iranian naval vessels amid the heightened tensions in West Asia.

In a post on X, the US Central Command said, "For decades, Iranian naval vessels have threatened and harassed global shipping in regional waters, but those days are over."

Meanwhile, Iran has claimed that the US has suffered "heavy casualties" in the strikes on two US Army "hideouts" in Dubai, as the conflict in West Asia continues, the State Media Tasnim News Agency reported.

According to the news agency, a spokesperson for the Central Headquarters of Hazrat Khatam al-Anbiya said that more than 500 US Army personnel were in these "hideouts", around 400 in the first and 100 in the second "hideout".

The IRGC identified these locations and carried out precise missiles and drone strikes and inflicted heavy casualties, as per the spokesperson's claims reported by the Tasnim News Agency.

The spokesperson claimed that the ambulances in Dubai were busy for hours transferring the dead and wounded Americans.

The spokesperson added, "Trump and the commanders of the US Army must have fully understood that the region will turn into a graveyard for American soldiers, and they will have no choice but to surrender to the divine will of the heroic people and the brave warriors of Islam."

Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned Gulf countries against backing the US-Israel. Pezeshkian advised countries not to allow the US-Israel to use their lands to strike Iran if they want to ensure development and security in their nation.

He reiterated that Iran will strongly retaliate against the US-Israel if the infrastructure or economic centres of Tehran are targeted.

"We have said many times that Iran doesn't carry out preemptive attacks, but we will retaliate strongly if our infrastructure or economic centres are targeted," Pezeshkian said in a post on X.

"To the countries of the region: If you want development and security, don't let our enemies run the war from your lands," he added.

- ANI
The US Treasury Department has issued general licenses authorizing certain activities involving Venezuelan-origin minerals, stating the move aims to bring the Venezuelan economy back. Concurrently, former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is in a New York courtroom seeking to have his drug trafficking indictment dismissed. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, pleaded not guilty and remain detained, with his lawyer arguing the US is blocking access to funds for his defense. While Maduro's party remains in control, reports indicate he has been sidelined within the government led by acting President Delcy Rodriguez.

US Treasury authorizes activities with Venezuelan minerals to boost economy. Former President Maduro appears in NY court on drug charges.

Washington DC, March 28 US Department of Treasury on Saturday announced that its office of Foreign Assets Control issued general licenses authorizing certain activities involving Venezuelan-origin minerals.

The move, it said, was aimed at bringing the Venezuelan economy back.

In a post on X, the US Treasury Office said, "Under US President Donald Trump's leadership, over the past two months Treasury has been working at lightspeed to bring the Venezuelan economy back online and reorient investment to benefit Americans and Venezuelans. Continuing that work, today the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control issued general licenses authorizing certain activities involving Venezuelan-origin minerals."

Meanwhile, Former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is set to return to a New York courtroom as he seeks to have his drug trafficking indictment dismissed, as per Al Jazeera.

Thursday marks the first time that Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, will be in court since a January arraignment at which he protested his abduction by United States military forces and pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.

Maduro, 63, and Flores, 69, remain jailed at a detention centre in Brooklyn. Neither has requested bail. Judge Alvin Hellerstein has yet to set a trial date, though that could potentially be announced at the hearing, Al Jazeera reported.

Maduro, who has led Venezuela since 2013, was abducted in Caracas by US special forces on January 3.

His lawyer contends that Washington is violating the deposed leader's constitutional rights by blocking Venezuelan government funds from being used to pay his legal costs, Al Jazeera reported.

The former president and Flores continue to enjoy some support in Venezuela, with murals and billboards across the capital, Caracas, demanding their return, as per Al Jazeera.

However, while Maduro's ruling party remains in control, he himself has been gradually sidelined within the government led by acting President Delcy Rodriguez.

- ANI
The USS Tripoli, an America-class amphibious assault ship carrying approximately 3,500 sailors and Marines, has entered the U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility, significantly boosting U.S. amphibious capabilities in the region. This deployment occurs as the nuclear carrier USS Gerald R. Ford is reportedly sidelined for repairs, potentially for up to a year, after issues including a laundry fire. Meanwhile, the USS George HW Bush carrier strike group is reportedly heading toward West Asia, which could bring the number of U.S. carriers in the region to three. These movements unfold alongside ongoing U.S. military operations against Iranian targets, termed Operation Epic Fury, which has involved thousands of combat flights.

The amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli arrives in CENTCOM's area of operations with 3,500 personnel as US naval power concentrates in West Asia.

Washington DC, March 29 The United States Ship Tripoli, along with around 3,500 US Marines, has entered the US Central Command area of responsibility, bringing one of America's largest amphibious assault ships into an active combat theatre in West Asia amid the ongoing conflict.

The deployment moved from its home base in Japan.

In a post on X, the United States Central Command said US sailors and Marines aboard the USS Tripoli arrived in CENTCOM's Area of Responsibility (AoR) on March 27.

The America-class AAS serves as the flagship of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. Nearly the size of an aircraft carrier, the ship can carry dozens of helicopters, MV-22 Osprey aircraft and F-35B Joint Strike Fighter jets. Its entry places a full AAS with Marines onboard into active operations.

With this move, the USS Tripoli joins the US nuclear-powered aircraft carriers of the Nimitz and Ford-class aircraft carriers already deployed in the region.

"U.S. Sailors and Marines aboard USS Tripoli (LHA 7) arrived in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, March 27. The America-class amphibious assault ship serves as the flagship for the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group / 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit composed of about 3,500 Sailors and Marines in addition to transport and strike fighter aircraft, as well as amphibious assault and tactical assets," US CENTCOM said.

Meanwhile, the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, which had earlier been deployed to support the US campaign in West Asia against Iran, is now anchored at the Port of Split as of March 29, as per the US Navy.

The carrier arrived following an Adriatic Sea transit from Souda Bay, where it conducted a working port call for resupply, refuelling and repairs between March 23 and 26.

Earlier reports indicated that a fire in its laundry facilities and persistent plumbing issues have taken the USS Gerald R Ford out of the Iran theatre, with the vessel potentially remaining out of service for up to a year, according to a report by the New York Post.

Meanwhile, the USS George HW Bush carrier strike group has departed Norfolk and is heading towards the West Asia region amid the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran. The move could raise the number of US aircraft carriers in the region to three, ABC News reported, citing US officials.

Meanwhile, CENTCOM also shared updates on Operation Epic Fury, the US military campaign against Iran directed by Donald Trump.

Since February 28, US forces have conducted strikes targeting Iran's military infrastructure, focusing on sites described as posing an imminent threat. According to CENTCOM, more than 11,000 combat flights have been carried out, with over 150 Iranian vessels reportedly damaged or destroyed.

Targets include facilities linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, air defence systems, missile sites, naval assets, and weapons production infrastructure.

The development comes amid continued diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran following the escalation in the region.

- ANI
A high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan reviewed the supply of fuel, gas, and essential commodities in Uttarakhand, assuring adequate availability and urging citizens to avoid panic. The review was prompted by global tensions affecting shipping routes, with specific planning ordered for the upcoming surge in demand during the Char Dham Yatra. Officials were directed to strictly prevent black marketing and hoarding, particularly of fertilizers, and to promote alternative energy sources like biogas and solar power. The meeting also established measures to assist citizens stranded in Gulf countries and mandated daily press briefings to control rumors.

Uttarakhand Chief Secretary reviews essential commodity supply, plans for Char Dham Yatra demand, and directs a push for green energy alternatives.

Dehradun, March 28 A high-level review meeting was held under the chairmanship of Uttarakhand's Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan in Dehradun to ensure the uninterrupted supply of gas, fuel, and other essential commodities in the state in view of the current global situation in West Asia, which has blocked the international shipping route of Strait of Hormuz.

According to an official statement, the meeting included detailed discussions on key issues such as the availability of domestic and commercial gas, requirements of hospitals, educational institutions, and industries, the anticipated surge in demand during the upcoming Char Dham Yatra, the status of fertilizers, expansion of PNG pipelines, CNG supply, measures to curb black marketing and hoarding, rumor management, and the promotion of alternative energy sources.

The Chief Secretary clarified that there is adequate availability of gas and other essential commodities in the state, and there is no shortage. He appealed to citizens to avoid unnecessary panic.

He emphasised that this is the time to rapidly move towards green energy to reduce dependence on imports and achieve the carbon neutrality target by 2070. He directed all departments to promote the use of alternative energy in domestic, industrial, and transport sectors, the statement read.

The Chief Secretary instructed the Tourism and Food and Civil Supplies Departments to accurately assess the additional gas demand during the Char Dham Yatra and prepare a proper plan. He also directed coordination with the Central Government to ensure the availability of additional fuel as required.

Strict enforcement actions were ordered to prevent black marketing of gas, crude oil, and fertilisers.

Special surveillance was also directed in areas along the Nepal border.

The Agriculture Department was instructed to prevent unnecessary hoarding of urea and to link fertiliser distribution with agri-tech, farmer registry, and actual cultivation data to avoid misuse.

All District Magistrates were directed to grant immediate approvals related to PNG pipelines and to promote pipeline-based gas usage and green energy in industries, including the pharmaceutical sector.

To ensure the dissemination of accurate information to the public, daily press briefings at the state and district levels were directed to effectively control rumours.

The Chief Secretary also instructed the promotion of pine needle briquettes, biogas plants, solar stoves, and solar cookers. Urban local bodies were directed to mandatorily expand biogas plants, while the Energy Department was asked to expedite the expansion of alternative energy.

Directions were also issued to promote electric vehicles in both government and private transport sectors and to transition the transport sector towards green energy.

To assist citizens stranded in Gulf countries and the Middle East, instructions were given to issue toll-free numbers. Special Secretary Nivedita Kukreti was designated as the state-level nodal officer, with directions to appoint nodal officers at the district level as well and to release toll-free helpline numbers.

The Chief Secretary also directed regular monitoring of gas agencies and distributors, daily inspection of stock registers, and immediate corrective action in case of supply imbalances. Additional gas arrangements were also instructed for occasions such as wedding ceremonies.

The meeting was attended by Director General of Police Deepam Seth, Principal Secretaries R. Meenakshi Sundaram and LL Fanai, along with senior officials, state-level coordinators of oil companies (IOC, BPCL, HPCL), who were present at the Secretariat auditorium, while District Magistrates and other officials from various districts joined the meeting virtually.

- ANI
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated a state-level Revenue Lok Adalat via video conference to expedite the resolution of long-pending revenue and land disputes. The initiative, operating simultaneously at 210 locations across all 13 districts, aims to swiftly resolve approximately 6,933 cases, addressing a backlog of over 50,000 pending in various revenue courts. The government has digitized court functioning through a case management portal, allowing citizens to file and track cases from home. Officials have been directed to resolve land measurement and possession disputes within one month and complete inheritance mutations promptly.

CM Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurates state-level Revenue Lok Adalat to resolve over 50,000 pending land and revenue cases across 210 locations.

Dehradun, March 28 Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday inaugurated the state-level 'Revenue Lok Adalat' through video conferencing.

The Chief Minister said that this effort reflects the spirit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, aur Sabka Prayas."

He noted that the Prime Minister has consistently stressed that the benefits of government schemes should reach the last person in society quickly and with ease.

He further stated that the Revenue Lok Adalat has been organised to ensure the speedy and meaningful resolution of long-pending revenue disputes.

He highlighted that such disputes are not merely procedural matters but are closely tied to farmers' land, families' livelihoods, and individuals' dignity.

He informed that the state currently has over 400 revenue courts functioning at various levels--including the Revenue Council at the state level, Commissioner courts at the divisional level, Collector courts at the district level, and courts of Sub-Divisional Magistrates, Tehsildars, and Naib Tehsildars at the tehsil level. More than 50,000 cases are currently pending across these courts.

To address these challenges, the state government has launched the Revenue Lok Adalat initiative based on the core principles of "Simplification, Resolution, Disposal, and Satisfaction."

The Chief Minister said that under the concept of "Justice at Your Doorstep," Revenue Lok Adalats are being organised simultaneously at 210 locations across all 13 districts of the state, with approximately 6,933 cases expected to be resolved swiftly. He added that, apart from land disputes, cases related to excise, food, stamp duty, SARFAESI Act, Goonda Act, CrPC, Electricity Act, Senior Citizens Act, and Rent Control Act will also be resolved in a time-bound and transparent manner.

He reiterated that the state government is continuously working to simplify and bring transparency to administrative processes in line with the vision of "Minimum Government, Maximum Governance." He also informed that the functioning of revenue courts has been digitised through the 'Revenue Court Case Management System' portal, enabling citizens to file and track their cases from home.

The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure that in uncontested inheritance cases, mutation is completed within the prescribed time after the death of the landowner. He suggested that the process be completed by the time of the thirteenth-day ritual, and that the updated land records (Khatauni) be handed over to the family. He also instructed that cases related to land measurement and possession disputes be resolved within one month.

Highlighting transparency and impartiality as key features of Lok Adalats, he said that justice is delivered with sensitivity after hearing all parties. He stressed the importance of leveraging technology and innovation in governance, stating that the Digital India initiative is helping ensure the delivery of services to citizens.

The Chief Minister affirmed that the state government is committed to providing timely and fair justice to every citizen with a spirit of unwavering resolve, and that such initiatives will continue in the future.

During the virtual meeting, Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan stated that, in line with the Chief Minister's directions, revenue cases will be resolved swiftly and the backlog will be cleared on a war footing, with priority given to land-related disputes.

He also directed all District Magistrates to dispose of all pending revenue cases within one month on a priority basis.

Revenue Secretary Ranjana Rajguru was also present in the meeting.

- ANI
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, conveying warm greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The meeting focused on strengthening the strategic partnership, building on Macron's official visit to India just a month prior. Jaishankar also visited the renovated Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Paris, highlighting its role as a hub for Indian art and culture. During his trip for the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, he emphasized the importance of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor for global connectivity.

EAM S. Jaishankar met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, discussing bilateral ties and innovation following Macron's recent India visit.

Paris, March 28 External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Saturday stated he met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris and conveyed warm greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar said, "An honour to call on President Emmanuel Macron of France last night. Conveyed warm greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Value the discussion and his many insights."

This comes just a month after the French President paid an official visit to India from February 17-19. His visit focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between India and France.

Focusing on technology and innovation, Macron met PM Modi in Mumbai to inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 and later attended the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi.

EAM Jaishankar also visited the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Paris and expressed hope that the renovated facility will serve as a hub for the deepening interest in Indian art and culture.

In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar said, "Visited the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Paris. Witnessed impressive expressions of the cultural and spiritual heritage of India."

"Confident that the renovated facility will serve as a hub in Paris for deepening interest in Indian art and culture," he said.

The centre showcases vibrant Indian art exhibits, including tree-of-life murals with elephants and peacocks, and intricate miniature paintings symbolising spiritual heritage.

The centre, managed by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, serves as a diplomatic tool to foster Indo-French ties, aligning with bilateral commitments from Prime Minister Modi's February talks with French President Emmanuel Macron to expand cultural hubs in Europe.

The External Affairs Minister arrived in France on March 27 for the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

During the meeting, he emphasised the importance of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) in bolstering global connectivity amid ongoing geopolitical tensions during the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in France.

He noted that the conflict in West Asia reinforces the need for resilient trade routes and secure supply chains.

- IANS
Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan visited Ulihatu, the ancestral village of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda, to pay homage and interact with his descendants. He described the visit as deeply moving, stating that Munda's sacrifices gave new direction to India's freedom struggle. The Vice President highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to declare Birsa Munda's birth anniversary as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas. He also underscored government initiatives like the PM-JANMAN scheme for the empowerment of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan visited Ulihatu, paid homage to Birsa Munda, met his descendants, and highlighted tribal welfare initiatives.

Ranchi, March 28 Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Saturday visited Ulihatu, the ancestral village of tribal icon Birsa Munda, in Jharkhand's Khunti district, and paid homage to his memory.

He offered floral tributes at the statue of Birsa Munda and later interacted with his descendants and family members.

Describing the visit as deeply moving, the Vice President said Birsa Munda's life continues to inspire the youth of the nation and that his sacrifices gave a new direction to India's freedom struggle. He noted that this was his first visit to the revered birthplace of 'Dharti Aaba' since assuming office.

Recalling his earlier visit to Ulihatu during his tenure as Jharkhand Governor, he termed the experience significant and reaffirmed that Birsa Munda's legacy would continue to guide future generations.

He highlighted the decision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare November 15, Birsa Munda's birth anniversary, as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas in 2021, calling it a step towards enhancing national awareness of tribal heritage.

Referring to initiatives for tribal welfare, the Vice President mentioned the PM-JANMAN scheme aimed at the protection and empowerment of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), underscoring the government's focus on inclusive development.

He stressed that greater awareness of the contributions and struggles of tribal freedom fighters is essential during the 'Amrit Kaal', as it reflects the realisation of the rights and dignity for which Birsa Munda fought.

During the visit, the Vice President also interacted with local villagers and was accorded a traditional 'Johar' welcome. Enthusiastic crowds gathered in Ulihatu and nearby areas to greet him.

Elaborate security arrangements were in place throughout the visit. Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh, Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar, and state minister Irfan Ansari were also present on the occasion.

In a short life of only 25 years, Birsa Munda became the hero of people's resistance against British colonial exploitation. When the British authorities and local landlords were exploiting tribal communities, grabbing their lands and committing atrocities, Munda rose against this social and economic injustice and led people to fight for their rights.

Known as "Dharti Aba" ("Father of the Earth"), Bhagwan Birsa organised the "Ulgulan" or the Munda Rebellion against British oppression in the late 1890s.

- IANS
Costco has long stood apart in the world of retail, thanks to a business model that flips the traditional playbook.

Instead of relying heavily on product markups, Costco generates a significant portion of its profits from membership fees, allowing the company to keep prices low and build intense customer loyalty.

That formula has helped Costco cultivate one of the most devoted customer bases in all of retail.

The company recently reported membership renewal rates of roughly 92% across the U.S. and Canada. And during its last quarter, Costco took in $1.36 billion in membership fee income.

But one thing that truly helps Costco shine is being able to blend value with habit.

For many households, a Costco trip isn't a weekly event. Rather, it's something you do occasionally to load up on bulk items.

But Costco's latest earnings call suggests that more members are incorporating store visits into their regular routines. And that's a definite win.

Costco members are shopping more often

Costco is seeing a meaningful shift in how members come in to shop.

"Traffic, or shopping frequency, increased 3.1% worldwide," CFO Gary Millerchip told investors during the company's most recent earnings call. Millerchip also confirmed that the average transaction, or ticket, was up 4.2% worldwide.

Related: Dollar General makes a big change that might upset customers

That increase in visits is significant because frequency is a key driver of long-term growth for Costco. The more often members walk into a warehouse, the more opportunities the company has to capture incremental spending.

Another thing that makes Costco so unique is its treasure hunt-style shopping experience.

At most big stores, customers can walk in every week knowing what to expect. At Costco, the inventory is constantly changing. That makes a Costco run more exciting.

A big reason Costco has long resisted benefits such as curbside pickup, which rival Sam's Club offers, is that the company wants members to enter the store. Costco is pretty convinced (and rightfully so) that once members walk in the door, they're more likely than not to spend more than expected because they're so enticed by the selection of products.

The fact that shopping frequency has increased is therefore a very positive thing for the company.

An increase in shopper visits is positive news for Costco's long-term growth.Shutterstock  Shutterstock

How Costco can turn more visits into bigger sales

More frequent visits are a strong signal for Costco. But in the coming months, it could benefit Costco to shift slightly away from its treasure hunt-style experience and focus more on core value and essential needs.

The treasure-hunt approach hinges on consumers having the money for impulse buys. But in today's economy, that may not be the case.
Actor Vijay Antony pens a loving birthday note to his wife, calling her his world. Plus, updates on his upcoming film 'Nooru Saami'.

Chennai, March 28 Actor, producer and music director Vijay Antony on Saturday penned an adorable birthday greeting to his wife, in which he declared that she was his love, his owner and his world!

Taking to his X timeline to pen the cute heartfelt birthday greeting to his wife, the actor wrote, "@mrsvijayantony My love, my owner, my world... my dear Pattu, Wishing you many more happy returns of your birthday. Today, my gift to you is a promise from my heart - No one in your life can ever love you the way I do... not even God. You are the purpose of my life, my partner, my everything. I love you."



On the work front, Vijay Antony will next be seen in director Sasi's eagerly awaited upcoming film, 'Nooru Saami'. It may be recalled that actor Ajay Dhishan, who plays the second lead the film, had recently disclosed that the unit had wrapped up the shooting of the film.



Vijay Antony had on November 14 last year chosen to give an update on 'Nooru Saami' by posting a picture of himself on the sets of the film on X. The picture he posted showed him sitting in what appeared to be a sugarcane field.



The actor, music director and producer had then said, "#NooruSaami Final Schedule (smiley face)."



Director Sasi, in an exclusive interview to IANS earlier, had disclosed that his film, which comes after the phenomenal success of the blockbuster 'Pichaikkaran', would be based on real-life incidents.



For the unaware, director Sasi's earlier film 'Pichaikkaran', which featured Vijay Antony in the lead, not only emerged a blockbuster but also went on to become a cult classic. Pichaikkaran's story revolved around a renowned and wealthy businessman, who, in a bid to save his mother's life, secretly seeks alms and lives the life of a beggar for a period of 48 days as part of a vow made to God. The film, which was based on a real life incident, moved audiences across not just Tamil Nadu but other regions of the country as well.



Sasi confirmed to IANS that the story of 'Nooru Saami' (Hundred Gods), the title of which has interestingly been taken from an immensely popular song in 'Pichaikkaran', will be based on the bond between a mother and a son and that it will be based on real-life incidents.



However, when IANS had asked if the story of 'Nooru Saami' would be a continuation of the story of 'Pichaikkaran', Sasi had replied in the negative, saying both stories were different and would have nothing to do with each other.





- IANS
Congress leader TS Singh Deo observes a persistent decline in violent Naxal incidents, highlighting a shift in government strategy from eliminating the ideology to controlling associated violence. This comes as Parliament prepares to discuss efforts against left-wing extremism, following Home Minister Amit Shah's declared 2026 deadline for a Naxal-free India. Recent months have seen significant surrenders, including wanted Maoist leader Sukru in Odisha. The administration's redefined stance aims for complete control over violent activities while acknowledging the ideology may persist.

Congress leader TS Singh Deo notes a decline in violent Naxal incidents, stating the government's focus has shifted to controlling violence, not eradicating the ideology.

Raipur, March 28 Congress leader TS Singh Deo has said that violent incidents linked to Naxalism have been declining, with the government now shifting its focus from eliminating the ideology to containing violence.

He noted that while the Naxal ideology may persist, the administration's priority is to establish full control over violent activities associated with it.

Speaking to reporters, Deo said, "There has been a continuous decline in violent Naxal incidents, and this trend appears to be persisting. The government has also issued a statement clarifying that they are not aiming for the complete eradication of Naxalism itself; the Naxal ideology may well endure. Rather, their focus is specifically on violent Naxal incidents. In this regard, the administration has slightly redefined its stance. The objective is not the elimination of Naxalism, but rather to successfully gain complete control over the violence associated with it. It remains to be seen whether those individuals currently engaged in violent activities linked to the Naxal ideology will be able to carry out those activities in the future."

Meanwhile, the Lower House of Parliament is scheduled to take up discussion on the government's efforts to free the country from left-wing extremism on Monday, as Union Home Minister Amit Shah had announced March 2026 as the deadline for Naxal-free India.

According to the List of Business, Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde will raise and initiate the short-duration discussion under Rule 193 of the Lok Sabha.

Amit Shah, on several occasions, has affirmed the Centre's commitment to uprooting Naxalism by March 31, 2026.

In the last one year, several Maoist leaders have surrendered, giving up arms and accepting the mainstream. Among these, the latest was one of the most wanted Maoist leaders, Sukru, along with four others surrendering before the Odisha Police on March 25.

- ANI
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari received Union Home Minister Amit Shah at Kolkata airport following his late-night arrival. The BJP's West Bengal unit is set to launch its election manifesto in Shah's presence, outlining its vision for the state polls. The manifesto is expected to focus on governance, development, employment, and welfare measures. Meanwhile, the Election Commission suspended a police inspector following a violent incident in the Basanti area.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrives in Kolkata, received by Suvendu Adhikari. BJP to launch West Bengal election manifesto today.

Kolkata, March 28 West Bengal Leader of Opposition and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari received Union Home Minister Amit Shah at the Kolkata Airport following his arrival in the state past midnight on Friday.

In a post on X, Adhikari said, "Had the honour of personally receiving the Hon'ble Union Home Minister, Shri @AmitShah Ji at the Kolkata Airport after his arrival past midnight. Warmly welcomed him to West Bengal."

Further, he expressed gratitude to Shah for his "continued guidance" for BJP workers in their efforts for the West Bengal Assembly polls.

"We are grateful for his continued guidance and support for helping the @BJP4Bengal Karyakartas in our efforts to democratically overthrow the Corrupt and Inefficient TMC Govt in the upcoming Assembly Elections. @BJP4India," Adhikari said.

Meanwhile, the West Bengal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to release its much-anticipated election manifesto on March 28, in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The manifesto launch is expected to be a major political event, outlining the party's vision, priorities, and strategic roadmap for the upcoming Assembly elections in the state.

According to sources, the BJP's West Bengal unit will unveil its manifesto on March 28 for the forthcoming Assembly elections. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will attend the launch, along with senior BJP leaders from the state.

Senior party leaders, state office-bearers, candidates, and a large number of party workers are expected to be present at the event. The manifesto is likely to focus on key issues such as governance, development, employment generation, infrastructure, law and order, and welfare measures for various sections of society. Sources further indicate that special emphasis may be laid on youth engagement, women's empowerment, and strengthening both rural and urban connectivity across the state.

On the other hand, on Friday, ahead of the upcoming West Bengal assembly elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) suspended Inspector Avijit Paul, In-Charge of Basanti Police Station, with immediate effect.

The suspension follows the violent incident on March 26 in the Basanti Bazar area under Basanti Police Station, Baruipur Police District, which resulted in injuries to several individuals, including police personnel.

West Bengal will conduct elections in two phases, on April 23 and April 29, with counting of votes for both phases scheduled for May 4.

- ANI
US President Donald Trump expressed his desire to be remembered as a "great peacemaker," citing his claims of resolving multiple protracted conflicts. Simultaneously, he detailed that the US has 3,554 remaining targets in Iran for potential military action, which he said could be completed quickly. Trump described the successful interception of 101 missiles he said Iran launched at a US aircraft carrier. While extending a pause on strikes against Iran's energy infrastructure, diplomatic negotiations between the two nations are reportedly ongoing.

US President Donald Trump hopes to be remembered as a peacemaker for ending wars but outlines extensive remaining military targets in Iran amid talks.

Florida, March 28 US President Donald Trump on Friday said he hopes to be remembered as a "great peacemaker", highlighting his claims of resolving multiple long-running conflicts, while addressing the Future Investment Initiative Priority Summit in Florida.

Responding to a question about his legacy, Trump said, " Well, I, I'll tell you what. So I told you that I settled eight wars. That means millions and millions of people. And some of those wars were going on, one was 34 years, one was 32 years, one was 29 years, one was 22 years. They were long-term wars, and a lot of people being killed every year."

He added that his efforts helped save lives across conflict zones. He said," So I've saved millions and millions of people. And I mean, I know it doesn't sound right for me to say this, but I'd love my legacy to be made as a great peacemaker because I really believe I'm a peacemaker."

Meanwhile, Trump said another 3,554 targets remain in Iran that will be targeted by the US, stating that the military operations on these will be completed swiftly amid the conflict in the region. He outlined the scale of potential US military action on Iran, despite ongoing diplomatic talks to end the conflict.

"We have another 3,554 targets left. That'll be done pretty quickly. At some point, we're going to have to determine what we do," Trump said.

Referring to the incident of Iran targeting the US aircraft carrier, USS Abraham Lincoln, Trump claimed that Tehran launched 101 missiles targeting the US carrier, describing it as "a very valuable thing that we had floating on the water" and added that all incoming missiles were successfully intercepted.

"Out of the 101 missiles shot, 101 missiles were shot down and spread out all over the sea," he said.

Trump further asserted that Iranian air defence capabilities had been significantly weakened. "They have no anti-aircraft, so we're just floating over the top looking for whatever we want," he said.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, Trump stated that he is extending the pause on strikes targeting Iran's energy infrastructure for an additional 10 days, till April 6, 2026, as part of the ongoing diplomatic talks between the two sides.

In a post on Truth Social, the US President claimed that the announcement comes as per a "request" from the Iranian Government and further stated that the negotiations with Tehran were "going very well".

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted that Tehran remains firm in its commitment to defend its sovereignty against " unprovoked American-Israeli aggression", during a phone call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, according to Iranian State Media Press TV.

"The principled views of the Islamic Republic in affirmation of defence of Iran's national rights and interests are completely clear," Araghchi stated on Friday as quoted by Press TV.

- ANI
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Ukrainian military experts stationed in Saudi Arabia to review their work on enhancing air defence systems. The discussions centered on early findings for countering threats from Iranian "Shahed" drones and missiles. Zelenskyy highlighted that Ukraine's unique battlefield experience in air defence is attracting global interest and technological cooperation. He expressed readiness for long-term, mutually beneficial defence collaboration with Saudi Arabia.

Ukrainian President meets experts in Saudi Arabia to share air defence strategies against drones and missiles, aiming for long-term cooperation.

Riyadh, March 28 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently met military experts from Ukraine who have been stationed in Saudi Arabia for more than a week. The meeting focused on their work and early findings on improving air defence systems.

Zelenskyy said the experts presented their first results and shared both operational and broader conclusions on strengthening protection against Iranian "Shaheds" and missile threats.

"The main task of our air defence experts in this region is to identify challenges and determine what changes are needed to strengthen the protection of people and lives from Iranian 'shaheds' and missiles," Zelenskyy said in a post on X.

He thanked the team for their quick and detailed work, adding that their efforts have already led to concrete steps to improve defence capabilities in the region.

Despite the short time available, the Ukrainian experts shared their experience and explained how Ukraine protects its citizens and critical infrastructure during ongoing attacks.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine's experience in air defence has gained global attention. "Ukraine's expertise is unique, and recognized as such, and that is why everyone is so interested in our technologies and experience," he said.

The discussions in Saudi Arabia focused on improving air defence systems, with special attention on countering drone threats. The talks also looked at ways to adapt Ukraine's battlefield experience to strengthen defence in other regions.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine is ready to continue long-term cooperation with Saudi Arabia. "We are ready for long-term and mutually beneficial cooperation," he said, adding that he is proud of the country's people and their resilience.

- ANI
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With a market cap of around $13 billion, Avery Dennison Corporation (AVY) is a global materials science and digital identification solutions company that provides pressure-sensitive materials, labeling technologies, and branding solutions across industries such as retail, apparel, logistics, and healthcare. It operates worldwide, offering products ranging from adhesive labels and RFID solutions to graphics and reflective materials under brands like Fasson, JAC, and Avery Dennison.

The Mentor, Ohio-based company is set to release its fiscal Q1 2026 results soon. Ahead of this event, analysts project AVY to report an adjusted EPS of $2.43, a rise of 5.7% from $2.30 in the year-ago quarter. It has exceeded Wall Street's earnings estimates in three of the last four quarters while missing on another occasion.

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For fiscal 2026, analysts forecast the office products maker to report adjusted EPS of $10.13, up 6.3% from $9.53 in fiscal 2025. In addition, adjusted EPS is expected to grow 9.4% year-over-year to $11.08 in fiscal 2027.

www.barchart.com

Over the past 52 weeks, Avery Dennison has declined 5.3%, underperforming the broader S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 13.4% gain and the State Street Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF's (XLB) 13.3% return over the same time frame.

www.barchart.com

Shares of Avery Dennison rose 3.4% on Feb. 4 after the company reported stronger-than-expected Q4 2025 results, including adjusted EPS of $2.45 (up 3%) on revenue of $2.3 billion (up 4%). Investors were also encouraged by full-year adjusted EPS of $9.53, solid profitability with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 16.4%, and robust free cash flow exceeding $700 million.

The stock also gained on positive forward guidance, with Q1 2026 adjusted EPS projected at $2.40 - $2.46 and growth in high-value segments like intelligent labels and Vestcom.

Analysts' consensus view on AVY stock is cautiously optimistic, with a "Moderate Buy" rating overall. Among 13 analysts covering the stock, eight suggest a "Strong Buy," one gives a "Moderate Buy," and four recommend a "Hold." The average analyst price target of $209.50, indicating a 24.3% potential upside from the current levels.

On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com
Older adults are much more likely to become seriously ill from flu or COVID because aging lung cells can drive excessive immune responses, according to a new study led by researchers at UC San Francisco.

The findings enhance the understanding of the inflammation that accompanies aging, explaining how an otherwise minor cough can sometimes send an elderly person to the hospital.

To understand what goes wrong in old lungs, the scientists engineered the lung's structural cells, fibroblasts, to turn on an age-related distress signal in young mice. The signal led the lungs to form clusters of inflamed cells, including some marked by the GZMK gene, which was first seen in severe COVID-19. A future therapy might target these cells to counter the damaging spiral of inflammaging.

We were surprised to see lung fibroblasts working hand-in-hand with immune cells to drive inflammaging. It suggests new ways to intervene before patients progress to severe inflammation that can require intubation." Tien Peng, MD, professor of Medicine and member of the Cardiovascular Research Institute and Bakar Aging Research Institute at UCSF

Peng is senior author of the paper, which appeared in Immunity on March 27. Nancy Allen MD, PhD, a clinical fellow in the Pulmonary and Critical Care Division in the UCSF Department of Medicine, is the first author.

Fibroblasts maintain the airtight tubes and chambers of the lungs but can trigger inflammation in lung diseases like COPD. Peng's team wanted to see whether a signal coming from fibroblasts could disrupt otherwise healthy lungs.

The signal is part of a pathway called NF-kB that is often seen in the diseases of aging. The fibroblasts prompted the lung's macrophages to rally an immune response. Then, immune cells, including some marked by GZMK, rushed into the lungs from the bloodstream.

Although the GZMK cells were impotent against disease, they were still capable of damaging the lungs.

Once they had these immune clusters, the lungs of the young mice experienced severe symptoms from an infection - as if they were old. When the scientists used a genetic trick to eliminate the GZMK cells in these mice, their lungs were able to withstand the infection.

This suggests the aging lung tissue itself is driving inflammation.

The team examined lung tissue from older patients hospitalized with COVID-related ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome) and found it had clusters of cells that looked like what they had seen in mice. The sicker the patient, the more inflamed clusters they had. Lung tissue from healthy donors had none.



"We saw during COVID that our most vulnerable patients no longer had the infection but still had persistent and devastating lung inflammation," Peng said. "This circuit of dysfunction between lung and immune cells makes for a promising new therapeutic target."
At 35, Brooklyn resident Luyba Caloras was healthy, with no history of heart problems and no reason to think she was at risk of them. But pregnancy can act as a stress test on the heart - and soon after delivering her son at NYU Langone Health on February 3, 2024, she was diagnosed with a complication she never expected.

"I thought once the baby is here and healthy, you're in the clear," said Caloras. "I didn't realize something like this could happen after."

An unexpected turn after delivery

Just days after giving birth, something didn't feel right.

Caloras developed postpartum preeclampsia, a condition that causes high blood pressure after childbirth. Initially, her blood pressure had appeared stable, and she was discharged from the hospital without symptoms. Like many new mothers, she focused on her baby, dismissing subtle changes in her body as part of normal recovery.

But following her obstetrician's recommendation to monitor her blood pressure at home, Caloras noticed the numbers steadily climbing above a normal range. She promptly returned to the hospital, where she was diagnosed and began treatment.

"It was scary. I didn't know what was happening to my body," she said.

NYU Langone's maternal-fetal medicine team quickly stabilized her blood pressure and monitored her closely. As she improved, she transitioned into NYU Langone's Cardio-Obstetrics Program, where she began working with cardiologist and co-director Anais Hausvater, MD, who specializes in postpartum cardiovascular health.

Led by Dr. Hausvater and Christina A. Penfield, MD, MPH, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, the Cardio-Obstetrics Program brings together experts in obstetrics, maternal-fetal medicine, adult congenital heart disease, and preventive cardiology to care for people before, during, and after pregnancy, while also addressing their long-term heart health. Care extends into the "fourth trimester" - the critical months after delivery when complications like Caloras's often arise - with specialized follow-ups through the Postpartum Cardiovascular Health Program, part of the Cardio-Obstetrics Program.

For Caloras, that care changed everything.

Rather than treating her condition as a onetime complication, Dr. Hausvater and the team helped Caloras understand it as an early warning sign of future heart disease.

With that in mind, Caloras embarked on a plan to protect her health. Dr. Hausvater identified that she had developed chronic high blood pressure - a common long-term effect of preeclampsia - and worked to bring it under control with medication.

"We recognized that her blood pressure remained elevated well after delivery, which can happen after preeclampsia," said Dr. Hausvater. "Optimizing blood pressure is critical, both for long-term heart health and for any future pregnancies."

Caloras began checking her blood pressure at home, took medication as needed, made lifestyle changes, and continued regular follow-up care.

"It opened my eyes," said Caloras. "This wasn't just about that moment; it was about my future."

A second pregnancy, with coordinated care

When Caloras became pregnant again, her care plan was shaped by everything her team had already learned. She transitioned seamlessly back into high-risk obstetrics care and was managed by maternal-fetal medicine specialist Kristine E. Brown, MD, a member of the Cardio-Obstetrics Program and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, alongside Dr. Hausvater. Her doctors closely monitored her blood pressure, adjusted her care throughout the pregnancy, and focused on reducing her risk of complications.

"By integrating cardiology into pregnancy and postpartum care, we can better support patients throughout and beyond pregnancy," said Dr. Brown. "Our Cardio-Obstetrics Program is designed to be seamless, with cardiologists and maternal-fetal medicine specialists working side by side so care is coordinated every step of the way."

Because people who experience preeclampsia in one pregnancy are more likely to develop it again, this proactive, coordinated approach was especially important. "We start preventive steps early, including low-dose aspirin in the first trimester, to help reduce the risk of it happening again," said Dr. Brown.

On October 30, 2025, Caloras delivered a healthy daughter, this time without preeclampsia and with a care plan designed around her individual risk.

Pregnancy can reveal future heart risks

Caloras's experience reflects something doctors are increasingly recognizing: Pregnancy can offer an early window into long-term heart health.

"Pregnancy is what we call nature's stress test," said Dr. Brown. "The heart has to work much harder during this time."

Complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, and pregnancy loss are now understood to be important signs of future cardiovascular risk.

Hypertensive disorders, such as preeclampsia, affect about 1 in 8 pregnancies in the United States, and people who experience it face two to four times the risk of developing high blood pressure and heart disease later in life.

"These risks don't disappear after delivery," said Dr. Hausvater. "Even decades later, we see higher rates of heart disease, heart failure, and stroke."

A chance to change the future

Many people don't think about heart disease until later in life, but Caloras's story shows that there's an opportunity to act much earlier.

By recognizing pregnancy or postpartum complications as warning signs - not just onetime events - cardiologists can intervene sooner with monitoring, prevention, and long-term care. "The postpartum period, or the 'fourth trimester,' is one of the highest-risk windows for complications, yet many women don't receive ongoing follow-up after delivery," said Dr. Hausvater.

Dr. Hausvater encourages postpartum individuals - especially those who experienced complications like preeclampsia - to continue monitoring their health at home, including using a blood pressure cuff and staying connected with their care team after delivery.

For Caloras, that early intervention helped protect her long-term health and made her second pregnancy safer and more predictable.

"I want other moms to know: Listen to your body," she said. "If something feels off, don't ignore it."
A new study from the Kwon Lab at the Ragon Institute, published in Cell Host & Microbe, provides the most detailed picture yet of how a promising bacterial therapy works to prevent recurrent bacterial vaginosis (BV) and why it works better for some women than others.

BV is the most common vaginal condition worldwide, affecting more than 25% of reproductive-age women and disproportionately impacting women of lower socioeconomic status and members of racial and ethnic minority groups. It is linked to discharge, pain, and increased risk of preterm birth, cervical cancer, and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Standard antibiotic treatment with metronidazole often clears BV initially, but the condition recurs in over half of women within a year.

One reason for recurrence is that after antibiotics, the vaginal microbiome often fails to convert to a bacterial community dominated by the beneficial bacterium Lactobacillus crispatus, which is associated with long-term vaginal health.

LACTIN-V is a live biotherapeutic product containing L. crispatus. In a recent randomized, placebo-controlled trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine, it significantly reduced BV recurrence when given after metronidazole. However, treatment benefits were incomplete, with BV recurring in 30% of women who received LACTIN-V.

To understand how LACTIN-V treatment affected the vaginal microbiome of women in that trial and assess why some benefited while others did not, the Kwon Lab and colleagues analyzed over 1,100 samples from 213 trial participants using microbiome sequencing, L. crispatus strain analysis, immune profiling, and clinical data.

The results showed that 12 weeks after starting treatment, 30% of women who received LACTIN-V had developed a healthy, L. crispatus-dominant vaginal microbiome, compared to just 9% of women receiving placebo - largely explaining the treatment's benefits. L. crispatus colonization was primarily driven by the bacterial strain in LACTIN-V, though in some cases women's own naturally occurring L. crispatus took over.

The study also found that a woman's vaginal microbiome before treatment predicted how well she would respond to LACTIN-V. Women whose microbiomes were predominated by Prevotella or Gardnerella species saw the greatest benefit, while those predominated by Candidatus Lachnocurva vaginae (also known as BVAB1), a bacterium strongly associated with BV, showed little or no improvement. Other factors linked to successful L. crispatus colonization included lower bacterial levels and vaginal pH after metronidazole treatment, as well as certain pre-treatment immune profiles.

"This study's results offer key insights for vaginal health," says Seth Bloom, the paper's co-first author who began the research as a postdoctoral trainee in the Kwon Lab and has since established his own lab. "Our results offer a roadmap to guide development and use of LACTIN-V and similar live biotherapeutic products to improve the health of the millions of women worldwide who experience BV."

The Kwon Lab has also been researching the benefit of vaginal live biotherapeutic products potential across multiple contexts, including a recent Phase 2 trial in South Africa showing the treatment may help reduce HIV risk in young women.

This study provides the most detailed view to date of how a live biotherapeutic can reshape the vaginal microbiome to promote long-term vaginal health. By identifying the microbial and host factors that determine whether Lactobacillus crispatus successfully colonizes, we can begin to design more precise and effective treatments to improve women's health." Doug Kwon, study's senior author

The study was a collaboration with researchers at University of California San Francisco, UCLouvain in Belgium, Stanford University, and Osel, Inc. with funding provided by the Gates Foundation.
First Majestic Silver Corp. (NYSE:AG) is one of the 10 Stocks Investors Are Tracking Now.

First Majestic soared by 7.04 percent on Friday to close at $20.68 apiece, as investors loaded portfolios in mining stocks amid the rally in prices of precious metals.

During the session, the spot prices of silver and gold were up by more than 2 percent, as investors poured funds into the assets to mitigate risks from the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

Photo from First Majestic website

The cautious sentiment was further fueled by Israels announcement on the same day that it would continue to attack Iran for failing to heed its warning against attacking the Israeli civilians.

Optimism, however, spilled over to mining stocks on expectations that the current surge in prices would bolster their profit margins in the future.

First Majestic Silver Corp. (NYSE:AG) is one of the largest silver producers in the world, with operations in Mexico and the US. It owns and operates various mine sites, namely San Dimas, Los Gatos, Encantada, and Santa Elena, among others.

Last year, First Majestic Silver Corp. (NYSE:AG) swung to a net income of $211 million from a $101.9 million net loss in 2024. Revenues soared by 124 percent to $1.26 billion from $560.6 million year-on-year.

While we acknowledge the potential of AG 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.

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Andy Weir doesn't see himself as a prophet of deep meaning; he sees himself as a guy who sells "fun" built on science. In a piece for Rolling Stone , CT Jones traces how the former software engineer turned his obsession with getting the science right into a career that's now fueling Amazon MGM's big-budget adaptation of his 2021 novel Project Hail Mary, starring Ryan Gosling. While Jones sees "timely themes" aplenty in the plot, Weir insists there's "never any deeper message" in his books. He puts it plainly: "I'm not trying to change your mind or set your opinion on anything. When you're done with my book, I just want you to put it back on the shelf and think, 'That was fun.'"

The piece digs into how Weir reverse-engineers his stories from technical puzzles (What fuel could make impossible space travel feasible? How would you actually survive on Mars?) and lets the story crystallize around the solutions. "When you stick to real science, that science will help you create the plot and the challenges." As for where that real science comes from, "I know more than the layman about science, but not as much as real scientists, so I know enough to search for what I don't understand," says Weir.

But the film doesn't take shape as a dry science class. "You don't have to actually teach [the audience] the science in such depth that they could later solve problems on a test," Weir explains. "They just need to understand what's going on. We're lucky if 5% of a book gets into a movie. It's just such a confined, constrained storytelling medium. So we just kind of skip all the intervening math and just tell them the answer. But I think most people just accept that we're probably right."

As far as people go, plenty of them are showing up: The Hollywood Reporter notes the film follows Oppenheimer as just the second nonsequel or nonfranchise movie to rake in at least $80 million domestically in its opening weekend. Read the full interview here, or read Space.com's rundown of the 10 biggest differences between the book and movie.
The assignment involves no laptop, no chatbot, and no technology of any kind. In fact, there's no pen or paper, either. Instead, students in Chris Schaffer's biomedical engineering class at Cornell University have to speak directly to an instructor in what he calls an "oral defense." A growing number of college professors say they're turning to oral exams, and combining a variety of old-fashioned and cutting-edge techniques, to help address a crisis in higher education, per the AP . "You won't be able to AI your way through an oral exam," says Schaffer. Educators are no longer naively wondering if students will use generative AI to do their homework for thema big question now is how to determine what students are actually learning.

College instructors across the US are noticing troubling new trends as generative AI becomes more sophisticated. Take-home essays and other written assignments are coming back perfectbut when students are asked to explain their work, they can't. The long-term impact of AI use on critical thinking remains to be seen, but educators worry students increasingly see the hard work of thinking as optional.

At the University of Pennsylvania, Emily Hammer, an associate professor of Middle Eastern languages and cultures, now pairs oral exams with written papers in her seminar classes. "It comes across as if we're trying to prevent cheating," Hammer says. "That's not why we're doing this. We're doing this because students are actually losing skills, losing cognitive capacity and creativity." Oral exams aren't traditionally part of the modern American undergrad system, unlike certain European universities. Some US colleges saw a move toward oral exams during the pandemic to address concerns about online cheating, and interest has intensified since the launch of ChatGPT in 2022.

NYU professor Panos Ipeirotis unveiled an AI-powered oral exam last semester for the final exam in a class on AI product management. Students log in from home, and a voice cloned from a business school professor greets them. The chatbot starts with questions about a final group project, then drills into details based on each student's answers. If the student stumbles, the AI agent offers clues, along with criticism and positive feedback. "I want oral exams everywhere now," says Ipeirotis, who designed the tool with ElevenLabs, a company that develops generative AI voice agents to conduct job interviews. "I don't trust written assignments anymore to be the result of actual thinking." More here.
Kenya's 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 group representing growers and exporters of cut flowers and ornamentals in Kenya, said on Tuesday that the ongoing conflict has resulted in over $4.2 million in losses over the last three weeks, reports the AP . "We are seeing a reduction in movement ... and longer routes, while pricing is extremely high," says KFC CEO Clement Tulezi.

Kenya's horticulture sector, one of its most important industries, is worth more than $800 million annually, per the Central Bank of Kenya. At Isinya Flower Farms, located around 35 miles south of Nairobi, the farm's marketing chief, 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 says. Normally, direct flower exports to the Middle East account for about 30% of business at Isinya, and up to 15% nationally, with Europe being the largest market, accounting for up to 70%.

However, while the Middle East isn't Kenya's main export market for flowers, cargo freight to Europe has been disrupted by the conflict in the Mideast, resulting in reduced exports as well as higher costs. "With the current freight rates, customers are not able to buy," Kumar says. "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."

Growers like Isinya 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's lobbying the Kenyan government to introduce direct cargo flights to Europe in a bid to maintain the European market and cushion growers.
Powerful House Republican Sam Graves is stepping away from Congress after more than two decades, adding another name to the growing roster of lawmakers calling it quits. The 62-year-old Missourian, who chairs the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said he's withdrawing his reelection paperwork for Missouri's 6th Congressional District and will retire at the end of his 13th term, reports the Wall Street Journal . "I think it is time for me to step down," he said, noting that the move isn't about frustration with gridlock or fears about reelection in his solidly Republican district. Per the AP , he added in a social media post that he's "making room for the next generation."

His exit comes amid a record-setting wave of House retirements for a midterm cycle, with more than 50 members opting not to run again. The New York Times calls it "the latest sign that the GOP is bracing for big losses." Graves has led the transportation panel's GOP side since 2019 and even secured a rare waiver to stay on past the party's usual six-year cap for committee leaders, per the Journal. Before he leaves, he aims to push through a major surface transportation bill and secure funding to modernize air traffic control. After Congress, he says he wants to help businesses navigate the legislative process. Graves named North Carolina Rep. David Rouzer as the Republican he sees as best suited to take over the transportation gavel.
Two students were killed and at least seven other people were injured on Friday in a school bus crash in west Tennessee, officials said. The crash involving a Tennessee Department of Transportation dump truck, a Chevrolet Trailblazer, and the school bus took place at about noon on Highway 70 in Carroll County, said Maj. Travis Plotzer, a spokesperson for the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Plotzer said details of the crash were still being sorted out, but it appeared that the DOT dump truck didn't contribute to the crash itself, per the AP .

Plotzer said there were a total of 25 students and five adults on the school bus. That vehicle was carrying students and employees from Kenwood Middle School in Clarksville for a field trip to Jackson, Tennessee, the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System said in a statement. The cause of the crash was under investigation. Plotzer announced the deaths of two students in the crash during a news conference. Officials said at least seven other people were taken by air ambulance to hospitals in Tennessee. The nature of their injuries wasn't immediately disclosed.

Plotzer called the crash "a parent's worst nightmare." Four people were taken to Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville and were in stable condition on Friday, according to a Vanderbilt Health spokesperson. Another 19 people were taken to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Carroll County, said a rep for Baptist Memorial Health Care. All were evaluated and released, though it was unclear how many actually suffered injuries, she noted.
Things went south on March 5, when the company reported fourth-quarter 2025 earnings that came in just shy of expectations. Earnings of 45 cents per share missed estimates by a penny, while revenue of $4.24 billion was roughly in line.

In 2025 and into early 2026, the stock staged another strong run. After hitting a 52-week low around $17 in early April, shares climbed steadily as several better-than-expected quarters and stronger performance across much of the companys portfolio helped push the stock higher. By late February, shares were trading near $28, up roughly 70% from the April low.

Gap has seen plenty of ups and downs over the years. The stock hit a rough patch in 2022 and early 2023 as the company struggled with competition and uneven performance across its brands. Things started to turn around in 2023, however, after Gap brought in a new CEO and laid out a plan to fix the business. Investors liked what they heard, and the stock began trending higher.

The recent swings show how catalyst-driven the stock has become, with shares moving sharply on earnings and headlines as investors react to the companys progress in its multi-year turnaround strategy and try to gauge whether the improvements can keep the rally going.

Gap Inc. (NYSE: GAP) has been a bit of a roller coaster lately. Shares dropped sharply in early March following the companys earnings report before regaining some ground as investors seemed to shrug off the initial reaction and regain confidence in the retailers improving fundamentals. The stock got another lift this week after reports that Gap plans to integrate its brands into Googles Gemini AI platform gave Wall Street another reason to be optimistic.

Wall Street remains generally optimistic, with a Moderate Buy consensus rating and a $30.62 price target implying about 19% upside, as investors look for the companys multi-year turnaround strategy to support further gains.

The fourth-quarter report showed continued progress in Gaps turnaround, with 3% comparable sales growth, a second straight year of top-line gains, and a strong balance sheet, although tariff pressure and weakness at the Athleta brand weighed on margins and sentiment.

Gap shares have been volatile in recent weeks, falling more than 14% after the companys early March earnings report before rebounding as investors regained confidence in the retailers improving fundamentals.

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In many ways, it was a solid quarter. The company posted its second straight year of top-line growth, with comparable sales up 3%. Gap ended 2025 with about $3 billion in cash, its strongest balance sheet in nearly two decades, allowing the company to raise its dividend by about 6% and approve a $1 billion share repurchase program.

 The Silicon Squeeze: AI Pricing Power Lifts Chip Stocks

There were a few sore spots, though. Tariffs cut gross margin by about 200 basis points during the quarter, and the companys Athleta brand remained weak, with sales down about 11% year over year.

Looking ahead, Gap expects another 150 to 200 basis-point hit from tariffs in the first quarter and sees mid-single-digit declines at Athleta in the first half of 2026 as it works to reposition the brand. Even so, its fiscal 2026 guidance was better than expected. The company's expected earnings of $2.20 to $2.35 per share were above the consensus estimate of $2.15, and revenue of $15.7 billion to $15.9 billion topped the $15.4 billion estimate.

Despite the strong full-year outlook, the earnings report and outlook rattled investors, sending shares down more than 14%. The selloff didnt last long, though, and the stock has since moved higher, finishing up in nine of the last 12 trading sessions. Shares are now trading around $25, up more than 7% since the earnings report.

AI News Gives the Stock A Boost

Investors got another dose of optimism this week after CNBC reported that shoppers using Gemini to search for clothing will soon be able to buy items directly through the AI platform. This makes Gap the first major fashion retailer to allow consumers to check out without being redirected to the retailers website. Gap is also testing an AI-based sizing tool designed to help online shoppers pick the right fit.

The move comes as retailers seek new ways to leverage AI to drive online sales and keep customers engaged. Its still too early to know how much the AI integration will affect results, but the roughly 3% jump in the stock after the report suggests Wall Street liked the development.

Wall Street Seems Confident in Gap's Turnaround Plan

Wall Street has been encouraged by the progress of Gaps three-stage turnaround plan. The first phase, which has played out over the past two years, focused on fixing the fundamentals. The company says it is now entering the next phase, building momentum, with the final stage focused on accelerating growth.

So far, the plan appears to be working. Gap posted several better-than-expected quarters in 2024 and 2025, with improving comps, stronger margins, and a healthier balance sheet.

Analysts seem optimistic as the company continues to execute its strategy. Gap has a Moderate Buy consensus rating, with 12 Buy ratings and five Holds. Citigroup and JPMorgan raised their price targets after the fourth-quarter report, although Weiss Ratings downgraded the stock to Hold from Buy.

The current 12-month consensus price target of $30.62 suggests about 22% upside from recent levels. Valuation also points to potential room for gains, as Gap trades at lower multiples than much of the retail industry, with a P/E near 11 versus about 17 for the sector. The price-to-sales ratio of around 0.62 is also below the industrys roughly 1.12.

While the stock could move higher if fundamentals continue to improve and the turnaround keeps gaining traction, the recent pattern of trading on headlines suggests the ride may stay bumpy until Gap can show more consistent growth.

The article "Gap Stock Recovering After Earnings Slide, AI News Helps" was originally published by MarketBeat.
An Iranian missile attack on Friday wounded at least 10 US service members and damaged several planes at a military base in Saudi Arabia, according to two US officials familiar with the situation. Two of the troops were seriously wounded, one of the officials said. The attack on Prince Sultan Air Base damaged several US refueling aircraft, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military matters, per the AP . The attack, which involved an Iranian missile as well as drones, comes a day after President Trump said Iran has been "obliterated," and after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that "never in recorded history has a nation's military been so quickly and so effectively neutralized."

This isn't the first time that Prince Sultan Air Base has been targeted by Iran. Army Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, was wounded during a March 1 attack on the base and died days later. He's one of the 13 service members who've been killed in the war so far. Satellite imagery that appeared to show the damage to the aircraft in the latest attack, reported initially by the Wall Street Journal, was posted online. US Central Command said earlier on Friday that more than 300 service members have been wounded in the monthlong conflict. While most of the wounded have recovered and returned to duty, 30 remain out of action, and 10 are considered seriously wounded.

The Trump administration offered a 15-point plan for a possible ceasefire to Iran, with Pakistan as an intermediary. Iran has denied that negotiations are taking place, while its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz has sent fuel prices skyrocketing and roiled the world economy. On Friday, however, Tehran said it agreed to facilitate humanitarian aid and agricultural shipments through the crucial waterway. Despite the discussion of talks, the Pentagon is preparing to send at least 1,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Divisiona unit trained to parachute into hostile or contested territory to secure key territory and airfieldsto the Middle East in the coming days.

The military is also in the process of deploying two Marine units that will add about 5,000 Marines and thousands of sailors to the region. Despite thousands of additional troops heading there, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday that the United States "can achieve all of our objectives without ground troops." In terms of the additional deployments, "we are always going to be prepared to give the president maximum optionality and maximum opportunity to adjust to contingencies should they emerge," Rubio told reporters after the G7 foreign ministers meeting in France.
Elon Musk joined a phone call this week between President Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the war with Iran, according to two US officials, an uncommon role for a private citizen on a sensitive wartime discussion. The officials said it was not clear why Musk was included or whether he said anything during the conversation, the New York Times reports. The call focused on Iran's tightening control over the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for global oil and gas shipments whose effective shutdown has driven up energy prices and rattled markets, particularly in Asia.

Modi later posted that keeping the waterway "open, secure and accessible is essential for the whole world." Neither the US nor India mentioned Musk's presence in their official readouts on the call. Musk has deep business ties in the region, per the Times. His companies have taken funding from Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds, and Musk has long sought a bigger foothold in India for Teslawhich opened its first showroom in India last yearSpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service, and his artificial intelligence ventures. Starlink is still awaiting regulatory approval in India. The full Times story can be found here.
Easter candy shoppers in Europe may be hunting for more than eggs this year. Nestle says an entire truckload of its new KitKat lineabout 12 tons, or 413,793 barsvanished between its factory in central Italy and a distribution site in Poland. The company said Friday that "the vehicle and its load are still nowhere to be found," adding that it's working with local authorities and logistics partners to track them down. Nestle warned the theft could leave store shelves short of KitKats ahead of the Easter rush and cautioned that the bars might surface through unofficial sellers, CBS News reports.
Police in Nepal arrested former Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli on Saturday over the deaths of dozens of people during violent protests in September that toppled the government and resulted in new elections. Authorities arrested the powerful Communist Party leader at his residence on the outskirts of the capital, Kathmandu, the AP reports. They also arrested Ramesh Lekhak, the former home minister who has been accused of ordering authorities to fire on protesters. The arrests were made a day after a new government headed by rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah took office following a landslide win in a parliamentary election by his Rastriya Swatantra Party.

"This is not revenge against anyone, it is just the beginning of justice," Home Minister Sudan Gurung said in announcing the arrests on social media. An investigation by a commission established by the recent interim government called for punishment of up to 10 years in prison for Oli, Lekhak, and the chief of police at the time of the protests. Officers arriving in several trucks and wearing riot gear conducted the arrests at the men's homes before taking them to the Kathmandu District Police office. The arrests triggered the anger of Oli's supporters, and hundreds gathered near the prime minister's office later Saturday to demand that Oli be immediately released from custody. They chanted slogans against the new government, burned tires and scuffled with riot police who used batons to try clear the road blocked by the protesters. No major injuries were reported, but police said they detained seven protesters.
Ukraine is moving to deepen military ties with Gulf states in the face of the Iran war as it shares its battlefield experience in shooting down drones and missiles. On Saturday, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine had reached defense understandings with the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, following a similar deal with Saudi Arabia a day earlier during his unannounced tour of the region. Qatar's defense ministry said its agreement includes cooperation on countering missile and drone threats, joint technological projects, investment, and sharing expertise on unmanned aerial systems, Le Monde reports.

Zelensky said Ukraine has already signed 10-year security agreements with Saudi Arabia and Qatar and expects to shortly finalize a similar agreement with the UAE, per the AP. Gulf countries are confronting drone and missile attacks linked to Iran, which has launched aerial strikes in response to US-Israeli attacks. Ukraine has grown into one of the world's leading producers of cutting-edge, battle-tested drone interceptors that are cheap and effective. They are playing a key part in its defense against Russia's onslaught.

In return for its aid to Gulf countries, Ukraine is seeking more high-end air-defense missiles that they possess and that Kyiv needs to counter Russia's attacks. Details of the agreement were not made public. Kyiv has suggested that Gulf states could use Ukrainian interceptors in place of their more expensive air-defense missiles, freeing up those systems for Ukraine's needs. "Protection must be sufficient everywhere," Zelensky said, adding that Ukraine is "ready to support those who support us."
Hundreds of striking employees at one of the Navy's biggest shipbuilding contractors voted Saturday to approve a deal with Bath Iron Works, ending a weeklong strike. Members of the Bath Marine Draftsmen's Association ratified a new four-year collective bargaining agreement that goes into effect immediately, the Maine shipyard said. Approval followed an hourslong union meeting at a high school, the AP reports. The strike began several weeks after a morale-boosting appearance in which Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth touted the need to boost defense manufacturing.

The Bath Marine Draftsmen's Association is affiliated with the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, which is commonly known as the UAW and is one of the country's largest unions. The BMDA members at Bath Iron Works work as designers, nondestructive test technicians, technical clerks, laboratory technicians, and associate engineers, the union said in a statement. Bath Iron Works was awarded a multiyear contract to build several Arleigh Burke-class destroyers in 2023. The Arleigh Burke is a guided missile destroyer that Navy officials have described as the "backbone of the Navy's surface fleet." The Navy exercised an option last year to add an additional destroyer to the contract.
TSA agents at airports haven't been paid a dime during the partial government shutdown that's led to a staffing shortage, but everybody around them seems to be making money. The ICE agents deployed to check IDs alongside them and watch exits are still on the payroll. And a new job category has emerged: people paid to stand in security lines for someone else. At Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport on Friday, the Washington Post reports, contractor Steven Dial said he spent his day moving through TSA queues on behalf of several travelers. He charges $65 an hour, plus airport parking.

Nearly 500 officers have resigned during the shutdown, and at some airports more than 40% of staff have called out on certain days, contributing to backups like those seen at Houston and at Baltimore-Washington International, where lines on Friday extended outside the terminal. This creates an opportunity. Robert Samuel, who runs a New York company called Same Ole Line Dudes, said he is quoting $35 an hour for TSA lines, though no one had booked as of Friday. For travelers willing to pay more, there are sanctioned ways around the crowds: Companies such as Perq Soleil and SkySquad sell concierge-style access to alternative security lanes in dozens of airports, with rates running from $79 per group at some locations to hundreds of dollars for expedited guidance through check-in, security, and boarding.

President Trump has signed an order to resume paying TSA agents. But should the backups persist, Wired has a list of 10 suggestions for passing the time in airport lines. They include pondering the science behind designing the perfect system for lining up. Another idea is to contemplate "airport theory," which suggests everyone arrive at airports at the last minutean argument that was a hit on TikTok and nowhere else. Or take an old-timey challenge and try to solve a Rubik's Cube in eight steps.
A deployment of 2,500 Marines arrived on the USS Tripoli in the Middle East on Saturday, US military officials said, accompanied by 2,500 sailors. The Marines come from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, which is normally stationed in Okinawa, Japan, and are part of the Tripoli amphibious ready group, the New York Times reports. They landed on the same day that the Iran war widened to include Yemen's Houthi movement, which fired a ballistic missile at Israel that caused no reported casualties. Later in the day, the Houthis announced a second wave of strikes on Israel that was not immediately confirmed.

Officials declined to specify the Marines' exact location, citing operational security, but they're now in the US Central Command area of the Middle East, per the Hill. Other ships are on their way, including the San Diego-based USS Boxer, carrying at least 2,200 Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, which left Wednesday. It would reach the Centcom area in less than a month. Indications are that the force will be enlisted to support President Trump's effort to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Iranian forces have largely shut. He has not ruled out using Marines or Special Forces in that effort, per the Times, though Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday said that ground troops will not be needed to accomplish the administration's goals in the war.
March 27 (Reuters) - Global equity funds attracted their biggest weekly inflow in nearly 2-1/2 months in the week through March 25 after U.S. President Donald Trump delayed strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure, raising hopes of a temporary de-escalation and easing oil shock fears.

Investors acquired a net $37.77 billion of global equity funds in their largest weekly net purchase since February 18 after a two-week selling streak, LSEG Lipper data showed.

They bought a net $37.24 billion of U.S. equity funds as they halted a three-week selling trend. Asian funds also saw a net $5.23 billion weekly inflow, but European funds suffered outflows of $7.52 billion.

Global equities, however, tumbled around 1.6% on Thursday on Iran's denial of any talks with the U.S., deepening doubts about the chance of a quick ceasefire in the nearly one-month-long war in the Middle East.

Mark Haefele, chief investment officer at UBS Global Wealth Management, said investors should be cautious about expecting a swift resumption of energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz, though he did not foresee significant or lasting economic damage in the base case.

"This means long-term investors with well-diversified portfolios should stay invested," UBS's Haefele said.

Demand for debt-linked funds cooled to the lowest in nearly three months as investors poured just $2.53 billion into global bond funds.

High-yield and euro-denominated bond fund segments saw significant outflows of $4.75 billion and $2.11 billion, respectively, but investors pumped a record $11.1 billion into short-term bond funds.

Investors exited roughly $64.78 billion worth of money market funds as they ended an eight-week-long trend of net purchases.

Gold and precious metals commodity funds faced outflows for a fourth week, to the tune of $3.14 billion.

Emerging market funds witnessed selling pressure for a third week as investors withdrew $2.78 billion from equity funds and $1.73 billion from bond funds, data for a combined 28,796 funds showed.

(Reporting by Gaurav Dogra; with additional reporting by Patturaja Murugaboopathy in Bengaluru; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
An rsted vessel operates among the turbines at the Revolution Wind offshore wind farm in the Atlantic Ocean. The project recently began supplying electricity to homes in Connecticut and Rhode Island. Courtesy of rsted

As an electrician on Revolution Wind, Thomas Kilday climbed 500-foot turbine towers, worked in freezing winds and driving rain, and trained to escape a helicopter crash.

But what he remembers most vividly from more than two years of working on the offshore wind farm about 15 miles off the coast are the sunsets.

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One of the great beauties about being out there is youre very far out, which is one of the downsides  youre so far away from civilization, said Kilday, who lives in Rhode Island. But the nice part is the sunrises and the sunsets are gorgeous. Theres nothing out there for miles and miles.

The 704-megawatt Revolution Wind project recently began supplying electricity to homes in Connecticut and Rhode Island and is about 90% complete, with full operations expected in the second half of 2026. Developed by rsted, the wind farm will deliver enough electricity to the New England grid to power about 350,000 homes  or about 2.5% of the regions electricity supply.

Behind the power now flowing to the regional grid is the unheralded work of hundreds of skilled tradesmen  from millwrights and shipbuilders to carpenters, iron workers and electricians  who say they were drawn by the novelty of building one of the nations first large offshore wind farms and the chance to generate power for their communities.

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But their journey wasnt smooth: Construction was halted twice by federal shutdown orders that cast uncertainty over the multibillion-dollar project and the workers building it.

Still, many describe a deep sense of pride in playing even a small role in what they see as a historic achievement.

A crane installs a wind turbine at the Revolution Wind offshore wind farm in the Atlantic Ocean. The project recently began supplying electricity to homes in Connecticut and Rhode Island. Courtesy of rsted

Its a new industry, a new frontier of electrical generation, Kilday said. I was very excited to be able to say that I worked on it and that I was there for it.

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Building Revolution Wind required a vast workforce doing all kinds of jobs, both off shore and on land. Construction began in 2023, though Connecticuts stake in the project dates to 2018.

The project supported about 1,200 jobs in Connecticut and Rhode Island, including hundreds of union positions, according to the the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development. At the State Pier in New London, which underwent a $300 million renovation to support offshore wind development, more than 100 union jobs and nearly 200 jobs overall are tied to staging and assembly work, the department said.

Those workers did everything from operating cranes and piloting boats to repairing heavy machinery and coating turbine towers and blades with specialized materials designed to withstand the harsh offshore weather, said Patrick Crowley, president of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO, a coalition of labor unions.

'Miles out in the ocean'

Before workers could board a vessel or assemble a turbine, they had to undergo rigorous safety training to prepare them for the dangers of working miles offshore. The preparation included lessons in sea rescue, CPR and other life-saving measures. They were also taught how to work safely in extreme conditions, such as gale-force winds while strapped to scaffolding hundreds of feet in the air, Crowley said.

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This isnt like building a 25-story high-rise in downtown Providence, where if something goes wrong, you call 9-1-1 and the police and the fire (department) come, he said. They are miles out in the ocean, in the middle of heavy seas.

An rsted vessel sits beside a turbine foundation near the Revolution Wind offshore wind farm in the Atlantic Ocean. The project recently began supplying electricity to homes in Connecticut and Rhode Island. Courtesy of rsted

The level of training usually depended on the risks associated with a particular job. The more dangerous the task, Crowley said, the more extensive the preparation.

One of the more unusual exercises workers had to master  and one that Kilday said attracted him to the job  involved practicing how to escape from a helicopter crash at sea. Helicopters are sometimes used to transport workers around the construction site.

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During the simulation, recruits were placed in a fake helicopter fuselage that was lowered into a pool and flipped upside down. To escape, they had to undo their seatbelts, pop open the window and swim out of the aircraft.

I thought that was pretty cool as a young man in my 20s, Kilday said. However, he added that his mom was not so thrilled that I was having to practice for helicopter crashes.

Once their training was complete, workers began traveling miles offshore to the construction site, where they would spend up to a month building the massive wind turbines while living on specialized service vessels. They worked 12-hour shifts every day during their rotations.

We sleep, eat and work either on the turbine or on the vessel, Kilday said. We move our whole lives out there for 28 days.

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'Long-term employment stability'  on the ocean

Life aboard the 300-foot vessel was functional but cramped. Kilday described sleeping in bunk beds bolted to the wall, in rooms about the size of a large walk-in closet, sometimes shared with another worker on an opposite shift. Every lodging had a small desk, a television and a bathroom, he said.

Weather dictated much of the workday. Waves rocked the ship while wind whipped around the towering turbines. In the winter, accumulations of snow and ice threatened workers stationed below the structures. Every shift began with a toolbox talk, where crews discussed their daily tasks and ways to avoid accidents. They occasionally got the day off when conditions were too harsh  downtime that they spent playing cards or watching movies.

The demanding schedule also meant missing holidays and family events at home. During one rotation, Kilday said, crews celebrated the Fourth of July offshore, watching fireworks erupt along the coastline miles away. From where they stood, the bursts looked like fireflies, he said.

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On birthdays, members of the galley baked special cakes to celebrate and keep up morale.

It was an unconventional job. But for many construction workers, union leaders say, offshore wind provided something that is rare in their industry: long-term stability.

They go from job to job looking for the ones that are going to provide the longest-term stability because periods of unemployment are built into the life of a construction worker, Crowley said. The promise of offshore wind was, and hopefully still is, that there would be long-term employment stability over the course of a multiyear project.

But that promise was shaken when federal officials twice ordered construction on the project to stop, throwing the future of offshore wind into uncertainty.

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The first shutdown came in August 2025, when the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management issued a stop-work order when the project was roughly 80% complete. Construction was halted for about a month. At the time, officials said the shutdown cost developers $2.3 million per day and put 1,000 people temporarily out of work.

A second stoppage came just days before Christmas and applied to offshore wind projects across the region. Both orders were later overturned by a judge, allowing work to resume.

Wind turbines from the Revolution Wind offshore wind farm rise from the Atlantic Ocean. The project recently began supplying electricity to homes in Connecticut and Rhode Island. Courtesy of rsted

President Donald Trump has long opposed wind energy, labeling it a scam. His administration cited national security and economic concerns in its attempts last year to shut down Revolution Wind and other offshore wind farms, prompting legal challenges from developers and stakeholders.

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Asked to comment for this article, a White House spokesperson said: Litigation is still ongoing and the administration looks forward to ultimate victory.

Workers said the sudden disruptions left them wondering whether the project  and their jobs  would continue.

We were all very caught off guard, said Kilday, who was aboard the vessel when the first stop-work order was announced. Nobody knew what was going to happen  whether we were going to be leaving the vessel, if we needed to pack our bags and start looking for work.

We were all kind of in limbo, and limbo when it affects your job is not a place that really anyone wants to be in my experience, he added.

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'Threw everything into chaos'

The second shutdown around Christmas brought another wave of anxiety, Kilday said. That order came about a week before he was scheduled to return offshore.

It just threw everything into chaos, he said. I had to worry about my job and the future and if I was going to have a paycheck coming in.

Antonio Gianfrancesco, who did maintenance and inspection work on Revolution Wind, said he had worried the stoppage might last indefinitely or even cancel the project entirely. Gianfrancesco and some other workers were transferred to rsteds other offshore wind projects, he said, but many were sent home.

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Antonio Gianfrancesco, a wind turbine technician from Rhode Island, worked on the Revolution Wind project. Courtesy of Antonio Gianfrancesco

There wasnt enough work at the other places to be redeployed, especially following second shutdown, Crowley said.

As Revolution Wind begins supplying power to the regional grid, state officials say the project will help diversify Connecticuts energy supply and ease the burden on residents who pay some of the highest electrical rates in the country. Officials have projected the wind farm could save ratepayers in Connecticut and Rhode Island hundreds of millions of dollars over the next two decades.

Thats what everyone thats been out here  all the iron workers, electricians, carpenters, and laborers have been working toward. And I cant wait to see the positive effects it has on the people of Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York and Connecticut, Gianfrancesco said.

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Some Connecticut Republicans, however, have questioned whether offshore wind will ultimately deliver the promised savings, raising concerns about the industrys high costs.

Driving around southern Rhode Island, Kilday said hes often reminded of his role with Revolution Wind when he looks up at the power lines carrying electricity overhead.
Shanille Bowens, a doula, smiles at Isaiah Stewart during an appointment on Feb. 28, 2026, in Memphis, Tenn. Kristin M. Hall/AP Mary Bey looks on while doula Shanille Bowens holds Bey's daughter, Ca'Mya, during an appointment on Feb. 28, 2026, in Memphis, Tenn. Kristin M. Hall/AP Doula Shanille Bowens speaks to Mary Bey during an appointment on Feb. 28, 2026, in Memphis, Tenn. Kristin M. Hall/AP Doula Shanille Bowens speaks to Mary Bey during an appointment on Feb. 28, 2026, in Memphis, Tenn. Kristin M. Hall/AP Shaquoiya Stewart, right, speaks with doula Shanille Bowens during an appointment on Feb. 28, 2026, in Memphis, Tenn. Kristin M. Hall/AP

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)  Shaquoiya Stewart held one of her 6-month-old twins on her lap while Shanille Bowens held the other. As the women caught up and the babies stared at each other quietly, Bowens came around to the key question she asks all the mothers she works for: Do you think theres anything you need more support with?

Bowens is a doula, a provider of physical and emotional support before, during and after birth  care that used to be seen as a luxury and was available only to those who could afford it. But doulas are becoming mainstream.

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The country's once-reluctant medical establishment is increasingly welcoming the way doulas complement doctors and nurses, and with insurance coverage growing fast, parents from across the economic spectrum can now take advantage.

More than 30 states reimburse doulas through Medicaid or are in the process of implementing such coverage, up from 14 in late 2022, according to the nonprofit National Health Law Program. Private insurers are starting to do the same, with industry giant UnitedHealthcare launching a new benefit this year. Without insurance, costs vary widely but can exceed $2,000.

The changes are being driven by mounting research that shows these trained, non-medical professionals can significantly improve the health of moms and babies. Expanding doula care, experts say, is a relatively inexpensive way to help reduce maternal mortality, which kills Black mothers like Stewart at a rate more than three times higher than white women.

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Doulas can benefit everybody, said Sierra Hill, maternal care access coordinator for Minnesotas health department. And thats especially true for our communities that are facing a lot of inequities and health disparities.

Stewart, who has Tennessee Medicaid, said Bowens shepherded her through the jitters of early pregnancy with her twin sons, blood pressure issues during delivery, a C-section and baby blues after birth.

I felt safe. It didnt feel like I was just by myself, said Stewart, a 35-year-old single mother of four. She was like my homegirl.

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Awareness of doulas has grown

In 2006, 3% of women in the U.S. got care from a doula during labor, according to a survey conducted for the nonprofit Childbirth Connection, now a program of the National Partnership for Women & Families. That figure has doubled or tripled since then, researchers estimate.

When Bowens was pregnant with the first of her six children more than two decades ago, a counselor recommended a doula.

Im like, A doula, what is that? Bowens recalled.

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Bowens was so inspired by the care she received that she ultimately became one herself. In addition to answering moms' questions and connecting them to community services, Bowens helps her clients navigate the health system and advocates for them.

Oftentimes, we become friends with our clients  lifelong friends. We help connect them with resources in the community, said Bowens, founder of Naturally Nurtured Birth Services. We cater to them  so it looks different for each client.

That help pays off, especially for moms from underserved communities.

Research comparing two groups of socially disadvantaged mothers found that those who used doulas were four times less likely to have a baby with low birth weight, two times less likely to have a birth complication and much more likely to start breastfeeding. Another study published last year found that Medicaid recipients with doulas had a 47% lower risk of C-sections and a 29% lower risk of preterm birth and were 46% more likely to go to a postpartum checkup.

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That postpartum finding is key, said April Falconi, a scientist at Carelon Research who co-authored the recent study. More than half of maternal deaths occur during the postpartum period, she said. Causes include infection and excessive bleeding.

These sorts of results led Minnesota to become one of the first states to cover doulas through Medicaid in 2014. A decade later, the state expanded coverage, allowing Medicaid recipients 18 sessions with a doula without prior authorization, more than double what was allowed before.

The return on investment is huge, the health departments Hill said.

Rising acceptance of doulas by doctors and nurses

There are no mandatory licenses for doulas, but there are state qualification standards to receive Medicaid payments and many doulas seek certification from private entities.

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Naturally Nurtured is involved in a pilot project in Memphis in which doula services are paid for under a Tennessee Medicaid program run by UnitedHealthcare. Services are free to members.

UnitedHealthcare commercial clients with a doula benefit, on the other hand, get reimbursed for the care. Doulas are also included in a limited but growing number of other private plans.

I see doulas becoming more and more integrated and accepted by all within the health care system," said Dr. Margaret-Mary Wilson, chief medical officer at UnitedHealth Group.

That extends to doctors and nurses in hospitals.

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Dana Morrison, principal director of Doulas of Duluth in Minnesota, said there was definitely resistance to doulas by birth teams when she began her work 10 years ago. That was also true nationally. One point of friction was when doulas advocated for something different from what the medical professionals wanted. And since doulas weren't as integrated into care, they didn't have the time to build trust with doctors and nurses.

Today, Aspirus St. Lukes hospital contracts with Doulas of Duluth on a grant-funded program, and patients can receive a scholarship to hire a doula through the organization.

Nurse Mallory Cummings, doula coordinator at Aspirus St. Luke's, said people on the birth team accept and appreciate doulas. What it really comes down to is everyones knowledge of what a doula is, she said.

Doulas support moms through trying times

On a recent afternoon, Mary Bey settled into a chair in a homey room at the Memphis doula center, cradling her sleeping infant, CaMya. Bowens sat beside her, taking notes on her laptop.

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After discussing breastfeeding and sleep, they talked about how Bey, 39, has been crying a lot since the delivery.

What brings it on? Bowens asked.

Ill be scared and I'll just be so protective and treat her like shes just glass, Bey replied.

Bey is haunted by a past loss. Before giving birth to her daughter last December, she suffered a stillbirth. Bowens helped her through.

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She was there when I had to push him out. She was there after, when I was healing. She came to the house. She brought groceries, said Bey, a single mother of four who was connected with Bowens through the same pilot program as Stewart.

When Bey got pregnant again, she texted Bowens: Hey, can you still be my doula?

As the pregnancy progressed, Bowens answered all of Beys questions and kept her calm. She was there for Beys scheduled C-section and supported her when doctors monitored Ca'Mya for jaundice and what they briefly thought was a heart problem.

Later, Bey worried her C-section scar might be infected. Bowens advised her to get it checked out. It was.

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Without her doula, Bey said she would never have gotten through either pregnancy as well as she did, physically or emotionally.

She makes you feel like shes family, Bey said. She was a friend  my best friend  a cousin, an auntie, a sister. All of the above.

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The indigo bunting is one of Connecticut's many bird species that are in decline. Courtesy of Paul J. Fusco, CT DEEP

One of the greatest ecological disasters in our history  the ongoing loss of bird life in North America  is happening, even as we lift our eyes to watch them.

Major reports in 2019 and again this year have documented a loss of one in four birds in the United States and Canada since 1970, nearly 3 billion in total.

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The Connecticut Bird Atlas  a six-year effort to document bird life in the state  has found the same thing. Compared to the first state bird atlas compiled in the 1980s, researchers found that about 63% of the breeding birds studied were losing numbers.

The chestnut-sided warbler is one of Connecticut's many bird species that are in decline. Paul J. Fusco/Courtesy of Paul J. Fusco, CT DEEP

What this points to is serious changes  in habitats here and world-wide, in climate, in agricultural and pesticide use, and factors still to be found.

But the birds  or lack of them  are telling us there are problems.

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Theyre the canary in the coal mine, said Stefan Martin, conservation manager for The Connecticut Audubon Society.

Compiling the new atlas was an effort that involved about 1,000 volunteers  birders who went out and studied specific sites for at least 20 hours, looking for nesting birds or signs they might be breeding.

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They also reported wintering birds  information missing from the first state bird atlas.

Min Huang, migratory bird program leader at the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, said in all, birders filed over 500,000 reports from the field.

It was a huge undertaking, he said.

Angela Dimmet, of New Milford and president of the Western Connecticut Bird Club, was one of those volunteers, going out to find birds in blocks near her home.

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It was a survey of breeding birds, but really, of any birds you saw, she said. Id go out on different days and different times.

Martin said the contribution the volunteers made was enormous.

It shows when you need to collect data, and you get the general public involved, how valuable citizen science can be, he said.

After four years of gathering reports and two years compiling them, the Connecticut Bird Atlas is now online in draft form at https://draft.ctbirdatlas.research.uconn.edu.

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Huang, who helped lead the project with Chris Elphick, a professor of environmental studies at the University of Connecticut, said the atlas will change as more data and more information gets added over time.

It will be a very dynamic thing, he said.

The American crow is one of Connecticut's many bird species that are in decline. Courtesy of Paul J. Fusco, CT DEEP

But even in its unfinished state, the atlas does show declines across the boards in many species: fleeting migrants like warblers and vireos; beautiful summer visitors like indigo buntings, rose-breasted grosbeaks and towhees; and also everyday birds like blue jays and crows and pigeons.

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Dimmett said shes seen this decline herself, without the atlass data.

Definitely  even over the past five years, she said.

There are some successes as well. Southern species like red-bellied woodpeckers and black vultures have established themselves in the state. Ravens have moved down from the north and done the same.

And there are great conservation successes: bald eagles, ospreys, wild turkeys.

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Huang said in general, its the migratory species that are showing the most declines.

The factors that are involved in these declines are multiple. Huang said niche species that require a specific habitat  open fields, brushy lots  may suffer if that habitat goes away.

Connecticut has a good amount of forested land. But its increasingly being cleared for development with roads breaking up housing lots.

Birds nesting along forest edges are in danger from predators that work those edges to raid nests for eggs.

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Martin, of the Connecticut Audubon Society, also said this fragmentation gives cowbirds more opportunities to lay their eggs in other birds nest, hurting the chances of the actual nestlings chances of surviving.

Could the state of Connecticut do more to stem this tide?

Huang, of the state DEEP, points out that in 1937, the federal government created the Pitman-Robertson Act, which taxes the purchase of hunting rifles, ammunition, archery equipment and fishing gear, then returns that money to the states for conservation efforts for game species.

Connecticut gets $7 to $8 million annually from this funding. But Huang said no such funding exists to help protect migratory birds and other non-game species.

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One thing the new Connecticut Bird Atlas could do is to push state legislators to spend money for more wildlife conservation.

There are 11 states that now fund this work, Huang said. Were hoping Connecticut will. Hopefully, the atlas can be a catalyst.

Contact Robert Miller at earthmattersrgm@gmail.com.
An AI generated rendering of the proposed bridge over Long Island Sound connecting Connecticut to Long Island, N.Y. Courtesy of Stephen Shapiro Developer Stephen Shapiro, a Fairfield native. Brian Gioiele/Hearst Connecticut Media

As plans for a 14-mile bridge across Long Island Sound stagnate at the state level, developer  and primary proponent  Stephen Shapiro is stepping up his campaign for what he admits is an extremely ambitious endeavor, one he believes will be an economic boon for the region.

The prolific real estate developer, with projects completed, approved or in process in cities from Fairfield to Trumbull, Shelton to Newtown, has formed the Connecticut-Long Island Initiative, a non-profit advocate for infrastructure and transportation improvements between Connecticut and Long Island, N.Y.

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This is the only tangible solution here in Connecticut to the worst traffic problem in the country, Shapiro said.

The public overwhelmingly supports this, added Shapiro citing online polls he has seen on the issue. The people of Connecticut deserve to have voices heard. They deserve a stronger economy with more jobs, and most importantly less traffic so they can get home in time for dinner with their families.

The primary focus is talking up what he says are long-term benefits to constructing a bridge from Bridgeport to Sunken Meadow Parkway on Long Island. Plans could also include a rail component to accommodate both passenger and freight service.

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Shapiro has even created a website, ctlii.com, which includes a petition and financial information on the latest bridge proposal, as well as a historical look at past discussions about creating such a connection across the Sound.

This could be huge to help revitalize the city of Bridgeport, the biggest city in the state, Shapiro said. This would bring more benefits to its citizens and more jobs to the area.

A bill to authorize a feasibility study for the bridge was introduced in the state legislatures Commerce Committee, but the committee chairs did not bring this to a vote, so it never advanced out of committee, leaving it potentially dead in the water.

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Shapiro said a chance remains for the entire legislature to bring this up for a vote in the coming months. But in the meantime, he has continued a push to educate the public on what he sees as benefits to this bridge.

James Amann of International Governmental Strategies LLC  former speaker of the state House  was discouraged by the result.

I am deeply disappointed the Commerce Committee chairs lacked a vision to even raise a vote for a study that would strengthen the economy and reduce traffic in Connecticut, especially when we had the votes, said Amann.

As former speaker of the House, I know there are other ways to get the bill to the floor this session and thats what we intend to do, Amann added.

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State Rep. Joe Hoxha, a supporter of the bridge, was also disappointed with the committee chairs not bringing a vote on the bill.

"This bill is the single most bipartisan concept I have ever come across in all my time at the Capitol as a state representative, Hoxha said. As a matter of fact, it might very well be the most bipartisan idea Ive ever heard of in all of Connecticut politics.

Hoxta said mayors, first selectman, representatives and senators - across the political spectrum - support this idea.

It is truly a disservice to the people of Connecticut to not allow this bill to continue on, at the very least until we can get an understanding of the cost of the study," Hoxta added.

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Even with recent setback, Shapiro remains positive, believing cooperation between Connecticut, New York and the federal government is essential to making this dream a reality.

To that end, Shapiro has even reached out to federal officials to present the concept and gauge interest. He says he was pleased with the reception, and the federal government is open to participating if there is support from Connecticut and New York.

Shapiro estimates could cost as much as $50 billion, with the cost to Connecticut at somewhere near $1.25 billion. Costs would be covered in part with a roughly $39 toll for drivers.

According to Shapiro, construction costs could be divided between private investors, federal government, Connecticut and New York.

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Based on similar projects, Shapiro said a realistic funding structure could have 50% covered through private investment and bonds, with 45% from federal loans or grants. The remaining 5% would be split between New York and Connecticut.

Projects used for comparison on the Connecticut-Long Island Initiative website include work on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge/Tunnel in Virginia and the Gateway Hudson Tunnel in New York and New Jersey.

Everything would be paid back through the tolls, Shapiro said.

Shapiro and his supporters say the bridge could transform regional travel, ease congestion and offer an alternative route for drivers who currently must pass through New York City to reach the mainland.

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Proposals for a cross-Sound connection are nothing new, with the first such plans discussed some 100 years ago.

Shapiro has suggested a potential compromise to address environmental concerns, including a hybrid design that would tunnel a portion of the route beneath the shoreline near the park.

I hope this can link our two regions, reducing traffic closer to the city while stimulating toll revenue, jobs and economic growth for our future, Shapiro said.
Richard Chumney is a reporter for the Connecticut Post, covering the Bridgeport Board of Education and the town of Stratford. He previously covered the city of Norwalk for The Norwalk Hour and the city of Lynchburg, Virginia for the News & Advance.
President Donald Trump speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Washington. Alex Brandon/AP President Donald Trump listens to a reporter during the swearing in for Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in Washington. Alex Brandon/AP Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Washington. Alex Brandon/AP

WASHINGTON (AP)  President Donald Trump has listed five objectives that the U.S. wants to achieve before ending its war with Iran. Now, one month into the conflict, he has suggested the U.S. may soon be winding down the operation, even though some of his key aims remain undefined or unfulfilled.

Trump last week outlined five goals for the massive air campaign. That's up from four laid out by his staff since the war's start on Feb. 28 (and up from the three generally enumerated by the Pentagon and Secretary of State Marco Rubio). Though the Trump administration has said its objectives are clear and unchanging, the list of priorities has expanded and shifted as the war has taken a toll on the global economy, tested alliances and raised unanswered questions about the planning for the conflict, its justification and its aftermath.

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By most accounts, the strikes by the U.S. and Israel have significantly degraded Iran's military capabilities and killed scores of senior leaders. But those tactical successes don't necessarily translate to achieving all the president's strategic aims.

Some of his objectives are difficult to achieve and if the U.S. walks away with unfinished aims and Iran's paramilitary Islamic Revolutionary Guard in power, Trump could face political fallout at home and global repercussions about what was accomplished in his decision to launch a war of choice that upended the Middle East and roiled the global economy.

Trump and the White House have insisted the operation is going well and on track to meet its goals. We are very close to meeting the core objectives of Operation Epic Fury, and this military mission continues unabated, press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters this week, saying the operation was ahead of schedule and performing exceptionally.

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Heres a look at the objectives as laid out by Trump and where they stand:

1. Completely degrading Iranian Missile Capability

One of the prime objectives laid out by the president with Iran was to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground."

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The administration says that the ability has been significantly degraded. But Iran is still launching missiles and drones, including a series of barrages at Israel as Trump claimed that negotiations with Iran were underway.

Trump said Thursday at the White House that about 90% of Iran's missiles and launchers have been knocked out, and that drones and the factories where drones and missiles are manufactured are way down.

2. Destroying Irans Defense Industrial Base

Before last week, the president and his administration sometimes listed this as a standalone objective, describing it as a goal to raze their missile industry to the ground. Other times, this has fallen off the list. The Pentagon has generally lumped it into the first objective of destroying Irans missile capability.

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U.S. Central Command has said its targets for strikes in Iran have included weapons production and missile and drone manufacturing facilities. But Iranian attacks against its Gulf neighbors and Israel continue.

3. Eliminating their Navy and Air Force

The U.S. and Israel quickly established air superiority in the skies above Iran, where they have flown largely unchallenged. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Thursday that the U.S. has damaged or destroyed more than 150 Iranian vessels.

After a U.S. submarine torpedoed and sank an Iranian warship in early March, two other Iranian vessels  the IRIS Bushehr and IRIS Lavan  docked in Sri Lanka and India and sought assistance from the two countries. There has been no indication from the U.S. that they have since been sunk or captured.

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Irans Revolutionary Guard has its own navy that also relies on smaller vessels to do swarm attacks and drop mines. It is unclear how much of that force remains or whether it has planted any mines. But Iranian missiles continue to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

4. Never allowing Iran to get even close to Nuclear Capability

Trump made a marked shift over the last year after declaring that the U.S. has obliterated Irans nuclear program in June, only for his aides to warn that Iran was just weeks away from a bomb to justify the current operations.

Iranian state media said its nuclear facilities were attacked Friday. A heavy water plant and a yellowcake production plant were struck and Israel later confirmed it was behind the strikes.

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Israel had previously announced strikes on other nuclear-related targets, including the killing of a top Iranian nuclear scientist.

One of the most pressing questions in the war is whether Trump will seek to seize or destroy about 970 pounds of enriched uranium that Tehran has that could potentially be used for a weapon.

Trump, for the first time on Monday, said the U.S. would retrieve the uranium, which is believed to be buried deep under a mountain facility. But he indicated that would occur if the U.S. struck some kind of deal with Iran to the U.S. to retrieve it. Without permission from Iran, seizing it would be a dangerous mission, experts say, and would require a sizable deployment of U.S. troops into the country.

5. Protecting, at the highest level, our Middle Eastern Allies

Trump, in a recent social media post, added a fifth objective for the U.S: Protecting, at the highest level, our Middle Eastern Allies, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and others. The Hormuz Strait will have to be guarded and policed, as necessary, by other Nations who use it  The United States does not!

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The U.S. already maintains thousands of troops on bases and other installations in the region. It's not clear how much further Trump is willing to go to protect Middle East allies from threats, and Iran is still able to attack those countries. Its also not clear how far the U.S. is willing to go to keep open the Strait of Hormuz. Trump has vacillated on whether the U.S. needs to take a role in policing it. He has again extended a deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on its power plants, now giving them until April 6.

Regime change is not officially on the list

Trump has spoken about regime change since the start of the war, encouraging the Iranian people to take over your government after Israel, assisted by the U.S., launched strikes that killed Iran's supreme leader and much of its upper echelon of leaders.

Trump and his administration, however, have never explicitly stated regime change as an objective in Iran, despite making it clear they want to end the repressive theocracy's 47-year reign.

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Trump said Thursday at the White House that the regime is largely decimated.

You could really say we have regime change because they have been killed, he said in a Fox News Channel interview.

Now the U.S. claims to be holding talks with elements of the same Iranian government as it looks to bring a swift end to the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic. Iran, however, continues to publicly insist it is not negotiating with the White House.

And Trump's initial hopes for the Iranian people appear set to continue unfulfilled.

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Also falling off the list: Cutting off support for Iranian proxy groups

Trump administration officials have offered few updates about this objective, which the president has described as ensuring that the regions terrorist proxies can no longer destabilize the region or the world and attack our forces and ensuring that the Iranian regime cannot continue to arm, fund, and direct terrorist armies outside of their borders.

While the U.S. has struck Iranian-aligned militia groups in Iraq, and Israel appears to be expanding its operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, the administration has not offered details about how its going to permanently halt Tehrans support for the militant groups.

The White House said in a statement that ensuring that Iranian proxy groups cannot further destabilize the region remains a key goal and that proxies are hardly putting up a fight because our United States Military is so strong and lethal.

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Memorial balloons, stuffed animals and flowers are placed on the porch of a home on Milford Street in Plainville on Saturday after a man killed his girlfriend and two children before killing himself Friday, police said. Jim Shannon/Hearst Connecticut Media Memorial balloons, stuffed animals and flowers are placed on the porch of a home on Milford Street in Plainville on Saturday after a man killed his girlfriend and two children before killing himself Friday, police said. Jim Shannon/Hearst Connecticut Media Memorial balloons, stuffed animals and flowers are placed on the porch of a home on Milford Street in Plainville on Saturday after a man killed his girlfriend and two children before killing himself Friday, police said. Jim Shannon/Hearst Connecticut Media Memorial balloons, stuffed animals and flowers are placed on the porch of a home on Milford Street in Plainville on Saturday after a man killed his girlfriend and two children before killing himself Friday, police said. Jim Shannon/Hearst Connecticut Media

PLAINVILLE  A local man shot and killed his girlfriend, two children and then himself at his home following a two-hour standoff with police on Friday, police said.

At a news conference Saturday, police said a woman called dispatchers at 3:53 p.m. Friday stating that her brother had called her claiming he had killed his girlfriend and 4-year-old daughter, and intended on taking his own life.

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Officers arrived at the Milford Street home shortly afterward and managed to make contact with the man, who was identified as 27-year-old Patrick King, police said.

The Central Region Emergency Response Team was activated to respond to the scene, police said. The SWAT unit consisted of officers from several neighboring municipalities, including Bristol, Southington, Cheshire and Plymouth, police said. The SWAT team took positions outside the home and deployed drones, police said.

Negotiations with officers occurred over two hours, police said, before the decision was made to deploy pepper gas inside the home in an attempt to get King to come outside and surrender.

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Plainville Police Chief Christopher Vanghele said following deployment of the gas, King shot himself. Though life-saving measures were attempted, he later was pronounced dead at a hospital, police said.

Inside the home, officers also found the bodies of 31-year old Felisha Matthews, King's girlfriend; 4-year-old Ava King and 12-year-old Mileena Matthews, who was Matthews' child from a previous relationship, police said. All three had been shot, police said.

Vanghele said the investigation remains ongoing and so far there is no identified motive.

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"This is a very dark day for the town of Plainville and for Connecticut," Vanghele said. "Our hearts are broken for the senseless loss, and our prayers go out to the family members who lost their loved ones."

Vanghele noted the firearms in the home were legally registered to King, and that Mileena Matthews was a student at the Middle School of Plainville. He said support services would be provided to students impacted by the incident.

Memorial balloons, stuffed animals and flowers were placed on the porch of the home on Saturday.
Steve Nakhoune was arrested in Shelton on first-degree robbery and other charges. Courtesy of Shelton Police Department On March 11, Shelton police responded to a gas station on Bridgeport Avenue after receiving a report of an armed robbery involving a shotgun, according to a department social media post Friday. Courtesy of Shelton Police Department On March 11, Shelton police responded to a gas station on Bridgeport Avenue after receiving a report of an armed robbery involving a shotgun, according to a department social media post Friday. Courtesy of Shelton Police Department On March 11, Shelton police responded to a gas station on Bridgeport Avenue after receiving a report of an armed robbery involving a shotgun, according to a department social media post Friday. Courtesy of Shelton Police Department On March 11, Shelton police responded to a gas station on Bridgeport Avenue after receiving a report of an armed robbery involving a shotgun, according to a department social media post Friday. Courtesy of Shelton Police Department

SHELTON  A man has been arrested in connection with a reported armed robbery at a Shelton gas station, as well as other alleged incidents, police said.

On March 11, Shelton police responded to a gas station on Bridgeport Avenue after receiving a report of an armed robbery involving a shotgun, according to a department social media post Friday.

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Police identified the suspect as Steve Nakhoune, 34. According to investigators, Nakhoune is alleged to have arrived in a stolen pickup truck traveling with a Toyota Camry driven by another individual. Police allege he entered the gas station with what appeared to be a sawed-off shotgun, pointed it at a cashier, and demanded money. The cashier was reportedly forced to the ground before the suspect left the scene, police said.

Detectives later obtained a warrant charging Nakhoune with first-degree robbery.

Police said that two days earlier, on March 9, Nakhoune had been released on bond following a separate Feb. 21 incident in Shelton that authorities described as a strong-arm robbery. In that case, police allege Nakhoune and several others assaulted a man at a gas station.

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According to police, that incident began after a man left a sandwich unattended while using the restroom and returned to find another person eating it. Authorities allege that after a phone call was made, Nakhoune and others arrived and assaulted the man.

Investigators also allege that Nakhoune and others were involved in a series of crimes across New England, including larcenies, burglaries and robberies, and that they were involved in police pursuits in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire.

Nakhoune was taken into custody on March 14 by Northampton police with assistance from the Massachusetts State Police, according to authorities.

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He was extradited to Connecticut on March 19 and charged with first-degree robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, fifth-degree larceny and third-degree assault of an elderly person, police said.

Nakhoune is being held on a $750,000 court-set bond.

The investigation remains ongoing, police said.

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President Donald Trump speaks at the Future Investment Initiative Institute's summit Friday, March 27, 2026, in Miami Beach, Fla. Mark Schiefelbein/AP President Donald Trump steps off Air Force One, Friday, March 27, 2026, at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Fla. Mark Schiefelbein/AP From left, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, President Donald Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick listen during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Washington. Alex Brandon/AP

WASHINGTON (AP)  President Donald Trump says the United States is winning the war with Iran even as thousands of additional American troops deploy to the Middle East.

He has pilloried other countries for not helping the U.S., only to say later he does not need their assistance. He has twice delayed deadlines for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He has both threatened to obliterate Iran's energy plants if the vital waterway remains largely shuttered and said the U.S. was not affected" by the closure.

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At one point this month, Trump said one of his predecessors  who, he strongly suggested, was a Democrat  privately told him he wished he had taken similar action against Iran. Representatives for every living former president quickly denied that such a conversation happened.

As the war entered its second month on Saturday, Trump's penchant for embellishments, exaggerations and falsehoods is being tested in an environment where the stakes are much higher than an isolated political fight.

A president who has long embraced bluster and salesmanship to shape narratives and focus attention is confronting the unpredictability of war.

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Leon Panetta, who served Democratic presidents as defense secretary, CIA director and White House chief of staff, said he has seen enough wars where truth becomes the first casualty.

Its not the first administration that has not told the truth about war, he said. But the president has made it kind of a very standard approach to almost any question to in one way or another kind of lie about whats really happening and basically describe everything as fine and that were winning the war.

Michael Rubin, a historian at the American Enterprise Institute who worked as a staff adviser on Iran and Iraq at the Pentagon from 2002 to 2004, said Trump is the first president of any party in recent history that hasnt self-constrained to live within rhetorical boundaries.

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So of course it creates a great deal of confusion, he said.

The zigs and zags are the point

To his critics, Trump's style is a sign that doesn't have a coherent long-term strategy. But for Trump, the zigs and zags seem like the point, a method that keeps his opponents  and pretty much everyone else  always on their heels.

The approach was clear this week in the hours before he announced the second delay of the deadline for Iran to reopen the strait. Asked what he would do about the deadline, Trump said he did not know and that he had a day before he had to decide.

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In Trump time, a day, you know what it is, thats an eternity, the Republican president said to laughter from members of his Cabinet.

But investors are unimpressed, with U.S. stocks closing out their worst week since the war began. To some on Capitol Hill, the freewheeling is more frustrating than amusing.

Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, lamented that Trump is going back and forth and constantly contradicting himself.

The administration is winging it, he said. So how can you trust what the president says?

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Republicans were not willing to go that far, but their concern was apparent heading into a two-week break from Washington. Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana said his constituents support what the president has done.

But most of my people are also equally or even more so concerned about cost of living, he said.

Republican Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, who sits on the House Budget Committee and is a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, said his constituents were on board with blowing some crap up. Nonetheless, he expressed reservations about the prospect of ground troops and said the administration has not provided enough details in briefings for lawmakers. Such sessions, he said, only reveal information you read in the papers.

Taking out bad guys, taking out conventional (weapons), taking out or at least working to take out nuclear capability, pressing to keep the straits open, all those are good things and Ive been supportive and will continue to be supportive, Roy said. But weve got to have a serious conversation about how long this is going to go, boots on the ground, all those things, press for further briefings and understanding of where its all headed.

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Republicans back Trump but there are risks

While Trump has maintained deep support among Republicans, a poll this week from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research indicates that the president risks frustrating his voters if the U.S. 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.

That reflects the political challenges ahead for Trump, who did not prepare the country for such an extensive overseas conflict. If the war drags on or escalates, pressure on Republicans could build before the November elections, when their majorities in Congress are at risk. Some in the party have said sending in ground troops would be a red line that Trump should not cross.

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The administration also will likely need congressional support for an additional $200 billion to support the war. That amount of money, which Trump has said would be nice to have, even as he said the war was winding down, would be a tough vote at any time. But it poses particular risks for budget-conscious Republicans in an election year.

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement that Trump is right to highlight the vast success of Operation Epic Fury.

Iran desperately wants to make a deal because of how badly they are being decimated, but the President reserves all options, military or not, at all times, she said.

There could be some logic to Trump's approach

Rubin, the former Iran and Iraq adviser at the Pentagon, said there could be some logic to the president's ever-evolving rhetorical approach to the war. He said Trump's initial comments about ongoing negotiations, which Iran denied, could spread suspicion and fear within the regime circles.

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Perhaps Donald Trump or those advising him simply want the Iranians to grow so paranoid they refuse to cooperate with each other or perhaps they even turn on each other, he said. But then again, there's always a danger with Donald Trump of assuming that his rhetoric is anything more than shooting from the hip.

Rep. Adam Smith of Washington state, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, said Trump is not going to be able to fully achieve his objectives, including the complete elimination of Iran's nuclear program, in the current trajectory.

And if that is the case, Smith said, the president has the option to rely on his rhetorical skills to simply say the U.S. won  and end the war.

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Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., leaves after a closed door briefing on the Iran war before the Senate Armed Services Committee at the Capitol Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Washington. Jose Luis Magana/AP Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., descends an stairwell after a vote at the Capitol, Friday, March 20, 2026, in Washington. Tom Brenner/AP Chinese President Xi Jinping applauds during the closing session of the National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Thursday, March 12, 2026. Ng Han Guan/AP

WASHINGTON (AP)  A bipartisan group of four senators has plans to visit Taiwan, Japan and South Korea in the coming days on a trip meant to bolster U.S. alliances seen as important to countering China's dominance in Asia.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, announced the trip Saturday. She will be joined by Sens. John Curtis, R-Utah, Thom Tillis, R-N.C., and Jacky Rosen, D-Nev. Their visits to Taipei, Tokyo and Seoul are coming before President Donald Trump's trip to Beijing in May for a rescheduled summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

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The lawmakers' stop in Taiwan could draw scrutiny from China, which opposes such relations and sees them as a challenge to its claim of sovereignty over the self-governing island. Taiwan relies on American backing for its democracy, but recent moves by Trump, such as discussing a potential weapons sales to Taiwan with Xi, have raised questions about the future direction of U.S. policy.

Analysts in both China and the United States believe Xi, through the leader-level summit, will try to influence Trump to soften the U.S. stance on Taiwan.

This bipartisan delegation demonstrates Congress commitment to these alliances and partnerships is unwavering and will endure well beyond any one administration, Shaheen said in a statement.

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In a show of reassurance to the Asian allies, the lawmakers plan to meet with political leaders and defense officials on their trip.

Our alliance with Taiwan is one of the most strategically and morally significant partnerships America has in the Indo-Pacific, Curtis said.

It remains to be seen how Trump's intervention in Venezuela, Iran and elsewhere could influence other powers such as China and Russia. But there is some concern among lawmakers that the Republican president's actions could be seen as giving those countries an opening for their own foreign moves.

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The economic relationship with Taiwan has also come under scrutiny from the Trump administration. The U.S. is reliant on Taiwan for its production of computer chips, which contributed to a trade imbalance of nearly $127 billion during the first 11 months of 2025.

The Trump administration reached a deal with Taiwan in February that removed 99% of its trade barriers.

During another visit by a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers last year, they emphasized that the U.S. would continue to partner closely with Taiwan.

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Chinese envoy condemns U.S.-Israeli atrocities in attacks on Iranian school

Xinhua) 15:18, March 28, 2026

GENEVA, March 28 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Friday condemned the U.S.-Israeli atrocities in their attacks on a school in Iran at a meeting of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

At the request of Iran, China and Cuba, the 61st session of the UNHRC held an urgent debate on the attacks on the Shajareh Tayyebeh Girls' School in Minab, Iran. Jia Guide, China's permanent representative and ambassador to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, attended and elaborated on China's position.

Jia denounced the attacks on the school in Minab, which claimed the lives of 168 innocent girls, as an act that crosses the line of human morality, the worst violation of human rights, and a blatant contempt of international humanitarian law.

He said China is deeply shocked by the attack, strongly condemns it, and expresses sympathy for the families of the victims.

Jia pointed out that the United States and Israel launched the attack on Iran brazenly without the authorization of the UN Security Council, which was the root cause of the tragedy.

He said the United States and Israel had not only killed Iranian leaders, seriously violated the human rights of the Iranian people, but also escalated tensions in the Middle East, dragging countries in the region into the fray.

The sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of all countries should be fully respected, Jia said, adding that China strongly condemns all acts that violate international law and target civilians and non-military facilities indiscriminately.

Jia stressed that all hotspot issues should be resolved through dialogue and negotiation, and not by the use of force.

He also noted that all parties must seize every opportunity for peace, launch the peace process with a sincere attitude, take practical actions to protect the basic human rights of people in the region, and safeguard peace and stability in the Middle East.

(Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun)
Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited (NYSE:HMY) is one of the Best Mid Cap Value Stocks to Buy in 2026. On March 11, Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited (NYSE:HMY) released its interim results for the six-month period that ended December 31, 2025.

During the first half of fiscal 2026, the company grew its group revenue by around 20% to R44.4 billion from R37.1 billion in the first half of fiscal 2025. The net profit for the first half increased 24% to R9.8 billion, with headline earnings growing 13% to R8.9 billion. The company produced a total of 22,522 kg, down 9% year-over-year due to temporary challenges in fiscal Q2 2026.

Harmony Gold Mining (HMY) Releases Interim Six Months Results

Management highlighted its strategic transformation from a pure gold producer to a diversified gold-copper company. The company expects copper to contribute 40% of the total production by fiscal 2035. The transformation is driven by the recent acquisition of the CSA copper mine and the development of the Eva Copper project.

Harmony Gold Mining Company Ltd. (NYSE:HMY) is a major, experienced gold producer and specialist with extensive operations in South Africa and Papua New Guinea, and a growing copper portfolio in Australia. It manages the full mining life cycle, including exploration, development, and operation of underground and surface mines, while being a leader in gold tailings retreatment.

While we acknowledge the potential of HMY 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 High-Flying Penny Stocks to Buy and 10 Cheap Stocks to Buy for High Returns in 2026.

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The Rev. Al Sharpton,in Hartford to speak at the funeral of a man shot and killed by police, paid a visit Thursday to Gov. Ned Lamont, whom he endorsed for a third four-year term. Ken Dixon/Hearst Connecticut Media

HARTFORD  Twenty years after the Rev. Al Sharpton joined Jesse Jackson to support Ned Lamont's upstart challenge to U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman, the New York clergy man paid a visit Thursday to the State Capitol and declared that the Democratic governor deserves a third four-year term.

In the city to speak at the funeral of a man shot and killed during a police encounter last month, Sharpton's motorcade of SUVs pulled up to the State Capitol's south entrance at around 2 p.m. Sharpton's team spent about a half hour in the governor's second-floor office, joined by Democratic senators who took time out from their day's business to talk about the need for better training for police to assist people in crisis without violent confrontations.

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"I've known Ned Lamont for many years," Sharpton told a few reporters outside Lamont's office, recalling the 2006 Senate campaign in which he and the late Jackson worked for Lamont, who won the Democratic primary but lost the general election to Lieberman. "I wanted to come by and say hello. I can honestly say as somebody who has been out here a long time, he's one of the best governors in the country. Jesse liked him and I came behind Jesse and I would not come to Connecticut without trying to come by and see the governor."

Sharpton recalled a two-week long campaign in inner-city churches in support of Lamont, at the request of Jackson, back in 2006. "He would tease me that he didn't want to speak after me in a Black church," Sharpton said. "It was a little intimidating," Lamont recalled with a smile.

"He knew me before I was on television and I knew him before he was governor, so we both did alright," Sharpton said.

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The 71-year-old Baptist minister and civil rights activist declined to comment on the state's recent history of police-involved shootings, stressing that the investigation of the Feb. 27 killing of Steven Jones of Hartford, who was wielding a knife during a mental health crisis, needs time to proceed. Sharpton, Lamont and legislative leaders agreed that police need more training to deescalate such confrontations.

"There should be guidelines and let the criminal justice system deal with the investigation, but at the same time, let us deal with the policy issues," he said. "We've had two incidents in Hartford in the last eight days and that calls for some serious analysis of what's going on here."

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"More training in general for mental health for our police officers," Lamont said. "Gotta have the right response, the appropriate response. They don't always have that right." Lamont said will support pending legislation on the issue as the General Assembly heads toward its May 6 deadline. "This was a serious mental health issue" he said.
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Greenwich, Connecticut-based Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. (IBKR) operates as an automated electronic broker in the United States and internationally. The company has a market cap of $112.3 billion and executes, clears, and settles trades in stocks, options, futures, foreign exchange instruments, and more.

IBKR is expected to release its Q1 2026 earnings soon. Ahead of the event, analysts expect the companys EPS to be $0.57 on a diluted basis, up 21.3% from $0.47 in the year-ago quarter. The company has exceeded Wall Streets EPS estimates in three of its last four quarters, while missing on one occasion.

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For fiscal 2026, analysts project the companys EPS to be $2.35, up 7.3% from $2.19 in fiscal 2025. Moreover, its EPS is expected to rise by roughly 6.8% year over year (YoY) to $2.51 in fiscal 2027.

www.barchart.com

IBKR stock has surged 52.2% over the past 52 weeks, outperforming the S&P 500 Indexs ($SPX) 13.4% rise and the State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETFs (XLF) 2.5% decline during the same time frame.

www.barchart.com

On Jan. 21, IBKR stock rose 6% following the release of its Q4 2025 earnings. The companys revenue grew 17.3% from the prior years quarter to $1.6 billion and surpassed the Streets estimates. Moreover, its adjusted EPS amounted to $0.65, also coming in on top of Wall Street estimates.

Analysts are highly bullish on IBKR, with the stock having a Strong Buy rating overall. Among the eight analysts covering the stock, seven are recommending a Strong Buy, and one suggests a Hold. IBKRs average analyst price target is $84.43, indicating an upside of 27.5% from the current levels.

On the date of publication, Aritra Gangopadhyay did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com
Is HRL a good stock to buy? We came across a bullish thesis on Hormel Foods Corporation on The Boring Finance Guys Substack. In this article, we will summarize the bulls thesis on HRL. Hormel Foods Corporation's share was trading at $23.05 as of March 25th. HRLs trailing and forward P/E were 24.88 and 15.27 respectively according to Yahoo Finance.

Is HRL a good stock to buy? Spam, Food, Meat Loaf, Can, Goods

Photo by Hannes Johnson on Unsplash

Hormel Foods Corporation (HRL) is undergoing a strategic transformation from a traditional commodity processor into a global branded food company through its Invest, Transform, Grow initiative. The company operates across three segments: Retail, which generates 62% of sales through iconic brands like SPAM, Skippy, Planters, Jennie-O, and Applegate; Foodservice, contributing 32% of sales with high-margin, labor-saving solutions for restaurants, schools, and hotels; and International, representing 6% of sales with global exports and joint ventures such as MegaMex.

Read More: 15 AI Stocks That Are Quietly Making Investors Rich

Read More: Undervalued AI Stock Poised For Massive Gains: 10000% Upside Potential

Despite recent challenges, including impairments in the International segment and margin compression to ~8.4% adjusted, HRL maintains strong brand equity and market presence, with products in ~84% of U.S. households and durable switching costs in Foodservice. Its Foodservice business continues to outperform, benefiting from robust demand for labor-saving products.

The companys Transform and Modernize program targets $250 million in operating income growth by 2026 through supply chain automation, portfolio simplification, and operational efficiency, while international expansion and innovation in snacking brands like Planters offer additional upside. HRL also preserves a 4.8% dividend yield, providing a reliable income floor for investors.

While current ROIC is depressed at ~6.7% due to past capital misallocation and restructuring, the strategic initiatives aim to restore profitability and enhance shareholder value over the next 23 years. Hormels combination of resilient brands, growth potential in Foodservice, and disciplined execution of its transformation plan positions it for long-term appreciation, making it particularly attractive to income-oriented portfolios willing to wait for strategic execution to bear fruit.

Previously, we covered a bullish thesis on Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. (CALM) by Charly AI in April 2025, which highlighted growth from elevated egg prices, efficient operations, and cage-free investments. CALMs stock price has depreciated by approximately 15.72% since our coverage as egg prices normalized, compressing earnings expectations. The Boring Finance Guy shares a similar view but emphasizes Hormel Foods Corporations (HRL) transformation and resilient Foodservice segment, making it attractive only to income-oriented portfolios willing to wait 23 years.
On the internet, popularity does not always equal revenue.

In some cases, well-loved content simply does not meet the needs of advertisers, and in others, the cost of creating the content simply outpaces the revenue it produces.

Part of the challenge is that even readers who don't use an ad blocker tune out most ads.

"The average clickthrough rate is a measly 0.05 percent, so publishers covered their sites with increasingly obtrusive ads," Wired reported.

In addition, most ad dollars do not go to content or journalism websites.

"The global advertising market surpassed $1 trillio in 2025, while contributing less and less to the financing of journalism, according to The Forum on Information and Democracys report.

The data identify other beneficiaries of this fast-growing market.

"Chief among them are the leading digital companies Meta, Alphabet (the parent company of Google), and Amazon. These three alone accounted for more than 55% of the global advertising market, excluding China, in 2025  a share that could exceed 60% by 2030."

That has made the content business very challenging, and it was too much for Food52, a popular recipe and cooking community website, to overcome. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in December and has now received permission from a bankruptcy court judge to ask its creditor to approve its liquidation plan.

Food52 will be broken up

"A Delaware bankruptcy judge approved motions Friday allowing e-commerce group Food52 to send its Chapter 11 liquidation plan out for a creditor vote, overruling an objection by the U.S. Trustee's Office," Law 360 reported.

The company entered Chapter 11 with a plan to sell off its assets.

America's Test Kitchen (ATK) entered into an agreement in December for the acquisition of certain assets of Food52, Inc., according to a press release.

"Food52, Inc. has filed a voluntary petition for Chapter 11 relief in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware to facilitate an auction sale of substantially all of its assets, with ATK serving as the proposed stalking horse bidder," the companies shared.

In the end, assuming creditors approve, the brand's assets will be split among three companies.

More Bankruptcy:

"Food52 itself went to stalking horse bidder Americas Test Kitchen, which acquired the company for $9.9 million, plus the assumption of some liabilities. Oregon-based whole home brand Schoolhouse was purchased by Troy-CSL, a division of the Hudson Valley Lighting Group, for $2.2 million. Dansk, the heritage tabletop brand, was sold to design licensing agency Form Portfolios for $250,000," Business of Home reported.
Watertown, NY (13601)

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Cloudy with rain developing later in the day. High 61F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a half an inch. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

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Make better investment decisions with Simply Wall St's easy, visual tools that give you a competitive edge.

Infosys is back in focus after its fair value estimate was trimmed from 1,724.32 to 1,667.80, a modest adjustment that has caught the eye of investors tracking analyst models. That shift lines up with recent Street research, where some firms are cutting targets and others nudging them higher, while keeping a close watch on how Infosys handles AI and large deal execution. As you read on, you will see how these changing views shape the story around the stock and what to watch next in the evolving narrative.

Stay updated as the Fair Value for Infosys shifts by adding it to your watchlist or portfolio. Alternatively, explore our Community to discover new perspectives on Infosys.

What Wall Street Has Been Saying

 Bullish Takeaways

TD Cowen lifted its Infosys price target to US$17 from US$16 and kept a Hold rating, describing the broader services setup for 2026 as constructive, with an eye on enterprise IT spend and current valuation levels.

Several firms including Susquehanna, TD Cowen, BMO Capital, Stifel, and BofA raised price targets in mid January 2026, signaling interest in Infosys as they refreshed assumptions after recent updates.

 Bearish Takeaways

Jefferies cut its rating on Infosys to Hold from Buy and trimmed the price target to US$14.31 from US$20.82, highlighting the risk that AI could shift revenue toward more cyclical consulting and implementation work and away from managed services.

Stifel reduced its price target to US$17 from US$19 after Infosys' India investor day, retaining a Hold stance and pointing readers to a more balanced risk reward profile rather than a clear upside skew.

Do your thoughts align with the Bull or Bear Analysts? Perhaps you think there's more to the story. Head to the Simply Wall St Community to discover more perspectives!

NSEI:INFY 1-Year Stock Price Chart

We've flagged 1 risk for Infosys. See which could impact your investment.

What's in the News
Hey Blake,

What was the name of the Metairie place owned by the Brennan family that sold gourmet meals to go in the 1990s? It was near Dorignacs on Veterans Boulevard. It got a lot of buzz for a while, but then closed after a few years.

Dear reader,

When Ti Adelaide Martin, now best known as co-proprietor of Commanders Palace, announced the opening of Foodies Kitchen in Metairie in 1999, the Associated Press reported: the Brennan family of restaurateurs is opening a gourmet takeout.

The $3.7 million food emporium offered entire meals to go, along with a selection of baked breads, wines, fresh produce and meats, specialty food items, a coffee bar and more than 120 items available daily.

"It's a [meals] market," Martin said in a 1999 Times-Picayune article previewing the stores opening. "You go there to buy meals to eat there or take home. It's one big kitchen, 8,300 square feet, where you can buy food. Just food. Whatever's ready to heat, eat or cook."

Located at 720 Veterans Memorial Blvd. near Dorignacs Food Center, Foodies Kitchen employed 40 chefs and 125 workers.

The business quickly gained popularity, even earning a mention in Gourmet magazine. In 2001, a second location opened Uptown at 7547 St. Charles Ave. Two years later, Martin sold her stake in the business to local accountant Robert Champagne. Despite her departure, The Times-Picayune reported that an agreement allowed the stores to continue offering Commander's Palace salad and turtle soup.

The Metairie location of Foodies closed in 2004. The Uptown location closed a few years later and then housed an outpost of Willie Maes Scotch House. It is now A Gallery for Fine Photography.
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Aris Mining Corporation (NYSE:ARIS) was featured on Mad Money as Jim Cramer shared his take on the stock amid a sliding macro environment. A caller asked for Cramers take on the company, and he commented:

Oh man, a Vancouver miner is always going to be way too speculative. Youre never going to see me recommend a Vancouver miner. Theyre just too hard, and Ive lost too much money in them over the course of multiple years.

Aris Mining Corporation (NYSE:ARIS) focuses on the acquisition, exploration, and development of gold properties and also maintains interests in silver and copper deposits.

While we acknowledge the potential of ARIS 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.

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Dartmoor has been recognised as one of the best places to live in the South West in the 2026 guide compiled by The Sunday Times.

The national newspapers annual Best Places to Live list highlights locations across the UK based on factors including schools, transport, broadband, culture, green spaces and the strength of local high streets.

READ NEXT: Plymouth residents urged to speak out over proposed parking charge hikes

The guide is published online and in print as a special supplement.

Judges described Dartmoor as the countrys most magical outdoor playground, pointing to its dramatic landscapes, historic villages and strong communities.

Among the towns singled out were Chagford and Ashburton.

Chagford was praised as pretty, arty and community-minded, with good pubs, local shops, allotments, a primary school and an open-air swimming pool.

Ashburton was noted for being younger, busier and better connected, thanks to its proximity to the A38, as well as its lively town centre offering independent shops selling local food, vintage clothing, comics and musical instruments.

Dartmoor was one of several South West locations included in the guide, alongside places in Dorset, Cornwall, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Bristol.

The regional winner for 2026 was Malmesbury, while Norwich was named the overall best place to live in the UK.

Helen Davies, editorial projects director and guide editor, said the list aims to highlight communities where people are proud to live.

This guide is a great opportunity to highlight the best places in Britain, she said.

One thing all our chosen locations have in common is that the people who live in them are proud to call them home.

She added that judges travel widely to assess each location in person and speak to residents about local life.

The guide focuses on thriving communities rather than simply areas with high property prices.

New entries feature heavily in this years list, reflecting changing patterns of where people want to live.

Across the South West, other locations highlighted included Exmouth and the Cornish towns of Falmouth and Penryn.

Judges said Exmouth is attracting a younger population thanks to rail links to Exeter and its long sandy beach, while Falmouth and Penryn were praised for combining the energy of a university town with the character of a working port and seaside resort.

In total, 72 locations across the UK were selected for the 2026 guide, covering places from large cities to small rural communities.

The Best Places to Live list is based on a wide range of data and on-the-ground assessments, including mobile signal, amenities, housing, community spirit and environmental quality.

The recognition places Dartmoor alongside some of the countrys most desirable locations, highlighting the national appeal of its landscape, villages and way of life.
After Camdens police force was shut down in 2013, the state stepped in and created a new county force that was vastly different. It was community-oriented and bolstered with sophisticated surveillance systems.

We started targeting drug trafficking organizations, which had a large responsibility in a lot of these homicides. We started seeing a decline in shootings because they were becoming more disorganized. Terry King 52, retired deputy of investigations at the Camden County Prosecutors Office They did the eye-in-the-sky technology with the cameras, and I think a lot of that drove the drug trade inside. Michael Mangold 70, chief of staff for the Camden County Prosecutors Office Theres nowhere in this city where you can walk without being on video. Frank Simpson 48, commander of the Camden County Prosecutors Offices homicide unit When it started transitioning, we didnt trust it, like theyre setting us up. Police would be out there, set in different places where kids are walking to go to school. And thats where we started to see a change. Our kids felt safer, our parents were feeling better. Tameeka Mason 43, Camden resident who works for the school district

That was the mindset back then. Preparing the warrior to go out there. And now its more about make sure you stop by and take a case of water to Mrs. Jones. See if the Perez family needs any groceries because we have a pantry. We can go and deliver. Gabriel Rodriguez 43, chief of the Camden County Police Department

Gabe Rodriguez Rachel Wisniewski for The New York Times

I called Metro [Camden County Police Department]: I got 300 people coming to a block party. You know what they said? Were pulling up with Mr. Softee. Three hundred and fifty people got ice cream for free. Once you build that relationship with law enforcement, Im going to feel comfortable calling you. Samir Nichols 30, Camden native and executive director of Superior Arts Institute, a youth arts nonprofit

As changes in policing took effect, community organizations stepped up to address needs such as mentorship and work-force training programs for young people. And violence interruption programs like Connect4Peace (formerly Cure4Camden) began to employ credible messengers  people with deep roots and trust in the community, often with criminal histories  to engage in direct outreach with people at risk of perpetuating violence.

Community policing is very sexy. You get all this money to give kids ice cream cones and burgers. Handing them an ice cream cone and a burger or whatever, its not going to take a gun out of their hands. Teaching them self-control, teaching them social-emotional learning, long-term investment is what really changes things. Tim Merrill 65, director of the Imani Hope Center

Tim Merrill Rachel Wisniewski for The New York Times

Violence prevention for me means investing in our youth. If they cant see their greatness and have appreciation for their culture, then theyll go ahead and destroy that. Namibia El 50, Camden resident and youth program volunteer Reclaiming the vacant houses has absolutely contributed to the violence prevention. The worst things happen in that vacant house. Were now over 1,000 houses that weve done in the city. Pilar Hogan Closkey 58, executive director of St. Josephs Carpenter Society

[Violence interrupters] play a big role. This city is full of just amazing individuals who just sacrificed their time for the young folks. Louis Cappelli Jr. 63, director of the Camden County Board of Commissioners I was walking in the neighborhood, and I happened to see these three guys, and I introduced myself. Two of them ended up getting into a real bad type of situation, and we were able to come in and mediate that situation because they felt comfortable enough with us. Maria Hernandez 43, program supervisor at Connect4Peace

Stanley Winrow and Maria Hernandez work to prevent violence in Camden, N.J. Rachel Wisniewski for The New York Times
For House Republicans, an Exodus Rivaled Only by Trumps First Term

As the midterm election cycle gets underway, lawmakers are departing the House of Representatives in droves  propelled by age, political calculations and sheer frustration with the dysfunction and paralysis of the institution.

Cumulative announced departures from the House by election cycle 700 500 300 100 Days until election  10 20 30 40 50 60 70 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022 2024 63 departures as of April 28, 2026 Note: Line for 2026 does not include Matt Gaetz, who resigned before he was sworn into the 119th Congress.

The number of Republicans departing the House this cycle is one of the highest since 1930, according to Brookings Vital Statistics on Congress. This cycles Republican departures are surpassed only by 2018, the midterm election year during President Trumps first term when his party was also bracing for big losses. (The G.O.P. lost 40 House seats, and the majority, that year.)

More Republicans have announced departures than Democrats so far Through the same point in each cycle (189 days until Election Day) 2026 Trump 23 Dem. 40 Rep. 2024 Biden 26 24 2022 Biden 35 22 2020 Trump 9 32 2018 Trump 19 47 2016 Obama 16 26 2014 Obama 19 29 2012 Obama 27 20 2010 Obama 22 20 2008 Bush 8 29 2006 Bush 11 18 Note: Chart excludes Bernie Sanders, an Independent who announced his departure in 2005 to run for Senate, and Justin Amash, a Libertarian who announced his departure in 2020 to run for president.

Such a high rate of turnover in the majority party typically reflects incumbents preferring to leave Congress than risk serving in the minority. More than 30 Democrats departed the House during the 2022 midterm election cycle, in which Republicans won the majority.

Over the past year, G.O.P. resignations have reflected the challenge of remaining unified amid intraparty fissures and constant pressure from Mr. Trump to fall in line on every issue. When she announced her abrupt resignation in the middle of her term in December, Representative Majorie Taylor Greene likened serving in Congress to being a battered wife, and said Americans were right not to trust their government.

Several members from both parties are seeking Senate or governors seats that offer longer terms and an escape from the burdens of governing from one of the slimmest majorities in modern congressional history.

Members vacating their seats to run for another office Through the same point in each cycle (189 days until Election Day) 2026 31 2024 18 2022 16 2020 9 2018 22 2016 13 2014 17 2012 16 2010 19 2008 9 2006 17 Note: Chart includes those who announced plans to run for another office, even if they later withdrew from that race.

While Novembers midterm elections may be some of the tightest in several cycles, few departures so far are expected to significantly alter the balance of power in the House.

Each party has so far gained just one opportunity to flip a seat in a district won by the other partys presidential candidate. Republicans have a strong chance of picking up the seat being vacated by Representative Jared Golden, Democrat of Maine, who repeatedly managed to win in a Trump-friendly district. And Democrats have an opportunity to flip the seat being vacated by Representative Don Bacon, Republican of Nebraska, who represents an Omaha-centered district that has increasingly trended toward Democrats.

An aggressive redistricting arms race instigated by Republicans and matched by Democrats has also reshaped the political map. In Texas, Representative Lloyd Doggett, a Democrat, opted for retirement after his district was combined with that of a fellow Democrat, Representative Greg Casar. In California, Representative Darrell Issa, a Republican, is ending his 12-term career rather than run in a newly drawn district likely to favor a Democrat.

The turnover lays the groundwork for generational change that some Democrats have resisted for years. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Democrat of California, and her longtime No. 2 in leadership, Representative Steny H. Hoyer of Maryland, both octogenarians, each announced their retirements after decades in the House.

Republicans are also poised to lose a wave of senior lawmakers who lead key panels, including Representatives Jodey Arrington of Texas, the Budget Committee chairman; Sam Graves of Missouri, the chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee; and Mark Amodei, who heads the subcommittee that oversees homeland security spending. Their exits mean a loss of institutional knowledge but will also open the door for younger members to ascend.

Announced departures in the 2026 cycle Seats that are competitive or likely to flip All Democrats (23) Republicans (40) Representative  Reason 2024 margin Bacon R Neb. 2 Retiring +5 Harris Golden D Maine 2 Retiring +9 Trump Issa R Calif. 48 (Redrawn) Retiring +3 Harris James R Mich. 10 Running for governor +7 Trump Schweikert R Ariz. 1 Running for governor +3 Trump Amodei R Nev. 2 Retiring +14 Trump Arrington R Texas 19 Retiring +52 Trump Barr R Ky. 6 Running for Senate +15 Trump Biggs R Ariz. 5 Running for governor +20 Trump Brownley D Calif. 26 (Redrawn) Retiring +15 Harris Buchanan R Fla. 16 Retiring +15 Trump Carter R Ga. 1 Running for Senate +16 Trump Cherfilus-McCormick D Fla. 20 Resigned +40 Harris Collins R Ga. 10 Running for Senate +21 Trump Craig D Minn. 2 Running for Senate +6 Harris Crockett D Texas 30 (Redrawn) Ran for Senate +47 Harris Davis D Ill. 7 Retiring +65 Harris Doggett D Texas 37 (Redrawn) Retiring +56 Harris Donalds R Fla. 19 Running for governor +29 Trump Dunn R Fla. 2 Retiring +18 Trump Evans D Pa. 3 Retiring +77 Harris Feenstra R Iowa 4 Running for governor +31 Trump Garcia D Ill. 4 Retiring +28 Harris Gonzales R Texas 23 (Redrawn) Resigned +15 Trump Graves R Mo. 6 (Redrawn) Retiring +27 Trump Green R Tenn. 7 Resigned +22 Trump Greene R Ga. 14 Resigned +37 Trump Hageman R Wyo. At-Large Running for Senate +46 Trump Hern R Okla. 1 Running for Senate +22 Trump Hinson R Iowa 2 Running for Senate +10 Trump Hoyer D Md. 5 Retiring +33 Harris Hunt R Texas 38 (Redrawn) Running for Senate +21 Trump Johnson R S.D. At-Large Running for governor +29 Trump Kelly D Ill. 2 Ran for Senate +33 Harris Krishnamoorthi D Ill. 8 Ran for Senate +7 Harris Letlow R La. 5 Running for Senate +36 Trump Loudermilk R Ga. 11 Retiring +23 Trump Luttrell R Texas 8 (Redrawn) Retiring +28 Trump Mace R S.C. 1 Running for governor +13 Trump McCaul R Texas 10 (Redrawn) Retiring +23 Trump Moore R Ala. 1 Running for Senate +55 Trump Moulton D Mass. 6 Running for Senate +21 Harris Nadler D N.Y. 12 Retiring +64 Harris Nehls R Texas 22 (Redrawn) Retiring +22 Trump Newhouse R Wash. 4 Retiring +21 Trump Norman R S.C. 5 Running for governor +23 Trump Owens R Utah 4 (Redrawn) Retiring +33 Trump Pappas D N.H. 1 Running for Senate +2 Harris Pelosi D Calif. 11 Retiring +68 Harris Rose R Tenn. 6 Running for governor +35 Trump Roy R Texas 21 (Redrawn) Running for state attorney general +22 Trump Schakowsky D Ill. 9 Retiring +37 Harris Sherrill D N.J. 11 Ran for governor +9 Harris Stefanik R N.Y. 21 Ran for governor +21 Trump Stevens D Mich. 11 Running for Senate +16 Harris Swalwell D Calif. 14 (Redrawn) Resigned +35 Harris Tiffany R Wis. 7 Running for governor +23 Trump Veasey D Texas 33 (Redrawn) Ran for county judge +33 Harris Velazquez D N.Y. 7 Retiring +46 Harris Waltz R Fla. 6 Appointed National Security Advisor +30 Trump Watson Coleman D N.J. 12 Retiring +24 Harris Webster R Fla. 11 Retiring +16 Trump Zinke R Mont. 1 Retiring +12 Trump Notes: Seats shown as competitive or likely to flip are rated by Cook Political Report as tossups, lean or likely to be the opposing party of its current member. 2024 presidential margins are for redrawn districts in states that have passed new maps.

Other departures this cycle All Democrats (4) Republicans (2) Representative Reason Replaced by Connolly D Va. 11 Died Walkinshaw D Crenshaw R Texas 2 (Redrawn) Lost primary  Grijalva D Ariz. 7 Died Grijalva D LaMalfa R Calif. 1 (Redrawn) Died Special election

on Aug. 4, 2026 Scott D Ga. 13 Died  Turner D Texas 18 (Redrawn) Died Menefee D
New Days of Infamy!

History has repeated itself.

In December 1941 the diplomatic envoys from Japan met their US counterparts for peace discussions.

While in the midst of those negotiations, the Japanese sneak-attacked Pearl Harbor.

In March 2026, special envoys (con-man) Jared Kushner and (witless) Steve Witkoff were meeting with Iran's representatives for peace discussions. during which the Iranians had agreed to "give up" their uranium supply.

One day later, in the midst of those negotiations. The United States sneak-attacked Iran...

History repeats itself - except, this time we are the sneak attackers.

Just another Day of Infamy!
Balen era has begun in Nepal. With the 35-year -old - engineer -rapper -son of Ayurvedic doctor and home maker, Balendra Shah, popular as Balen, taking over the reins on Friday, March 27, 2026 as the Prime Minister of the land locked Himalayan country, the Gen -Z has brought down the curtains on the era of the old guard politicians. Nepal has witnessed political instability ever since the country ended its tryst with the Monarchy in the 90s.

The change has come just six -months after frustrated youth took to the streets.

What a contrast it is to the developments in neighbouring Bangladesh.

There too youth had hit the streets. And ended the Sheik Hasina era in August 2024 after weeks of mass protests.

But on Feb 12 (2026) Bangladeshis voted her rival, BNP, to power; student leaders fared very poorly even after some of them had aligned with the Islamist party, Jamaat party.

Quite opposite was the Nepal verdict in the ballot held on March 5 (2026).

Political Pundits will be busy in the coming weeks deciphering the two results.

My considered take is that the results show the difference between an organic movement (Nepal) and a manufactured campaign (Bangladesh).

This take in no way belittles the significance of Prime Minister Tariq Rahman's victory.

He has crafted his march as much on the legacy of his mother, Khaleda Zia as also on the factors that had contributed to the downfall of Hasina.

I see his victory as a rejection of the Islamists and youth leaders, who were pampered by the caretaker regime.

The verdict is also a rejection of the interim Tzar, Muhammad Yunus, the noble laureate He was transparent with his political ambitions after he entered the banking sector as the messiah of the poor.

Balen's chart busting songs articulated Gen Z (42.5 percent of the Nepali population) concerns over what is wrong with the governance in the country.

As the 'Independent' Mayor of Kathmandu, he endeared himself with every segment of the society by giving a makeover to the capital. And thus became the natural choice to lead the four-year old Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP) at the hustings.

He ended up as the giant killer by defeating four times Premier K P S Oli in latter's safe seat by a convincing margin. And his party swept the polls winning a near two-thirds majority in Parliament.

According to media reports, Balen did not give long electoral speeches. Yet, youth and crowds followed him wherever he went.

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Is LSTR a good stock to buy? We came across a bullish thesis on Landstar System, Inc. on MaxDividendss Substack by Serhio MaxDividends. In this article, we will summarize the bulls thesis on LSTR. Landstar System, Inc.'s share was trading at $157.07 as of March 25th. LSTRs trailing and forward P/E were 44.96 and 27.10, respectively according to Yahoo Finance.

Is LSTR a good stock to buy?

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Landstar System, Inc. (LSTR) operates as a behind-the-scenes, asset-light freight broker in the U.S., orchestrating truck capacity without owning a large fleet. Acting like a control tower for trucking, it matches shippers with independent operators through its agent-driven, outsourced-capacity model, allowing scalable volume without heavy capital expenditures.

Read More: 15 AI Stocks That Are Quietly Making Investors Rich

Read More: Undervalued AI Stock Poised For Massive Gains: 10000% Upside Potential

The company provides integrated transportation management and specialized services via a network of agents, third-party capacity providers, and employees. For fiscal 2025, LSTR reported total revenue of $4.744 billion, operating income of $151.6 million, and net income of $115.0 million, reflecting a cost structure dominated by purchased transportation and agent commissions rather than equipment depreciation.

Its truck transportation segment accounted for 92% of revenue, with platform truckload revenue increasing year over year and truck revenue per load rising approximately 1%, peaking 6% higher in December versus October.

LSTR has built a reliable dividend track record with a 1.21% yield, $1.60 annual payout, 12 consecutive years of dividend growth, 97% five-year dividend growth, and a moderate 47% payout ratio, supported by earnings tied to freight volume and pricing. The company returned capital to shareholders through $180.9 million in share repurchases during fiscal 2025. LSTRs ISO-certified processes underscore its disciplined, repeatable execution, enhancing its credibility in an outsourced-capacity model.

Despite softer Q4 2025 results$1.174 billion in revenue, $29.6 million operating income, and $23.9 million net incomethe business demonstrates resilient fundamentals. With a financial score of 95/99, LSTR exemplifies a sleep-well investment: a high-quality, asset-light platform with consistent free cash flow, a growing dividend, and operational scalability, offering investors a compelling combination of income stability and growth potential across freight cycles.

Previously, we covered a bullish thesis on Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. (ODFL) by Richard Toad in October 2024, which highlighted its LTL market leadership, hub-and-spoke network, union-free cost advantages, and strong ROIC. ODFLs stock has depreciated by approximately 3.62% since our coverage. Serhio MaxDividends shares a similar view but emphasizes Landstar Systems (LSTR) asset-light, agent-driven model within the same U.S. freight industry.
It is hard for the poor to pursue life, liberty, and happiness today. Why? Because rules imposed by the rich have made it harder for the rich to get themselves into heaven than it was when camels jostled to squeeze through the eye of the needle.

Presidents have -- set the refugee admissions goal as high as 240,000 (in 1980, the year Congress passed the Refugee Act) and as low as 15,000 (at the end of the first Trump Administration)."[1] The legally admitted persons during that FY 2020, a beginning of COVID year, was 11,814.

The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that more than 120 million have been forced to flee their homes; 43 million of those are refugees. However, in 2022, the UNHCR referred only 116,481 refugees for resettlement. [2] Thus, only a small number of refugees worldwide will ever be considered for resettlement in the United States. [3] Trump made this situation worse by cutting refugee admissions.

The refugee US admissions goal for fiscal years 2022 through 2025 was raised from Trump's 15,000 to Biden's 125,000 refugees per year. [4] However, actual admissions did not meet the restored goal, rising from 25,465 at the tail end of the COVID epidemic to 100,034 in FY 2024. During the first four months of FY 2025 Biden admitted 30% of that FY 125,000 goal. During the following FY 2025 eight months, Trump let in only 509 refugees; none from east Asia, 1 from Europe and Central Asia, and 11 from Latin America and the Caribbean. [5]

During the first five months of FY 2026, Trump admitted 3,158 refugees-- all but three from Africa. [6] So, while we once were by far the nation taking the most refugee referrals, the US dropped behind Canada, Germany, Sweden, Australia, and France in the actual resettlements assigned to it by the UNHCR, based on reported 2022 referrals compared with 2026 US admissions numbers. [7]

A relative of mine is proud that his father immigrated here legally. Therefore, he and many like him hold potential immigrants to that "legal entry" standard. Will my relative and his ilk change their view once they realize the possible allowable immigration goals have dwindled to 15,000 and actual legal admissions are far below that?

It's super that some get here legally. That was not the case for my earliest American ancestor who signed the Mayflower Compact to bootstrap himself and others into the country that supposedly is being made great again. He signed it because their boat was blown off course. So, the King's Charter to occupy land in Virginia was no longer available to give Mayflower sojourners legal cover to take over native American land in Massachusetts. Then the Compact provided the self-generated authority to replace the King's Charter. We've had a history of needing legal justification, however questionable, for settling here.

The 2024 cost of processing and resettling refugees was estimated to be $2.792 billion, less that 2-3 days of the self-started war with Iran. [8]

Another relative asked, "How many immigrants should be admitted into America each year?"

"No clue," I replied. After thinking about it I'd say: "All those either illegally or legally already here; enough to pick the crops, roof our homes, clean motels, cook and serve at restaurants, care for me in my waning years, enhance the quality of our healthcare and other workforces, study at our schools, and a few extra models for people like Trump to marry.

Oh, and since Willie Nelson sings: "There's still a lot of love livin' in the Promised Land," at least 125,000 more to help provide Biblical justice to some of the 43 million refugees less fortunate than those of us we ask God to bless.

That humane treatment also should be allowed because we believe in following Judeo/Christian Biblical morality. It implores us to embrace wisdom similar to Leviticus 19:33-34 which taught: "When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in "."

Hopefully, we still embrace Leviticus and our Statute of Liberty inscription , "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free"."





[1] Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief, paragraph 42, Case No. 2:25-cv-255, 2025-02-10_Pacito-v.-Trump_Complaint_FINAL.pdf

[2] See "Table IX: UNHCR Resettlement Referrals Submitted by Resettlement Country - CY 2022, page 71, FY 2024 USRAP Report to Congress_FINAL

[3] Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief, paragraph 44-45, Case No. 2:25-cv-255, 2025-02-10_Pacito-v.-Trump_Complaint_FINAL.pdf

[4] See Presidential Determination No. 2024-13, 89 Fed. Reg. 83,767 (Sept. 30, 2024).

[5] See Admissions & Arrivals, Refugee Processing Ctr., FY 2025 Arrivals by Region - Fiscal Year by Month as of 30 Sep 2025.pdf and Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief, paragraphs 95 - 101, Case No. 2:25-cv-255, 2025-02-10_Pacito-v.-Trump_Complaint_FINAL.pdf alleging imposition of "an indefinite suspension of 'entry into the United States of refugees under the USRAP' as well as a suspension on 'decisions on applications for refugee status' until President Trump finds that decisions on refugee applications and admissions can resume."

[6] Refugee Admissions Report as of February 28, 2026.xlsx

[7] See "Table IX: UNHCR Resettlement Referrals Submitted by Resettlement Country - CY 2022, page 70, FY 2024 USRAP Report to Congress_FINAL

[8] Table VIII: Funding for Refugee Processing and Resettlement FY 2023 and FY 2024, page 68, FY 2024 USRAP Report to Congress_FINAL
In a time of war, political division, and conspiracy, along with everyday cares as disease and natural disasters, the whole point of studying the inner workings of law, politics, and morality, even the effects of art and music, was remedial-- a way of fixing a world out of joint.

Charles King, Every Valley: The Desperate Lives and Troubled Times That Made Handel's Messiah



IMG_0303A Jacques Blanchard 1600-1638 Paris Le Pape Nicolas V ouvrant le caveau de St Franois Pope Nicolas V opening the vault of St Francis1630 Orle'ans Muse'e des Beaux Arts

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This is the early fifth century A. D., and the city of Alexandria, writes historian Catherine Nixey, is a hot site for intellectuals. Philosophers, poets, astronomers, doctors, rhetoricians, and sophists hung out there. The city had a growing library that books from all kinds of authors. The ruler of Alexandria made sure of it. He sent out to all corners, requesting works by poets and writers and historians. Mathematicians.





Hypathia, a "brilliant" mathematician, lived in Alexandria. She is described as a "beauty," however, Hypathia dedicated her herself to "the life of the mind." Rather than fuss with "'tumbling curls,'" she "dressed in the austere and concealing uniform of a philosopher's cloak." In addition, as Nixey points out, Hypathia's lectures were open to Christians and non-Christians.





Nonetheless, tension between Christians and non-Christians grew tense, and was made worse by a new bishop, Cyril, a "thug." He sought power. The power to enforce the removal of Jews who lived in Alexandria forever, but there was a "smoldering" dislike of Jews Cyril capitalized on to justify the recruitment of his "mob of parabalani" and anyone else who could be brutal enough.





The bishop changed the atmosphere in Alexandria. The monks, as Nixey tells us, objected and attempted to defend the city before they, too, were "fiery" sent away.

It would seem obvious that Cyril is running the show here, but the town decided to look above, behind, and around Cyril in search for a scapegoat. And who might that be? Looking to Hypathia, the citizens considered her use of "symbols" and "astrolabes." Wasn't she the tool of the devil?





On March A. D. 415, Hypathia is blocked by a mob "of believers in God" on her way to the market. Under the guidance of a church magistrate, "a perfect believer in all respects in Jesus Christ, Hypathia is dragged from her chariot and taken to a church, were she is stripped of her robe. Using shards of broken glass, she is flayed, and her eyes gouged. After she dies, Hypathia is thrown onto a pyre and burned.





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According to unnamed sources reported by the Times of Israel, senior officials from multiple Gulf capitals have said a significant shift is underway in regional strategy. Some key states, according the Israeli media, are in favor of continuing the Israeli-U.S. war on Iran in order to substantially degrade Iran's military capabilities According to four high-ranking officials speaking on condition of anonymity, countries such as United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain are increasingly aligned on the need to ensure that Iran emerges from the war significantly weakened and unable to pose a continued regional threat. From Caution to Conditional Support for Escalation Prior to the outbreak of hostilities, Gulf governments had warned U.S. President Donald Trump against initiating a war with Iran, fearing precisely the kind of regional spillover now unfolding. However, following direct Iranian strikes on Gulf territory-- including civilian and energy infrastructure-- those same states are now quietly urging Washington to continue its military campaign, according to Israeli media. One senior Gulf diplomat explained that while skepticism remains regarding how the United States and Israel are managing the war, the strategic priority has shifted decisively. "Ending the war while Iran retains the tools It is currently using against Gulf states would be a strategic catastrophe," said the anonymous diplomat to the Israeli media. Iranian Retaliation Backfires Iran launched attacks not only on its direct adversaries, but also on all six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council-- Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. Tehran had repeatedly warned over a span of decades, that should an existential war be thrust upon Iran by the U.S., then the numerous U.S. military bases in the region, with substantial American personnel, would be targeted. It comes as no surprise to any in the Gulf states that they are being targeted by Iran, and suffering deaths, injuries and material damages to property as well as the huge damages to their source of income after the Strait of Hormus has become impassable. The Gulf states knew this was a possible price to pay for American military security, including advanced air defense systems. However, those air defenses have not kept the Gulf safe. And this is not the first time the U.S. has left them feeling betrayed. In 2019, the Saudi Aramco facilities at Abqaiq and Khurais were attacked by missiles fired from Yemen. It was a shock and left Riyadh increasingly skeptical of U.S. security systems which did nothing to protect from the significant attack. In 2025, Israel attacked Qatar in an upscale residential area in Doha's West Bay Lagoon area, killing at least six people, including Hamas members and a Qatari security official, amidst ceasefire negotiations. Again, the Qataris and their neighbors asked: where are the air defenses we pay the Americans so dearly for? All the U.S. bases in the Gulf are fully funded by the host countries, but they are beginning to feel they have not gotten a return on their investment. Common Ground Between Iran and its Arab Neighbors The Gulf Arab states share many commonalities with Iran, and those are divergent from the Israeli and American views. Besides the obvious religion and geography in common, there is the core value that the Palestinians people deserve to be free from occupation. In 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) declared Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories unlawful. In 2025, The General Assembly of the UN, comprising all 193 UN Member States and 142 countries voted in favor of a resolution backing the immediate need for a two-state solution. Iran and Arab Gulf countries voted for, but the U.S. and Israel against the freedom of Palestine. The Israeli war on the Palestinians in Gaza has killed over 72,000 to 80,000, with thousands more buried under rubble. Total injured exceeds 170,000, and starvation was used as a weapon of war. The war in Gaza changed the world's opinion of Israel, and some Arabs were caught ashamed at having held out a hand in friendship to the Jewish State. Normalization plans were put on hold in the aftermath of the genocide. Iran's resistance ideology is a foundational doctrine born from the 1979 Islamic Revolution, combining religious ideals with anti-imperialist, anti-U.S., and anti-Israel stances. It frames Iran as a protector of the oppressed, utilizing proxies (Axis of Resistance) to project power and avoid direct conflict. Analysts point to the various proxies: Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis and the Iraqi resistance groups as the reason Israel keeps attacking Iran, Lebanon, Yemen and Gaza. The current war is not so much about the nuclear issue, as it is to degrade Iran's capability to support the various proxies. Current War Thinking Some Arab officials may feel Iran represents an immediate and systemic threat that must be neutralized. The strikes have caused casualties and significant disruption to oil, gas, and tourism sectors-- pillars of Gulf economies. Most Arab civilians and leadership in the Gulf, such as in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, largely prefer to avoid a direct war with Iran, prioritizing regional stability and economic development over military conflict, even after enduring, recent Iranian drone and missile strikes on their territory. While some, like Saudi leadership, have expressed a desire for enhanced deterrence against Iranian actions, there is no widespread public sentiment for a direct attack. Gulf nations generally favor de-escalation and finding ways to coexist as neighbors, recognizing that a full-scale war is not in their interest. Diverging Views Within the Gulf Despite growing consensus, not all Gulf states share the same level of support for continued attacks. Oman stands out as a key dissenting voice, advocating for rapid de-escalation. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi wrote in The Economist that both Iran and the United States have a clear national interest in ending hostilities as soon as possible. Even among states favoring continued attacks enthusiasm varies. Officials note that the UAE appears among the most assertive, while others remain cautious about the duration and scope of escalation. In a notable development, several Gulf countries-- including Saudi Arabia and the UAE-- are now actively considering joining U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran. This would mark a historic shift from years of foreign policy. Recent moves suggest this shift is already underway as Saudi Arabia has reportedly allowed U.S. forces to use King Fahd Air Base for operations. The UAE is tightening economic pressure, including scrutiny of Iranian-linked assets and institutions. Discussions are ongoing about freezing billions in Iranian holdings. Saudi Arabia: Balancing War and Diplomacy Saudi Arabia finds Itself navigating an exceptionally complex geopolitical position. While it did not seek this war, it cannot remain insulated from Its consequences. Although a China-brokered rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran in 2023 temporarily reduced tensions, it did not resolve the underlying strategic rivalry. Now, Saudi leadership Is pursuing a dual-track approach in maintaining diplomatic channels with Tehran, while simultaneously reinforcing deterrence through military readiness and new alliances Analysts point to the emergence of a broader regional defense framework involving Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan-- a potential group aimed at balancing Iranian influence. This alignment combines Pakistani missile and nuclear capabilities with Saudi financial and geopolitical weight, and Turkish defense technology. While officially framed as defensive, its strategic goal includes countering Iran more independently of Washington. Economic Fallout and Global Risks The war is already inflicting severe economic damage. Qatar Energy has suspended LNG production, regional airspace closures have canceled over 40,000 flights, and oil prices have surged, with warnings they could reach $200 per barrel if the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030-- dependent on foreign investment and stability-- is particularly vulnerable. A Region on the Brink Gulf leaders are now applying intense pressure on Washington to ensure that any end to the conflict comes only after Iran's military infrastructure is significantly degraded. At the same time, they recognize a difficult reality: they may soon have to participate directly in the conflict to restore deterrence. As one official put It, "We tried to avoid this war. Now we may have no choice but to shape its outcome." The fact that the current war began with an unprovoked attack by Israel and the U.S. amid ongoing and productive negotiations with Iran has left the region in a state of shock, waiting for the other shoe to drop. Steven Sahiounie is a two-time award-winning journalist.




Iran's Trojan Horse (Iraqi Diplomats)

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Does it make any sense to you that a regime that spends its Fridays chanting "Death to America" has thousands of its operatives moving through Western airports right now with total diplomatic immunity?

If that sounds like a national security suicide pact, that's because it is. While the media is fixated on the front lines of the direct war with Iran, they are missing the "invisible war" already being waged inside our own borders. These are the cancerous cells of the IRGC, and like any cancer, the more they are left untreated, the more certain the catastrophe becomes.

In 2003, the West tore down a secular wall in Iraq and effectively handed the keys of the country to the Iranian regime on a golden plate. Since then, the mullahs haven't just used Iraq as a "financial lung" to bypass sanctions, they have used it as a Trojan Horse. It is no coincidence that after 2003, Iran's missile power grew exponentially; much of the Iraqi state's former military infrastructure was integrated into the Militia-Industrial Complex. But the most dangerous export isn't missiles; it is "diplomats."

If you think the vetting process is keeping you safe, think again. Former intelligence officer Michael Pregent warned the U.S. Congress in sworn testimony that IRGC-linked individuals are utilizing Iraqi diplomatic sovereignty to bypass security protocols.

The numbers are now a matter of public record. In 2023, the Iraqi Parliamentary Integrity Committee exposed that Baghdad had issued 32,000 diplomatic passports in just four years. Shockingly, over 10,000 of these were granted to individuals with no diplomatic background; including militia associates and "influencers." This scandal was so severe that in August 2025, the Iraqi Federal Supreme Court was forced to strike down a law attempting to grant these "diplomats" lifetime immunity.

This monster was fed by years of Western appeasement. While the world watched the nuclear negotiations, the IRGC was hollowing out Iraq from the inside. They established massive fronts like the Muhandis General Company, recently designated by the U.S. Treasury (Oct 2025) as a multibillion-dollar IRGC conglomerate used for weapons smuggling and illicit revenue.

The infiltration isn't limited to the Middle East. The "command centers" for this ideology have been embedded in the heart of Europe. In July 2024, the German government officially banned the Islamic Centre Hamburg (IZH) after concluding it acted as a direct representative of Iran's Supreme Leader to spread "totalitarian ideology" and support Hezbollah on European soil.

As someone living in the heart of Baghdad, I see the reality that the West ignores: there is no one connected to the current Iraqi corruption who is not also connected to an Iranian militia. We are living on borrowed time.

My opinion is that a real solution requires a total strategic shift: we must finally summon the courage to eliminate the IRGC regime at its source, liberate Iraq from this religious occupation by neutralizing militia leaders, and conduct a massive, global audit of every Iraqi "diplomatic" passport holder who has settled abroad since 2003.

The Trojan Horse is already inside the gate. The only question left is whether we have the courage to dismantle it before the order is given to activate.
No Kings: The Largest Protest in American History -- And What Has to Come Next

Tomorrow, March 28, millions of Americans will take to the streets in what is expected to be the largest single day of protest in the history of this country. Organizers are aiming for roughly 9 million people across more than 3,000 locally organized events -- in every congressional district, in red states and blue, in cities and small towns that have never hosted a political march before.

Five million demonstrators attended the first No Kings rallies in June 2025, and almost seven million attended the second round in October. Those numbers dwarf anything this country has seen. And tomorrow it grows again. If you haven't found your local event, go to nokings.org. One is almost certainly within driving distance. Go. Bring someone who has been hesitating.

Now the harder question -- the one the movement's own leaders are already asking. Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible, said it plainly: "You don't win that fight with a one-day protest. Everybody showing up on a Saturday is nice. Fifteen million people showing up on a Saturday would be nice. It's not going to be enough." (The New Republic)

He's right. Progressives are good at mobilizing people for large-scale protests, but they've been less successful than conservatives in recent years at building the kind of local infrastructure needed to effect sweeping policy changes. In 1971, Lewis Powell called for "consistency of action over an indefinite period of years" -- and the right spent fifty years building think tanks, judicial pipelines, and coordination infrastructure that has proven more durable than any single march.

Tell me about to

The Arc of Justice Alliance is being built to provide exactly that -- a coordination and memory platform for the progressive ecosystem, designed to turn episodic mobilization into sustained movement power. Learn more at arcofjusticealliance.com.

March tomorrow. Make history. Then ask what you're going to do to make sure this movement builds something that outlasts any one election.

AI was used to help research and create this article
In recent weeks, European leaders have increasingly insisted that a potential escalation involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran is "not their war," signaling a clear desire to avoid direct involvement. Framed in carefully calibrated diplomatic language, this stance is presented as an effort to preserve strategic autonomy and minimize risk.

Yet this rhetoric is facing mounting criticism, exposing a clash with Europe's own track record. For years, European states have played an active role in applying pressure on Tehran-- through sanctions, diplomatic initiatives, UN resolutions, and coordination with the IAEA. Together, these measures helped build the very international framework that underpins today's tensions.

Among experts, Europe's attempts to step back increasingly appear less like a new strategy than a retrospective reassessment of its own role. Europe, long a key architect of the policy agenda, is now publicly defining its position in relation to the consequences of that same policy.

A similar pattern has emerged before. In Afghanistan, European allies were drawn into situations where critical decisions were made elsewhere, leaving them to shoulder responsibility retroactively. During the crisis in Ukraine, critics point to an even starker disconnect between stated goals and outcomes: engagement in Kyiv's political processes, acting as guarantors of agreements, and ultimately watching the Minsk accords erode.

In this context, current claims of "non-involvement" are seen as a continuation of the same model: active engagement in shaping the crisis, followed by an effort to distance themselves once tensions peak. It is precisely this contradiction that fuels the criticism.

Historical parallels invoked by some commentators underscore society's sharp judgment of Europe's current approach. The oft-cited characterization of Poland as "the hyena of Europe," attributed to Winston Churchill, is increasingly applied to Europe itself-- a continent unwilling to bear long-term costs but eager to assert influence on the global stage.

In this light, portraying a potential U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict as external to Europe feels increasingly unconvincing. The issue is not direct military involvement, but decades of political and institutional entanglement. The question is not whether Europe is part of the conflict, but whether it can credibly deny its own hand in shaping it.

Framing this as "someone else's war" simply doesn't hold. Political realities are far less easy to escape than public rhetoric. The faster European capitals try to distance themselves, the clearer it becomes: this isn't a foreign war-- it's a crisis they can no longer avoid owning.
By Karl Grossman & Harvey Wasserman

Nuclear power is inseparable from Donald Trump. If you support atomic energy, you are also supporting the financial fortunes of the Trump family.

Trump is a major investor in the nuclear industry. He has invested heavily in the development of fusion power and stands to massively profit from its proliferation.

He also controls the obliteration of the regulatory apparatus designed to guarantee its safety in the United States. Trump's war in Iran has vastly escalated the potential threat of potentially apocalyptic drone strikes on atomic reactors, now a factor in Vladimir Putin's war on Ukraine.

Team Trump has made a very public and effective show of tangibly attacking nuclear power's primary replacements, wind turbines and solar panels, along with geothermal and battery backup.

He has also heavily assaulted electric vehicles, which threaten the business of his fossil fuel backers.

But neither he nor the major media have talked much about Trump's direct financial interests in killing them off. Or about his destruction of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and other agencies directly and indirectly promoting atomic power, from which he profits, while at the same time obliterating any reasonable assurance of public safety from the inevitable upcoming reactor disasters.

The Trump family's money-losing Truth Social company has recently become part-owner of a major fusion nuclear power endeavor.

Among much more, the investments mean the Trump family stands to profit directly from White House attacks on wind, solar and other inexpensive, clean renewable energies, which for decades have been driving fusion, fission and fossil fuels toward economic oblivion.

"A Trump-sponsored business is once again betting on an industry that the president has championed, further entwining his personal fortunes in sectors that his administration is both supporting and overseeing," reported an article on the front page of the business section of the New York Times last month. "This one is in the nuclear power sector. TAE Technologies, which is developing fusion energy, said "that it planned to merge with Trump Media & Technology Group. President Trump is the largest shareholder of the money-losing social media and crypto investment firm that bears his name, and he will remain a major investor in the combined company."

The headline of the piece: "Trump's Push Into Nuclear Is Raising Questions."

Primary issues have to do with economic conflicts of interest and public safety.

"The deal," the article continued, "would put Mr. Trump in competition with other energy companies over which his administration holds financial and regulatory sway. Already, the president has sought to gut safety oversight of nuclear power plants and lower thresholds for human radiation exposure."

CNN ran an article headlined: "A $6 billion nuclear deal has Trump's name all over it. It's raising serious ethics questions."

CNN reported : "Nuclear fusion companies are regulated by the federal government and will likely need Uncle Sam's deep research and even deeper pockets to become commercially viable. The merger needs to be approved by federal regulators -- some of whom were nominated by Trump."

CNN quoted Richard Painter, chief White House ethics lawyer under President George W. Bush, as saying: "There is a clear conflict of interest here. Every other president since the Civil War has divested from business interests that would conflict with official duties. President Trump has done the opposite." Painter is now a professor at the University of Minnesota Law School.

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Pentagon Preparing Potential Iran Ground Operation Plans #pentagon #usa #iran #groundinvasion As per a report by CBS News, the Pentagon has drawn up plans for a possible deployment of U.S. ground troops into Iran, though ...

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President Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth shown discussing potential ground invasion of Iran

Contrary to earlier media reports at the time decapitating the Iranian regime by assassinating its Supreme Leader Ali Khamanei, which did occur on the first day of the Israeli US war on Iran February 28, 2026, would force the regime to collapse. That of course did not happen.

Instead Iranian higher authorities met and voted for a new supreme leader namely Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Ali Khamenei.

What this does is confirm the resilience of the Iranian system that was overlooked by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Trump who believed the Iranian regime would collapse with Ali Khamenei's demise along with the hard hitting assault by Israeli and US air power.

Meanwhile the Iranian's have not stood idly by. They have retaliated by closing the Strait of Hormuz to its adversaries and limiting passage only to those countries that oppose the aggression by Israel and the US. Iran has sent missiles and drones attacking US base sites in the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait as well as Israel's Tel Aviv and other cities.

What is most worrying is the latest from the New York Times and Washington Post, which according US officials, "the Pentagon has officially issued orders for around 2,000 elite troops from the army's 82nd Airborne Division to deploy within 'striking distance' of Iran." [1]

"An additional 2,500 marines are scheduled to arrive later this week to reinforce a potential ground operation, which the media has long speculated could include seizing Iran's main oil export hub on Kharg Island".

A "senior Iranian military adviser dared the US military to 'come closer' saying Iranian armed forces have trained in asymmetrical warfare for decades".

If the US actually attacks Iran with ground troops it will very likely be disastrous for Trump and his administration on many fronts.

Firstly most Americans are opposed to Trump's war on Iran and their opposition will only grow if he sends ground troops into the war.

Secondly when more US troops are killed, beyond the 11 or so admittedly killed as per the Pentagon, and when some of those troops are killed, captured and held as hostages by the Iranian's this will only intensify Americans demand for Trump to end the war.

Thirdly US Congressional elections are scheduled for November and Trump's Republican majority in the House of Representatives could result in Democrats retaining the majority in that body. It is less likely for the Repubs to lose its majority in the Senate although that is also possible.

Lastly a Democrat held majority in the House could vote to impeach Trump as well as cripple his agenda going forward in his last two years as president.

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Track your investments for FREE with Simply Wall St, the portfolio command center trusted by over 7 million individual investors worldwide.

Centrus Energy (LEU) is drawing fresh attention after recent trading left the stock with a return of about 176% over the past year, even as its performance over the past month and past three months turned negative.

See our latest analysis for Centrus Energy.

Despite a very large 5 year total shareholder return of about 7x, recent momentum has cooled, with a 30 day share price return of a 13.17% decline and the latest close at $182.9 suggesting investors are reassessing growth prospects and risks.

If Centrus' recent swings have you thinking more broadly about nuclear exposure, it could be worth scanning 89 nuclear energy infrastructure stocks

So with shares now well off recent highs yet still far above where they were a year ago, is Centrus trading at a discount that underestimates its nuclear role, or are markets already pricing in much of its future growth?

Most Popular Narrative: 35% Undervalued

With Centrus Energy last closing at $182.9 against a narrative fair value of $279.58, the most followed view sees a meaningful gap between price and projected fundamentals, centering that gap on nuclear policy support and capacity build out.

The current valuation assumes Centrus will rapidly scale capacity to meet rising demand just as Russian supply exits the Western market. However, timelines for building new cascades are long (first cascade takes 42 months, subsequent cascades take months each) and highly dependent on the allocation and timing of DOE funding. Any holdup in these government awards or in private capital inflows could lead to prolonged periods of underutilized cash, lower revenue, and diminished operating leverage, thus pressuring future margins and earnings.

Read the complete narrative.

Want to see what sits behind that funding and capacity ramp story? The fair value hinges on measured growth, firm margins, and a punchy future earnings multiple.

Result: Fair Value of $279.58 (UNDERVALUED)

Have a read of the narrative in full and understand what's behind the forecasts.

However, there is still clear execution and policy risk, with earnings tied to government funding timelines and the long ramp required to bring new enrichment capacity online.

Find out about the key risks to this Centrus Energy narrative.

Another Angle On Valuation

That narrative fair value of $279.58 suggests upside, but the current P/E of 46.2x is far above the US Oil and Gas industry at 16.8x, the peer average at 20.1x, and the fair ratio of 13.3x. This points to rich pricing and raises the question of which signal you put more weight on.
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RGAs recent share performance in focus

Reinsurance Group of America (RGA) has been catching investor attention after a one-month return of about a 9.7% decline and a past three-month move of roughly a 3.3% decline.

With the stock recently closing at about $198.82 and a market value near $13.4 billion, investors are weighing these share price shifts against the companys current earnings and revenue profile.

See our latest analysis for Reinsurance Group of America.

Over the past year, RGAs share price return has softened recently despite a positive 1 year total shareholder return of 3.4% and a much stronger 5 year total shareholder return of 73.35%. This suggests momentum has cooled after earlier gains.

If you are reassessing your portfolio after RGAs recent pullback, this can be a good moment to look at other potential ideas using a focused screener such as 20 top founder-led companies

With RGA trading around US$198.82, carrying a value score of 4 and sitting at a discount to some analyst targets and intrinsic estimates, you have to ask: is this a genuine entry point, or is the market already baking in future growth?

Most Popular Narrative: 20.3% Undervalued

RGAs most followed narrative sees fair value at about $249.56 versus the recent $198.82 share price, framing the current pullback against longer term earnings power.

RGA is capitalizing on growing insurance demand in Asia and other international markets, as evidenced by robust new business in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, and a record number of asset-intensive transactions across five countries and three continents; this global expansion drives sustained premium growth and strengthens revenue diversification.

Read the complete narrative.

Curious what earnings profile and margin path need to hold for that valuation gap to close? The narrative leans heavily on compounded growth, rising profitability and a lower future earnings multiple than many investors might expect. The full story connects these moving parts into a single fair value number.

Result: Fair Value of $249.56 (UNDERVALUED)

Have a read of the narrative in full and understand what's behind the forecasts.

However, this narrative can break if rising medical costs pressure margins or if earnings volatility in key U.S. lines keeps investors cautious about RGAs profitability path.

Find out about the key risks to this Reinsurance Group of America narrative.

Next Steps

With sentiment split between recent share price softness and a popular undervalued narrative, it makes sense to move quickly and stress test the numbers yourself. To see what others are optimistic about right now, take a closer look at the 5 key rewards.
The Little Egg Harbor Board of Education in Ocean County, New Jersey, voted 4-2 during a recent meeting to eliminate all full-time paraprofessional and preschool teaching assistant positions, converting them to part-time roles with no health benefits in an effort to offset a projected 32.7% increase in healthcare costs.

The decision affects 81 full-time staff members, 97% of whom are women, according to posts from advocates who rallied at Frog Pond Elementary in support of the affected workers.

The district's total healthcare costs are expected to exceed $9.6 million in the upcoming budget year, placing what officials described as substantial financial strain on the school system, Jersey Shore Online reported, according to NBC Philadelphia.

Board President Chris Filiciello defended the move, stating that similar staffing changes have already taken place in other districts across New Jersey.

"The time has come to no longer balance our budgets on the backs of our students' futures," Filiciello said, adding that "this decision is trying to put the students first and give them as many resources as possible." He noted that the district intends to support affected employees as the process moves forward.

Board members Tiffany Middlecoop and Dr. Christine Snyder voted against the resolution. Both raised concerns about how the proposal was introduced and whether the public had adequate notice before the vote took place. Several residents and staff members echoed those concerns, according to the Jersey Shore Online report.

The New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) issued a statement saying it "stands with the 81 paraprofessionals from Little Egg Harbor," adding that the school district "blindsided staff by abolishing all full-time paraprofessional positions and voted to replace them with part-time roles offering no health benefits."

Teachers who spoke during the board meeting stressed the critical role paraprofessionals and teaching assistants play in supporting students, particularly those with disabilities and special learning needs. One educator noted the timing of the decision made it especially difficult for affected staff.

The staffing cuts reflect a broader crisis facing school districts statewide. Rising health insurance premiums have forced districts across New Jersey to consider layoffs and program reductions.

The Westwood Regional School District in Bergen County is dealing with a 32% spike in health insurance premiums and a 25% increase in prescription benefit costs, amounting to roughly $3.2 million.

The Lacey Township school district in Ocean County faces a 29% jump in healthcare costs, contributing to a $5 million deficit. Cherry Hill Public Schools in Camden County is staring down a $14.5 million shortfall driven in part by an estimated $10 million hike in employee health coverage, as per Patch.

Little Egg Harbor had already raised its school tax levy by 32% the previous year and had seen continued reductions in state aid, compounding its financial challenges.
Six questions for Japanese gov't over Self-Defense Forces officer's intrusion into Chinese embassy

Xinhua) 15:23, March 28, 2026

TOKYO, March 28 (Xinhua) -- On Tuesday, Kodai Murata, a 23-year-old second lieutenant in Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force, forcibly broke into the Chinese embassy in Tokyo and threatened to kill diplomatic personnel, an act that Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian described as a serious violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and a grave threat to the safety and security of Chinese diplomatic personnel and facilities.

The incident once again highlights the danger of the rampant spread of far-right impact and neo-militarism in Japan, the spokesperson said, adding that it 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 the SDF and in fulfilling its responsibility to protect the Chinese diplomatic and consular premises and personnel.

Given the egregious nature of this incident, the Japanese government owes the public answers to a number of pressing questions.

First, as an active-duty Self-Defense Forces (SDF) officer stationed at Camp Ebino in Miyazaki Prefecture, how was Murata able to go absent without leave and travel over a thousand kilometers from his base to carry out the hostile provocation at the Chinese embassy? Was this a "lone wolf" act or something more organized?

Second, according to Japanese media reports, Murata recently graduated from a school that trains officer candidates for the SDF.

Media reports have previously revealed that in recent years, the "Yasukuni historical perspective," which glorifies and distorts Japan's history of aggression, has seriously infiltrated the SDF. Far-right, anti-China figures frequently show up in SDF units and related training institutions, indoctrinating the so-called "Greater East Asia War" narrative and the "China threat" theory. At the National Defense Academy of Japan, a key source of SDF officers, cadets reportedly maintain the "tradition" of collectively marching over 100 kilometers each year to visit the notorious war-linked Yasukuni Shrine.

Did Murata's actions stem from the distorted education and far-right ideology fostered within the SDF?

Third, this isn't the first instance of Japanese military personnel "going rogue." From the Huanggutun Incident in 1928 to the Sept. 18 Incident in 1931, and then to the Lugou Bridge Incident in July 1937, each one was actively plotted and deliberately escalated by the Japanese invaders in China.

Has Japan ever genuinely reflected on its historical crimes and drawn lessons from history? Has the Japanese government failed in its oversight and discipline of SDF personnel, and has civilian control over the SDF broken down altogether?

Fourth, following the incident, the Prime Minister's Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defense, the SDF, and other relevant authorities have offered no apology or commitment to accountability, merely expressing the action as "regrettable." Is this the conduct of a responsible government?

Fifth, at a time when "neo-militarism" is gaining dangerous momentum in Japan, the Japanese authorities are deliberately pressing ahead with a military buildup, attempting to break through the principle of "exclusively defense-oriented policy," and even scheming to revise the constitution to formally legitimize the SDF.

At the same time, they continue to stoke hostility toward neighboring countries, drumming up the narrative that "a Taiwan contingency would constitute a 'survival-threatening situation' for Japan," and turn a blind eye to the spread of xenophobia and populism in public discourse.

This series of actions once again raises a warning for the world: Where exactly is the Japanese government taking its country, and what is the true purpose behind its relentless military buildup?

Sixth, in the face of this incident, the Japanese government has turned a deaf ear and played dumb, while Japanese media outlets have tried hard to downplay it -- a stark contrast to their habitual conduct in stirring up anti-China sentiment. Are the Japanese authorities attempting to brush this under the rug?

The Japanese side must conduct a thorough investigation, severely punish those involved, and provide a responsible explanation to China, to the Japanese public, and to the international community.

Japan should also reflect on and correct its erroneous policies toward China to prevent such incidents from recurring at their root.

(Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun)
March 26 (Reuters) - Microsoft executives have in recent weeks told managers at major divisions, including its cloud unit and North American sales groups, to suspend new hiring, The Information reported on Thursday, citing three employees with direct knowledge of the decision.

Executives told managers to halt the hiring of any new candidates who did not already have a job offer, citing the need to cut costs and boost margins, the report said.

More from Yahoo Scout How does Microsoft's hiring freeze compare to competitors? Why did Microsoft suspend hiring at major divisions? Which Microsoft divisions are affected by hiring freeze? What pressures is Microsoft facing from AI investments?

However, the freeze is not company-wide and other divisions including the group building Microsoft's Copilot AI tool are still hiring, according to the report.

Microsoft did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

The hiring freeze comes as Microsoft approaches the end of its fiscal year in June. The company, like other tech giants, is looking to rein in costs to offset hefty investments in AI infrastructure.

Reuters reported earlier this month that Meta was planning sweeping layoffs that could affect 20% or more of the company. A source told Reuters this week that the Facebook parent was laying off a few hundred people across multiple teams.

Amazon has also trimmed roughly 30,000 corporate employees over the past six months, starting with a round of some 14,000 white-collar employees in October, tying the layoffs to efficiency gains from AI as well as reversing pandemic-era over-hiring.

Microsoft, which had about 228,000 employees globally as of June 2025, has been under growing pressure to show returns from its AI bets. The company reported slower cloud computing growth in the October-December quarter, while also reporting record capital spending on AI, spooking investors.

The Windows maker last announced wide layoffs in July, cutting about 4% of its workforce.

(Reporting by Deborah Sophia in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona)
Three starting flights attracted 279 entries to the Marrakech Poker Open Main Event and 57 players made it through to return to the Es Saadi Resort and battle it out for a share of the approximately 300,000 prize pool. Day 2 starts at 12 p.m. local time today and will play deep into the money.

Francesco Pillitteri of Italy starts the day as the outright chip leader with 694,000, nearly 100,000 chips clear of second place "EV", who returns with 599,000. Jonathan Stoeber, a WSOP bracelet winner from the USA, starts in third place, a touch above Anas Tadini and "Farmer Boy".

Rank Player Country Chip Count 1 Francesco Pillitteri Italy 694,000 2 EV Spain 599,000 3 Jonathan Stoeber United States 582,000 4 Anas Tadini Morocco 577,000 5 Farmer Boy Spain 474,000 6 Shahin Norouzian Canada 436,000 7 Yussuke Spain 428,000 8 Guillaume Darcourt France 426,000 9 Pietro Palomba Italy 421,000 10 Rene Spain 416,000

Francesco

French pro Guillaume Darcourt is also within the top ten, while last year's champion Tristan Forge is still in the running with 259,000 chips. Other hopefuls who are returning for Day 2 include Isabel Baltazar (180,000), Jonathan Khalifa (174,000) and Bernard Guigon (155,000).

Day 2 kicks off at blind level 13 at 2,000/3,000/3,000. The official prize pool and payouts will be confirmed shortly after play resumes. The action will also be streamed later tonight. Viewers can tune in from 6 p.m. local time.

Stay tuned to PokerNews for live updates straight from the tournament floor.
Numbers are now official. After seven starting flights, the 2026 Winamax Poker Tour Grand Finale recorded a total of 3,610 entries, breaking last years mark of 3,503 at the Pasino Grand Partouche Aix-en-Provence.

Reaching that figure required a big Day 1f, and a massive one there was with 1,100 runners at the start and 1,456 entries recorded by the end of late registration.

From this field, only 242 players advanced to Day 2 after 23 levels of play. And at the top of the counts, the battle for the chip lead was tight between a few players.

But thanks to a magical flop that allowed him to crack aces on the bubble, Valentin Pallix bagged the biggest stack with 1,367,000 chips. The 28-year-old from Normandy not only leads the field but also qualified for the event almost for free after winning his local club league. A prize that he already converted into a min-cash, hoping for more.

Pallix is closely followed by Ruben Bellaiche, who ended the day with 1,200,000. I only had 25,000 when I came back from dinner, he explained. Then it was luck, luck, luck, he added, noting that a rivered full house against a straight was one of the key hands that propelled him among the chip leaders.

Nihat Bektas also crossed the million mark with 1,000,400, ahead of John Thao (962,000), Paul Dupin (954,000), and Patricia Almeras (932,000), who also bagged a big stack.

Day 1f Top Ten Chip Counts

Rank Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Valentin Pallix France 1,306,000 82 2 Ruben Bellaiche France 1,200,000 75 3 Nihat Bektas France 1,000,400 63 4 Kevin Dupland France 996,000 62 5 John Thao France 962,000 60 6 Paul Dupin France 954,000 60 7 Patricia Almeras France 932,000 58 8 Adrian Marcone France 925,000 58 9 Romain Lewis France 867,000 54 10 Corentin Viaud France 821,000 51

Ruben Bellaiche

Winamax Team Pro Romain Lewis was also in contention for the chip lead until the final break of the night. However, after peaking at around a million chips, he slipped slightly to end the day with 867,000. Still, it was an overall very positive day for him: Its an amazing tournament. I had 400,000 when I was moved to the feature table and ran it up to 1,100,000, and I still have 70 big blinds for tomorrow, he said. Lewis is the only member of his team to qualify through todays main flight.

In a corner of the room, Sacha Cohen built a stack of 675,000 and will be looking to follow in his fathers footsteps after Claude Cohen won a side event in Marrakech just a few hours ago.

With almost the same stack, Alexandre Pinto (672,000) spent the day seated next to Virgile Turchi (505,000). Hugues Chotec Mazerolle however moved a few times and even had to double up earlier to stay alive but eventually bagged 564,000, while Eric Nakache finished close behind with 538,000.

Romain Lewis

The 2023 SISMIX runner-up Christophe Beyer (309,000) also made his way to Day 2, along with last years finalists Pierre-Louis Quandalle (230,000) and Jeremy Cauchard (185,000), who is still hoping to win a second WiPT sword. The 2015 champion Olivier Decamps is chasing the same dream but had a rollercoaster day. After dropping to just 1,000 chips at one point, he doubled up many times to bag 169,000.

Olympic biathlete Florent Claude (257,000), Philippe Ktorza (155,000), Florian Decamps (153,000), Arnaud Peyroles (120,000) and EPT champion Simon Wiciak (66,000) also advanced to Day 2. The same goes for Marion Bocher, who thought she would be eliminated on the bubble but managed to survive with 19,000 chips.

Olivier Decamps

Finally, 402 entries were recorded in Day 1g Turbo, the final flight of the tournament. From that field, 67 players advanced to Day 2, led by Kevin Dupland (996,000), Corentin Viaud (821,000), and Lucas Charpenne (819,000).

This last flight also allowed players like the 750 Battle Royale winner Herve Gouzil (745,000) to build a solid stack, while defending champion Yoann Kaminisky (336,000) keeps his hopes alive for a back-to-back title.

Ugo Taurines (406,000), Timothee Rey (373,000), Anthony Dasbourg (303,000), Ariel Sebban (253,000), Clement Michaud (78,000), and Ludovic Amblard (30,000) are among the other players to secure their seats for Day 2.

Yoann Kaminisky

A total of 601 players have qualified for tomorrows Day 2 and will return at noon local time to play 40-minute levels, starting with blinds at 7,000/14,000 with a 14,000 big blind ante.

All the remaining players are in the money and have secured a minimum cash prize of 1,000, with the full payouts set to be revealed at the restart.

Stay tuned to PokerNews for live updates straight from the tournament floor as we continue coverage of the Winamax Poker Tour Grand Finale!
Aiken, SC (29801)

Today

Rain early. A mix of sun and clouds by afternoon. High 81F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening followed by increasing clouds with showers developing after midnight. Low 62F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
March 26 (Reuters) - Netflix (NFLX) has increased prices on all its plans in the U.S., as the streaming giant pushes into new programming formats such as video podcasts and live sporting events.

The company's ad-supported tier will now cost $8.99 a month, compared with $7.99 earlier, while prices for its standard plan rose $2 per month to $19.99, according to its website.

More from Yahoo Scout Why did Netflix raise prices across all plans? What impact will price increases have on revenue? How do Netflix's price increases relate to programming strategy? How much did Netflix increase each subscription tier?

The premium plan now costs $26.99 a month, up from $24.99 earlier. Netflix has also increased the price of adding an extra member to $7.99 for ad-supported plans and to $9.99 for ad-free plans.

Netflix, which has more than 325 million subscribers, had scrapped its cheapest ad-free plan, called basic, in 2023, leaving users with its more expensive premium and standard plans, as well as the standard plan with ads.

With the new prices, the company's average revenue per subscriber in the U.S.-Canada region will rise 6% year-over-year in 2026, according to estimates from TD Cowen analysts.

It last raised prices early last year.

Netflix reported revenue of $12.1 billion for the October-December period, modestly exceeding analysts' estimate.

In February, it walked away from bidding for Warner Bros' streaming and studio assets, paving the way for Paramount Skydance to buy the storied Hollywood studio in a $110 billion deal.

(Reporting by Juby Babu in Mexico City; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar)
Occidental Petroleum Corp. (NYSE:OXY) is one of the 10 Stocks Investors Dominating the Market Today.

Occidental Petroleum rallied for a third straight day on Thursday to hit an over 52-week high, as investors welcomed the companys incoming leadership transition.

In intra-day trading, Occidental Petroleum Corp. (NYSE:OXY) climbed to its highest price of $64.44 before paring a few cents to finish the day just up by 4.06 percent at $64.36 apiece.

Photo by Zukiman Mohamad on Pexels

An exclusive report by Reuters said that incumbent Chief Executive Officer Vicki Hollub is set to retire this year after more than four decades in the company, handing over the reins to Chief Operating Officer Richard Jackson.

Hollub was the first woman to lead a major oil firm and grow it into one of the largest petroleum firms in the Permian Basin. Despite her retirement, she would remain on the board of directors and serve as an advisor to support with the transition.

Following the report, JPMorgan reiterated its price target of $63 and hold rating for its stock.

Meanwhile, Truist earlier this week issued a hold recommendation and a price target of $65 in its first coverage about the company.

Evercore ISI also issued a 52.6 percent higher price target of $58 for the stock, versus $38 previously, but maintained an underperform rating.

Occidental Petroleum Corp. (NYSE:OXY) is a US-based international oil and gas company that has operations in the US, the Middle East, and North Africa.

Last year, Occidental Petroleum Corp. (NYSE:OXY) dropped its net income attributable to shareholders by 30.7 percent to $1.65 billion from $2.38 billion in 2024. Total revenues dipped by 1.9 percent to $21.59 billion from $22.02 billion year-on-year.

While we acknowledge the potential of OXY 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.

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PR-Inside.com: 2026-03-27 23:03:24

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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / March 27, 2026 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Coty Inc. ("Coty" or the "Company") (NYSE:COTY). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Coty and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until May 22, 2026, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Coty securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On February 4 and 5, 2026, Coty announced its financial results for the second quarter fiscal year 2026, which included disappointing results with worsening performance in the Consumer Beauty segment. The Company also noted the recent transition of its Chief Executive Officer in conjunction with the below-expectation results. Coty further withdrew its fiscal year 2026 guidance for EBITDA and revised the Company's near-term outlook downward. Coty attributed its results and lowered guidance to a combination of macroeconomic factors including rising costs and uncertain consumer demand and lack of "operational discipline" in both Prestige and Consumer Beauty segments.On this news, Coty's stock price fell $0.77 per share, or 22.45%, over two trading sessions, to close at $2.66 per share on February 6, 2026.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
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A second grader's plushie is going to the Moon!ORLANDO, FL / ACCESS Newswire / March 27, 2026 / Freelancer (ASX:FLN)(OTCQX:FLNCF), the world's largest freelancing and crowdsourcing marketplace, today congratulates Lucas Ye of Mountain View, California, whose design "Rise" has been chosen by the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission as their Zero Gravity Indicator.The announcement was made by Artemis II commander Reid Wiseman and his fellow team members at Kennedy Space Center in Florida today, ahead of a launch window that opens on 1 April 2026. The crew personally participated in selecting their stowaway from a shortlist of 25 finalists." Rise " - a round white plush with a hat featuring the Earth and a galaxy-and-rockets brim - was inspired by the iconic Earthrise photograph taken during Apollo 8, a moment Koch noted mirrors the spirit of the Artemis II mission itself.The design was selected from more than 2,600 entries submitted across more than 50 countries through the Moon Mascot: NASA Artemis II ZGI Design Challenge, a contest facilitated by Freelancer on behalf of NASA. Entries came from adults, K-12 classrooms, and individual students.The five finalist designs were:"Big Steps of Little Octopus," Anzhelika Iudakova, Finland"Corey the Explorer," Daniela Colina, Peru"Creation Mythos," Johanna Beck, McPherson, Kansas"Lepus the Moon Rabbit," Oakville Trafalgar High School, Canada"Rise," Lucas Ye, Mountain View, California (winner)Wiseman also revealed that a micro SD card containing the names of everyone who registered for the challenge will be stored inside Rise for the flight.Trisha Epp, Director of Innovation at Freelancer and head of its NASA partnership programs, said: "The judging panel had a really tough time with this one. You'd open a submission, and it'd be from a student in Finland, or a science storyteller in Germany, or a child in Texas who clearly spent weeks getting every detail right. Every entry brought something personal to it - you could tell how much this meant to people. It was a privilege to see that kind of passion and creativity come through." "On behalf of everyone at Freelancer, congratulations to the winner - what an incredible achievement. Your design is literally going to space, which is not a sentence most people get to say. Freelancer is delighted to work alongside NASA on this and so many other projects where we're putting our platform - more than 87 million users strong - to work finding solutions to some of NASA's trickiest problems. The 'Moon Mascot' challenge is a beautiful example of what that looks like." The Moon Mascot: NASA Artemis II ZGI Design Challenge is one of dozens of projects Freelancer has facilitated on behalf of NASA. In June 2025, Freelancer was one of 25 companies awarded the NASA Open Innovation Services 3 contract.All businesses are now able to take advantage of the same crowdsourcing problem-solving platform that NASA has used to effectively, via the Moonshot Innovation Program: https://www.freelancer.com/innovation For more information, contact:Media Inquiries Brent O'HalloranDirector of Communicationspress@ freelancer.com | +1 (650) 442 3334SOURCE: Freelancer
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / March 27, 2026 /WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX) between July 23, 2025 and February 3, 2026, inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important May 4, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.SO WHAT: If you purchased Boston Scientific common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Boston Scientific class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=55398 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than May 4, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, during the Class Period, defendants made positive statements to investors while, at the same time, disseminating materially false and misleading statements and/or concealing material adverse facts concerning the true state of Boston Scientific's U.S. Electrophysiology segment; notably, that management was aware that the segment's growth rate was unsustainable and that it was approaching an earlier tipping point than the market was anticipating. Due to defendants' statements of confidence and lofty expectations, investors and analysts were left surprised by Boston Scientific's net income miss and underwhelming guidance for the first half of fiscal 2026. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.To join the Boston Scientific class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=55398 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.---Contact Information:Laurence Rosen, Esq.Phillip Kim, Esq.The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.275 Madison Avenue, 40th FloorNew York, NY 10016Tel: (212) 686-1060Toll Free: (866) 767-3653Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@ rosenlegal.comwww.rosenlegal.com SOURCE: The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / March 27, 2026 /WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Barclays PLC (NYSE:BCS) resulting from allegations that Barclays may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.SO WHAT: If you purchased Barclays securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses.WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=23523 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: On February 27, 2026, Reuters published an article entitled "Wall Street hit by UK mortgage lender collapse, raising fears of more credit  cockroaches.'" The article stated that lenders were "rocked by the implosion of little-known UK mortgage provider Market Financial Solutions Ltd ["MFS"], fuelling concerns about wider losses among banks and reviving warnings of more "cockroaches" in the booming private credit industry." It further stated that another publication "reported Barclays has a 600 million pound ($809.70 million) exposure to MFS." On this news, Barclays American Depositary Shares ("ADS") fell 3.99% on February 27, 2026, and 2.3% on March 2, 2026.WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. At the time Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.---Contact Information:Laurence Rosen, Esq.Phillip Kim, Esq.The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.275 Madison Avenue, 40th FloorNew York, NY 10016Tel: (212) 686-1060Toll Free: (866) 767-3653Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@ rosenlegal.comwww.rosenlegal.com SOURCE: The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
The anti-corruption agency, ICPC, is set to release the immediate past Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, hours after the death of his mother.

Mr El-Rufais son announced the imminent release on X on Friday.

The ICPC, which has detained the former governor for about a month over corruption allegations, had refused to release him; saying his detention was based on a valid court order.

However, on Friday afternoon, Mr El-Rufais mother, Umma El-Rufai, was announced dead.

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PREMIUM TIMES reports that a few hours after her death, the National Security Officer, Nuhu Ribadu, whom Mr El-Rufai had repeatedly claimed was behind his ordeal, mourned the death of Mrs El-Rufai.

I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, the matriarch of the El-Rufai family. I have fond memories of shared moments with her and her motherly care. At a time like this, words can offer little comfort for such a profound loss. My heartfelt condolences to Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and the entire family. May Almighty Allah forgive her shortcomings, grant her eternal rest in Aljannah Firdaus, and give the family the strength to bear this loss, Mr Ribadu wrote on X.

Mr El-Rufais imminent release was announced by his son, Bashir El-Rufai on X at 9:56 p.m. on Saturday.

My beloved great legend of a father (@elrufai) is being released from his unlawful & illegal detention at the hands of one of the most corrupt agencies in the Federal Republic of Nigeria that is a lame excuse of a pathetic institution.

Thank you all for all the support. Our family shall never forget these times. We have overcome, as the El-Rufais always do, he wrote.

The ICPC has yet to confirm the release at the time of this report.

More details later
President Bola Tinubu, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani have commiserated with former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai following the death of his mother, Umma El-Rufai, in a rare show of unity that cuts across recent political differences.

Hajiya Umma reportedly died on Friday after a brief illness, eliciting an outpouring of tributes from political leaders and associates across the country.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, President Tinubu expressed profound condolences to Mr El-Rufai, describing the deceased as a matriarch who raised children and grandchildren who have contributed significantly to Nigeria.

Losing a mother is a pain unlike any other, the president said, noting that he personally understood the depth of such grief.

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He prayed that the memories of her life and values would comfort the family, adding that as firm believers in Allah, there was solace in the belief that she had returned to her Creator after fulfilling her earthly purpose.

Mr Ribadu, who has of late had a soured political relationship with Mr El-Rufai, also expressed deep sorrow over the loss.

He recalled fond memories of shared moments with the deceased and described her as a caring maternal figure.

At a time like this, words can offer little comfort for such a profound loss, the national security adviser said, praying for Allahs forgiveness for the deceased and strength for the family.

Similarly, Governor Uba Sani, Mr El-Rufais successor in Kaduna, extended condolences on behalf of the state government and its people.

He described the late Hajiya Umma as a woman of rare grace, moral clarity, and quiet strength, whose life was defined by compassion, humility, and service to others.

He noted that she played a stabilising role in her community, offering counsel and fostering unity, while embodying values of faith, patience, and generosity.

Sympathy amid political differences

The messages of sympathy come amid strained relations between Mr El-Rufai and some figures in the current administration.

Although once a key ally of President Tinubu and an influential member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr El-Rufai has, in recent months, been politically distant from the centre.

His exclusion from the federal cabinet after a controversial screening process by the Senate marked a turning point, fuelling speculation about a widening rift.

The former governor has since defected to the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), becoming one of the most vociferous critics of the Tinubu administration.

Mr El-Rufai also has a longstanding tense relationship with Mr Ribadu, a former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), largely shaped by differing political alignments over the years.

Governor Uba Sani, on the other hand, succeeded Mr El-Rufai in Kaduna but has since charted his own political course, with observers noting subtle policy and political departures from his predecessor.

Despite these differences, Fridays condolence messages reflected a moment of shared humanity, with leaders across divides rallying around Mr El-Rufai in his time of personal loss.

Femi Fani-Kayode, another estranged friend of Mr El-Rufai, has also commiserated with the former Kaduna governor.

On behalf of my wife, children and entire family I extend my sincere commiserations and deepest condolences to my old friend and brother His Excellency, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the former Minister of FCT and the former Governor of Kaduna state and to the entire El-Rufai family on the passing of their beloved mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, the former minister and current ambassador-designate, said.

The pain that goes with losing a mother is indescribable, and I can testify to that. I urge my brother Nasir and his family to remain strong and pray that the Lord will see them through this difficult time. May the soul of Hajiya Umma rest in peace.

Also reacting, ambassador-designate Reno Omokri urged empathy in moments of grief, noting that death is a debt all of humanity owes.

A fierce critic of Mr El-Rufai, he surprisingly called for solidarity with the bereaved, emphasising the shared human experience of loss.

He quoted the Quran (2:156), reminding mourners: From God we came, and to Him we must return.

As of the time of filing this report, details of funeral arrangements had yet to be formally announced.

However, Islamic rites typically require swift burial, and prayers have continued to pour in for the repose of the deceased.

The convergence of condolences from political allies and rivals alike underscores how personal tragedy can momentarily bridge divides in Nigerias often fractious political landscape.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has re-elected Nentawe Yilwatda as its national chairman.

The party, at its 8th national convention in Abuja on Friday, also returned all members of its National Working Committee (NWC) through consensus and affirmative voice vote.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the newly elected NWC members, who were immediately sworn in, would steer the partys affairs in the next four years.

Some of the NWC members are Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Dalori; Deputy National Chairman (South), Emma Eneukwu; National Secretary, Surajudeen Basiru; National Financial Secretary, Alhaji Bashir Gumel, and National Legal Adviser, Murtala Kankia, among others.

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Mr Yilwatda was first appointed as national chairman in 2025 following the resignation of Abdullahi Ganduje. Mr Ganduje had also emerged as the national chairman when his predecessor, Abdullahi Adamu, resigned in 2023.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Yilwatda said that the NWC was ready to lead and work to rebuild Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

Our mission is clear. Together, we will build a Pan-African and Pan-Nigerian party that is stronger, transparent, inclusive, and more disciplined and united than ever.

We will deepen internal democracy. So that every member is heard, we will strengthen our structures so that every person will trust it.

We will expand the reach, so that the message of renewed hope is heard in every community.

We will empower our youth because they are not just the future, but they are a huge and important part of our today, he said.

Mr Yilwatda commended Tinubu for his support for the party and his leadership of the country.

He said the future of APC was the future of Nigeria, anchored under the renewed hope agenda of the administration.

Already, we are seeing the signs; all economic reforms are stabilising our public finances and economy.

Marketing investment in infrastructure, even the roads, the rails and the energy; the new focus on social investment, to protect the most vulnerable. Expansion of digital innovation.

I truly and completely accept this moment with a full understanding of the way of history, the expectation of our people, and the urgency of this moment.

I dont see this convention as a toy with a crown, but as a duty, with the burden of trust of millions of our members.

I know that from this day, the way of the burden of leadership, to provide for the millions of our members, from every ward, every state, every corner of this Nation, will now rest on our shoulders, he said.

While pledging to lead an open-door party administration, Mr Yilwatda expressed confidence that the party would be victorious in the 2027 general election.

FULL LIST OF NWC MEMBERS

National Secretary: Sen. Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru

Deputy National Secretary: Prof. AbdulKarim Abubakar Kana

National Legal Adviser: Murtala Aliyu Kankia

National Treasurer: Uguru Mathew Ofoke

National Financial Secretary: Amb. Haruna Ginsau

National Organising Secretary: Muhammad Sulaiman Argungu, OFR

Deputy National Organising Secretary: Barr. Emeka Okafor

National Welfare Secretary: Donatus Enyinnah Nwankpa

Deputy National Welfare Secretary: Dr Christopher Michael Akpan

National Publicity Secretary: Felix Morka

Deputy National Publicity Secretary: Hon. Meseko Durosinmi Josiah

National Auditor: Sen. Abubakar Maikafi

National Women Leader: Dr Mary A. Idele

Deputy National Women Leader: Zainab Abubakar Ibrahim

National Youth Leader: Dayo Israel

National Leader, Persons with Disabilities: Aare Durotolu Oyebode Bankole

Deputy National Financial Secretary: Hammam Adamu Ali Kumo

READ ALSO: Tinubu tasks new APC NWC members on commitment to party ideals

National Ex-Officio Members

North Central: Dr Opawoye Oluwatoyin Bunmi

North East: Adamu Jallah

North West: Kano Muhammed Jamu Yusuf

South East: Hon. Ikechukwu Umeh

South South: Mr Francis Kolokolo

South West: Hon. Bunmi Orinowo
The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) has released former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai from custody hours after his mother died on Friday.

On Saturday, an ICPC source who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, confirmed that Mr El-Rufai was released Friday on compassionate grounds to mourn his mother and participate in her burial rites.

He was granted compassionate bail yesterday to bury his mother. That is all I can confirm. It is a sensitive issue, the source said.

But the source declined to comment on whether the release was backed by any court order. Let us not talk about whether it is a court order or not. His mother died. It is very sensitive.

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The ICPC, which detained the former governor for over a month over corruption allegations, had refused to release him, saying his detention was based on a valid court order.

Mr El-Rufais son, Bashir El-Rufai, earlier announced his imminent release on X at 9:56 p.m. on Friday.

My beloved great legend of a father (@elrufai) is being released from his unlawful & illegal detention at the hands of one of the most corrupt agencies in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which is a lame excuse of a pathetic institution.

Thank you all for all the support. Our family shall never forget these times. We have overcome, as the El-Rufais always do, he wrote.

The move to release Mr El-Rufai, who was arraigned in Kaduna on corruption charges last week, came after the news of his mother, Umma El-Rufais passing filtered in Friday afternoon.

Later, the National Security Officer, Nuhu Ribadu, whom Mr El-Rufai had repeatedly claimed was behind his ordeal, mourned the death of Mrs El-Rufai.

I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, the matriarch of the El-Rufai family. I have fond memories of shared moments with her and her motherly care. At a time like this, words can offer little comfort for such a profound loss.

My heartfelt condolences to Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and the entire family. May Almighty Allah forgive her shortcomings, grant her eternal rest in Aljannah Firdaus, and give the family the strength to bear this loss, Mr Ribadu wrote on X.

Background

Mr ElRufai, who the ICPC has detained since 18 February, is facing intense scrutiny chiefly focusing on his activities as the Kaduna State governor, a position he held between May 2015 and May 2023.

ICPC rearrested Mr El-Rufai on 19 Februaryshortly after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) released him, having earlier detained him for two days over similar allegations.

ICPC arraigned him before the Federal High Court in Kaduna on corruption charges on Tuesday. The court ordered him to remain in ICPCs custody pending the hearing of his bail application scheduled for 31 March.

Another corruption case filed by the ICPC, which has yet to be scheduled for arraignment, is pending against him at the Kaduna State High Court in Kaduna, the state capital.

Mr El-Rufai, who faces a separate corruption investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), an anti-corruption agency that detained him for two days before passing him to the ICPC, has described the swirling scrutiny by the authorities as political persecution.

Another case is pending against him at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The charges stemmed from his claim on a live television programme in February that he, with someone, tapped into the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadus phone call ordering his arrest.

Mr El-Rufai has denied wrongdoing in the cases, alleging that he is being targeted because of his opposition politics.

The former governor backed President Bola Tinubu to win the 2023 presidential election. But their alliance fell apart after the president nominated him as a minister, and the appointment was controversially scuttled in the Senate over security concerns.

He filed the N1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit on 20 February following his detention and the reported search of his house in Abuja.

In the suit, he asked the court to declare that the search warrant issued on 4 February by a chief magistrate in the FCT, which authorised the search and seizure at his residence, was invalid, null and void.

ICPC opposed the suit, arguing in a counter-affidavit that it received a petition against ElRufai and acted under statutory powers to investigate, arrest, and prosecute offenders.

However, the case has suffered setbacks since it was filed.
Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL) is one of the 10 High Growth Mega Cap Stocks to Buy and Hold for Next 10 Years. On March 24, Tal Liani of Bank of America Securities reinstated coverage of Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL), assigning a $200 price target. The major factors in the firms bullish thesis on ORCL are its massive backlog and its ability to cater to increasing AI investments in the US. Oracle has a remaining performance obligation (RPO) of $553 billion, which offers good visibility into the companys future earnings.

Oracles (ORCL) Strategic Innovation Boosts its Dividend Appeal

The analyst also pointed out that a major risk in the bull thesis is the customer concentration. A large part of this backlog comes from OpenAI.OpenAI intends to invest a total of $600 billion in computing power by 2030. Previously, in October, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said the company could spend up to $1.4 trillion on infrastructure by 2033.

One month ago, BNP Paribas analyst Stefan Slowinski commented on how this particular risk is now reducing for Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL):

"With a more defined cash burn outlook and OpenAIs $100bn+ capital raise closing soon (with another $80bn likely required thereafter to reach FCF breakeven), we believe this reduces the OpenAI counterparty risk for ORCL over the near term."

Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL) provides information technology-related products and services to enterprises through its main business segments: Cloud and License, Hardware, and Services. The company is based in Austin, Texas, and was founded in June 1977 by Lawrence Joseph Ellison, Robert Nimrod Miner, and Edward A. Oates.

While we acknowledge the potential of ORCL as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 8 Best American Stocks to Buy and Hold in 2026 and 12 Best Mid Cap AI Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds.

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
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 vowed 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 29th day on Saturday (today).

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PREMIUM TIMES brings you the key events around the war on the 28th day.

Houthis attack Israel

Yemens Houthis, on Saturday, launched an attack on Israel a move likely to escalate the war.

The attack signals groups entry into the war.

It also portends a potential third front of the US-Israel war on Iran.

The NBC reports that the Israeli military confirmed identifying a missile launched from Yemen.

The ballistic missile is reported to have targeted Israeli military sites in the occupied West Bank.

Meanwhile, Houthis said the attack was retaliation for the continued attacks on Iran, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine.

The group said the operations would continue until the US and Israel end their act of aggression.

Trump says hes disappointed in NATO

US President Donald Trump is displeased with how NATO members responded to his request for support to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Mr Trump, on Friday, criticised the alliance for providing no meaningful support to the US and Israel in the war.

Mr Trump, speaking at a business conference, said: Ive always said NATO is a paper tiger. And I always said we help NATO, but theyll never help us.

Israel attacks Irans industrial and nuclear sites

Israel struck Iranian infrastructure linked to the production of civilian nuclear energy and uranium enrichment, according to Al Jazeera.

Israel struck a uranium processing facility in the central Iranian city of Yazd.

The Israeli Air Force also reported that it hit a plant used to extract raw materials for the uranium enrichment process.

Explosions were also reported in Isfahan, which is home to Iranian nuclear facilities.

IEA says no radioactive leakage

Irans Atomic Energy Organisation also confirmed the strike, and disclosed there were no casualties or radiation leaks.

According to the organisation, the projectile also hit an area near the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, but the attack caused no casualties, financial, or technical damage.

Iran vows retaliation

Meanwhile, Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has promised to have Israel pay a HEAVY price for the attack on its nuclear facilities.

Israel has hit 2 of Irans largest steel factories, a power plant, and civilian nuclear sites, among other infrastructure. Israel claims it acted in coordination with the US, he said in a social media post.

Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also asked employees of industrial sites in the Gulf that have American shareholders as well as heavy industries allied with the Zionist regime to leave their workplaces immediately as it prepares to carry out retaliatory strikes.

Rubio says war to end in weeks, no ground troops

Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday said the US does not need to send group troops to the frontlines in Iran.

He also said the country is right on schedule and could achieve its objectives in a matter of weeks.

We are ahead of schedule on most of them, and we can achieve them without any ground troops, without any, Mr Rubio said, according to Reuters.

12 American soldiers injured as casualties rise

Iranian strikes on a military base in Saudi Arabia injured 12 American soldiers.

Reuters reports that the Iranian strikes hit Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.

This increases the American casualties of this war. So far, at least 13 soldiers have been killed and over 300 others wounded.

Casualties across the Middle East have also been rising. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, around 1,142 people have been killed and 3,315 injured.

At least 1,937 Iranians have now been killed, with about 24,800 others injured by US and Israel strikes.

UN creates task force for Hormuz

The UN has also introduced a new task force to ease passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the UN chief, Antonio Guterres, announced the creation of a task force.

The goal is to create a supply route for humanitarian goods through the Strait.

The UN undersecretary, Jorge Moreira, who leads the task force, said theres a plan to develop a mechanism to have safe, orderly, and predictable maritime transit for humanitarian purposes through the Strait.

The disruptions in maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz risk creating ripple effects impacting humanitarian needs and agricultural production in the coming months.

Our focus is to facilitate the trade of commercial fertilisers and the movement of related raw materials. We are standing by to support this lifesaving operation, he said in a post on X.
Some lawyers have condemned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for the release of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai in disregard of the court order remanding him in its custody.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how ICPC released Mr El-Rufai on Friday for him to mourn his mother, who passed away on Friday, and be part of the burial rites.

On 24 March, the Federal High Court in Kaduna ordered Mr El-Rufais remand in ICPC custody, where he was already detained for over a month based on another court other.

The latest remand order on 24 March followed the arraignment of the former governor before the court on 10 corruption charges.

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The ICPC arraigned him alongside Joel Adoga.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following their pleas, the trial judge, Ridwan Aikawa, ordered that they be remanded in ICPC custody pending the hearing of Mr El-Rufais bail application scheduled for Tuesday, 31 March.

Despite the subsisting order, the ICPC released the former governor on Friday without recourse to the court that ordered his remand.

His son, Bashir El-Rufai, first announced the development on X late Friday.

Sources at the ICPC confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday that the former governor was released on Friday following his mothers death.

He was released on compassionate grounds to enable him to be part of the burial rites of his mother, a source who had no authorisation to speak to journalists on the matter said.

PREMIUM TIMES reported earlier on Saturday how senior lawyer Femi Falana, human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong and veteran journalist Richard Akinola criticised the the release of Mr El-Rufai in disobedience to the court order remanding him in custody.

More condemnations

More lawyers faulted the release in separate interviews with this newspaper on Saturday.

A lawyer, Liborous Oshoma, questioned the legality of the release, noting that administrative bail does not apply once a court has taken jurisdiction.

Once a court orders that a suspect be remanded, administrative bail is no longer applicable. The authority to grant bail rests solely with the court, he said on a phone call with PREMIUM TIMES.

In such circumstances, any application must be made formally before the court. Granting bail on compassionate grounds after a remand order amounts to going against the courts directive.

Another human rights lawyer, Hamza Dantani, said the ICPC lacked the authority to grant bail after arraignment without court approval.

Legally, once a defendant has been arraigned, the authority to grant bail rests solely with the court, he said.

In this instance, the court adjourned for a bail ruling on 31 March 2026. At that point, the prosecuting agency no longer has the authority to grant bail on any grounds unless it obtains the courts approval.

He added that any such request must be formally filed.

Such an application cannot be made informally. It must be in writing and properly filed before the court, he said.

Mr Dantani warned that the situation raises concerns about due process and institutional accountability.

It raises concerns about due process and may affect confidence in both the judiciary and law enforcement agencies, he said.

Yomi Adesanya, also a lawyer, criticised the release, describing it as a disregard for the judiciary.

The release of El-Rufai without an order of court, while a bail application is pending, shows clearly how institutions no longer respect the rule of law, he said.

He argued that the development could undermine public confidence in the justice system and warned against what he described as the appropriation of judicial powers.

Reacting to the news of the former governors release in a social media post on Saturday, Inibehe Effiong said ICPC has questions to answer.

Hafsat Usman, principal partner at Hafsat Usman and Co, said the action raises procedural concerns.

My view is that since El-Rufai was remanded in ICPC custody by a competent court order, typically, an application would be needed to vary the order to allow him to attend the funeral. ICPC releasing him without a court order might be seen as inconsistent with the courts directive.

In Nigerian law, when a court orders detention, the agency (ICPC) usually needs to apply to the court for variation or temporary release. El-Rufais release without a court order could raise questions about procedural propriety, she said.

However, human rights lawyer Tope Temokun offered a different perspective, saying agencies may exercise limited discretion where bail applications have not been determined.

If a bail application has not yet been heard, the agency may exercise discretion regarding temporary release, he said, adding that such discretion must be exercised carefully and within legal limits.

In a post on his Facebook page on Saturday, Deji Adeyanju described the decision as compassionate but stressed the need for judicial backing.

The decision to grant Mallam Nasir El-Rufai temporary release from Independent Corrupt Practices Commission custody to attend his mothers burial is both humane and commendable but must be backed by a court decision/order since he was remanded in custody on the order of the court.

The decision to allow El-Rufai to attend his mothers funeral reflects a necessary balance between the demands of justice and respect for fundamental human dignity. Bail, whether administrative or judicial, should not be misconstrued as an escape from accountability, but rather as a lawful and compassionate accommodation in deserving circumstances.

This action by the authorities is a welcome demonstration of empathy while upholding the rule of law, he stated.

But Mr Falana, who plainly described the release as illegal and warned against undermining the rule of law in PREMIUM TIMES previous publication, said the only way the ICPC could have legitimately released the former governor from custody was to rush back to the court with an application

Nigerian authorities must learn to operate under the Rule of Law. There are ordinary people in custody who have lost both parents. Why are they never released in this manner to participate in the burial rites of their loved ones? Mr Falana told PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday.

He said the appropriate thing to do is to rush an application to the court seeking his release to enable him to participate in the burial rites of his mother. The prosecution and the defence could exchange processes electronically. The application could then be filed on Monday, accompanied by an affidavit of urgency so that it could be held the same day.

Background

The ICPC arraigned Mr El-Rufai alongside Joel Adoga on 10 charges of corruption on 24 March.

In the charges filed on 18 March, the ICPC accused Mr El-Rufai of fraudulently taking inflated severance pay of about N289.8 million at the end of each of his two terms in office, instead of N20 million that he was legitimately entitled to on each occasion.

The anti-graft agency alleged that Mr El-Rufai received the first N289.8 million in September 2020 after completing his first term in office in May 2019, and the second N289.8 million in January 2023, months before the end of his second term in May 2023.

The payments totalled N579.7 million, instead of about N40 million he was entitled to for the two terms.

The commission added that each of the payments represents 300% of your annual basic salary which you reasonably ought to have known that such fund formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: corruption.

It said the offences were contrary to Section 18(2)(d) and punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

In the other eight counts, the ICPC accused Mr El-Rufai of receiving deposits of alleged proceeds of corruption and fraud totalling $817,900 in tranches in his Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) domiciliary account while serving as governor of Kaduna State.

The commission said he received the deposits in tranches ranging from $4,000 to $320,800 between 2016 and March 2023. His co-defendant, Mr Adoga, appeared as a defendant in only one of the 10 counts but was named in another count as one of the persons who deposited money into Mr El-Rufais domiciliary account.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The ICPC rearrested Mr El-Rufai on 18 February after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) released him following two days of detention over corruption allegations.

Mr El-Rufai has described his prosecution as political persecution, citing fallout with President Bola Tinubu after his failed nomination to serve as minister in the presidents cabinet.

He also described his prolonged detention by the ICPC as illegal in a N1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit he filed after ICPC agents searched his house on 19 February.

However, the ICPC countered the suit in its filing before the Federal High Court in Abuja, stating that both his detention and the search of his residence were based on court orders.
The National Assembly arcade, one of the most recognisable spaces inside Nigerias federal legislative complex, has gradually become the focal point of a growing tension between citizens seeking to protest and authorities determined to protect the institution.

To some Nigerians, the broad forecourt represents access, a symbolic point where citizens can bring their voices closer to the seat of power (their representatives). To the authorities who guard the complex, it is simply a controlled space within one of the countrys most sensitive legislative facilities.

This difference in perception has repeatedly surfaced in confrontations between protesters and security operatives at the gates of the National Assembly. Beneath those encounters lies a deeper question: in a democracy, how close should citizens be able to get to their lawmakers when they want to be heard?

A space built to symbolise unity

The arcade sits in a large space in front of the White House  of the National Assembly complex, Abuja.

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Designed during the military era, when public dissent around government institutions was tightly restricted, the space was never intended as a civic protest ground.

Architecturally, it functions as a central corridor and ceremonial plaza. Lawmakers, officials and visiting dignitaries pass through it when moving between the two legislative chambers. It also serves as a gathering point for formal state activities within the complex.

But what immediately captures attention in the space is the artwork.

Running along the arcade are sculpted figures and relief carvings depicting Nigerians from different ethnic groups in traditional attire. The sculptures depict men and women in flowing agbadas, embroidered northern robes, intricately tied headgear, coral beads from the Niger Delta, and other symbols of Nigerias diverse identities.

Each sculpture is carefully crafted to showcase distinctive cultural symbols, with carvings emphasising fabrics, ceremonial regalia or cultural garments, traditional beads, hairstyles, headgear, and musical instruments that immediately signal the cultures they represent.

The arrangement creates the impression of a symbolic procession of Nigerias peoples converging at a single point.

In essence, the architecture tries to tell a story: that the legislature is a meeting ground for the countrys many cultures.

The Assistant Director, Sergeant-at-Arms, Ikechukwu Alaribe, offered a more layered explanation of what the space was originally intended for and how security realities have gradually reshaped its use.

The space, according to him, was never conceived as a protest ground in the conventional sense; rather, it was meant to serve as a place where lawmakers could meet constituents, as well as groups and organisations seeking to present their concerns directly to the legislature.

In an ideal situation, it is supposed to be a ground where lawmakers give audience to their constituents who came for one thing or the other, he told PREMIUM TIMES.

In practice, however, that vision has been overtaken by security realities.

According to him, access to the arcade has gradually been restricted, with most public demonstrations now contained at the outer security perimeter, commonly referred to as the Mopol Gate.

It is at that point that protesters are stopped, and any attempt to move closer to the main complex is usually blocked.

Due to security concerns, the protest ground is now shifted to the Mopol Gate, he clarified.

I think the only people that they grant access to use the place to present their position paper are the Nigeria Labour Congress.

Despite the restrictions, Mr Alaribe maintained that the architectural design, especially the sculpted figures in diverse cultural attire, reflects the idea of a legislature built on unity in diversity, where Nigerians from different backgrounds come together to make laws for the common good.

The Sergeant at Arms noted that when protesters gather at the gate, security officials collect their position papers on behalf of the legislature. Depending on the nature of the protest, the appropriate parliamentary committees are then invited to interface with them.

For protests that concern women, we look for the chairmen of the various committees, both Senate and House committees, to come address them.

If it concerns labour issues, we look for the chairman of the committee on labour and productivity to address them jointly.

So whatever is the concern, the various supervising committees, either the chairman or the deputy, come out to address them and collect their position paper for further necessary action, he added.

Democracy changed the narrative

Since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999, public expectations about access to power have changed.

Citizens increasingly viewed democratic institutions as places where they could bring their demands directly to elected representatives. As activism grew, civil society groups, labour unions, and advocacy organisations began treating the National Assembly as a natural destination for protest.

Gradually, the arcade acquired a new reputation, not through any official declaration, but through public perception.

For many Nigerians, it became a symbolic stage where citizens could peacefully project their grievances into the heart of government.

What the law actually allows

The Nigerian constitution protects the right to peaceful protest. Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees freedom of assembly and association. The country is also bound by international agreements such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, both of which affirm the right to peaceful demonstrations.

But these rights have limits.

Both Nigerian and international law allow governments to impose restrictions when necessary to protect public order or national security. The law protects the right to protest, but it does not guarantee the right to protest at a specific location, particularly inside sensitive government facilities.

Under the Nigeria Police Act 2020, the police must protect demonstrators while also maintaining public safety. In reality, this has given security agencies wide discretion over where protests can occur, especially around high-security institutions like the National Assembly.

Despite these restrictions, protesters have occasionally managed to reach areas close to the legislature.

In May 2025, groups representing indigenous communities of the Federal Capital Territory protested over land rights and political recognition. Demonstrators advanced toward the National Assembly grounds before security operatives moved in and dispersed them with tear gas.

Earlier, in August 2023, members of the NLC and Trade Union Congress forced their way into the National Assembly compound during nationwide protests over economic hardship. The confrontation prompted the Senate to suspend plenary and hold a closed-door session before opening dialogue with labour leaders.

Such episodes reinforced the belief that the legislature and, by extension, the arcade could function as a meeting point between citizens and lawmakers.

More recently, however, authorities have drawn firmer lines.

On 12 June 2025, civil society groups attempted to converge on the National Assembly while President Bola Tinubu addressed a joint session of lawmakers to mark Democracy Day. Security operatives barricaded the gates and redirected protesters away from the complex.

A few months earlier, supporters of Kogi Central senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan were also stopped by security operatives while attempting to protest issues linked to Senate leadership disputes. They were prevented from advancing beyond the outer security perimeter.

Later that year, activists planning a #FreeNnamdiKanu protest were barred from assembling near the legislature after the Federal High Court order restricted demonstrations around sensitive government locations, including Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly and the Force Headquarters.

How other democracies handle it

Other democracies face similar tensions but often manage them by creating clearly defined protest spaces near legislative buildings.

In the United States, demonstrations frequently take place on the grounds surrounding the Capitol in Washington, D.C., though permits are required and protesters must remain outside restricted security zones.

In the United Kingdom, citizens regularly gather in Parliament Square, directly across from the Houses of Parliament. The square has become one of Britains most visible arenas for political protest.

In South Africa, demonstrators often assemble outside Parliament in Cape Town, where public spaces near the legislature are recognised as legitimate areas for protest.

These arrangements allow citizens to demonstrate within sight and hearing of lawmakers while maintaining strict security within the parliamentary buildings themselves.

A continuing debate

In Nigeria, such distinctions remain unclear.

To security officials, the National Assembly arcade is a ceremonial and symbolic space designed to represent unity.

To many citizens, it feels like the natural place to make their voices heard. That tension is unlikely to disappear soon.

Recent proposals introduced in 2025 to use the arcade for presidential swearing-in ceremonies and annual State of the Nation addresses may further reinforce its status as a carefully controlled ceremonial ground. Yet the questions raised by the space remain unresolved.

Until Nigeria clearly defines where citizens can lawfully protest in relation to the legislature, the tension surrounding the arcade is likely to persist.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) at its 8th National Convention on Friday approved a six-month tenure extension for the partys Caretaker Committee Executives in Ekiti and Osun states.

The decision, ratified by the National Conventionthe partys supreme organ, was to ensure administrative continuity and stability ahead of upcoming gubernatorial cycles in the affected states.

Moving the motion for the extension, the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, said that the tenures of the current caretaker committees at the ward, local government, and state levels were due to expire at the end of March 2026.

He noted, however, that the forthcoming political developments made the current period unviable for conducting fresh congresses.

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It is expedient in the overall interest of the party to extend the tenures of the said caretaker committees to allow for proper coordination, consolidation, and preparation for the conduct of the congresses, Mr Jibrin stated.

The delegates subsequently approved the motion seconded by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele at the convention.

Similarly, the convention also witnessed the formal dissolution of the National Working Committee (NWC) to pave the way for the election of new national officers.

The motion for dissolution was moved by the National Legal Adviser, Abdulkarim Kana, who cited Article 13.1 of the partys constitution, and seconded by the Deputy National Secretary, Abdulkarim Oluopolekana.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, also moved a motion for the adoption of consensus as the primary mode of election for the emergence of new national officers.

The adoption of a defined mode of election will guide the proceedings and ensure that the process reflects the collective will of the party, Mr Tajudeen Abbas.

READ ALSO: Tinubu tasks new APC NWC members on commitment to party ideals

The motion was seconded by the Governor of Kaduna State and Vice-Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Uba Sani.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio moved the motion to formally adopt and ratify the ward, local government, state, and zonal congresses already held across the federation.

Mr Akpabio said that the processes were undertaken in substantial compliance with the Electoral Act and the partys guidelines, effectively strengthening the APCs grassroots structure.

The Chairman of Progressive Governors Forum, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, seconded the motion.

All the motions were unanimously approved by the delegates to the national convention after the Chairman of the Convention Central Planning Committee, Aminu Masari, put them to a vote.

(NAN)
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, says Nigerians are yet to see the best of President Bola Tinubu, in spite of the significant milestones achieved by the current administration in the face of economic challenges.

Mr Akpabio, in his remarks at the 8th All Progressives Congress (APC) National Convention on Friday in Abuja, said that the presidents sight and vision were steering the country toward a new era of dignity and global respect.

He said that while many individuals have sight, very few possess the vision required to transform a nation.

He praised the presidents resilience, tracing his political journey from the 1980s through the formation of the APC.

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In President Tinubu, you have both sight and vision, and you are translating it into Nigeria.

Nigerians are yet to see the best of you. Despite the difficult economy, you are turning things around and bringing dignity back to Nigeria on the world stage, Mr Akpabio said.

The senate president listed several bold reforms as evidence of good governance, including the removal of the fuel subsidy and the harmonisation of multiple exchange rates.

He also noted the presidents revolutionary changes in the education sector and student loan opportunities, major infrastructure completions, including the Lagos-Ibadan and Ajaokuta rail lines, as well as the commencement of the Niger Delta coastal road project.

He assured Mr Tinubu of the unalloyed support of the 10th National Assembly, emphasising that legislative alignment was crucial for the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

When the House is in order and the National Assembly is aligned, Nigeria will see progress. We are sure of our control because everyone is committed to your vision, Mr Akpabio said.

He added that Mr Tinubu had also showcased the partys growing dominance, evidenced by the increase in the number of APC governors to 32.

On the issue of national security, Mr Akpabio assured Nigerians that the government was on course and remained committed to restoring peace across the country.

In his remarks, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, described the Tinubu-led administrations reforms as a choice of necessity over convenience.

Mr Tajudeen said that the inherited economy was weighed down by unsustainable commitments that required the difficult road of reform to fix.

The choice before us was clear: continue with what was convenient or confront what was necessary. We chose what was necessary.

We chose reform over comfort. We chose responsibility over short-term gains. We chose the future over the present moment.

Yes, the realities are evident. They point to rising costs and economic adjustments. They reflect the path we are on.

But I ask, what was the alternative? To continue on a path that drains our resources and passes the burden to the next generation?

No nation moves forward by avoiding its challenges. No economy grows without reform. No leadership succeeds by choosing what is easy over what is right, he said.

Mr Tajudeen called for the continuity of the Tinubu administration beyond the present term to ensure the foundations being laid are fully built upon.

Reform is not a threat; it is a journey. This is why I urge that President Tinubu must continuenot for convenience, but because the work has begun and must be completed, he said.

The speaker also called for continuity in the legislative arm of government, noting that the high turnover rate of lawmakers in Nigeria weakens institutional memory.

As we commit to continuity at the executive level, we must also ensure stability within the legislature.

Frequent turnover of lawmakers comes at a cost. We must support a stable and effective legislature so that together, we can sustain this path, he said.

APC remains best equipped party to lead Nigeria

The Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, said the APC remains the party to beat in future elections.

Mr AbdulRazaq said this at the 8th APC National Convention on Friday in Abuja, adding that it is the platform best equipped to lead Nigeria through reforms and national renewal.

He said the APCs strength was in its ability to manage diversity, build trust, and maintain a culture of dialogue and inclusion.

He said that political parties endured not because they won elections, but because they built trust, managed differences, and continued to offer direction in times of change.

The APC has come this far because it has never been just an election platform; it is a party that has brought people together, managed diversity, and progressed steadily.

The ability to listen, accommodate, and remain united has been central to our strength.

As party members, we must continue to protect that culture of dialogue, inclusion, discipline, and collective responsibility, he said.

The governor commended President Tinubu for his courage in implementing tough but necessary decisions under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

This, he noted, reflected a clear commitment to long-term progress, even when the path was not easy.

He further noted that those reforms had significantly increased resources for the federation, allowing states to fund critical priorities.

At the sub-national level, we understand this responsibility. Our task is to ensure that reforms translate into real improvements in the lives of our people.

On fiscal matters, states have actively shaped reforms to ensure they are practical and balanced, he said.

Mr AbdulRazaq commended Mr Tinubu for reforms that had increased resources for the federation and positively impacted sub-national policies.

The tax reform bill has also been passed in our state assemblies and adopted.

Through initiatives such as the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER), states are strengthening revenue systems, improving land administration, and enhancing public financial management to fund priorities more sustainably, he said.

Mr AbdulRazaq, however, said that revenue only mattered when it delivered results, adding that states were actively investing in improving living standards.

He also commended Mr Tinubus initiative in the agriculture and livestock sectors, including the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock to support that industry.

He said that programmes such as the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRESS) and agro-climatic resilience initiatives had provided support for farmers while addressing climate challenges.

In human capital development, initiatives such as Primary Health Care Under One Roof, the Health Compact, the Basic Health Care Provision Fund and the $5.1 billion MOU recently signed with the United States under Americas Global Health Strategy are improving health outcomes across states.

We also appreciate the presidents commitment of three billion dollars toward this effort, he said.

Noting that development can only succeed when lives and livelihoods are protected, Mr Abdulrazaq said the governors were working closely with the Office of the National Security Adviser and security agencies to strengthen security coordination in the country.

He commended Mr Tinubus efforts and investment in security, and expressed confidence in his ability to address the countrys challenges.

He noted that the convention was a moment for the party to reflect on its responsibility to the country, adding that political parties endured only when they offered clear direction in times of change.

He expressed the need for the APC to move forward, stay focused, strengthen fiscal discipline, expand opportunities, invest in people, and ensure inclusion.

The governor said that human capital must remain at the centre of the partys efforts, saying the strength of the nation depended on the strength of its people.

On his part, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, said the 31 APC governors were fully aligned with the Presidents reform logic.

Under President Tinubus administration, the direction is clearer, the reform logic is stronger, and the prospects for long-term growth and development are brighter.

What leadership requires is not merely the ability to manage the present, but the wisdom to prepare the future and in this regard, President Tinubu has shown statesmanship.

We also acknowledge that the reforms are meaningful only when they touch lives. That is why the PGF remains fully aligned with the Renewed Hope agenda and deeply committed to its social progress, he said.

Mr Uzodimma pledged the governors commitment to continue to work with the Federal Government to advance policies and programmes that promote economic opportunity and strengthen social protection.

He said the governors were also committed to expanding infrastructure, improving security, supporting enterprise, empowering young people and women, and restoring confidence in public leadership.

The PGF Chairman stressed that the APC must remain broad enough to accommodate diversity and disciplined enough to protect its progressive values of justice and accountability.

This is a moment for unity, not division; for discipline, not distraction; for service, not self-interest.

Our party must remain faithful to the principles that define us: enterprise, inclusion, and national renewal, Mr Uzodimma said.

(NAN)
Muyiwa Popoola, a professor and former deputy vice-chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Oyo State, has petitioned the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) over the fraudulent withdrawal of N9.98 million from his Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) account.

On 21 February, Mr Popoola, through his legal team, petitioned the GTB branch manager in Oyo State, alleging that the withdrawals were made the same day without his knowledge or authorisation.

He said that the withdrawals were carried out twice from his GTB account within two minutes

According to him, N4,990,000 was first transferred to an account belonging to Isah Ahmed Ahmed on Paga at 10:19 a.m., before a second transfer of N4,990,000 was allegedly made at 10:21 a.m. to Nasir Nasir Sanusi, also linked to an account on the same platform.

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Our client categorically denies authorising the transactions and holds the bank responsible for the unauthorised debits which occurred within its banking infrastructure and security framework, the petition, seen by PREMIUM TIMES, said.

His legal team maintained that at no time did the professor compromise his Personal Identification Number (PIN), token, or any other security information associated with the account.

The solicitors maintained that the GTB owed the professor a duty to safeguard his funds and to prevent unauthorised access to his account.

In the petition, which GTB acknowledged three days later, the professor asked the bank to immediately reverse the N9.98 million withdrawn from his account within seven days or face legal action.

What GTB said

In a response, the GTB, in a letter dated 11 March, claimed that the two transactions were authenticated using the professors login credentials, including his User ID, password and PIN.

Our investigation revealed no infraction on the part of the Bank, given that the said transactions were conducted using your Clients personal banking details, which are exclusively within his knowledge and possession, the bank said in the letter jointly signed by two members of its legal team.

It, however, said upon receipt of the professors complaint via the petition, the bank restricted the account and escalated the transactions to the beneficiaries accounts to salvage any available funds.

However, we received feedback from VFD MFB and Opay that the funds had been utilised to purchase cryptocurrency, while Moniepoint reported that the funds were transferred to PalmPay.

We also engaged PAGA to notify its customer and attempt a reversal of the funds, the bank stated.

Petition to the CBN

In the petition to the CBN dated 26 March, the professor, through his legal team, argued that the GTBs position was untenable, legally indefensible, and contrary to established banking obligations.

He contended that the GTB owed him a strict duty to safeguard his funds and ensure that its electronic banking systems are secure and capable of detecting suspicious transactions.

According to him, the execution of two-value transactions within two minutes, transfer to new or unusual beneficiaries, and near-identical transactions were among the red flags that ought to have forced the bank to stop the transactions.

The failure of the banks systems to flag, halt, or verify these transactions constitutes a clear breach of its duty of care, he stated.

The professor further contended that the GTBs reliance on use of login credentials and PIN was misplaced and insufficient, pointing out that there is no evidence that he was negligent with his login details.

READ ALSO: GTCO raises N10 billion through private placement

His legal team asked the CBN to direct GTB to immediately refund the N9, 980,000.00 to him, investigate the banks system and handling of the incident.

They also appealed to the regulatory bank to determine and impose appropriate sanctions and remedial measures on the GTB as well mandate the bank to provide a detailed forensic report on how the breach occurred.

The conduct of GTBank raises serious concerns under the CBN Consumer Protection Framework, applicable Risk-Based Cybersecurity Guidelines and the banks obligation to maintain robust internal controls and fraud prevention mechanisms, they said in the petition.

This matter is a clear case of systemic failure on the part of the Bank, which has unjustly shifted the burden of its own lapses onto an innocent customer.
Fire has gutted the Ebonyi Health Cold Store, which houses immunisation and solar units received from the National Primary Health Care Development Authority (NPHCDA).

Moses Ekuma, the commissioner for health in Ebonyi, disclosed this on Friday while briefing journalists on the incident that occurred in the early hours of that day.

He disclosed that the facilities destroyed vaccines and equipment worth over N100 million.

These contained vaccines, vaccine carriers, cold chain boxes, laptops, documents, five refrigerators, two solar refrigerators, 45 solar batteries and inverters.

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Others include hospital beds and foams received from the NPHCDA, Abuja, for distribution to Local Government Areas next week.

Mr Ekuma thanked God that no life was lost and thanked the commissioner for power and energy, as well as the firefighters and the security personnel for their prompt response.

Different vaccines like BCG, penta, HPV vaccine stored in that cold room were burnt, Mr Ekuma added.

He noted that the exact cause of the fire was unknown because there had been no public power supply in the state for the past five days.

READ ALSO: Umahi speaks on five engineers abducted since 2021 in Ebonyi

The solar, which has been the alternative power supply, was not working. Though we invited the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company officials to restore the light on Thursday, he explained.

Frank Oka Ota, an officer with the Ebonyi State Fire Service, said he received a distress call at about 5:18 a.m. on Friday and that they mobilised firefighters immediately for a rescue operation.

He commended the Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, for procuring two brand new fire trucks for the state fire service.

(NAN)
The Enugu State Government has urged investors and institutions to invest and be part of the development of the New Enugu Smart City.

The Chief Executive Officer of the New Enugu Smart City Authority, Nkiruka Arum, made the appeal on Friday at a Special Day for the authority at the ongoing 37th Enugu International Trade Fair.

Mrs Arum said that the Smart City was Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbahs vision to build 21st Century livable homes and houses for people settling in Enugu as a country home.

According to her, it is a legacy of Governor Mbah to ensure Enugu residents live in a well-planned, infrastructure-fitted and secure environment under a natural serenity.

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Mr Arum said, The New Enugu Smart City is sitting on a 10,000-acre land, which is strategically located along Abakaliki Road, within Enugu metropolis.

The 10,000 acres of land is drawn from five local government areas of Enugu North, Enugu South, Enugu East, Nkanu East and Nkanu West council areas.

She noted that the state government had completed the major eight-lane expressway into the new city, and the development on the first phase of the new city had commenced.

The New Enugu Smart City will have chains of accessible roads apart from the major expressway, as well as portable water and constant electricity supply.

The city will have free Wi-Fi for internet connectivity, surveillance cameras, security control rooms and a dedicated security service.

All these and more services are meant to ensure that everyone living in the city, which will accommodate every form and capacity of houses, will have a world-class experience, she said.

READ ALSO: Delta honours autistic teen cyclist on awareness ride from Enugu to Lagos

Earlier, the President of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Nnanyelugo Onyemelukwe, commended Governor Mbah for envisioning and developing a new, livable home in the South-east and Nigeria.

Governor Mbah is known for exceptional projects that make national and international impact; the New Enugu Smart City stand out as one of the greatest 21st century initiatives, Mr Onyemelukwe said.

The theme of this years Enugu International Trade Fair is Empowering Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises for Global Competitiveness.

(NAN)
Primary School teachers in Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State on Friday protested against their unpaid three months salaries.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that, armed with placards bearing various inscriptions, the teachers also decried the selective payment of salaries and short payments.

The teachers protested around major streets and ended up in the council secretariat.

They said they were owed the salaries for September 2025, January, and February 2026.

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Peter Okpe, a spokesperson for the protesting teachers, regretted that the payment of salaries, which ought to be the right of every worker, had been politicised in the council area.

He explained that in September 2025, over 95 per cent of primary school teachers in Yala were unpaid, while the remaining were short-paid.

He further said that some of those who were paid were due to their relationship with some highly placed persons.

According to him, this has been their plight since September 2025, when only about 72 of the over 300 primary school teachers in Yala received their salaries.

Even those who got their salaries were short-paid, while others got debited as soon as they were credited with their salaries.

I can tell you that some teachers, among those who were paid, got N3, 000 and some N7, 000 as salaries. How possible is this?

We have some teachers who called their godfathers and got paid immediately by the council.

They have given us all manner of excuses for this pitiable situation, and yet, the same thing applies to our January and February salaries.

Mr Okpe declared that if the situation was not addressed, the teachers may not resume next term with the pupils.

Meanwhile, the Cross River State Government has blamed the teachers for their predicament.

Stephen Odey, a professor and commissioner for education in the state, who spoke with NAN, alleged that most of the teachers who were not paid were not always at their duty posts.

Whenever auditors come around for verification, some of these teachers are not always around.

I am from Yala, and I can tell you it is only those that refused to subject themselves to the authority that have these issues.

The place of teachers during office or school hours is the classroom, but these people who are having issues now are the ones found wanting.

The government is not owing salaries to any worker across the state, he explained.

However, Emmanuel Onah, Press Secretary to the Yala council chairman, attributed the nonpayment of the salaries to a system glitch.

READ ALSO: Fire destroys houses in Cross River

According to him, several of the teachers received way above their salaries in September 2025 and attempts to get them to come forward for this to be corrected have been difficult.

Some got N1 million, and there have been several pleas for them to come forward for these errors to be corrected, but they have refused.

These same protesting teachers had their October, November and December 2025 salaries paid without issues.

I can assure you that this matter is being resolved, he noted.
Some creatives in Lagos State are set to benefit from a new fellowship programme introduced by CivicHive to equip storytellers with skills and networks for civic engagement and social impact.

The organisation announced the initiative at the Creators Mixer 2026 held on Friday at MADHouse, University of Lagos, in partnership with the Open Society Foundations and Shoot Your Shot Africa. The event brought together filmmakers, writers, photographers and digital content creators to discuss storytelling, creativity and the role of media in addressing governance and social issues.

The head of CivicHive, Joseph Amenaghawon, described creatives as powerful storytellers capable of driving change through their work.

Creatives have the ability to transform simple ideas into impactful narratives that can influence society, he said, noting that the fellowship is designed to support young people in using creativity as a tool for social change.

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Mr Amenaghawon said a previous edition of the programme in 2023 selected 17 participants from over 100 applicants and trained them over three months, leading to the development of projects, including documentaries that gained recognition.

He added that the Creators Mixer was introduced to foster collaboration, idea-sharing and networking among creatives.

Also speaking at the event, the chair of CivicHive Advisory Board, Oluwaseun Muraina, said the initiative is intended to help creators maximise their potential and contribute meaningfully to society.

Creatives are not just storytellers; they shape culture and influence public discourse. This mixer serves as an entry point into the fellowship, she said.

The co-founder of Shoot Your Shot Africa, Adebisi Peters, highlighted the growing influence of social media, describing content as the driving force behind digital engagement.

He said many creators take years to refine their skills and emphasised the need for consistency and purpose in content creation.

Nigerias creator economy has continued to expand in recent years, with Lagos as a major hub, driven by digital platforms, advertising and brand partnerships. Despite this growth, many creators face challenges related to monetisation and access to sustainable opportunities.

CivicHive said the fellowship is part of efforts to address these gaps by strengthening the capacity of emerging creatives and civic actors.

The event featured sessions led by a medical doctor and health content creator, Olawale Ogunlana; creative professional, Stancy Okparavero; comedian and digital content creator, Kevin Chinedu, popularly known as Governor Amuneke; and lawyer and content creator, Timi Agbaje. They engaged participants on storytelling, digital influence and building sustainable creative careers.

Mr Ogunlana encouraged creators to build systems that support consistency amid the demands of content production. He emphasised the use of metrics to produce content that drives measurable impact and urged creators to remain adaptable.

He also outlined key stages in content creation, including ideation, scripting, production, editing and publishing.

Mr Chinedu advised creatives to understand themselves and remain consistent in their craft until they achieve results, noting that effective illustration is what transforms ideas into compelling content.

Mr Agbaje, a lawyer, urged creators not to rely on a single type of content but to diversify their output while remaining consistent until they achieve visibility and growth.

At the end of the event, organisers said selected participants would be admitted into a fellowship cohort offering mentorship, training and collaboration opportunities within the civic and creative ecosystem.

The organisation also spotlighted the CivicHive Climate Fellowship 2026, a related initiative aimed at supporting early-stage civic tech innovators working on climate and governance challenges. The four-month programme will include mentorship, structured learning and seed support for selected projects, with a final demo day scheduled for 22 Juy.

CivicHive said its continued investments in creatives and civic innovators reflect its mission to promote open data, citizen participation and improved governance.

Founded in 2017 as the innovation arm of BudgIT, the organisation said it has supported more than 100 civic initiatives and incubated 24 start-ups focused on transparency, accountability and citizen engagement. It added that its programmes are designed to connect citizens with government processes and encourage the use of public data to drive accountability.

Organisers said the Creators Mixer is part of ongoing efforts to build a community of creatives equipped with both technical skills and a civic mindset to influence conversations around governance and societal development.
Johnny Was: Comps remain negative but were described as performing in line with expectations and improving through the quarter as marketing and merchandising actions take hold.

Lilly Pulitzer: Chubb said comps have been below plan, which the company largely attributes to colder weather along the eastern seaboard, including Florida and the Southeast. Management later noted that February was unusually cold in Florida and that Lilly, which is more East Coast-centric than the companys other warm-weather brands, did not have the same West Coast offset.

Chubb said trends improved late in the fourth quarter, with comparable sales turning positive for the total company in late January, led by mid-single-digit positive comps at Tommy Bahama. He added that, quarter-to-date in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, Tommy Bahama comps have remained mid-single-digit positive, while total company comps have remained modestly positive.

Chairman and CEO Tom Chubb said fourth-quarter net sales and adjusted earnings per share landed at the midpoint of guidance ranges, excluding charges tied to the Saks Global bankruptcy that were not known when the company last updated its outlook. He described the holiday season as uneven, citing pressured traffic and conversion trends across much of the portfolio and a highly promotional marketplace.

Oxford Industries (NYSE:OXM) executives highlighted improving sales trends exiting fiscal 2025, ongoing tariff pressure, and plans to lean on operational and sourcing initiatives to support profitability in fiscal 2026, according to the companys fourth-quarter earnings call.

Operational and capital plans include completion of the new Lyons distribution center (no nearterm benefit and an expected ~ $5 million ramp loss), reduced FY26 capex to ~ $65M, a China sourcing runrate cut to ~15%, and company guidance of $1.475$1.53B in sales and $2.10$2.70 in adjusted EPS for fiscal 2026.

Tariffs are a material headwind: management expects about $50 million of IEEPArelated tariff impact in fiscal 2026 (including ~ $20 million incremental vs FY25), roughly a 150bp grossmargin hit and ~ $1 per share, with a Q1 frontload of ~ $12 million that trims about $0.60 of Q1 EPS.

Sales momentum improved late in Q4 and into early fiscal 2026, with total-company comps modestly positive, Tommy Bahama posting midsingledigit gains, Emerging Brands showing doubledigit comps, while Lilly Pulitzer lagged due to unusually cold weather and Johnny Was remains negative but improving.

Story Continues

Operational initiatives: new distribution center and sourcing shifts

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Management emphasized investments intended to strengthen Oxfords long-term operating platform. Chubb said the company completed construction of a new distribution center in Lyons, Georgia shortly after year-end and began receiving initial inventory shipments. He called Lyons the companys most significant infrastructure investment in many years and cautioned that Oxford does not expect meaningful near-term financial benefit during the early stages of the ramp.

Oxford also pointed to sourcing diversification as a key initiative. Chubb said that early in fiscal 2025, about 40% of apparel and related products were expected to be sourced from producers in China. Through actions taken during the year, that level declined to slightly less than 30% of product purchases in fiscal 2025, and the annualized run rate entering fiscal 2026 has been reduced to approximately 15%.

Fiscal 2025 financial summary: tariffs and expenses pressured profitability

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CFO and COO Scott Grassmyer said fiscal 2025 consolidated net sales decreased 3% to $1.48 billion. Direct-to-consumer sales (full-price brick-and-mortar and e-commerce) were down 3%, driven by a total DTC comp of -4%, partially offset by new stores. Outlet sales declined 2%. Food and beverage revenue increased 4%, driven primarily by the addition of four new locations during the year, partially offset by a slightly negative comp. Wholesale revenue decreased $13 million, or 5%, which Grassmyer attributed primarily to continued pressure from the decline in the specialty store market. He added that sell-through at key department store customers has been encouraging and that the company believes it has been able to grow or maintain market share.

On profitability, Grassmyer said adjusted gross margin contracted 190 basis points to 61.3%, driven primarily by $30 million in higher tariffs (about 200 basis points). He said that absent tariffs, gross margin would have increased year over year. He also cited a higher proportion of sales during promotional and clearance events at Tommy Bahama and Lilly Pulitzer, partially offset by lower freight costs due to contract renegotiations and a mix shift toward DTC.

Adjusted SG&A expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization under the companys updated reporting approach) increased 4% to $815 million. Grassmyer attributed nearly half of the increase to costs associated with store growth, including 10 net new retail stores opened in fiscal 2025 (including four food and beverage locations) and the annualization of 30 net new stores added in fiscal 2024. He also cited higher software and professional service fees and credit loss tied primarily to the Saks bankruptcy, partially offset by lower advertising costs.

Adjusted EBITDA was $107 million, or a 7.2% margin, compared with $193 million and a 12.7% margin in the prior year. Grassmyer said adjusted EPS was $2.11, which included $0.19 of charges related to the Saks Global bankruptcy.

Tariffs, inventory, and balance sheet items

Grassmyer said inventory decreased 1% on a LIFO basis and increased 2% on a FIFO basis, with the increase driven by $11 million of incremental tariff costs capitalized into inventory. He also noted that during fiscal 2025 the company paid approximately $40 million of tariffs imposed under IEEPA that were later struck down by the Supreme Court. While those payments could potentially translate into a receivable, he said timing and collectability remain uncertain and no potential recovery was included in fiscal 2025 results or fiscal 2026 guidance.

Oxford ended fiscal 2025 with $116 million of outstanding long-term debt, up from $31 million a year earlier. Grassmyer said the company generated $120 million in cash flow from operations, while capital expenditures were $108 million, primarily related to the Lyons distribution center and new store locations. The company also repurchased $55 million of shares and paid $42 million of dividends.

Fiscal 2026 outlook: modest sales growth, tariff headwinds, and Lyons ramp costs

For fiscal 2026, management guided to net sales of $1.475 billion to $1.53 billion, which Grassmyer described as approximately flat to up 4% versus fiscal 2025. The plan assumes growth at Tommy Bahama, Lilly Pulitzer, and Emerging Brands, partially offset by a decline at Johnny Was. Total comps are expected to range from approximately flat to up 3%, with additional lift from non-comp locations opened in 2025. By channel, the company expects mid-single-digit increases in brick-and-mortar and e-commerce DTC, low double-digit growth in food and beverage (including annualization of new units), and a mid-single-digit decline in wholesale due to continued specialty store pressure.

On margins, Oxford is assuming tariff rates remain generally consistent with incremental rates put in place during fiscal 2025 and is not incorporating benefits from the Supreme Court decision or assuming refunds. Under those assumptions, Grassmyer said the company expects $50 million of IEEPA-related tariff headwinds in fiscal 2026, including an incremental $20 million headwind versus fiscal 2025, equating to about a 150 basis point gross margin impact and roughly $1 per share. The impact is expected to be front-loaded, with an estimated $12 million headwind (about 300 basis points) in the first quarter. After Q1, the company expects year-over-year tariff headwinds of about $2 million to $4 million per quarter.

Excluding tariffs, management expects benefits from price increases, DTC mix, and a slightly lower promotional cadence to support a modest expansion in adjusted gross margin to approximately 62%. Grassmyer said price increases in the guidance range from 4% to 8% and vary by brand, reflecting a more elevated assortment and higher pricing on new product with relatively limited like-for-like increases on existing items.

Oxford expects SG&A (excluding depreciation and amortization) to grow in the low single-digit range, driven by higher software-related costs, annualization of costs from 2025 store openings, a handful of additions including a new Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar, and higher incentive compensation. Within EBITDA, the company expects royalties and other income to increase about $2 million. Guidance also includes increased losses of $5 million (about $0.25 per share) related to the Lyons distribution center ramp as the company operates two facilities during the transition.

For adjusted EPS, Oxford guided to $2.10 to $2.70 for fiscal 2026, compared with $2.11 in fiscal 2025 (which included the $0.19 Saks-related charges). For the first quarter, the company expects sales of $385 million to $395 million and adjusted EPS of $1.20 to $1.30, compared with $393 million in sales and $1.82 in adjusted EPS in the first quarter of fiscal 2025. Grassmyer said the year-over-year EPS decline in Q1 is largely due to the incremental tariff impact, which he quantified at $0.60 per share.

Capital expenditures are expected to fall to about $65 million in fiscal 2026 from $108 million in fiscal 2025, including roughly $20 million of final costs to complete Lyons early in fiscal 2026. Management said the company expects store count to be relatively flat for the year as it opens a handful of new locations at Tommy Bahama and Lilly Pulitzer while closing some stores in other brands. Oxford expects cash flow from operations of approximately $130 million, and management said the company plans to pay down a meaningful portion of its debt while continuing its dividend, which the board increased 1% to $0.70 per share.

About Oxford Industries (NYSE:OXM)

Oxford Industries, Inc, incorporated in 1942 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is a leading designer, marketer and distributor of high-quality men's and women's lifestyle apparel and accessories. The company's product portfolio features a mix of owned brands and licensed partnerships that span casual, resort and performance categories. Key owned brands include Tommy Bahama, renowned for its island-inspired menswear and women's sportswear, and Southern Tide, which offers coastal-focused clothing and footwear.

The article "Oxford Industries Q4 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat.
The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Audi Abubakar has unveiled and distributed a large consignment of advanced operational equipment to state commands as part of renewed efforts to strengthen the fight against insecurity across Nigeria.

Mr Abubakar announced the deployment on Friday during the corps annual strategic meeting held at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja, where he addressed state commanders and senior officers drawn from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

He said the equipment form part of a broader strategy to integrate technology into field operations, improve surveillance capacity, enhance response time, and guarantee officer safety in increasingly complex security environments.

According to him, each state formation received three drones for aerial monitoring, alongside operational backpacks fitted with mini tablets, solar chargers, GPS trackers, and situation room connectivity packs designed to monitor personnel movements in real time.

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The distribution also included one hundred bulletproof vests, 100 helmets, 200 pairs of combat boots, 100 knee and ankle guards, and 20 night-vision operational goggles.

In addition, commands received 200 sets each of agro rangers uniforms, blue conventional uniforms, and white ceremonial uniforms, as well as berets and belts.

Other items deployed are 50 electric batons, 20 chain cutters, torchlight batons, five pen recorders, 20 body cameras, 10 binoculars, and administrative supplies, including water dispensers, copies of the corps code of conduct, the NSCDC Act, and the Standard Operating Procedure manual.

Mr Abubakar said the gadgets are intended strictly for operational use and warned against misuse. He stressed that any officer found diverting or abusing the equipment would face disciplinary action.

These tools are to ensure efficient service delivery. They must not be circumvented for personal or unauthorised purposes, he said.

The NSCDC boss said the corps is entering a new operational phase that prioritises technology-driven security responses to challenges such as banditry, illegal mining, and illegal logging.

He added that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu, noting that capacity building and continuous training would be intensified to promote professionalism, discipline, and integrity among personnel.

Mr Abubakar emphasised that the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure remains the core mandate of the corps, adding that improved logistics and training would strengthen operational effectiveness nationwide.

He also highlighted the importance of intelligence sharing and collaboration with other security agencies, saying the corps would deepen inter-agency cooperation to ensure coordinated responses to security threats.

The commandant general issued a stern warning against acts of indiscipline within the corps, stating that severe sanctions await any officer found culpable.

He urged officers to uphold the highest standards of conduct, professionalism, and accountability as the organisation adapts to evolving national security demands.

Mr Abubakar also expressed gratitude to Mr Tinubu for the renewal of his tenure, describing it as a call to greater service and commitment.

He said his administration has made progress in addressing longstanding welfare concerns, including unpaid salary arrears and delayed promotions, which had previously affected morale within the corps.

According to him, these interventions have significantly improved personnel motivation and operational output across formations.

Highlighting achievements under his leadership, Mr Abubakar disclosed that the corps has destroyed more than 400 illegal refineries, carried out multiple arrests, and secured convictions in cases involving smuggling and illegal mining.

He reiterated that the NSCDC remains a leading agency in safeguarding Nigerias critical infrastructure and natural resources from economic sabotage.

The strategic meeting also reviewed the corps operational roadmap for the coming year, with a focus on aligning its activities with national security priorities and ensuring that the newly deployed equipment translates into measurable gains in combating infrastructure vandalism and other forms of economic crimes.
President Bola Tinubu and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu have commiserated with their political adversary, Nasir El-Rufai, over the death of his mother.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr El-Rufais mother, Umma El-Rufai, died on Friday.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sends profound condolences to former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, on the loss of his beloved mother, Hajiya Umma, who passed away today in Cairo, after an illness, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga wrote in a statement.

President Tinubu described the late matriarch of the El-Rufai family as a mother who lived a remarkable life and raised children and grandchildren who have contributed greatly to our nation.

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Mr Onanuga then provided direct quotes from the president.

Nasir, please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved mother, Hajiya Umma, which happened today in Cairo. As someone who had also lost an old mother, I share in your grief. I understand the depth of your loss.

Losing a mother is a pain unlike any other. I know that no words can fully ease your sorrow, but I pray that the memories of her love, wisdom, and guidance bring you comfort in the days ahead. I also hope you find strength in the remarkable life she lived and the values she instilled in the entire family.

As firm believers in Allah, we are convinced that she has played her part in this world as laid out for her by the Almighty and has gone back to her maker.

I join family, friends, and well-wishers in mourning with you. May Allah grant your dear mother Aljannah Firdaus, the president added.

In his message shared on X, Mr Ribadu wrote,

I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, the matriarch of the El-Rufai family. I have fond memories of shared moments with her and her motherly care. At a time like this, words can offer little comfort for such a profound loss. My heartfelt condolences to Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and the entire family. May Almighty Allah forgive her shortcomings, grant her eternal rest in Aljannah Firdaus, and give the family the strength to bear this loss.

Mr El-Rufai was a key supporter of Mr Tinubu in the build up to the 2023 presidential election and played a key role in ensuring that the latter emerged as the APC flag bearer.

The president nominated him as a minister buy the Senate rejected his nomination and anti-corruption agencies commenced probe of his tenure as Kaduna governor. Mr El-Rufai blamed Mr Ribadu for his ordeal.

The former Kaduna governor later joined the opposition party, ADC, and became a fierce critic of the president.
The ECOWAS Court of Justice on Friday in Abuja unveiled its Strategic Plan for 2026 to 2030, which provides a comprehensive roadmap to guide its operations over the next five years.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative marks a significant milestone in the courts efforts to strengthen regional justice delivery, enhance human rights protection, and uphold the rule of law.

It also outlines key priorities aimed at improving judicial efficiency, expanding access to justice for community citizens, strengthening regional legal harmonisation, enhancing institutional capacity, deepening transparency and stakeholder engagement.

The unveiling of the initiative, titled: Justice 2030, reflects the courts determination to consolidate past achievements and position itself to effectively respond to the evolving justice needs of the sub-region.

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The courts president, Ricardo Goncalves, while unveiling the plan, described it as a concrete commitment to institutional transformation, efficiency, and making real impact on community citizens lives.

He said it was also a clear affirmation of the collective resolve to strengthen the courts role as a guarantor of the rule of law, promoter of justice, and vital pillar of regional integration.

This moment is not merely symbolic. Above all, it represents a turning point. It is a clear affirmation of our collective resolve to strengthen the role of the Court as a guarantor of the rule of law, a promoter of justice, and a vital pillar of regional integration in West Africa, he said.

Mr Goncalves, however, noted that no plan, however well designed, can be realised without coordinated action, institutional discipline, and a strong sense of individual responsibility.

He said that to realise such objectives, the courts judges, staff members and other stakeholders must all work in synergy.

The judges of this court are the guardians of its integrity and credibility. They are called upon, not only to decide with independence and rigour, but also to lead by example.

They are expected to reinforce the quality of jurisprudence, promote consistency in decisions, and contribute to a system of justice that is accessible, expeditious, and respected.

Judicial leadership must be proactive, strategic, and responsive to regional realities, he said.

Mr Goncalves described the courts staff as the backbone of the institution, noting that administrative efficiency, effective case management, technical rigour, and strong service culture were indispensable to the plans success.

Every department, every division, every unit, and every staff member has a direct role to play in achieving the strategic objectives. Institutional excellence is built daily through discipline, innovation, and a commitment to results.

The old way of working, mechanically repeating the same tasks, often making the same mistakes, and offering the same excuses, must, quite frankly, become a thing of the past, he warned.

He solicited the support of stakeholders, including Member States, ECOWAS institutions, legal networks, development partners, and civil society, to make the plan successful, stressing that the court does not operate in isolation.

Its relevance depends on the active collaboration of these actors in the enforcement of decisions, legal harmonisation, capacity building, and the promotion of a culture of legality and accountability, he said.

He called for effective planning to achieve success under the new dispensation, noting that without effective planning, there can be no consistent execution, and without consistent execution, there can be no real transformation.

We are entering a new phase, one in which the court must be more visible, more accessible, more efficient, and more influential.

Today, we are not merely launching a plan, we are ushering in a new chapter in the advancement of the ECOWAS Court of Justice as a leading institution, serving community justice, stability, and regional integration, Mr Goncalves added.

The Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Memounatou Ibrahima, represented by MP Suleiman Gumi, pledged Parliaments unwavering support for initiatives that strengthen institutional synergy, enhance legal frameworks, and promote accountability.

This Strategic Plan will undoubtedly serve as a critical instrument in advancing regional integration, safeguarding citizens rights, and promoting peace and stability.

Together, we can build a more cohesive, just, and prosperous region for present and future generations, she said.

ECOWAS Auditor-General, Joao Fadia, said the initiative demonstrated a clear commitment to the principles of excellence, accountability, transparency, and a defined direction towards improving the services delivered to the community.

The Plan presented here is much more than a technical document. I firmly believe that this instrument will provide greater precision regarding the impact of each decision taken.

It will also ensure that actions remain consistently aligned with the core mission of your institution as a judicial organ of our community of peoples, he said.

Earlier in an address of welcome, the courts Acting Deputy Chief Registrar, Marie Saine, explained that the Strategic Plan 2026-2030 was a product of rigorous reflection, inclusive consultation, and forward-looking analysis.

The ECOWAS Court of Justice is more than an institution; it is a beacon of hope, a guarantor of rights, and a cornerstone of regional unity.

Together, let us walk this path with courage and conviction. Let us ensure that by 2030, the Court stands stronger, more accessible, and more impactful than ever before, she said.

Mr James Mathews, Head of Delegation, International Committee of the Red Cross, lauded the court for the milestone initiative, and reaffirmed the organisations dedication to principled partnership, operational support, and technical cooperation.

(NAN)
Tope Fasua, the special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on economic affairs, has urged Nigerian leaders to utilise government borrowing to create productive ventures that add value to the countrys economic development.

He spoke at an event on Thursday at Nile University, Abuja.

The event, themed Public Debt Sustainability and Fiscal Responsibility in Nigeria, was organised by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) of the university as part of its 4th annual lecture series.

Details

Mr Fasua explained that government loans should be used to build infrastructure rather than focusing on frivolities.

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It is better to use a governments debt to build airports that may be useful in the future and create better job opportunities than giving people money. Countries like the US have more airports than we do, and they generate a big chunk of revenue from them, he said.

He also called on Nigerians to pay more attention to sub-national governments, especially how they utilise their loans.

It is important to note that the federal government alone cannot drive development. In many ways, it functions as a central coordinating body with limited direct control over land and local resources.

This raises critical questions about what state governments are doing in terms of development, what their balance sheets look like, and whether they are managing their own debts responsibly. It is easy to point fingers at the federal government, but development is a shared responsibility across all levels of government, he added.

Mr Fasua, an economist and chief executive officer (CEO) of Global Analytics Consulting, also noted that Nigerias borrowing is low compared to many developed countries, such as Japan, China, and the United States. He said citizens should not be surprised if Nigeria borrows more to provide infrastructure and social amenities.

He recommended that young Nigerians, professionals, and policymakers must begin to think critically about fiscal responsibility and consider the role they would play in shaping a more sustainable and prosperous economy in the nation.

Nigeria remains a work in progress. While some may argue that decades of democratic governance should have yielded more transformation, we must also recognise that progress is gradual and complex.

Fiscal responsibility is not just about limiting borrowing; it is about ensuring that borrowed funds are used effectively to drive growth and development. Nigerias challenge is not merely the size of its debt, but how well those resources are utilised, he said.

Why the lecture is important  Dean

Responding to PREMIUM TIMES questions, Jide Oladipo, the dean of FASS, stated that the lecture series is an academic forum designed to promote intellectual engagement, interdisciplinary dialogue, and knowledge dissemination within the university community and beyond.

The series brings together scholars, industry experts, policymakers, and students to discuss contemporary issues in the arts, humanities, and social sciences, serving as a platform for examining critical themes such as economic development, governance, culture, technology and social transformation, he noted.

Mr Oladipo, a professor of economics, said the series aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice by encouraging evidence-based discussions and real-world policy insights.

The initiative also supports capacity building by exposing students and early-career researchers to emerging trends, innovative ideas, and global best practices. In doing so, it enhances research visibility, fosters collaboration, and strengthens the Facultys contribution to national and international development discourse.

Students speak

Describing the lecture as impactful, Nnanna Ohuche, a Masters student at the schools economics department, said that the session provided him with the intricacies and complex nature of how borrowing and debt work in the public sector.

It was an enlightening experience, and I agree that it should be held more often. That way, we can bring more experts to demystify the economy gradually, Mr Ohuche said.

Another student, Aisha Olasope, an undergraduate in the communications department, said the lecture deepened her knowledge of economics.

The lecture deepened my understanding of economics, specifically on the issue of debt, and taught me that governments of less-developed countries like ours engage in such debt to grow rapidly. Until this moment, I used to think otherwise, the 300-level student noted.
Criticisms have followed the release of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai from custody without recourse to the court that ordered his remand, highlighting the entrenched cultures of disregard for court orders and selective enforcement in the country.

Senior lawyer Femi Falana described the former governors release as illegal, saying it amounted to overruling the court.

What they did is wrong and illegal. No agency or individual, no matter how powerful, can overrule the court. El-Rufai was detained pursuant to a court order, and only the court can reverse it, Mr Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), told PREMIUM TIMES over the phone on Saturday.

Also, human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, and veteran journalist Richard Akinnola expressed surprise at the development in separate social media posts on Saturday.

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Mr El-Rufais son, Bashir El-Rufai, announced his imminent release from custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on X late on Friday.

Sources at the ICPC further confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday that the former governor was released to enable him to mourn and participate in the burial rites of his mother, who passed away Friday.

He was released on compassionate grounds to enable him to be part of the burial rites of his mother, a source who had no authorization to speak to journalists on the matter said.

Mr El-Rufai had been detained since 18 February based on a court order.

On 24 March, the Federal High Court in Kaduna, Kaduna State, renewed the detention order by further remanding him in ICPC custody shortly after the agency arraigned him on corruption charges.

The judge, Ridwan Aikawa, ordered Mr El-Rufais remand till Tuesday, scheduled for the hearing of his bail application.

Reacting to the news of the former governors release in a social media post on Saturday, Mr Effiong said ICPC has a question to answer

A person whos remanded by an order of a court cannot be released legally without recourse to the court, Mr Effiong wrote. ICPC Nigeria, can you clarify the procedure adopted in this case? El-Rufais motion for bail is slated for Tuesday, March 31, 2026. How was his release processed?

Mr Effiong asked if the development is another government magic that the legendary Fela sang about?

Veteran journalist, Mr Akinnola, also expressed surprise at the release on Saturday.

Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, unfortunately lost his mother yesterday while on court remand in ICPC custody. El-Rufais bail application has not yet been heard. The court ordered that he be remanded in ICPC custody pending the hearing of his bail application next week. So, under which order did the ICPC release him for his mums burial? I dont get it, Mr Akinnola wrote on Saturday.

The case also highlights the inequality among Nigerians who have a brush with law in a country where many ordinary citizens spend years in prison to await trial.

Many Nigerians detained over criminal allegations are often not offered similar privilege when faced with pressing need for a temporary freedom.

Nigerian authorities must learn to operate under the Rule of Law. There are ordinary people in custody who have lost both parents. Why are they never released in this manner to participate in the burial rites of their loved ones? Mr Falana told PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday.

He said the appropriate thing to do is to rush an application to the court seeking his release to enable him to participate in the burial rites of his mother. The prosecution and the defence could exchange processes electronically. The application could then be filed on Monday, accompanied by an affidavit of urgency so that it could be held the same day.

Mr Akinnola said on Saturday that it would have been a different thing Mr El-Rufai had not been charged in court, hence, ICPC could have released him on compassionate grounds, even though he was being illegally held. But since the court is seized of the matter, the agency cannot whimsically release him.

The case shines light on a less-known dimension to how authorities treat court orders with scant respect in the country.

What often happens is that authorities disobey court order for the release of individuals from custody. The reverse is the case in Mr El-Rufais situation where an agency disobeys a court order for detention of a defendant.

Background

ICPC arraigned Mr El-Rufai alongside Joel Adoga on 10 charges of corruption on 24 March.

In the charges filed on 18 March, ICPC accused Mr El-Rufai of fraudulently taking inflated severance pay of about N289.8 million at the end of each of his two terms in office, instead of N20 million that he was legitimately entitled to on each occasion.

The anti-graft agency alleged that Mr El-Rufai took the first N289.8 million in September 2020  after completing his first term in office in May 2019  and the second N289.8 million in January 2023  months before the end of his second term in May 2023.

The pays totalled N579.7 million, instead of the about N40 million he was said to be entitled to for the two terms.

The commission added that each of the pays represents 300% of your annual basic salary which you reasonably ought to have known that such fund formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: corruption.

It said the offences were contrary to Section 18(2}(d) and punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition} Act, 2022.

In the other eight counts, ICPC accused Mr El-Rufai of receiving deposits of alleged proceeds of corruption and fraud totalling $817,900 in tranches in his Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) domiciliary account. He allegedly received the deposits while he was serving as the governor of Kaduna State.

ICPC said Mr El-Rufai, who served two terms as governor from May 2015 to May 2023, received the deposits in tranches, ranging from $4,000 to $320,800. He allegedly received the deposits in the same domiciliary account from various individuals between 2016 and March 2023.

His co-defendant, Mr Adoga, appeared as a defendant in only one out of the 10 counts. But the commission named him in another count as one of the persons who deposited money in Mr El-Rufais dollar domiciliary account.

They both pleaded not guilty to the charges.

ICPC rearrested Mr El Rufai on 18 February as soon as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) released him after two days of detaining him over corruption allegations.

Mr El-Rufai has described his prosecution as a political persecution, drawing on the fallout between him President Bola Tinubu after his failed nomination to serve as minister in President Tinubus cabinet.

He also described his prolonged detention by the ICPC as illegal in the N1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit he filed after the ICPC agents searched his house on 19 February.

But the ICPC countered the suit in its filing before the Federal High Court in Abuja, saying both his detention and the search of his residence were based on court orders.
The North-West Governors Forum has launched a five-year strategic blueprint to tackle insecurity, organised crime, and socio-economic challenges through coordinated regional efforts.

The North-West Peace, Security and Development Framework (20262030) was formally adopted at the 3rd meeting of the forum held in Abuja, according to a statement issued on behalf of the forum chairman, Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed.

Governor Radda, who chairs the forum, emphasised the need for sustained collaboration among member states, describing the framework as a response to the complex and interlinked challenges facing the North-West region.

The framework provides our shared vision and clear priorities. We must now act with determination to translate this into tangible results for our people, he was quoted as saying.

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The governors commended the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for its technical and financial support, with Mr Radda describing the organisation as a key partner in advancing peace, security and development in the region.

Institutional strengthening and coordination

The forum approved measures to strengthen the North-West Governors Forum Secretariat, including a governance structure that requires the Director General to submit work plans to the chairman for approval before presentation to members for ratification.

It also directed the secretariat to guide member states on regional priority areas to better align planning and budgeting processes across the seven North-west states.

On humanitarian issues, the meeting noted progress made by Katsina and Zamfara states in domesticating the National Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Policy and State Action Plan. The forum urged other member states to adopt similar frameworks.

In a bid to improve evidence-based planning, the governors directed the Secretariat to engage State Statisticians General to strengthen regional data systems.

Concerns over the North-West Development Commission

The forum received an update on the operations of the North-West Development Commission (NWDC) and expressed concern over challenges affecting its effectiveness.

It stressed the need for strict adherence to the commissions governing rules and regulations and resolved that all outstanding issues be addressed urgently. The governors warned that failure to resolve the matters could lead to escalation to the President.

Federal government initiative welcomed

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, presented the federal governments Energise Commercialisation Now initiative, designed to accelerate innovation, industrialisation and export development at the sub-national level.

The forum welcomed the programme and directed Mr Udeh, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, to collaborate closely with the North-west Governors Forum Secretariat to ensure all member states are fully carried along and participate effectively.

READ ALSO: Governor Radda swears in two new commissioners

Commitment to regional collaboration

At the end of the meeting, the governors reaffirmed their commitment to stronger regional collaboration, improved governance and accelerated socio-economic development in the North-west.

Participants included the governors of the seven North-west states, development partners, and representatives of key regional and federal institutions.

The launch of the framework comes amid persistent insecurity in parts of the North-west, including banditry, kidnapping and other forms of organised crime that have displaced communities and hindered development in the region.
The Tanimu Turaki-led National Executive Committee (NEC) of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has unanimously ratified the decision of the partys National Working Committee (NWC) to appeal the recent Court of Appeal judgment on the partys leadership at the Supreme Court.

Briefing journalists at the end of the 103rd NEC meeting in Abuja on Friday, the factions National Publicity Secretary (NPS), Ini Ememobong, said that the party had already entered the appeal and filed applications for an accelerated hearing to protect the partys legal standing.

Mr Ememobong explained that the NEC meeting was convened to deliberate on and ratify various decisions taken by the NWC and the Board of Trustees (BoT), acting on behalf of the partys highest decision-making organ.

The NEC came to the agreement that the decisions were taken in utmost good faith and therefore, without any dissension, unanimously ratified those decisions.

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This is to let our teeming supporters know that the process of saving our party is on course; all hope is not lost, he said.

Mr Ememobong clarified that while the legal battle continues at the apex court, the move did not inhibit the ongoing internal reconciliation efforts.

According to him, the party remains open to a discontinuance or withdrawal of the suit should agreeable terms be met between the contending factions.

On the status of the rift within the party, Mr Ememobong described reconciliation as a journey toward a destination, noting a visible de-escalation of hurtful rhetoric and hostilities between the two groups.

The bus has left the station; the train has left the station. While we have not yet arrived at the final destination of total reconciliation, milestones have been achieved.

We are avoiding mutually-assured destruction so that our candidates will have a solid platform to run on, he stated.

Mr Ememobong emphasised that the goal of the peace talks was to strengthen PDP as a formidable opposition party rather than making it an appendage of any other party.

He dismissed reports of a parallel national convention scheduled for Sunday, stating that such matters were being handled through internal dialogue to avoid inconvenient truths in the public space.

Mr Ememobong urged members to participate in the ongoing digital membership drive.

He expressed the partys commitment to providing Nigerians with a viable alternative to the ruling party, noting that time is a critical element and both sides were working within the available limits to reach a consensus.

The News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports that the meeting witnessed attendance and apologies from key organs, including the BoT, state chairmen and former NWC members, signalling a consolidated front.

(NAN)
The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed the move by the Tanimu Turaki-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to appeal the Court of Appeal judgment on the partys leadership at the Supreme Court.

Mr Wike made the remarks on Friday night, after inspecting the Valodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, the venue of the PDP National Convention scheduled for 29 and 30 March.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Turaki-led National Executive Committee (NEC) had, on Friday, unanimously ratified the decision of the partys National Working Committee (NWC) to appeal the appellate court judgment.

Reacting, Mr Wike described the move as baseless, stressing that it would have no effect on the planned national convention of the party.

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According to him, the convention will proceed, while efforts to resolve internal disputes will continue afterwards.

I have always said that in any group, there will be grievances. You cannot expect that in a family of two or three people, everyone will always be satisfied, let alone a party with millions of members.

There will always be a few who are not happy. We have agreed to sit down with them, understand their concerns and see how we can accommodate them. What is most important is the overall interest of the party, he said.

The minister said that PDP would shock Nigerians by using the 2027 general elections to show its strength.

PDP is a very large party. Look at the umbrella; it is wide enough to accommodate everyone, he said.

On the zoning arrangement, Mr Wike confirmed that positions had already been allocated across zones.

We have already zoned our positions. Every zone has its own slots. The presidency has been zoned to the South, while the chairmanship is zoned to the North.

We believe this consensus arrangement will make the process easier.

For the first time, PDP is presenting a unified front, rather than the usual unity list that often reflects internal divisions, he said.

He explained that the visit to the stadium was to assess the final arrangements for the convention which, he said, was about 95 per cent ready.

Seating arrangements for all states have been completed and the VIP section is ready, Mr Wike said.

NAN reports that the minister was accompanied by the Chairman of National Convention Planning Committee, Okezie Ikpeazu, PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Mao Ohuabunwa and Chairman of the National Caretaker Working Committee (NCWC), Mohammed Abdulrahman.

Others were: the National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, other members of NCWC as well as Chairman of Rivers Elders Council, Ferdinand Alabraba and former Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche.

(NAN)
The battle for Nigerias future will not be fought only on the streets or in polling units. It will also be fought in the digital space  through narratives, perceptions, and the credibility of information The question is no longer whether Nigeria needs a coordinated crisis communication system. The question is whether it can afford to delay its implementation.

Nigeria today is not only battling insecurity on the ground; it is also confronting an equally dangerous war in the digital space. This invisible conflict  fought through misinformation, disinformation, and manipulated narratives  is steadily shaping public perception, eroding trust in institutions, and threatening national cohesion.

Recent findings by the (CCC) paint a sobering picture of the countrys information environment. Through advanced social-listening analysis powered by PRrev, an AI-driven monitoring tool developed by Shuaib Agaka, the study reveals a nation gripped by a volatile mix of fear, frustration, and fragile hope.

Across platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, WhatsApp, and online forums, Nigerians are navigating an information ecosystem in which truth competes with falsehood in real time  and often loses.

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The findings highlight a troubling trend: misinformation is no longer crude or easily detectable. It has evolved, becoming more sophisticated, more strategic, and more dangerous. Forged official documents, coordinated disinformation campaigns, and politically motivated narratives are now commonplace.

As Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 general elections, this trend is particularly getting alarming. False narratives are increasingly weaponised to influence public opinion, deepen political divisions, and manipulate voter behaviour. In many cases, misinformation spreads faster than corrections, leaving lasting damage even after being debunked.

More concerning is the role of private messaging platforms like WhatsApp. Unlike open social media platforms, these encrypted spaces allow false information to circulate unchecked, making detection and response significantly more difficult.

This creates a dangerous gap  one where rumours thrive, speculation escalates, and public trust deteriorates.

One of the most critical insights from the CCC report is the role of communication gaps during crises. When official information is delayed, unclear, or absent, the vacuum is quickly filled by rumours and falsehoods.

In todays hyperconnected world, silence is no longer neutral; it is risky.

Delayed responses from authorities not only allow misinformation to flourish but also reinforce public suspicion. Citizens begin to rely more on unofficial sources, many of which lack credibility, further compounding the problem.

This cycle  delay, misinformation, distrust  has become a defining feature of Nigerias information landscape.

It is against this backdrop that the proposed Crisis Communication Hub (CC-Hub) emerges not just as an innovation, but as a necessity.

The CC-Hub, championed by the CCC in collaboration with key institutions such as NITDA, is envisioned as a multi-stakeholder platform designed to coordinate, monitor, and respond to information during crises.

Its objectives are both strategic and urgent:

Real-time detection and countering of fake news and disinformation;

Coordinated communication across federal, state, and local authorities;

Strengthening public trust through timely and accurate information.

Importantly, the Hub is not intended as a censorship tool. Rather, it is a collaborative framework that brings together government agencies, security institutions, the media, civil society, and technology partners.

In an era where information travels faster than facts can be verified, such coordination is indispensable.

While technology will play a central role in the CC-Hubs operations, the real challenge lies deeper  in rebuilding public trust.

Misinformation thrives in environments where trust is weak. When citizens doubt official narratives, they become more susceptible to alternative versions of reality, regardless of their accuracy.

Therefore, the success of the CC-Hub will depend not only on its technological capabilities but also on its credibility, transparency, and inclusiveness.

It must be seen not as a government mouthpiece, but as a trusted national platform for verified information.

Addressing Nigerias information crisis cannot be the responsibility of government alone. It requires a whole-of-society approach.

Media organisations must strengthen fact-checking processes. Civil society must promote digital literacy. Technology platforms must take greater responsibility for the content they host. And citizens themselves must become more discerning consumers of information.

The CCCs recommendations  ranging from improved crisis communication to enhanced public awareness  underscore the need for collective action.

Nigeria stands at a critical juncture. With political activities already building momentum toward the 2027 elections, the stakes have never been higher.

The convergence of insecurity, political tension, and digital misinformation presents a complex and evolving threat. If left unaddressed, it could undermine democratic processes, weaken national unity, and erode confidence in public institutions.

But there is also an opportunity.

With proactive measures such as the Crisis Communication Hub, Nigeria can transform its information ecosystem  from one defined by chaos and confusion to one anchored in clarity, coordination, and credibility.

The battle for Nigerias future will not be fought only on the streets or in polling units. It will also be fought in the digital space  through narratives, perceptions, and the credibility of information.

The question is no longer whether Nigeria needs a coordinated crisis communication system. The question is whether it can afford to delay its implementation.

The answer, increasingly, is clear.

Chris Olukolade, a retired Major General in the Nigerian Army, is the chairman of Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC) Abuja.
The irony is unmistakable. Malami was the chief law officer who authorised and supervised the prosecution of Dasuki. He wielded the machinery of state prosecution against perceived opponents for eight years. Now he sits where they once sat  on the receiving end of the same system he helped to shape.

Some call it the law of karma. I prefer the older formulation: What you do unto others shall, in time, be done unto you. Nigerias recent political history offers few more instructive illustrations of this truth than the parallel fates of Sambo Dasuki and Abubakar Malami.

Those expressing sympathy for former AttorneyGeneral of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, over his current ordeal with the EFCC and the SSS may have conveniently forgotten what befell former National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Colonel Sambo Dasuki, who was arrested barely a day after handing over office. His story remains one of the most troubling indictments of executive overreach in Nigerias democratic era: a case study in how personal vendetta, political scoresettling, and institutional disregard for judicial authority can be disguised as the pursuit of justice.

The roots of the Dasuki saga run deep into Nigerias military past. Dasuki played a significant role in financing and facilitating the 1983 coup that brought General Muhammadu Buhari to power, according to retired Colonel Mustapha Jokolo, Buharis former ADC. He was also involved in the 1985 countercoup that removed Buhari and installed General Ibrahim Babangida as president, although he was not among those who physically arrested Buhari. Colonel Abdulmumini Aminu, who led that operation, confirmed that he and three others actually carried out the arrest without Dasuki. These historical details matter because the bitterness they produced never fully disappeared.

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Dasuki was arrested in late 2015 and charged with money laundering over the alleged diversion of arms procurement funds during the Jonathan administration. What his accusers refused to acknowledge, however, was that during his tenure as NSA dozens of towns were successfully reclaimed from terrorists. It was also a period when banditry had not yet taken root in the North-West or NorthCentral  an insecurity trend that escalated only later under the Buhari administration.

While the allegations against Dasuki appeared serious on paper, what followed was far worse: a systematic assault on the rule of law.

Multiple courts granted him bail. He met every condition. Yet each time, he was immediately rearrested without any new charge. This cycle continued until he became the only public official in Nigerian history to remain in detention, despite bail orders from four different courts, including the ECOWAS Court.

In a particularly troubling twist, Malami falsely claimed in a VOA interview that Dasuki killed 100,000 people and justified his continued detention  despite multiple bail orders  on the grounds of national security. This misinformation and media trial posture led to his summons before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) in 2019, where he eventually recanted.

President Buhari later made the administrations stance explicit during a televised media chat, declaring that Dasuki would not be released regardless of court orders and describing him as a security risk. It was a rare moment when executive contempt for judicial authority was openly acknowledged.

Beyond the physical detention, the Buhari era normalised media trials  in which citizens were convicted in the court of public opinion long before any judge had ruled. The EFCC and the SSS were the most notorious instruments of this strategy.

The case of Colonel Nicholas Ashinze illustrates this vividly. Ashinze, a military intelligence officer who played a key role with technical partners in operations that reclaimed territories from Boko Haram, found himself facing charges, even as the EFCC issued a statement so inaccurate that it provoked a rare judicial rebuke.

Justice Gabriel Kolawole condemned the EFCCs conduct, describing its statement against Ashinze as scandalous and prejudicial to fair trial. He ordered the agency to apologise publicly to the officer and suspended the trial. The EFCC complied, attributing the falsehoods to an internal mixup.

Similarly, the arms probe panel under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), chaired by one Air Vice Marshal Jon Odeh, was disbanded after members were themselves indicted for receiving bribes from individuals they were investigating. These episodes underscored the institutional impunity that characterised the period.

Perhaps the most heartbreaking dimension of Dasukis ordeal was the treatment of his father, the late Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki  former Sultan of Sokoto and one of Nigerias most revered traditional and Islamic leaders. Despite repeated appeals, he was denied permission to visit his son in detention. He died without seeing him.

This act was widely condemned as unnecessary cruelty  an example of how political rivalry had crossed into something far more callous.

By contrast, when the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu detained former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, over corruption charges, he was immediately released following his mothers death. I welcomed the gesture, while wishing that the mercy had come earlier and that no public official should spend more than a month in custody, while merely awaiting trial. The standard of decency we apply must be consistent, regardless of who occupies the dock.

Dasuki was eventually released on Christmas Eve 2019, after Buharis reelection. His freedom  coming after more than four years in detention  felt less like justice and more like a political calculation that had finally run its course.

Contrast this with the treatment of Abubakar Malami, who served as attorneygeneral and minister of justice from 2015 to 2023. In 2025, Malami was arrested by the EFCC on allegations ranging from corruption and the acquisition of exotic properties to terrorismrelated offences and the illegal possession of firearms.

The irony is unmistakable. Malami was the chief law officer who authorised and supervised the prosecution of Dasuki. He wielded the machinery of state prosecution against perceived opponents for eight years. Now he sits where they once sat  on the receiving end of the same system he helped to shape.

Yet, there is a crucial difference. Within two months, Malami was granted bail by both the EFCC and the SSS. There were no sensational media trials. No rearrests after meeting bail conditions. No presidential declarations that he would remain detained regardless of court orders. Whatever one thinks of the current administrations handling of the matter, the contrast with the Dasuki precedent is stark.

The Buhari administrations disregard for due process extended beyond political opponents. On 9 June, 2016, the Nigerian Army summarily retired 38 senior officers  nine major generals, eleven brigadier generals, seven colonels, and eleven lieutenant colonels. They learnt of their retirement through the media. Despite vague allegations of professional corruption, none was formally accused, charged, or tried under military law.

These were decorated officers. Colonel Mohammed Suleiman had foiled a Boko Haram attack on Aso Rock. Colonel Danladi Hassan had led troops in reclaiming territories, while Lt Colonel Mohammed Abdulfatai commanded a special counterinsurgency operation in Konduga that resulted in the elimination of more than 200 terrorists in December 2014. Yet, they were dismissed without the dignity of a fair hearing.

The National Industrial Court ruled six times that the retirements were unlawful and ordered reinstatement with full benefits. The Senate and House of Representatives reached the same conclusion. The Army ignored them all. One officer, Ojebo Ochankpa, died in 2017, while awaiting justice.

Nearly a decade later, most remain un-reinstated  vindicated by every court, yet denied the justice those courts prescribed.

This is the legacy of the administration that Malami served and defended. By any honest measure, it was one of the most lawless periods in Nigerias democratic history.

While we must insist that Malami receive the fair trial that Dasuki was denied, we must also demand accountability for those who orchestrated the abuses of the past  not through fresh lawlessness, but through the very institutions they once undermined.

What you do unto others shall be done unto you. The real question is whether, this time, we will do it better.

Yushau A. Shuaib is the author of An Encounter with the Spymaster. Email: [email protected]
Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman are in talks over a deal to form a "partnership akin to a merger of equals", the spirits giants have said.

Earlier today, Bloomberg and Reuters reported the distillers had held discussions over a possible transaction.

In the wake of the reports, shares in Brown-Forman jumped but Pernod's share price fell.

We note the recent market rumours regarding a potential business combination involving Brown-Forman and Pernod Ricard," a brief statement issued by the US group at after 10pm UK time read.

"Brown-Forman regularly explores and evaluates strategic opportunities and can confirm it is engaged in discussions with Pernod Ricard.

"If agreed and subject to customary approvals, this partnership would be akin to a merger of equals, drawing from the talent and expertise of both companies and creating value for shareholders."

The Herradura Tequila maker added: "Synergies from the contemplated combination are expected to be significant, creating a global spirits leader with enhanced scale, a powerful brand portfolio and a balanced geographic footprint, all anchored by two iconic families.

"No agreement has been reached as to the terms of any possible transaction, and there can be no assurance that any such agreement will be reached. Brown-Forman does not intend to comment further unless and until an agreement is reached.

Pernod Ricard issued a near-identical statement. "The contemplated combination would create a global spirits leader with enhanced scale, a powerful brand portfolio, and a balanced geographic footprint, all anchored by two iconic families," it said.

"Operational synergies would be significant, leveraging Brown-Forman's iconic brands, including Jack Daniel's, and Pernod Ricards global distribution strength and exposure to highest growth potential markets."

A deal would bring together two of the worlds largest spirits groups. As well as Jack Daniels, the Brown-Forman product range includes Woodford Reserve whiskey and Diplomatico rum. Pernod, the worlds second-largest spirits group behind Diageo, owns brands including Beefeater gin, Absolut vodka and Chivas Regal whisky.

The spirits industry has faced pressure on consumer demand, particularly in major markets including the US and China. Industry watchers have pinned the slowdown in the growth of the sector on factors including moderation and lower consumer confidence.

Last month, Pernod reported a 15% drop in its net sales in the US, a decline the company attributed to the soft spirits market in the country. The US made up 17% of the companys net sales in the period. Group sales were down 5.9% organically and 14.9% on a reported basis at 5.3bn ($6.11bn).
The Governor of Ogun State and Chairman of the Venue Subcommittee for the just concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) 2026 National Convention, Dapo Abiodun, has described the partys convention as a model of organisation and security, attributing its success to thorough planning and strategic innovations.

Speaking on the sidelines of the convention held at the Eagle Square, Abuja, Governor Abiodun said the committee undertook a critical review of previous conventions to identify and address recurring challenges, particularly in crowd management and venue security.

According to him, members of the subcommittee conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the arena shortly after their inauguration, which led to a comprehensive redesign of the venue layout. He explained that simulations were carried out to test the movement of about 12,000 participants, ensuring smooth entry and exit during the event.

We identified weak areas from past experiences and redesigned the arena to eliminate them. The goal was to deliver a seamless and world-class convention, he said.

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To enhance coordination, Mr Abiodun noted that specific entry points were assigned to different categories of attendees, while emergency exit routes were also created. He added that surveillance cameras were installed at strategic locations within and around the venue to monitor activities and strengthen security.

The governor described the convention as highly successful, revealing that about 11,000 participants attended, including 8,400 delegates, 1,800 committee members, and 200 VIPs. He commended Bola Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility, noting that the successful outing reflects the administrations Renewed Hope Agenda.

In her remarks, the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, described the event as unprecedented, highlighting the presence of delegates from all the 36 states of the federation, and praising the planning team for delivering a befitting convention.

Also speaking, the Senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, said the convention stands out as a hallmark event, attributing its success to effective leadership and meticulous coordination by the organising committee.
A senior cleric of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Sunday Agang, has been released days after he was kidnapped at his residence in Jos, Plateau State.

Mr Agang, a former president of ECWA and current chairman of its Board of Trustees, was kidnapped on Tuesday morning from the Farin Gada area of Jos North Local Government Area.

In a statement on Friday, the churchs acting spokesperson, Danjuma Auta, confirmed that the cleric had regained his freedom and reunited with his family.

We wish to announce with immense gratitude and joy the release of our dear pastor, Rev. Prof. Sunday Bobai Agang, who was abducted by unknown gunmen, the statement said, adding that he is safe.

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ECWA thanked God for what it described as answered prayers and expressed appreciation to members and supporters within and outside Nigeria who stood by the church during the period.

READ ALSO: Kidnappers demand N1bn ransom for Kwara church members

While welcoming the clerics release, ECWA said the incident underscored Nigerias worsening security situation, noting that kidnapping had become a growing threat to public safety.

The church urged governments at all levels to urgently address insecurity and fulfil their constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property.

Jos is the capital of Plateau State, one of several states in central Nigeria grappling with recurring cases of abductions and other violent crimes.
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has put to rest speculations that Abia is seeking reimbursement for federal road projects executed by the state government, saying the federal government has no plan to pay back.

Speaking at his monthly media briefing on Friday night, Mr Otti said the new federal governments policy was that states could toll such roads, if they want their money back.

He sympathised with those peddling the reimbursement rumour, saying they were speaking out of ignorance.

He reiterated his administrations commitment to fixing all Abia roads, federal or state, saying, theyre all used by Abia residents.

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Before we jump on any federal road, we have long engagements with the federal government and those roads must be ceded to us in writing, he said.

Mr Otti also addressed compensation concerns for the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road rehabilitation, saying he expected the federal government to pay, since it awarded the project without funding.

He said, We always pay compensation in any route we are entering.

But then, my understanding is that, if there is any compensation to be paid, the federal government should have done so because the route was actually awarded, but was not funded.

So, thats my understanding. I cant be too sure.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Abia State Government has undertaken to rehabilitate some federal roads, including the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road, the Owerrinta-Umuikaa dual carriageway, and the Ohafia-Arochukwu Road.

Otti on state police

Governor Otti reaffirmed his administrations commitment to establishing a state police.

He said, The new general manager for Homeland Security is working with his team to get us ready once the whistle is blown.

He ruled out the possibility of him defecting to another party, saying he would run for re-election on the Labour Party (LP) platform in 2027.

According to him, the Supreme Court decision has settled the party leadership crisis.

He, therefore, urged interested Nigerians to register for LP membership.

Mr Otti described the progress on the newly introduced electric buses as exciting, saying that 30 more buses were expected by July, bringing the total to 50.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has recovered a suspected stolen Toyota Camry in Ebonyi State, 11 years after it was reported missing, in a major operational breakthrough against vehicle-related crimes.

A statement by the Acting Corps Public Education Officer, Felicia Kalu, on Saturday in Abuja, said the recovery followed a routine verification at the National Vehicle Identification Scheme Desk Office on Tuesday.

Mrs Kalu said that an official of the Motor Licensing Authority from the Board of Internal Revenue had presented documents for vehicle registration, prompting the National Vehicle Identification Scheme Desk Officer to carry out standard verification procedures.

She said that the check revealed discrepancies in the vehicles records, which, upon further scrutiny, showed that it was originally registered to Adeka Akoji.

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The original owner was immediately contacted and confirmed that the vehicle had been stolen from him in Benue on 13 August 2015.

Acting on the information, the FRSC alerted the Nigeria Police, leading to a coordinated operation.

Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad in Abakaliki subsequently recovered the vehicle on 27 March 2026, at about 1:50 p.m.

The vehicle, a Toyota Camry saloon, was found to have been re-registered with a new plate number, NKE500AE, after bearing its original registration number, MKD659AG, in an apparent attempt to conceal its identity, he said.

Reacting to the development, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, described the recovery as a testament to the effectiveness of the National Vehicle Identification Scheme in safeguarding vehicle ownership and enhancing national security.

Mr Mohammed said that the scheme remained a critical tool for tracking, verifying and recovering stolen vehicles nationwide.

The FRSC boss commended the professionalism of the officers involved and lauded the synergy between the Corps and the Nigeria Police.

He reaffirmed the Corps commitment to deploying technology and intelligence-driven strategies to rid the nations roads of stolen and improperly documented vehicles.

Mr Mohammed also advised motorists and stakeholders to ensure that vehicles are properly documented and verified through the National Vehicle Identification Scheme platform before acquisition or registration.

He added that the Corps would continue to intensify surveillance and enforcement operations nationwide.

(NAN)
DUBAI, UAE, March 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Bybit, the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has announced new limited-time offer with 8,000 USDT in prizes to eligible users in Kenya. From now until April 24, 2026, Bybit P2P users and merchants stand to win a share from the prize pool while trying out Bybit Pay.

Registration is required, and participants shall fulfil a first-time Bybit Pay transaction of at least $100 in value. Once enrolled, users may earn rewards through P2P deposits or trading as a merchant, and completing spending tasks on Bybit Pay.

Bybit P2P Meets Bybit Pay: 8,000 USDT Prize Pool Exclusive for Kenya

Celebrating the launch of Bybit Pay in Kenya, the exclusive initiative offers two reward tracks:

For P2P Takers: Users who complete simple P2P deposit and Bybit Pay spending tasks, starting from $100 in P2P deposits and $100 in Bybit Pay spending, will earn 5 to 10 USDT in rewards. For P2P Makers: Merchants may take the advantage of the offer to win up to 80 USDT in rewards while growing their presence on Bybit P2P. Merchants with qualifying sell volume and referrals can unlock rewards upon achieving their first Bybit Pay spending task.

"Kenya's thriving crypto ecosystem and world-class mobile money infrastructure make it an ideal market for Bybit Pay. We're seeing strong demand from traders and everyday users alike who want seamless, secure access to digital financial solutions. With Kenya's mobile money readiness and adoption culture, Bybit Pay arrives at exactly the right moment to enable Kenyans to transact, trade, and build wealth with the speed and security they expect," said Joshua Yau, Country Manager of Kenya, Bybit.

With a high acceptance culture, youth-driven growth, and a mature electronic money ecosystem, Kenya is among the leading countries in Africa in crypto adoption. Through its comprehensive ecosystem encompassing trading, savings, payments, and P2P transactions, Bybit continues to expand its presence in this dynamic market and supporting Kenya's growing fintech sector.

Terms and conditions apply. For details of participation requirements and restrictions, users may visit: [Bybit Pay Kenya Special] Pay & Earn: Share 8,000 USDT in rewards

#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk / #BybitPay

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: [email protected]

For updates, please follow: Bybit's Communities and Social Media

Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube

SOURCE Bybit
A substantial donation from Firstrust Bank will increase Sharing Excess' food deliveries from once a

week to up to five times weekly, expanding access to essential groceries for TSA employees and their

families

PHILADELPHIA, March 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees continue working without pay amid an ongoing federal funding gap, Firstrust Bank is making a substantial donation to Sharing Excess to significantly expand food access for workers and their families at Philadelphia International Airport.

The funding will directly support a food pantry operating out of Terminal E, where TSA employees can access essential groceries during this period of financial uncertainty.

Sharing Excess, a Firstrust Bank client, has partnered with the airport to provide support during previous government shutdowns. Currently, the organization can make one food distribution per week to the airport. With Firstrust's funding, that effort will scale to three to five distributions per week, delivering more consistent, reliable access to food for TSA employees.

"At Firstrust, our mission is to cultivate prosperity for our customers, our employees, and the communities we serve," said Richard J. Green, Executive Chairman and Owner of Firstrust Bank. "Expanding access to food for TSA employees through Sharing Excess is one way we seek to fulfill our mission, helping ease the burden for families who should not have to choose between putting food on the table and covering other essential needs."

TSA officers, who are considered essential employees under Transportation Security Administration, are required to report to work even during federal funding lapses. While the U.S. Senate has passed a funding agreement, a gap remains as the process continues, leaving many workers without immediate pay.

"Millions of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, and when that paycheck is delayed, even briefly, the impact is immediate. Families are forced to make impossible choices," said Evan Ehlers, Founder and CEO of Sharing Excess. "With Firstrust's support, we're not only able to deliver food more frequently, but also expand the variety of fresh, nutritious options available, so TSA employees and their families have better, more reliable access to what they need."

The expanded pantry support aims to provide stability and dignity for employees navigating this uncertaintyensuring access to food without forcing difficult tradeoffs between groceries and other necessities like housing, transportation, and childcare.

About Firstrust Bank

Founded in 1934, with assets of over $5 billion, Firstrust Bank is the region's largest family-owned financial institution, one of the region's largest and strongest full-service commercial banks, and one of the most consistently top-performing banks in the Nation. Founded by Samuel A. Green, who began the business in his mother's kitchen in South Philadelphia, Firstrust is currently in its third generation of family management, operating as Philadelphia's Hometown Bank for more than 90 years. Firstrust offers a broad range of retail and commercial banking products and services to individuals, businesses, and institutions. In commercial banking, Firstrust provides a wide variety of solutions, including commercial real estate finance, business banking, asset-backed lending, and deposit and treasury management services. Firstrust meets the need of its consumer customers by offering a full range of deposit, lending, and residential mortgage products. Firstrust is a Small Business Administration (SBA) Preferred Lender, is a Top Workplaces employer, the Official Bank of the Philadelphia Eagles and serves its customers through 18 branch banking offices located in Southeastern PA, Cherry Hill, NJ, and Towson, MD. For more information, visit firstrust.com or call 800-220-BANK. Member FDIC.

SOURCE Firstrust Bank
Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Significant Losses In Hub Group To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options

If you suffered significant losses in Hub Group stock or options and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

[You may also click here for additional information]

NEW YORK, March 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against Hub Group, Inc. ("Hub Group" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: HUBG).

Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com.
Did you buy SMR Class A common stock between May 13, 2025, and November 6, 2025?

Affected NuScale Power Corporation Investor Summary

Who : NuScale Power Corporation (NYSE: SMR)

: NuScale Power Corporation (NYSE: SMR) What: Securities fraud class action lawsuit filed

Securities class action lawsuit filed Class Period: May 13, 2025, through November 6, 2025

May 13, 2025, through November 6, 2025 Deadline to Seek Lead Plaintiff Status: April 20, 2026

April 20, 2026 Key Lawsuit Allegations: Material misstatements and/or omissions concerning the company's commercialization strategy for its nuclear power generation projects and development.

Material misstatements and/or omissions concerning the company's commercialization strategy for its nuclear power generation projects and development. Investor Action: Contact Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (www.ktmc.com) for recovery options at no cost to investor

RADNOR, Pa., March 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (www.ktmc.com ) , a nationally recognized securities litigation law firm, informs investors that a securities fraud class action lawsuit has been filed against NuScale Power Corporation (NuScale) (NYSE: SMR) on behalf of those who purchased or acquired NuScale Class A common stock between May 13, 2025, and November 6, 2025, inclusive. The lawsuit is filed in the United States District Court for the District of Oregon and is captioned Truedson v. NuScale Power Corporation, et al, Case No. 3:26-cv-00328 (D. Or.). Investors have until April 20, 2026, to file for lead plaintiff status.

CONTACT KTMC TO DISCUSS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS:

If you purchased or acquired NuScale Class A common stock and have lost money on your investment, you are encouraged to contact KTMC attorney Jonathan Naji, Esq. at:

(484) 270-1453

[email protected]

https://www.ktmc.com/smr-nuscale-power-corporation-class-action-lawsuit?utm_source=PR_Newswire&utm_medium=pressrelease&utm_campaign=smr&mktm=PR

There is no cost or obligation to speak with an attorney.

Learn more about NuScale Power Corporation on YouTube:

NUSCALE POWER CORPORATION CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT - COMPLAINT ALLEGATION SUMMARY:

The complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) ENTRA1 Energy LLC ("ENTRA1") had never built, financed, or operated any significant projects let alone projects in the highly technical and complicated field of nuclear power generation during its entire operating history; (2) NuScale had entrusted its commercialization, distribution, and deployment of its NuScale Power Module and hundreds of millions of dollars of NuScale capital to an entity that lacked any significant prior experience owning, financing, or operating nuclear energy generation facilities; (3) the purported experience and qualifications attributed to ENTRA1 by Defendants during the Class Period in fact referred to the purported experience and qualifications of the principals of the Habboush Group, a distinct entity without significant experience in the field of nuclear power generation; and (4) as a result, NuScale's commercialization strategy was exposed to material, undisclosed risks of failure, delays, regulatory challenges, or other negative setbacks.

Why did NuScale's Stock Drop?

On November 6, 2025, NuScale surprised investors by revealing that the company's general and administrative expenses had ballooned more than 3,000% to $519 million during its third fiscal quarter, up from $17 million in the prior year period, due largely to NuScale's payment of $495 million to ENTRA1 for its TVA agreement. As a result, NuScale's quarterly net loss skyrocketed to $532 million, up from $46 million in the prior year period. On this news, the price of NuScale Class A common stock declined by $5.45 per share, or approximately 14.4%, from a close of $37.91 per share on November 5, 2025, to close at $32.46 on November 6, 2025.

WHAT SMR INVESTORS CAN DO NOW:

File to be lead plaintiff by April 20, 2026. Contact KTMC for a free case evaluation. All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Retain counsel of choice or take no action.

THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS FOR NUSCALE POWER CORPORATION INVESTORS:

NuScale investors may, no later than April 20, 2026, seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. The lead plaintiff is usually the investor or small group of investors who have the largest financial interest and who are also adequate and typical of the proposed class of investors. The lead plaintiff selects counsel to represent the lead plaintiff and the class and these attorneys, if approved by the court, are lead or class counsel. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff.

Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP encourages NuScale investors to contact the firm for more information.

ABOUT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLP (KTMC):

Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (KTMC) is a leading U.S. plaintiff-side law firm focused on securities-fraud class actions and global investor protection. The firm represents individual investors as well as institutions, such as major pension funds, asset managers, and international investors. KTMC has led some of the largest recoveries in securities litigation and has been recognized by peers and the legal media with numerous accolades, including The National Law Journal's Plaintiff's Hot List and Trailblazers in Plaintiffs' Law, BTI Consulting Group's Honor Roll of Most Feared Law Firms, The Legal Intelligencer's Class Action Firm of the Year, Lawdragon's Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers, and Law360's Titans of the Plaintiffs Bar. The firm operates globally with offices in Pennsylvania and California. KTMC has recovered over $25 billion for our clients and the classes they represent. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP, please visit www.ktmc.com. The complaint in this matter was not filed by KTMC.

CONTACT:

Jonathan Naji, Esq.

(484) 270-1453

280 King of Prussia Road

Radnor, PA 19087

[email protected]

May be considered attorney advertising in certain jurisdictions. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

SOURCE Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP
NEW YORK, March 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Cardiologists from NYU Langone Heart will present their latest clinical findings and research at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session, ACC.26, held March 28 to 30 in New Orleans.

Among the topics presented:

Faculty and trainees from NYU Grossman School of Medicine at ACC.26.

Early cardiovascular risk after high blood pressure in pregnancy

Hidden cardiac amyloidosis in patients undergoing surgery for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

The use of dual imaging to identify the cause of heart attack in patients without blocked arteries

A barbershop-based program to help prevent worsening blood pressure in Black men

How some patients may safely continue cancer treatment while heart side effects are managed closely

How tissue-based heart valves may wear out faster in younger patients and fail in different ways depending on the underlying condition

"These findings and presentations are a snapshot of the research our teams are advancing, with a focus on earlier risk identification, more accurate diagnosis, and more tailored treatment strategies," said Glenn I. Fishman, MD, the William Goldring Professor of Medicine and director of the Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. "Together, this work reflects a broader shift toward more proactive, personalized, and multidisciplinary cardiovascular care."

NYU Langone is ranked No. 1 in the nation for cardiology, heart, and vascular surgery by U.S. News & World Report and has some of the nation's highest success rates for treating heart rhythm disorders, coronary artery disease, valve disease, and congenital heart disease. Faculty will participate in more than 60 presentations, on-demand discussions, and poster sessions throughout ACC.26. Below is a glimpse of some of the work being presented.

Postpartum Heart Program Identifies Early Cardiovascular Risk in Women After High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy

People who experience high blood pressure during pregnancy may face increased long-term heart risks, and early results from NYU Langone's dedicated Postpartum Cardiovascular Health Program show these risks can be identified soon after delivery. Researchers evaluated 132 patientsmost with conditions like preeclampsiaseen about three months postpartum, with strong return visit rates underscoring patient engagement during this critical window. Many already had concerning risk factors, including 40 percent with obesity, 70 percent with elevated cholesterol, and 25 percent with chronic high blood pressure, while 13 percent of those without prior hypertension developed it within six months postpartum. "Pregnancy can act as an early warning sign for future heart disease," said study first author Anais Hausvater, MD, co-director of NYU Langone's Cardio-Obstetrics Program. "This is a critical window to identify risk early and help patients protect their long-term heart health." Emily Torre, MD, an internal medicine resident at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, will present the findings.

March 28, 9:3010:30 a.m. CT, Poster Hall E, SessionFeatured Fields 01, Board 1301-024

Hidden Cardiac Amyloidosis Found in Some Patients Undergoing Surgery for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Among 565 patients undergoing surgery for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), nine (1.6 percent) were found to have undiagnosed cardiac amyloidosisa condition in which abnormal proteins build up in the heart and make it harder to pump blooddespite showing typical features of HCM and no clear signs of amyloidosis on standard testing. "These findings suggest that cardiac amyloidosis can be present even when it's not suspected based on routine testing," said Daniele Massera, MD, senior author of the study and associate director of NYU Langone's Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Program. "Recognizing when these conditions overlap is critical, especially as targeted treatments become more widely available." Dena E. Hayes, MD, a cardiology fellow at NYU Langone, will present the findings.

March 28, 11:2411:31 a.m. CT, Moderated Poster Theater 11, Hall E, Session 1026-07Redefining Detection & Prediction in Cardiac Amyloidosis

Dual Imaging Identifies Cause of Heart Attack Without Blocked Arteries

Harmony R. Reynolds, MD, study lead author, director of the Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center, and the Joel E. and Joan L. Smilow Professor of Cardiology in the Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology in the Department of Medicine and at NYU Grossman School of Medicine

Saturday, March 28, 12:3012:40 p.m. CT, La Nouvelle B, Featured Clinical Research Presentation 201-11

Barbershop-Based Program Helps Prevent Worsening Blood Pressure in Black Men

Joseph E. Ravenell, MD, study principal investigator, physician-researcher at NYU Langone's Institute for Excellence in Health Equity, and associate professor in the Departments of Population Health and Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine

Saturday, March 28, 2:152:35 p.m. CT, La Nouvelle B, Featured Clinical Research Presentation 216-13

Balancing Cancer Treatment and Heart Risk: The Concept of "Permissive Cardiotoxicity"

In some cases, patients can safely stay on important cancer treatments even if those therapies begin to affect the heart, as long as doctors closely monitor and manage the side effects, according to a presentation from Michelle Bloom, MD, system director of NYU Langone's Cardio-Oncology Program. This approach, called "permissive cardiotoxicity," means carefully weighing the benefits of treating the first signs of a problem. "This is about finding the right balancetreating the cancer while protecting the heart," said Dr. Bloom. The approach reflects a growing shift in treatment paradigms, where cardiologists and oncologists work together to help patients continue lifesaving cancer treatment whenever possible.

March 29, 12:2612:37 p.m. CT, Presentation, Room 345, SessionRhythm and Resilience: A Compilation of Heart Failure Topics in Cardio-Oncology

Bioprosthetic Heart Valves May Wear Out Faster in Younger Patients, With Distinct Underlying Causes and Patterns of Damage



Across three analyses, NYU Langone researchers found that bioprosthetic heart valves, replacement valves made from animal tissue, may wear out more quickly in younger patients and fail in different ways depending on the underlying condition.

In a review of more than 1,400 cases since 2008, patients under age 50 were more likely to experience earlier valve deterioration, with younger age linked to shorter valve lifespan. Within this group, researchers identified a subset of "rapid degenerators"patients whose valves failed in less than five years (n=63), more often associated with systemic inflammation, autoimmune conditions, and infection. In a separate analysis of 72 removed valves, researchers identified multiple types of damage, most commonly calcium buildup (49 percent), scarring (37 percent), and infection (32 percent), with patterns varying based on the patient's underlying heart condition.

"Taken together, these findings suggest that selecting bioprosthetic valves in younger patients should account for their comparatively limited durability, which may be further influenced by specific underlying causes," said Dan G. Halpern, MD, medical director of NYU Langone's Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program. Sinan Khor, MD, recent internal medicine resident graduate, Parsha Asachi, MD, internal medicine resident, and Ashish Chakraborty, medical student at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, will present the findings across 3 separate posters at the conference.

March 28, 3:30 p.m.4:30p.m. CT, Poster Hall E, Board 1405-130  "Rapid Degenerators": Distinct Phenotypes of Early Bioprosthetic Valve Dysfunction

March 30, 11 a.m.12 p.m. CT, Poster Hall E, SessionValvular Diseases 12

About NYU Langone Health

NYU Langone Health is a fully integrated health system that consistently achieves the best patient outcomes through a rigorous focus on quality, resulting in some of the lowest mortality rates in the nation. Vizient Inc. has ranked NYU Langone No. 1 out of 118 comprehensive academic medical centers across the nation for four years in a row, and U.S. News & World Report recently ranked four of its clinical specialties No. 1 in the nation. NYU Langone offers a comprehensive range of medical services with one high standard of care across seven inpatient locations, its Perlmutter Cancer Center, and more than 320 outpatient locations in the New York area and Florida. The system also includes two tuition-free medical schools, in Manhattan and on Long Island, and a vast research enterprise.

Media Inquiries

Katie Ullman

646-483-3984

[email protected]

SOURCE NYU Langone Health
Stena RoRo has taken delivery of the 13th ship in the 15 ship series of E-Flexer RoPax ferries from the China Merchants Industry shipyard in Weihai, China. The ship, named Capu Rossu, was handed over to CORSICA LINEA following the delivery to Stena RoRo. The ship will start its commercial operation mid June and will trade between Marseille and Corsica.

GOTHENBURG, Sweden, March 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The E-Flexer-series is based on a design which is larger than the typical standard RoPax ferry and designed for flexibility. Each ship will be tailormade for the operators' technical and commercial needs. A highly optimized hull form, multifuel engines and the Battery Power Class notation as well as several other features make this ship one of the most economically friendly ever designed and built.

"Due to today's fast development of the hull form design and propulsion optimization in combination with the Battery Power systems we now start to install on our ships, it is clear that ordering of new ships will be the most important and strongest tool to reduce the CO2 emissions of the ferry industry", says Per Westling, CEO Stena RoRo.

Partnership with China Merchants Industry (CMI) Weihai Shipyard

The ship has been built by the China Merchants Industry Weihai shipyard in China. Stena RoRo has been cooperating with this shipyard since 2016 which has resulted in 19 orders so far. 15 of these have been E-Flexers, 2 NewMax RoRo ships and 2 C-Flexer RoRo ships.

"The cooperation between the CMI Weihai shipyard and Stena RoRo has been instrumental for the successful deliveries of ships and it has made it possible for us to deliver tailormade ships both to our own ferry operator Stena Line but also to several external ferry companies with the highest quality and in time," concludes Per Westling.

Pictures:

Capu Rossu in the shipyard China Merchants Industry in Weihai, China



Delivery ceremony for the RoPax ship Capu Rossu

Basic specifications:

Length: 203 m

Draught: 6,5 m

Width: 27,8 m

Capacity: 1000 passengers and 2500 lane meters freight

For more information, please contact:

Per Westling, CEO, Stena RoRo AB

Tel: +46 31 855154; +46 704 85 51 54

Email: [email protected]

Since 1977, Stena RoRo has led the development of new RoRo cargo and RoRo passenger concepts. We provide custom-built vessels, as well as standardized RoRo and RoPax vessels. The company leases about fifteen vessels to operators worldwide, both other Stena companies and third parties. Stena RoRo specializes above all in using its technical expertise for the design and production of new vessels and the conversion and technical operation of existing vessels in order to deliver tailor-made transport solutions to its customers. We call this "Stenability". Since 2016 Stena RoRo has taken delivery of 13 RoPax ships of the E-Flexer class and 2 RoRo ships of the NewMax class. Since 2013, we have had responsibility for the design and completion of the

worlds largest civilian hospital vessel, owned and operated by Mercy Ships, the Global Mercy. The ship was delivered in 2021.

www.stenaroro.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/stena-roro/r/stena-roro-takes-delivery-of-the-13th-e-flexer-from-the-china-merchants-industry-shipyard-in-weihai-,c4328149

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/9515/4328149/4012866.pdf Stena RoRo takes delivery of the 13th E-Flexer from the China Merchants Industry shipyard in Weihai China https://news.cision.com/stena-roro/i/capu-rossu-in-the-shipyard-china-merchants-industry-in-weihai,c3524365 Capu Rossu in the shipyard China Merchants Industry in Weihai https://news.cision.com/stena-roro/i/delivery-ceremony-for-the-ropax-ship-capu-rossu,c3524366 Delivery ceremony for the RoPax ship Capu Rossu

SOURCE Stena RoRo
Photo Courtesy: Autorepublika.

A brands decline rarely happens all at once. More often, it is a slow process that goes unnoticed until the damage is already too deep to reverse. That is exactly what happened to Skoda in China. What was once the Czech automakers most important global stronghold has now become the market it is quietly leaving behind. Reuters reported this week that Skoda will withdraw from the Chinese market by mid 2026, ending a chapter that once looked central to the brands long term future.

For years, China was the key to Skodas global growth. The brand reached its high point there in 2018, when deliveries climbed to 341,000 vehicles, making China its largest single market worldwide. That success now feels very distant. By 2025, Skodas deliveries in China had fallen to just 15,000 units, a collapse of roughly 96% in seven years. The speed of that drop is what makes the story so striking. This was not a gradual fade over decades. It was a sharp and punishing reversal within a single automotive cycle.

The Numbers Tell The Story Clearly

Photo Courtesy: Skoda.

The sales path shows just how steep the fall became. After delivering 282,000 vehicles in China in 2019, Skoda dropped to 173,000 in 2020. The slide continued to 71,200 in 2021, 44,600 in 2022, 22,800 in 2023, 17,500 in 2024, and finally 15,000 in 2025. This was not just a downward trend. It was a near total collapse in relevance. Reuters summed up the broader picture simply, noting that Skoda had once sold more than 300,000 vehicles annually in China between 2016 and 2018 before dwindling to only 15,000 last year.

At the center of this collapse is the brutal transformation of the Chinese auto market. Domestic manufacturers have moved with far greater speed in electric vehicles, software, connected technology, and pricing strategy, while many established Western brands have struggled to keep up. Reuters has repeatedly noted the intense competitive pressure facing legacy automakers in China, especially as local companies such as BYD and Geely reshaped the market and pushed foreign brands into a much harsher environment. In a market moving this quickly, long standing brand recognition is no longer enough.

Skoda Is Leaving China, But Not Retreating Globally

Photo Courtesy: Skoda.

Skodas exit from China does not mean the brand is weakening everywhere. In fact, the global picture looks much healthier. Skoda delivered 1,043,900 vehicles worldwide in 2025, up 12.7% from the prior year and its strongest performance in six years. The company also became the third best selling car brand in Europe for the first time in its core EU 27+4 market, while growth accelerated in places such as India, Turkiye, Morocco, and Egypt. That contrast makes the China story even more telling. Skoda is not collapsing as a company. It is losing one market that changed faster than it could adapt.
Results Highlights

Leveraging the dual-drive strategy of "Globalisation" and "Mid-to-High-End", TCL Electronics has achieved quality growth in global business and continuously strengthened overall profitability. In 2025, the Company's revenue increased by 15.4% year-on-year (YoY) to HK$114.58 billion, profit after tax increased by 36.7% YoY to HK$2.53 billion, and adjusted profit attributable to owners of the parent increased by 56.5% to HK$2.51 billion compared with the previous year.

In 2025, TCL TV's shipment ranking consistently remained at the second position among global branded TVs [1] ; TCL Mini LED TV global shipment surged by 118.0% YoY, with its scale consistently ranking the first globally [2] . The continuous advancement of the "Mid-to-High-End" strategy has driven the gross profit margin of the large-sized display business to increase by 1.3 percentage points YoY to 16.8% during the year.

; TCL Mini LED TV global shipment surged by 118.0% YoY, with its scale consistently ranking the first globally . The continuous advancement of the "Mid-to-High-End" strategy has driven the gross profit margin of the large-sized display business to increase by 1.3 percentage points YoY to 16.8% during the year. The internet business sustained high profitability. In 2025, internet business revenue increased by 18.3% YoY to HK$3.11 billion, with a gross profit margin as high as 56.4%. The Company's overseas flagship models were among the first in the industry to integrate Google Gemini. As at the end of 2025, TCL Channel's global cumulative user base exceeded 45.70 million, with commercialisation and monetisation capabilities significantly strengthened.

The innovative business continued to expand in scale, with revenue in 2025 surging by 31.9% YoY to HK$35.63 billion. Among these, the photovoltaic business revenue increased by 63.6% YoY to HK$21.06 billion, demonstrating outstanding market competitiveness and development resilience.

The Board proposed a final cash dividend of HK49.80 cents per share for 2025, with a dividend payout ratio of approximately 50% of adjusted profit attributable to owners of the parent.

HONG KONG, March 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- TCL Electronics Holdings Limited ("TCL Electronics" or the "Company", 01070.HK) announced its annual results for the year ended 31 December 2025. In 2025, the Company continued to make breakthroughs in product mix, technological leadership and quality enhancement, achieving healthy growth in business scale. During the year, the Company achieved revenue of HK$114.58 billion, representing a YoY increase of 15.4%, and its gross profit reached HK$17.90 billion, representing a YoY increase of 15.1%.

The Company continued to strengthen the building of various core capabilities, fully introduced AI applications across R&D, manufacturing, supply chain and sales, and comprehensively enhancing operational efficiency, with the overall expense[3] ratio decreasing by 0.7 percentage points YoY to 11.1%. In 2025, the Company achieved continuous improvement in internal operational efficiency and its overall profitability continued to be optimised. Its profit after tax increased by 36.7% YoY to HK$2.53 billion, and adjusted profit attributable to owners of the parent reached HK$2.51 billion, representing an increase of 56.5% compared with HK$1.61 billion of the previous year.

To reward Shareholders for their long-term support and share development results, the Board proposed a final cash dividend of HK49.80 cents per share for 2025, with a dividend payout ratio of approximately 50% of adjusted profit attributable to owners of the parent. The final dividend per share increased significantly by 56.6% as compared with the previous year.

Mid-to-high-end display products and international market becoming core growth drivers, with TCL Mini LED TV maintaining global No. 1 position

Benefitting from effective enhancement of brand influence, efficient expansion of global channels and continuous optimisation of product mix, the Company's display business revenue in 2025 increased by 9.2% YoY to HK$75.80 billion, gross profit increased by 16.4% YoY to HK$12.48 billion, and gross profit margin increased by 1.1 percentage points YoY to 16.5%.

The large-sized display business achieved revenue of HK$64.71 billion during the year, representing a YoY increase of 7.7%; gross profit reached HK$10.90 billion, representing a YoY increase of 17.2%, with gross profit margin increasing by 1.3 percentage points YoY to 16.8%. In 2025, TCL TV's global shipment market share reached 14.7%, representing a YoY increase of 0.8 percentage points, consistently ranking second globally[4]; TCL Mini LED TV global shipment surged by 118.0% YoY, with shipment proportion increasing by 6.8 percentage points YoY to 13.0%, and shipment market share reaching 31.1%, ranking firmly at the first position globally[5], demonstrating the Company's technological leadership and market competitiveness in the high-end display segment.

In terms of the international market, the large-sized display business' revenue reached HK$47.50 billion, representing a YoY increase of 15.7%, with gross profit increasing by 29.4% YoY to HK$7.17 billion. The large-screen trend in the international market continued to accelerate, with overseas shipment of 65-inch and above TCL TVs surging by 50.0% YoY and shipment proportion increasing by 6.7 percentage points YoY to 24.2%; shipment of TCL Mini LED TV in the international market surged by as much as 228.0% YoY, with shipment proportion increasing by 7.1 percentage points to 10.6%. Benefitting from the optimisation of product mix, the gross profit margin from the international market increased by 1.6 percentage points YoY to 15.1%, with the premiumisation strategy delivering remarkable results. In the European market, the Company achieved full coverage of key channels, driving revenue increased by 13.9% YoY. The product mix shifted towards higher value and higher gross profit margin. In the North American market, the Company successfully implemented the "Mid-to-High-End" strategy, achieving dual improvement in revenue and ASP. During the year, the revenue increased by 11.2% YoY, while ASP recorded an over 20% YoY increase. In emerging markets such as Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, and Asia-Pacific, the Company actively promoted localised operations and continued to advance the dual-track strategy of synergistic development between offline channels and e-commerce platforms, driving a 19.8% YoY increase in TCL TV revenue and effectively unleashing the potential for scale growth. In 2025, TCL TV ranked among the top 3[6] in terms of retail sales volume in over 20 countries worldwide.

In terms of the PRC market, while the overall industry shipment volume declined due to weak consumer demand, the Company's large-sized display business achieved steady gains in market share against the market headwind, supported by the "Mid-to-High-End" strategy. During the year, the Company's core high-end products delivered outstanding performance. Among them, TCL Mini LED TV shipment increased by 33.6% YoY, with shipment proportion increasing by 7.2 percentage points YoY to 22.5%; TCL QLED TV shipment increased by 29.6% YoY with shipment proportion increasing by 6.4 percentage points YoY to 21.2%. The high-end product portfolio continued to expand. Product mix upgrades further deepened the large-screen and mid-to-high end trends. The mid-to-high end trend also made the large-screen trend more prominent. The shipment proportion of 65-inch and above TCL TVs in the PRC market rose to 57.6% in 2025, with the average size increasing to 64.3 inches. The significant improvement in product mix drove the overall gross profit margin to increase by 1.9 percentage points YoY to 21.7%, with significant improvement in profitability and steady enhancement in operational quality.

During the year, the small-and-medium-sized display business adhered to the strategy of "prioritising efficiency and focusing on key markets", deeply cultivated tier-one network carrier channels in Europe and North America, and consolidated strategic relationships with core partners, achieving steady development. In 2025, revenue of the Company's small-and-medium-sized display business increased by 17.8% YoY to HK$9.97 billion, with gross profit increasing by 10.4% YoY to HK$1.44 billion.

In addition, the Company's smart commercial display business leveraged the globally leading resource advantages of its TV business, and focused on four major scenarios of office, retail, catering business and exhibition, thus continuously enhancing product competitiveness. In 2025, revenue of the smart commercial display business increased by 28.4% YoY to HK$1.12 billion, with gross profit increasing by 24.0% YoY to HK$0.14 billion.

Deepening collaboration with global giants and driving TV interaction and upgrade through AI to achieve growth in both revenue and profit for internet business

TCL Electronics continuously seized global new opportunities arising from AI technology development and deeply cultivated the global home internet sector, placing users at the core, strengthening the construction of AI and content ecosystems, and continuously enhancing user experience. During the year, the Company's internet business achieved simultaneous improvement in business scale and profitability quality, with revenue increasing by 18.3% YoY to HK$3.11 billion, gross profit increasing by 18.8% YoY to HK$1.75 billion, and gross profit margin standing at 56.4%, maintaining strong profitability.

In the international market, TCL Electronics continued to deepen strategic cooperation with international giants such as Google, Roku and Netflix, with flagship models pioneering the industry to integrate Google Gemini, and upgraded the AI interactive experience, whilst completing a comprehensive upgrade of its content aggregation application, TCL Channel. The proportion of local premium content doubled, driving a substantial YoY increase of 150.0% in average daily total usage duration. By the end of 2025, TCL Channel's global cumulative users exceeded 45.70 million, with content appeal and commercialisation and monetisation capabilities significantly strengthened, further solidifying the leading advantages in the global home internet business.

In the domestic market, leveraging its proprietary OTT smart device operating platform, the Company focused on AI content generation and interactive experience upgrades. In terms of product innovation, the Company focused on upgrading AI technology on the TV front to deliver an even more immersive interactive experience. Meanwhile, the Company created a proprietary copyright "Content Factory" through AI, achieved large-scaled implementation of AI-generated content in the children's segment, and improved AI-generated animation creation efficiency through self-developed tool Agent. The AI hardware product Amby Uni was successfully launched to the market. During the year, the Company continuously optimised the business structure and consolidated its leading position in the global home internet sector.

Driving high-quality growth of photovoltaic business through t he asset-light operating model while building long-term competitive advantages via diversified AI layout

By consistently increasing R&D investment, the Company focused on AI technology to cultivate its second growth curve. By leveraging the enhancement of global marketing and brand influence, the innovative businesses achieved continuous expansion during the year, with revenue surging by 31.9% YoY to HK$35.63 billion in 2025.

The photovoltaic business adhered to a relatively asset-light approach in the domestic market. It developed market-based electricity trading capabilities, strengthened channel partnerships, and steadily enhanced operational efficiency and competitiveness, entering a phase of high-quality development. The overseas business focused on key European countries, leveraged SunPower to enhance brand synergy, and accelerated the "solar-storage-heating" product layout and business expansion. In 2025, the photovoltaic business' revenue increased by 63.6% YoY to HK$21.06 billion, with gross profit increasing by 47.5% to HK$1.81 billion. In 2025, the photovoltaic business achieved new installed capacity of 8.0 GW domestically and cumulatively contracted over 340 industrial and commercial projects, with cumulative dealer channels exceeding 2,530 and contracted rural households totaling nearly 360,000.

In the AR/XR sector, RayNeo, incubated by the Company, continued to maintain its industry-leading position. In 2025, RayNeo held a 32% market share in the PRC AI/AR glasses market, ranking first with an absolute advantage[7]; in the PRC AR glasses online market in 2025, RayNeo held a 35.4% sales volume share, maintaining rapid growth amid intensifying market competition, and ranking first in the PRC online omni-channel market for four consecutive years[8]. In terms of product innovation, the Company launched in October 2025 the world's first HDR glasses, RayNeo Air 4, integrating seven major technological highlights and leading industry technology development. At CES 2025, the Company launched TCL AiMe, the world's first modular AI companion robot, perfectly integrating AI technology, IoT control and home companionship functions. As the smart home ecosystem matures, innovative products such as TCL AiMe are expected to become widely seen in future homes, demonstrating enormous market potential.

Future Outlook: Driving industrial upgrade through AI, focusing on dual enhancement of profitability and scale, and achieving high-quality development

Looking ahead, the Company will continue to uphold the business philosophy of "Strategy Guidance, Innovation Driven, Advanced Manufacturing and Global Operation". The core business will adhere to the dual-drive strategy of "Globalisation" and "Mid-to-High-End", while new business segments will take AI innovation and digital intelligence empowerment as key drivers. The Company is committed to continuously expanding its global scale, improving profitability, and achieving high-quality sustainable development. In terms of Shareholder return, the Company attaches great importance to the long-term value of Shareholders. Going forward, while maintaining sound business growth, the Company will continuously optimise its capital structure, aiming to deliver sustainable, high-quality and long-term returns to Shareholders through solid performance.

[1] Source: Global brand TV shipment of 2025 from Omdia. [2] Source: Global brand Mini LED TV shipment of 2025 from Omdia. [3] Overall expenses include selling and distribution expenses and administrative expenses. [4] Source: Global brand TV shipment of 2025 from Omdia. [5] Source: Global brand Mini LED TV shipment of 2025 from Omdia. [6] Source: Circana (for the U.S. market) and the Company's internal reports (for other markets), based on TV retail sales volume of 2025. [7] Source: CINNO Research, sales volume data of consumer-grade AI/AR market in China for 2025. [8] Source: RUNTO, brand sales volume share data of the online AR glasses market in China for 2025.

About TCL Electronics

TCL Electronics Holdings Limited (01070.HK, incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability) has been listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited since November 1999. Its business scope covers display business, innovative business, and internet business. Guided by the business philosophy of "Strategy Guidance, Innovation Driven, Advanced Manufacturing and Global Operation", TCL Electronics actively embraces transformation and innovation and focuses on breaking into the mid-to-high-end global market, and strives to the all-category layout for the "Smart IoT Ecosystem". Dedicated to providing users with all-scenario smart healthy living experiences, TCL Electronics aims to become a leading global intelligent terminal enterprise. TCL Electronics is included in the list of eligible shares for Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect. It is a constituent stock of the Hang Seng Stock Connect Hong Kong Index, the Hang Seng Composite LargeCap & MidCap Index, and the Hang Seng Composite MidCap Index. Since 2018, the Company has been awarded an ESG rating of A by Hang Seng Indexes Company for several consecutive years.

For more information, please visit TCL Electronics' investor relations website at http://electronics.tcl.com, or access the official WeChat account of TCL Electronics Investor Relations.

SOURCE TCL Electronics
In the news release, Thieves Make a Break For It as 12 Tonnes of KITKAT Go Missing, issued 27-Mar-2026 by Nestle over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that it has been reported that this theft could lead to a supply shortage ahead of Easter. Nestle has confirmed that this is incorrect  the incident will have no impact on supply or trade, and there is no shortage risk. The complete, corrected release follows:

Thieves Make a Break For It as 12 Tonnes of KITKAT Go Missing

Over 400,000 KITKAT chocolates have disappeared during transit and may now be circulating across Europe

VEVEY, Switzerland, March 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- KITKAT today confirmed that a truck transporting 413,793 units of its new chocolate range has been stolen during transit in Europe.

Thieves Make a Break For It as 12 Tonnes of KITKAT Go Missing ( KitKat) (PRNewsfoto/Nestle)

The shipment, weighing approximately 12 tonnes, disappeared last week while en route between production and distribution locations. Having left Central Italy last week, the bars were to be distributed throughout Europe - with the 1,250-1,350km route eventually terminating in Poland. The vehicle and its contents remain unaccounted for, and investigations are ongoing in close collaboration with local authorities and supply chain partners.

While there is no risk associated with the product itself and partners have been alerted, KITKAT believes the missing items could enter unofficial sales channels across European markets.

The theft comes shortly after a joint report from the International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) and the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) EMEA, which outlined an alarming rise in cargo theft and freight fraud - with more sophisticated methods of deception becoming increasingly common.

A KITKAT spokesperson said:

"We've always encouraged people to have a break with KITKAT - but it seems thieves have taken the message too literally and made a break with more than 12 tonnes of our chocolate.

Whilst we appreciate the criminals' exceptional taste, the fact remains that cargo theft is an escalating issue for businesses of all sizes. With more sophisticated schemes being deployed on a regular basis, we have chosen to go public with our own experience in the hope that it raises awareness of an increasingly common criminal trend."

Consumers are requested to not attempt to locate, handle or recover any stolen goods and to not take any direct action. Any relevant information should be shared with local law enforcement authorities.

KITKAT will continue to support the investigation and provide further updates as appropriate.

Notes To Editors

1. IUMI and TAPA EMEA report.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2944328/KITKAT.jpg

SOURCE Nestle
AT&T's $525,000 investment supports Think Together in bringing The Achievery to afterschool students,

helping them build digital skills and prepare for the future.

LYNWOOD, Calif., March 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Think Together, in collaboration with AT&T, celebrated the expansion of The Achievery, AT&T's safe, online digital education platform designed to support K-12 student learning. Held at Cesar Chavez Middle School in Lynwood, students enrolled in LevelUp Lynwood in partnership with Think Together, shared their experiences with The Achievery platform, alongside district, business and community leaders.

Think Together, in collaboration with AT&T, celebrated the expansion of The Achievery, AT&Ts safe, online digital education platform designed to support K-12 student learning. Held at Cesar Chavez Middle School in Lynwood, students enrolled in LevelUp Lynwood in partnership with Think Together, shared their experiences with The Achievery platform, alongside district, business and community leaders.

As part of the event, AT&T, in partnership with Human-I-T, distributed 150 refurbished laptops to students and presented Think Together with a $525,000 community investment from AT&T to support sustained access to The Achievery across middle and high schools throughout California.

"We're grateful for partners like AT&T, whose innovation and commitment to expanding student learning are helping students discover new interests, build skills and imagine what's possible for their future," said Think Together Senior Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations Lawrence Gustafson.

Through The Achievery, students explore a wide range of topics and skills designed to prepare them for both academic and real-world success. The platform offers engaging lessons in STEM, coding, digital literacy, social-emotional learning, and college and career readiness, giving students the chance to create projects, solve problems and collaborate with peers.

With the support of LevelUp Lynwood initiatives, students engage in hands-on learning experiences, including designing digital presentations, exploring coding and robotics, creating multimedia projects, and participating in career-connected technology activities.

By learning how technology is applied in real-world careers, students develop practical skills, strengthen critical thinking, and build creative confidence. These opportunities support Lynwood Unified's district goals of preparing students for college, career, and life by fostering innovation, collaboration, and meaningful engagement beyond the traditional classroom.

"Think Together and AT&T are creating exceptional opportunities for our students to engage in digital learning outside of school time," said Thelma Gonzalez, coordinator of the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) at Lynwood Unified School District. "Programs like The Achievery provide hands-on experiences that spark curiosity, build confidence, and help students develop critical digital skills, setting a strong foundation for success in school and beyond."

Since 2008, AT&T has supported Think Together's programs, contributing more than $1 million since 2023. Each site offering The Achievery is designed to serve students with hands-on digital learning experiences that build not only technological skills but also confidence, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.

"Igniting curiosity and inspiring a love of learning are essential to growth and success - and that belief is what sparked the creation of The Achievery. Our goal is to help expand learning beyond the classroom and support a generation of engaged, lifelong learners," said Susan Santana, President, AT&T California. "We're excited to continue supporting our collaboration with Think Together across California, which will help us reach thousands of students and open doors to even greater achievement."

This effort is part of AT&T's initiative to help address the digital divide through internet accessibility, affordability and safe adoption. AT&T has committed $5 billion to help 25 million people get and stay connected to high-speed internet by 2030.

About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T

We're committed to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities and improving lives. As part of our companywide commitment to address the digital divide, we launched AT&T Connected Learning to invest in connectivity and technology, digital literacy and education solutions to help today's learners succeed inside and outside of the classroom. Since 2008, we've committed to programs that help millions of students across all 50 states and around the world, particularly those in underserved communities.

About Think Together

For over 25 years, Think Together has partnered with schools and communities to pursue educational opportunity and excellence for all kids. A division of Think Education, Think Together innovates, implements, and scales academic solutions that change the odds for hundreds of thousands of California students each year. Think Together's program areas include early learning, afterschool programs, staffing, and leadership development for teachers and school administrators.

For more information, call (888) 485-THINK or visit www.thinktogether.org.

Follow Think Education on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. Follow Think Together on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

SOURCE Think Together
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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.

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Alasdair Bremner, the CEO of Frontier IP Group PLC (LSE:FIPP, FRA:8WT) investee company, Alusid, talked with Proactive about the companys expanding European footprint, highlighting new distribution agreements and growing demand for its low-carbon ceramic tiles.

Bremner explained that Alusid is gaining traction beyond the UK, noting that its products use roughly half the carbon or half the energy compared to pretty much any other competitor. The companys latest agreement in the Netherlands will see its Mas product stocked locally, while partnerships with FRONT Materials BV and Tegelgroeop Nederlands are supporting product development tailored to the European market.

He emphasised the strategic importance of Tegelgroeop, which operates across the BeNeLux region and sits within the wider BME Group, offering a significant opportunity for future expansion. In parallel, Alusid has also secured a partnership with Kakelspecialisten in Sweden, one of the largest tile distributors in the country and part of the Saint-Gobain Group.

Bremner highlighted that the Nordic region is particularly attractive due to strong demand for sustainable materials, driven by both client expectations and evolving legislation. He said: Our lower carbon proposition is credible. Its verified externally and its built into the product from the start.

The companys manufacturing process not only reduces carbon emissions but also lowers energy use, providing cost and resilience benefits in a challenging energy environment. Looking ahead, Alusid is using recent pre-IPO funding to accelerate product development, expand international distribution, and invest in new formats, including larger tiles and moulded products.

Proactive: Alasdair it's very good to speak with you again, what's important about this agreement?

Alasdair Bremner: Thanks for having me. This agreement shows our products are increasingly resonating beyond the UK. We make one of the lowest carbon ceramic tiles available, using roughly half the carbon or energy compared to competitors. This is landing strongly in the European market.

This agreement means our tiles will be more widely available in the Netherlands, starting with stocking of the Mas product. We are also developing products with FRONT Materials BV and Tegelgroeop Nederlands specifically for the European market. Tegelgroeop operates across the BeNeLux region and sits within the BME Group, which had turnover of around 5.4 billion last year. If we execute well in the Dutch market, we can expand across the wider BME Group, which is a significant opportunity.

Proactive: You recently signed an agreement with Kakelspecialisten in Sweden. Can you tell us more about that partnership and the Nordic markets?

Alasdair Bremner: Were delighted to partner with Kakelspecialisten, one of the largest tile distributors in Sweden and part of the Saint-Gobain Group. There is strong alignment in how we approach the market. They are holding stock of both Mas and Principle products.

The Nordic market is mature, with architects and designers asking detailed questions about embodied carbon and environmental data. Sustainability is not just a marketing feature  it is central to product selection, driven by both clients and legislation. This plays directly to our strengths.

Proactive: Your process uses less energy than conventional manufacturers. Is that more relevant now?

Alasdair Bremner: Absolutely. Ceramics are energy-intensive to produce, so reducing energy matters for both carbon and cost. Our process uses waste materials from industries like ceramics, glass, cement and mining, reducing environmental impact. It also provides a hidden advantage of lower energy usage, which is increasingly important for cost, resilience and security.

Proactive: Can you provide more context on growth and future plans?

Alasdair Bremner: We raised 500,000 in a pre-IPO round, giving us a platform to accelerate product development and expand international distribution. We are refining our process and developing larger format tiles and moulded products, which we see as key future opportunities.
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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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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.
NO INVESTMENT ADVICE

The content on this Site is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, a personal recommendation, an offer or solicitation to buy or sell securities, or any other regulated activity. It should not be relied upon as the basis for any investment decision.

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By Niket Nishant and Shashwat Chauhan

March 27 (Reuters) - From rocket launches drawing millions of YouTube views to social media frenzy over its potential listing, SpaceX's debut is shaping up to be a landmark moment for Wall Street.

Traders are betting thousands of dollars on the company's ticker and speculating over its entry into the most elite club of U.S. companies, giving the world's most valuable startup a level of social media buzz that only a few companies enjoy, especially when they are yet to file their IPO paperwork.

More from Yahoo Scout What valuation is SpaceX targeting for its IPO? How much retail allocation is SpaceX considering? What ticker symbols are being speculated for SpaceX? Will SpaceX join the Magnificent Seven companies?

On Polymarket, users were betting on topics including the company's targeted valuation, the exchange it will list on and the ticker its shares would trade under. The combined trading volume of such bets exceeded more than $15.2 million, as of Friday.

Odds on the prediction markets platform put a 25% chance on SpaceX choosing the letter "X" as its ticker, a sharp drop from 60% a month ago.

The single-letter ticker is up for grabs after U.S. Steel, which reportedly held it for over a century, delisted from the New York Stock Exchange after being bought by Japan's Nippon Steel last year.

Musk's social media platform is also called X after a rebrand from Twitter in 2023.

Tuttle Capital Management CEO Matthew Tuttle said a better alternative would be "SPCX" - also the ticker of an exchange traded fund his company manages.

Tuttle has indicated openness to selling the SPCX symbol to SpaceX.

"I've not heard from Elon, but my phone line is still open and I'm holding out hope that I get a call," he said.

Apart from X, other potential options floated on Polymarket include "SPAX" and the risque, "SEX". However, users see a roughly 70% probability that the company chooses a different ticker altogether.

FROM MAGNIFICENT SEVEN TO SUPER EIGHT?

SpaceX is targeting a valuation of $1.75 trillion in its listing, which would make it the sixth biggest U.S. company by market capitalization. Tesla and Meta Platforms could fall behind, with market valuations of $1.4 trillion and $1.39 trillion, respectively.

That has fueled speculation over whether the company's market debut will force a rethink of the so-called "Magnificent Seven", a group of some of the most valuable U.S. companies.

"When the company does finally go public, the Magnificent Seven will clearly expand. They'll probably call it the Magnificent Eight, the Super Eight or some new acronym," said Todd Schoenberger, chief investment officer at CrossCheck Management.
Ahmedabad, March 27 : The Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad has opened a new modern facility, the 'Rain Basera', to provide secure and dignified accommodation for relatives of patients.

Ahmedabad, March 27 (IANS) The Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad has opened a new modern facility, the aRain Baseraa, to provide secure and dignified accommodation for relatives of patients.

The 858-bed building, constructed at a cost of Rs 60 crore on the hospital campus in Asarva locality, is aimed at easing the difficulties faced by families due to the lack of affordable lodging near the hospital.

Asiaas largest civil hospital treats patients from across Gujarat, other states, and abroad, including those requiring complex surgeries and specialised care.

Until now, many families were forced to stay in expensive hotels or spend nights on footpaths because of limited nearby facilities and financial constraints.

"Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and guidance of Health Minister Praful Pansheriya, the 'Rain Basera' was developed to address this issue," officials said.

This facility has been designed to ensure that families accompanying patients have access to clean, safe, and comfortable lodging.

aIt will also help reduce overcrowding in corridors and galleries, making it easier to maintain hygiene across the hospital," officials noted.

The Rain Basera spans a basement, ground floor, and eight upper floors, covering a total built-up area of 24,436 square metres.

The ground floor features a large canteen with a capacity of 280 people, a modern kitchen, a TV room, a reception area, a bank ATM, and eight shops catering to daily necessities.

Dormitories are equipped with clean toilets and secure lockers for storing belongings.

Parking has been provided in the basement for 58 four-wheelers and 91 two-wheelers to manage traffic efficiently.

Civil Hospital admits over 1 lakh patients annually, and officials say the new facility will particularly benefit poor and middle-class families by providing safe and dignified accommodation.

They added that the facility reflects the state governmentas commitment to service and a humane approach to patient care.
Mumbai, March 27 : NCP leader Rupali Chakankar, who was embroiled in the self-styled godman Captain Ashok Kharat controversy, on Friday finally resigned from her post as the President of the Maharashtra NCP women's wing.

She has forwarded her resignation to the NCP national president and state Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar.

Chakankar, amid demand from the opposition, had resigned on March 20 as the chairperson of the Maharashtra State Women's Commission but did not step down as the state NCP women's wing president.

In her post on X, Chakankar said, "I have made my position clear on the first day itself regarding the Kharat case. There is no remote connection between his financial transactions and his misconduct; even today, my stance remains the sameclear and firm. All these matters will certainly be resolved during the investigation. The false, untrue allegations being made through the media without any evidence are painful. The truth will surely be established with full force. I have already made the demand to the Hon. Chief Minister, Hon. Deputy Chief Minister, and Hon. Director General of Police that this investigation should be conducted transparently and impartially. Following my discussion this morning over the phone with the respected Sunetra Pawar, I am resigning from my position as the President of the Nationalist Congress Party Women's Wing."

Chakankar has been targeted by the Congress, Shiv Sena UBT and also from within the NCP over her alleged links with the fraud godman Ashok Kharat, who was arrested on March 18 and is being questioned by the government-appointed Special Investigation Team in connection with eight different offences against him in connection with rapes, molestation and excesses against women, among others.

Following directives from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to step down immediately, Chakankar last Friday met with Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar at the latter's official residence, 'Devgiri.' Shortly after this meeting, she officially submitted her resignation as the chairperson of Maharashtra State Women's Commission.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had summoned Rupali Chakankar to his official residence, 'Varsha,' for a discussion. During this meeting, the Chief Minister instructed her to tender her resignation with immediate effect. Her resignation was later accepted by the chief minister.

The directions were issued two days after the arrest of self-proclaimed godman Captain Ashok Kharat from Nasik in north Maharashtra, over the allegations of sexual harassment and rape. Chakankar was a trustee on Shri Shivnika Sansthan of Sinnar in Nasik district, of which Kharat is the president.

CM's directives came after intense backlash after a video surfaced showing her in a compromisingly respectful position (washing the feet) of the accused, Ashok Kharat.

The pressure for her resignation stemmed from her alleged proximity to Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman and "numerologist" from Nashik. Last Friday evening, she posted a letter written to Maharashtra DGP Sadanand Date, where the commission directed DGP to conduct a 'thorough, time-bound and impartial' investigation into the case.

She also informed Date that the commission was keeping an eye on the investigation, and he should inform the Nasik police commissioner about the progress of the investigation.

Chakankar found herself embroiled in a controversy after the police also confiscated the pen drive, which has at least 58 video recordings of private moments of various individuals.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Bengaluru, March 27 : Terming the Centre's move on fuel prices as an election gimmick, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Friday alleged that petrol and diesel prices would be increased again immediately after the elections.

Addressing the media at the KPCC office and later speaking to reporters at his residence, Shivakumar said: "As soon as the elections are over, the Central government will again raise petrol and diesel prices. They have done this before too. All of this is election gimmickry."

"The Central government is collecting an additional Rs 1,000 crore in taxes every day. Who is this reaching? When fuel prices were raised earlier, we had launched the '100 Not Out' campaign. Now they are doing a trial run to benefit companies of their choice," he said.

Referring to the global situation, he said crude oil prices have risen at the international level, but alleged that the Centre has failed to ensure adequate supply of gas cylinders to consumers in the state.

"Two ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz and came to the country. Could they not have sent one of them to the south  to Karnataka and Tamil Nadu? Why did they go to Gujarat? Elections are currently underway in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Because they have no influence in the southern states, they are treating South India with contempt," he alleged.

He further criticised the Centre over fuel pricing and public messaging. "Earlier, there used to be hoardings at all petrol bunks showing a Muslim woman thanking the government for providing gas. Why have all those been removed now? The Central government is picking the pockets of consumers every single day," he said.

"From May 26, 2014 onwards, petrol and diesel prices kept rising. Petrol was being sold at Rs 71 and diesel at Rs 56 back then. Now it has reached Rs 103. Even when crude oil prices were low, why were prices still high?" he questioned.

Responding to a query on the Centre's reduction in special additional excise duty on fuel, he said: "The Indian government is killing us. They have reduced oil prices only for the elections. The Nayara company has raised fuel prices."

When asked whether the state government would reduce fuel prices, Shivakumar said, "We will talk about that later."

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
United Nations, March 27 : As the world reels from the impact of the Strait of Hormuz chokehold, SecretaryaGeneral Antonio Guterres on Friday announced a task force to address its humanitarian fallout.a United Nations, March 27 (IANS) As the world reels from the impact of the Strait of Hormuz chokehold, SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres on Friday announced a task force to address its humanitarian fallout.

The group will develop a mechanism for moving fertilisers and related raw materials necessary to avert an agricultural crisis, Guterres' Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.

He explained that the "primary focus" of the group, led by UnderSecretaryGeneral Jorge Moreira da Silva, is to develop and propose technical mechanisms specifically designed to meet humanitarian needs in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation has warned that the disruption of the strait goes far beyond oil and has "significant implications for food security, agricultural production, and global markets."

"This is not only an energy shock. It is a systematic shock affecting agrifood systems globally," said FAO Chief Economist Maximo Torero. 

He noted that up to 30 per cent of internationally traded fertilisers pass through the strait, along with gas and oil required to process fertilisers.

Dujarric said the task force will draw on the UN's experience in establishing international structures to address crises such as those in the Black Sea, Yemen, and Gaza.

He recalled that the UN was able to avoid famine in some countries when the UkraineRussia war prevented food grains from passing through the Black Sea, thanks to a 2022 initiative involving Turkiye that ensured safe passage for ships carrying foodgrains.

The mechanism the group will develop will be in close consultation with relevant member states, with full respect for national sovereignty and established international legal frameworks, Dujarric added.

He said Guterres has spoken with Foreign Ministers Abbas Araghchi of Iran, Adr Abdelatty of Egypt, and Ishaq Dar of Pakistan, as well as Permanent Representatives Michael Waltz of the United States and Jamal Fares Alrowaiei of Bahrain.

If successful, the UN initiative for the Strait "would also create confidence among member states on the diplomatic approach to the conflict and constitute a valuable step towards a wider political settlement," he added.

Meanwhile, on the politicaldiplomatic front, Guterres' newly appointed personal envoy for the Iran crisis, Jean Arnault, will continue his outreach to the parties in the conflict and will be supported by the task force, Dujarric said.
Los Angeles, March 27 : Hollywood actor Glen Powell, who is known for his work in 'Top Gun: Maverick', is set to bring to life Fox McCloud in 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie'.

Fox McCloud is the surprise Nintendo character joining the Mario Bros. Glen Powell posted a video on Instagram announcing the news on Friday, reports 'Variety'.

He most recently starred in the thriller 'How to Make a Killing' this year, plus last year's 'Running Man'. Like Fox, a space pilot from the 'Star Fox' games, the actor took to the skies with his breakout role in 'Top Gun: Maverick' in 2022.

As per 'Variety', Chris Pratt and Charlie Day are back as Mario and Luigi as they blast off into space in 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie'. They're joined by returning stars Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Beach, Jack Black as Bowser and Keegan-Michael Key as Toad.

The sequel is also introducing Donald Glover as Yoshi, Benny Safdie as Bowser Jr. and Brie Larson as Rosalina.

The inclusion of Fox was a surprise, but eagle-eyed Nintendo fans spotted a glimpse of the character in a recent 'Super Mario Galaxy Movie' trailer. He's known as the main character in the "Star Fox" action video games and also as one of the original characters of Nintendo's fighting game, 'Super Smash Bros'.

Fox has been playable in every 'Smash Bros' game alongside Mario, Luigi, Donkey Kong and Yoshi. Other 'Mario' characters, like Bowser, Peach, Diddy Kong, Rosalina and Bowser Jr., have also joined the rosters in later years. Fox's 'Star Fox' co-pilot Falco Lombardi and the villainous Wolf O'Donnell both were added to later 'Smash Bros' games as well.

Fox isn't the only 'Smash Bros' character to cross over into the 'Super Mario Galaxy Movie'. A previous trailer featured a cameo from colorful Pikmin, the plant-animal hybrids used by 'Smash Bros' fighter Captain Olimar from the "Pikmin" Nintendo games.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Kathmandu, March 28 : The newly elected government of Nepal has arrested former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak in connection with a culpable homicide-related case linked to the suppression of Gen Z protests that left several protesters dead.

Following the swearing-in of Prime Minister Balendra Shah and his ministers on Friday, a Cabinet meeting held on the same day had decided to implement the report of the High-Level Inquiry Commission formed to investigate the incidents during the Gen Z movement. The report had recommended a criminal investigation and prosecution of Oli, Lekhak, and former Police Chief Chandra Kuber Khapung.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Prabin Dhital, spokesperson for the Kathmandu Valley Police Office, told IANS that the duo were arrested early Saturday morning from their respective residences after arrest warrants were issued by the court.

Oli was taken into custody from his residence in Gundu, Bhaktapur, while Lekhak was arrested earlier the same morning from his residence in Suryabinayak, Bhaktapur.

Police said that both arrests were made as part of implementing the recommendations of the commission's report. They will remain in police custody until Sunday, when the court opens, as Saturday is a public holiday in Nepal.

The commission, led by a former chairperson of the Special Court Gauri Bahadur Karki, has recommended that Oli, Lekhak, and Khapung be charged under Sections 181 and 182 of the National Penal Code for criminal negligence, which could lead to a sentence of up to 10 years' imprisonment if convicted.

The report also recommends action against then Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Dawadi, current Armed Police Force chief Raju Aryal, former head of the National Investigation Department Hutaraj Thapa, and then Chief District Officer of Kathmandu Chhabi Rijal, suggesting prosecution under Section 182 of the code, which carries a penalty of up to three years' imprisonment.

After police arrived with an arrest warrant, Oli consulted with his lawyers.

"This arrest is retaliatory. I will fight it legallyplease make the necessary preparations," Oli is said to have told former Attorney General Ramesh Badal and senior advocate Tikaram Bhattarai, according to local media reports.

Former Home Minister Lekhak also said he would fight both politically and legally against his arrest, claiming it was carried out in a politically vindictive and biased manner.

"I have been arrested in a politically prejudiced and retaliatory manner. I am ready to fight this politically," he told journalists.

Meanwhile, newly appointed Home Minister Sudhan Gurung said that the arrests were not made out of vengeance against anyone.

"We have taken former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and outgoing Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak into custody. This is not an act of revenge against anyone, but merely the beginning of bringing those responsible for suppressing the protests to justice. I believe the country will now move in a new direction," he said.
New Delhi, March 28 : As Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the much-awaited Noida International Airport at Jewar, Uttar Pradesh on Saturday, marking a major milestone for India's aviation sector in the region, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, said that the development journey of a 'New Uttar Pradesh' in a 'New India' is set to reach another golden peak.

Taking to social media platform X, the Chief Minister said, "The development journey of 'New Uttar Pradesh' of 'New India' is going to touch another golden peak today. The grand inauguration of the first phase of Noida International Airport, Jewar is going to take place today at the hands of respected Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji."

He further described the airport as a transformative project for the state.

"This Jewar airport is the runway for Uttar Pradesh's development. From here, the dreams of youth will take flight, possibilities will be realised, and the future will soar to new heights. Special congratulations to our farmer brothers who have brought this revolutionary project to fruition. Your dedication has made this development possible," he said.

CM Adityanath also extended special congratulations to farmers for their contribution to the project and welcomed the Prime Minister on behalf of the state's 25 crore residents.

"Hearty welcome and congratulations to the Prime Minister on behalf of 25 crore people of the state," he said.

PM Modi is scheduled to arrive in Jewar, Gautam Buddha Nagar, around 11:30 A.M. for a walkthrough of the terminal building, followed by the formal launch at noon and a public address outlining the project's significance and future road map.

PM Modi on Friday shared photographs of the airport at Jewar, highlighting its significance for regional connectivity.

"Big boost for NCR connectivity! Phase I of Noida International Airport at Jewar will be inaugurated tomorrow," the Prime Minister said in a post on WhatsApp.

Uttar Pradesh's ambitious airport project is now fully ready to commence operations, with all preparations completed for the high-profile inauguration scheduled on Saturday.

According to officials, the Prime Minister is expected to arrive at the venue around noon on Saturday to inaugurate the airport, following which he will address a massive public rally.

The administration has implemented elaborate security measures to ensure the smooth conduct of the programme. The entire region has been divided into multiple security zones, with heavy deployment of police and paramilitary personnel at key locations. Surveillance has been intensified across the venue and adjoining areas to prevent any untoward incidents.

In view of the expected large turnout, authorities have also rolled out a comprehensive traffic management plan. Movement of goods vehicles on the Yamuna Expressway and Noida Expressway is restricted from 7 A.M. on Saturday for nearly 16 hours. Heavy vehicles will be diverted to alternate routes to facilitate seamless VIP movement and minimise inconvenience to the general public.
Seoul, March 28 : A senior US diplomat will visit South Korea to advance partnerships to support US shipbuilding workforce development and engage in other events as part of a two-nation trip that includes a stop in Japan, the State Department said.

From Friday through Thursday, Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers will visit Tokyo and Seoul to meet government officials and private-sector leaders to discuss key bilateral and trilateral issues, and reaffirm Washington's commitment to defending freedom of expression and digital freedom, it said.

The department did not specify the exact dates for her visits to South Korea and Japan, reports Yonhap news agency.

In Seoul, Rogers will lead the second South Korea-US public diplomacy dialogue, convene alumni of a US exchange program and seek to advance partnerships to support American shipbuilding workforce development, according to it.

"The under secretary's visit will promote coordination around digital freedom, deepen people-to-people ties, and better align public diplomacy with shared economic and regional security objectives," the department said in a press release.

In Tokyo, she will meet her Japanese counterparts, celebrate America's 250th birthday at the Japanese Grand Prix with one of the leading Japanese investors in the United States, and hold a meeting on regional interconnectivity with alumni of a program involving young leaders of South Korea, the US and Japan.

Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of US lawmakers announced the introduction of legislation to expand a key multinational space defence coalition to include Indo-Pacific allies such as Japan and South Korea, amid growing concerns over China and Russiaas capabilities in space.

The proposed Indo-Pacific Space Partnership Act of 2026 would require the US Space Forceas Chief of Space Operations to submit a report to Congress on the feasibility of widening the Multinational Force-Operation Olympic Defender (MNF-OOD), the lawmakers said.
Caracas, March 28 : A delegation is currently in Washington to establish Venezuela's diplomatic mission in the United States, the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry has announced.

In the delegation are Vice Foreign Minister for Europe and North America Oliver Blanco, as well as Felix Plasencia, who has been appointed charge d'affaires for the Venezuelan embassy in the United States.

In a video shared on social media on Friday (local time), Blanco said that the delegation has held meetings with the US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and other senior officials as part of the working agenda.

Plasencia noted that the visit aims to address issues of concern to Venezuelan citizens, reports Xinhua news agency.

Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez announced earlier this week that the delegation was ready to resume operations of the diplomatic mission in the United States, which follows an agreement reached on March 5 between Caracas and Washington to restore diplomatic relations after years of rupture.

Rodriguez also announced a cabinet reshuffle last week, appointing new ministers for defence, housing, and electric energy.

Gustavo Gonzalez Lopez was appointed minister of defence, succeeding Vladimir Padrino Lopez, who held the post for over a decade.

Gonzalez Lopez previously served as commander of the Presidential Honour Guard following the US strikes on Venezuela in January.

Rodriguez also appointed Jorge Marquez Monsalve as minister for habitat and housing, tasked with ensuring the right to dignified housing for Venezuelans.

The reshuffle also included the appointment of electrical engineer Rolando Alcala as minister of electric energy, according to Rodriguez.

On January 3, US military forces launched a large-scale strike against Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife before transporting them to the United States.

On January 31, a US diplomatic mission arrived in Caracas, resuming diplomatic contacts between the two countries.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
The secretary informed shareholders about the companys annual corporate governance report for fiscal year 2025, filed with Spains securities regulator (CNMV) on Feb. 24, 2026, and made available on the companys website. The secretary said Telefonica complies with practically all recommendations of Spains good governance code, while highlighting areas of partial compliance, including:

The secretary also reviewed the process for shareholder interventions and voting, including procedures for remote participation and instructions related to proxy voting where directors could face conflicts of interest. Shareholders attending in person were instructed to register votes against or abstentions at designated desks; otherwise, votes would be deemed in favor of the proposed resolutions.

Later, final attendance data presented after the speakers list closed showed 27,661 shareholders present or represented, holding 3,726,013,000 shares, representing 65.71% of the companys share capital.

Provisional attendance figures cited at the start of the meeting indicated 27,390 shareholders attending in person or by proxy, holding 3,720,786,545 shares and representing 65.62% of the companys share capital. The chair declared a valid quorum for the meeting on second call, and the notary asked whether any attendees had reservations or protests concerning the attendance statements; none were reported at that time.

Telefonica (NYSE:TEF) convened its ordinary general shareholders meeting on second call with a quorum representing more than 65% of the companys share capital, according to figures read into the record by the meetings secretary and later updated following the close of the speakers list.

Telefonica said it met its 2025 financial commitments with adjusted EBIT up ~2%, free cash flow from continuing operations of 2,069m, B2B revenue growth of 7.1%, and cited strategic moves like the Netomnia acquisition and acquiring FiBrasil's fiber to bolster network capabilities.

The chairman outlined the "Transform and Grow" strategy to simplify the group, focus on four core markets (Spain, UK, Germany, Brazil), exit non-core Latin American markets, and pursue scale-driven European consolidation with the aim of becoming a leading "tech-telco" by 2030 and a top global telco by 2035.

Shareholders approved all board proposals at the AGM, including the 2025 accounts, auditor and director appointments, allocation of EUR 1,060m to voluntary reserves, and a cash dividend of 0.15 per share payable June 18, 2026.

Story Continues

A 10% cap on the maximum number of votes a single shareholder may cast under Article 26 of the bylaws, described as a tool to protect minority shareholders.

The existence of a single combined Appointments, Remunerations, and Good Governance Committee, with no current plans to split it.

Disclosure practices around executive contracts, including that the chief operating officers severance conditions remain those from a prior contract.

The annual report on directors remuneration for fiscal year 2025 was described as approved by the board on Feb. 23, 2026 and filed the next day with the CNMV.

Agenda items and resolutions put to a vote

 Russell 2000 Stocks: Too Early or Finally Interesting?

The meeting reviewed the principal proposed resolutions submitted by the board, including approval of 2025 annual accounts and reports, sustainability information, profit allocation, auditor appointments, board appointments, shareholder remuneration, and advisory and procedural items. Key items included:

Approval of Telefonicas individual and consolidated annual accounts and management reports for fiscal year 2025, as prepared by the board at its Feb. 23, 2026 meeting.

Approval of the groups consolidated non-financial and sustainability information for fiscal year 2025, with the secretary noting that PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) audited the financial information and verified the non-financial information.

Allocation of Telefonica, S.A. profits of EUR 1,060 million to voluntary reserves.

Re-election of PricewaterhouseCoopers Auditores, S.L. as statutory auditor for fiscal year 2026 and appointment of the same firm for fiscal years 2027-2029, following a public tender process.

Director proposals including the re-election of Maria Luisa Garcia Blanco and the ratification/appointment of Anna Martinez-Balana, Cesar Mascaro y Alonso, and Monica Rey Amado, as well as the appointment of Jane Thompson, all described as independent directors.

A proposed cash dividend of EUR 0.15 per share charged to free reserves, with payment scheduled for June 18, 2026.

Approval of a directors remuneration policy to apply from approval through fiscal years 2027-2029.

An advisory (consultative) vote on the 2025 annual report on directors remuneration.

Chairman outlines Transform and Grow strategy and 2025 performance

In remarks to shareholders, the chairman said the company had embarked about 15 months earlier on a deep transformation aimed at simplifying the organization, focusing on core markets, strengthening the balance sheet, and reducing exposure in Latin America. He described Telefonicas strategic ambition as becoming the best point of access for citizens, companies, and institutions to digital technologies, with a goal of being among Europes best tech-telcos by 2030 and among the worlds best telcos by 2035.

The chairman said Telefonica was concentrating on four core marketsSpain, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Braziland stated the company had completed exits from Peru, Uruguay, Ecuador, Colombia, and Chile. He also cited the acquisition of Netomnia in the U.K. as aligned with the companys approach to consolidation and network capabilities.

Discussing operations, he cited initiatives including an AI-capable cloud with low-latency processing and 17 edge nodes, network resilience through automation, and the Titan Connect solution for secure and resilient connectivity in critical environments. He also referenced content success at Movistar Plus+ and cited several productions by name.

On financial performance, he said Telefonica met its 2025 financial commitments, with revenue growth and improved profitability. Among the figures he cited were adjusted EBIT growth of 2% (adjusted for exchange rates), free cash flow from continuing operations of EUR 2,069 million, and total access of 326 million, described as up 2% year over year. He also cited B2B growth of 7.1% and said IT revenue represented more than 48% of B2B revenue in 2025. He pointed to performance in Spain, Germany, and Brazil, including Vivos net profit growth of 11.2% in 2025 and 103 million mobile accesses, and said the company acquired 100% of FiBrasils fiber.

Shareholder questions on dividend, consolidation, infrastructure, and workforce

During the Q&A, a shareholder asked about the rationale for reducing the dividend and sought managements view of share price performance. The chairman responded that dividend policy is part of capital allocation, taking into account cash flow generation and the financial flexibility needed for the companys new phase. He reiterated a commitment to a EUR 0.15 cash dividend per share for 2026 and said, in the medium term, value creation would be driven by growth, financial flexibility, and cash flow generation. On share price, he said it would reflect the companys ability to generate revenues, EBIT, quality EBITDA, and convert EBITDA into cash flow, adding that investor trust would be reflected in the share price as results improve.

Another shareholder asked about European telecom consolidation. The chairman said Telefonica views Europe as fragmented with 38 big operators compared with three in the United States, China, and India, arguing that scale is needed to invest, develop technology, and compete. He said Telefonica intends to lead or co-lead consolidation, starting within individual markets before moving to a European level, while adding he could not discuss specific conversations or potential moves.

In responses led by CEO Emilio Gayo, management addressed questions about a redundancy plan, describing it as enabling the company to bring in specialized talent, improve employability through re-skilling, and advance new work models. He said the outcome in Telefonica Espana had been positive, emphasizing a negotiated process supported by unions and noting most exits were voluntary.

Gayo also responded to concerns about cabling and infrastructure in Spain, stating the company renews 50,000 posts per year and plans to increase that to 100,000, and that 60% of copper had been decommissioned with completion expected in the next 12 months. He said European funds received had been used for dual use, including rural 5G connectivity and fiber improvements and digitalization of customers and public administrations. He also addressed questions about pensions by noting allegations are made to Social Security and that channels exist for former employees to submit queries.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the secretary reported that there was sufficient majority to approve all board-proposed resolutions on the agenda, with final voting data to be published on the companys corporate website.

About Telefonica (NYSE:TEF)

Telefonica, SA is a Spanish multinational telecommunications company headquartered in Madrid. Founded in 1924 as Compania Telefonica Nacional de Espana, it has grown into one of the world's largest telecommunications groups. Telefonica provides a broad range of communications services to residential and business customers, including mobile and fixed-line telephony, broadband internet, and pay-TV. The company also develops and sells network infrastructure and related services to support connectivity at scale.

Beyond traditional voice and data services, Telefonica has expanded into digital and IT services aimed at enterprise customers and public-sector clients.

The article "Telefonica AGM OKs All Board Proposals, Confirms 0.15 Dividend and Transformation Strategy" was originally published by MarketBeat.
Mumbai, March 28 : The Mumbai Police on Saturday arrested a man accused of cyber cheating a judge of the Bombay High Court. Acting on a complaint filed by the victim, a 25-year-old from Jamtara, Jharkhand, was taken into custody for allegedly creating fake customer care numbers and siphoning off money through a phishing app.

According to the police, the arrest is linked to a fraud amounting to approximately Rs 6.02 lakh, carried out through a carefully orchestrated credit card reward points scam. The accused has been identified as Mazhar Alam Israil Miyan, a resident of Jamtara. He was arrested by the Cuffe Parade Police with assistance from the Jamtara Cyber Cell and Karmatand Police.

Investigators revealed that Miyan is allegedly involved in at least 36 cases registered across 10 states, indicating a wider cybercrime network.

The incident dates back to February 28, when the judge tried to contact his bankas customer care service to redeem credit card reward points. Unable to connect through official channels, he searched online and unknowingly dialled a fake helpline number planted by fraudsters.

Police said that in such scams, cybercriminals often send APK files to victims. In this case, the judge received a WhatsApp link prompting him to download an 18 MB application. When it failed to open on his iPhone, the fraudsters, posing as customer care executives, advised him to use an Android device.

Following their instructions, he inserted his SIM card into his domestic helpas Android phone and downloaded the application. As soon as he entered his credit card details, nearly Rs 6 lakh was fraudulently transferred.

Upon realising the fraud, the judge promptly approached the Mumbai Police. After nearly 10 days of investigation, the accused was successfully apprehended.

Cyber fraud involves deceptive digital activities a" such as phishing, ransomware, or identity theft a" designed to steal money or sensitive information.

Cyber fraud is on the rise. From spear-phishing and ransomware to CEO email fraud and business email compromise, the most dangerous cyber fraud attacks all begin with an email. Email scams are successful time and again because they target the weakest link: People. Despite all efforts and technology to stop scam emails, it only takes one user's lack of vigilance to enable a cyber fraud attack.
Seoul, March 28 : South Korea will likely join as a co-sponsor of this year's UN resolution on North Korean human rights, government sources said, amid earlier expectations that Seoul might skip the move in line with its conciliatory gestures toward Pyongyang.

The South Korean government has tentatively decided to participate as a co-sponsor of the resolution on the human rights situation in North Korea to be adopted at a regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council later this month, according to the sources on Friday.

The move marks a shift in tone from a few days ago, when reports indicated Seoul was weighing the option of dropping out of the co-sponsorship this year to align with President Lee Jae Myung's efforts to mend badly frayed ties with the North, reports Yonhap news agency.

Remarks by Unification Minister Chung Dong-young a day earlier had further added weight to the possibility of Seoul opting out of the resolution.

He said there was "no reason" for Seoul to push for co-sponsorship despite Pyongyang's apparent objections.

Insiders say the shift reflects the government's emphasis on recognising the universal value of human rights.

North Korea's persistent hostility against the South, despite continued efforts to ease inter-Korean tensions, also likely played a role in the decision.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un formally labelled South Korea the "most hostile state" in his speech to the newly elected rubber-stamp parliament on Monday, its state media reported.

South Korea was among the 61 co-sponsors for the resolution adopted at the UN General Assembly Third Committee last December.
Kolkata, March 28 : Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, will release a 'chargesheet' or a 'White Paper' against the West Bengal government and the ruling Trinamool Congress on Saturday.

The Union Home Minister will address the media at 12 noon on Saturday and will release the 'White Paper' then.

A state committee member of the BJP in West Bengal said that the 'White Paper' will highlight the instances of failures, misadministration, corruption, nepotism, and alleged orchestrated violence as a result of appeasement politics in West Bengal during the three terms of the Trinamool Congress government in the state led by Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee.

HM Shah arrived at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport late on Friday night. His special flight was supposed to land at the Kolkata Airport at around 11.40 P.M., but his flight arrived at the airport at around 12.25 A.M.

However, due to adverse weather conditions following heavy downpour and gusty winds, his special flight could not land at the airport and remained airborne for quite some time. Finally, the flight landed at around 1.20 P.M.

Before his arrival in the city, Shah had already questioned why West Bengal was the only poll-bound state where there had been so many controversies over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).

According to him, in two other poll-bound states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, which are also ruled by non-BJP parties like that in West Bengal, there had not been a single controversy over the revision exercise.

"Neither judicial officers had to be appointed there, as it happened in West Bengal, nor any political party staged a sit-in demonstration against the revision exercise," Shah had said.

Incidentally, Shah's programme in Kolkata is happening just a day after the second supplementary list for the cases referred for judicial adjudication was published at 11.30 P.M. on Friday.

The list is available on the websites of both the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal.

However, details of the second supplementary list -- including the total number of cases processed and how many names have been found excludable  are not available since no official figures on this count were shared with the media by the ECI till Saturday morning.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, March 28 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed confidence that the NDA will once again receive the mandate of the people in Puducherry, stating that the 'double-engine' government has fulfilled the aspirations of the Union Territory over the past five years. PM Modi also said that he will join 'Mera Booth Sabse Mazboot Samvaad' in Puducherry on March 30.

Taking to social media platform X, the Prime Minister said, aOver the last 5 years, the double-engine NDA Government has fulfilled the aspirations of the people of Puducherry. That is why the people of Puducherry are going to bless NDA yet again."

He also announced his participation in an upcoming outreach programme, saying, aLooking forward to joining the aMera Booth Sabse Mazboot Samvaad - Puducherrya on the 30th at 5:30 PM."

India is gearing up for crucial Legislative Assembly elections across five regions a" West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry a" scheduled for April. Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry will go to the polls on April 9, while Tamil Nadu will vote on April 23. West Bengal will have a two-phase election, with polling on April 23 and April 29. The counting of votes for all five regions will take place on May 4.

Earlier, on March 1, Prime Minister Modi had dedicated several development projects to the nation and laid the foundation stone for initiatives worth over Rs 2,700 crore in Puducherry. Addressing a gathering during the event, he highlighted the governmentas focus on promoting spiritual tourism, eco-tourism, and health tourism to elevate the Union Territoryas growth trajectory.

He also underscored Puducherryas rising per capita income and its achievement of the highest social index score in the country, stating that the double-engine government would further accelerate development. Reaffirming the governmentas commitment to healthcare, the Prime Minister stressed that medical services must be accessible, available, and affordable for all citizens.

Referring to the presence of nine medical colleges and the modernisation of the Regional Cancer Centre at Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, along with new critical care blocks planned in Puducherry and Karaikal, he expressed confidence that the region could emerge as a major hub for medical tourism.

Inaugurating projects worth Rs 1,142.23 crore, PM Modi had emphasised the governmentas push for world-class infrastructure. He noted that Rs 12 lakh crore has been allocated in the Union Budget for infrastructure development, adding that improvements in roads, drinking water supply, coastal infrastructure, schools, and hospitals will significantly enhance the ease of living in Puducherry.
Kathmandu, March 28 : Newly sworn-in Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Saturday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his congratulatory message and expressed hope to advance the multifaceted ties between the two nations.

Prime Minister Modi on Friday congratulated Balendra Shah on being sworn in as Nepal's Prime Minister and expressed readiness to work with him to take the friendship between the two nations to greater heights for the benefit of citizens of both countries.

Thanking PM Modi, the Nepal Prime Minister's Office said, "Thank you, PM Narendra Modi, for your kind words and warm wishes. I am eager to work closely with you to advance the multifaceted relations between our two countries for the common prosperity of our people."

PM Modi's congratulatory message came after Balendra Shah, the parliamentary party leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), was sworn in as Nepal's new Prime Minister.

Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel on Friday appointed former Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Shah -- popularly known as Balen -- to the post as per Article 76(1) of the Constitution, the President's Office said in a statement.

On Thursday, the RSP, which secured a sweeping victory in the recent parliamentary elections with a near two-thirds majority, elected Shah as its parliamentary party leader, paving the way for him to become the country's 47th Prime Minister.

The 35-year-old former mayor is one of the youngest prime ministers Nepal has ever had. A majority of lawmakers elected in the recent elections represent younger age groups, marking a generational shift in Nepal's politics.

A popular figure among the younger generation, Shah's entry into national politics on December 28 last year is believed to have contributed to a swing in votes for the RSP.

The nearly four-year-old party ran its election campaign by declaring Shah as its prime ministerial candidate and secured a thumping victory in the March 5 parliamentary elections, winning 182 out of 275 seats in the House of Representatives.

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 in Jhapa-5 in eastern Nepal. This marks the highest number of votes secured by any candidate in Nepal's parliamentary elections since 1991.

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.
New Delhi, March 28 : New Delhi's iconic India Gate will go dark on Saturday night, betweena8:30ap.m. anda9:30ap.m.a IST, as part of Earth Hour 2026, a global environmental initiative encouraging people and institutions to switch off nonaessential lights for one hour to raise awareness about climate change and environmental sustainability.

Earth Hour this year marks the 20th anniversary of the global movement, observed under the theme "Give an Hour for Earth," highlighting collective action for our planet.

Organised annually by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Earth Hour began in 2007 as a symbolic "lightsoff" event in Sydney, Australia, and has since grown into one of the world's greatest grassroots environmental efforts, uniting millions of people, businesses, and monuments in more than 190 countries and territories.

In anticipation of the event, city authorities across India have urged residents to switch off nonessential lights and electrical appliances during the onehour observance. In Hyderabad, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) appealed to citizens to participate actively in Earth Hour 2026 by turning off unnecessary lighting from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, reinforcing the message of environmental stewardship.

GHMC Commissioner R.V. Karnan urged residents to embrace the symbolic act as more than just an energysaving measure, saying, "Every small action counts. By dedicating just one hour to the planet, we can inspire meaningful change and contribute towards a sustainable future." His appeal reflects the broader goal of Earth Hour, to encourage individuals, communities, and organisations to reflect on their environmental impact and commit to sustainability.

Across India and around the world, iconic landmarks, public spaces, and private homes will join the symbolic switchoff, drawing attention to the urgency of climate action and the conservation of natural resources.

Last year, renowned structures such as India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and other national monuments participated in similar lightsout observances, reinforcing the cultural significance of the campaign in the country.

Environmental experts say Earth Hour serves not only as a symbolic gesture but also as a reminder of the collective responsibility to address climate change, from reducing energy consumption to supporting policies and practices that protect ecosystems and reduce carbon emissions.

-- Syndicated from IANS
Mumbai, March 28 : Amid concerns over a shortage of cooking gas cylinders in Mumbai, a major theft has been reported from the Charkop area of Kandivali West, where unidentified thieves allegedly stole 27 cylinders from a delivery vehicle after breaking into it, police said on Saturday.

According to officials, the incident took place on the intervening night of March 25 and 26. The accused targeted a tempo used for gas distribution and decamped with 27 cylinders, including five filled and 22 empty ones.

The Mumbai Police said a case has been registered at Charkop Police Station against unknown persons, and efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the culprits.

The complainant, Nandkumar Ramraj Soni (35), a resident of Jai Janata Nagar in Malad West, has been working as a delivery agent with Shriji Gas Service in Charkop for the past seven years.

He delivers LPG cylinders to customers from door-to-door using a tempo, which is the primary source of livelihood for his family.

On March 25, Soni carried out his routine delivery duties and later, around 11 P.M., parked the tempo in the Charkop area before returning home. The vehicle was loaded with cylinders meant for distribution the next day, officials said.

However, when he returned to the spot at around 8 A.M. on March 26, he found the vehicle tampered with. The glass window of the tempo had been smashed, and the rear lock was broken.

Upon checking, Soni discovered that all the cylinders had been stolen. The total value of the stolen cylinders has been estimated at around Rs 15,500.

Initially, Soni contacted his colleagues to verify whether the cylinders had been moved, but after receiving no information, he approached the police and lodged a complaint.

A police official said that multiple teams have been formed to track down the accused. CCTV footage from the area has captured some suspicious individuals along with vehicles, and efforts are being made to identify them.

Investigators are also questioning individuals linked to scrap markets and illegal gas trade networks to trace the stolen cylinders.

Police said the investigation is being carried out from all possible angles, considering the seriousness of the case, and expressed confidence that the accused will be apprehended soon.
New Delhi, March 28 : A 17-year-old boy was killed and another sustained injuries after being stabbed during a clash between two groups at a wedding procession in the Rani Bagh area of northwest Delhi late on Friday night, police said on Saturday.

The incident occurred around 11:15 P.M. when a quarrel broke out between two groups of youths during the event, escalating into a violent confrontation.

According to a friend of the deceased, a scuffle initially erupted among some boys, and the victim may have stepped in to intervene. However, an individual present at the spot allegedly mistook his actions and attacked him with a knife. It remains unclear whether the deceased had physically engaged in the altercation.

The deceased, identified as 17-and-a-half-year-old Nikhil Yadav, had attended the wedding along with his friends. During the altercation, he sustained multiple stab wounds and was left critically injured. Another youth, identified as Sunny, also suffered injuries and is currently undergoing treatment in the hospital.

Family members and friends said that Nikhil had gone to the wedding with his companions when an argument broke out among a group of boys. When he attempted to mediate, several individuals allegedly attacked both him and Sunny with knives. Sunny sustained stab injuries below the waist.

A friend of the deceased said they were informed about Nikhil's death through a phone call from an unidentified person.

Police said that upon receiving information about the incident, senior officers, including the District DCP, Additional DCP, ACP and SHO, rushed to the spot. A crime team examined the scene and collected CCTV footage, while several youths were detained for questioning to ascertain the identity of the attackers.

Officials said the injured were rushed to a hospital, where Nikhil succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

Both the deceased and the injured youth are residents of the Naharpur area in Rohini. Nikhil worked as a motor mechanic, according to preliminary information.

The body has been taken into custody and preserved for post-mortem examination. A case has been registered, and multiple teams from the Delhi Police, including personnel from Rani Bagh Police Station and the district's Special Staff, have been deployed to trace and arrest the accused.

Preliminary investigation suggests that the clash stemmed from a dispute between two groups during the wedding, reportedly over the choice of songs to be played by the DJ.

Police said that, considering the seriousness of the case, seven people, including some minors, have been detained within hours of the incident. Further investigation is underway to establish the exact sequence of events and identify all those involved.
Kolkata, March 28 : A Kolkata court has ordered police custody for five individuals arrested in connection with the lift accident at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital till April 1, sources said on Saturday.

The accused comprises three lift operators and two security guards.

During the hearing, counsel for the accused argued that the incident was unintentional and lacked any criminal motive. The defence side also pointed out that personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the police were present at the time, questioning why only these five individuals had been arrested. One lawyer submitted that his client had been deployed at the operation theatre and questioned how he was linked to the case. Bail petitions were filed on behalf of all five accused.

Opposing the pleas, the public prosecutor argued that the lift operators had specific duties and valid licences, but had allegedly abandoned their posts, leaving the lift unattended. The prosecution also cited a delay in opening the lift doors and questioned the lapse in responsibility.

Subhajyoti Dutta, counsel for the deceasedas family, said no operator on duty could be absolved in a lift-related accident. He described the incident as a result of negligence and urged that all personnel present at the time, including police and CISF personnel, be investigated.

After hearing both sides, the court rejected the bail applications and remanded the accused to police custody till April 1.

The incident took place on March 20, when 41-year-old Arup Banerjee visited the hospital with his young son. In the early hours, he was found injured inside a malfunctioning lift at the trauma care centre and was later declared dead.

The preliminary post-mortem report stated that he suffered multiple injuries, including fractures to his limbs and ribs, along with severe internal damage to vital organs.

Hospital superintendent Saptarshi Chatterjee said the victimas father had filed a written complaint, which was forwarded to the Tala Police Station. A case of culpable homicide has since been registered, and the Homicide Branch of Kolkata Police is investigating the matter.

Five people have been arrested in the case so far.

The order was passed on Friday, with the copy made available on Saturday morning.
Chandigarh, March 28 : Congress MP Manish Tewari on Saturday expressed concern over the escalating situation in the Gulf, stating that the ongoing conflict shows no signs of ending and is beginning to impact India's economic and energy security. He stressed the need for urgent efforts to de-escalate tensions and reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking to IANS, Tewari said, "The situation is quite serious. The war in the Gulf does not seem to be ending, and it is having a negative impact on India's economic and energy security. It is also affecting the country's fuel supply, with LPG queues getting longer."

He highlighted the growing difficulties faced by citizens, particularly in rural areas, where LPG shortages have worsened.

"LPG cylinders are not readily available. The government should make concrete arrangements, especially in rural regions where supply gaps can extend up to 45 days. There is a clear difference between claims that the situation is normal and the reality on the ground," he added.

Tewari further alleged that fuel prices have seen an upward trend. Referring to Nayara Energy, he said the company has increased prices of LPG and petrol. He also suggested that the government may attempt to keep prices stable until the upcoming West Bengal elections, but emphasised that authorities must be transparent about the actual situation.

On the diplomatic front, the Congress leader expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of current efforts.

"The steps being taken may not have a significant impact, as Iran has consistently maintained that no meaningful mediation is underway. We must prioritise ending the war in the Gulf and ensure that the Strait of Hormuz is reopened. Around 3,000 stranded ships need to resume movement," he noted.

He also underlined that the crisis extends beyond crude oil and LNG, pointing to fertiliser supply disruptions as another major concern.

Meanwhile, Iran has allowed safe passage for Indian vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, even as restrictions remain for ships linked to the United States and its allies.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that India is among the "friendly" nations whose vessels will not be blocked despite the prevailing tensions.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
If you want to become a billionaire in the real estate industry, it helps to have a father who was a millionaire in the real estate industry. This was President Donald Trumps situation when he embarked on his real estate career more than five decades ago.

At the time, Trumps father was a successful real estate developer in New York City. According to a 2018 article from The New York Times, by the time Trump was 17, his father had given him part ownership in a 52-unit apartment building. Trump continued to receive millions from his father in the ensuing decades.

If youre a middle class America, you probably didnt receive millions of dollars from a parent (or anyone else). But you can still follow common real estate strategies practiced by Trump and others.

Here are four real estate money moves to make if youre a middle-class investor.

Discover Next: 3 Safest Investments To Hold In The Current Trump Economy

Read This: 8 Subtly Genius Moves All Wealthy People Make With Their Money

Find Mentors Through Networking

Trump learned the basics of real estate from his father, including how to value assets, manage costs and understand the construction industry, according to a blog from investment platform BinaryX.

Even if you dont have family connections in real estate, you can still network with experienced real estate investors or developers to learn the tricks of the trade and make important connections. Youll find plenty of potential mentors through industry organizations, social media platforms and trade conventions.

For You: How To Get a 10% Return on Investment (ROI): 10 Proven Ways

Know Your Market

This was one of the most important rules cited by Trump in his 1987 book The Art of the Deal.

As Inc. reported in a 2016 article, Trump bragged about having an instinct for market knowledge. As a middle-class investor, youll need to rely on research and due diligence rather than instinct. The important thing is to gain a thorough understanding of the market before investing in it.

The process should be exhaustive, whether youre investing in residential or commercial real estate, according to a blog from Prosperity Economics.

According to the same blog, unexpected costs usually hit your finances the hardest  and many of them can be anticipated, planned for or even negotiated away. The blog also noted to take a detailed approach when analyzing your numbers. Research neighborhoods carefully. Factor in likely future maintenance and repair expenses. Assess a propertys long-term potential by looking at local job trends and economic conditions. Above all, focus on minimizing risk.
Bengaluru, March 28 : Alleging rising corruption and growing public distress in Assam, which has been under BJP rule for the past ten years, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday said the promises made during the last election remain unfulfilled, and a major political shift is likely in the state.

Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka Congress president, has been appointed by the All India Congress Committee as a senior observer for the 2026 Assam Assembly elections, where he will oversee strategy and campaign efforts.

He was speaking to the media at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru before leaving for Assam.

Responding to a question on his visit, Shivakumar said, "I am travelling to Assam for election campaigning. I also have to visit Kerala and oversee the by-elections in Karnataka. The administration in Assam has collapsed, and for this reason, people there are seeking a change. There has been no progress for the people over the past ten years."

He further alleged, "After the cabinet reshuffle in Assam, internal conflicts within the Assam BJP have come to the fore. No one in the party is happy. BJP members are dissatisfied as they feel they are not getting opportunities in the party."

Sharpening his attack on the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led government, Shivakumar said, "All ministers in Assam have looted the state. In the last 10 years, the common man has suffered. What they assured in the last decade on caste issues and matters related to land, nothing has been sorted out. After the announcement of the candidate list, there is a big fight within the BJP. None of them is happy."

"BJP leaders are thinking that they do not have an opportunity in the party," he added.

Earlier, Shivakumar asserted that Congress leaders and office-bearers were confident of a strong anti-incumbency wave in Assam, claiming that people in the state were seeking change.

Taking a swipe at the BJP over the reported induction of former Assam PCC president Bhupen Borah, he questioned the ruling party's strength.

"If the BJP was so strong, why would the party beg Congress leader and former PCC chief Bhupen Borah to join them?" he asked.

He also claimed that not a single party worker followed Borah after he joined the BJP, suggesting that the saffron party was losing ground ahead of the elections.
New Delhi, March 28 : A controversial case has emerged from Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, where a foreign student studying at a private university has been accused of impersonating a transgender person and collecting money from devotees at local temples. The allegations have sparked political reactions, with demands for a thorough investigation.

According to a complaint filed with the police by the Hindu Raksha Manch, the individual  identified as Saifdul Islam  allegedly dressed as a transgender person and solicited money from devotees at temples in the city.

The complaint further claims that the individual identifies himself as a Bangladeshi student on his Instagram profile, raising concerns about his activities and intent.

The issue has taken a serious turn due to the student's foreign nationality. The BJP has called for a detailed probe into the matter.

Leader of Opposition, Jai Ram Thakur, termed the incident a possible "Intelligence failure," stating that if the allegations are proven true, it would raise serious questions about monitoring and security mechanisms.

Thakur also pointed out that surveillance had previously been used during political events, but alleged lapses in areas where stricter vigilance was required. He said the matter would be raised in the Assembly if the claims are substantiated.

Thakur said, "I have heard about this, but it needs to be verified. I feel that if this is indeed such an incident, it is a very serious lapse on the part of Intelligence. The most important point is that he is a foreigner. And they are going to sensitive places, including religious sites, exploiting religious sentiments, and even collecting money from people in this manner"

Meanwhile, Shimla MLA Harish Janartha has assured action. He stated that if a foreign student is in India on a study visa, they must adhere strictly to its conditions. "The matter has come to my notice through the media. I will speak to senior police officials and ensure strict action is taken," he said, adding that necessary steps could also involve coordination with the Bangladeshi embassy.

Police officials have acknowledged receiving the complaint and are expected to verify the allegations. Authorities are likely to examine visa conditions, identity records, and the individual's activities before proceeding further.

The case has triggered wider discussions around monitoring of foreign nationals, religious sensitivities, and the need for stricter enforcement of visa regulations in the region.
Palakkad, March 28 : Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday firmly rejected allegations of a Rs 700 crore corruption move linked to the Cooperative Department's proposed common software project, dismissing Opposition charges as politically motivated and devoid of factual basis.

He also rubbished claims of a clandestine deal between the CPI(M) and the SDPI, calling them "deliberate misinformation".

Responding to allegations raised by senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, the Chief Minister, speaking at a press conference in Palakkad, said his opponent was "competing in spreading falsehoods" in the run-up to the elections.

"There is a clear attempt to manufacture corruption narratives by distorting facts. Responding to such claims only helps advance their agenda," Vijayan said.

Clarifying the controversy over the cooperative software project, Vijayan stated that the tender process for implementing a unified digital platform for cooperative societies had been completed as early as 2021.

He noted that Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), which was initially part of the process, withdrew unilaterally in 2024.

"All procedures were carried out transparently and in accordance with norms," he asserted, rejecting insinuations of irregularities.

On the political front, the Chief Minister dismissed allegations of an understanding between the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the SDPI, alleging that the Opposition was attempting to push the ruling front onto the defensive through baseless propaganda.

"People will reject such narratives. They will decide based on their lived experiences," he said, expressing confidence of a decisive LDF victory in Palakkad, where the front's candidate, he claimed, enjoys strong public support.

Vijayan also used the occasion to highlight the government's development record, particularly in the agricultural sector.

He pointed to a steady increase in paddy procurement, enhanced financial assistance to farmers, and phased hikes in support prices.

"Kerala has witnessed significant agricultural growth between 2016 and 2026, with farmers' incomes rising by nearly 50 per cent," he said, countering the Opposition's criticism with a focus on governance outcomes.

Palakkad for the CPI-M this time is crucial, as there is a dissent in the party with several local and former party legislators splitting up with the party.

P.K. Sasi is contesting as a Congress-backed candidate from Ottapalam, while A. Suresh, former personal assistant of V.S. Achuthanandan, is a Congress candidate from Malampuzha.

Likewise, a battle royal has begun at Thrithala, where sitting State Local Self Government Minister M.B. Rajesh is pitted against former two-time legislator V.T. Balram.

At Palakkad, there is a glamour contest after the Congress fielded popular actor Ramesh Pisharody.
Amaravati, March 28 : In a definitive move to resolve years of administrative and legal ambiguity, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday moved a landmark resolution in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly, urging the Centre to grant statutory recognition to Amaravati as the official capital of the state.

A special Assembly session was convened specifically to deliberate and pass this resolution, marking a significant step toward providing long-term stability and legal clarity to the capital city issue.

During his address, the Chief Minister emphasised that permanent legal certainty can only be achieved through specific amendments to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.

The Andhra Pradesh Assembly subsequently resolved to request the Government of India to amend Section 5 of the Act by explicitly inserting the words "at Amaravati" into sub-section (2).

Furthermore, the resolution seeks to expand the legal explanation to clarify that Amaravati encompasses all areas officially notified under the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) Act, 2014.

This legislative push comes against the backdrop of an unprecedented urban development effort initiated over a decade ago.

The Amaravati capital project is estimated to be about Rs 64,000 crore, with the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority serving as the implementing agency.

For the Amaravati capital, around 30,000 farmers voluntarily pooled over 34,000 acres of fertile land for the development of a greenfield city.

This massive land bank was intended to host a world-class city, avoiding the traditional delays associated with land acquisition.

Financially, the project has seen a massive infusion of support from both the State and the Centre, besides other agencies.

The Centre committed a dedicated financial package of Rs 15,000 crore for the development of the capital, of which about Rs 4,200 crore has reportedly been released, while international agencies, including the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, have moved forward with loans totalling approximately Rs 13,500 crore.

Domestic institutions like HUDCO have also stepped in with a Rs 11,000 crore credit line to jumpstart stalled infrastructure.

Concluding his speech, Chief Minister Naidu urged all members of the House to support the resolution, stating that statutory backing is the final seal needed to protect the dreams of the people and the investments made by thousands of farmers.
Noida, March 28 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday credited farmers for ushering in what he described as a "new phase of development" in Uttar Pradesh, while also highlighting their role in ethanol production and providing "huge relief" to the country during a period of global uncertainty.

Speaking after inaugurating Phase 1 of the Noida International Airport in Uttar Pradesh's Jewar, the Prime Minister underscored the transformative impact of improved connectivity on the region's agricultural economy.

"The expansion of modern connectivity taking place here will further strengthen the possibilities of food processing in western Uttar Pradesh. Now, agricultural produce from this region will be able to reach global markets in a much better way," PM Modi said while addressing a large public gathering at the event.

He also expressed gratitude to farmers for their contribution to the country's ethanol production, stating, "I would also like to express my gratitude to the farmers for another important reason. The ethanol produced from your sugarcane has reduced the country's dependence on crude oil."

"The hard work of our farmers has given the country such a huge relief at a time of global crisis," he added, pointing to the economic benefits of increased ethanol blending.

The Prime Minister further noted that without the expansion of ethanol production and its blending with petrol, India would have had to import nearly 45 million barrels of crude oil annually, equivalent to around seven billion litres.

He also acknowledged the role of farmers in facilitating the airport project by providing land. "Agriculture and farming hold great importance in the economy of this region. Today, I would like to express my special gratitude to my farmer brothers and sisters who contributed to making this project a reality by giving their land," he said.

Emphasising the continuity of development despite global challenges, PM Modi said that India has maintained its growth momentum. He highlighted that in western Uttar Pradesh alone, several major infrastructure projects have either been launched or inaugurated in recent weeks.

He referred to the laying of the foundation stone for a semiconductor factory in Noida, progress in the Delhia"Meerut Namo Bharat train project, expansion of the Meerut Metro, and the inauguration of the Noida International Airport as key milestones achieved in a short span of time.

"This shows that even in challenging times, India's development journey is moving ahead with speed and determination. All these projects are a shining example of the efforts of the double-engine government towards the development of Uttar Pradesh," he said.

The Prime Minister also spoke about the impact of the UDAN scheme, stating that over the past few years, more than 1.7 crore citizens have travelled by air at affordable fares under the initiative.

He added that under the expanded UDAN scheme, there is a proposal to develop 100 new small airports and 200 new heliports across smaller towns, noting that Uttar Pradesh is expected to benefit significantly from this expansion.

The Prime Minister said that India's aviation sector is growing and expanding at a very rapid pace.

"As more and more new airports are being built across the country, the demand for new aircraft is also increasing. That is why various airlines in India have placed orders for hundreds of new aircraft," he said.

PM Modi said that with the arrival of these new facilities and new aircraft, there will be a "huge demand for manpower" -- for pilots, crew members, ground staff, service personnel, and maintenance professionals.

"This presents a very big opportunity for the youth. Keeping this in mind, our government is also expanding training facilities in the aviation sector so that young people can be prepared to take advantage of these employment opportunities," he added.
Patna, March 28 : A tragic road accident in Bihar's Madhepura claimed the lives of three young friends after their car fell into a river. The mishap has cast a pall of grief over the region.

The incident occurred on Saturday morning near the Arar Bridge under the Arar police station limits, when the victims were returning from a Ram Navami fair in Gwalpara block.

As their car approached the bridge around 1 A.M., the driver lost control, causing the vehicle to crash into a pole and plunge into the Sursar River.

The SHO of Arar Police Station said, "Out of the four friends travelling in the car, three lost their lives in the accident."

The deceased have been identified as Ghanshyam Kumar (28), resident near Station Chowk, Madhepura, Ankit Kumar (26), from Mokma in Saharsa district, and Vasant Kumar (23), from the Saur Bazar area.

"One individual is still missing, and a search operation is underway. Teams from the SDRF, along with local police and residents, are actively engaged in efforts to trace the fourth youth," the SHO said.

Police reached the spot soon after receiving information and, with the help of locals, recovered the bodies and pulled the vehicle out of the river.

The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination.

The tragic accident has left the families devastated, and an atmosphere of deep sorrow prevails in both Madhepura and nearby areas.

All the victims were close friends who had gone together to enjoy the Ram Navami fair before the unfortunate accident occurred.

As of now, the exact cause of the accident remains unclear. While initial reports suggest that the driver may have lost control of the vehicle near the Arar Bridge, officials have emphasised that no definitive conclusion can be drawn yet.

Police authorities have stated that the real cause  whether it involves overspeeding, poor road conditions, driver fatigue, intoxication or any other factor  will only be determined after a detailed investigation.
Kolkata, March 28 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the Election Commission of India, alleging that the transfer of IAS and IPS officers in the state was aimed at enabling the Bharatiya Janata Party to influence the Assembly elections.

Addressing a rally at Raniganj in West Burdwan district, Banerjee said the BJP had "crossed all limits" and warned that there must be a "Lakshman Rekha".

"The BJP-run 'Vanishing Commission'... the BJP's 'Vanishing Washing Machine' has transferred about 50 to 100 officers from our state to Kerala and Tamil Nadu. These officers, who were familiar with the local terrain, have been deployed elsewhere. This has been done specifically to inflict oppression on the people. It was done to facilitate the influx of the BJP's illicit funds, narcotics and goons in Bengal, to allow bulldozers to enter and to incite riots. The BJP's 'Vanishing Washing Machine' is actively working to target the public," Banerjee said.

She added, "The BJP is crossing every limit here in the name of deleting names from the voters' list. There should be a Lakshman Rekha. They must not cross the limits."

Referring to clashes during a Ram Navami procession in Raghunathganj in Murshidabad district a day earlier, Banerjee questioned the lack of action, noting that the administration is currently under the control of the Election Commission.

"On Friday, Ram Navami processions were taken out in Raghunathganj. I do not know why the administration is not acting. Do not blame me for this (clashes), as I have no power right now to control the administration. They have transferred all my officers, and now they are inciting riots in Raghunathganj. Shops have been looted, and properties vandalised. When the time comes, we will not spare those who incited violence. They have taken away all my powers; if the BJP comes to power, they will use bulldozers and throw everyone out," she said.

"They used bulldozers in Behala yesterday (Friday). I apologise to the people and assure them that I will rebuild their shops and properties," the Chief Minister added.

Banerjee also accused the BJP of hypocrisy, alleging that it draws funds from illegal coal mining while branding the Trinamool Congress as corrupt.

At the rally, she reiterated West Bengal's tradition of communal harmony, stating that people of all religions celebrate festivals together, from Ram Navami and Durga Puja to Eid and Christmas.

Banerjee also announced a rehabilitation package for residents in landslide-prone areas of Raniganj.

"Human life is of the utmost value; therefore, we do not want anyone to remain in harm's way. Those who wish to leave these landslide-prone areas and move to a safe location will be given Rs 10 lakh, along with two flats. The government will also bear the cost of relocation," she said.

She said 2,000 flats have already been constructed, with plans to build another 4,000.

Emphasising that relocation would be voluntary, Banerjee added, "I am not forcing anyone; rather, I am making an appeal... please reconsider your options. If a major landslide were to occur, the lives of thousands of people would be put at risk."

-- IANS

sch/snj/uk
Thiruvananthapuram, March 28 : The controversy over the alleged use of the BJP's official seal on a circular issued by the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) in connection with election procedures in the Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency has intensified, with the party approaching the Election Commission of India, alleging a larger political conspiracy.

The BJP has strongly objected to the incident, claiming that attempts are being made to pass it off as a mere procedural lapse by an individual official.

What was initially seen as a procedural error has, according to the BJP, now assumed the dimensions of a "deliberate political plot" involving sections of the state administration and officials within the Election Commission.

Central to the BJP's allegation is the role of an official, Jaisal P. Azeez, who it claims has links with organisations such as DYFI and SFI. The party contends that the officer, also identified as an NGO (CPI(M)-backed) union leader, was deliberately assigned election duty.

While action has reportedly been taken against the official who issued the letter, the BJP argues that this is an attempt to deflect attention from a deeper nexus.

The party has further alleged a "deal" between CPI(M) leaders and certain Election Commission officials.

It has questioned the propriety of appointing a Labour Department officer as Returning Officer in Nemom, where the Labour Minister V. Sivankutty is a candidate, pointing out that several other officials in the election setup are also from the same department.

Raising serious concerns, BJP State General Secretary S. Suresh asked how the official obtained the BJP's seal and why, among hundreds of applications submitted to the Commission, only the BJP's document was singled out and circulated.

He alleged that the Election Commission in the state is functioning as a "B-team" of the CPI(M) and that members of the NGO union are attempting to sabotage the poll process.

The BJP has formally lodged a complaint with the Election Commission, seeking the immediate transfer of the official concerned and a comprehensive probe into the incident. It has also accused the ruling dispensation of misusing administrative influence to manipulate the poll process.
Ranchi, March 28 : Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Saturday visited Ulihatu, the ancestral village of tribal icon Birsa Munda, in Jharkhand's Khunti district, and paid homage to his memory.

He offered floral tributes at the statue of Birsa Munda and later interacted with his descendants and family members.

Describing the visit as deeply moving, the Vice President said Birsa Munda's life continues to inspire the youth of the nation and that his sacrifices gave a new direction to India's freedom struggle. He noted that this was his first visit to the revered birthplace of 'Dharti Aaba' since assuming office.

Recalling his earlier visit to Ulihatu during his tenure as Jharkhand Governor, he termed the experience significant and reaffirmed that Birsa Munda's legacy would continue to guide future generations.

He highlighted the decision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare November 15, Birsa Munda's birth anniversary, as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas in 2021, calling it a step towards enhancing national awareness of tribal heritage.

Referring to initiatives for tribal welfare, the Vice President mentioned the PM-JANMAN scheme aimed at the protection and empowerment of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), underscoring the government's focus on inclusive development.

He stressed that greater awareness of the contributions and struggles of tribal freedom fighters is essential during the 'Amrit Kaal', as it reflects the realisation of the rights and dignity for which Birsa Munda fought.

During the visit, the Vice President also interacted with local villagers and was accorded a traditional 'Johar' welcome. Enthusiastic crowds gathered in Ulihatu and nearby areas to greet him.

Elaborate security arrangements were in place throughout the visit. Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh, Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar, and state minister Irfan Ansari were also present on the occasion.

In a short life of only 25 years, Birsa Munda became the hero of people's resistance against British colonial exploitation. When the British authorities and local landlords were exploiting tribal communities, grabbing their lands and committing atrocities, Munda rose against this social and economic injustice and led people to fight for their rights.

Known as "Dharti Aba" ("Father of the Earth"), Bhagwan Birsa organised the "Ulgulan" or the Munda Rebellion against British oppression in the late 1890s.
March 28 : Lucknow: The Noida International Airport, which is steadily progressing towards becoming the countrys largest international airport, is also rapidly advancing toward being integrated with one of the most efficient connectivity networks in India. It is being linked at both national and international levels through road, rail, metro, and high-speed rail networks.

As a result, people from North India will now head to Jewar Airport instead of Delhi to catch international flights.

Expressway, with a dedicated interchange already in place. Additionally, with the linkage to the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway (Ballabhgarh link), direct and faster access from South Haryana and Western India has been ensured.

In the coming time, connectivity will be further strengthened through the Ganga Expressway and the Eastern Peripheral Expressway.

The interchange on the Eastern Peripheral Expressway is under construction. Once completed, it will provide direct connectivity from Ghaziabad, Meerut, Palwal, and Sonipat. Meanwhile, the north and east access roads being developed for industrial and air cargo traffic are nearly complete.

In Sector-28, a 60-meter-wide service road is being connected to the Yamuna Expressway to reduce local traffic congestion.

Significant progress is also being made in rail and rapid rail connectivity. The DPR for the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) project connecting Delhi to Jewar Airport has already been submitted to the central government. Plans are also underway to connect the airport via the Chola-Rundhi rail line.

Additionally, the proposed Delhi-Varanasi high-speed rail corridor includes provision for a station at the Jewar terminal, which will further enhance the airports significance.

To strengthen public transport, an agreement has been signed with the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC). Under this, interstate bus services will be launched from Uttar Pradesh as well as Uttarakhand, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan. Noida, Greater Noida, and the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) will jointly operate 500 electric buses, ensuring eco-friendly last-mile connectivity to the airport.

For passenger convenience, advanced cab services will also be introduced. A dedicated NIA-branded cab service, operated by Mahindra Logistics, will offer safety, punctuality, and digital payment facilities.

Additionally, companies like Uber, Rapido, Ola, and MakeMyTrip will provide on-demand cab services.

Under car rental services, passengers will have the option to hire vehicles either for self-drive or with a driver, making travel more convenient.

With all these initiatives, Jewar Airport is rapidly moving toward becoming a major aviation hub not only for North India but for the entire country, offering fully integrated connectivity.

Reduced pressure on Delhi Airport

With seamless connectivity via road, rail, metro, and high-speed rail, Jewar Airport is being integrated at both national and international levels.

This will reduce dependence on Delhi for international travel. People from North India and neighboring states will now be able to access international flights from Jewar as well, easing congestion at Delhi Airport.

Earlier, passengers had to travel to Delhi for international flights, but with services available at Noida International Airport, convenience will significantly improve for people across multiple states.
Fiscal year 2025 performance was significantly impacted by an atypical federal funding freeze that delayed budget approvals and procurement activities across core markets.

Management attributes the revenue disconnect to external timing factors rather than a lack of demand, noting that bookings and backlog remained resilient throughout the disruption.

The company utilized the period of lower conversion to optimize inventory levels and production capacity, ensuring immediate fulfillment readiness as funding normalizes.

Strategic investments were made in the sales organization, including adding a second dedicated federal resource and a new director of marketing to drive inbound lead generation.

The integration of the Apex Analytics platform has transitioned the product from a traditional training environment to a data-driven performance tool, creating potential for recurring service revenue.
Kolkata, March 28 : The BJP and Trinamool Congress on Saturday locked horns after clashes were reported in Ram Navami rallies, primarily in Murshidabad in poll-bound West Bengal.

Earlier, clashes were also reported in Basanti Bazar area of South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, which is scheduled to vote in next month's two-phased Assembly polls.

Reacting to reports of violence, BJP leader Locket Chatterjee told IANS, "The law-and-order situation is very bad (in the state). What West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wants is that through appeasement politics, there is vote consolidation. That is her biggest issue."

Chatterjee accused the Trinamool Congress supremo of not working for the people during her regime.

"She has neither done anything for the minority nor for the majority," she alleged.

She further accused the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal of indulging in violence for votes.

She said, "Only to garner votes they do riots, violence etc. There is no trust in the people of West Bengal. Incidents like Murshidabad, Basanti are happening."

Emphasising on anti-incumbency in the state, the BJP leader said, "There is 15 years of anti-incumbency. The people of West Bengal know what they have gone through for the past 15 years, and this time, the public is determined to remove them (Trinamool government) and bring the BJP to power."

"The entire country needs to know what the Trinamool Congress government has done to the people of West Bengal. How the people have been betrayed by the government," she added.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Minister Shashi Panja expressed faith that the concerned authorities will investigate the matter.

She said, "If something like this has happened, authorities will definitely look into it and now under the Model Code of Conduct, the Election Commission will also look into the matter. This is what I believe."

Panja, however, accused the BJP of "provoking people".

"What we know is wherever the BJP had taken out Ram Navami rallies, real weapons (shastra) were demonstrated, including knives and swords. DJs were played in loud volume on the day which marks the birth of Lord Ram. If you provoke the people in the name of Lord Ram through speeches etc., then sometimes situation gets out of control," she told IANS.

She further alleged that the BJP tried to present the Ram Navami procession as a political rally.

"There has been no law-and-order problem in our (Trinamool's) rallies. The BJP is trying to spoil the situation of West Bengal," the Bengal Minister said.
New Delhi/Gwalior, March 28 : Adani Defence & Aerospace, a leading player in India's aerospace and defence, has delivered 2,000 indigenously manufactured 'Prahar' Light Machine Guns (LMGs) 7.62 mm to the Indian Army, marking a significant milestone in India's small arms manufacturing capability, it was announced on Saturday.

New Delhi/Gwalior, March 28 (IANS) Adani Defence & Aerospace, a leading player in Indiaas aerospace and defence, has delivered 2,000 indigenously manufactured 'Prahar' Light Machine Guns (LMGs) 7.62 mm to the Indian Army, marking a significant milestone in Indiaas small arms manufacturing capability, it was announced on Saturday.

Looking ahead, the Gwalior facility is also geared to manufacture close quarter battle (CQB) weapons for the Indian Armed Forces, further expanding Indiaas indigenous small arms capability.

The historic delivery of the first batch of LMGs was completed in seven months, 11 months ahead of the contracted schedule.

The First-of-Production Model (FOPM) was realised in six months against a stipulated 18-month development timeline. Bulk Production Clearance (BPC) followed, enabling a rapid transition to full-scale manufacturing.

The event was attended by A. Anbarasu, DG Acquisition & Additional Secretary, Ministry of Defence, and senior officials of the Indian Armed Forces.

Manufactured at the Adani Defenceas Small Arms Facility in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, Indiaas first fully integrated private-sector small arms manufacturing hub, the Prahar LMG significantly reduces reliance on imported infantry weapons and strengthening defence self-reliance.

Spread across 100 acres, the facility integrates barrel manufacturing, bolt carrier and receiver fabrication, advanced computer numerical control (CNC) machining, robotics, surface treatment, precision metrology, a metallurgy laboratory and a 25-metre underground firing range.

Each weapon undergoes lifecycle testing, ballistic assessment and environmental trials before deployment, ensuring adherence to the operational and reliability standards required by the Indian Armed Forces.

Designed for scale, the Gwalior facility has an annual production capacity of up to 100,000 weapons, with more than 90 per cent domestic sourcing. The facility is contributing to a broader industrial ecosystem in MP by generating skilled employment and supporting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the supply chain.

The manufacturing capability is also supported by Adani Defenceas ammunition complex in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh (UP), commissioned in 2024. The facility has an annual capacity of around 300 million rounds of small caliber ammunition, with plans to expand its capabilities to manufacture large and medium caliber ammunition, strengthening the integrated weapons and ammunition ecosystem.

This integrated approach across design, manufacturing and supply chains enhances resilience, improves execution timelines and supports long-term self-reliance in defence production.

--IAN

na/
New Delhi, March 28 : A day after the Delhi Assembly passed the Budget 2026-27, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, on Saturday, called on Lieutenant Governor T.S. Sandhu and discussed development and infrastructure issues.

In a message on social media platform X, the Chief Minister said, "Had a courtesy meeting with the Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu Ji. On this occasion, there was a meaningful discussion on Delhi's development, public welfare, and future direction."

"This year's Green Budget advances this very vision, with infrastructure acceleration, environmental priority, and a commitment to improving citizens' lives at its core. We are all determined to build a developed Delhi," Chief Minister Gupta said, sharing photos of the meeting.

The meeting between the Delhi L-G and the Chief Minister came a day after T.S. Sandhu met the Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Earlier, Chief Minister Gupta while concluding the discussion on Budget, said, "Delhi had been held back in the past but is now moving forward with a renewed governance approach. From this point on, Delhi will witness transformation rather than confrontation -- performance, not politics."

Speaking on the Bharatiya Janata Party-led state government's resolve, the Chief Minister remarked, "Some people adapt to the times, some people change with the times, while others change the very mould of the times."

Chief Minister Gupta said: "The Delhi government has begun clearing long-pending dues, including payments related to sportspersons, economically weaker sections welfare, scholarships, awards and the Kishori scheme. Tuition fees worth Rs 114 crore for SC, ST and OBC students and Rs 538 crore for Delhi government colleges have also been paid."

She also flagged irregularities in public works department projects under the previous Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi government, claiming that in one instance, Rs 250 crore was paid without any work being completed -- raising serious questions about the previous administration's functioning.

Chief Minister Gupta sharply criticised the previous AAP government's financial record, saying it had left behind a massive debt burden that the present BJP administration is now working to manage.

"Every rupee will be accounted for, every project delivered," the Chief Minister said, pointing to a Rs 47,000 crore debt legacy left behind by the AAP government.
Bhopal/Chhindwara, March 28 : The Congress on Saturday announced an ex gratia assistance of Rs 50,000 to the families of those who lost their lives in a tragic road accident in Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara district and demanded a uniform compensation policy for accident victims.

Addressing a press conference in Bhopal, Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Umang Singhar, stated, "A financial assistance of Rs 50,000 to the family of each deceased victim will be provided on behalf of the Congress Party."

Expressing condolences to the bereaved families, LoP Singhar wished for the speedy recovery of the injured persons, who are being treated at the district hospital in Chhindwara and AIIMS, Nagpur.

Addressing the press conference, Singhar stated that the state government is lacking a 'Uniform Compensation Policy' for the victims and their families. "After every accident, the government immediately announces compensation; however, there is no Uniform Compensation Policy in place," he said.

The Congress leader alleged that a lack of a 'Single Window Clearance System' in the process often forces families to visit from one office to another to submit documents, and their files continue to circulate endlessly between various departments.

"In several previous cases, the victims or their families had yet to receive full compensation, and this happens because the government does not allow the Single Window Clearance System to operate in the state," he claimed.

Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari on Saturday visited Chhindwara to meet the families affected by the tragic road accident and expressed his condolences.

On Friday, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav met the families of citizens who lost their lives in the road accident and offered his condolences, assuring that the government stands with the affected families in this difficult time.

After meeting with families, the Chief Minister announced to increase the ex gratia amount from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 8 lakh to the kin of each deceased person in the tragic road accident.

Yadav also visited the Chhindwara district hospital and met the injured persons undergoing treatment following the accident. He inquired about their health and directed doctors to ensure proper medical treatment for all the injured.

He reviewed the treatment provided so far and instructed officials to arrange for referral to Nagpur or other advanced medical institutions, if required.

At least 10 people were killed when a bus they were travelling in collided with a goods-laden vehicle and overturned on Thursday evening.
New Delhi, March 28 : Congress MP Tariq Anwar, on Saturday, described it as "Prime Minister's duty", a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, held a crucial meeting with Chief Ministers of all states regarding the impact of the ongoing war in West Asia on the country's economy, while Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Jha took a jibe at PM Modi's 'Team India' remark made at the meeting.

The Prime Minister on Friday chaired a video conference with Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors of all states to review India's preparedness in light of the evolving situation in West Asia and its potential impact on the nation's economy, energy security, and supply chains.

Congress MP Tariq Anwar told IANS, "It is the Prime Ministeras duty to take all the Chief Ministers of the states and political parties into confidence, and also to reassure the public. At the very least, the Prime Minister has now acknowledged that there is a crisis in the country, whereas earlier it was being said that everything was normal."

"This reflects that the situation is not normal and it is important to bring it under control," Anwar added.

RJD MP Manoj Jha took a jibe at PM Modi's statement during the crucial meeting held on Friday that India will overcome the challenge by working together as "Team India".

He said, "I felt very happy. The word 'India' was heard after a long time, ever since the INDIA alliance was formed, they (BJP) seemed to have avoided using it. This is a matter of great happiness."

The RJD MP, however, urged for the implementation of the idea.

"I believe that when Prime Minister Narendra Modi says we will work like 'Team India', in order to give it weightage and live this idea, it needs to be implemented on the ground. Elections are approaching. It should not happen that due to electoral politics, the unity that we are speaking about gets demolished," Jha told IANS.

Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders praised PM Modi's leadership in managing the impact of the West Asia crisis on India.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and BJP leader Vishnu Deo Sai said, "There is a conflict in West Asia, which is affecting not just our country but the entire world. However, we are fortunate that our nation has a Prime Minister like Narendra Modi, who has been able to turn crises into opportunities."

Chief Minister Deo Sai said, "He (PM Modi) has assured that there will be no shortage of oil or gas. He (PM Modi) also said that monitoring (the situation) and working as a team will be required."

BJP leader T.R. Sriniwas told IANS, "The Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) stressed that we will deal with it (West Asia conflict) like 'Team India', with all states working together -- whether BJP or non-BJP governments. This is because the entire country is facing the problem of gas cylinders, petrol, diesel issues. So he (Prime Minister) said we will ensure that people don't face problems."

Sriniwas also said that PM Modi has urged all Chief Ministers of various states to take strict action against alleged hoarding of essential commodities.
New Delhi, March 28 : Maharashtra Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Chhagan Bhujbal on Saturday urged the Centre to extend technical and financial support to speed up the expansion of the Piped Natural Gas (PNG) network across the state.

Bhujbal was speaking at a high-level joint meeting convened by the Centre to discuss improving the availability of clean fuel and ensuring time-bound expansion of the PNG network for residential and commercial sectors, particularly in the context of the ongoing IranIsrael conflict.

He said PNG connections should be made mandatory in all new housing projects to ensure wider adoption. The minister also called for targeted campaigns to extend connections to older residential areas.

Bhujbal stressed that expanding PNG use in hotels, restaurants and small-scale industries would help reduce costs and promote cleaner fuel alternatives. He added that licensing and connection procedures must be simplified.

"Maharashtra has already streamlined permission processes and standardised rates across various local bodies to boost City Gas Distribution (CGD) projects," he said, while seeking special financial and infrastructural support for cities in the state to improve project viability.

He also urged central agencies to ensure coordinated and timely approvals for pipeline expansion and called for an increase in the LPG quota for commercial use to meet rising demand.

"The Maharashtra government is taking firm steps toward promoting clean fuel. To achieve these goals effectively and within the set timeframe, consistent cooperation from the Central Government is expected," Bhujbal said.

Highlighting steps to remove bureaucratic hurdles, he said the state government had issued a Government Resolution (GR) on Friday with a series of directives.

"Pending permissions from municipal corporations, PWD, and Water Resources Departments for laying CGD pipelines will now be considered 'deemed approved'. Local bodies are instructed to grant new CGD permissions within 24 hours. Charges for road restoration and various permits by local self-government bodies are to be waived to promote expansion," Bhujbal said.

He added that companies may restore public property at their own cost, subject to quality guarantees. In other cases, fees will be charged as per the central notification dated March 24, 2026. CGD companies will be allowed to operate round the clock, with seasonal restrictions relaxed.

According to the minister, no separate NOCs from Chief Fire Officers or Traffic Police will be required for digging or laying pipelines. Companies will only need to submit a daily work schedule to the concerned departments.

To ensure coordination, the Controller of Rationing and Director of Civil Supplies has been appointed as the nodal officer for Maharashtra. These special measures will remain in force until June 30 this year, he said.
March 28 : Jewar: In the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed the inauguration ceremony of the first phase of Noida International Airport. He said that this event, which gives new height to Uttar Pradeshs growth trajectory, is an opportunity to express gratitude to the Prime Minister. Under the guidance of PM Modi, the new Uttar Pradesh of a new India is today making a new declaration of its identity that when resolve is strong, courage is firm and confidence is unwavering, no goal remains out of reach.

He added, Noida International Airport is the result of turning resolve into achievement. Its runway will not only serve as a foundation for taking UPs economy to new heights, but will also become the launchpad for the bright future of Uttar Pradesh. This airport will elevate investment, trade and industrial development in North India while also generating large-scale employment.

CM Yogi said, "This airport will provide relief to the public along with opening new dimensions of development. In the last 11 to 12 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken steps in every sector to move India towards a developed nation. Noida International Airport is a part of that journey".

He also added, today a new unit of development is being inaugurated by the Prime Minister. This new creation is presenting Uttar Pradesh anew on the global aviation map. The Prime Minister has given the vision of a Viksit Bharat to the people. Infrastructure is the need of the hour for Atmanirbhar Bharat - Atmanirbhar Uttar Pradesh and for Viksit Bharat - Viksit Uttar Pradesh. One runway is starting now. In the coming years, when 5 runways of the airport become operational, it will successfully establish itself as a global airport.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, "Under the visionary thinking of PM Modi and his 'Desh Pratham' approach, the roadmap of a new India is visible over the past 11 to 12 years. On Ram Navami, there was an atmosphere of celebration and enthusiasm in the country, while there is disorder, instability and uncertainty in many parts of the world. In developed countries like the United States, prices of petroleum products are soaring, but in India prices are controlled and supply has been made smooth".

He further added, "In neighbouring countries as well, petroleum prices are very high and there is shortage, leading to disorder. They have had to reduce working hours and even stop production, and a quota system has been implemented for the public. In contrast, India has ensured uninterrupted supply while keeping prices under control. Yesterday, a historic decision was taken to reduce excise duty on petroleum products, for which I express gratitude to the Prime Minister on behalf of 25 crore people of the state".

CM Yogi also targeted parties like Congress and SP. He said, due to their inefficiency, they left the country and the state as a bottleneck to development. From 2002 to 2017, Uttar Pradesh remained a victim of chaos and disorder, but under the guidance of PM Modi, the pace achieved by the country in 12 years and the state in 9 years has transformed its identity from a bottleneck to a breakthrough. PM Modi laid the foundation stone of this airport on 25 November 2021, and today the inauguration of its first phase is also being carried out by him. This is the speed of a double engine government, as PM Modi has always said that what you lay the foundation for, you should also inaugurate.

Chief Minister also added, "Jewar Airport will make Uttar Pradesh a centre of global connectivity by linking it with networks such as the Yamuna Expressway and in the future Eastern Peripheral, Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, Ganga Expressway, RRTS and Delhi-Varanasi high-speed rail line, thereby taking the state to new heights of development with speed. Through this airport project, lakhs of direct and indirect employment opportunities will be created for youth".

He further informed, in Yamuna Expressway, Noida and Greater Noida, large-scale investment possibilities have already started attracting proposals. Recently, near this airport, PM Modi laid the foundation stone of a semiconductor chip manufacturing unit. Along with this, the development of advanced manufacturing clusters is also progressing. Apparel park, medical device park, toy park, MSME park, handicraft park and other facilities are being developed, creating vast opportunities for investment and employment. Data Centre related units are also being established here.

He added, in the coming days, with the development of an advanced fintech city and the presence of Noida International Airport, a positive environment for investment is being created in NCR. This airport is moving forward to realize the concept of 'ease of journey' with seamless, smart and sustainable infrastructure, aviation fuel farm, inflight kitchen facilities, MRO, and a focus on modern, digital and energy-efficient systems.

CM said, with the development of a dedicated multimodal cargo hub, Uttar Pradesh will overcome the limitations of being landlocked and will be able to connect more easily with global markets through landmark growth. Noida International Airport and its facilities will play a decisive role in taking UPs potential to new heights. PM Modi has guided that whatever we do, we should think big, act big and move towards becoming big. Zurich International Airport has also played its role in the development of this airport.

CM also expressed special gratitude towards farmers at the inauguration ceremony. He said that earlier there were many protests here, but through dialogue with farmers, they were connected with timely compensation and rehabilitation. As a result, farmers contributed 13,000 acres of land for Noida International Airport. Farmers played a positive role throughout the process and, along with public representatives, advanced the development program.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Governor Anandiben Patel, Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu, Minister of State for Finance and BJP State President Pankaj Chaudhary, Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, Cabinet Minister Nand Gopal Gupta Nandi, Minister of State Brajesh Singh, MPs Dr Mahesh Sharma and Surendra Singh Nagar, MLAs Dhirendra Singh, Pankaj Singh, Tejpal Nagar and others.
Kochi, March 28 : As Kerala heads toward Assembly elections scheduled for April 9, with all 140 seats set to determine the outcome, the Congress on Saturday expressed strong confidence in securing a victory.

The party sharply criticised the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), accusing it of failing to deliver on key promises, including job creation and healthcare improvements, over the past decade.

Congress leaders asserted that their optimism stems not only from their own governance record but also from what they described as growing public dissatisfaction with the LDF government. According to the party, voters in Kerala have increasingly realised that the promises made by the ruling alliancesuch as generating 40 lakh jobs and ensuring robust healthcare serviceshave not been fulfilled.

Speaking to IANS, Congress leader Pawan Khera said that the party's confidence is rooted in both its past performance and the perceived shortcomings of the current government.

"Our confidence comes from the fact that we have had a good track record of governance when we were in power. It also stems from the fact that over the last 10 years, the people of Kerala have realised that this is a government which breaks its promises, whether it is about employment or healthcare," he said.

Khera further criticised the state's healthcare system, citing recent incidents as evidence of systemic failure.

"We have seen cases where doctors have allegedly left instruments inside patients' bodies and then attempted to justify such actions. When the Health Minister calls it a system failure, one must askare you not the system? People are now questioning why young students are forced to leave the state in search of jobs. This reflects the failure of the LDF over the past decade," he added.

He also alleged that the LDF is indirectly aiding the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) by attempting to bring it into the state's political landscape through the "backdoor." Khera asserted that the people of Kerala would reject such attempts and that it is time for voters to move away from the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led alliance.

On the BJP's prospects, Khera maintained that the party would struggle to gain a foothold in the state.

"Kerala is a highly educated and aware society. People understand the risks of allowing the BJP to establish itself here. I am confident that the BJP will not find any meaningful presence, and we are very confident of a Congress-led victory," he said.

Echoing similar sentiments, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor offered an electoral analysis, suggesting that attempts might be made to divide the anti-incumbency vote.

"There is a perception that the LDF may try to split the anti-incumbency vote by encouraging some support for the BJP, hoping that this would hurt the UDF. However, our focus remains firmly on the people of Kerala. Whatever arrangements others may have, our commitment is to the voters," he said.

Tharoor downplayed the BJP's electoral strength in the state, stating that it remains a marginal player.

"The BJP is not seriously competitive in more than two or three constituencies. Even in those seats, it faces tough three-cornered contests. To suggest that it is a decisive factor in a largely bipolar contest between the UDF and LDF would be misleading. As of now, it remains a zero-seat party in the Assembly," he remarked.

Highlighting the campaign atmosphere, Tharoor expressed optimism about the response the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is receiving.

"I have campaigned for around 20 candidates so far, mainly in South Kerala, and what I am witnessing is a tremendous wave of enthusiasm for the UDF. The message that it is time for change is resonating across all sections of societyyouth, students, professionals, and business communities alike," he said.

As the state prepares for the crucial electoral battle, the primary contest is expected to be between the ruling LDF and the Congress-led UDF. However, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is also attempting to expand its presence, making the upcoming elections an important test of political strength and voter sentiment in Kerala.
Kolkata, March 28 : As many as 30 people have been arrested by West Bengal Police in connection with tension and violence over a Ram Navami procession at Jangipur in the minority-dominated Murshidabad district, an official said on Saturday.

Although the situation was quickly brought under control following prompt joint action by the state police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), the area had, for some time, virtually turned into a battlefield.

Several people were injured in the clashes, some of whom are still undergoing treatment at a local hospital. An insider from the Jangipur Police district said that after the situation was brought under control, joint teams of the state police and CAPF began tracking those responsible for the violence.

From Friday evening till Saturday afternoon, as many as 30 people have been arrested in this connection.

The police are also conducting search operations to trace others involved in the violence. Several FIRs, including a suo motu case, have been registered in the matter.

CAPF personnel are continuously patrolling and conducting route marches in the affected areas. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has sought a report from the state's Director General of Police on the matter.

"Because of the timely intervention, night-long patrolling and prompt arrests, normalcy has been restored in the area since Saturday morning. Shops have reopened and life is more or less normal. However, as a precautionary measure, patrolling and route marches are continuing, and prohibitory orders barring the assembly of more than a specified number of people have been imposed in the affected areas," said a district police officer.

Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, however, blamed the ECI and claimed that the Commission's decisions on rampant transfers, replacement and deputation of experienced police officers to other states led to the escalation of tension at Jangipur on Friday.

"Had the earlier police officers, who had sufficient experience of the area, been present, such tension would not have broken out," the Chief Minister said at an election campaign rally on Saturday afternoon.

Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while addressing media persons in Kolkata, said that this year the extent of violence over Ram Navami processions was much less than in previous years, as the Commission had replaced the earlier allegedly biased personnel with more experienced and unbiased officers.
Kathmandu, March 28 : The arrest of Nepal's former Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli on Saturday morning sparked protests across the Kathmandu Valley by cadres of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) (CPN-UML), led by Oli.

Police arrested Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak in connection with homicide-related cases linked to the suppression of the Gen-Z uprising in early September last year. Both were arrested early in the morning from their residences in Bhaktapur district. Oli has been admitted to a Kathmandu-based teaching hospital after experiencing health issues following his arrest.

UML cadres organised protests across the Kathmandu Valley in line with a decision of the party's Central Committee on Saturday. Protesters burned tires and copies of the report prepared by the inquiry commission on the Gen-Z movement, which had recommended criminal investigation and prosecution of Oli, Lekhak, and former police chief Chandra Kuber Khapung.

The first Cabinet meeting of Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Friday had decided to implement the report. Clashes erupted between police and protesters, with some protesters reported injured.

The UML has also decided that its district party committees will organise demonstrations and submit memorandums to the Chief District Officer (CDO) offices in all districts on Sunday.

The UML said it would engage in dialogue and cooperation with all political parties, civil society, and the general public who support democracy and the rule of law. The party condemned the arrest of Oli and Lekhak, arguing that it was retaliatory, biased, and unlawful.

"The party demands the formation of a high-level investigation commission under the leadership of a sitting Supreme Court judge to ensure an impartial and judicial inquiry into the incident," the party said in a statement after the meeting.

The party expressed serious concern over recent developments and indicated that the protests would be carried out in phases.

Meanwhile, former President of Nepal, Bidya Devi Bhandari has described the government's decision to arrest the duo as immature. Issuing a statement on Saturday, she expressed concern that the arrests could have long-term consequences and increase the risk of instability.

"In the context where studies have shown that the Karki Commission's report itself is not complete, the decision taken on the very first day of the new government to implement that report and arrest thenPrime Minister and CPN-UML Chairman K P Sharma Oli, as well as former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, is a sensitive matter with far-reaching implications," Bhandari stated. "Such an immature decision does not appear to be in line with the current Constitution, prevailing laws, and established democratic practices."

The statement notes that implementing any inquiry commission's report requires due legal process, sufficient study, and institutional consultation. "Hasty decisions can weaken public trust in the rule of law and may increase the risk of renewed conflict and instability in the country," the statement said.
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Image source: Verizon Communications.

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March 28 : Jewar: The inauguration of Phase 1 of the Noida International Airport and the foundation laying of the MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) facility became a significant occasion in many ways. On Saturday, industrialists, administrative officials and prominent personalities from across sectors who attended the event described it as a historic project.

Bob Chi, CEO of Gateway Services at Singapore-based SATS Ltd., and film producer Boney Kapoor said the project will shape the future direction of India. They emphasized that it is not just an airport but a comprehensive development model that will give the country a new identity on the global stage.

Bob Chi said, this project is a major achievement under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It will serve as a medium to connect Noida and Uttar Pradesh to the global stage. As a Singapore-based company, being part of this historic project is a matter of pride. He highlighted that the airport is emerging as a centre for international investment and global enthusiasm

Film producer Boney Kapoor said, he is not just contributing to development but is becoming a part of it. Efforts are being made to realize the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He added that he is developing an international film city in the region. The airport and film city together will establish this area as a new economic and cultural hub.

TS Dupare, MD and CEO of Indian Oil Skytanking Private Limited, said their company was awarded the contract in 2022 to develop the fuel farm and in plane fuelling services. After a competitive selection process, they received the responsibility and now the countrys most modern fuel farm is ready. The company is fully prepared to provide fuelling services to aircraft.

Lalit Thukral, President of the Noida Apparel Export Cluster, said that the inauguration of Jewar Airport will be highly beneficial for Noida and the entire country. The airport will develop as a major cargo hub and also function as an aircraft maintenance centre. This will accelerate the export industry and enhance global competitiveness.

Debashish Meshram, CGM of State Bank of India, said that 2 branches have been established within the airport premises. One is located in the airport office and the other in the cargo centre. Facilities such as ATM, cash deposit machines, e-lobby and the YONO app will be available. For international passengers, a 24 hour forex counter and travel cards supporting more than 18 currencies will also be provided.

Former District Magistrate of Gautam Buddha Nagar, Brijesh Narayan Singh, said that land acquisition for this project was among the fastest and most cost effective in the country. It was completed with the consent of farmers, which is a unique achievement. Despite initial differences, continuous dialogue and coordination led to farmer support, making them key stakeholders in the project.

Subhash Goyal, Chairman of the Aviation and Tourism Committee, said that due to slot constraints at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, new airlines face difficulties. Jewar Airport will resolve this issue and benefit not only Delhi but also Agra and other regions of Uttar Pradesh. He stressed the need for fast metro or express connectivity between Delhi and Jewar along with better infrastructure and hotel facilities.

Security officer associated with the project, Maimullah Ansari, said that over the past 3 years he has witnessed significant transformation and feels proud to be part of it. The airport will generate large scale employment and is moving towards becoming the largest airport in Asia. He also urged investors to invest in the region, especially considering upcoming projects like the film city.

The Noida International Airport is not just an aviation facility but is emerging as a multi dimensional development project. Experts from industry, exports, tourism, film, banking and employment sectors consider it a strong pillar of the future economy.

The views of these prominent voices clearly indicate that Jewar is taking firm steps toward becoming one of Indias most important global hubs in the coming years.
Kochi, March 28 : The Sabarimala gold theft case has returned to the centre of Kerala's political discourse, with the Opposition intensifying its attack on the ruling LDF and demanding accountability from the government.

With the April 9 Assembly election campaign peaking, the Sabarimala gold scam has emerged as one of the principal campaign planks of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) against the ruling Left government.

Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan on Saturday questioned why no disciplinary action has been taken against CPI-M leaders allegedly involved in the case, despite the seriousness of the charges.

Addressing the media in Paravur, he said both Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and CPI-M state secretary M.V. Govindan must clarify the party's stance and explain what he described as "continued protection" for the accused.

Satheesan pointed out that both the High Court and the Supreme Court had denied bail to the accused in strong terms, underlining the gravity of the allegations.

The case involves allegations that gold ornaments belonging to Lord Ayyappa were stolen, and that even a gatekeeper idol was allegedly sold and replaced with a copper replica.

The accused, he noted, spent days in custody and secured bail only due to delays in filing the charge sheet.

"What is the compulsion for the CPI-M to shield such individuals?" Satheesan asked, noting that some of the accused continue to hold positions as district committee members.

He argued that political parties typically act even in relatively minor cases, making the inaction in a case of this magnitude particularly questionable.

The Opposition leader also raised the possibility of political pressure, asking whether the accused were being protected to prevent them from naming influential figures, including a former and a serving minister.

He said the Chief Minister and the party leadership owe an explanation to the public.

Three top CPI-M leaders, including two former presidents of the Travancore Devaswom Board and a serving employee, were among the 13 arrested in the case.

Alleging that the government was effectively "shielding wrongdoers", Satheesan accused the Chief Minister of evading questions on the issue, even as he addresses the media regularly during the election period.

With the controversy resurfacing, the issue is poised to remain a key flashpoint in Kerala's political landscape.
March 28 : Lucknow: The Yogi government has achieved yet another significant milestone, further strengthening its reputation across the country in the field of water resource management and infrastructure. The Irrigation and Water Resources Department was conferred the prestigious SKOCH Award at the 106th SKOCH Summit held in New Delhi.

The department received this honor for two major achievements: the successful channelization of the Gangas streams during Mahakumbh-25 and innovations in water management. The award was received by Chief Engineer Upendra Singh.

Principal Secretary of the Irrigation Department, Anil Garg, said, "Under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, instructions were given to channelize the Gangas streams to facilitate 'Amrit Snan' for a maximum number of devotees during Mahakumbh-25."

He noted that scientifically managing the rivers flow was a challenging task, which the department executed successfully, showcasing the states efficiency and its capability to manage large-scale events in an organized manner.

He further highlighted that merging three streams of the Ganga into a single flow was a major technical and administrative achievement.

He added, "Additionally, the development of the Sangam Nose and a large circulation area in the Sangam region ensured smooth movement for millions of devotees."

This initiative not only improved crowd management but also set new benchmarks in safety and organization.

Chief Engineer Upendra Singh also mentioned that the installation of automatic gates at the Bhakra Weir (dam) in Rampur received special appreciation. He added, "This advanced system has made water distribution more efficient and controlled, contributing to improved irrigation, better water conservation, and optimal resource utilization."

He added, "The department aims to enhance agricultural productivity through sustainable and effective water management, ensuring greater benefits for farmers in the state."

It is noteworthy that the SKOCH Award is among the countrys leading independent honors, receiving thousands of entries from across India.

The selection is made through a rigorous, multi-layered evaluation process.

The Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Departments work was chosen based on technical excellence, innovation, and effectiveness, reflecting the states growing administrative capabilities.
Pathanamthitta : , March 28 (IANS) In a twist few anticipated, a parody song has moved to the centre of Kerala's political discourse, stirring debate over faith, free expression, and campaign strategy.

"Pottiye, Kettiye", popularised by Congress candidate from Ranni, Pazhakulam Madhu, has transcended campaign platforms to become a potent political tool -- one that has put the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Front on the defensive.

First surfacing in December last year, the song is a satirical take on the Sabarimala gold smuggling controversy. Its catchy refrain, which mocks the alleged alchemy of "gold into copper", found resonance with voters and soon became a staple at rallies of the Congress led UDF, the Muslim League, and even the BJP.

At the height of its popularity, the controversy took a legal turn. The Kerala Police even went to the extent of registering cases related to the song. Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan wrote to Meta Platforms Inc., urging the social media major not to remove links of the song, warning that any takedown without a court order would amount to an unconstitutional restraint on free speech.

In his letter in December, Satheesan referred to reports suggesting that the Kerala Police had approached social media platforms, including those operated by Meta, seeking the removal of links to the song titled "Pottiye Kettiye".

Since then, the parody has taken on a life of its own. From street processions to echoing outside Parliament during UDF protests, the song has proved that in Kerala politics, rhythm can sometimes rival rhetoric.

It even made its way into the Assembly, with Opposition members invoking it to needle the government.

However, the Left has pushed back, arguing that the parody hurts religious sentiments by borrowing elements of sharanam chants associated with Lord Ayyappa. The discomfort appears less about the tune and more about its timing and traction.

With assembly elections on April 9 and the Sabarimala gold heist a major campaign point, a Hindu organisation has now approached the Election Commission seeking a ban on the song during election campaigning, citing concerns over faith and propriety.

But Madhu, now a Congress candidate in Ranni, a constituency with deep links to Sabarimala, has made it clear he is not ready to change his playlist. "I will sing it," he has said, setting the stage for a curious contest between melody and regulation.

For the Congress, the song is a clever political instrument, one that reconnects with believers while keeping the attack sharp. For the Left, it is an awkward reminder that in politics, even a chorus line can become a campaign headache.
Hyderabad, March 28 : The makers of director Murali Kishor Abburu's eagerly awaited film 'Lenin', featuring actors Akhil Akkineni and Bhagyashri Borse in the lead, on Saturday announced that they had now decided to postpone the film's release to June 26 this year.

Hyderabad, March 28 (IANS) The makers of director Murali Kishor Abburu's eagerly awaited film 'Lenin', featuring actors Akhil Akkineni and Bhagyashri Borse in the lead, on Saturday announced that they had now decided to postpone the film's release to June 26 this year.

It may be recalled that the film was originally scheduled to hit screens on May 1 this year.

Taking to its X timeline, Annapurna Studios, the production house producing the film, issued a statement in which it announced its decision to postpone the release of the film.

It wrote, "The release of Lenin which was originally scheduled for May 1st will now be postponed. With our dearest Mega Power Star Ram Charan's Peddi arriving on April 30th, we believe it is the right time to celebrate cinema together in a positive and healthy environment. We all know the bond Ram Charan garu shares with Akhil garu and how he has always been a constant well wisher. This decision comes with utmost respect and regard."

The production house further said, "Lenin will arrive on 26 June 2026 Worldwide. We assure you that Lenin will be a complete celebration of cinema packed with every emotion and presented in the team's finest form. We are committed to bringing you the best possible experience on the big screen. Thank you for your continued love and support."

For the unaware, actress Bhagyashri Borse plays the love interest of the titular character Lenin in the film. She plays a character called Bharathi in the action entertainer.

The film has triggered huge expectations among fans and film buffs. It may be recalled that actress Sree Leela was to play the female lead opposite actor Akhil Akkineni in the film. However, due to date issues, Sree Leela opted out and Bhagyashrii Borse replaced her.

The makers had released a glimpse video of the film on the occasion of Akhil Akkineni's birthday last year.

The film's title glimpse opens with scenes reminding one of the final battle in the epic Mahabharata. We then see Akhil Akkineni's character appear with an intense look and a clenched fist, as if he is ready for a struggle. A voice over says, "My dad said that when one is born, one has life and no name. Similarly, when one dies, one does not have life and only the name remains. How that name should be remembered is" and the title 'Lenin' appears. The film has a tagline that reads,'No war is more violent than love'.

The film, which has triggered huge expectations, has cinematography by Naveen Kumar and music by Thaman. Editing for the film will be by Navin Nooli.

--IANS

Mkr/
Bhuj, March 28 : After a decade-long gap, a chick of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB) has hatched in Kutch, marking a significant achievement in wildlife conservation for Gujarat.

The birth, in the Abdasa region, follows a carefully executed operation to introduce a fertile egg from a Rajasthan breeding centre into the Kutch population.

State Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia said the achievement is "a moment of pride for all of us" and credited the joint efforts of the Gujarat and Rajasthan Forest Departments, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) for the success.

The initiative, known as 'Operation Egg Transfer', involved transporting a fertile egg from Rajasthan over 19 hours by road in a portable incubator to ensure its safe arrival in Kutch.

On March 22, the egg was carefully placed in the nest of a female bustard, replacing an infertile one.

The female naturally incubated the egg, resulting in the hatching of a healthy chick on March 26.

Modhwadia highlighted that the achievement was made possible through the application of an advanced conservation technique called the Jumpstart Approach.

"Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, the Gujarat Forest Department has achieved an unprecedented milestone in wildlife conservation," he noted.

The Minister also praised the officers of the Wildlife Division for their dedication and congratulated all those involved in making the mission successful.

Union Forest and Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav conveyed his congratulations, commending the collaborative efforts of the Environment Ministry, the Gujarat and Rajasthan forest departments, and the WII.

The birth is part of 'Project GIB', launched in 2016 following a vision set by the then Chief Minister of Gujarat and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi to conserve the natural habitats of the Great Indian Bustard.

Breeding centres at Sam and Ramdevra in Rajasthan have now collectively increased the bird population to 73.

Modhwadia said that ongoing field monitoring is being conducted to observe the female bustard and her chick.

He added that this achievement strengthens India's commitment to wildlife conservation and is a source of pride for scientists, forest officers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Kolkata, March 28 : The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday replaced as many as five police observers from other states who had been appointed for the forthcoming two-phase Assembly elections in West Bengal next month.

Of the five observers removed, one is Jayant Kant, a Bihar-cadre Indian Police Service (IPS) officer who had been assigned to four Assembly constituencies in the minority-dominated Malda district.

He was replaced following a written submission from the Trinamool Congress, which alleged that he is the husband of a Bihar-based Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader. "After reviewing the Trinamool Congress's written submission in the matter, the Election Commission of India (ECI) decided to replace him," said an insider from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal.

Another Bihar-cadre IPS officer, Hriday Kant, has been appointed as the new observer for the four Assembly constituencies in Malda district.

The other police observers who have been replaced were in charge of constituencies in Murshidabad, West Burdwan, and West Midnapore districts.

Ahead of elections, the Commission appoints three types of observers based on the requirements of each Assembly constituency.

This time, one general observer has been appointed for each of the 294 Assembly constituencies in West Bengal. In addition to the 294 general observers, there are police observers and expenditure observers as well.

In West Bengal, 84 police observers have been appointed for the Assembly elections -- the highest among the five poll-bound states and Union Territories. Voting will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29 across 294 constituencies in the state.

In the first phase, polling will be held in 152 constituencies, while the remaining 142 constituencies will go to the polls in the second phase. The results will be declared on May 4.

A major political tussle has already broken out in West Bengal over the ECI's decision to undertake large-scale transfers, replacements, and deputations of bureaucrats and police officers from the state to other regions ahead of the elections.

The ruling Trinamool Congress has accused the Commission of acting on behalf of the BJP. On the other hand, the BJP has maintained that such transfers, replacements, and deputations are necessary to ensure free, fair, and violence-free polling in the state.
Thiruvananthapuram, March 28 : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders in Kerala on Saturday hit out at the CPI-M-led government in the state, accusing the party of being involved in a "conspiracy" to destroy election transparency and also flagged "migration" as an issue in the state, which is scheduled to vote in the Assembly polls on April 9.

Kerala BJP general secretary S Suresh accused the state Election Commission of being involved with CPI-M.

He said, "The Chief Election Office of Kerala has become a B team of CPI-M. The CPI-M trade union activists are hijacking all the positions and official seats of the Election Commission Office of Kerala."

He further alleged, "One particular example is where BJP Kerala chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar is contesting from Nemom. Our opponent is V. Sivankutty, the current Labour Minister of Kerala. The retaining officer of this particular Nemom is a labour officer. The polling officers of Nemom, more than 100 polling officers, are from the Department of Labour. So this is part of a conspiracy to destroy the fair and free election."

Suresh said that his party has approached the Election Commission of India (ECI).

"BJP Keralam gave a memorandum to the Election Commission of India for a fair and free election, particularly in Nemom, and generally in Kerala. There should be a serious intervention by the Election Commission of India," he said.

Meanwhile, the BJP on Saturday approached the ECI after a controversy erupted over the alleged use of the BJPas official seal on a circular issued by the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) in connection with election procedures in the Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency

According to Kerala BJP Vice President Shone George, migration is an issue in the state.

He told IANS, "Nothing is done here, compared to the nearby states that are not ruled by even the BJP, but compared to the nearby states Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, see a single industry is not started in this time, and the young generation is migrating from here to the other states and abroad."

"The main problem faced by this constituency is migration," he further emphasised.

However, one of CPI-M's allies in the government, the Left Democratic Front (LDF), contradicted that Kerala is fast progressing towards development.

LDF candidate from Poonjar Constituency, Sebastian Kulathunkal, told IANS," Kerala is a fast-growing state, and in connection with the education sector, health sector, basic infrastructure development sector and industrial development are very fast-growing, and Kerala is moreover number one in India. Development activities here are now very strong and impactful."

Furthermore, Kulathunkal accused the Central government of discrimination.

"We have faced floods in Wayanad and elsewhere. Central government has not given any financial assistance or any support to us," he alleged.
Brussels, March 28 : The non-recognition of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) stems not from a lack of claim by Tibet but from China's coercive and economic capacity, which renders such a claim "diplomatically untenable".

Brussels, March 28 (IANS) The non-recognition of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) stems not from a lack of claim by Tibet but from China's coercive and economic capacity, which renders such a claim "diplomatically untenable".

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama's enduring voice underscores that moral legitimacy can persist amid political silence. Tibet may never find recognition in the halls of the United Nations, yet it continues to resonate in the conscience of humanity, a report mentioned.

"In the annals of international diplomacy, recognition is the currency of sovereignty. Yet no state has ever formally recognised the Central Tibetan Administration as a legal government. The reason is not a lack of internal legitimacy. The CTA is a functioning exile administration with democratic elections and institutions. The reason is the iron grip of realpolitik. To recognise the CTA would be to challenge the People's Republic of China's territorial claims, a step no government has been willing to take given Beijing's economic leverage and geopolitical weight," a European Times report detailed.

"This silence is not accidental. Under international practice, recognition of governments in exile has precedent, from the Polish government during World War II to Kuwait's exile government in 1990. Such recognition has generally depended on the prospect of restoration. In Tibet's case, China's consolidation of control and its permanent seat on the UN Security Council severely limit that possibility. States therefore avoid recognition not because the CTA lacks internal legitimacy but because the costs of defying Beijing are prohibitive," it added.

According to the report, China's consolidated control and its permanent seat on the UN Security Council (UNSC) severely constrain the possibility of recognition. The nations withheld recognition not because "the CTA lacks internal legitimacy but because the costs of defying Beijing are prohibitive".

Yet, the Dalai Lama occupies a distinct space beyond this diplomatic impasse, welcomed globally not as a head of state but as a Nobel laureate, spiritual teacher, and voice of Tibetans in exile.

"This distinction allows governments to acknowledge Tibet's cultural and moral cause without triggering China's retaliatory machinery. Beijing can pressure states to avoid official dealings with the CTA, but it cannot erase the Dalai Lama's stature as a religious leader whose teachings on compassion and nonviolence resonate across cultures," the European Times report mentioned.

Highlighting the paradox, the report added, "The CTA embodies Tibet's political aspirations but remains constrained by non-recognition. The Dalai Lama, by contrast, wields soft power that no decree from Beijing can extinguish. His moral authority ensures that Tibet remains present in global consciousness, even as its political institutions are denied formal standing."
Bhopal, March 28 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will participate in the 'Madhya Pradesh-Uttar Pradesh Cooperation Conference' to be held in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on March 31.

Bhopal, March 28 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will participate in the 'Madhya PradeshUttar Pradesh Cooperation Conference' to be held in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on March 31.

The conference, aimed at strengthening partnerships in trade, investment, and skills between the two neighbouring states, will also witness the signing of agreements between the Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh governments across several sectors, including trade, industrial investment, skill development, handicrafts promotion, and tourism.

The summit will place special emphasis on linking One District-One Product (ODOP) initiatives, GI-tagged products, traditional crafts, and agri-food products with branding, marketing, and export opportunities.

"MP-UP Cooperation Conference 2026 will present a robust model for regional development by attracting investment, generating employment, and preserving cultural heritage through strong collaboration between Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh," the state government said in a press note on Saturday.

It added that the conference will hold detailed discussions on the proposed development of the KashiUjjainChitrakoot religious tourism circuit as a joint tourism product between the two BJP-ruled neighbouring states.

"The initiative will emphasise the development of a structured and coordinated tourism model, facilitated by the participation of key stakeholders such as tour operators and IRCTC. The development will render religious tourism more organised, accessible, and appealing, thereby increasing both the volume of tourists and their average duration of stay across the two states," it said.

On this occasion, artisans from Madhya Pradesh's renowned Chanderi and Maheshwar silk clusters will collaborate with Banarasi silk weavers to advance joint branding, market expansion, and the 'GangaNarmada Craft Corridor' concept.

Chief Minister Yadav will also visit the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor to study crowd flow design, infrastructure layout, and pilgrim management systems.

"This visit will serve as more than just a routine inspection. It will provide a valuable opportunity to understand successful models of modern urban planning and pilgrimage site management. Drawing upon this experience, a practical approach will be formulated for the development of religious sites, expansion of amenities, and systemic improvements within Madhya Pradesh," the statement added.
By Olivia Le Poidevin

YAOUNDE, March 28 (Reuters) - The e-commerce moratorium is a global agreement among World Trade Organization members which bans customs duties being applied to electronic transmissions such as digital downloads and streaming.

The policy was first adopted in 1998 at the WTO's Second Ministerial Conference in Geneva as part of a declaration to encourage early digital trade growth.

It covers cross-border transmissions such as software downloads, e-books, music and movie streaming and video games.

Originally intended to be temporary, the tariff moratorium has been renewed roughly every two years at each WTO ministerial conference, and was most recently extended for two years at the 13th conference in 2024.

It is set to expire this month at the 14th WTO ministerial conference in Yaounde, Cameroon.

ARGUMENTS FOR EXTENSION

WTO members with large digital economies such as the U.S., the EU, Canada and Japan want the moratorium permanently extended because they say it ensures predictability for global digital trade.

The U.S. wants major American tech businesses such as Amazon, Microsoft and Apple to have a stable regulatory environment without the fear and costs of countries introducing duties that could impact cross-border digital trade.

More than 200 global business organisations signed a joint statement calling for an extension of the moratorium.

Its lapse would raise costs, fragment the internet and hinder the ability of businesses to participate in cross-border digital trade, the International Chamber of Commerce says.

ARGUMENTS AGAINST EXTENSION

Some developing nations, including India which has long opposed the moratorium, contend its extension would deprive them of tariff revenue to fund infrastructure and close the digital divide.

Sofia Scasserra of the Transnational Institute think tank said the moratorium has failed to bolster digital economies in developing countries, and instead entrenches dominance by U.S. and other advanced Big Tech giants.

A United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) research paper in 2019 estimated that developing countries faced a potential tariff revenue loss of $10 billion in 2017 from the moratorium.

However, an OECD study found the potential revenue loss could largely be offset by value added tax or goods and services tax applied to imported digital services.

COUNTRIES' POSITIONS AT THE CAMEROON MEETING

Four formal proposals have been submitted for the e-commerce moratorium at the Cameroon ministerial conference.

The African, Caribbean and Pacific Group proposes extending the moratorium until the next ministerial conference. The U.S. wants a permanent extension.
Barabanki, March 28 : In a gruesome incident, a 21-year-old youth was allegedly beheaded in Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki district, police said on Saturday.

The incident took place in the Tikaitnagar police station area of Barabanki district.

According to officials, after beheading the victim, the accused attacker picked up the severed head and carried it to his house.

The victim's head was later recovered by the police during a search at the house of the accused.

The victim has been identified as Bablu, a resident of Para Behata village in the area.

The eldest of three brothers, Bablu is survived by his wife and two children.

Officials said as per his daily routine, on Saturday too, Bablu had gone out to sell ice when he got into an argument with a local resident, whom police identified as Shankar.

According to information, the verbal spat escalated to such an extent, that Shankar got enraged and attacked Bablu with a sharp weapon, severing his head in public.

Moreover, instead of fleeing from the spot, the accused picked up Bablu's severed head and walked to his house.

Upon receiving the information, a large police force cordoned off the village, under the instructions of Superintendent of Police (SP) Arpit Vijayvargiya.

What even left the police horrified was that when they reached the accused's house, he was cooking food, with the severed head of the victim kept beside.

The accused was then apprehended by the police and the victim's head and the murder weapon was recovered from his possession.

SP Vijayvargiya said that prima facie the case appears to be one of insanity and a personal dispute, but a thorough questioning is underway to uncover the real motive behind the crime.

Earlier, a 21-year-old youth had allegedly beheaded two elderly neighbours and injured two others in Lohara village in Madhya Pradesh's Singrauli district, suspecting them of casting some magic spell that caused his wife's recent miscarriage.
Kabul/Islamabad, March 28 : China's efforts to mediate between Islamabad and Kabul appear to have reached a dead end, raising significant doubts about its influence in both countries - especially in Pakistan, a report has revealed.

Kabul/Islamabad, March 28 (IANS) Chinaas efforts to mediate between Islamabad and Kabul appear to have reached a dead end, raising significant doubts about its influence in both countries a" especially in Pakistan, a report has revealed.

According to a report in international magazine 'The Diplomat', despite the Chinese Foreign Ministryas assertion that both Afghanistan and Pakistan expressed their awillingness to resolve the issues", the initial response to Beijingas mediation seemed unenthusiastic, particularly from the Pakistani side.

"After unsuccessful efforts to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan by Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, China initiated efforts to resolve the conflict in its neighbourhood, which Pakistan has declared an 'open war'. The fighting started in October of last year when both Pakistan and Afghanistan conducted strikes inside each otheras territory. Even though a ceasefire was brokered, with mediation by Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, the attacks from both sides eventually resumed due to unresolved underlying issues," the report detailed.

The renewed conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan triggered significant concerns for China, a key ally, economic partner, and neighbour of both Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Accordingly, the report said, Beijing actively stepped up efforts to resolve the conflict, given its substantial interests in both countries.

aAfter Pakistan launched its Operation Ghazab lil-Haq against the Taliban on February 27, China expressed its deep concerns and asked both sides ato remain calm; exercise restraint; properly resolve differences and disputes through dialogue and negotiation; end the fighting as soon as possible; and avoid more suffering'," the report noted.

China intensified its mediation efforts in the first and second weeks of March, when its special envoy for Afghanistan, Yu Xiaoyong, visited Islamabad and Kabul in an effort to broker a ceasefire between the two countries.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, Yue Xiaoyong visited Afghanistan and Pakistan to conduct shuttle mediation regarding the recent conflicts between the two nations between March 7 and 14.

Citing media reports from Pakistan, The Diplomat said Islamabad had turned down Beijingas efforts to end the conflict, pointing to the Taliban's unchanged stance on the presence of militant groups in Afghanistan.

The report stressed that Chinaas mediation efforts between Pakistan and Afghanistan appear to be yielding no result.

"Pakistanas apathetic response to Chinaas efforts points to one of two different scenarios. One, Pakistan is genuinely not interested in negotiating a deal with the Taliban until the threat of militant groups operating from Afghanistan a" which the Taliban regime denies a" is obliterated, with or without the Talibanas help. Two, Pakistanas growing closeness with the United States under the Trump administration has given it enough leverage to defy China's wishes," it stated.
Thiruvananthapuram, March 28 : Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi is set to hit the campaign trail in Kerala with two roadshows in Pathanamthitta district on Monday, giving fresh momentum to the United Democratic Front's (UDF) election push.

Pathanamthitta district has five Assembly constituencies, and in the 2021 Assembly polls, the Congress-led UDF drew a blank.

The upcoming roadshows by Rahul Gandhi are expected to give the alliance's prospects a significant boost.

In the local body polls held in December, the UDF performed well, and the leadership is hopeful of improving its performance in the April 9 Assembly elections. With Rahul Gandhi's arrival, the party expects to make a strong recovery.

The roadshows, scheduled at key centres in the district, are expected to draw significant crowds, particularly in a region where electoral contests are often closely fought and politically sensitive.

Party leaders said the visit is aimed at energising grassroots workers and consolidating support in central Kerala, with Pathanamthitta seen as a crucial battleground.

Rahul Gandhi's visit comes after a brief disruption to his campaign schedule.

He was earlier expected to arrive in Kerala on Wednesday to participate in the UDF's "maha rally" held in Kozhikode.

However, the Congress leader had to cancel his trip following the sudden illness of his mother, Sonia Gandhi.

In his absence, Congress president Mallikarjuna Kharge led the rally, addressing party workers and supporters while reiterating the UDF's campaign themes against the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF).

Senior state leaders, including K.C. Venugopal, were also present, signalling the party's attempt to maintain campaign momentum despite the last-minute change.

Party sources indicated that Rahul Gandhi's roadshows in Pathanamthitta will focus on key political issues, including governance, development, and what the Congress describes as growing public dissatisfaction with the state government.

The district also holds symbolic importance due to its proximity to Sabarimala, a recurring theme in Kerala's political discourse.

The Congress is hoping that Rahul Gandhi's presence will galvanise cadres and attract undecided voters as campaigning intensifies.

With the election narrative sharpening, his return to Kerala is expected to add visibility and energy to the UDF campaign in the days ahead.
Bengaluru, March 28 : Questioning the Congress's strategy, BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy on Saturday asked how long the party could retain Muslim support by invoking fear of the BJP.

Addressing the media at the BJP state office, Jagannath Bhavan, in Bengaluru, Narayanaswamy made the remarks while commenting on developments surrounding the Davanagere South constituency.

He added that younger and more aware members of the community would reflect on what different parties have delivered and make independent decisions, urging them to uphold their self-respect.

He said the withdrawal of Davanagere South rebel candidate Sadiq Pylwan would not significantly alter the political situation in the constituency.

Narayanaswamy remarked that "a torn cloth can only be patched; it cannot become new", suggesting that such political developments would not fundamentally change existing ground realities. He added, "a broken rope can be tied with a knot, but it will not become a new rope".

On minority voting patterns, Narayanaswamy said he could not claim that all Muslim voters would support the BJP, alleging that the Congress had influenced their thinking. He accused the party of treating the community as a vote bank and claimed that despite opposition from certain sections, the BJP continues to remain in power at the national level. He also stated that Muslims are living securely in India.

Drawing comparisons with neighbouring countries, he referred to Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, saying those nations face several internal challenges. He asserted that the Constitution drafted by B. R. Ambedkar provides safeguards to all citizens, including minorities, ensuring their security.

Narayanaswamy further criticised the Congress, alleging that the concept of "Manuvaad" exists only in the party's mindset. He said it is the BJP's responsibility to ensure equal rights and opportunities for all sections of society and claimed that the party is fulfilling that role.

The Congress is facing backlash from sections of the Muslim community and progressive groups over allegations of promoting a political dynasty. The BJP has fielded Srinivas T. Dasakariyappa as its candidate in Davanagere South. Srinivas hails from an oppressed community and is the son of a porter.

It may be noted that following the withdrawal of Sadiq Pylwan, who had filed his nomination as an Independent candidate for the Davanagere by-election, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed confidence that the Congress would win the bypolls in both Davanagere and Bagalkot.

Sadiq had filed his nomination as an Independent candidate for the Davanagere South seat, opposing the candidature of Samarth Mallikarjun, grandson of veteran Congress leader late Shamanur Shivashankarappa.

His father, S.S. Mallikarjun, is Minister for Mining, Geology and Horticulture, while his mother, Prabha Mallikarjun, is a Lok Sabha member from the Davanagere parliamentary constituency.

The Chief Minister said Sadiq has been known to him for many years and that they used to meet during wrestling events in Mysuru. He added that there is nothing wrong with aspiring to become a candidate.

He further stated that 11 candidates withdrew their nominations on Friday. Thanking Sadiq, he said Pylwan had stepped down from the contest at the party's request.

He noted that there are around 70,000 Muslim voters in Davanagere and that Pylwan was an aspirant for the ticket. The party leadership, after considering all factors, gave the ticket to Samarth, son of Minister S.S. Mallikarjun, in line with its practice of fielding family members of deceased leaders.
Thiruvananthapuram, March 28 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a proclaimed offender (PO) who had been absconding in a case involving the abduction for ransom and brutal murder of Shyamal Mandal, a student of the College of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram, in 2005, an official said on Saturday.

Durga Bahadur Bhat Chetri alias Deepak was tracked down and arrested on Friday, the CBI said in a statement.

It was revealed that after committing the crime, the accused a" Durga Bahadur Bhat Chetri alias Deepak (PO) a" had been impersonating Suraj B. Bhatt, son of Balbahadur Rambahadur Bhatt. He allegedly concealed his identity, got married, and settled in Nagpur, the agency said.

The probe agency said the investigation revealed that the murder was committed by Durga Bahadur Bhat Chetri along with co-accused Mohammed Ali, both hailing from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Durga Bahadur Bhat Chetri had been absconding since the investigation stage in 2005.

After a thorough investigation, the CBI filed a chargesheet against both the accused. However, Durga Bahadur Bhat Chetri, a proclaimed offender, remained absconding, following which the trial court declared him a Proclaimed Offender.

The trial against co-accused Mohammed Ali has been completed, and he was convicted for the crime in 2022.

The CBI had re-registered the case on December 31, 2008, and took up the investigation in compliance with an order of the High Court of Kerala dated December 10, 2008.

The High Court transferred the investigation of the case from the state police to the CBI. The case relates to the disappearance of Shyamal Mandal, whose father had received a ransom call before his body was recovered on October 23, 2005.

Despite filing the chargesheet, Durga Bahadur Bhat Chetri continued to evade arrest and remained absconding for years.

The CBI said that upon producing the accused before the jurisdictional court in Ernakulam, it will seek his custody for further interrogation.
Jaipur, March 28 : Rajasthan BJP president Madan Rathore on Saturday targeted former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot over his recent remarks advising BJP leaders to keep their sons out of politics, alleging that the Congress is trapped in dynastic politics, which he described as its "biggest weakness".

Jaipur, March 28 (IANS) Rajasthan BJP president Madan Rathore on Saturday targeted former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot over his recent remarks advising BJP leaders to keep their sons out of politics, alleging that the Congress is trapped in dynastic politics, which he described as its "biggest weakness".

He also launched a sharp attack on the Congress, accusing it of attempting to tarnish the country's image and mislead the public.

Hitting back at Gehlot's advice, Rathore alleged that the former Chief Minister himself suffers from "putra moh" (blind affection for one's son). He claimed that Gehlot made several attempts to promote his son, Vaibhav Gehlot, in politics but did not succeed.

Taking a swipe, Rathore said: "It is not right to practise something yourself while advising others against it. Advice holds value only when one follows it."

Rathore further alleged that the Congress remains trapped in dynastic politics, calling it the party's "biggest weakness". He said the public is aware of this practice and that the opposition will have to answer for it in the coming days.

Reacting to comments related to the mediation role of Pakistan in the IranIsrael conflict, Rathore reiterated that India has always maintained it does not act as a "dalaal" in international matters.

He questioned former Chief Minister Gehlot, stating that his remarks do not appear to be in line with the national interest. Gehlot had recently questioned External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for using the word "dalaal" for Pakistan.

Rathore also accused the Congress of trying to create unrest by repeatedly highlighting shortages and crises. He added that under the Prime Minister's leadership, India's global standing has strengthened, welfare schemes are reaching citizens, and the country is achieving new milestones, including in the space sector.

Amid rising tensions in West Asia, Rathore urged political parties to remain united in the national interest, stating that this is not the time for political point-scoring. He also criticised the opposition for continuing to target the government over fuel prices and other issues despite the sensitive global situation.
Patna, March 28 : Bihar Agriculture Minister Ram Kripal Yadav has reassured farmers across the state, emphasising that the ongoing tensions in West Asia have had no adverse impact on agriculture in the state or the country.

He highlighted that nearly 76% of Bihar's population depends on agriculture, making it a top priority for both the state and the Government of India.

To safeguard farmers' interests, officials from the district level down to the Panchayats have been put on high alert.

During a recent departmental review, strict instructions were issued to District Agriculture Officers to ensure the uninterrupted availability of fertilisers, prevent black marketing, and verify and monitor fertiliser stock levels.

The Minister made it clear that surveillance will extend beyond retailers to include stockists and even government officials. Any negligence will invite strict action.

Special focus has been placed on border areas near Nepal to prevent illegal smuggling of fertilisers.

Additionally, steps are being taken to fast-track licences for Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), ensuring farmers have easier and timely access to essential inputs.

Overall, the government has projected a proactive approach, aiming to maintain stability in the agricultural sector despite global uncertainties.

Ram Kripal Yadav further reassured farmers in Bihar by confirming that there is no shortage of fertilisers in the state.

He stated that Bihar currently has adequate and surplus stock of all major fertilisers, including Urea, Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP), Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium (NPK), Muriate of Potash (MOP), and Single Super Phosphate (SSP).

According to the Minister, the available stock is more than sufficient to meet current demand, and the government is keeping a close watch on supply and distribution.

He also urged farmers not to pay attention to rumours or misinformation, emphasising that there is no need for panic.

Authorities are actively monitoring the situation at every level to ensure smooth availability.

In addition, the government is promoting sustainable agriculture practices.

Under the "Save Mother Earth" campaign, farmers are being encouraged to gradually shift towards organic farming and the use of organic fertilisers, aiming to improve soil health and ensure long-term agricultural sustainability.

Overall, the message from the government is clear: supply is stable, systems are in place, and farmers' interests are being actively protected.
Coimbatore, March 28 : A Special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Court sentenced six convicts in the Coimbatore overseas job scam to varying jail terms ranging from l4 years to four years, along with fines, an official said on Saturday.

The Chief Judicial Magistrate at Coimbatore, on Thursday, convicted and sentenced five private persons -- Pulliyil Cheriyan (Managing Director of the firm), Francis Arun, Asha Sharlet and Santosh William, to rigorous imprisonment for 14 years with a total fine of Rs 54 lakh, the CBI said in a statement.

Another convict, Preetha Kumari, was sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for four years with a fine of Rs 2 lakh, it added.

They were all held guilty of cheating about 600 job aspirants from whom they collected huge sums of money -- about Rs 6 crore -- for placements in the UK and Cyprus, the CBI said.

The CBI Special Court also ordered the confiscation of their properties as well as sale of 448 grams gold ornaments seized during the investigation for giving as compensation to the victims of the scam, the central agency said.

The case, initially registered by the Kattoor police in Coimbatore city, was handed over to the CBI in 2011 on the orders of Madras High Court.

Subsequently, the CBI registered the case on March 18, 2011, against the eight accused, who were arrested in Mumbai.

It was alleged that the gang started a firm named Yanbo Associates in Gandhipuram in 2005.

The accused allegedly presented forged foreign employment permits and collected fees ranging from Rs 80,000 to Rs 3 lakh per person during 2005 and abruptly shut operations.

The firm lured mostly young professionals and labourers by promising high paying job in the UK and Cyprus, the statement said.

After investigation, the CBI filed a charge sheet on March 21, 2012, against the accused.

"The CBI Special Court, after the 14-year trial, convicted and sentenced the convicts," the central agency said.

"During the trial, accused Narayanan Ramesh Babu, V.N. Shine and Benjamin William Sawer died, and the charges against them were abated," the CBI added.

While delivering the judgment, the CBI Special Court also ordered the payment of Rs 1.48 crore in compensation to the victims.
Bengaluru, March 28 : The Bengaluru police, on Saturday, registered an FIR against a professor at a private university in the city for allegedly calling a Muslim student a "terrorist" during a classroom session.

The Girinagar police have invoked Sections 299 (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings) and 352 (intentional insults likely to provoke a breach of peace) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS).

The accused, identified as Professor Muralidhar Deshpande and is working at PES University in the city, was suspended the same day following widespread outrage after a video of the incident circulated on social media.

The incident reportedly took place on March 24 at the university's campus on Banashankari Ring Road here.

It came to light after a student-recorded video went viral.

According to the charges, Deshpande repeatedly targeted a Muslim student, identified as Affan, during a lecture and referred to him as a "terrorist" at least 13 times in the presence of around 60 students.

The police have taken suo motu cognisance of the matter.

The police registered an FIR against Deshpande, with Affan named as victim in the case.

The FIR said that the complainant came across a social media post on the incident.

As the matter involved alleged insult to religious sentiments and had the potential to disturb communal harmony, the police officer sought initiation of legal action.

The professor is also accused of making a series of derogatory remarks, including statements such as "Iran war happened because of people like you", "Trump will take you away", and "You are idiots, you will go to hell", creating what students described as a hostile and humiliating classroom environment.

The widely circulated video shows the professor allegedly singling out the student and making offensive comments during the class.

The incident has drawn sharp criticism, with many condemning it as religious discrimination and hate speech within an academic setting.

In a further development, allegations have surfaced that CCTV footage from the classroom, which could have served as key evidence, was deleted, raising concerns over accountability and transparency.

Additionally, some students, who reportedly spoke in support of the victim, were allegedly suspended, with the official reason cited as "talking during class".

Sources said the professor later issued a written apology to the college administration, but did not directly apologise to the student.

The department head is said to have apologised on his behalf.

There are also claims that the student faced indirect pressure.

Student groups, including the National Students' Union of India (NSUI), have lodged complaints, terming the incident an instance of "religious hate speech" and demanding strict action.

Following the backlash, the university administration suspended the professor and said an internal inquiry is underway on the matter.
Kolkata, March 28 : Hours after Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented a charge sheet against the Mamata Banerjee government, Trinamool Congress launched an attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party government at the Centre, presenting a counteracharge sheet in response to Shah's claims.

Kolkata, March 28 (IANS) Hours after Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented a charge sheet against the Mamata Banerjee government, Trinamool Congress launched an attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party government at the Centre, presenting a countercharge sheet in response to Shah's claims.

On Saturday, the Mamata Banerjeeled party presented a 15page charge sheet titled "Mota Bhai, We Demand Answers."

Senior Trinamool Congress leader and state minister Bratya Basu, Members of Parliament Mahua Moitra and Kirti Azad refuted every allegation levelled by the Union Home Minister.

Basu said, "The Special Intensive Revision is a conspiracy hatched by you (the BJP). You seek to drive a nail into the Trinamool's coffin; we will wrench that very nail out. We have already prepared our responses to every point you (Amit Shah) have raised in your charge sheet."

At the outset of a press conference at Trinamool Bhavan, the leaders countered Shah by highlighting women's safety.

"What is the state of women's safety in your own states? Look at Maharashtra and Rajasthan. Why do you remain silent regarding Manipur? What transpired in Unnao and Hathras? You welcome rapists by garlanding them. You give a free pass to individuals like Brij Bhushan. Talk of women's safety simply does not befit you," said Basu.

Responding to Shah's allegations regarding "infiltrators," Basu remarked that people live in fear of car bomb explosions in Delhi, terrorist attacks on Parliament, or tragedies like Pahalgam.

He questioned why the names of those apprehended in connection with such incidents are not disclosed, while Bengal is singled out with claims of demographic shifts.

He asked whether Bengal must be "transformed into Gujarat."

The leaders also labelled Amit Shah "India's most useless and failed Home Minister."

--IANS

sch/dan
SINGAPORE, March 27 (Reuters) - Oil prices fell on Friday and were on track for the steepest weekly decline in six months after U.S. President Donald Trump said talks to end the war with Iran were going well and that he would pause attacks on the country's energy plants for 10 days.

Brent futures fell 84 cents, or 0.8%, to $107.17 per barrel as of 0353 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures lost $1.02, or 1.1%, to $93.46 per barrel, trimming gains from a bullish previous session.

Both benchmarks were trading 4.6% lower on a weekly basis despite the Brent rising 5.7% and WTI gaining 4.6% on Thursday on fears of further escalation of the war.

"Despite talks of de-escalation, oil is trading on war longevity, not just headlines. Any direct damage to oil infrastructure or prolonged conflict could force markets to rapidly reprice higher," said Priyanka Sachdeva, analyst at Phillip Nova.

While Trump announced a pause on attacks on Iran's energy infrastructure, the U.S. has also sent thousands of troops to the Middle East, with Trump weighing whether to use ground forces to seize Iran's strategic oil hub of Kharg Island.

An Iranian official told Reuters that a 15-point U.S. proposal, conveyed to Tehran by Pakistan, was "one-sided and unfair".

The war has taken 11 million barrels of oil per day out of global supply, with the International Energy Agency describing the crisis as worse than the two oil shocks of the 1970s and the Russia-Ukraine war on gas put together.

Analysts at Macquarie Group said if the war begins to wind down soon, oil prices will fall quickly in coming months, but still remain at pre-conflict levels. However, prices could rise to $200 if the war drags on until end of June, they said.

"With each passing day, market pressure is building. Asian countries are tapping buffer stocks and weighing demand adjustments," said Mukesh Sahdev, founder & CEO of Australia-based consultancy XAnalysts.

(Reporting by Helen Clark in Perth and Sudarshan Varadhan in Singapore; Editing by Sonali Paul and Saad Sayeed)
Jammu, March 28 : Udhampuraheadquartered Northern Command of the Army on Saturday held an investiture ceremony honouring 93 awardees for their service to the country.a Jammu, March 28 (IANS) Udhampurheadquartered Northern Command of the Army on Saturday held an investiture ceremony honouring 93 awardees for their service to the country.

Defence Ministry spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Suneel Bartwal said in a statement that the Northern Command Investiture Ceremony 2026 was conducted on March 28, 2026, at Udhampur under the aegis of Headquarters Northern Command.

The ceremony was presided over by Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, SYSM, PVSM, AVSM, SM, General Officer CommandinginChief, Northern Command, who conferred awards upon distinguished personnel and units in recognition of their gallant acts and distinguished service.

A total of 93 awards were conferred, comprising 52 individual awards and 41 unit citations, acknowledging acts of exceptional courage, distinguished service, and unwavering commitment to duty across all domains

The individual awards included four Yudh Seva Medals, one Bar to Sena Medal, 37 Sena Medals, one Bar to Vishisht Seva Medal, eight Vishisht Seva Medals, and one Jeevan Raksha Padak (posthumous).

The event was attended by serving military officers, awardees, and their families, reflecting collective pride and recognition of outstanding achievements during military service.

Addressing the gathering, the Army Commander commended the awardees for their professionalism, dedication, and commitment to duty under challenging conditions.

He emphasised the importance of maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence and upholding the proud traditions and ethos of the Indian Army.

He also congratulated the family members of the award winners. The ceremony reaffirmed the Army's core values of valour, dedication, and selfless service to the nation, serving as a reminder of the exemplary contributions made by personnel and units in safeguarding national security.

Being the most operationally active command of the Indian Army, with its ethos of "Always in Combat," Northern Command resolutely addresses conventional and newage threats across multiple domains.
Mumbai, March 28 : In a push for "Ease of Doing Business," Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday announced significant reforms to the state's industrial licensing process. a Mumbai, March 28 (IANS) In a push for "Ease of Doing Business," Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday announced significant reforms to the state's industrial licensing process. 

Of the 33 previously required mandatory permissions, 20 have now been shifted to a selfcertification model. 

He assured that efforts are underway to reduce the remaining 13 permissions in the near future.

The Chief Minister further stated that electricity rates in the state are set to decrease systematically over the next five years. 

He made these announcements during a seminar discussing the establishment of a Bulk Drug Park and Life Sciences Hub.

Providing a major boost to investor confidence, Fadnavis debunked projections of rising costs, noting that while electricity rates were expected to climb to Rs 15.87 per unit, government intervention will instead bring the current rate of Rs 10.88 down to Rs 9.97 per unit. 

He claimed that by 2028-29, Maharashtra will emerge as the state with the lowest electricity rates in the country.

To ensure a seamless environment for industries, the Maitri Portal has been empowered with comprehensive statutory authorities for singlewindow clearance, transparency, and accountability.

"All permissions will now be available under one roof. Every application can be tracked in real time. Strict action will be taken against agencies that fail to provide services within the stipulated timeframe," said the Chief Minister.

According to Fadnavis, the state is prioritising green and sustainable infrastructure. Plans include establishing Common Effluent Treatment Plants and integrating circular economy principles to help industries transition to ecofriendly technologies. 

He highlighted that the government is committed to supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. Incentives will not be limited to largescale industries but will also extend to their suppliers and vendors. 

The goal is to create a worldclass, affordable, and competitive industrial ecosystem through PublicPrivate Partnerships.

Fadnavis reiterated the government's firm stance on industrial growth. 

"Our strategy is No Nonsense Business. We are determined to create a stable and transparent environment," he noted. 

He expressed confidence that these initiatives would make Maharashtra a global competitor, setting a benchmark for the rest of India.

--IANS

sj/dan


Chennai, March 28 : The Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) on Saturday released its list of 10 candidates for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, signalling a calibrated mix of legacy, experience, and generational transition within the party.a Chennai, March 28 (IANS) The Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) on Saturday released its list of 10 candidates for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, signalling a calibrated mix of legacy, experience, and generational transition within the party.

At the forefront of the list is party general secretary Premalatha Vijayakanth, who will contest from Vridhachalam, a constituency closely associated with the late party founder Vijayakanth, fondly remembered as "Captain." 

The decision to field Premalatha from Vridhachalam is seen as a strategic and emotional move aimed at reinforcing the party's historical roots and reconnecting with its core support base.

In a clear indication of the party's push toward grooming the next generation, the DMDK has fielded its youth wing secretary, V. Vijaya Prabhakaran, son of Premalatha and Vijayakanth, from Virudhunagar. 

His candidature highlights the party's effort to balance continuity with renewal as it seeks to remain relevant in a highly competitive political landscape.

Among other key candidates, senior leader V. Elangovan will contest from Dharmapuri, while former Member of the Legislative Assembly R. Mohanraj has been nominated from Salem (West). 

The party has also given tickets to A.R. Elangovan (Omalur), former MLAs L. Venkatesan (Mailam) and D. Murugesan (Pallavaram), along with D. Krishnamurthy (Tiruttani), K.B. Prathab (Gudiyatham), and T.P. Saravanan (Polur).

The DMDK is contesting these 10 seats as part of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagamled Secular Progressive Alliance, positioning itself as a supporting force within the broader coalition. 

Party leaders confirmed that all candidates will contest under the party's traditional "Murasu" (drum) symbol, a key identifier of its political identity.

Political observers note that the party's candidate selection reflects a deliberate attempt to blend seasoned leadership with fresh faces while also leveraging Vijayakanth's enduring legacy. 

The choice of constituencies and candidates suggests a focused strategy aimed at consolidating pockets of influence rather than spreading resources thin.

With the elections fast approaching, the DMDK's announcement marks a crucial step in its campaign preparations, as it seeks to translate legacy appeal and alliance strength into electoral gains.
Bagalkot, March 28 : Former Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party Member of Parliament Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday accused the Siddaramaiahaled government of mismanaging the state's economy and showing "arrogance" by not attending a meeting convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.a Bagalkot, March 28 (IANS) Former Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party Member of Parliament Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday accused the Siddaramaiahled government of mismanaging the state's economy and showing "arrogance" by not attending a meeting convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Addressing a press conference in Bagalkot, Bommai alleged that the Siddaramaiah government has earned a "bad name" for damaging the financial system. 

He said the Congress government had promised to allocate Rs 18,000 crore annually for the Upper Krishna Project but had earmarked only Rs 3,000 crore in the budget, which he termed an injustice to the people of the region.

He said the Bagalkot byelection was necessitated by the death of leader H.Y. Meti, with the election being held alongside polls in four states.

He noted that significant political changes have occurred since the 2023 elections, adding that people's expectations from the government have been belied.

Bommai alleged that despite challenges posed by COVID19, his government had kept the financial situation under control, whereas the current government has already incurred loans of around Rs 4 lakh crore. 

He claimed that with three more budgets, the state could be burdened with an additional Rs 6-7 lakh crore debt.

On central assistance, Bommai said that during the 15th Finance Commission, under the National Democratic Alliance regime, Karnataka received more funds than during the United Progressive Alliance period under the 14th Finance Commission.

He said railway funding for the state has increased from about Rs 700 crore earlier to Rs 7,000 crore now, and national highway development has expanded significantly. 

He added that reductions in Goods and Services Tax rates have benefited common people and questioned how tax cuts could be termed an injustice to the state.

Criticising the Chief Minister, Bommai alleged lapses in implementing schemes such as the Jal Jeevan Mission and claimed that the state had not provided its share of funds for several projects. 

He also accused Siddaramaiah of failing to attend meetings convened by PM Modi, instead sending ministers.

He pointed out that Chief Ministers of states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala, including opposition leaders such as M.K. Stalin, had attended such meetings, while Siddaramaiah had also skipped NITI Aayog meetings, calling it a dereliction of duty.

On Friday, Karnataka pitched for a higher allocation of Liquefied Petroleum Gas for commercial use, particularly for the hospitality sector, during the Prime Minister-Chief Ministers' meeting. 

PM Modi called for COVIDstyle coordination between the Centre and states to tackle the current situation.

Karnataka Food Minister K.H. Muniyappa, who represented the state at the virtual meeting in the absence of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, said the state urged the Centre to increase LPG allocation for hotels from existing levels.

"The current allocation provides about 20 per cent for commercial use, while another 20 per cent is allotted to industries, which are being prioritised due to their labourintensive nature. We have requested that the hotel allocation be increased to 40 per cent. This will help improve the situation for the hospitality sector," Muniyappa said.
Bengaluru, March 28 : In a shocking incident, a minor girl originally from Assam was found dead under suspicious circumstances within the jurisdiction of the Electronics City police station in Bengaluru on Saturday.

Her body was discovered in an isolated area of the Bolugudda region.

The victim had been missing since Thursday evening. She resided with her parents in a temporary shelter near Vittasandra. After an exhaustive search by her family, a missing person's complaint was lodged with the Electronics City police.

During the subsequent search operation, authorities discovered the girl's body in a eucalyptus grove in Bolugudda. Police reported that the body was found nude, leading investigators to suspect that the victim was sexually assaulted before being murdered.

The perpetrators also reportedly used a blunt object to disfigure her face, likely in an attempt to prevent identification.

Senior police officials arrived at the scene immediately following the discovery. The jurisdictional police have registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and other relevant sections of the law.

Special teams have been formed to gather intelligence and track down the accused. The investigation is currently ongoing.

In March 2026, a 17yearold girl was allegedly killed by her fiance in the DJ Halli area in Bengaluru, with the suspect arrested.

It can be recalled that in Mysuru in October 2025, a 10yearold girl, part of a nomadic family selling balloons, was raped and murdered near Doddakere Maidan. 

The suspect, Karthik, was arrested after police shot him in the leg. 

The victim's family, along with about 50 others from the Hakki Pikki community, had travelled from Kalaburagi to Mysuru for the Dasara festival to sell balloons and toys.

In another case, the Karnataka High Court confirmed the death penalty for three men who gangraped and murdered an eightyearold girl in 2021, calling it a "rarest of rare" case. 

The High Court upheld a 2024 trial court order imposing the death penalty, observing that the offence was barbaric and such acts must be curbed with iron hands. 

A division bench of Justice H.P. Sandesh and Justice Venkatesh Naik gave the verdict.

It can also be noted that a 16yearold girl was beheaded by her fiance after a dispute over postponing their marriage in Madikeri in 2024.

In April 2025, police in Hubballi, Karnataka, shot dead a 35yearold man, Ritesh Kumar, accused of raping and murdering a fiveyearold girl.

The accused attacked the police and tried to flee during interrogation, prompting the encounter, which is now under investigation by the National Human Rights Commission.

--IANS

mka/dan
Athens, March 28 : Pakistan's ranking as the worst affected country in the 2026 Global Terrorism Index, despite a global decline in terrorism, exposes its deep-rooted internal challenges. The data in the index underscores both the immediate impact of violence and the long-term repercussions of structural and strategic policy choices, a report has highlighted.

According to a report in Greek City Times, this represents a statistical reality positioning Pakistan at the centre of the global terrorism landscape, shaped by patterns that have evolved over the years and continue to influence its present.

"In a year when much of the world recorded a decline in terrorism, Pakistan moved sharply in the opposite direction. The Global Terrorism Index 2026 presents a stark statistical portrait: Pakistan now ranks as the most terrorism-affected country in the world. The figures are not abstract," the report detailed.

"In 2025 alone, the country recorded 1,139 deaths, 1,045 attacks, 1,595 injuries and 655 hostages. Its score of 8.574 places it above all other nations on the index, marking its deadliest year since 2013. This reversal stands out against a global backdrop of improvement," it added.

The report noted that violence in Pakistan remains geographically concentrated, with the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan accounting for 74 per cent of all attacks and 67 per cent of total deaths in 2025.

These regions, it said, defined by persistent instability and limited state control, continue to serve as the epicentre of militant activity.

The analysis of the borderlands, the report said, attributes the pattern to decades of permissive conditions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan frontier.

The tribal belt in Pakistan, the report said, long partially governed, provided a safe haven for terror groups, including al-Qaeda, the Haqqani Network and, subsequently, domestic outfits.

"The continuity of ethnic and social networks across the Durand Line has further enabled cross-border movement, complicating enforcement and surveillance. These structural conditions, highlighted in the index, underscore a longstanding challenge: militant networks operating within environments where governance remains fragmented and contested," it mentioned.

The report highlighted that the Global Terrorism Index projects Pakistan's present situation as the cumulative impact of long-term structural and policy decisions.

The identified factors  ranging from permissive border regions to ideological networks and evolving militant ecosystems  reflect patterns that have evolved over decades.

Asserting that the findings are based on consistent trends rather than isolated incidents, the report said, "The rise in attacks, the concentration of violence in specific regions, and the prominence of particular groups all point to a system under sustained pressure. Pakistan's position at the top of the index is not presented as an anomaly but as the result of an extended trajectory. The data suggests that the drivers of this trajectory remain active, continuing to shape the country's security landscape."
New Delhi, March 28 : Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva said on Saturday that Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal has once again returned to the petty politics of playing the "victim card", this time over a judicial matter related to the excise policy.a New Delhi, March 28 (IANS) Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva said on Saturday that Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal has once again returned to the petty politics of playing the "victim card", this time over a judicial matter related to the excise policy.

He said that in India, the CBI and all investigative agencies are free to conduct investigations and file cases in courts based on their findings.

Similarly, all courts and judges in India are independent to deliver judgments impartially based on their discretion.

However, Kejriwal and his associates in the Aam Aadmi Party must understand that if an investigative agency has confidence in its evidence, it can challenge a lower court's decision in the High Court, and every High Court has the authority to overturn decisions of lower courts.

Pointing to recent developments in the trial court hearing the excise policy case, the Delhi BJP president added that the problem with Kejriwal is that he does not respect the judiciary, judges, or the judicial process, and considers only favourable decisions to be justice.

He also said that it would have been better if, instead of rushing to play the "victim card," Kejriwal had carefully listened to the TV statement of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

In his haste to play the "victim card," he has made himself a subject of ridicule, said Sachdeva.

The Union Home Minister had only stated that the CBI's case is strong, the evidence is solid, and he is confident that the CBI will win in the High Court, said Sachdeva.

"It would have been better if Kejriwal had listened carefully before reacting; he would not have become a subject of ridicule today," said Sachdeva.

In another development, Delhi BJP Spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor hit out at Kejriwal and other AAP leaders for their tendency to resort to forum shopping whenever they face adverse judicial verdicts.

Kapoor said that AAP leaders like Rakhi Bidlan and Saurabh Bharadwaj have double standards on every issue, including respect for the judiciary.

"Is seeking transfer of court not an insult to the judicial system?" asked Kapoor, pointing to the AAP leaders seeking transfer of the bench of the Delhi High Court in the excise policy case appeal.

"It will be better for AAP leaders to accept that the trial court is not the ultimate court. Under the Indian judicial system, every court has an appellant court till a matter is decided by the Supreme Court," said Kapoor.
Patna, March 28 : Sheohar Janata Dal-United MP Lovely Anand, on Saturday, appealed to the Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to reconsider his decision to go to the Rajya Sabha.

While addressing the media persons, Anand struck an emotional chord regarding the possibility of Nitish Kumar moving to the Upper House of the Parliament, calling it his personal decision but acknowledging that such a move has created concerns among party workers and the public.

She urged the Bihar Chief Minister to carefully reconsider, emphasising the need for his continued leadership for Bihar's future.

The statement by Lovely Anand has added a fresh dimension to the ongoing political discourse in Bihar, especially at a time when speculation around leadership transition is already intense.

Lavishing praise on Nitish Kumar, Anand credited him with transforming Bihar's image -- from what she described as a backward state to one witnessing significant development.

She highlighted key achievements such as infrastructure expansion in terms of roads, bridges, culverts and progressive policies like 50 per cent reservation for women in panchayats, which has led to increased participation of women in governance and law enforcement roles.

On the question of succession, Anand's remarks were measured yet noteworthy.

While saying that she would support the JD-U's final decision, Anand described Nishant Kumar, Nitish Kumar's son as a young political face and indicated that giving him an opportunity would be a positive step.

Lovely Anand underscored the need for a balanced political approach in Bihar -- one that blends experience with youthful energy.

While continuing to back the leadership and legacy of Nitish Kumar, Anand emphasised that the future of the state lies in integrating seasoned governance with fresh ideas from emerging leaders like her son Chetan Anand.

Overall, Lovely Anand's statement reflects two parallel sentiments within the ruling NDA in terms of strong endorsement of Nitish Kumar's leadership and legacy and emerging openness -- though cautious -- toward a possible generational shift in leadership.

This has further fueled the debate over whether Bihar is heading toward continuity under Nitish Kumar or a transition phase involving new leadership.
Islamabad, March 28 : Pakistan, given its association with the A Q Khan network - a global nuclear smuggling chain that supplied enrichment technology to Iran, Libya, and North Korea - lacks credibility as the guardian amid its reported move to convey the American proposal to Iran and offer to host talks, a report stated.

Islamabad, March 28 (IANS) Pakistan, given its association with the A Q Khan network  a global nuclear smuggling chain that supplied enrichment technology to Iran, Libya, and North Korea  lacks credibility as the guardian amid its reported move to convey the American proposal to Iran and offer to host talks, a report stated.

"This is not mediation. It is control. Whoever defines the room defines the outcome. And this file defines security: Israel, the US, the Gulf, the West, and India. There is only one answer: not Pakistan. Pakistan can pass messages. It cannot hold an agreement. A mediator gives up interest. Pakistan cannot. A state with an interest is not a middle ground. It is a side," Shay Gal, an Israeli analyst, wrote in The Eurasian Times.

"The state that produced the A Q Khan network, which supplied enrichment technology to Iran, Libya, and North Korea, cannot act as the guardian of an arrangement meant to restrain Iran. The party that created the problem does not guarantee its solution," he added.

The expert noted that for years, Washington was unable to dismantle terror sanctuaries in northwestern Pakistan despite heavy reliance on the Pakistani military and massive investment.

"In 2026, the assessment remains severe: terrorism, conflict zones, escalating attacks, and rising casualties. A state struggling for continuity, infrastructure security, and control over sensitive spaces does not build an agreement with Iran. It seeks respite. 'Pakistan' is not a transparent political term. The actor managing this file in practice is not an open civilian system operating under effective oversight, but first and foremost the military establishment," Gal stressed.

According to the report, if the development unfolds, Pakistan could gain an enhanced standing in Washington after years of suspicion.

"A softening of criticism over its priorities. Reduced pressure around its missile programme, defined at the end of 2024 as an emerging threat to the United States and already sanctioned. A deeper sense of indispensability in the eyes of Riyadh and the White House alike. An internal gain: the legitimisation of the military establishment's primacy as Pakistan's international point of contact", it noted.

The report said the war has exposed Pakistan's vulnerability to energy shocks and spillovers from the crisis, even as it continues negotiations with the International Monetary Fund, while any shift from the battlefield to talks quickly affects energy prices.

"It changes market expectations and expands Islamabad's room for action. Returning Iran to an American track, even partially, puts back on the table the logic of projects and relief measures that have been frozen under sanctions, including energy corridors between Iran and Pakistan," the Eurasian Times report stated.

Expressing concerns over Pakistan's controversial record in fuelling regional instability, the report further said, "If Washington chooses Pakistan because it is available, not because it is right, it repeats the same pattern: placing crises in the hands of those who profit from them. Such an agreement does not remove the threat. It defers it. Israel rejects it in advance."
New Delhi, March 28 : An Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM), comprising several senior members of the Union Cabinet, convened a meeting on Saturday to assess potential risks to India's energy security, supply of essential commodities, and the resilience of critical infrastructure in light of the escalating conflict in West Asia.

New Delhi, March 28 (IANS) An Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM), comprising several senior members of the Union Cabinet, convened a meeting on Saturday to assess potential risks to Indiaas energy security, supply of essential commodities, and the resilience of critical infrastructure in light of the escalating conflict in West Asia.

The meeting reflected the governmentas growing concern over the ripple effects of regional instability on Indiaas domestic supply chains and economic stability.

Officials present engaged in a detailed review of measures already underway to safeguard national interests. Discussions focused on ensuring uninterrupted energy supplies, maintaining adequate reserves of essential goods, and strengthening logistical frameworks to withstand external shocks.

The ministers emphasised the importance of proactive planning and coordination across departments to mitigate any disruption that could affect the daily lives of citizens.

The government underscored its commitment to protecting citizens from the adverse consequences of the conflict.

Sources indicated that contingency strategies are being refined to address potential shortages, stabilise markets, and secure critical infrastructure against vulnerabilities. The emphasis was on resilience and preparedness, ensuring that Indiaas supply chains remain robust even under international strain.

The NDA government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is closely monitoring developments in West Asia, sources said.

Officials reiterated that the administration is prepared to act swiftly and decisively should the situation escalate further. The Prime Minister has directed ministries to remain vigilant and responsive, with a clear mandate to prioritise national security and public welfare.

The meeting highlighted the governmentas broader approach of balancing immediate crisis management with long-term resilience building.

By reinforcing supply chains and infrastructure, India aims not only to shield itself from current geopolitical turbulence but also to strengthen its capacity to withstand future global disruptions.

The IGoMas deliberations indicate a coordinated effort to ensure that the nation remains secure, stable, and prepared in the face of external challenges.
Oil has rapidly turned into a front-page concern for the global economy. The price of oil trended downward for years after the Russia/Ukraine spike, but has since rocketed to around $100 a barrel or higher due to the current conflict in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

While it is unclear what the next months will hold regarding the flow of oil coming from the Middle East, it is clear that if the strait is closed for longer, the price of oil could spike to new heights due to the restriction of a large amount of supply (or destruction of infrastructure from bombings).

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This could have a detrimental impact on the global economy, hurting the stock market. However, a few energy stocks will benefit. If oil hits $150 a barrel, here are two energy stocks you are going to want to buy to hedge your portfolio.

ConocoPhillips and its upstream focus

When evaluating energy stocks poised to benefit from rising oil and natural gas prices, it is important to distinguish upstream from downstream players in the petroleum industry. Upstream players are those who explore for and extract oil and gas from the ground, while downstream players refine products. If the price of oil or natural gas rises, upstream producers can earn fat margins as they sell their product down the supply chain.

ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) is one of the largest upstream energy players in the world, and even though it has some exposure to natural gas in Qatar, the company should benefit tremendously if oil prices reach $150. Last year, it generated 2.375 million barrels of oil (or natural gas equivalents), with around 1.5 million barrels from the lower 48 states.

The last time oil prices spiked, so did ConocoPhillips' cash flow. Free cash flow peaked at over $16 billion in 2022. If oil prices reach $150, we could see free cash flow of over $20 billion. Management is guiding to return 45% of excess cash flow to shareholders in 2026, which would likely result in significant dividends and share buybacks. ConocoPhillips stock is likely to do well if oil prices zoom to $150 at some point this year.

Image source: Getty Images.

A company centered on North America

Another factor creating uncertainty is the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. If conflicts continue in the Middle East, companies with assets in North America will do much better, as they have a much safer, more reliable supply to bring to market.
Mumbai, March 28 : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National Spokesperson Tuhin Sinha, on Saturday, accused the Trinamool Congress of misgovernance, holding the state government "guilty" for the people of West Bengal.

His reaction came after Union Home Minister Amit Shah released the BJP's 35-page 'white paper' on 15 years of Trinamool Congress rule in poll-bound West Bengal.

Sinha termed BJP's awhite papera as 'charge sheet'.

The BJP leader told IANS, "Usually, such charge sheets are issued against criminals. But for whatever has happened to West Bengal under the Trinamool government's tenure in the last 15 years, it must be held 'guilty' by the people of West Bengal."

The BJP document alleged that the denial of dearness allowance to around 20 lakh state government employees and the non-implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission in West Bengal have left them aggrieved.

Speaking about the issue, Sinha said, "Due to the non-implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission, there are lakhs of workers who are being underpaid for years. Youths are migrating in large numbers from West Bengal."

Flagging reported illegal infiltration in poll-bound West Bengal, Sinha said, "Due to lack of border fencing, illegal migration is taking place regularly. Because of this illegal migration, fake voter identification cards are being made, which has now been stopped with implementation of SIR (Special Intensive Revision) of electoral rolls.

The "white paper" released by the BJP claimed that 569 km of the 2,216.7 km international border with Bangladesh in West Bengal remains un-fenced, allegedly due to delays by the state government in land acquisition for barbed fencing, which, it said, has facilitated illegal infiltration.

Tuhin Sinha also asserted, "Our (BJP's) 'charge sheet' (white paper) against the misgovernance of the Trinamool government, informs and cautions the people how West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was taking the state towards darkness."

"I think West Bengal is just five weeks away from creating history and it is evident that Trinamool Congress will lose the upcoming Assembly election," he added.

Meanwhile, on the "collapse of social infrastructure", BJP's "white paper" cited the cancellation of 26,000 teaching and non-teaching jobs in state-run schools following a Supreme Court order, which found widespread irregularities in appointments.

It also alleged deterioration in the healthcare sector, citing the state's refusal to implement Ayushman Bharat and instances of fake medicine scandals, alongside claims that super-speciality hospitals lack basic facilities.
New Delhi, March 28 : Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Saturday that India has adopted a balanced and people-centric approach to fisheries governance while participating in deliberations at the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Cameroon.

Sharing details on social media platform X, Goyal said he addressed the Ministerial Session on Fisheries Subsidies, highlighting that fisheries in India are a vital source of livelihood and food security, supporting over 9 million fishermen, largely from small, traditional and artisanal communities practising sustainable methods.

He also underlined Indiaas longstanding commitment to conservation, citing measures such as the annual fishing ban, and said sustainability has been integral to the countryas approach well before it became a global priority.

Goyal also said that the challenge of overcapacity and overfishing is primarily driven by heavily subsidised industrial fleets, and not by small-scale fishermen in developing countries.

He stressed that global decisions must remain fair and should not disproportionately impact vulnerable communities.

Goyal also extended Indiaas support for the adoption of the draft decision on fisheries subsidies, while asserting that future outcomes must be equitable and development-oriented, protecting both marine resources and livelihoods.

On the sidelines of the conference, the minister held bilateral meetings with several counterparts. He met UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Peter Kyle, and discussed priorities under the MC14 agenda as well as progress towards the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), signed in July 2025.

Goyal also held talks with Cameroonas Minister of Trade Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, congratulating the country on hosting the WTO Ministerial Conference and appreciating the organisation of the event.

The two sides discussed enhancing bilateral trade, investment and sectoral cooperation.

In another meeting, he interacted with WTO reform minister-facilitators Espen Barth Eide, Norwayas Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Chris Bryant, UK Minister of State for Trade Policy.

During these discussions, Goyal reiterated Indiaas support for a reformed, relevant and effective WTO, emphasising the need to uphold core principles such as consensus-based decision-making, Most Favoured Nation (MFN) norms and Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT) to ensure fairness in global trade.

He also highlighted PM Narendra Modias vision of strengthening the voice of the Global South in shaping a more inclusive multilateral trading system.
Mysuru, March 28 : Commenting on the controversy regarding the government's decision not to consider passing Hindi as compulsory for Secondary School Leaving Certificate (Class 10) students, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that the government has not taken any decision on a twoalanguage policy in the state yet and clarified that it is not opposed to learning Hindi.a Mysuru, March 28 (IANS) Commenting on the controversy regarding the government's decision not to consider passing Hindi as compulsory for Secondary School Leaving Certificate (Class 10) students, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that the government has not taken any decision on a twolanguage policy in the state yet and clarified that it is not opposed to learning Hindi.

He was speaking to the media at Mysuru airport on Saturday when asked whether the state government is implementing the twolanguage policy.

Siddaramaiah explained that a decision has been taken not to consider Hindi as a third language in SSLC board results from this year onwards. 

He said that from this year, marks obtained in Hindi as a third language will not be counted, and the total marks for SSLC will be reduced from 625 to 525.

Responding to questions on the attempt to implement a twolanguage policy in education and opposition from private schools, he said that any government decision may attract support or opposition. 

"The government is not against learning Hindi, but it should not be made mandatory for scoring marks in examinations," he said.

He added, "The government has made the decision. There will be people who oppose and welcome the decisions. We cannot get 100 per cent agreement on any matter. It is not about Hindi imposition or not learning Hindi, it is only about Hindi not being made compulsory for passing the board exam."

"When we were studying, Hindi was not compulsory. Since it was not compulsory, we did not bother to learn the language," he maintained.

Reacting to the upcoming byelections in the state, Siddaramaiah expressed confidence that the Congress party will win in Davanagere and Bagalkot. 

He said he would participate in the campaign from Monday and later travel to Kerala on April 5 for election campaigning.

"I will go campaigning on March 30. On March 30 and 31, I will go to Bagalkot. On April 1 and 2, I will campaign in Davanagere. On April 3 and 4, I will again go to Bagalkot. On April 5, I will go to Kerala. On April 6, I will either go to Bagalkot or Davanagere," he stated.

He noted that the Congress had won previous byelections, which he said is an indicator of future success. "We will win both seats. There is no confusion in Davanagere, and the rebel candidate has retired from the contest," he added.

Responding to a question on whether the bypoll results would settle speculation over the Chief Minister's post, Siddaramaiah said there is no connection between the elections and the CM position. "If the party high command permits, I will present the budget for the next two years as well. We act according to the directions of the high command," he said.

"Ours is a party of high command," he stated.

Replying to a question on drug trafficking in Mysuru and the Mumbai link, he said the government has launched a crackdown on the drug trade and aims to make Karnataka drugfree. 

He said authorities have identified a drug network in Mysuru and legal action will be taken against those involved.

--IANS

mka/dan
New Delhi, March 28 : The gravest mistake one can make about Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India is to treat it as a permanent social fact. Insurgencies often present themselves as historical inevitabilities. They claim to speak for the neglected, derive legitimacy from grievance, and then convert that grievance into a theory of destiny.

For years, CPI (Maoist) attempted precisely that in large parts of central and eastern India. It claimed to be the authentic political voice of deprivation. It argued that the Indian state was incapable of justice, that constitutional politics was a fraud, and that armed struggle alone could deliver dignity to tribal communities. That claim now looks considerably weaker than it once did.

This does not mean that deprivation has disappeared. It does not mean that every administrative failure has been corrected, or that every tribal citizen in former Maoist zones now experiences the state as fully responsive. It means something more important for the long arc of internal security: the ideological proposition that sustained Maoist violence is the natural or necessary vehicle of tribal emancipation is losing social traction.

The insurgency still has armed capability in pockets, but its political language has become increasingly stale.

The first reason is that the Maoist promise has always contained a contradiction that is now difficult to conceal. It claimed to represent the poor while systematically degrading the very conditions under which poorer districts could escape isolation.

Maoist formations targeted roads, schools, mobile towers, panchayat institutions, contractors, local transport links, and elected representatives.

Yet the stateas development push in LWE-affected districts is now creating hard evidence against the insurgent claim that infrastructure is merely a mask for dispossession.

By July 2025, the Union government told Parliament that 17,589 km of roads had been sanctioned under the two LWE-specific road schemes, of which 14,902 km had already been built.

In the same period, 10,644 mobile towers had been planned for LWE-affected areas and 8,640 had been commissioned. When roads, telecom and banking services arrive in places long accustomed to state absence, they do not settle every political question. But they do alter the terms on which politics is argued.

The second reason is generational. Maoist doctrine was forged in a language of revolutionary endurance, territorial contestation and armed vanguardism. Younger citizens in former insurgency belts increasingly inhabit a different social horizon. Even where poverty remains severe, the aspiration set has changed.

The stateas own data may be programmatic in tone, but the direction is difficult to ignore: 48 ITIs and 61 Skill Development Centres have been approved in LWE-affected areas, with 46 ITIs and 49 centres already functioning; 258 Eklavya Model Residential Schools have been sanctioned, of which 179 are functional; 5,899 post offices with banking services have opened in LWE districts, while the most affected districts now have 1,007 bank branches and 937 ATMs.

These are not abstractions. They create an ecosystem in which mobility, certification, salaried work, digital access and state-backed opportunity become imaginable in ways that insurgent literature cannot easily absorb.

The older Maoist grammar relied on monopolising interpretation. A district could be poor, under-administered and geographically remote; from that, the movement inferred that violent revolution had historical sanction. But once multiple pathways to mobility begin to appear, the monopoly collapses.

A road is not just a road. It reduces physical isolation, lowers transaction costs, raises the value of legal commerce, improves access to schools and health facilities, enables policing, and deepens the reach of welfare.

A mobile tower does not merely improve phone reception. It inserts citizens into informational worlds that insurgent control cannot fully regulate. A bank branch does not resolve tribal distress. But it weakens a political economy built on coercion, extortion and dependence.

There is a third reason for ideological decline: democratic India, for all its imperfections, has proved more absorbent than the Maoists expected. The movementas argument depended on showing that constitutional politics could not mediate grievances from the periphery.

Yet the Republic has done precisely that, unevenly and often belatedly, through welfare expansion, electoral competition, tribal-targeted schooling, panchayati institutions, financial inclusion, forest rights processes, district-level development packages, and the capacity of states to recalibrate policy under political pressure.

The Maoists have not merely been challenged by force. They have been challenged by the stateas ability to learn, expand and remain politically legitimate.

Official violence trends reflect this deeper political erosion. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the LWE-related incidents have fallen from 1,936 in 2010 to 222 in 2025, while civilian and security-force deaths declined from 1,005 to 95 over the same period. The number of affected districts contracted from 126 to 11, with only three now classified as most affected. These figures should not be read only as metrics of tactical success. They suggest something more structural: the insurgency is losing not merely ground, but also the social density that once allowed it to regenerate.

This is where ideology matters. A guerrilla movement can survive adverse conditions if it still possesses a convincing political story. The trouble for CPI (Maoist) is that its story has narrowed even as the expectations of the governed have widened.

An ideology built around permanent armed struggle finds it harder to recruit when the young want roads, sports, credit, teachers, phones, jobs and predictable access to the state. One may dismiss such aspirations as bourgeois or compromised; the insurgent literature often does. But that is precisely the point.

The Maoist frame increasingly asks young tribal citizens to inhabit an older hierarchy of sacrifice, while the wider society is offering, however unevenly, an alternative hierarchy of possibility.

This does not justify complacency. Deprivation, land alienation, administrative abuse and legal contestation remain real in tribal India. Any triumphalism that denies these realities will create openings for future extremism. The correct conclusion is not that ideology no longer matters, but that bad ideology cannot indefinitely survive contact with changing social aspirations.

The state still has to deliver justice, not merely presence. It has to protect tribal rights, not just extend roads. It has to remain accountable, not only armed. Yet even with those caveats, the broad conclusion is hard to escape: CPI (Maoist) is no longer losing only gunfights. It is losing the argument about the future.

(The writer is a social development leader with over two decades of on-ground experience. He specialises in womenas empowerment, rural development, CSR, WASH, and large-scale social initiatives aligned with national priorities and the SDGs.)
Rajkot, March 28 : Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Saturday inaugurated and laid the foundation for around 45 development projects worth Rs 751.20 crore across Rajkot, including the completion of 1,010 newly constructed housing units under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

The EWS-II type housing units, built at a cost of Rs 119.05 crore, provide modern facilities for families, while a Regional Transport Office and a new vehicle test track were also inaugurated at a cost of Rs 9.78 crore.

Addressing the event, Patel said, "Moving forward with the theme of 'Ease of Living' and 'Earn Well, Live Well', Rajkot today receives development works worth Rs 751.20 crore. Gujarat's development model and financial management of development works are the best in the country."

The Chief Minister emphasised that no development work necessary for citizen welfare would be left pending and that planned projects receive timely government approval. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining quality in ongoing works.

Referring to the Prime Minister's vision of a developed India by 2047, Patel said, "To realise a developed India, it is essential to bring ordinary citizens into the mainstream. For this, the Vibrant Gujarat Summit has been extended to the regional level in the state."

Mentioning the Prime Minister's 8,931 days in public office, Patel recalled that his journey as a public representative began in Rajkot and said the record continues to grow.

"The Prime Minister, working with the mantra of welfare for common people, has brought significant change in the lives of the poor. Excise duty on petrol has been reduced from Rs 13 to Rs 3, and excise on diesel has been abolished," he said.

Patel further stated that the Prime Minister's vision is for every poor and middle-class family to have their own home, and the Gujarat government is progressing steadily to realise this goal.

"Through the housing scheme in Rajkot, over 1,000 families are now receiving their dream homes," he added.

In-charge Minister for Rajkot district Jitu Vaghani described the event as a historic occasion for public welfare.

He said that over the past 15 days, the Rajkot Municipal Corporation has inaugurated and laid the foundation for works worth over Rs 1,100 crore, setting a record.

Referring to the Uniform Civil Code Bill recently introduced by the state government and passed in the Assembly, he said, "The UCC Bill is a priority, and Gujarat is the second state in the country to bring such legislation. All decisions necessary for the welfare of citizens will continue to be taken by the government."

State Urban Development Minister Darshana Vaghela said that works worth Rs 543 crore were inaugurated, while foundation-laying ceremonies for projects worth Rs 207 crore were conducted.

She congratulated citizens and said, "Beyond roads, drainage, and water supply, housing for the poor has been prioritised. The state government remains committed to people's welfare, and Rajkot will become a model city in the coming days."

MP Parsottam Rupala praised the Chief Minister's leadership in achieving comprehensive development across Gujarat and noted that the regional-level Vibrant Gujarat Summit in Rajkot was organised successfully under his guidance.

Municipal Commissioner Tushar Sumera said that road works worth Rs 161 crore and the foundation of Saurashtra's largest water filter plant were laid during the programme.
Jaipur, March 28 : In a world that often equates royalty with privilege, Princess Padmaja Kumari Parmar of the House of Mewar tells a different story, one shaped by discipline, resilience, and purpose. a Jaipur, March 28 (IANS) In a world that often equates royalty with privilege, Princess Padmaja Kumari Parmar of the House of Mewar tells a different story, one shaped by discipline, resilience, and purpose. 

Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of five, her life was defined early by a condition she could barely understand. What began as fear and confusion soon turned into a lifelong lesson in courage.

"When I was diagnosed, there was stigma, fear, and confusion all around," Padmaja recalled. "But my mother never allowed me to feel weak. She taught me that insulin is not a burden  it is my strength, my survival."

At a time when myths and home remedies were widely suggested, her mother ensured strict adherence to insulin, reinforcing that Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition  not something to be wished away. 

That clarity, Padmaja said, shaped her life's direction. As a child, one question stayed with her: What about those without access to insulin? Today, that question drives her work.

Speaking with IANS on the sidelines of the Global Summit to End Diabetes Stigma in Jaipur, attended by over 300 delegates from 30 countries, she called for a shift in perception.

"After forty years, we deserve freedom from stigma. Anything less is unacceptable," she said, emphasising that diabetes is not just a medical condition, but a social issue marked by silence and misunderstanding.

Her resilience, she said, is rooted in her upbringing. Remembering her father, the late Arvind Singh Mewar, she credited her parents for shaping her outlook. 

"My struggle began early, but my parents taught me to fight it  not with fear, but with courage and wisdom."

Padmaja's advocacy extends beyond words. She recently met Rajasthan's Health Minister to push for ensuring insulin availability at every district health centre, leading to commitments to improve access and awareness at grassroots level. 

"There was no politics behind it  only purpose, and hence the request was accepted," she said.

Acknowledging her sustained efforts, Sunil Kumar, Nodal Officer, Health Department, Government of Rajasthan, said, "Padmaja has been consistently contributing towards increasing awareness on diabetes across Rajasthan. Her continued involvement in supporting public health awareness initiatives is commendable and truly impactful."

Even as she faces public attention over a family dispute following a Delhi High Court order, Padmaja remains composed. "The truth always comes out," she said, declining further comment.

From a child learning to live with insulin to a global advocate, her journey speaks of strength. "This is not just my story," she said. 

"It is the story of every child who feels different, every family that feels alone, and every life waiting to be understood."

--IANS

arc/dan


New Delhi, March 28 : Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra on Saturday visited an exhibition at Bharat Mandapam under the International Film Festival of Delhi (IFFD) and experienced the journey of Indian cinema from its inception.a New Delhi, March 28 (IANS) Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra on Saturday visited an exhibition at Bharat Mandapam under the International Film Festival of Delhi (IFFD) and experienced the journey of Indian cinema from its inception.

Cinema enthusiasts, researchers, and artists explored the rich history of Indian and global cinema through the exhibition, said a statement.

The Minister stated that the exhibition not only showcases the journey of Indian films but also highlights their global popularity and India's influence as a soft power.

Art collector TRIS's Neville Tuli curated the exhibition, presenting legendary artists from multiple generations while offering insights into the evolution of Indian and global cinema  from the classic era to modern times  along with its challenges and achievements. The exhibition features 12 thematic sections, said the statement.

Mishra said that the exhibition is a significant step towards establishing Delhi as a global hub for cinema and cultural research.

"It represents a confluence of cinema, education, and culture, and strengthens dialogue between Indian and world cinema," he said.

On this occasion, the Tourism Minister also interacted with visitors and students attending the festival, gathering their feedback and suggestions.

He noted that IFFD is currently at its peak, witnessing enthusiastic participation from young talents, filmmakers, and prominent figures from across the country.

Mishra said that the festival is not merely a celebration of cinema but also a powerful platform for talent from across the nation.

He highlighted that masterclasses, workshops, and script pitching sessions are being successfully organised, providing valuable opportunities to youth and cinema enthusiasts  an achievement of the festival.
Imphal/Agartala, March 28 : The India Meteorological Department's Meteorological Centre in Imphal has issued a warning for thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and light to moderate rainfall at isolated places across all 16 districts of Manipur over the next five days.a Imphal/Agartala, March 28 (IANS) The India Meteorological Department's Meteorological Centre in Imphal has issued a warning for thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and light to moderate rainfall at isolated places across all 16 districts of Manipur over the next five days.

Amid rising concerns, the office of the Deputy Commissioner in the mountainous Kaching district has released a public advisory urging residents to remain vigilant following a steady rise in water levels of the Imphal River and Sekmai River.

The advisory, issued by District Magistrate Uppuluri Chaitanya, highlighted the potential risk of flooding in low-lying areas of Kaching district due to continuous rainfall and runoff from surrounding regions.

Residents, especially those living in vulnerable zones, have been advised to stay alert, avoid riverbanks, and prepare for possible evacuation if conditions worsen.

Authorities and local officials have been directed to ensure the preparedness of relief measures, including the provision of safe shelters and the deployment of emergency response teams. 

Citizens have also been urged to closely follow official updates and contact district control rooms in case of emergencies.

Quoting the IMD's forecast, the District Magistrate noted that persistent rainfall is expected across the state and various parts of the district over the next five days, starting Saturday. 

He said the IMD has forecast thunderstorms with lightning, gusty winds at speeds of 30 to 40 kmph, and heavy rainfall on Sunday (March 29), with an orange alert issued. 

The public has been advised to remain alert and take necessary precautions to prevent loss of life and property.

According to the midday weather update issued on Saturday, scattered rain accompanied by thunderstorms is very likely across the state on March 28. The weather is expected to become fairly widespread on March 29 and 30, with many areas likely to receive rainfall.

Districts such as Imphal West, Imphal East, Senapati, Ukhrul, and Churachandpur are expected to witness relatively higher rainfall activity during the early phase of the forecast period. 

From March 31 onwards, rainfall activity is likely to decrease in intensity. However, scattered thunderstorms are expected in several districts, while isolated rainfall may occur in parts of the valley districts, including Bishnupur, Thoubal, and surrounding areas, until April 3.

The IMD categorises rainfall distribution as isolated (occurring at one or two places), scattered (at a few places), and fairly widespread (at many places). The term "very likely" indicates a probability of 60 to 70 per cent for rainfall and thunderstorms.

Residents have been advised to stay updated with official forecasts through the MAUSAM mobile application or by contacting the IMD Meteorological Centre in Imphal.
Jaipur, March 28 : A shooter connected with the firing outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty's house was arrested in Rajasthan after an encounter in Sri Ganganagar. a Jaipur, March 28 (IANS) A shooter connected with the firing outside filmmaker Rohit Shettyas house was arrested in Rajasthan after an encounter in Sri Ganganagar. a

The accused was injured in a police encounter and has revealed links to a major criminal conspiracy, including a plan to open fire outside the filmmakeras residence in Mumbai.a

Identified as Akash (32), the accused, an alleged active member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, is currently undergoing treatment at the district hospital under heavy police security. The incident took place on Friday, around 8 p.m. at the Sadhuwali check post.a

According to police, Akash was riding a motorcycle without a number plate from Punjab when he was intercepted. a

He allegedly fired three rounds at the police, prompting retaliatory action in which he sustained a bullet injury to his leg.a

Inspector General Om Prakash, addressing a press conference on Saturday, confirmed that Akash operates under the direction of gangster Arzoo Bishnoi, a key associate of the Lawrence gang currently based abroad. a

He added that the accused was in constant contact with gang members via social media and has been involved in crimes across Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab.a

Superintendent of Police Harishankar said preliminary investigation revealed that Akash, along with his associate Shiva Gurjar, had accepted a contract to fire outside Rohit Shettyas Mumbai residence.a

The task was allegedly assigned by Arzoo Bishnoi, and both accused were coordinating through online platforms.a

Police also noted that the Arzoo Bishnoi gang had claimed responsibility for the firing incident outside the filmmakeras residence on January 31. a

Akash was described as a professional shooter, primarily involved in reconnaissance and execution of targeted attacks. a

He was a resident of Agra, Uttar Pradesh, and cases were registered against him in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Rajasthan, including Hanumangarh.a

Known for conducting surveillance before carrying out attacks, he had recently conducted reconnaissance in areas including Sirsa (Haryana), Bhadra, and Gogamedi, investigators said. a

Akashas associate, Shiva Gurjar (20), was arrested on March 23 from Jaipur Central Jail on a production warrant.a

He is accused of involvement in reconnaissance operations and arms supply. a

Police said both accused worked under instructions from Arzoo Bishnoi, while jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi allegedly provided targets.a

Akash is currently undergoing treatment at a government hospital in Sri Ganganagar, where tight security has been deployed. a

Police are interrogating both accused to uncover further details about the network and planned attacks.

a--IANS

arc/dan
Thiruvananthapuram, March 28 : Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Saturday urged the youth to take the lead in building a strong and developed India.

He was speaking at an interactive session held at Lok Bhavan. The event featured a talk by Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Space Research Organisation, titled "India in Space, India in Strength: The Youth Roadmap to Viksit Bharat."

The Governor said every Indian must work hard to make the vision of a better nation a reality.

Referring to the line "Sare Jahan Se Achha Hindustan Hamara," he noted that it should not remain just a slogan but must be reflected in action and progress.

Shukla spoke directly to students and young participants, describing youth as the country's real strength.

He said confidence, courage, and hard work will define India's future, urging them not to fear failure and to aim high.

Sharing his experience in space, Shukla spoke about his mission to the International Space Station as part of Axiom-4.

He said seeing India from space was a powerful moment, with the country appearing vast, united, and full of promise.

He also highlighted scientific work conducted during the mission, including experiments with rice seeds from Kerala, noting that such efforts demonstrate how local knowledge can support global science.

Governor Arlekar said India's growth will depend on innovation and new ideas.

He added that the country's space journey proves that no goal is too far, calling upon the youth to use their talent and imagination for national progress.

The session ended with an interaction where students asked questions and shared ideas. The message was clear: India's future rests in the hands of its young minds.
Could Californias eco-friendly policies push it toward a fuel shortage?

Thats what Chevron president Andy Walz recently warned, saying state leaders need to rethink their laws as the Iran war puts a strain on the companys operations.

Must Read

They need to abandon the tax on refineries or they wont have any refineries in 10 years, Walz said in an interview with Bloomberg (1). If it stays that way  Chevron will be gone in 10 years for sure. We wont be able to make it.

One reason this issue is so dire in California is its reliance on foreign imports, which Walz has called a dangerous game. Specifically, California and Chevron take in oil from Asian countries (2), most impacted by the Strait of Hormuz shutdown.

According to the nonprofit group Californians for Energy Independence (3), 70% of the states crude oil supplies are foreign imports. Since Chevron also sources its oil from regions now experiencing shortages, operating in California is increasingly unsustainable.

But beyond this supply shock, Californias regulatory climate isnt all that kind to Big Oil. Policies that emphasize environmental regulations and taxes (4) on the fuel industry put further stress on Chevrons costs.

In a recent letter (5) to California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Chevron explicitly criticized changes to the Cap-and-Invest program (6), which is a statewide policy that requires companies to pay permits for the carbon they produce.

In Chevrons eyes, these tighter emissions caps and increased compliance costs translate to higher fuel prices and weaker energy reliability.

Chevron concluded that, The California energy industrys economic, industrial, environmental, and national security benefits have been the foundation of a healthy, prosperous state and nation. Adversarial policies at local, regional and state levels have eroded that foundation. These proposed regulatory changes threaten to destroy it.

With two of the largest refineries in the state, a shutdown of Chevrons operations would cut Californias capacity by 34% according to the California Energy Commissions data (7).

An energy island with no easy escape

There are many reasons California is particularly vulnerable to gas price surges, but one of the biggest is its isolated infrastructure.
Shivamogga, March 28 : The death of a young veterinarian in Karnataka's Shivamogga has taken a new turn, with her family, on Saturday, alleging a larger conspiracy behind the incident and evidence pointing to lapses at the Tyavarekoppa Tiger and Lion Safari facility.

Sources on Saturday have confirmed that her WhatsApp chats, highlighting deficiencies in basic facilities and animal care at the safari, have been found.

The 27-year-old Sameeksha Reddy died after being attacked by a hippopotamus at the Tyavarekoppa Tiger and Lion Safari in Shivamogga on March 20.

The incident had triggered concern with her family crying foul.

Sameeksha's uncle Rajasekhar, has made serious allegations, claiming that there was a larger conspiracy behind her death.

He questioned how a jeep was sent into the enclosure area without proper authorisation and who had access to the key of the hippopotamus enclosure gate.

He also alleged negligence on the part of officials, saying that the circumstances leading to the incident raise several unanswered questions.

He criticised the conduct of certain staffers, alleging insensitive behaviour in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Rajasekhar also said that Sameeksha had previously raised concerns about conditions at the safari, including issues related to feeding of animals.

He claimed that she had written to senior officials via email highlighting these problems.

He also alleged that the driver, identified as Karthik, who had taken Sameeksha in a jeep on the day of the incident, is currently untraceable and has not been produced before authorities.

According to Sameeksha's uncle, the driver may hold crucial information about the sequence of events.

Alleging broader mismanagement, he said there were basic shortcomings at the facility, including lack of adequate drinking water, and claimed that Samiksha had been under considerable stress due to the working conditions.

He demanded that the state government take strict action against the officials concerned, holding them accountable for the incident.

According to sources, the Whatsapp chats indicate that Sameeksha had raised concerns about inadequate supplies and shortcomings in animal health management and safety arrangements.

She had reportedly sent messages seeking necessary provisions and improvements at the Tyavarekoppa facility.

Speaking to the media on March 21, Naveen, another uncle of Sameeksha Reddy, alleged negligence by officials and demanded strict action.

He said a vehicle had been arranged to take Sameeksha to the safari, and the hostel warden had sent two girls along with her.

A guard then took her inside the enclosure to examine the hippopotamus.

Questioning the decision, Naveen Reddy said that authorities should have exercised basic caution while dealing with a dangerous wild animal.

He added that even predators like lions tend to avoid hippopotamuses and criticised officials for allowing a trainee to approach the animal at close range.

Naveen also said that the hippopotamus was due to give birth within a week and would have been in a highly sensitive and defensive state, increasing the risk of a sudden attack.

Remembering Sameeksha, he said her death was a huge loss.

He described Sameeksha as a compassionate, meritorious student deeply committed to animal welfare.

Despite having the means for a comfortable life, she chose service over commercial pursuits.

He added that Sameeksha had a strong passion for helping animals since childhood and often coordinated with veterinary doctors in Bengaluru to address issues related to stray animals.

She had also been advised to pursue higher studies abroad, but chose to remain in India to serve.

"She was extremely compassionate towards animals. I have never seen anyone like her," Naveen Reddy said.

State Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Eshwar Khandre termed the incident "unfortunate" and ordered a high-level probe.
Mumbai, March 28 : The Maharashtra Agriculture Department, on Saturday, issued an urgent advisory for farmers and citizens as the state braces for a fresh spell of volatile weather.

Starting from March 30, a combination of cloudy skies and afternoon thunderstorms is expected to sweep across several regions, potentially bringing hail and high-velocity winds up to April 4.

According to the latest Meteorological data, the weather pattern is expected to evolve in three phases.

On March 30, intense activity is predicted in Khandesh, Marathwada, Western Vidarbha, and the Ghat areas of Central Maharashtra.

These regions are likely to experience lightning, gusty winds, and localised hailstorms.

On March 31, a temporary reduction in intensity is expected; however, atmospheric instability will persist, leading to scattered light rain and cloudy conditions.

From April 1 to 4, the intensity of the storms is projected to escalate again.

Widespread rain, thunderstorms, and potential hail are expected across Central Maharashtra, Khandesh, Marathwada, and Vidarbha, the state government statement said.

With the Rabi harvest currently in full swing, the Agriculture Department has urged farmers to prioritise the safety of their produce.

"Harvested crops should be moved to secure storage immediately or covered with waterproof tarpaulins to prevent damage from rain and moisture. Farmers are advised to plan any remaining harvesting or spraying activities based on local weather updates to avoid losses due to sudden wind or hailstorm," the statement added.

To prevent loss of life and livestock during lightning strikes and heavy winds, the state government has issued safety protocols, including proper shelter, maintain safe distance from utilities and ensure livestock safety.

"Avoid standing under trees or in temporary tin sheds during thunderstorms. Maintain a safe distance from electric transformers, power poles, and high-voltage transmission lines. Ensure domestic animals are moved to sturdy, closed shelters away from open fields," the Agriculture department said in its advisory for farmers.

According to the government statement, this weather shift is typical of the pre-monsoon transition, where rising summer temperatures create atmospheric instability.

For Maharashtra's agrarian economy, late March and early April are critical as crops like wheat, gram (harbhara), and various fruits are at the harvesting stage.

Sudden hailstorms in previous years have caused significant economic distress, making these early warnings vital for disaster mitigation.
Patna, March 28 : In a major crackdown on narcotics trafficking, Patna Police has busted a large-scale drug racket and arrested two accused, seizing over 21 kg of smack with an estimated international market value of around Rs 25 crore.

The operation was carried out under the jurisdiction of Alamganj Police Station following specific intelligence inputs received on March 27.

Acting on the inputs, a special raiding team was constituted under the supervision of City SP (East) Parichay Kumar.

During the initial raid at Royal Green Apartment in the Alamganj area, police recovered 1.681 kg of processed brown sugar, Rs 2.15 lakh in cash, seven mobile phones, and a tempo used for transportation.

Based on the interrogation of the arrested accused, a second raid was conducted at a residence in Khemni Chak under Ramkrishnanagar Police Station.

From there, officials recovered a large consignment of narcotics, including 16 kg of smack (in stone and powder form) and 3.5 kg of a cutting agent. Additionally, equipment used in drug processing -- such as a mixer-grinder and three digital weighing machines -- along with bank cheques and other incriminating materials were seized.

In total, 21.181 kg of smack has been recovered in the operation.

According to Patna SSP Kartikeya Sharma, around 1.6 kg was seized from Alamganj, while the remaining quantity was recovered from the Ramkrishnanagar area.

The two arrested accused, identified as Jitendra Kumar and Nitish Kumar, are currently being interrogated.

Police said both individuals have a prior criminal history and had earlier been jailed in a drug trafficking case involving the seizure of 9 kg of smack around five years ago, indicating a long-running organised network.

In a significant development, the name of a police constable, Rishikesh Kumar, has also surfaced during the investigation. Reportedly posted in Bhagalpur, he has been absent from duty for the past eight to nine months.

Preliminary findings suggest his involvement in the drug trade for nearly two years, and efforts are underway to arrest him.

The police also seized firearms, including a pistol and a country-made katta, along with a magazine and eight cheques a" two of which are reportedly linked to police personnel.

Authorities suspect that 6 to 15 more individuals may be involved in the racket. Further investigation is underway to dismantle the network.
The journalists The Descent explores the bleak national psychology behind Russias long decline into authoritarianism.

You left Russia in 2022 after living there for 25 years. You witnessed a lot of change.

It was another country in the 1990s. There was the war in Chechnya and massive corruption, but Yeltsins administration didnt control the flow of information. There were satirical shows about Yeltsin on TV. Now, Russia has basically returned to a totalitarian system that we hadnt seen since Stalin.

Russia still has a parliament, elections, media. Why dont they function as checks on Putin?

Russias parliament hasnt been a check for years. In 2005, the speaker said that parliament isnt a place for discussion. Elections are a joke. The only candidates who can run are those approved by the Kremlin. The only Russian-language independent media now operates outside the country. Inside the country, its totally crushed. When Putin invaded Ukraine in 2022, he gave the order to destroy any remnants of opposition and to force out or kill anyone who disagreed with him.

You write about how shocking it was when your mother-in-law started repeating propaganda demonizing the West.

In 2014, when Russia sent troops into Crimea and eastern Ukraine, state TV became borderline hysterical. The idea of nuking the West was routinely brought up. Now theres a constant drumbeat: The West wants to destroy us. Youre in danger. Only Putin can save us. Its really poisonous.

Since you left Russia, youve gone to Ukraine to cover the war.

Its hard to find words to describe the sufferingand the sadism. The landscape is devastated. Ukrainians, both POWs and civilians, are routinely tortured.

Is Putin in his right mind?

Only someone whod lost his grip on reality would have given the order to invade Ukraine. I think Putin lost it when he was in isolation during the pandemic. The only people he had contact with were ex-KGB men who filled his head with wild conspiracy theories. One of them, Nikolai Patrushev, believes that the U.S. wants to invade Russia because a supervolcano under Yellowstone National Park is going to explode and render North America uninhabitable.

What comes after Putin?

One Putin ally told me, After Putinism, there will be Putinismmeaning that his authoritarian style is so deeply imprinted that it will outlive him. I wish it werent true, but I dont have any hope for a democratic Russia. The madness goes so deep that it will take a long time to uproot. I dont think I will ever live there again.
For nearly 40 years, Walter Mosley has been producing genre-defying books that blend literary fiction and social commentary, and offer unvarnished perspectives on the world. One of Americas most popular mystery writersknown for his acclaimed Easy Rawlins series, about a Black hard-boiled private eye and WWII vetMosley also writes thrillers, science fiction and fantasy novels, coming-of-age tales, and westerns. Im very interested in genre, the author says over Zoom from his home in Santa Monica, Calif. I just keep coming at them one after another. There are many different ways to tell stories.

Ghalen, Mosleys latest, is a coming-of-age story with a romantic twistand the authors first foray into the romance genre. It concerns Ghalen, a brilliant young Black man living in Los Angeles, who must navigate family drama, heartbreak, and betrayal as he struggles to become his own person in an unforgiving and violent landscape. I wanted to write a book about Black love, and about Black people being in love, Mosley says. My job is to create characters who are real and believable. And, you know, they dont have to be real, but they do have to be believable.

Mosley has written more than 60 books, including Devil in a Blue Dress, his 1990 debut and the first installment in the Easy Rawlins series; the writing guide This Year You Write Your Novel; and the thriller The Man in My Basement, which was made into a Hulu film. Hes also the creator and executive producer of the Apple TV+ series The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey, based on his 2010 novel, and a writer and producer on FXs Snowfall. He has received the Mystery Writers of Americas Grand Master Award, PEN Americas Lifetime Achievement Award, and the National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. His books have sold more than 3.5 million copies, according to his agency, Watkins/Loomis, and have been translated into 25 languages.

Mosley favors stories that showcase strong Black male heroes, which he says he doesnt always see in books and film. With Black people, theyre a preacher, pimp, prisoner, or sidekick, he says. These are things that they can be because thats whats represented. I know Black men in so many different ways. Theyre my heroes, my friends, my teachers.

Ghalen, which will be published in May by Amistad, spotlights an array of heroessome quiet, others unexpected. And while its not a swoony romance in the traditional sense, the book offers an examination of love in its various formsfrom self-love to familial and romantic lovewhile also exploring racism, violence, and personal freedom. The novel opens in 1999, when Ghalens parents-to-be meet at a farmers market and fall in love. His father, Robert, is a cook whos neurodivergent, and his mother, Jamilah, is an aspiring scientist. The pair get married, despite objections from Jamilahs mother, and have Ghalen, who embodies their hopes for the future.

When Ghalen is in grade school, tragedy strikes the family, and he becomes his fathers de facto support systema role that wears on Ghalen as he gets older. At 16, he heads off to college, but he grows disillusioned and burns to know the real world. When Ghalen falls for Lovely, his best friends girlfriend, his passion sets off a series of events that put his life in danger.

Abby West, editorial director at Amistad, is excited to publish Ghalen in the same year that the imprintwhich is dedicated to amplifying Black voicesturns 40. I fell in love with Ghalen immediately, West says. The characters are both familiar and unique, in that you dont normally see them in our literature. I challenge anyone to get two chapters in and not be rooting for every single person in this book.

An L.A. native, Mosley, 74, grew up in a time of counterculturalism and activism in the city. He was raised by a Jewish mother and a Black father, in a caring home where he was encouraged to succeed. Im an only childI love everything I do, he says.

Mosley graduated from Johnson State College in Vermont in 1977 with a degree in political science and worked as a computer programmer in the 70s and 80s. I had to make money, and it was either become a nurse or a programmer, he recalls. I hate the sight of blood. Honestly, thats what it came down to.

Mosley put his computer programming career on hold in the late 80s to pursue fiction and earned an MA in creative writing from the City College of New York in 1991. While there, he wrote Devil in the Blue Dress, a trailblazing novel about racial tension and corruption in L.A. in 1948 that sparked conversations about the representation of Black characters in crime fiction. Before anybody reads a book, it doesnt even exist, Mosley says. After you read it, youre having a collaboration with other people.

Mosley is also the founder of the Publishing Certificate Program at City College, which helps students from underrepresented communities find jobs in publishing. He wants readers to see themselves in modern fiction, particularly those whove historically been marginalized. If you come from a culture thats excluded from the mainstream, then all the things you know, feel, and see arent there, he says. Its like you, your experiences, your history, doesnt exist.

Ruth Dickey, executive director of the National Book Foundation, describes Mosley as an extraordinary literary citizen whose contribution to literature reaches far beyond his books. Walter is a steward of literary institutionsa supporter of other writers, and of publishing in the broadest possible sense, she says.

Mosley, who divides his time between Santa Monica and New York City, devotes three hours a day to writing, a practice he established in the 80s. Gloria Loomis, his agent, has been with him from the start of his career, and says his passion and work ethic are unmatched. Walters energy is endless, Loomis notes. Hes helped move the needle in the culture. He has this font of characters and creativity within himself that he can call forth. A lot of writers wish they had that, but Walter does it every morning.

When hes not writing books, Mosley is working on scripts or drawing and painting. On a shelf in his office, next to a photo of his father, are tubes of paint. He likes to draw abstract, human-like figures that appear to be dancingand will typically draw a dozen of them, all crowded together on a single page of his sketchbook. Each of the dancing figures appears to be moving to the beat of their own drummer, much like the author has done throughout his career.

Mosley keeps his sketchbooks on his desk, next to his computer, where he sits each day and writes mysteries, sci-fi epics, romantic talesor whatever else moves him. Writing is magic, he says. My books, I love them all.

Elaine Szewczyks writing has appeared in McSweeneys and other publications. Shes the author of the novel Im with Stupid.
Resources are scarce at most of the nations 900-plus prison libraries. State and local library systemsand individual librarianscarve out time and funding from operations budgets to meet significant needs.

Prison libraries are under-resourced, understaffed, and dont have materials that reflect the lived realities of incarcerated people, says Emily Durkin, American Library Association public policy manager. Prisons dont allow internet access, she adds, and approved electronic devices rarely offer meaningful access to books and library services in the way that we would like. The current system, according to Durkin, is not scalable, and additional funding will be essential to develop collections and circulate resources.

Legislation introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives aims to address the problem. The Prison Libraries Act would create one-year grants to advance reintegration efforts, reduce recidivism, and increase educational opportunities, per the bill, requiring $10 million in federal spending each year through 2031. The legislation could transform library services for a vulnerable population.

Malcolm Tariq, director of PEN Americas Prison and Justice Writing program, notes that incarcerated people are often down to paper, pens, typewriters, and they pay for bare-bones digital communications. Librarians must keep such limits in mind when designing for prisons and transitional spaces.

Tom Auger, a senior librarian at DeKalb (Ga.) County Public Library, teaches digital literacy inside and outside prison. His patrons may have been in prison for 20 years, so their tech skills need beefing up, he says. Auger got permission from the Georgia Department of Corrections to present slideshows and later negotiated to bring in a 12-laptop cart for learners. His administrator allocated a generous amount, $1,000, for the purchase of books on creating business plans and entrepreneurship, he says.

St. Louis (Mo.) County Library found room in its budget to establish a Justice Services team. Department manager Megan Phifer-Davis says SLCL offers library cards, education in the trades for adults, and a circulating book collection for juvenile detention centers. She also hears demand for downloadable, though expensive, digital content, and looks for unconventional ways to provide a platform, considering the security and IT issues common in correctional facilities.

The San Francisco Public Librarys Jail and Reentry Services department is an incubator for accessibility initiatives. JARS supports a cell-to-cell book cart, a partnership with Hoopla for digital content, and a reentry plan in which people use jail IDs to get library cardsprograms that sound simple yet are anything but. SFPL's Mellon-funded Expanding Information Access for Incarcerated People project, now in its fifth year, connects like-minded librarians who want to learn more about serving prison systems; it also provides free virtual access to library services for people who are incarcerated or in reentry. This grant supported ALA's revision of its Standards for the Incarcerated and Detained and enabled free access to Chromebooks by justice-impacted people.

Sharing e-book readers is a start, yet there is overwhelming demand for books and media. People inside are voracious readers, says SFPL librarian Jeanie Austin. In California alone, almost 100,000 people are incarcerated, so 30 licensed copies of an e-book dont do much. Austin thinks the Prison Libraries Act might incentivize companies to find creative solutions to provide prison populations with e-resources.

Estelle Yim, a 20232025 ALA digital literacy fellow who worked with SFPL, says expenditures pay social dividends. The same tax dollars that fund prisons and jails fund our libraries, they note, and incarcerated people benefit from education and interaction. Having materials to access and having people work with them made their experience in prison monumentally better.

Yim recently shared this expertise with ReConnect CT, a digital education project at the University of Connecticut that assists people reentering society. ReConnect CT is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, and its awesome that higher ed and policy institutions are converging around this topic, Yim says.

Austin likewise believes awareness is expanding. Should the Prison Libraries Act pass, they say, librarians have the opportunity for more free resources to be made available, for people who are incarcerated to be viewed as members of the public, and for the public to think about how this is for the good of all of us.

This article has been updated.
Now in its sixth year, BolognaBookPlus, the Bologna Childrens Book Fairs general trade publishing initiative run in collaboration with the Italian Publishers Association, continues to grow and is offering its most ambitious program yet. The 2026 event includes two new professional tracks, an expanded AI Summit, and a pair of exhibitions making their European debuts.

Headlining the new additions is the Designer Studio, a slate of events dedicated to art direction, editorial design, and illustration for adults, intended to foster dialogue between visual designers and artists and the general trade market. Programming is curated by Mimaster Illustrazione, the organization behind BCBFs popular Illustrators Survival Corner. In this inaugural edition, the focus will be on book cover design, with master classes and hands-on workshops where designers and illustrators develop actual covers.

In a digital age, how books look online and how theyre designed becomes so much more important, says Jacks Thomas, guest director of BBPlus. This is the one book fair where you can be certain that illustration is right at the heart of everything.

The Designer Studios speaker list includes illustrators Pablo Amargo, Jon Gray, Lorenzo Mattotti, and Riccardo Vecchio, along with art directors and graphic designers DJ Stout of Pentagram and Cecilia Flegenheimer of Mondadori. The space will also display the gold and silver medalists from the Society of Illustrators Annual Illustration Competition in the book category for 20222026. In addition, there will be a preview of Balbusso Twins: Illustrating with Two Souls, a show curated by the Society of Illustrators in collaboration with Pentagram and opening in New York City on April 15.

Also new this year is WritersLab, which will give writersacross fiction, nonfiction, childrens, and professional publishinga dedicated area to network, talk shop, and share best practices. A series of workshops will look at such subjects as marketing, career development, and how to handle rights.

The second edition of the BBPlus AI Summit will take place the morning of Tuesday, April 14. The half-day program opens with a keynote from Shimmr AI founder Nadim Sadek on AI as a new creative medium, before moving into sessions on agentic publishing workflows and data-driven editorial decision making. Regina Brooks, CEO of Serendipity Literary Agency and president of the Association of American Literary Agents, and Rafa Kosik, the BBPlus author ambassador, will discuss control, compensation, and creative rights in the AI era. The summit will close with two conversations about leadership in the age of AI, featuring Paul Kelly, CEO of DK, and Mary McAveney, president and CEO of Abrams Books.

AI is no longer just a tool for efficiency, but a new medium for creativity and decision-making, says summit curator Brooke Dobson of Shimmr AI. This years summit explores the real-world impact of that shift.

Kosik is a natural fit as author ambassador. The Polish publisher and international bestselling science-fiction writer has more than 30 books to his name, including the young adult series Felix, Net and Nika, as well as the childrens series Amelia and Kuba. He also wrote the script for the anime Cyberpunk 2077: Edgerunners. Kosik will appear throughout the BBPlus program, with AI and the evolving author-technology relationship as running themes. Additionally, Norwegian illustrator Mari Kanstad Johnsen will serve as BBPluss illustration ambassador and will host talks and workshops throughout the fair.

Other returning highlights include the Audio Forum, curated by Book Beats Nathan Hull, on Wednesday, April 15, at the BBPlus Theatre, with speakers from Audible, Gallimard, Pan Macmillan, and Spotify examining how technology and commerce are reshaping audio storytelling. Not to be forgotten, the rights training course How to Sell Rights and Understand Licensing in Childrens Publishing returns on Sunday, April 12, the day before the fair opens. As far as we know, it is the only such training program offered at any major international book fair, Thomas says.
In recent years, Western European leaders have convened to identify ways to strengthen the regions global influence. Their proposals to enhance its competitiveness and economic growth range from leveraging financial markets to accelerating investment in clean energy infrastructure. Yet one priority remains more important than the rest: technological innovation. Despite ongoing discussions about improving its technological capabilities by increasing investment in advanced technologies and improving supercomputing infrastructure, Western Europes policymakers have not done enough to facilitate technological growth. If Western Europe seeks to remain an important global power, it must prioritize innovation in artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies.

For more than three decades, Western Europe has lagged behind the United States and China in the development and commercialization of technology. As the onset of the first digital revolution changed the global political landscape in the mid-1990s, the United States and China capitalized on the economic opportunity the internet offered, forming numerous technological companies and applying innovative ways to incorporate digital technology into their economies. Western Europe, by contrast, proved to be less effective at leveraging these opportunities, choosing to prioritize growth in mid-technology industries. While it retained dominance in the automotive, telecommunications, machinery, and transport equipment industries, it did not achieve comparable performance in the innovative and high-technology sectors that are integral to the world economy, such as artificial intelligence, industrial and communication technologies, biotechnology, and cloud computing.

By shifting attention away from technological growth, Western European leaders helped to generate a power shift in which China has substantial influence on the global economy and Europe is struggling to compete with it in various sectors, including sectors it used to dominate, such as the automobile industry. As a result, Western Europes highly talented workforce struggles to compete with the United States and China in technology. They also created a situation in which many of its nations, such as Italy, have difficulty defending themselves and their American allies against Russian subversion. Without the ability to effectively innovate and commercialize advanced technologies in the military sector, Western Europe will continue to have difficulty shaping the world order to promote democracy, ensure security, and maintain global stability.

The consequences of this decision have become increasingly visible. Today, Western Europes political influence has declined in recent decades and its role in the world economy has become less significant. In todays globalized, technologically-driven world, economic growth in innovative and high-technology sectors is paramount for political influence. Without a political structure that supports innovation in AI, cloud computing, biotechnology, and information and commercial technologies, Western Europe risks losing its relevance as a global power.

What the Evidence Reveals: Technological Decline and its Adverse Effects On Western European Entrepreneurs

Western Europes inability to be on par in technology with dominant powers is not due to a lack of talent or initiative: its the direct result of a combination of policies that have harmed business growth. Many have attributed this shortcoming to its politicians application of social-market capitalism. According to Eurreporter, The EUs commitment to social-market capitalism, which blends free-market policies with social protections, has led to rising taxes, more regulation, and fewer incentives for businesses to innovate or expand (para. 5). Therefore, social-market capitalism hinders Western Europes ability to strengthen the enforcement of social policies while supporting business expansion and innovation.

Current EU regulations on European technology companies is arguably the most significant contributing factor to Western Europes lack of global dominance in technology. These regulations have made it more difficult for entrepreneurs to turn their business ideas into technological products and services after filing patents. Western Europes primary challenge is not its capacity to generate innovation, but to scale it. While the region generates high-quality research and has a skilled workforce, it consistently struggles to translate these advantages into globally competitive technology companies. As Mario Draghi noted, innovation is blocked at the next stage; we are failing to translate innovation into commercialization, and innovative companies that want to scale up in Europe are hindered at every stage by inconsistent and restrictive regulations.

Recent legislation has failed to mitigate this issue. Some attribute these policies shortcomings to the European Unions prohibitive approach to innovation, which enables the government to manage and preempt entrepreneurs problems related to business expansion and innovation rather than let them figure out the methods that will work for their businesses. The Digital Markets Act is an excellent example of how the EU regulates technological innovation in a restrictive manner. As Schneider explains, "Initiatives like the Digital Markets Act illustrate the EUs intent to dictate technology companies behavior, imposing extensive rules to forestall potential problems rather than letting these problems be resolved as they emerge. This enhanced bureaucracy has created a situation in which many Western European-owned technology companies are not given the opportunity to resolve their business problems related to expansion and innovation. Therefore, strategies for enhancing Western Europes technological growth must prioritize reducing regulatory barriers on businesses over enforcing the current regulations on technology companies.

Western Europes current political priorities have also contributed to its technological decline. Throughout much of the 21st century, its leaders have focused on creating and enforcing social and environmental policies, oftentimes at the expense of European business growth. As they prioritized the implementation of social welfare, climate change and green agendas, and policies aimed at facilitating migrant integration into European society, they paid insufficient attention to helping its workforce drive economic growth through the creation of breakthrough technologies. These policies have generated negative impacts on European technology companies, such as increased compliance costs and a struggle to meet the EUs environmental and human rights supply chain standards, and have delayed business growth and innovation in several nations.

From Lagging Behind to Thriving: How Western Europe Can Support Future Technological Innovation

Politicians, scholars, and other professionals in policy circles have highlighted a wide range of solutions that could enhance Western Europes technological development. Many emphasized the importance of restructuring how the European Union operates to facilitate technological innovation and help Western Europes entrepreneurs commercialize their products and services. In their working paper for the European Central Bank, Jonathan Bothner, Paloma Lopez-Garcia, Daphne Momferatou, and Ralph Setzer argued that improving the quality of Europes institutions and reducing regulatory barriers on technological businesses are paramount for strengthening Western Europes technological growth, arguing that less bureaucratic governmental organizations and less barriers to technological growth in innovative and high-tech sectors can generate technological influence.

European institutions are beginning to recognize the adverse consequences of recent legislation on Western European-owned businesses, including technological companies. For example, the European Parliaments Commission has created proposals in favor of dismantling red tape on businesses and making legislation less complex for businesses to reduce bureaucracy in the European Union. Additionally, the European Central Bank emphasized the creation of policies that increase business entry into product and services markets and facilitate companies ability to use certain technologies and data, explaining that creating policies that do the opposite can hinder the adoption of new technologies by increasing costs for new high-technology firms, therefore reducing competition and constraining technology spillovers. Others have discussed the importance of increased business engagement in Europes research and development sector. According to the German IFO Institute, the European Union is behind in research and development because business engagement in this sector has decreased. As Schitzer explains, This is also reflected in the data illustrated by Eurostat. In 2020, the business expenditure on R&D accounted for 1.2% of the EUs GDP, while US expenditure was double that (para. 4). Western Europe still provides insufficient funding to its research and development sector, continuing a cycle in which its entrepreneurs struggle to help Western Europe become a global technological power.

The Time For Western European Technological Leadership Has Arrived

Western Europes technological challenges stem from a combination of policy choices, including a focus on growth in mid-technology industries, regulatory complexity, and reduced government support for technological companies. Addressing these issues will require a variety of targeted reforms that reduce barriers to business expansion, strengthen private-sector investment in research and development, and prioritize leadership in innovative and high-technology sectors, such as artificial intelligence. Without such changes, Western Europe risks losing its geopolitical influence in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
Investors have poured money into energy stock ETFs this year as oil prices have climbed to near their highest levels since 2022.



Roughly $13 billion has flowed into U.S.-listed energy equity ETFs. Of that, $5.1 billion has gone into the Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE), which tracks energy stocks in the S&P 500. Another roughly $1 billion has gone into the Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE), which includes smaller energy companies as well.



While those funds havent matched the eye-popping gains of oil futures ETFs like the United States Oil Fund (USO) and the United States Brent Oil Fund (BNO), which are up 70% and 79%, respectively, this year, theyve still delivered standout returns.



XLE and VDE are each up about 39%, sharply outperforming the S&P 500s 5% loss and making energy by far the best-performing sector in the stock market this year.





Small Weight

Because energy stocks make up only about 4% of the broader U.S. stock market, the rally hasnt done much to help broad market ETFs, with weakness in much larger sectors such as technology and financials overwhelming the gains in energy stocks.



Investors who are bullish on energy and want to increase their exposure can use ETFs like XLE and VDE to do so.



Beyond those funds, there are also more niche ETFs focused on narrower parts of the energy market. The SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF (XOP) has pulled in $745 million this year, while the Portfolio Building Block Integrated Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF (PBOG) has attracted $590 million. Meanwhile, the VanEck Oil Services ETF (OIH) has brought in $461 million.



Among those funds, XOP has performed the best, gaining more than 47% this year, followed by OIH with a 45% return. PBOG is up 40%, only slightly ahead of XLE.

Multiple Options

XLE is market-cap weighted and heavily concentrated in two integrated oil giants, Exxon Mobil and Chevron, which together account for more than 40% of the fund.



XOP also holds those companies, but because it is equal weighted, Exxon and Chevron each carry only roughly the same 2% to 3% weighting as the funds other holdings. That gives smaller energy companies much more influence on returns.



OIH offers a different kind of exposure, focusing on oil services firms such as Schlumberger, Baker Hughes and Halliburton.



PBOG takes a more global approach. In addition to Exxon and Chevron, its top holdings include international energy majors such as Shell, TotalEnergies and BP.



In other words, investors have multiple ways to express a bullish view on energy, depending on whether they want broad U.S. sector exposure, a tilt toward smaller producers, a bet on oil services companies or a more global portfolio.
Ola Electric Mobility is redirecting a significant portion of its initial public offering funds, originally designated for research and development, towards debt repayment and growth initiatives, highlighting increasing financial pressures amidst weakening sales and stalled fundraising efforts.

Photograph: VarunVyas Hebbalalu/Reuters

Key Points Ola Electric is diverting Rs 575 crore from its Rs 5,500 crore IPO proceeds, initially allocated for R&D, towards debt repayment and growth initiatives.

The company will use Rs 475 crore for debt repayment or prepayment and Rs 100 crore for organic growth, following board approval on March 18.

This marks the second such reallocation of IPO funds, with a similar change approved by shareholders in August last year.

The move comes amidst weakening sales performance, loss of market share, and execution challenges for Ola Electric.

Ola Electric's sales volumes and market share in the electric two-wheeler segment have sharply declined, with the company slipping out of the top five in monthly sales in February.

Ola Electric Mobility Ltd is redirecting money earmarked for innovation towards debt repayment, signalling mounting pressure on the electric-vehicle maker as sales weaken and fundraising efforts stall.

The Bengaluru-based company has revised the deployment of its Rs 5,500 crore initial public offering (IPO) proceeds, diverting Rs 575 crore from its research and product development allocation toward debt repayment and growth initiatives, according to a stock exchange filing.

The board approved the proposed change in the use of IPO funds at a meeting on March 18, subject to shareholder approval.

Revised Fund Allocation

The company approved the reallocation of Rs 575 crore from the Rs 1,505 crore it had set aside for research and development (R&D) in its IPO.

About Rs 475 crore will be directed toward the repayment or prepayment of debt, while the remaining Rs 100 crore will be used to fund organic growth initiatives, the filing said.

"The company undertook a similar exercise last year and is now allocating funds again," a person familiar with the matter said.

"The move comes at a time when it is already facing scrutiny over weak sales performance, which has made the scale of the allocation stand out."

This marks another revision in the use of IPO proceeds by Ola Electric following a shareholder-approved reallocation in August 2025 that cut R&D spending while boosting allocations for debt repayment and organic growth.

Analyst Concerns and Market Challenges

Shriram Subramanian, the founder and managing director (MD) of InGovern Research Services, said the move by Ola Electric is "fine" in isolation, particularly if business priorities have evolved post-IPO, but flagged that this is the second such revision in the utilisation of IPO proceeds after a similar change approved by shareholders in August last year.

"At that point, they were considering a few business expansions, which are not happening now," said Subramanian.

Analysts said the latest reallocation comes at a time when the company is grappling with slowing momentum, loss of market share, and execution challenges, prompting a sharper focus on stabilising operations. Subramanian added that the company appears to be under pressure, saying, its "entire business is going for a toss, so why will they keep spending on R&D?"

He emphasised that in the current scenario, "they have to stabilise their current business as there is no point in investing in R&D and talking about new models or new businesses."

The shift in capital allocation, alongside signs of senior management churn, points to a more defensive strategy centred on deleveraging and consolidation rather than expansion.

The company had Rs 1,295.6 crore in unutilised IPO proceeds as of March 18, the filing said.

Declining Sales and Market Share

The proposed changes come amid a sharp decline in sales volumes and market share in the electric two-wheeler segment.

It is now led by rivals such as TVS Motor Company, Bajaj Auto, Ather Energy and Hero MotoCorp.

The company is also reportedly scaling back its retail expansion, aiming to cut its store count to about 550 by March-end, a year after outlining plans for 4,000 outlets nationwide.

It slipped out of the top five in monthly sales in February, selling about 3,968 vehicles for a 3.7 per cent market share, according to government data.
For that to happen America does not have to lose. It only has to do the right thing, asserts Aakar Patel.

IMAGE: A group of people carry a body bag to place it inside a vehicle as emergency workers respond at an affected area in Tehran in this screengrab from a handout video released March 10, 2026. Photograph: Iranian Red Crescent Society/Handout via Reuters

Key Points Iran defines victory as sanctions removal, reduced US military presence, Israeli withdrawal, and compensation for long-term economic and wartime damages.

Despite heavy casualties and infrastructure damage, Iran's leadership remains intact, signalling failure of regime change efforts by the US and Israel.

Control over the Strait of Hormuz allows Iran to disrupt global oil supplies, pushing crude prices higher and impacting economies worldwide.

I want Iran to win. What does win mean?

Iran defines it in the following way: The United States of America must lift its decades-old sanctions on Iran; it must dismantle its military bases in the Arab states; Israel must end its occupation of Lebanon; and Iran must be compensated for the damage it has suffered over the years and in this war.

Though more than a thousand Iranians have already died in American and Israeli bombardment and more will die, if Iran is able to secure these things, it will be total victory.

Why do I want Iran to win? At the most basic level, it is the underdog in the fight against two nuclear-armed opponents, Israel and America.

It is weaker than them militarily, yes, but it is not feeble, as the world has witnessed since February 28.

It has more resolve than most other States. Another instinctive reason for me to support Iran is that it is, like we are, a nation that has been trampled on by what is called the west.

I have solidarity with them also for this reason.

At a deeper level, the Jewish State of Israel and America are colonists imposing themselves brutally on a world which does not want them.

They should be resisted, along with their actions.

American sanctions on Iran isolate it from the global banking system, making trade with the world difficult and are designed not only to weaken the Irani state but to keep Iranis poor.

These are not United Nations sanctions, but unilaterally imposed by America, which uses its economic power to harass nations it doesn't like, including, as we are also witnessing, Venezuela and Cuba.

Iran demanding that they be removed is just. I want them to go and for that Iran must win.

America runs an empire in all but name

America has military bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, UAE, Jordan, Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

Why does it have all those soldiers and weapons there? America runs an empire in all but name.

The American military should not threaten the world and must focus on its homeland. Iran has begun that conversation.

Israel is today what South Africa was 40 years ago, but worse.

It is an apartheid State (it controls millions of people who have no vote and no rights) which is guilty of genocide according to many human rights organisations, including the one I represent, and even organisations inside Israel itself.

It has used its military might and its access to almost unlimited American arms and funding to terrorise the Middle East and this has to end. An Irani win would do much to resolve this.

Iran has suffered damage of hundreds of billions of dollars over the years because of the sanctions on it and has been harmed more since this war was inflicted on it.

Iran is entitled to damages and these have to be paid to it by the US and its allies.

Strait of Hormuz disruption threat

These are the reasons I want Iran to win. Why I think it is possible and perhaps even likely that Iran will win?

The answer is, of course, that it is in control of this war, despite appearances.

America and Israel can inflict terrifying punishment on Iran and its population, and they have, murdering schoolgirls and attacking infrastructure.

They have assassinated Iranian leaders and will likely murder more of them. But they have failed in regime change, which was the goal of this war.

The Islamic Republic of Iran remains. Iran's response is focussed and narrow: It will not allow oil, gas or any supplies to exit or enter the Middle East through the sea.

Its control of the water is based as much on the violence it can inflict as it is on the threat of violence, which is really what has deterred commercial ships from attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran's response is also calibrated and its own oil is free to flow. And it retains some capacity to attack American bases and the nations who host these bases as we have seen.

These two things are all it needs to prevail.

So long as US president Donald Trump cannot wrest control of the passage of ships out of and into the Persian Gulf, the price of crude oil and gas will rise as it has done since the war.

Americans are paying more for petrol and diesel today and will pay even more as the war continues.

Unfortunately, the entire world is also hostage to this problem and will suffer, but so far the world has not called on the original perpetrators, the real villains, America and Israel, to end their war.

This is because they are afraid of them and that is also why I want Iran to win.

From here on, America needs to do something dramatic to change the status of the conflict, which as it stands is in Iran's favour.

Assassinations and carpet bombing have not worked.

One hopes that what America does is arrive at a compromise and end its violence and agree to at least two of the Iranian demands: that guaranteeing no future violence and the permanent lifting of sanctions.

From Israel, I have no expectations because it has shown over the years that what it wants is mindless and endless destruction.

I want Iran to win, and for that to happen America does not have to lose. It only has to do the right thing.

Aakar Patel is a columnist and writer and you can read Aakar's earlier columns here.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
Saudi Arabia and the UAE are actively pushing Trump to take the war to its bitter finish and 'erase' Iran's presence in the geopolitics of the region.

Simply put, the two most powerful Sunni Arab oligarchies are on the same page as Israel.

Such interference increases the risk of a breakdown in dialogue between the US and Iran, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

IMAGE: A drone view shows a damage in a residential neighbourhood, following a night of Iranian missile strikes which injured dozens of Israelis in Dimona, southern Israel March 22, 2026. Photograph: Roei Kastro/Reuters

Key Points Iran's missile strikes on the Dimona nuclear site signal strategic escalation, shifting momentum and forcing the US to reassess war objectives.

Donald Trump is exploring a partial deal strategy to claim victory while avoiding prolonged conflict amid domestic and geopolitical pressures.

Vice-President J D Vance emerges as key negotiator, leveraging scepticism of war and potential pragmatism within Iranian leadership circles.

The profound significance of the two successive Iranian missile strikes on the Dimona nuclear research centre, the most heavily guarded site in the whole of Israel, is sinking in, and it inevitably shifts the trajectory of the US' war in Iran.

Hardly four days after the first Iranian strike on Dimona in the evening of March 21, US President Donald Trump is seeking to end the month-old conflict via an ingenious pathway of a partial 'deal' that would allow the US to claim its goals have been achieved.

If there is anyone in the Trump administration who can secure for the president such a deal, it is only Vice-President J D Vance, who is known to be a sceptic of the war and is a stakeholder himself who fervently hopes that the war does not become an albatross for the presidency.

Trump's choice of Vance for the upcoming phase of negotiations is, therefore, to be noted carefully.

The Americans had initially insisted before the conflict began on an expanded agreement with goals extending beyond Iran's nuclear programme -- limiting Iran's missile arsenal; ending its support for the resistance groups; and, possibly, even achieving 'regime change' in Tehran.

But they have come to realise that all that they can show today as 'achievement' they may have compelled Iran to draw into its missile potential.

But as the attack on Dimona messages, Iran has still surprises in store.

The upcoming negotiations will run on a negotiating track unlike the previous rounds in Muscat and Geneva, since Iran is having the upper hand.

Tehran has added a range of new demands -- removal of US bases in the Middle East; release of its 'frozen' financial assets in western banks; lifting of sanctions; a security guarantee.

To be sure, Iran will seek more favourable terms than it sought in the previous rounds.

Prima facie, this lends credence to a perception that the 'hardline' factions of the regime are dominating. But that isn't necessarily the case.

Take, for instance, the Majlis speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf, a flamboyant political personality with whom Washington is reportedly preparing to negotiate (external link).

He has the reputation of a 'hardliner' but also has a track record of taking a more central role, as his long stint for well over a decade as the populist mayor of Tehran testifies.

His public remarks may emphasise resistance, national strength, and the need to confront external pressure rather than compromise, but Trump's decision to engage with him is based on the understanding that Washington can do business with him.

IMAGE: US President Donald Trump in the East Room of the White House, March 26, 2026. Photograph: Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters

JD Vance Negotiation Role

In what seemed to be a reference to Ghalibaf, Trump told CNN's Kaitlan Collins on Monday that the US was having 'very strong talks' (external link) and was 'dealing with the man who is most respected" in Iran... We're dealing with some people that I find to be very reasonable, very solid.'

'The people within know who they are, they're very respected, and maybe one of them will be exactly what we're looking for.'

The Wall Street Journal newspaper has since reported that the US and Israel have temporarily removed Ghalibaf from their target list for decapitation.

Suffice to say, much will depend on Vance's sagacity to draw out the realist in Ghalibaf and encourage him to negotiate in a spirit of pragmatism.

Much will depend on how the US accommodates Iran's core interests, which are first and foremost, economic concessions, non-aggression guarantees and a review of the American military presence in the region.

A 'deal' is do-able.

The New York Times reported, citing unnamed officials in Tehran that Iran has told the US that it is not interested in a temporary ceasefire, but seeks a full peace agreement with guarantees against future attacks by the US and Israel.

Arguably, Trump's recent statements, effectively attempting to present the current situation as a political outcome already achieved, fit into this logic.

Interestingly, Trump declared that 'regime change' has already occurred in Iran, pointing to the emergence of new leaders with whom Washington is prepared to engage in dialogue.

He simultaneously announced a 'significant gift' from Tehran related to the oil and gas sector -- hinting at economic concessions.

The Iranian side did indeed propose vistas of economic cooperation-- from joint investments in energy to the purchase of American aircraft and the participation of US businesses in the strategic sectors of Iran's economy.

On Monday, Trump discussed with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu a deal that will be consistent with the military operation's basic objectives.

The point is, the salience in the willingness of the parties to de-escalate tensions, even without a full-fledged agreement.

To this end, Trump is also attempting to establish working channels of communication with the Iranian leadership.

IMAGE: An Iranian couple walks near Iranian missiles in a park in Tehran, March 26, 2026. Photograph: Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters

While Tehran's official position continues to be that no direct negotiations with Washington are underway, contacts are going on between Vance and an unnamed Iranian parliamentarian -- per Al-Monitor, which is wired into the Israeli establishment.

Indeed, Tehran's softening rhetoric lately also suggests that certain negotiating tracks may have opened through the mediation of third countries such as Egypt, Turkey, Qatar, and Pakistan.

The big question is whether all these incipient signs are indicative of the Tehran elite's willingness for de-escalation.

The signs are hopeful. Axios reported that a meeting involving high-ranking US and Iranian officials in Islamabad is under discussion.

The energy market is a dependable weathercock in such times.

Photograph: Illustration: Dado Ruvic/Reuters

Suspicions of Insider Trading

According to the Financial Times, shortly before Donald Trump's announcement of 'productive talks' with Iran, large oil futures trades were made on the New York Stock Exchange -- contracts worth approximately $850 million were concluded in just minutes.

And, following Trump's tweet announcing the postponement of strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure, oil prices plummeted, while stock indices surged!

This strange coincidence naturally raised suspicions of 'insider trading.'

The White House, however, insists that the administration's actions are driven solely by national interests.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are actively pushing Trump to take the war to its bitter finish and 'erase' Iran's presence in the geopolitics of the region.

Simply put, the two most powerful Sunni Arab oligarchies are on the same page as Israel.

Such interference increases the risk of a breakdown in dialogue between the US and Iran.

Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar served the Indian Foreign Service for 29 years.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
Following a stone pelting incident during a Ram Navami procession in Dhanbad, police have arrested 19 individuals to maintain order and investigate the clash.

Photograph:ANI Photo

Key Points 19 individuals have been arrested in Dhanbad following a stone pelting incident during a Ram Navami procession.

The stone pelting incident in Bhikraipur, Dhanbad, resulted in injuries to six people.

Police have deployed additional security forces to Bhikraipur to maintain normalcy after the Ram Navami procession clash.

The arrested individuals have been remanded to judicial custody after being taken to the crime scene for investigation.

Police on Saturday arrested 19 people allegedly involved in a stone pelting incident during a Ram Navami procession at Bhikraipur in Jharkhand's Dhanbad district, an officer said.

Six people were injured in a stone pelting incident during a Ram Navami procession at Bhikraipur on Friday evening.

Dhanbad City Superintendent of Police Ritvik Shrivastav told PTI that 19 people were arrested and remanded to judicial custody on Saturday.

"We have arrested 19 accused out of the nearly 50 persons named in the FIR from both sides involved in the stone pelting incident during the religious procession on Friday evening," the city SP said.

Sindri Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Ashutosh Kumar Satyam told PTI that the arrested persons were taken to the spot of the crime for investigation before being remanded to judicial custody.

"They were paraded at the spot where the incident had taken place before being remanded to judicial custody," he said.

The police officer said that the situation at Bhikraipur was normal and adequate security forces have been deployed.

Nearly half a dozen persons were injured in a stone pelting incident during a Ramnavami procession at Bhikraipur on Friday.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dhanbad, Prabhat Kumar, had termed it as a minor incident which was brought under control immediately by the police.

"It was a minor incident of stone pelting between teenagers of two communities during the Ramnavami procession. However, police intervened in time, and the situation was brought under control soon. Everything is normal in the area at the moment," the SSP said.
Delhi Police have apprehended five individuals involved in supplying mule bank accounts to cyber fraud syndicates with international links, highlighting the growing threat of online financial scams.

IMAGE: Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

Key Points Five individuals arrested for supplying mule bank accounts to cyber fraud syndicates.

The cyber fraud syndicate has links to Dubai, indicating international connections.

The arrests followed a complaint of a stock market investment scam where the victim lost over Rs 12 lakh.

The accused procured bank accounts for a commission and supplied them to cyber fraudsters.

Police recovered mobile phones and details of 35 bank accounts used in the crime, revealing the scale of the operation.

Five persons have been arrested for allegedly supplying mule bank accounts to cyber fraud syndicates, with links to Dubai, police said on Saturday.

The case pertains to the duping of over Rs 12 lakh on the pretext of stock market investment from a man, they said.

The police arrested Shridhar Dilip Ingle, 25, Archiryan Goraksh Kamble, 21, Ajij Miran Shaikh, 25, Pranav Jalinder Guldagad, 24, and Vishal Durgadas Bachal, 25, they said.

Police said the case came to light after the victim filed a complaint, alleging that he was induced to invest in stocks through a purported firm, and transferred Rs 12,22,670 after being promised high returns.

During the investigation, the police found that the group was operating out of Maharashtra and apprehended Ingle from Shrirampur. Following this, the others were arrested from different places, police said.

Modus Operandi

The accused were part of a network that procured bank accounts from people and supplied them to cyber fraudsters for a commission. Later, using them to route and withdraw defrauded money, they added.

Police said that Ingle confessed he was in touch with an associate based in Dubai, to whom the accounts were supplied for further use in cyber fraud operations.

Investigation and Findings

At least 18 complaints have been filed against the accused on the NCRP portal, police said, adding that bank accounts handled by them show transactions worth several crores across multiple states.

Additionally, police recovered six mobile phones and details of 35 bank accounts used in the crime, they said.
Authorities are urging the public to rely on official sources for information and avoid spreading rumours.

IMAGE: Smoke rises after a reported Israeli airstrike, amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, as the US-Israeli conflict with Iran continues, in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, March 28, 2026. Photograph: Raghed Waked/Reuters

Key Points Five Indian nationals sustained injuries in the UAE due to falling debris from a missile interception near KEZAD.

The injuries ranged from moderate to minor, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office.

This incident follows a previous one where an Indian national was killed by missile debris in the UAE.

The Indian Embassy is providing support and assistance to those affected by the incidents in the UAE.

Five Indians were injured in the UAE by the fall of debris in the vicinity of the Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD) following interception of a ballistic missile by the country's air defence system, local media reported on Saturday.

The Abu Dhabi Media Office in a social media post said the authorities confirmed that the incident resulted in injuries to five individuals of Indian nationality, ranging from moderate to minor.

"The competent authorities urge the public to obtain information from official sources only, and to avoid circulating rumours or unverified information," it said.

Earlier, it reported that the authorities were responding to two fire incidents in the vicinity of KEZAD, caused by falling debris following the successful interception of a ballistic missile by air defence systems.

Previous Incident and Response

On Thursday, an Indian national was among two killed in the UAE when debris of missiles intercepted by the country's air defence system fell on a street.

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 was a Pakistani national, while the three injured also included an Indian, Abu Dhabi Media Office reported.
Amit Shah intensifies the BJP's West Bengal election campaign, asserting that the state's election is critical for national security due to alleged infiltration facilitated by the TMC government.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Amit Shah accuses the TMC government of turning West Bengal into a corridor for infiltration due to appeasement politics and corruption.

Shah claims the security of the Siliguri corridor is threatened by the TMC's vote-bank politics.

The BJP promises to provide land for border fencing within 45 days of forming a government in West Bengal to stop infiltration.

Shah pledges to remove infiltrators from voter lists and illegal immigrants from the country if the BJP wins the election.

Shah frames the Bengal election as a choice between fear under TMC rule and trust in the BJP's promise of security and development.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday sharpened the BJP's campaign pitch for the West Bengal assembly polls, releasing a "charge sheet" against the TMC government and framing the election as a battle not merely for Bengal, but for the country's security.

Launching a broadside against the Mamata Banerjee government at a press conference here, Shah alleged that after 15 years of the TMC rule, West Bengal had become the country's "principal corridor" for infiltration due to "TMC's appeasement politics, corruption and political violence".

In a state where Banerjee, the TMC supremo, has often capitalised her image of a besieged streetfighter, Shah sought to puncture that narrative first.

"Mamata Didi has always played the politics of the victim card. Sometimes she talks about her injury, sometimes she abuses the Election Commission. But the people of Bengal now understand Mamata Didi's victim-card politics very well," he said.

Hitting out at Banerjee over her opposition to the Election Commission's SIR exercise, Shah accused her of manufacturing outrage to protect the TMC's "minority vote bank".

"The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has taken place in other states too, but nowhere has it been made such an issue. It has been made an issue in Bengal only because Mamata Banerjee wants to protect her vote bank. Abusing constitutional bodies like the Election Commission is not part of Bengali culture," Shah said.

National Security Concerns

Claiming that infiltration through Assam had "almost come to an end" after the BJP came to power there, Shah alleged that West Bengal has now emerged as the "last remaining route through which infiltrators enter India and disperse across states".

"The Bengal election is important not only for Bengal but for the entire country. The security of the entire country is, in a way, linked to the Bengal election," Shah said.

He claimed that illegal immigration through the borders of West Bengal had become a matter of concern for national security.

In one of his sharpest attacks, Shah said the security of the strategically crucial Siliguri corridor - the narrow strip linking the Northeast to the rest of India - was being endangered "because of the TMC government's appeasement politics".

"Due to appeasement and vote-bank politics of the TMC government, the security of the Siliguri corridor is being threatened," he said.

The home minister alleged that despite repeated requests by the Centre, the Mamata Banerjee government had not provided the land required for fencing along the Bangladesh border.

"The TMC government has not provided land for erecting fences in bordering areas, despite several attempts to convince the state government. This is because the TMC wants to create a vote bank of infiltrators," he alleged.

BJP's Election Promises

In an attempt to turn border fencing into an election promise, Shah said that if the BJP comes to power in Bengal, it would hand over the required land to the Centre within 45 days.

"On May 6, the BJP government will be formed in West Bengal, and within 45 days, the land required for fencing the border will be provided by the Bengal BJP government to the Centre, and we will stop infiltration," he said.

The BJP leader also indicated that the party would make the purification of electoral rolls a key plank of its campaign.

"I want to ask the people of Bengal - should those infiltrators who have been allowed to stay here be given the right to vote? I want to make it clear from BJP's side that we will not only remove infiltrators from the voter list, but we will remove each and every illegal immigrant from the country," he said.

If the BJP's 2021 campaign revolved around the promise of a "Sonar Bangla", Shah's latest pitch sought to recast the 2026 election in starker, more emotional terms.

"In the coming elections, Bengal has to choose between fear and trust. For the last 15 years, the rule of fear, corruption and appeasement politics has been going on in the state," he alleged.

"Mamata Banerjee has created a new way of politics by using lies and violence to move her politics forward. The basis of TMC coming to power is lies, fear and violence. But since 2011, the BJP has been fighting against these," Shah said.
Amit Shah asserts that the West Bengal election is pivotal for India's national security, accusing the TMC government of prioritising appeasement politics and enabling infiltration, thus endangering the nation.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Amit Shah claims the West Bengal election is crucial for India's national security.

Shah accuses the TMC government of turning West Bengal into a corridor for infiltration.

The BJP alleges TMC's 'appeasement politics' obstructs border security efforts.

Shah states the TMC government has not provided land for border fencing due to vote-bank politics.

Shah argues that West Bengal is the only remaining route for infiltrators entering the country.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday sharpened the BJP's campaign pitch for the West Bengal Assembly polls by releasing a 'charge sheet' against the TMC government and framing the election as a battle not merely for the state, but for the country's security.

Launching a broadside at the ruling TMC in Kolkata, Shah alleged that during its 15-year rule, the state had become the country's "principal corridor for infiltration, appeasement politics and border insecurity".

"The Bengal election is important not only for the state but for the entire country. The security of the country is, in a way, linked to the Bengal election," Shah said.

Accusations of Infiltration and Appeasement

Arguing that infiltration routes through Assam had been "shut" after the BJP came to power there, Shah claimed West Bengal was now "the only remaining route" for infiltration.

"West Bengal is the only state from where infiltrators are entering the country and creating disturbances," he said.

The BJP leader repeatedly linked the issue to what he described as the TMC's "appeasement and vote-bank politics," accusing the state government of obstructing efforts to strengthen border management.

Shah alleged that the Mamata Banerjee government had not provided land for border fencing despite repeated requests from the Centre and added that the refusal was "politically motivated".

"The TMC government has not provided land for border fencing as they want to create a vote-bank of infiltrators," Shah alleged.
The court also rejected the idea that there is a judicially enforceable carbon budget for individual companies under the plaintiffs theory. That point goes to the heart of the case. DUH had tried to argue that BMW and Mercedes-Benz were effectively using up too much of Germanys remaining emissions space. The courts response was that climate legislation and sector targets are matters for lawmakers, not something civil judges can independently reassign to specific manufacturers.

The BGH said no. In dismissing the claims, the court held that private individuals cannot demand that BMW or Mercedes-Benz stop placing new combustion engine passenger cars on the market ahead of the deadlines set by European law. Presiding judge Stephan Seiters of the courts Sixth Civil Senate said the companies conduct did not legally impair the plaintiffs rights in a way that would justify the outcome they were seeking.

That earlier case was a turning point in German climate law and influenced wider European climate litigation debates. DUH tried to extend that logic from the state to private companies, arguing that major automakers should be prevented from continuing business practices that would worsen the climate burden later on.

DUHs argument was ambitious. The group said that continuing to sell new combustion engine vehicles beyond 2030 would consume too much of the remaining carbon budget and, in effect, shift the burden of emissions cuts onto younger generations, potentially limiting their freedoms. The legal theory leaned heavily on Germanys landmark 2021 Constitutional Court climate ruling, which found that the state has a duty to protect fundamental freedoms by not pushing disproportionate climate burdens into the future.

The suits were brought by three Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) managing directors. The cases against BMW and Mercedes-Benz were heard by the Federal Court of Justice, known in Germany as the Bundesgerichtshof, or BGH, after lower courts in Munich and Stuttgart had already ruled in favor of the automakers.

The decision, issued by Germanys Federal Court of Justice in Karlsruhe, does not change the broader trajectory of Europes emissions rules. But it does make one thing clear: German courts are not prepared to order automakers to phase out combustion engines earlier than lawmakers have required.

A landmark climate lawsuit aimed at forcing BMW and Mercedes-Benz to stop selling combustion engine cars by 2030 has failed in Germanys top civil court, handing the countrys auto industry a consequential legal win at a moment when the future of ICE vehicles remains anything but settled.

Story Continues

Barbara Metz, DUHs executive director, sharply criticized the outcome, saying the decision did not absolve Mercedes-Benz and BMW of their responsibility for the climate crisis. But she also acknowledged the court had made clear where it believes the responsibility lies: with Berlin. DUH said it would review the ruling and consider whether to take the matter to Germanys Constitutional Court.

Mercedes-Benz welcomed the decision as a clarification of our democratic system, saying in a company statement that setting legal requirements for climate targets is the responsibility of the legislature, not the judiciary.

BMW struck a similar note. BMW said through a spokesperson that the ruling brings legal certainty for companies operating in Germany" and added that the debate over how to meet climate targets must take place within the political process through democratically elected parliaments.

Why the Ruling Matters for Mercedes-Benz and BMW

Image Credit: Im Fokus - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons

For European automakers, this ruling lands in the middle of a period of uncertainty. Current EU law still sets a 100 percent CO reduction target for new cars by 2035, which would effectively end routine sales of new combustion-only passenger cars, but that framework is now under active review after the European Commission proposed in late 2025 to soften the 2035 requirement to a 90 percent reduction. But the political mood around that transition has softened after sustained industry pressure and political debate.

In 2025, the European Commission proposed extra compliance flexibility that lets automakers average their CO performance across 2025 to 2027 instead of meeting each annual target in isolation, and the EU later adopted the proposal. That does not repeal the 2035 framework, but it does show that Brussels is increasingly willing to respond to industry pressure, uneven EV demand, and concerns over European cars competitiveness.

That matters especially for Mercedes-Benz, which in 2021 said it would be ready to go all electric by the end of the decade where market conditions allow, while also targeting up to 50 percent electrified sales by 2025. By early 2024, Mercedes-Benz had pushed that 50 percent electrified sales milestone back to 2030 and made clear that combustion engine models would remain part of the portfolio well into the next decade.

That strategic revision has not been purely theoretical. Mercedes has now unveiled a new flat-plane-crank V8 in the recently updated S-Class family, a notable sign that even in Europes tightening regulatory environment, high-end combustion powertrains are not disappearing overnight.

BMW, for its part, has consistently argued against fixed technology mandates and in favor of a more technology-neutral transition. The courts decision reinforces that position. It does not guarantee the long-term survival of combustion engines, but it does reduce the risk of a German court forcing an abrupt 2030 cutoff outside the legislative process.

The Growing Push To Fight Climate Battles in Court

Image Credit: Joe Gratz - Courtroom One Gavel, CC0/Wiki Commons

This case is part of a much wider movement in climate litigation. Across Europe, activists have increasingly turned to judges when they believe politicians are moving too slowly. Some of those efforts have succeeded, especially against governments, but cases against private companies have been more uneven. Climate litigation is still reshaping policy, but courts remain more comfortable ordering governments to act than telling companies to go beyond existing statutes.

The long-term future of combustion engines in Europe is still uncertain, and no court ruling can change the direction of regulation forever. But for now, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have won a meaningful reprieve, and for drivers who still want their straight-sixes, V8s, and gas-powered flagship sedans, there is at least some reason to believe those engines will be around a while longer.

Source: Reuters

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Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserts that the West Bengal election is pivotal for India's security, accusing the TMC government of prioritising appeasement politics and enabling infiltration, thus endangering national borders.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Amit Shah claims the West Bengal election is crucial for India's national security.

Shah accuses the TMC government of appeasement politics and creating a vote bank of infiltrators.

The BJP alleges West Bengal has become a primary corridor for infiltration due to TMC policies.

Shah states that the TMC government has obstructed efforts to strengthen border management and refused land for border fencing.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday sharpened the BJP's campaign pitch for the West Bengal Assembly polls by publishing a 'charge sheet' against the TMC government and framing the election as a battle not merely for the state, but for the country's security.

Launching a broadside at the ruling TMC in Kolkata, Shah alleged that during its 15-year rule, the state had become the country's "principal corridor for infiltration, appeasement politics and border insecurity".

"The Bengal election is important not only for the state but for the entire country. The security of the country is, in a way, linked to the Bengal election," Shah said.

Arguing that infiltration routes through Assam had been "shut" after the BJP came to power there, Shah claimed West Bengal was now "the only remaining route" for infiltration.

"West Bengal is the only state from where infiltrators are entering the country and creating disturbances," he said.

Accusations of Appeasement and Obstructed Border Management

The BJP leader repeatedly linked the issue to what he described as the TMC's "appeasement and vote-bank politics," accusing the state government of obstructing efforts to strengthen border management.

Shah alleged that the Mamata Banerjee government had not provided land for border fencing despite repeated requests from the Centre and added that the refusal was "politically motivated".

"The TMC government has not provided land for border fencing as they want to create a vote-bank of infiltrators," Shah alleged.
Arunachal Pradesh Police have successfully rescued seven women and arrested two individuals in a crackdown on immoral trafficking activities, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat exploitation in the region.

Key Points Arunachal Pradesh Police rescued seven women from two lodges in Itanagar.

Two individuals, Fardaus Ahmed and Moina Das, were arrested for alleged involvement in immoral trafficking.

The rescued women were primarily from Assam and exploited for sex work.

Lodge authorities admitted to using rooms for immoral trafficking activities.

The accused have been arrested under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956.

Arunachal Pradesh Police has rescued seven women from two lodges and arrested two persons in connection with alleged immoral trafficking activities, an official said on Saturday.

Itanagar Capital Region Naharlagun SP Nyelam Nega said teams from Banderdewa police station, led by SDPO Rishi Longdo, rescued the women from the two lodges on Friday.

The SP said the arrested individuals are Fardaus Ahmed (35) and Moina Das (34), both residents of Assam.

He said the women, primarily from Assam and hailing from broken households and impoverished backgrounds, were being exploited for sex work.

Investigation and Arrests

During interrogation, lodge authorities admitted to using rooms for immoral trafficking activities, police said.

The accused have been arrested under the relevant sections of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, and other applicable laws.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has launched a scathing attack on the TMC government in West Bengal, framing the upcoming elections as a critical fight against infiltration, appeasement politics, and threats to national security.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Amit Shah frames the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections as a crucial battle against infiltration, national security threats, and appeasement politics under the TMC government.

Shah accuses Mamata Banerjee's government of turning West Bengal into a 'principal corridor' for infiltration due to appeasement policies and vote bank politics.

The BJP promises to secure the Siliguri Corridor and stop infiltration by providing land for border fencing within 45 days of forming a government in West Bengal.

Shah alleges the TMC government is extending OBC benefits based on religious grounds, favouring Muslim communities over others.

The BJP aims to recast the 2026 election in emotional terms, highlighting issues such as infiltration, economic distress, and law and order collapse under TMC rule.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday sought to frame the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections as a "battle over infiltration, national security and appeasement politics", while releasing a political "charge sheet" against the TMC government and asserting that the outcome would have implications not only for the state but also for the country's security.

Launching a broadside against the Mamata Banerjee government in a press conference here, Shah alleged that after 15 years of the TMC rule, West Bengal had become the country's "principal corridor" for infiltration due to "the ruling party's appeasement politics, corruption and political violence".

"Mamata Didi has always played the politics of the victim card. Sometimes she talks about her injury; sometimes she abuses the Election Commission. But the people of West Bengal now understand her victim card politics very well," he said.

Hitting out at Banerjee over her opposition to the SIR exercise, Shah accused her of manufacturing outrage to protect the TMC's "minority vote bank".

"SIR has been conducted in other states as well, but nowhere has it been made such an issue. It has become an issue in West Bengal only because Mamata Banerjee wants to protect her vote bank. Abusing constitutional bodies like the EC is not part of Bengali culture," Shah added.

Infiltration Concerns and National Security

Claiming that infiltration through Assam has "almost come to an end" after the BJP came to power in the northeastern state, Shah sought to recast the West Bengal polls as something larger than a state contest, arguing that the state had now become the "last remaining route" through which infiltrators enter India and fan out across the country.

"The West Bengal polls are important not only for the state but for the entire country. The security of the entire country is, in a way, linked to the West Bengal elections," he said.

"West Bengal is the only state from where infiltrators are entering the country and creating disturbances across the nation. Infiltration through the bordering areas of the state is a matter concerning national security," he alleged.

Shah said the security of the strategically crucial Siliguri Corridor -- a narrow strip connecting the Northeast with the rest of India -- was being endangered because of the TMC government's policies.

"Due to appeasement and vote-bank politics of the TMC government, the security of the Siliguri Corridor is being threatened," he said.

The Home Minister further alleged that despite repeated requests by the Centre, the Mamata Banerjee government had not provided the land required for fencing along the India-Bangladesh border.

"The TMC government has not provided land for border fencing as they want to create a vote bank of infiltrators," he alleged.

Shah said that if the BJP came to power in West Bengal, it would hand over the required land to the Centre within 45 days.

"On May 6, a BJP government will be formed in West Bengal, and within 45 days, the land required for fencing the border will be provided by the state's BJP government to the Centre, and we will stop infiltration," he said.

Shah also signalled that "purification of electoral rolls" would become one of the BJP's central planks in the campaign.

"I want to ask the people of West Bengal, should those infiltrators who have been allowed to stay here be given the right to vote? I want to make it clear from the BJP's side that we will not only remove infiltrators from the voter list, but also from the country," he added.

Accusations of Corruption and Appeasement

If the BJP's 2021 campaign revolved around the promise of a 'Sonar Bangla' (golden Bengal), Shah's latest pitch suggested that the party intends to recast the 2026 election in much more emotional terms.

"In the coming elections, West Bengal has to choose between fear and trust. For the last 15 years, the state has seen the rule of fear, corruption and appeasement politics. Mamata Banerjee is using lies and violence to further her politics. TMC comes to power on the basis of lies, fear and violence," Shah said.

He accused the ruling party of converting political violence into an electoral strategy.

"Law and order has completely collapsed in West Bengal. Political violence has been turned into a weapon by Mamata Banerjee to win elections," Shah alleged.

The "charge sheet" released by Shah accused the TMC government of turning West Bengal into a "laboratory of corruption", institutionalising 'syndicate raj' and presiding over industrial decline.

"This charge sheet is a compilation of the dark deeds of the TMC government over 15 years. It is the story of a regime that established syndicate rule by dangling the dream of 'Sonar Bangla' and exploiting the people of the state," Shah said.

"Under TMC's misrule, West Bengal has turned into a laboratory for corruption. Criminal syndicates are tormenting the public. In the absence of development, West Bengal has become, in a way, a graveyard for industry," he alleged.

The BJP leader also accused the state government of extending OBC benefits on religious grounds.

"The TMC government has decided on OBC reservation on the basis of religion. We should know that Mamata Banerjee included 77 communities in the OBC category, out of which 75 are Muslim communities. Are there no other communities left? Will the OBC list now be decided on the basis of religion?"

The BJP also appeared keen to frame the election as a direct contest between Mamata Banerjee and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, particularly in north Bengal and the border districts where the party has traditionally fared well.

Shah said BJP workers have entered the polls "with great confidence" as Adhikari has been touring West Bengal extensively, highlighting issues such as infiltration, economic distress, disorder and "anarchy".

Shah said the BJP's vote share in West Bengal has climbed steadily to around 40 per cent now, both in Lok Sabha and assembly elections, making it the principal challenger to the TMC.
A professor in Bengaluru is facing legal action after allegedly using derogatory language and calling a student a 'terrorist,' leading to suspension and a police investigation.

IMAGE: A Bengaluru professor allegedly calls a student a 'terrorist' during class. Photograph: Screen grab/X

Key Points A professor in Bengaluru is under investigation for allegedly calling a student a 'terrorist' during class.

An FIR has been filed against the professor under Sections 299 and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The university has suspended the professor pending a detailed enquiry into the student complaint.

CCTV footage of the incident was allegedly deleted, raising concerns about transparency.

The National Students' Union of India (NSUI) is demanding strict action against the professor, including a public apology.

An FIR was registered on Saturday against an adjunct professor of a private university in Bengaluru for allegedly referring to a student as a "terrorist" and making derogatory remarks during a class, police said.

A purported video of the professor admonishing the student for allegedly disturbing the class has gone viral on social media.

Following the incident on March 24, the student approached the college authorities, after which the professor was suspended on Friday.

Police registered a case against the professor under Sections 299 (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings) and 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of peace) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

"We did not receive a complaint from the student. However, taking cognisance of the video and based on preliminary findings, we registered a case on our own. Further investigation is underway," a senior police officer said.

According to the FIR, the professor repeatedly referred to the student as a "terrorist" and verbally abused him during the class.

He further said, "The Iran war happened because of people like you. 'Trump will take you away. You are idiots; you will go to hell,'" the FIR stated.

The remarks were made in front of about 60 students, creating an "extremely hostile and humiliating environment," it said.

Professor Apologises To College

In a concerning development, CCTV footage-which could have served as crucial evidence-was allegedly deleted, raising serious questions about accountability and transparency, the FIR added.

The FIR also stated that some students who supported the victim were allegedly suspended, with the official reason cited as "talking during class."

Although the professor later wrote an apology letter to the college, he did not directly apologise to the student. The department head apologised on his behalf and is also accused of indirectly cautioning the student against pursuing the matter further, it said.

"A case of student complaint has been received. Pending a detailed enquiry, you are placed under suspension with immediate effect," the suspension order issued by the university stated.

NSUI Demands Action

Meanwhile, the National Students' Union of India, the student wing of the Indian National Congress, has approached the police, alleging that the professor humiliated the student and seeking strict action against him, including a public video apology.
Odisha's political landscape heats up as the ruling BJD demands action against a state minister and a BJP MLA for alleged law violations during Ram Navami processions, raising questions about ethics and public safety.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Odisha's ruling BJD demands dismissal of Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling for allegedly riding a motorbike without a helmet during a Ram Navami procession.

The BJD also seeks the arrest of BJP MLA Nabin Jain for allegedly firing a gun in public during a Ram Navami rally.

The BJD alleges a breakdown of law and order in Odisha, criticising the BJP's moral values.

MLA Nabin Jain claims the gun used was a toy gun and the firing was to encourage rally participants, not to terrorise.

Odisha police are investigating the incident involving MLA Nabin Jain and have sought a report from his personal security officer.

The BJD on Saturday demanded the dismissal of Odisha's Health minister Mukesh Mahaling and arrest of BJP's Titlagarh MLA Nabin Jain for allegedly violating laws during Ram Navami processions in separate places.

The opposition party, in a statement, alleged that Health minister Mahaling was seen riding a motorbike without a helmet and leading a rally while MLA Jain indulged in blank firing into the air in full public view.

Both cases are a stark display of the breakdown of law and order in the state, the BJD claimed.

The opposition BJD and Congress are demanding Mahaling's dismissal over the death of 12 patients in a fire at the ICU of the state-run SCB Medical College Hospital in Cuttack.

Videos of the minister riding the bike without a helmet in Bhubaneswar on Friday and the MLA making blank fire at Titlagarh have gone viral on social media.

Mahaling was not immediately available for comment.

"The BJP, which claims to uphold values, ethics, and morality, is in reality undermining them daily. These two incidents are sufficient to speak about the BJP's moral value," BJD spokesman Lenin Mohanty said.

Allegations Against the MLA

Addressing a press conference, BJD senior general secretary and former minister Tukuni Sahu alleged that Nabin Jain, being a ruling party MLA, has grossly violated the legal system.

"As a public representative, firing gunshots in a peaceful place like Titlagarh in front of the public constitutes a serious criminal offence," Sahu said, asking the Odisha Police to take cognisance of the matter and immediately arrest him.

"Such incidents are not new for him. Earlier, during a Holi procession, Jain had allegedly pushed a worker out of a moving auto-rickshaw, resulting in the worker's death. However, since he is a ruling party MLA, no action was taken against him," Sahu alleged.

She said that getting patronage from the government has only increased Jain's arrogance and reckless behaviour, which is dangerous for Titlagarh and the people of the state.

MLA's Defence and Police Investigation

Jain, however, claimed that the gun used to make blank fire was a toy gun and not a real gun. The BJP MLA said he made blank firing only to encourage the Ram Bhakts in the rally and not to terrorise anyone, as alleged.

Meanwhile, sources said the district police have sought a report from the PSO (personal security officer) who was accompanying the MLA and seen in the viral video.

BJD's Call for Action

The BJD also, in the statement, alleged that BJP workers have been creating disturbances on the capital's main roads using private vehicles fitted with red beacons, while the Commissionerate Police remain a silent spectator.

"We want Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who is also the Home minister of the state, to take immediate note of the incident and restore the law and order situation in the state," Mohanty said.
The discovery of a 17-year-old's body in Jammu has ignited protests as family members suspect foul play, prompting a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death and alleged prior attack.

Key Points A 17-year-old boy from the Bakarwal community was found dead near a river in Jammu, sparking protests.

Family members allege foul play in the teen's death, claiming he was attacked before his disappearance.

Police have detained two individuals for questioning in connection with the death.

The teen, Zaffar Hussain, went missing after an alleged attack by members of the Gujjar community in the Miran Sahib area.

Protests erupted outside the local police station, demanding a thorough investigation into the 'mysterious' death.

A 17-year-old boy was found dead along the banks of a river here on Saturday, triggering protests by his family members who alleged foul play following his disappearance a few days earlier.

Police have detained two persons for questioning in connection with the incident, officials said.

Zaffar Hussain, a member of the Bakarwal community, had gone missing after he was allegedly attacked by some men belonging to the Gujjar community in the Miran Sahib area earlier this week, they said.

The search efforts led to the recovery of Hussain's body from near the Balole River in the Simbal camp area. Police have shifted the body to the Government Medical College Hospital for post-mortem, the officials said.

As the news spread, Hussain's relatives staged a protest outside the local police station, demanding a thorough investigation into his "mysterious" disappearance and subsequent death.
A 35-year-old Border Security Force (BSF) jawan was discovered dead at his Meerut home with a gunshot wound, prompting a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Photograph: @BSF_Rajasthan/X

Key Points BSF constable Nain Singh, 35, was found dead at his home in Dhanpur village, Meerut.

Singh, who was posted in West Bengal, was on leave at the time of his death.

Police have registered a case based on a complaint filed by the deceased's family.

An investigation is underway to identify and arrest the individuals responsible for the death of the BSF jawan.

A 35-year-old BSF jawan was found dead at his home in Meerut district on Saturday evening with a gunshot wound on his body, police said.

The incident was reported from Dhanpur village within the Inchauli police station limits of the district, they said.

SHO Bajrang Prasad told PTI that the deceased, BSF constable Nain Singh (35), was currently on leave.

Based on a complaint filed by the deceased's family, police have registered a case, and efforts are underway to trace and arrest the attackers, the SHO said.

The family members said Singh was posted in West Bengal and had come on March 6.
A bus carrying students in Karnataka has been seized after police discovered inscriptions allegedly glorifying fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim, sparking an investigation into potential threats to national integration.

Key Points A private bus was seized in Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka, for allegedly displaying inscriptions glorifying Dawood Ibrahim.

The bus was carrying 48 students from an engineering college in Coimbatore returning from a trip.

Police received a tip-off about the pro-Dawood slogans and intercepted the vehicle.

The bus driver and owner are under investigation for imputations prejudicial to national integration under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Authorities are investigating the reason behind the inscriptions on the bus.

Police on Saturday seized a private bus and registered a case against its driver and owner after it was found carrying inscriptions allegedly glorifying fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim.

The incident came to light on March 26 when the vehicle, bearing a Tamil Nadu registration number, was travelling through Chikkamagaluru district with 48 students on board returning from a college trip, officials said.

According to the FIR, a police team from Basavanahalli Police Station received a tip-off at around 3 pm that a private vehicle was displaying slogans glorifying Dawood.

Officials said the inscriptions of Dawood, who is declared a terrorist by India, were displayed in a way that undermined the nation's sovereignty and integrity.

The students, from an engineering college in Coimbatore, were returning from a trip to Dandeli in the Uttara Kannada district. The bus was operated by a travel agency, a senior police officer said.

The bus was seized and taken to the police station, and an alternative vehicle was arranged for the students to continue their journey.

The driver, who was detained and questioned, claimed he was only operating the vehicle, while the owner, based in Coimbatore, was asked to join the inquiry. Police are investigating the reason behind the inscriptions.

Police have registered a case on their own against the driver and owner under Section 197(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (imputations prejudicial to national integration), and the investigation is ongoing, the officer added.
India has officially refuted claims that Elon Musk was involved in a recent phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Photograph: @narendramodi/X

Key Points The Ministry of External Affairs denies Elon Musk participated in a phone call between PM Modi and President Trump regarding the situation in West Asia.

A New York Times report claimed Musk joined the call, citing unnamed US officials, leading to speculation about his involvement in diplomatic discussions.

The White House acknowledged a 'productive conversation' between Trump and Modi but did not confirm or deny Musk's presence.

Reports suggest Musk's inclusion indicates improved relations with President Trump after a previous falling out.

India on Saturday rejected a media report that said billionaire Elon Musk joined a phone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump earlier this week.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Tuesday's conversation was between the two leaders only.

The New York Times, quoting unnamed US officials, reported that Musk participated in the call between Trump and Modi, adding it was an "unusual appearance" by a private citizen on a call between two heads of state.

"We have seen the story. The telephone conversation on March 24 was between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump only," Jaiswal said.

"As has been stated earlier, it provided the opportunity for exchange of views on the situation in West Asia," he said.

NYT Claims Elon Musk Joined Trump-Modi Phone Call

In its report, The New York Times said it is "unclear" why Musk was on the call or whether he spoke.

Our prime minister only spoke to Trump and there was no one else who spoke to the PM, people familiar with the matter said.

They suggested that it is for Washington to clarify if somebody else was in the room or listening to the conversation.

The New York Times said Musk's participation in the phone call signalled a reconciliation between the billionaire and Trump.

White House Reacts

"President Trump has a great relationship with Prime Minister Modi, and this was a productive conversation," said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to PTI.

The two had fallen out last year following Musk's exit from a government task force charged with slashing the federal workforce.

The US president had initiated the phone call with Modi to discuss the West Asia crisis.

It was the first conversation between the two leaders since the West Asia conflict began on February 28.

In the conversation, Modi underlined the importance of ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, secure and accessible, noting that it is vital for global peace, stability and economic well-being.
Delhi Police have apprehended five individuals involved in a dating app abduction and robbery scheme, highlighting the dangers of online dating and financial fraud.

Photograph: Kind courtesy Prime Minister's Office/Wikimedia Commons

Key Points Five individuals have been arrested in Delhi for allegedly abducting and robbing a man they lured through a dating app.

The victim was assaulted and coerced into transferring approximately Rs 7 lakh through UPI, ATM withdrawals, and credit card payments.

Police used CCTV footage, call detail records, and financial transaction analysis to identify and apprehend the accused.

One of the accused, Harleen Kaur, confessed to luring victims through dating apps for her associates to rob.

The investigation is ongoing, with police tracking the financial trail of the stolen money and recovering vehicles and mobile phones used in the crime.

Five people have been arrested for allegedly abducting and robbing a man after luring him through a dating application in southeast Delhi's Kalkaji area, police said on Saturday.

The victim was identified as Anurup Narula. In his complaint, he said that the incident occurred on March 25 when he had gone to meet a woman through a dating app with the profile name 'Sherry' at Nehru Place.

When he reached the location, three men, associates of the woman, assaulted and forced him into a car, he said in his complaint.

He added that the accused choked him and coerced him into transferring approximately Rs 7 lakh through UPI transactions, ATM withdrawals and credit card payments.

After the ordeal, he was abandoned at Nehru Place and warned against approaching the police.

A case was registered at the Kalkaji police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Investigation and Arrests

During the investigation, police analysed CCTV footage and identified one of the vehicles used in the crime. Technical surveillance, including analysis of call detail records, online financial transactions, ANPR and FASTag data, helped trace another vehicle and the accused persons.

Following multiple simultaneous raids, the police apprehended the accused, identified as Rishabh (25), Nabojit Dey (30), Sanjay alias Joey (28), Harleen Kaur alias Jenny (20), and Sahil Chauhan.

During interrogation, Harleen revealed that she used to lure victims through dating apps and fix meetings at various locations, where her associates would rob them.

Police said two cars used in the crime and five mobile phones have been recovered, and the financial trail of the robbed money has been tracked in the bank accounts of the accused.

Further investigation is underway, they added.
Most Americans drastically underestimate how much they need to retire and overestimate how prepared they are. But data shows that people with one habit have more than double the savings of those who dont.

The surge isnt random. Chenieres contracted portfolio -- more than 95% of its capacity is locked in under long-term agreements -- shields it from spot volatility while still letting it capture higher prices on uncontracted volumes. New deals, including expanded orders from Thailand and a 25-year pact with Taiwans CPC , have poured in amid the chaos. At the same time, the company is executing flawlessly on expansions at Sabine Pass and Corpus Christi, boosting future output. Throw in an upsized $10-billion share-repurchase program through 2030 and record distributable cash flow, and its easy to see why Wall Street has piled in.

Cheniere Energy ( NYSE:LNG ), the largest U.S. LNG exporter, has been one of the clearest winners. The stock has repeatedly punched through new all-time highs in recent weeks, recently touching almost $299 per share. Year-to-date gains exceed 50%, and the shares are up more than 30% over the past 12 months.

Global LNG markets are on fire right now as the Iran War continues. Earlier this month, drone strikes and infrastructure damage at Qatars massive Ras Laffan complex -- the worlds largest LNG export hub -- triggered force majeure declarations and slashed roughly 15% to 20% of global supply overnight. Spot prices in Asia spiked more than 140% from late-February levels, while European benchmarks jumped 50% to 85%. Buyers in Europe and Asia are scrambling for replacement cargoes, and U.S. exporters are stepping into the breach.

A recent study identified one single habit that doubled Americans retirement savings and moved retirement from dream, to reality. Read more here .

Demand from European and Asian buyers shifting away from disrupted Qatari exports is redirecting orders to U.S. shores, where Cheniere can expand profitably via brownfield projects at Sabine Pass and Corpus Christi while returning capital to shareholders.

Cheniere Energy ( LNG ) stock has surged past $299, up 50% year-to-date, as drone strikes on Qatars Ras Laffan complex cut global LNG supply by 15-20%, driving Asian spot prices up 140% and European benchmarks up 50-85%. The companys 95%+ contracted portfolio shields it from volatility while capturing higher prices, bolstered by new long-term deals with Taiwans CPC and Thailand plus a $10B share-buyback program through 2030.

Story Continues

So with the stock repeatedly setting fresh records, have investors already missed their shot?

Why Cheniere Keeps Breaking Out

The market is rewarding Cheniere for three powerful forces converging at once.

First, the Qatar disruption has redirected global buying straight to U.S. shores. European and Asian utilities that once counted on Qatari cargoes are now bidding aggressively for Chenieres flexible volumes.

Second, the companys disciplined growth strategy is paying off: brownfield expansions at its two Gulf Coast plants are moving ahead on budget and schedule, adding millions of tonnes of new capacity without the risk of greenfield megaprojects.

Third, management is aggressively returning capital. After deploying more than $1 billion in repurchases in late 2025, the board authorized an additional $9 billion, signaling confidence that cash flows will stay robust even after recent volatility.

These factors have combined to drive the stock higher even as broader energy names have been choppy.

Analysts Still See Meaningful Upside

Recent analyst notes make clear that the rally has plenty of room left. Firms have reiterated Buy or Overweight ratings and lifted price targets following the latest supply news and Chenieres own guidance. Reasons cited repeatedly include locked-in cash flows from long-term contracts, rising global LNG demand tied to AI-driven power needs, and the companys ability to expand production profitably.

Several desks highlight the $30-per-share run-rate distributable cash flow target once expansions and buybacks are fully in place -- roughly 50% higher than todays levels. While average 12-month targets sit around $287 to $295, select firms have pushed their own targets as high as $322 and even $338, citing stronger-than-expected margins and geopolitical support for U.S. exports.

The consensus message is straightforward: near-term volatility from LNG prices is real, but Chenieres contracted business model and capital-return program make it a durable compounder.

LNGs Valuation Also Looks Compelling

At current levels around $297, Cheniere trades at a forward P/E of roughly 20x -- below its eight-year historical average of 23.6x, though slightly ahead of the broader energy sectors mid-teens multiple. Discounted-cash-flow models from independent researchers peg intrinsic value between $320 and $373, implying 10% to 25% upside even after the recent run.

Compared with pure-play peers or integrated majors, Chenieres combination of visible cash flows, high contract coverage, and aggressive buybacks gives it a premium quality profile -- at a reasonable price. In short, the market is paying less for each dollar of future cash flow than it has for most of the past decade.

Key Takeaways

Cheniere Energy remains a Buy at these elevated levels. The global LNG supply shock has accelerated a multi-year secular tailwind, and Cheniere is uniquely positioned to capture it with contracted volumes, expansion projects already underway, and a massive buyback program that will shrink the share count and boost per-share metrics.

While the stock has already delivered impressive gains, valuation metrics, analyst targets, and fundamental momentum all point to further upside. Investors who waited on the sidelines may have missed the first leg -- but the setup for the next several years still looks attractive. If you believe U.S. LNG exports will stay central to global energy security and AI power demand, Cheniere offers a high-quality way to play that theme without paying a speculative premium. The chance to buy isnt gone; its simply moved higher.

Data Shows One Habit Doubles Americans Savings And Boosts Retirement

Most Americans drastically underestimate how much they need to retire and overestimate how prepared they are. But data shows that people with one habit have more than double the savings of those who dont.

And no, its got nothing to do with increasing your income, savings, clipping coupons, or even cutting back on your lifestyle. Its much more straightforward (and powerful) than any of that. Frankly, its shocking more people dont adopt the habit given how easy it is.
A tragic excavator accident in Delhi's Shakurpur area resulted in the death of a 27-year-old man, leading to allegations of negligence and a police investigation.

Key Points A 27-year-old man died after being struck by an excavator in Shakurpur, Delhi, prompting a police investigation.

The excavator driver has been apprehended by police after locals intervened at the scene of the fatal accident.

Family members of the deceased are alleging negligence and demanding accountability for the fatal excavator incident.

The victim was the sole provider for his family, including his wife and two children, highlighting the devastating impact of the accident.

A man was killed after being run over by an excavator in northwest Delhi's Shakurpur area on Saturday morning, police said.

The incident occurred around 10 am near a graveyard in Shakurpur, following which a police team rushed to the spot, they said.

Police said Md Hussain (27), the sole breadwinner of his family, succumbed to his injuries. He is survived by his wife, two children and elderly father.

The driver of the excavator, Ashish (23), a native of Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh district, was apprehended by locals at the scene and handed over to the police.

Preliminary inquiry revealed that the accused was driving the excavator towards Beriwala Bagh in Shakurpur for park levelling work when the accident occurred, police said.

Family's Grief and Allegations

Family members of the deceased expressed grief and alleged negligence.

Hussain's sister said, "I got a call around 9:30 AM. When I reached, the condition of his body was beyond words," she added, breaking down. She demanded that the government take responsibility for the education and expenses of his children.

The victim's wife, Mamta, said Hussain had gone out for his work when the incident occurred. "I got a call but I couldn't answer it. Then my nephew came and told me that he has died. I couldn't believe it," she said.

"His head was completely crushed. I didn't have the courage to see him in that condition," she said, claiming that two operators of the excavator were involved in the incident.

"One of them fled. The other was caught by locals before being handed over to the police," she said.

Police said a case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and further investigation is underway.
A 27-year-old man tragically died in Delhi after being run over by a JCB machine, leading to the driver's arrest and a police investigation into the fatal accident.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points A 27-year-old man, Md Hussain, died after being run over by a JCB machine in Shakurpur, Delhi.

The JCB driver, Ashish, was apprehended by locals and handed over to the police.

The accident occurred while the JCB was en route to Beriwala Bagh for park levelling work.

A case has been registered under the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, and an investigation is ongoing into the fatal JCB accident in Delhi.

A 27-year-old man was killed after allegedly being run over by a JCB machine in northwest Delhi's Shakurpur area on Saturday morning, police said.

The incident occurred around 10 am near a graveyard in Shakurpur, following which the police team rushed to the spot, they said.

The victim, Md Hussain, a resident of Delhi's Shakurpur, succumbed to his injuries, the police said.

The JBC's driver, Ashish (23), a native of Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh district, was apprehended by locals at the scene and handed over to the police.

Preliminary inquiry revealed that the accused was driving the JCB towards Beriwala Bagh in Shakurpur for park levelling work when the accident occurred, the police stated.

A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and further investigation is underway, they added.
A 17-year-old boy tragically died after a stabbing at a Delhi wedding, stemming from a violent dispute over food arrangements, prompting a police investigation and raising concerns about safety at social events.

Photograph: Niek Verlaan/Pixabay

Key Points A 17-year-old boy died after being stabbed at a wedding in Delhi following a dispute over food arrangements.

Another minor was injured in the stabbing incident and is currently receiving treatment in hospital.

The victim, Nikhil Yadav, was reportedly trying to intervene in a scuffle between minors when he was attacked.

Police have apprehended the main suspect and an associate, recovering the knife used in the fatal stabbing at the Delhi wedding.

The incident highlights the dangers of escalating disputes and the tragic consequences of violence at social gatherings.

A 17-year-old boy died while another minor was injured after they were stabbed during a dispute over food arrangements at a wedding in outer Delhi's Rani Bagh area, police said on Saturday.

The incident took place around 11.15 pm on Friday.

The deceased was identified as Nikhil Yadav, a bike mechanic, while the injured, Sunny, is undergoing treatment and is stated to be stable. Both were residents of Rohini.

According to police, an argument broke out between two groups over food arrangements at the wedding venue, which quickly escalated into violence.

Eyewitnesses told police that Nikhil and Sunny tried to intervene and pacify the groups when they were attacked with a knife by another minor boy.

Both sustained serious injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital, where Nikhil was declared brought dead, police said.

Sunny, who was stabbed below the waist, is currently undergoing treatment. His condition is stated to be stable, police said.

Family Account of the Stabbing

Meanwhile, Nikhil's family said he was trying to intervene in a scuffle among minors when he was stabbed by the attacker who mistook him for being part of the rival group.

Nikhil's brother Vikash Yadav said, "Last night, my younger brother went to attend a wedding in Rani Bagh. Some minors were fighting among themselves, and he intervened to resolve the matter. There were six or seven drunk boys. They misunderstood him for fighting with the rival group."

The situation turned grave when the group began assaulting Nikhil.

"One of them retrieved a knife and stabbed my brother in the stomach. He died on the spot," Vikash said.

Nikhil's friends said they rushed to the spot after getting a call about the incident.

"We were at home. Our friend had gone to a relative's wedding, where there was a fight among some boys. Someone informed us over the phone that Nikhil had died. Another person, Sunny, was stabbed and was admitted to Mahavir Hospital in Rani Bagh," Nikhil's friend Rahul said.

Rahul said when he and other friends reached the hospital, the police asked them to leave.

Police Investigation Underway

Meanwhile, police said a crime team has inspected the scene and collected evidence, including CCTV footage. The main accused and his associate have been apprehended, and the knife used in the crime has been recovered.

The body has been sent for post-mortem, and a case has been registered, they added.
Elon Musk's unexpected participation in a phone call between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi concerning the Iran crisis has sparked curiosity and speculation about his role in international affairs.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tesla CEO Elon Musk share a candid moment during a bilateral meeting at Blair House, in Washington, DC on February 14, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Elon Musk reportedly joined a phone call between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi regarding the Iran crisis.

The inclusion of Elon Musk suggests improved relations with President Trump after a previous falling out.

The purpose of Musk's participation in the call and whether he spoke remain unclear.

The White House confirmed a productive conversation between Trump and Modi.

Billionaire Elon Musk joined the phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Donald Trump earlier this week, the New York Times reported.

Trump had called Modi to discuss the war with Iran on Tuesday, the first interaction between the two leaders since Israel and the US' military strikes on Iran began on February 28.

Musk participated in a phone call on Tuesday with President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, an unusual appearance by a private citizen on a call between two heads of state during a wartime crisis, the New York Times reported quoting unnamed US officials.

Modi, Trump had productive conversation: White House

"President Trump has a great relationship with Prime Minister Modi, and this was a productive conversation," said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to PTI.

The New York Times report said the inclusion of Musk, confirmed by two US officials, suggests that the world's richest man is back on better terms with the president.

Trump and Musk had a falling out last year following the billionaire's departure from the government, where he had been tasked with slashing the work force.

The report said it is unclear why Musk was on the call or whether he spoke.

It was the first conversation between the two leaders since the West Asia conflict began on February 28.

During the conversation, Prime Minister Modi underlined the importance of ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, secure and accessible, noting that it is vital for global peace, stability and economic well-being.
A former Deputy Inspector General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has been sentenced to three years in jail for a 2009 bribery case involving constable recruitment, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat corruption in law enforcement.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Former CRPF DIG Vinod Kumar Sharma and two others sentenced to three years in jail for 2009 bribery case.

The case involves corruption related to the recruitment of constables in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

Sharma conspired with private individuals to obtain bribes from candidates seeking recruitment as constables.

The CBI investigation revealed Sharma provided advance recruitment information to middlemen in exchange for bribes.

A CBI special court in Lucknow on Saturday sentenced a former Deputy Inspector General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and two others to three years rigorous imprisonment in a 2009 bribery case related to constable recruitment, officials said.

The court convicted and sentenced Vinod Kumar Sharma, the then Deputy Inspector General (DIG), CRPF, along with two CRPF personnel, Satyavir Singh and Tirath Pal Chaturvedi, CBI Spokesperson said in a statement here.

They were sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for three years with a total fine Rs 1.2 lakh in a corruption case related to the recruitment of constables in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), it said.

The agency had registered the case on February 23, 2009, based on source information against Sharma and others.

"Investigation revealed that he had entered into a criminal conspiracy with private persons to obtain illegal gratification from candidates seeking recruitment as Constables (General Duty) in the CRPF," the statement said.

Sharma had provided advance information regarding the recruitment schedule and available vacancies to middlemen, who were subsequently inducing prospective candidates to pay substantial bribes in exchange for guaranteed selection, it said.

The agency had filed a charge sheet within a year in 2010, followed by another one in 2012.
A tragic explosion at a scrap dealer's home in Jorhat, Assam, has killed two and critically injured two others, prompting a police investigation into the cause.

IMAGE: All photographs: Mudit Jain

Key Points A deadly explosion occurred at a scrap dealer's residence in Jorhat, Assam.

The explosion resulted in the deaths of two individuals, including a minor.

Two other people sustained critical injuries and are receiving medical treatment.

Police are investigating the cause of the explosion and have detained six people for questioning.

The incident took place in Rajamaidam New Colony, Jorhat.

Two persons, including a minor, were killed and two others critically injured in an explosion in Assam's Jorhat district on Saturday, police said.

The explosion took place at the rented house of a scrap dealer in Rajamaidam New Colony of the town, killing two persons on the spot, Jorhat Senior Superintendent of Police Shubrajit Borah said.

The injured were admitted to the Jorhat Medical College and Hospital in a critical condition.

Investigation into the Cause

The cause of the explosion was yet to be ascertained, and a forensic team reached the spot to collect evidence, the SSP said.

Six persons have been picked up for interrogation, and investigations are on, he added.

The deceased have been identified as 40-year-old Noor Mohammad and eight-year-old Naina Begum.
Following a violent clash at a Faridabad club during a birthday celebration over a music dispute, police have arrested two individuals, including the club owner's son, sparking a wider investigation.

Key Points Two individuals, including the club owner's son, have been arrested in Faridabad after a violent clash at a birthday party in Omaxe World Street.

The brawl reportedly started over a dispute about the music being played at the club, escalating into physical assault.

A woman was allegedly dragged by her hair and beaten, while her father sustained serious injuries during the altercation.

Police have registered an FIR and are actively searching for other suspects involved in the violent incident at the Faridabad club.

The incident has sparked outrage after a video of the brawl went viral on social media, prompting swift action from local authorities.

After two groups clashed over music played in a club at Omaxe World Street, Greater Faridabad, police arrested two people, including the son of the owner of the establishment, officials said on Saturday.

A woman was allegedly dragged by her hair and beaten up, while her father received serious injuries in the scuffle, they said.

An FIR was registered at the BPTP police station and police made the arrests on Saturday, they added. A video of the brawl went viral on social media.

Details of the Faridabad Club Incident

According to the complaint lodged by the woman's father, she was celebrating her birthday at the club late Thursday night and at one point asked the DJ to change the music. One, Simmi Arora, got into an argument with her and slapped her.

Arora then allegedly called her friends and relatives -- around 10-12 people -- who attacked the woman, Mehak, her friends, and her father, Raman Grover. They are also alleged to have snatched Mehak's diamond ring, Grover said in his complaint.

On Saturday, police arrested Rishit Chitkara (25), the son of the club's owner and Dhruv (30), both Faridabad residents, for allegedly hitting the woman and her friends.

Police said the duo said they were also partying in the club at the time of the incident. "They and some of their associates assaulted the victims. The police team is looking for other suspects," a police spokesperson said.

Grover, who came after her daughter called her to help, was seriously injured and had to be taken to a hospital, police said.

In his complaint, Grover, a builder from Sector 21A, said he had booked the club Vayu owned by Neeraj Chitkarahe, who's known to him, to celebrate the birthday of his daughter Mehak on Thursday.

Mehak is an undergraduate student in Canada who's currently home on a holiday.
Former Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has been arrested in connection with the deaths during the Gen Z protests, marking a significant development in the pursuit of justice.

IMAGE: Former Nepal Prime Minister and Chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal, K P Sharma Oli gestures while being taken to a hospital from the District Police Range after his detention, in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 28, 2026. Photograph: Navesh Chitrakar/Reuters

Key Points Former Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli was arrested in connection to the Gen Z protest deaths.

The arrest follows the implementation of a probe commission report by the new government led by Balendra Shah.

Former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak was also arrested for his alleged involvement in suppressing the protests.

The probe commission recommended legal action against Oli and Lekhak, suggesting jail sentences for the offence.

The arrests are described as the 'beginning of justice' by Home Minister Sudhan Gurung.

Nepal's Former Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli was arrested on Saturday, a day after the newly formed government of Balendra Shah implemented the probe commission report on the Gen Z protest that rocked the nation last year.

Oli, also Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) (CPN-UML) chair, was arrested at the Gundu area of Bhaktapur district, 12 km east of Kathmandu, early Saturday morning, according to the police.

Former Home Minister and Nepali Congress leader Ramesh Lekhak has also been arrested from his residence at Katunje of Suryabinayak Municipality in Bhaktapur district, police added.

Both Oli and Lekhak have been arrested on charges of their involvement in suppressing the Gen Z movement of September 8 and 9 last year, in which 76 people, including around two dozen youths, were killed.

Gen Z Protests and Probe

The probe commission formed to investigate the incident surrounding the Gen Z movement has recommended legal action against Oli and Lekhak, among others, under criminal offence.

Nepal's newly formed government, led by Balendra Shah, in its first cabinet meeting on Friday, decided to immediately implement the recommendations made by the probe commission.

'Nobody is above the law,' wrote Home Minister Sudhan Gurung in a social post after the arrest.

'We have taken under control former Prime Minister K P Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak. This is not a revenge against anybody, just the beginning of justice,' he said.

'I believe that now the country will take a new direction,' he added.

Both Oli and Lekhak have been taken into detention at the Kathmandu District Police Circle in Bhadrakali, said the police.

Oli Faces 10-year Jail

The probe commission has recommended a jail sentence of up to three to 10 years for the offence.

A senior police officer at the Kathmandu District Police Circle told PTI that they will be presented before the Kathmandu District Court on Sunday, as it is a holiday on Saturday. Then the process of investigation in the case will start, he added.

Oli was taken to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital for medical examination soon after the detention.

This is part of a legal process of investigation, said a police officer.

CPN-UML Calls Emergency Meet

Meanwhile, CPN-UML has called an emergency meeting of the party's secretariat at its central office in Lalitpur to discuss the situation.
Police in Bengaluru are investigating the death of a six-year-old girl, suspecting abduction and strangulation after her body was found in a eucalyptus grove.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points The body of a six-year-old girl was found in a eucalyptus grove near Electronic City, Bengaluru.

Police suspect the girl was abducted and strangled.

Authorities are investigating the possibility of sexual assault, pending a post-mortem examination.

The girl went missing on Thursday evening, prompting a missing person complaint from her family.

Police are exploring all possible motives, including personal enmity, in the Bengaluru child murder case.

The body of a six-year-old girl was found on Saturday in a eucalyptus grove on the outskirts of the city, police said.

The girl, the daughter of a migrant worker from Assam, is believed to have been abducted and strangled before her body was dumped at the isolated spot, a senior police officer said.

Police have not ruled out the possibility of sexual assault, which will be confirmed through a post-mortem examination.

According to authorities, the girl went missing on Thursday evening while playing near her home. Her family lodged a missing person complaint on Friday after they were unable to locate her.

Later that night, during a search operation, her body was recovered from the eucalyptus grove near Electronic City.

Investigation Details

The motive behind the crime is not yet known. Police said all angles, including personal enmity, are being investigated.

A case has been registered, and efforts are underway to identify and arrest the accused, the officer added.
Owners of the fire-ravaged Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa have been denied bail in a forgery case involving alleged false documents used to obtain an excise licence, intensifying scrutiny after a deadly fire.

Photograph: Ali Monis Naqvi/Reuters

Key Points Goa court rejects anticipatory bail for Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub owners in a forgery case related to obtaining an excise licence.

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, owners of the nightclub where a fire killed 25, are accused of submitting forged documents.

The Luthra brothers were deported from Thailand and are currently in jail in connection with the fire and forgery allegations.

Another owner, Ajay Gupta, was previously granted bail in connection with the fire and the same forgery case.

The case involves allegations of forging a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from a health officer to obtain the nightclub's licence.

A court in Goa has rejected the anticipatory bail pleas of Saurabh Luthra and Gaurav Luthra, owners of the fire-ravaged Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, in a case involving the alleged forgery of documents to obtain an excise licence.

The additional sessions court in Mapusa on Friday rejected the petition filed by the brothers, their advocate Parag Rao said.

The Luthras owned Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora village of North Goa, where a fire broke out on December 6, 2025, killing 25 people and injuring 50 others.

The brothers, who had fled to Thailand after the fire and were deported from that nation on December 17, are currently in Colvale central jail in North Goa.

While the Anjuna police were investigating the duo in connection with the fire, the Mapusa police registered a case of forgery, accusing them of providing forged documents to obtain a licence from the excise department for the nightclub.

Talking to reporters, advocate Rao said the judge announced that both their anticipatory bail applications were rejected.

"We are yet to get the detailed judgment. We will have to study the order. We were not expecting it to be rejected," he said.

He further pointed out that Ajay Gupta, another owner of the ill-fated nightclub, had been granted bail by the court in connection with the fire and the same forgery case.

Rao said the brothers had contended that the alleged false documents were with the police, so the authorities don't require their custody in the case.

He said that his clients had not applied for the documents, which were allegedly forged.

Forgery Allegations Detailed

The health officer of Candolim Health Centre (North Goa) had registered a case against the Luthras, claiming that they had forged his signature to create a fake No Objection Certificate (NOC) and submitted it to the excise department to get a licence for the nightclub.
Kousinioris also told investors it would be his final investor day, saying he would retire and that CFO Joel Hunter would become the next president and CEO.

President and CEO John Kousinioris opened the event with seven key takeaways, highlighting TransAltas experience operating wind, hydro, solar, storage and natural gas assets, and arguing that reliability is becoming increasingly valued as demand rises. He described Alberta as a primary area of expected load growth later in the decade and called the Centralia facility in Washington State essential for reliability. He also pointed to what he described as TransAltas history of disciplined, accretive M&A and said the company is entering the next phase of industry change from a position of strength due to its financial position and capital allocation discipline.

TransAlta (NYSE:TAC) used its 2026 Investor Day to outline managements view that accelerating electricity demand, coupled with reliability constraints and evolving market designs, is creating what executives described as an unusually strong opportunity set for power generators. The company emphasized its operating track record across multiple technologies, growing contracted cash flows, and a strategy centered on selective, contract-backed growth in four core geographies: Alberta, Ontario, the Western United States and Western Australia.

Growth priorities and projects: TransAlta is pursuing an Alberta data-center plan (MOU with CPP Investments and Brookfield at Keephills for an initial ~ 230 MW PPA with potential expansion to ~ 1 GW ), and has a tolling agreement with Puget Sound Energy for 700 MW at Centralia, with conversion cost estimated at ~ CAD 600 million , ~50% emissions reduction, FID expected early 2027 and commercial operation targeted late 2028.

Financial outlook and capital allocation: Management guided to about CAD 1 billion adjusted EBITDA midpoint for 2026, intends to return roughly 1525% of Free Cash Flow via dividends ( CAD 80 million this year) with the balance for growth or buybacks, and said the Centralia conversion could add about CAD 150 million of annual EBITDA by 2029 if approved and on schedule.

Leadership change: John Kousinioris will retire and CFO Joel Hunter is named CEO-designate, who emphasizes accelerating demand from electrification, data centers and reshoring and is concentrating growth in Alberta, Ontario, the Western U.S. and Western Australia.

Story Continues

Contracted base business and optimization as a core capability

Management said roughly half of the generating fleet is contracted, with a weighted average contract life of nine years. The company also said over 85% of contracted customers are investment-grade, and that contractedness increased after acquisitions that included Ontario and Heartland facilities, pushing contracted generation in Alberta above merchant production.

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Executives repeatedly emphasized energy marketing and trading as a strategic differentiator. The company said its energy marketing team provides fleet hedging, dispatch, scheduling, gas procurement and storage management, emissions credit monetization, and market intelligence supporting growth initiatives. TransAlta said the marketing team generated nearly CAD 800 million of adjusted EBITDA over the past five years, separate from the value provided through asset optimization.

Demand outlook and the companys geographic focus

Incoming CEO-designate Hunter described power demand growth as accelerating everywhere we operate, driven by electrification, data centers and industrial reshoring. He cited the following demand indicators discussed during the presentation:

U.S. peak load demand expected to increase by 100 GW over the next five years, with data centers representing about 55% of forecast U.S. electricity demand growth through the end of the decade.

Canadian electricity demand expected to grow by more than 60% between now and 2050, and data centers under review that could represent close to 14% of total Canadian electricity demand by 2030.

In Western Australia, industrial electrification tied to mining and heavy industry expected to drive electricity requirements to nearly five times todays levels.

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Hunter said TransAltas growth strategy is concentrated in Alberta, Ontario, the Western U.S. and Western Australia, where the company believes its operating footprint, market knowledge, and regulatory familiarity provide an advantage. He described Ontario as benefiting from demand growth, nuclear refurbishments, and recontracting potential, and said the WECCs bilateral contracting structure supports new projects under long-term contracts.

Alberta: oversupply today, tightening expected later in the decade

EVP of Generation Chris Fralick said Alberta remains long power today and has experienced oversupply after rapid buildout of renewables and gas capacity. He said TransAlta anticipated the overbuild and hedged accordingly. Fralick argued that conditions should tighten later in the decade as load growth from data centers, population growth and electrification outpaces new firm supply, increasing the value of flexible, dispatchable generation.

Fralick also discussed Albertas Restructured Energy Market (REM). He said the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) announced a final REM design in August 2025, with implementation expected in 2028, and that the revised design adds certainty and favors dispatchable generation.

He noted that TransAltas 2.6 GW of coal-to-gas units currently run infrequently due to economics, citing that they ran less than 20% of the time last year despite representing close to 20% of installed dispatchable generation. He said the limited run time is driven by economic decisions rather than capability, and that the units are designed for baseload operation with potential 90% capacity factors. Management said its modeling indicates expected load growth could increase higher-priced hours and support a recovery in Alberta prices through the end of the decade, with a longer-term expectation for prices to moderate in a CAD 85 to CAD 100 per MWh range under balanced supply and demand assumptions.

Growth plan: Alberta data centers, Centralia conversion, and capital allocation

In the second half of the event, management detailed growth priorities and investment criteria, emphasizing hurdle rates by technology, long-term contracting, and per-share accretion. The company reiterated its Alberta data center strategy, referencing an MOU with CPP Investments and Brookfield for development at the Keephills site, where TransAlta is the exclusive power and site provider. Management described a phased approach beginning with a long-term PPA for about 230 MW and a potential expansion up to 1 GW, citing existing transmission, gas, water infrastructure and on-site generation as advantages.

TransAlta also discussed three Alberta natural gas development options framed as low-cost options for future expansion, including repowering Sundance Unit 5 and Keephills Unit 1 (each with potential up to 800 MW) and the Flipi Gas Plant project (460 MW). Management said all three have been submitted as planned units under Canadas Clean Electricity Regulations and filed with the Alberta Utilities Commission, and argued the sites offer a speed to power advantage if supported by long-term contracts.

For Centralia in Washington State, management highlighted a long-term tolling agreement signed with Puget Sound Energy to convert Centralia Unit 2 from coal to natural gas. Executives said the tolling agreement provides PSE exclusive rights to 700 MW of capacity, energy and ancillary services at a fixed capacity price through 2044. The company cited a CAD 600 million conversion cost, emissions reduction of about 50%, a projected completion in late 2028, and a final investment decision expected after required approvals in early 2027. Management also noted a temporary U.S. Department of Energy order requiring Centralia to remain available if called upon to operate for 90 days through June 14, and said the company is complying while advancing conversion planning.

On financial policy, Hunter said Free Cash Flow is the basis of capital allocation. He said TransAlta expects to return about 15% to 25% of Free Cash Flow via dividends, projecting about CAD 80 million of dividend payments this yearroughly 20% of the midpoint of CAD 400 million of Free Cash Flow guidance. The company said the remainder would be directed to growth investments or share repurchases if suitable opportunities are not available. Management also cited CAD 366 million returned via buybacks from 2020 to 2025.

The company provided a 2026 adjusted EBITDA midpoint guidance of about CAD 1 billion and outlined potential upside by 2029. Management said the Centralia conversion could add about CAD 150 million of annual EBITDA by 2029, assuming FID and late-2028 commercial operation. It also provided an Alberta sensitivity framework tied to net load changes, including data center ramp assumptions, noting that pricing and utilization of underused coal-to-gas units could affect both volume and realized prices. During Q&A, executives said a CAD 1 per MWh power price change can translate into roughly CAD 2 million to CAD 3 million of EBITDA, potentially higher depending on hedge position and other factors.

About TransAlta (NYSE:TAC)

TransAlta Corporation, originally founded in 1909 as Calgary Power Company Ltd., is a publicly traded energy company specializing in the development, ownership and operation of power generation and transmission assets. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, TransAlta has grown from its early hydroelectric roots into a diversified energy provider with a multi-fuel generating fleet.

The company's core business activities encompass power generation, asset management and energy trading services.

The article "TransAlta Investor Day: CEO Transition, 2026 EBITDA View, and Growth Bets on Data Centers & Centralia" was originally published by MarketBeat.
Himachal Pradesh is battling a surge in cyber fraud, with hundreds of cases and crores of rupees lost, prompting government action and increased cyber security measures.

Key Points Himachal Pradesh has seen a sharp increase in cyber fraud cases, with 585 cases registered in the past three years.

Cyber frauds in Himachal Pradesh involved transactions amounting to over Rs 150 crore, with some cases involving bank employee collusion.

The Himachal Pradesh government has established Cyber Help Desks in 146 police stations and is providing specialised training to police officers to combat cybercrime.

Digital awareness camps are being organised in Himachal Pradesh schools, colleges, and at the Panchayat level to educate citizens about cyber fraud.

The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh acknowledges that the registered cyber fraud cases are likely only a fraction of the actual number of incidents.

A sharp surge in cyber frauds has been witnessed in Himachal Pradesh, with a total of 585 cases registered in the state in the past three years up to January 31, 2026, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu told the house on Saturday.

Responding to a question from BJP MLA Inder Dutt Lakhanpal, the chief minister said these frauds involved transactions amounting to over Rs 150 crore, and in some cases, the collusion or negligence of bank employees has come to light.

Four bank employees have been arrested in connection with such cases. Sukhu stated that a total of 258 accused have been arrested in these cases, and over Rs 10 crore has also been recovered.

The highest number of 99 cases was registered in Solan district which comprises the Baddi industrial area followed by 67 in Kangra, 30 in Mandi, 28 in Kinnaur, 25 in Sirmaur, 17 in Shimla, 13 in Una, 12 in the Nurpur Police District, 10 each in Chamba and Kullu, seven in Hamirpur, four in Lahaul-Spiti and one in Bilaspur district.

According to district-wise data, 49 individuals were arrested in Solan, 15 in Chamba, 29 in Kangra, four in Lahaul-Spiti, two in Mandi, 24 in Sirmaur, 19 in Kinnaur, 11 at the Cyber Police Station in Shimla, 49 at the Cyber Police Station in Mandi, and 55 at the Cyber Police Station in Dharamshala.

Government Initiatives to Combat Cybercrime

In this era of technology and Artificial Intelligence, the rising number of digital fraud cases poses a serious challenge, the chief minister said, adding that the state government is continuously taking measures to tackle these cases.

Cyber Help Desks have been established in 146 police stations across the state. Additionally, eight officers have already undergone specialised training, while 29 other officers are currently undergoing training.

Additionally, since last year, digital awareness camps have been organised at schools, colleges, and the Panchayat level.

The chief minister also stated that these figures represent only the registered cases and that many instances of digital fraud may not have been reported yet.
Delhi Police have arrested two alleged shooters of the notorious Himanshu Bhau gang in Maharashtra, wanted for multiple criminal cases including extortion and murder, as part of a crackdown on organised crime.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Two alleged shooters of the Himanshu Bhau gang, wanted in multiple criminal cases, have been arrested in Maharashtra by the Delhi Police Special Cell.

The accused are linked to a firing incident in Delhi, allegedly carried out on the instructions of gang leader Himanshu Bhau, who is based in the United States.

Both accused had a bounty of Rs 1 lakh each on their heads, reflecting the severity of the crimes they are implicated in.

The arrested individuals are also allegedly involved in a major murder case registered in Haryana, indicating their criminal activities extend beyond Delhi.

Police are investigating the larger network of operatives and handlers connected to the Himanshu Bhau gang, which is involved in extortion and other serious crimes.

Two alleged shooters of the notorious Himanshu Bhau gang were arrested by the Special Cell of Delhi Police from Maharashtra, an official said on Saturday.

The accused, Lakshya and Neeraj, were wanted in multiple criminal cases, including a firing incident in Delhi carried out on the instructions of the gang leader Himanshu Bhau, who is currently based in the United States, is wanted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Police said both the accused were active members of the gang and were involved in a series of brazen crimes in the national capital.

A Special Cell team, acting on specific intelligence inputs, tracked their movement and apprehended them from Maharashtra after a sustained operation, officials said.

The arrested accused carry a bounty of Rs 1 lakh each for information leading to their arrest, reflecting the seriousness of the cases in which they were wanted, a senior police officer said.

The duo was also allegedly involved in a major murder case registered in Haryana, indicating that their criminal activities spanned across multiple states.

Investigation into the Gang's Operations

Investigators said the extortion-related firing in Delhi was carried out to terrorise targets and establish the gang's dominance, with instructions allegedly being issued by Bhau from abroad. Efforts are underway to unearth the larger network of operatives and handlers linked to the gang, they said.
Delhi Police dismantle an illegal arms manufacturing operation in Meerut, arresting a supplier previously booked under the UAPA for connections to Khalistani terrorists, seizing a cache of dangerous weapons.

Key Points Delhi Police busted an illegal arms manufacturing unit in Meerut, arresting two key suspects.

The main supplier, Parvez, was previously arrested by the NIA under the UAPA for supplying weapons to Khalistani terrorists.

A large cache of illegal arms, including 25 pen pistols and manufacturing equipment, was recovered from Parvez's residence.

The recovered pen pistols are concealed weapons capable of firing 7.65 mm cartridges at close range.

Further investigation is underway to dismantle the entire network involved in the illegal arms manufacturing and supply.

The Delhi Police has busted an illegal arms manufacturing unit operating out of Uttar Pradesh's Meerut and arrested two key accused, including the main supplier who has previously been booked by the NIA under the stringent UAPA, an official said on Saturday.

The case came to light after police received specific intelligence about the bulk supply of illegal firearms from Meerut to Delhi, the official said.

Acting on the input, a 25-year-old arms supplier, identified as Hasir alias Shooter, was apprehended near Badli Railway Station in north Delhi on March 19, police said.

Two semi-automatic pistols, a pen pistol and six live cartridges of 7.65 mm calibre were recovered from his possession, following which a case was registered.

During sustained interrogation, Hasir disclosed that he was sourcing weapons from Parvez alias Farru, a resident of Meerut. Based on the information, the police obtained his custody and formed a team to trace the supply chain, police said.

Raid and Recovery of Illegal Arms

On March 26, the team raided Parvez's residence in Meerut. The accused attempted to flee on spotting the police but was chased and apprehended, they said.

A search of the premises led to the recovery of a large cache of illegal arms and manufacturing equipment, including 24 pen pistols, 78 magazines, multiple barrels, slides and pistol bodies, along with various firearm components and machinery such as a drill machine used in fabrication.

Police said the recovery also included a total of 25 pen pistols -- a concealed and highly dangerous category of firearms that resemble ordinary pens, are easy to carry in crowded places and difficult to detect during routine frisking. These weapons are capable of firing 7.65 mm cartridges at close range.

Accused's Background and Previous Offences

Parvez (37) is a habitual offender with over a dozen cases related to illegal arms manufacturing and has a history of involvement in serious offences. He was arrested by the NIA in 2017 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in connection with the supply of weapons used in targeted killings by Khalistani terrorists, and had remained in jail for around five years, police said.

He was also arrested earlier by Meerut Police in similar cases, officials added.

Hasir, who studied till Class 7, was earlier involved in a theft case and is allegedly linked to around 10 criminal cases, including an incident of firing at a police team in Uttar Pradesh, police said.

Further investigation is underway to dismantle the entire network involved in the manufacturing and supply of illegal arms, they added.
Amidst escalating tensions in West Asia, Iran claims to have inflicted heavy casualties on US forces in Dubai, a claim vehemently denied by the US Central Command, raising concerns about regional stability.

IMAGE: US Navy and Marine Corps aircraft attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 are arrayed on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln during the Operation Epic Fury attack on Iran from an undisclosed location March 10, 2026. Photograph: US Navy/Reuters

Key Points Iran claims missile and drone strikes on US Army 'hideouts' in Dubai resulted in heavy casualties.

US Central Command refutes Iran's claims, calling them 'lies' and denying any attacks on US personnel in Dubai.

Iranian President warns Gulf countries against supporting US-Israel actions against Iran.

Iran threatens strong retaliation if its infrastructure or economic centres are targeted by the US-Israel.

The US Pentagon is reportedly considering deploying troops to the Middle East, potentially including a ground operation on Iran's Kharg Island.

Iran on Saturday claimed that the United States has suffered "heavy casualties" in the strikes on two US Army "hideouts" in Dubai as the conflict in West Asia continues, the State Media Tasnim News Agency reported.

According to the news agency, a spokesperson for the Central Headquarters of Hazrat Khatam al-Anbiya said that more than 500 US Army personnel were in these "hideouts", around 400 in the first and 100 in the second "hideout".

The IRGC identified these locations and carried out precise missiles and drone strikes and inflicted heavy casualties, as per the spokesperson's claims reported by the Tasnim News Agency.

The spokesperson claimed that the ambulances in Dubai were busy for hours transferring the dead and wounded Americans.

"Trump and the commanders of the US Army must have fully understood that the region will turn into a graveyard for American soldiers, and they will have no choice but to surrender to the divine will of the heroic people and the brave warriors of Islam," the spokesperson said.

US Rejects Iran's Claim

However, US Central Command refuted Iran's claims and called it "lies".

No US personnel have been attacked in Dubai. The Iranian regime is manufacturing lies on social media to hide the reality that their military capabilities are undeniably overwhelmed and degraded, centcom said in a post on X.

Escalating Tensions and Warnings

Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned Gulf countries against backing the US-Israel.

Pezeshkian advised countries not to allow the US-Israel to use their lands to strike Iran if they want to ensure development and security in their nation.

He reiterated that Iran will strongly retaliate against the US-Israel if the infrastructure or economic centres of Tehran are targeted.

"We have said many times that Iran doesn't carry out preemptive attacks, but we will retaliate strongly if our infrastructure or economic centres are targeted," Pezeshkian said in a post on X.

"To the countries of the region: If you want development and security, don't let our enemies run the war from your lands," he added.

Potential US Response

The Pentagon is expected to deploy troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, according to a CBS report.

A possible ground operation in Iran's Kharg Island is also being contemplated by the US, while Iranians have started laying mines and moved additional forces to the Island.
Following the tragic murder of a minor girl in Hazaribagh, the BJP is fiercely criticising the Jharkhand government's handling of the case, demanding immediate action and justice for the victim's family.

IMAGE: Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff

Key Points BJP state president Aditya Sahu criticised the Jharkhand government over the murder of a minor girl in Hazaribagh, citing a failure in law and order.

The BJP is demanding the swift arrest of the accused, capital punishment for perpetrators, and substantial compensation for the victim's family.

Sahu issued a 24-hour ultimatum, threatening protests across Hazaribagh if arrests are not made promptly.

Congress spokesperson Rakesh Sinha also expressed concern and called for the immediate arrest of the culprits in the Hazaribagh murder case.

The Congress party urged for a fast-track court to expedite justice in the distressing Hazaribagh murder case.

BJP state president and Rajya Sabha MP Aditya Sahu on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the Jharkhand government over the murder of a minor girl in Hazaribagh district.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP state headquarters in Ranchi, Sahu said while people were celebrating Ram Navami and Chaitra Navratri, the girl was kidnapped, sexually assaulted, and brutally killed. He described the incident as extremely tragic and inhuman.

Sahu accused the police and administration of failing to maintain law and order, claiming that the fear of law has vanished among criminals. He alleged that instead of strengthening police systems, officials were busy with other work and, even after several days, senior officers had not met the victim's family.

BJP demanded the swift arrest of the accused, capital punishment for perpetrators, Rs 50 lakh compensation for the family, a government job for the father, and security for the family.

Sahu issued a 24-hour ultimatum, warning that if arrests were not made, torch rallies would be held across all block headquarters in Hazaribagh on March 29, followed by a district-wide shutdown on March 30. He added that if action remained absent, the protest would be expanded across Jharkhand.

Sahu also targeted Chief Minister Hemant Soren, noting no response had come from his office regarding such a grave incident.

Congress Expresses Concern

Congress spokesperson Rakesh Sinha, in a release issued to the media on Saturday, also expressed concern over the alleged rape and murder of the 13-year-old girl in Hazaribag district and sought the immediate arrest of the culprits.

"The failure to arrest the accused even several days after the incident has naturally engendered a sense of insecurity and unease among the victim's family and the local populace. In light of this situation, the Jharkhand Pradesh Congress Committee has expressed its deep concern regarding this matter," Sinha said.

State Congress president Keshav Mahto Kamlesh termed the incident "distressing".

"This incident in Bishnugarh is profoundly distressing. We are confident that the state government will prioritise this matter and bring the culprits to justice as expeditiously as possible," said Keshav Mahato.

He also appealed for expediting the investigation into the case and the arrest of the culprits, and sought the trial to be conducted in a Fast-Track Court to accelerate the delivery of justice.
In Bhadohi, three individuals, including the brother of a former BSP leader, face charges of cheating and assault after allegedly promising a government job in exchange for money.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Three individuals in Bhadohi, including the brother of a former BSP district president, are accused of a job scam.

The accused allegedly took 6.5 lakh from a man, promising a government job for his relative.

When the job didn't materialise, the complainant was allegedly assaulted and threatened.

An FIR has been registered against the accused under sections pertaining to criminal breach of trust and criminal intimidation.

Three people, including the brother of a former BSP district president, were booked for allegedly cheating a man here by promising a government job for his relative and later threatening and assaulting him, police said on Saturday.

According to Gopiganj Station House Officer Shailesh Kumar Rai, the FIR was registered based on a complaint filed by Ashish Kumar, a medical store owner from Saripur village, on Friday.

The complainant alleged that Vitthalpur residents Daya Shankar Gautam, his son Deepankar Gautam, and another person Om Prakash Yadav allegedly took Rs 6.5 lakh from him between April 9 and December 7, 2025 by promising a clerical job for his brother at a government school in Prayagraj, SHO Rai said.

Daya Shankar is the brother of former district president of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Baijnath Gautam.

When the job did not materialise even after two months after the promised date, the accused asked Kumar to collect the submitted documents from the BSP office.

When he later demanded the money back, the accused allegedly called him again to the BSP office, assaulted him and threatened to implicate him in a false case under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, besides issuing death threats, the SHO said quoting the FIR.

Kumar took the help of a relative serving in the police department and lodged a complaint.

The FIR was registered under sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita pertaining to criminal breach of trust, voluntarily causing hurt, intentional insult and criminal intimidation, the SHO said.
AICC leader Pawan Khera claims a hidden alliance between the CPI(M) and BJP is influencing the Kerala Assembly elections, even as he predicts a win for the Congress-led UDF due to anti-incumbency.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points AICC leader Pawan Khera alleges a CPI(M)-BJP nexus in the Kerala Assembly elections, claiming they are strategically fielding weak candidates.

Khera asserts strong anti-incumbency against the LDF government will favour the Congress-led UDF in the Kerala elections.

The Congress is raising relevant issues for Kerala's youth and is confident in their preparations for elections in all five poll-bound states.

Khera downplays the BJP's growth in Kerala, calling it 'accidental' and noting their limited gains in local body elections.

AICC leader Pawan Khera on Saturday alleged that a CPI(M)-BJP nexus is evident in the Kerala Assembly elections, but said voters would reject any such arrangement.

Khera told PTI that there was a strong anti-incumbency in the state, which would favour the Congress-led UDF.

"From a national perspective, also, the entire country is looking at Kerala right now. It's a very literate state, and there is significant anti-incumbency against the LDF government. People want to see them out," he said.

Pawan Khera, chairman of the AICC's Media and Publicity Department, is in Kochi as part of the April 9 poll campaign.

On Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's frequent criticism of Rahul Gandhi, Khera said the CM had only recently praised the Congress leader for his intervention after the Wayanad landslide.

"I think the chief minister is a little confused. No problem, let him be confused. The fact is that we are raising the right issues, which are relevant for every single youth of Kerala who has made up their mind to get rid of this government," he said.

Allegations of a Tacit Understanding

Khera reiterated the Congress's allegation of a tacit understanding between the BJP and the CPI(M), also referring to NDA ally Twenty20.

"It is very clear now during the election. NDA allies are deliberately fielding weak candidates to help the CPI(M), and the CPI(M) is doing the same to help the BJP in certain constituencies. However, the people of Kerala will reject such attempts, whether from the front door or the back door," the Congress Working Committee member said.

On the BJP's prospects in Kerala, he termed its growth "accidental".

"In local body elections, the saffron party did not make any major gains, though those elections have a different dynamic. So not much should be read into their position in Kerala," he said.

He said issues like Sabarimala are being taken up by the Congress during the campaign, primarily by the state leadership.

Election Preparations in Other States

On preparations for elections in other states, Khera said the Congress is contesting in all five poll-bound states and a union territory, including Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, West Bengal, Assam and Kerala.

"In West Bengal, we are contesting all 294 seats. We are well prepared and highly hopeful of the results," he said.
A woman in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, tragically died after a leopard attack while working in a field, raising concerns about human-wildlife conflict in the region.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points A 57-year-old woman was killed in a leopard attack while working in a field in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh.

The leopard dragged the woman into nearby thickets after attacking her.

Local residents protested the incident, blocking a road until authorities intervened.

Authorities are installing a cage to capture the leopard responsible for the fatal attack.

The victim's family will receive government compensation following the deadly leopard encounter.

A 57-year-old woman was mauled to death by a leopard while she was working with her husband in a field near a forest here, police said on Saturday.

The incident took place at Hidayatpur Chauhadwala village in Afzalgarh area on Friday evening.

According to Forest Ranger Pradeep Sharma, the woman, Kranti Devi, was taking a rest while her husband Ranjeet was working nearby.

"A leopard suddenly emerged from the fields, grabbed Kranti Devi by the neck, and dragged her into the thickets," Sharma said.

Ranjeet chased the feline with a wooden stick, but by the time the leopard dropped the woman and fled into the forest, she had already succumbed to her injuries.

Community Response to the Leopard Attack

The incident sparked outrage among residents, who blocked the Kalagarh Road in protest. The blockade was lifted after police and administration officials pacified the protesters.

Station House Officer Vijendra Rathi said the body has been sent for autopsy.

Authorities Respond to Fatal Incident

Ranger Sharma said a cage is being installed in the area to capture the leopard.

The woman's family will be provided compensation in accordance with the government rules, he added.
After 35 years on the run, Beed police have finally arrested a man wanted in connection with a 1991 dacoity case, bringing an end to a decades-long manhunt.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Bhagwat Kamsarya Pawar, wanted in a 1991 dacoity case, was arrested in Beed after 35 years on the run.

The arrest was made by the Crime Branch during a special drive to trace absconders.

Pawar was also wanted in connection with a separate case from 2018.

The suspect had been evading authorities since the initial dacoity case was registered at Kaij police station.

A man on the run for 35 years in a dacoity case was arrested by Beed police, an official said on Saturday.

Bhagwat Kamsarya Pawar, a resident of Koregaon in Kaij tehsil, was arrested by the Crime Branch during a special drive held from March 21 to trace absconders, the official said.

Details of the Arrest

"He was absconding since 1991 after a dacoity case was registered at Kaij police station. He was held on March 27 by a team led by sub inspector Mahesh Vighne. Pawar was also wanted in a 2018 case," the official said.
A man was killed during a Ram Navami procession in Hazaribag, Jharkhand, prompting a police investigation into a suspected case of old enmity.

Photograph:ANI Photo

Key Points A 40-year-old man was fatally attacked during a Ram Navami procession in Hazaribag, Jharkhand.

The incident occurred in Gadokhar village following an altercation.

Police suspect the motive was old enmity and have identified two suspects who are currently at large.

An investigation has been launched, and raids are being conducted to apprehend the suspects in the Hazaribag killing.

A 40-year-old man was hacked to death during a Ram Navami procession in Jharkhand's Hazaribag district, police said on Saturday.

The incident occurred in Gadokhar village under the Pelawal outpost limits on Friday night when two accused attacked him with sharp-edged weapons after an altercation among them, Hazaribag Sadar SDPO Amit Anand said.

The deceased has been identified as Rama Saw, he said.

The police have launched an investigation into the killing, the SDPO said.

Investigation Details

"It seems that the incident happened due to old enmity. Two suspects have been identified, but they are now on the run. Raids are being conducted to arrest them," the officer said.

The body of Saw has been sent to the district headquarters hospital for post-mortem examination, the SDPO said.
The rig count in the Permian Basin was down two this week, the latest count Friday by Baker Hughes shows, with 241 rigs active in the region. A year ago, 297 rigs were active in the region.

Nationally, the oil and gas rig count is down nine from last week at 543 rigs. A year ago, 592 rigs were active. The count shows that 409 rigs sought oil, down five from the previous week, and 127 explored for natural gas, down four from the previous week. The count also shows seven miscellaneous rigs, unchanged from the previous week.

The U.S. rig count peaked at 4,530 in 1981. It bottomed out in August of 2020 at 244.

The regional benchmark Plains-West Texas Intermediate Posting ended Friday at $96.12 per barrel, up $1.32 from last Fridays close. National benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude ended at $99.64 per barrel, up $1.32 from the previous week.

The post US rig count down nine as prices increase appeared first on Odessa American.
A police officer was killed and two others injured in a brazen militant attack targeting a police vehicle in Pakistan's Bannu district, prompting a security response and condemnation from government officials.

Photograph: Screen grab/X

Key Points A police officer was killed and two others injured in a militant attack on a police vehicle in Bannu district, Pakistan.

The attackers set the police vehicle ablaze after the shooting.

Security forces have launched a search operation in the area to apprehend the militants.

The Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has condemned the attack and ordered a detailed report.

The government has reiterated its commitment to combating militancy in the region.

Suspected militants opened fire on a police vehicle in northwest Pakistan on Saturday, killing one officer and injuring two others, officials said.

The attack took place within the jurisdiction of Hoveyd Police Station, near Mir Sher Khan Chowk, in Bannu district bordering north Waziristan.

According to initial reports, the attackers later set the vehicle ablaze, leaving it completely destroyed.

Police confirmed that Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Dil Nawaz was killed in the attack, while two constables sustained injuries.

The firing has since ceased, and additional police forces, including members of the police quick response unit, rushed to the scene.

The injured officers were shifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to track down the attackers.

No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the incident. Further details are awaited as investigations continue.

Government Response to the Attack

Meanwhile, Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Afridi has taken notice of the firing incident on a police vehicle in Bannu and strongly condemned the attack, according to an official statement.

The Chief Minister has directed the Inspector General (IG) of Police to submit a detailed report on the incident.

Sohail Afridi said the killing of the police officer and injuries to others in the attack were deeply tragic.

He added that the provincial government stands in full solidarity with the family of the fallen officer.

Afridi also instructed authorities to ensure the injured receive the best possible medical treatment and expressed prayers for their swift recovery.

"Such cowardly acts of terrorism cannot weaken our resolve," Afridi said, reiterating the government's commitment to combating militancy.
Prime Minister Modi and the Saudi Crown Prince addressed the West Asia conflict, stressing the critical need for freedom of navigation and secure shipping lanes amidst regional tensions.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Prime Minister Modi and the Saudi Crown Prince discussed the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Both leaders emphasised the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation and keeping shipping lanes open and secure.

Modi reiterated India's condemnation of attacks on regional energy infrastructure.

The discussion included the situation around the Strait of Hormuz and its impact on global energy transport.

Modi thanked the Crown Prince for his continued support for the welfare of the Indian community in Saudi Arabia.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday spoke to Crown Prince and PM of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, discussed with him the ongoing conflict in West Asia and agreed on the need to ensure freedom of navigation.

In his telephonic conversation with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, the prime minister also reiterated India's condemnation of attacks on regional energy infrastructure.

"Spoke with Crown Prince and PM of Saudi Arabia, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman and discussed the ongoing conflict in West Asia," he said in a post on X.

Modi said both leaders agreed on the need to ensure freedom of navigation and keep shipping lines open and secure.

"Thanked him for his continued support for the welfare of the Indian community in Saudi Arabia," he said.

This was the second telephonic conversation between the prime minister and the crown prince of Saudi Arabia since the West Asia conflict started on February 28.

While the US and Israel attacked Iran, the Persian nation targeted its neighbours and Israel.

Concerns over Strait of Hormuz

Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route through which the world's 20 per cent of energy is transported. Since the conflict, very few ships are allowed by Iran to cross it.

Modi has also spoken to several world leaders since the conflict started and they include those from the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Iran, France, Israel and Malaysia.

US President Donald Trump has also spoken to Modi following which the prime minister said he "had a useful exchange of views on the situation in West Asia".
A Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officer is under investigation for abetment to suicide following the death of a builder linked to a major drug syndicate, raising serious questions about anti-narcotics agency tactics.

Key Points NCB zonal director Amit Ghawate booked for abetment to suicide in connection with builder Gurunath Chichkar's death.

The case follows a court directive and involves charges of criminal conspiracy and extortion.

Gurunath Chichkar allegedly took his own life due to harassment by the NCB, who were investigating his son's drug syndicate.

Naveen Chichkar, the son, was deported from Malaysia and arrested as the kingpin of a transnational drug syndicate.

Police have registered a case against the Narcotics Control Bureau's zonal director Amit Ghawate in connection with the suicide of Navi Mumbai-based builder Gurunath Chichkar, father of a drug syndicate 'kingpin' deported from Malaysia last year, an official said on Saturday.

Following a court's directive, Ghawate, a 2008 Indian Revenue Service (IRS), has been booked on the charges of abetment to suicide, criminal conspiracy, extortion and other relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the official said.

Gurunath Chichkar shot himself at his office with a pistol on April 25, 2025, after allegedly being harassed by the NCB, which was pursuing his son, Naveen, as part of its probe into a massive drug syndicate operating in several nations.

At the time, the police had recovered a suicide note from the spot, in which Chichkar claimed that he was fed up with the harassment by the NCB and police officials.

The Navi Mumbai police had registered a case of accidental death and launched a probe, which subsequently revealed Ghawate's role.

Arrest of the Drug Syndicate Kingpin

The NCB had arrested Naveen Chichkar (35), alleged to be the kingpin of a "transnational drug syndicate", after securing his deportation from Malaysia in June last year. He was wanted in multiple cases registered by the anti-narcotics agency. His younger brother, Dheeraj, was also arrested later.
Pakistan is set to host foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye to address critical issues and de-escalate tensions in West Asia, signalling its commitment to regional peace and stability.

IMAGE: A poster of late leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the late Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the current Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, in Tehran. Photograph: Majid Asgaripour/WANA/Reuters

Key Points Pakistan is hosting foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye to discuss regional issues, including tensions in West Asia.

The meetings aim to de-escalate tensions and strengthen cooperation between Pakistan and these countries.

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar requested the meeting be held in Islamabad due to his prior engagements.

Pakistan is actively engaged with stakeholders to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict in West Asia, including relaying messages between the US and Iran.

Pakistan emphasises dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward to resolve the West Asia conflict.

Pakistan is set to host the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkiye for discussions on a wide-range of issues, including efforts to de-escalate tensions in West Asia amid the war in Iran, the Foreign Office said on Saturday.

At the invitation of Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Saudi Arabia Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Turkiye Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, will visit Islamabad on Sunday and Monday, the Foreign Office said.

During the visit, the foreign ministers will hold "in-depth discussions on a range of issues, including efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region", it added.

The visiting leaders will also meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Foreign Office said.

It added that Pakistan "highly values its relations with the brotherly countries of Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt, and the visit will provide an opportunity to further strengthen Pakistan's cooperation and coordination with these countries".

Geo News reported that the meeting was earlier scheduled to be held in Turkiye but due to Dar's engagement, he requested the leaders to come to Islamabad.

"The meeting was scheduled to be held in Turkiye but due to my engagement, I requested my brothers to instead meet in Islamabad tomorrow (Sunday)," Dar was quoted as saying.

The deputy prime minister said that Pakistan is working with "honesty and sincerity" to resolve ongoing disputes.

Dar said that talks with Iran are continuing, but due to the sensitive nature of the negotiations, officials are refraining from making public statements.

Pakistan attempts to broker US-Iran peace talks

Pakistan on Thursday said that it was "actively and constructively engaged" with all stakeholders in the region and beyond to peacefully end the Iran war.

However, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi did not categorically confirm any chances of face to face talks in Islamabad over the coming weekend.

The spokesperson said that Pakistan has "remained actively and constructively engaged with relevant regional stakeholders and beyond our region, consistently advocating for immediate de-escalation, cessation of hostilities and an irreversible path towards a peaceful resolution".

Pakistan also confirmed relaying messages between the US and Iran, saying dialogue and diplomacy were the only way forward to end the West Asia conflict.
Pakistani law enforcement agencies have successfully disrupted terror plots by arresting 36 militants in Punjab province, including members of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), seizing explosives and averting potential attacks on key infrastructure.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Pakistani authorities arrested 36 militants in Punjab province in the past month.

The arrests included members of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Major terror plots targeting important buildings in Faisalabad and Jhelum were averted.

Authorities seized explosives, detonators, IED bombs, and banned literature during the operations.

The counter terrorism department (CTD) conducted 366 intelligence-based operations.

Law enforcement agencies in the past one month have arrested 36 militants belonging to various terrorist organisations in the Punjab province of Pakistan, a statement said on Saturday.

Punjab counter terrorism department (CTD) in a statement said the arrested terrorists, including those from the banned militant group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), planned to target important buildings in different cities of the province.

"Major terror plots were averted in Faisalabad and Jhelum as two dangerous terrorists of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were arrested with heavy explosive material and weapons," the statement said.

Details of the Operations

It said the CTD conducted 366 intelligence-based operations in different districts, questioned 338 suspects, and arrested 36 terrorists along with weapons, explosives and other prohibited materials.

Explosives of 6,262 grams, 34 detonators, safety fuse wire 34 feet, five IED bombs, and banned literature have been recovered from their possession, it said.

The CTD stated that cases were registered against the arrested terrorists, and further investigation was ongoing.
Following the launch of 'Operation Ghazab Lil-Haq,' Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has experienced a significant 65% decline in terror incidents, marking a major shift in regional security.

Photograph: Screen grab/X

Key Points Terror incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, have decreased by 65% after the launch of 'Operation Ghazab Lil-Haq'.

The operation, targeting militant elements based in Afghanistan, began between February 26 and 27.

Before the operation, 240 terror incidents were recorded; since then, the number has dropped to 80.

Pakistani officials report that 707 TTP-affiliated terrorists have been killed and over 938 injured during the operation.

Terror incidents in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province have declined by 65 per cent following the launch of "Operation Ghazab Lil-Haq," according to official documents.

The operation was initiated overnight between February 26 and 27 this year against militant elements based in Afghanistan.

Official data shows that before the operation, a total of 240 terror incidents were recorded in the province. However, since the launch of the operation, the number has dropped significantly, with 80 incidents reported so far.

The documents further revealed that the highest number of attacks this year was recorded in the ninth week, when 48 incidents took place.

After the operation, the number of incidents fell sharply to 12 in the twelfth week.

In comparison, 42 incidents were reported in the tenth week and 29 in the eleventh week.

Overall, a total of 323 terror-related incidents have been reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa so far this year, the official data added.

Operation Details and Impact

According to the information minister, Atta Tarar, 707 TTP-affiliated terrorists have been killed, and more than 938 have been injured in the operation started at night between February 26 and 27.

He said that 255 posts had been destroyed and 44 posts had been captured in the operation inside Afghanistan.

He said that 237 tanks, armoured vehicles and artillery guns had been destroyed, adding that 81 terrorists and terrorist support infrastructure locations across Afghanistan were effectively targeted by air power.
A major drug bust in Patna leads to the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of narcotics worth approximately 25 crore, exposing a sophisticated drug processing and distribution network.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Two individuals were arrested in Patna after a police raid uncovered approximately 25 crore worth of narcotics.

The drug operation involved processing brown sugar with adulterants in a rented premises before distribution.

Police seized 1.68 kg of brown sugar, 16 kg of brown sugar in 'stone form', and 3.5 kg of adulterants, along with cash and mixer-grinders.

A police officer is under investigation for alleged involvement in the drug operation, suspected of facilitating supplies from Uttar Pradesh.

Authorities are investigating a larger network to identify the kingpins and financiers behind the drug syndicate.

Two persons were arrested in Patna with drugs worth around Rs 25 crore, police said on Saturday.

The arrests were made during a raid conducted at an apartment in the Alamganj police station area, they said.

The accused were identified as Jitendra Kumar of Samastipur district and Nitish Kumar of Jehanabad.

Police said Jitendra was arrested around five years ago with about 9 kg of smack and had spent several months in jail in that case.

SSP Kartikeya Sharma told reporters that the raid at the Alamganj flat led to the seizure of 1.68 kg of brown sugar, along with cash.

Drug Processing and Distribution Network Uncovered

During interrogation, the accused told the investigators that they used a rented room in the Ram Krishna Nagar police station area to process large quantities of smack, by mixing adulterants before distributing it to different locations, he said.

"When a police team raided the rented premises, about 16 kg of brown sugar in 'stone form' and around 3.5 kg of adulterants used for mixing were recovered. Large mixer-grinders used in the process were also seized," he added.

According to police, the Ram Krishna Nagar premises was used for processing the narcotics, while the Alamganj flat served as a distribution point within the city.

Police Officer Under Investigation

Sharma said the name of a police officer has also surfaced during the investigation.

"We have recovered blank cheques and cheques worth around Rs 70 lakh in his name. As per the statements of the arrested persons, he was allegedly involved in the operation and is suspected to have facilitated supplies from Uttar Pradesh," the SSP said.

The officer has reportedly been absent from duty for the past eight to nine months and has not been cooperating with investigators, he said.

Ongoing Investigation into Larger Syndicate

Sharma said the scale of the operation indicated the involvement of a larger network.

"An operation involving such large investments cannot be managed by just two individuals. We are examining both forward and backward linkages to identify the kingpins and financiers behind the syndicate," he said.

Police have so far identified around six persons in the supply chain and about 15-20 individuals allegedly involved in the distribution of the narcotics.
Pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers are responsible for planning and conducting flights, and these decisions must rely on technical judgment rather than external influence.

IMAGE: Wreckage of the aircraft that crashed resulting in the deaths of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others in Baramati, January 30, 2026. Photograph: Video Grab/ANI Photo

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday told pilots flying VVIPs that they must remain free from pressure and should refuse to operate a flight if safety is in doubt.

On January 28, a Learjet 45 aircraft owned by charter flight operator VSR Ventures crashed inside Baramati airport, killing Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others.

Key Points DGCA directed pilots flying VVIPs to refuse flights if safety concerns arise, ensuring operational decisions remain independent.

New rules prohibit direct last-minute instructions from VVIPs, requiring all communication through airline or operator management channels.

Mandatory passenger briefing will outline safety limitations and reinforce that final flight decisions rest solely with pilots.

Twin-engine aircraft, IFR capability, weather radar, and minimum two pilots now compulsory for VVIP transport flights.

Stricter ground protocols include inspections, fuel checks, baggage screening, and verification of emergency services before landing approvals.

No Pressure On Pilots

In its circular on the 'carriage of central, state and other dignitaries', the DGCA explicitly stated that flight crew must not be subject to 'undue pressure' to undertake flights.

The regulator also barred direct last-minute instructions from VVIPs or their staff to pilots.

It stated that any such changes must be routed through the operator's management instead of being communicated to the cockpit.

Mandatory VVIP Briefing Rules

According to the circular, there will now be a mandatory passenger briefing for VVIPs.

Before each departure, pilots will hand over a standard pamphlet, which will clearly state that while all due care has been taken for safety and comfort, aircraft operations have limitations related to weather conditions, visibility and night operations at certain airfields.

The pamphlet will explicitly tell passengers that decisions on continuation, diversion or cancellation of the flight rest with the crew and must be respected.

And, also the crew must remain free from any external pressure or undue influence.

This is aimed at setting expectations upfront and reducing the likelihood of pressure being exerted mid-flight.

Twin-Engine IFR Mandatory

The DGCA mentioned that pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers are responsible for planning and conducting flights, and these decisions must rely on technical judgment rather than external influence.

To strengthen operational safety, the regulator mandated the use of twin-engine aircraft for such flights, along with a minimum of two pilots on board.

Twin-engine aircraft are considered safer because they can continue flying even if one engine fails, reducing the risk during emergencies.

The aircraft used for VVIP transport must be equipped to operate under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), the DGCA said.

This means the aircraft must have advanced navigation and communication systems that allow pilots to fly safely even in poor visibility, such as during fog or heavy rain, without relying solely on visual cues.

A functional weather radar, which helps detect storms and turbulence ahead, will now be mandatory, the regulator said.

Strict Ground Safety Checks

The DGCA also tightened checks on aircraft readiness.

Planes must be inspected and certified before such flights, and any defect in engines, instruments or systems reported by the pilot or detected during ground inspection must be fixed before the next takeoff.

In addition, fuel quality must be verified during refuelling, and sufficient fuel must be carried to cover not just the planned journey but also contingencies such as diversions, it said.

The regulator also brought operational preparedness on the ground under scrutiny.

Operators and state authorities will now ensure that helipads or airstrips intended for landing are inspected at least 24 hours in advance.

For remote or 'uncontrolled' airfields, which lack full-time air traffic control or infrastructure, operators must obtain a no-objection certificate from district authorities.

Local administrations will now confirm the availability of essential services at the airport such as security, fire-fighting and rescue support before granting landing permission.

The regulator also directed that all baggage be screened before loading, adding another layer of security to such flights.

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff
The report suggests that Iran may be spreading out smaller missile launches throughout the day to repeatedly force civilians into shelters and keep the country under constant alert, rather than relying on sustained large-scale barrages.

IMAGE: An Israeli rescue worker walks at the impact site following Iranian missile barrages, in central Israel, on March 28, 2026. Photograph: Tomer Neuberg/Reuters

Key Points Institute for the Study of War warns Iran may intensify attacks with larger missile salvos to create psychological pressure in Israel.

Iranian cluster munition strike in central Israel killed one person and injured several; multiple attacks reported through the day.

Iran has launched over 450 missiles since February 28, with most intercepted but several causing damage in populated areas.

Israel Defense Forces strikes on Iranian infrastructure and joint operations have degraded Tehrans missile capabilities.

Houthi forces launched their first missile at Israel, signalling potential regional escalation and broader conflict involvement..

A new analysis by the Institute for the Study of War has warned that Iran could escalate its attacks on Israel by launching large missile salvos aimed at maximising psychological pressure on civilians.

The report suggests that Iran may be spreading out smaller missile launches throughout the day to repeatedly force civilians into shelters and keep the country under constant alert, rather than relying on sustained large-scale barrages.

Cluster Munitions and Civilian Impact

On the ground, the threat has already materialised.

An Iranian ballistic missile carrying a cluster bomb warhead struck central Israel on Friday, killing one person and injuring several others, according to local authorities.

The attack, part of multiple strikes throughout the day, dispersed smaller bomblets over a wide area, hitting residential zones and causing injuries from both direct impact and shrapnel.

Emergency services reported multiple impact sites, while additional missile launches later targeted southern and northern regions, triggering sirens but causing no further casualties.

Iran has fired more than 450 ballistic missiles at Israel since the conflict began on February 28, with a reported interception rate of 92 per cent for threats aimed at populated areas and key infrastructure.

Strategy Reflects Military Constraints

The think tank assessment noted that Irans increasing reliance on cluster munitions and staggered attacks likely reflects limitations in its ability to strike precise military targets.

It added that joint US-Israeli operations have degraded Iran's missile capabilities, including efforts to disrupt access to underground launch facilities.

Recent strikes by Israel Defence Forces targeted key nuclear-linked infrastructure, including facilities associated with plutonium production and the uranium fuel cycle.

Houthis Enter the Fray

In a significant development, Yemen's Houthi forces launched their first missile towards Israel since the start of 'Operation Roaring Lion', marking a potential widening of the conflict.

According to the IDF, air defence systems intercepted the missile after sirens sounded across the Negev region, including Beersheba. No casualties or direct impacts were reported.

The launch follows warnings from Houthi leadership of possible direct military intervention if US-Israeli operations against Iran and allied groups continue to escalate.

Regional Escalation Risks Grow

Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree  that Yemeni forces are prepared for intervention, citing 'religious and moral responsibility' and warning against further escalation, including actions in the Red Sea.

The statement also called for adherence to a ceasefire in Gaza and cautioned against increased pressure on Yemen, framing the conflict as part of a broader regional struggle involving the so-called 'Axis of Resistance'.
In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court of India has mandated the protection of rape survivors' identities in court orders, reinforcing the need to prevent social stigma and ensure their privacy.

Key Points The Supreme Court strongly condemns the disclosure of rape victims' identities in court proceedings.

High Courts are directed to ensure the anonymity of rape survivors and their families in all court orders.

The ruling references the Nipun Saxena case and Section 228A of the Indian Penal Code, which prohibits disclosing the identity of sexual offence victims.

The court highlights the need to prevent social stigma and lifelong reputational harm to survivors of sexual assault.

The Supreme Court observed a general indifference and lack of awareness in lower courts regarding the deep stigma associated with sexual offences.

The Supreme Court has deprecated in "strongest terms" the disclosure of identity of a girl in a rape case and directed all high courts to ensure that names of survivors and their family members are not mentioned in court orders.

In its 2018 judgement in the Nipun Saxena case, the top court had said, "No person can print or publish in print, electronic, social media, etc. the name of the victim or even in a remote manner disclose any facts which can lead to the victim being identified and which should make her identity known to the public at large."

A bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and N Kotiswar Singh attributed lapses in following the ruling to the general indifference of the courts and "possibly even" the lack of awareness of the deep stigma that follows such offences.

The top court said that the legislature in 1983 introduced a provision to the IPC seeking to protect the identity of the of the victim of the offence under Section 376 Indian Penal Code.

The amendment, it said, was made apparently to address a specific mischief that emerged starkly from the way sexual offence cases were handled: the public disclosure of a survivor's identity.

The bench thus directed that a copy of the judgment be sent to all the high court registrars general.

It also mentioned Section 228A of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, which prohibits the disclosure of the identity of victims of sexual offences, including rape, to prevent social stigma.

"This has been the long-standing position in law, but it has not been followed. The primary reason there amongst, one supposes, is the general indifference of the courts below and possibly even the lack of awareness of the deep stigma that follows such offences," the bench said.

The observations came while setting aside an order of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, which reversed the conviction of a man in the rape of a nine-year-old girl, saying courts must not give undue importance to minor discrepancies.

The top court said that before 1983, there was no statutory bar on publishing the name or particulars of a female sexual assault victim, alleged or proven, and court reporting and media coverage could expose survivors to social stigma, ostracism, and lifelong reputational harm.

"Clearly, the intent of this section has been given a miss in these proceedings. The name of the victim is treated like that of any other witness and is freely used throughout the record. This must be deprecated in the strongest terms. In fact, this court has noticed earlier also that the mandate of this provision is not being followed," the bench said.
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.

More from Yahoo Scout What oil shortages are Asian refiners currently experiencing? Why are WTI and Brent crude prices diverging significantly? How severe could oil prices become by March end? How is the Strait of Hormuz blockage affecting oil supplies?

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.
On Thursday, March 26, 2026m Kashmiri Pandits offered special prayers at the historic Raghunath temple in Srinagar on the first day of its reopening after a gap of 36 years, coinciding with the festival of Ram Navami.

Located at Habbakadal on the banks of the Jhelum river, the temple witnessed emotional scenes as members of the community gathered to mark the occasion, many expressing joy and nostalgia at returning to the revered shrine after decades.

The Raghunath temple had been set ablaze by terrorists in the 1990s and remained closed since then. The reopening is seen as a significant and symbolic moment for the community.

Amid tight security arrangements, Kashmiri Muslims warmly welcomed the visiting Pandits, greeting them outside the temple.

The atmosphere reflected communal harmony, with several nearby Muslim residents, including women, watching the proceedings from their windows and sharing in the moment.

Participants described the reopening as a hopeful step towards preserving shared heritage and rebuilding bonds between communities in the Kashmir Valley.

Photographs: Umar Ganie for Rediff

The Pandits also took out Shobha Yatra on the occasion.

The yatra began from the Kathleshwar Temple in Zindra Mohalla on D C Office road and passed through several key areas of the city, including Habbakadal, Barbar Shah, Regal Chowk and the historic Lal Chowk, before returning to the temple.

Devotees participated in large numbers, chanting religious hymns and carrying flags as they marked the festival of Ram Navami with enthusiasm.

Authorities had put in place elaborate security arrangements along the route to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the procession.

Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
Congress MP K Sudhakaran remains steadfast in his choice for Kerala's Chief Minister if the UDF secures victory in the upcoming Assembly elections, following discussions with Rahul Gandhi.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points K Sudhakaran reiterated his preferred candidate for Kerala CM if the UDF wins the upcoming Assembly polls.

The Congress MP confirmed he had no specific discussion with Rahul Gandhi regarding the CM candidate during their meeting.

Sudhakaran had previously suggested Ramesh Chennithala for the Chief Minister position.

Despite reaffirming his stance, Sudhakaran stated he made no demands during the meeting with Rahul Gandhi.

Congress MP K Sudhakaran on Saturday, after meeting with party leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi, reiterated that he is sticking to his stand on who should be Kerala CM if the UDF wins in the April 9 Assembly polls.

The Congress strongman from Kannur, however, made it clear that he did not have any discussion regarding the CM candidate with Rahul.

Sudhakaran had earlier mooted the name of senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala as the CM candidate.

Following the meeting with Rahul, when reporters asked him if he suggested a CM candidate, the Congress MP from Kannur said, "I had earlier said a name. I am not repeating it now. There was no talk about it in the discussions today. I have not made any demands."
A 17-year-old boy tragically lost his life after trying to stop a violent altercation over food arrangements at a wedding in Delhi, leading to multiple arrests and a police investigation.

Key Points A 17-year-old boy, Nikhil Yadav, was killed and another person injured during a brawl at a wedding in Delhi's Rani Bagh area.

The fight reportedly started over food arrangements at the wedding, escalating into violence.

Nikhil Yadav and Sunny attempted to intervene and pacify the quarrelling groups when they were attacked with a knife.

Police have apprehended five individuals, including four minors, in connection with the deadly wedding brawl.

The police investigation is ongoing, with evidence collected from the scene, including CCTV footage.

Five people, including four minors, have been apprehended for allegedly killing a 17-year-old boy and injuring another when the duo tried to pacify two groups quarrelling at a wedding over food arrangements in outer Delhi's Rani Bagh area, police said on Saturday.

The incident took place around 11.15 pm on Friday, they said. The deceased was identified as Nikhil Yadav, a bike mechanic, while the injured, Sunny, is undergoing treatment and is stated to be stable. Both were residents of Rohini.

According to the police, an argument broke out between two groups over food arrangements at a wedding function, which quickly escalated into violence.

Eyewitnesses told the police that Nikhil and Sunny tried to intervene and pacify the groups when they were attacked with a knife by another minor.

Both sustained serious injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital, where Nikhil was declared "brought dead", police said.

Family and Friends React to Delhi Wedding Violence

Nikhil's family claimed that he was attacked after being mistaken for being involved in a fight while trying to intervene in a scuffle among children.

"Last night, my younger brother went to attend a wedding in Rani Bagh. Some children were fighting among themselves, and he went there to intervene and resolve the matter. There were six or seven boys who were drunk; they misunderstood the situation and thought he was fighting with the children," Nikhil's brother, Vikash Yadav, said.

He alleged that the situation escalated when the group began assaulting Nikhil. "One of them took out a knife and stabbed him in the stomach. He died on the spot," he added.

Friends of the victim said they were informed about the incident over the phone and rushed to the spot.

"We were at home. Our friend had gone to someone's wedding, where he might have had a fight with someone. Someone informed us over the phone that Nikhil had died. Another person, Sunny, was stabbed and admitted to Mahavir Hospital in Rani Bagh," Nikhil's friend Rahul said.

He said Nikhil was 17 years old and worked as a bike mechanic.

Rahul alleged that when he and others reached the hospital, the police asked them to leave.

Police Investigation and Arrests

Meanwhile, the police said a crime team inspected the scene and collected evidence, including CCTV footage. The main accused and his associate were apprehended and the knife used in the crime was recovered.

Later, all the other accused involved in the case were also apprehended. Of them, four are juveniles while one is a major.

The body has been sent for post-mortem and a case has been registered, they added.
Five individuals have been arrested in Madhya Pradesh after a radio-collared tiger was allegedly poisoned, raising concerns about poaching and wildlife management in the region.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points A radio-collared tiger was allegedly poisoned to death in Madhya Pradesh, India, leading to the arrest of five suspects.

The tiger, relocated from Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, was allegedly poisoned after killing cattle belonging to the accused.

Wildlife activist alleges administrative and monitoring failures by the forest department in the tiger poisoning case.

The accused are also allegedly involved in illegal opium cultivation, compounding the severity of the wildlife crime.

The incident marks the 14th tiger death in Madhya Pradesh since January, raising concerns about tiger conservation efforts.

A radio-collared tiger was allegedly poisoned to death, following which five persons were arrested on Saturday, Madhya Pradesh police said.

The tiger's body was found buried in a pit in West Chhindwara division revenue area on Friday, the official said.

"The tiger was brought from Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Umaria in December 2004. It had formed its territory outside the reserve. Five persons have been arrested for poisoning the animal. They have been remanded in judicial custody," STR field director Rakhi Nanda told PTI.

The accused, who laced tiger kill with poison, allegedly took this step as the big cat had killed their cattle, Nanda added.

The accused are also involved in illegal opium cultivation, the official said.

Activist Alleges Negligence

Meanwhile, wildlife activist Ajay Dubey on Saturday lodged a formal complaint in the matter with Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Member Secretary, National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Principal Secretary (Forest), MP, among others.

In his complaint, Dubey alleged that no movement was seen in the radio-collar monitor since March 3, but the forest department ignored the development.

"The tigress was poisoned by poachers and her carcass was found buried in a pit in Sanga Kheda village area under Chhindwara South Forest Division. It is not merely a case of poaching, but a glaring example of administrative and monitoring failure," Dubey said while seeking immediate intervention from higher authorities.

He also sought the removal of STR field director Nanda "for free and fair investigation into the glaring incident".

A total of 14 tigers have died in MP since January this year, he pointed out.
Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has launched a scathing attack on the BJP, accusing them of instigating violence during Ram Navami processions in West Bengal and disrupting the state's long-standing tradition of communal harmony.

Photograph: Shrikant Singh/ANI Photo

Key Points Abhishek Banerjee accuses the BJP of instigating violence during Ram Navami processions in West Bengal, disrupting the state's tradition of peaceful festivals.

Banerjee alleges the BJP brings in 'hoodlums' to Ram Navami processions, accusing them of flaunting swords and drinking in public.

Banerjee claims the BJP is harassing the people of Bengal by threatening them in the name of SIR and deleting genuine voters.

Banerjee highlights the TMC government's developmental initiatives for women, youth, and the elderly, contrasting it with the NDA-ruled states.

Banerjee promises housing for all in Bengal within six months and the implementation of the 'Duare Swasthaya' health outreach programme if the TMC returns to power.

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday described the BJP as a party of "rioters" and accused it of instigating violence during Ram Navami rallies in the state.

Addressing a poll rally in Birbhum district's Labhpur, the de facto number two in the TMC, said the people of Bengal have traditionally been observing all festivals cordially.

"Do you hear about any incident of rioting or clash during Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Jagaddhatri Puja, Eid, Chhat Puja, Christmas or when processions are taken out by the Jain community?

"Then why is a pious occasion like Ram Navami being used by them (BJP) to instigate violence and mayhem?" the TMC national general secretary posed.

Tension gripped parts of Murshidabad district in poll-bound West Bengal on Friday after clashes broke out during Ram Navami processions, with incidents of stone-pelting, vandalism and arson reported from multiple locations.

Prohibitory orders have been put into place in Raghunathganj and Jangipur areas. Thirty people have been arrested so far in connection with the violence, a senior police official said.

Without referring to the incident, the Lok Sabha MP from Diamond Harbour alleged that the "BJP means rioters", claiming the saffron party and their associates bring in hoodlums to Ram Navami processions who flaunt swords and drink in public."

"Why are there reports of violence only during Ram Navami when the association of BJP leaders and their sister organisations is reported? Bengal has a tradition of amity and cordiality in its festivals," the MP from Diamond Harbour said at the Labhpur rally.

He pointed out that the people of Ayodhya have rejected the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls despite playing faith-based politics and asserted that the saffron party will meet the same fate in Bengal and other poll-bound states.

Accusations of Harassment and Neglect

Banerjee accused the BJP of putting the people of the state in agony by "forcing them to stand in SIR queues" and "deleting the names of lakhs of genuine voters".

"Why are the BJP leaders issuing threats and intimidating the people of Bengal by the name of SIR?" he posed and urged the gathering to teach the "'bahiragato zamindars' (outsider landlords)" a lesson for harassing the public.

He claimed that the NDA, which is in power in Assam, Bihar, and Tripura, did not initiate developmental initiatives for women, youth, the elderly and other sections of society as the TMC government did in Bengal.

Alleging that the Centre did not sanction even a penny for housing schemes for the poor in Bengal, Banerjee said, "Though they did not sanction even 10 paisa, we will ensure roofs over the heads of every person in the state in another six months."

He also said the health outreach programme -- 'Duare Swasthaya' -- will also become a reality once the TMC returns to power following the polls.

Fire Incident After Rally

Soon after the rally ended and Banerjee left the dais, a fire broke out at one side of the stage, but no one was injured.

As smoke engulfed the stage, fire brigade personnel posted at the site doused the flames quickly, an official said, adding the cause of the fire was being investigated.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has fiercely countered Union Home Minister Amit Shah's accusations against the West Bengal government, alleging the BJP is using divisive tactics and ignoring critical issues like violence in Manipur to gain political advantage in the upcoming elections.

Photograph:@AmitShah X/ANI Photo

Key Points The TMC accuses Amit Shah and the BJP of attempting to polarise West Bengal ahead of elections by raising the issue of infiltration.

TMC leaders highlight the BJP's alleged failures in addressing violence in Manipur and ensuring women's safety in BJP-ruled states.

The TMC questions the BJP's handling of illegal immigration and the Election Commission's role in identifying foreign nationals on electoral rolls.

The TMC claims the BJP is withholding funds for West Bengal's development and social welfare projects.

TMC leaders accuse Amit Shah of making unsubstantiated claims about demographic changes and infiltration in West Bengal.

The Trinamool Congress slammed Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday with a counter to his "chargesheet" against the Mamata Banerjee government, accusing the BJP of trying to polarise the people of poll-bound West Bengal and evade accountability for its own record on a host of issues, including women's safety.

Hours after Shah's press conference here, the incumbent TMC questioned the BJP-led Centre over the prolonged violence in Manipur, women's safety in BJP-ruled states and the Centre's handling of illegal immigration.

Senior TMC leaders Mahua Moitra, Bratya Basu and Kirti Azad held a joint press conference where they targeted the Union Home minister over his criticism of the TMC government on women's safety. "Amit Shah is talking about women's security. What is the condition of women's safety in BJP-ruled states?"

"Shah should first answer about violence in Manipur, which has bled continuously for the past three years," TMC MP Moitra said.

The counter-charges came after Shah, earlier in the day, sharpened the BJP's campaign for the West Bengal assembly elections, releasing a political "chargesheet" against the TMC government and framing the polls as a battle not merely for Bengal, but for the country's security.

At a packed press conference, Shah alleged that after 15 years of TMC rule, West Bengal had become the country's "principal corridor" for infiltration because of the ruling party's appeasement politics, corruption and political violence.

Rejecting the allegation, the TMC noted that the BJP has been in power at the Centre for over a decade and has been ruling several border states.

"BJP rules at the Centre. It rules 15 states and most border states through which infiltration is happening. Amit Shah himself is the Union Home Minister. So what exactly has he been waiting for?" senior TMC leader and West Bengal Education minister Bratya Basu said.

Questioning the Centre's claims on infiltration, Basu asked why the Union Home Ministry had "failed" to identify and deport illegal immigrants.

"Why has the BJP-controlled Election Commission failed to release the names of foreign nationals found on the electoral rolls?" he asked.

In a separate statement, Basu alleged that the BJP was using the issue of infiltration to create divisions in Bengal.

"BJP wants to blur the line between Bengali and Bangladeshi so they can import their hateful Assam-style detention camp model into Bengal," he alleged.

At the press meet Basu equated Shah issuing the chargesheet to a scene in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar where the perpetrator of crime occupies the judge's seat.

Basu said Shah's statement about change in demography in Bengal is based on "falsehood and misinformation" as his claims of finding names of lakhs of Bangladeshis and Rohingyas in Bengal have not been substantiated by the Election Commission in the SIR exercise. "You want to repeat the Gujarat experiment here? You will not succeed." he said.

Moitra said, "It is pathetic that he is standing before cameras to declare filing of chargesheet when there are cases against him by central agencies."

"When a clown sits on a throne, he doesn't become a king, but it becomes a circus," she said, describing Shah as a "clown".

"In every BJP-ruled state, Shah's party workers brand each Bengali-speaking migrant as infiltrator," she said.

TMC Accuses BJP of Insulting Bengal's Culture

Accusing Shah and the BJP of insulting the culture and heritage of Bengal, Basu said, "They are giving the prefix of Swami before spiritual leader Sri Ramakrishna. Called Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay as Bankimda and erroneously described Tagore's birthplace. One of your MPs and ministers had once described Swami Vivekananda as leftist. You will never be accepted by the people of Bengal."

TMC Presents Counter-Chargesheet

Presenting the counter-chargesheet, TMC MP Kirti Azad said, "The BJP government withheld Rs 1 lakh crore dues of the state and blocked money for all development and social welfare projects, which did not happen for Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan."

Azad described Shah as the only Union Home Minister having "cases against him" in history.

The TMC also accused the BJP of seeking to reap political mileage from the issue of infiltration while "failing" to act despite being in power at the Centre for over a decade.

According to the TMC, if infiltration remained a problem, the responsibility lay primarily with the Union government, which controls the country's borders and security apparatus.

Releasing a booklet which listed the charges with a caption "Biswa gurur chadma beshajabab chai" (In the garb of world leader you are skirting issues, we want a reply.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) launched a scathing counter-attack against Amit Shah's accusations regarding West Bengal's governance, highlighting the BJP's alleged failures in maintaining women's safety and addressing infiltration issues.

Photograph: PTI Photo

Key Points TMC leaders counter Amit Shah's charges against the West Bengal government, accusing the BJP of political polarisation.

The TMC questions the BJP's record on women's safety in BJP-ruled states and the handling of the Manipur violence.

TMC leaders challenge the BJP's claims on infiltration, questioning why the Centre has failed to deport illegal immigrants.

The TMC accuses the BJP of using the infiltration issue to create divisions in West Bengal for political gain.

TMC asserts that border control and security are the responsibility of the Union government, currently led by the BJP.

The Trinamool Congress slammed Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday with a counter to his "chargesheet" against the Mamata Banerjee government, accusing the BJP of trying to polarise the people of poll-bound West Bengal and evade accountability for its own record on a host of issues, including women's safety.

Hours after Shah's press conference here, the incumbent TMC questioned the BJP-led Centre over the prolonged violence in Manipur, women's safety in BJP-ruled states and the Centre's handling of illegal immigration.

Senior TMC leaders Mahua Moitra, Bratya Basu and Kirti Azad held a joint press conference where the trio targeted the Union home minister over his criticism of the TMC government on women's safety. "Amit Shah is talking about women's security. What is the condition of women's safety in BJP-ruled states?"

"Shah should first answer about violence in Manipur, which has bled continuously for the past three years," TMC MP Moitra said.

The counter-charges came after Shah, earlier in the day, sharpened the BJP's campaign for the West Bengal assembly elections, releasing a political "chargesheet" against the TMC government and framing the polls as a battle not merely for Bengal, but for the country's security.

At a packed press conference, Shah alleged that after 15 years of TMC rule, West Bengal had become the country's "principal corridor" for infiltration because of the ruling party's appeasement politics, corruption and political violence.

TMC Rejects BJP's Allegations

Rejecting the allegation, the TMC noted that the BJP has been in power at the Centre for over a decade and has been ruling several border states.

"BJP rules at the Centre. It rules 15 states and most border states through which infiltration is happening. Amit Shah himself is the Union Home Minister. So what exactly has he been waiting for?" senior TMC leader Bratya Basu said.

Questioning the Centre's claims on infiltration, the West Bengal education minister asked why the Union Home Ministry had "failed" to identify and deport illegal immigrants.

"Why has the BJP-controlled Election Commission failed to release the names of foreign nationals found on the electoral rolls?" he asked.

In a separate statement, Basu alleged that the BJP was using the issue of infiltration to create divisions in Bengal.

"BJP wants to blur the line between Bengali and Bangladeshi so they can import their hateful Assam-style detention camp model into Bengal," he alleged.

The TMC also accused the BJP of seeking to reap political mileage from the issue of infiltration while "failing" to act despite being in power at the Centre for over a decade.

According to the TMC, if infiltration remained a problem, the responsibility lay primarily with the Union government, which controls the country's borders and security apparatus.
The DMK has announced its list of candidates for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, signaling the start of intense political battles and strategic alliances in the state.

IMAGE: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin announces candidates for the 2026 state assembly elections in Chennai. Photograph: @arivalayam/X

Key Points DMK announces candidates for 164 constituencies, including M K Stalin and Udhayanidhi Stalin, for the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections.

The DMK has finalised seat-sharing arrangements with allies, including the Congress and Left parties, to form a united front.

Key contests are expected between the DMK and AIADMK in several constituencies, including Edappadi, the constituency of AIADMK chief K Palaniswami.

The DMK's candidate selection includes a mix of experienced leaders, new faces, and members from various professional backgrounds, including doctors and engineers.

The DMK's election manifesto is set to be released soon, outlining the party's vision for the state.

The ruling DMK on Saturday named its candidates for 164 constituencies for the April 23 Assembly polls, renominating Chief Minister M K Stalin and his son and deputy Udhayanidhi from their existing city seats and setting up a direct fight with archrival AIADMK in a number of constituencies.

Winding up days of seat-sharing talks with allies, including Congress and Left, the DMK identified the constituencies for them. Minutes later, at a press conference at DMK headquarters Anna Arivalayam, Stalin released the names of 164 candidates of his party.

Stalin denied any "delay" in seat-sharing parleys, saying the "patient discussions" have ensured eveybody is satisfied. Also, he was making efforts to ensure unity in the bloc.

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami has been mocking the DMK, claiming it suffered from delay in seat-sharing talks, claiming that his party has taken the lead and got on to the campaign mode by finalising everything.

Besides DMK's 164 seats, 11 alliance party candidates, including those from Vaiko-led MDMK, will contest on the ruling party's Rising Sun symbol, effectively making it 175 constituencies for the party.

Election to 234 Assembly seats in the state will be held on April 23.

On Saturday, Stalin retained all but three of his 33 cabinet colleagues and some senior MLAs. He fielded over 60 persons for their maiden electoral battle, even as the candidates' composition included doctors, engineers and Phd holders. Besides, 18 women are in fray on behalf of the ruling party.

Stalin, the ruling DMK president, said he would contest once again from Kolathur. Udhayanidhi is seeking re-election from Chepauk-Triplicane, also in the city.

Ministers Durai Murugan (DMK general secretary), K N Nehru, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, Thangam Thennarasu, Ma Subramanian, and EV Velu have been retained.

Interestingly, expelled AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam, who recently joined DMK, has been fielded from Bodinayakkanur, the seat he represented in the outgoing Assembly. He had resigned as MLA after joining DMK.

Two of Panneerselvam's colleagues, Paul Manoj Pandian and R Vaithilingam, who had joined the DMK earlier, have also been given poll tickets.

Strategic Candidate Shifts and Alliances

Another interesting move is shifting former Electricity minister V Senthil Balaji from his stronghold Karur to Coimbatore South. The move is seen as a strategic shift by the DMK to strengthen itself in Coimbatore and surrounding regions that are generally a bastion of the AIADMK. The AIADMK is in the fray in this city segment, currently represented by BJP Mahila Morcha chief Vanathi Srinivasan.

Earlier in the day, DMK completed the seat-sharing process with its allies, identifying the constituencies to be contested by the Congress, Left parties, VCK and DMDK, among others. DMK leads the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) in the state.

Principal ally Congress' 28 seats include Ponneri, Erode East, Vilavankode, Sivakasi and Karaikudi.

DMDK, led by Premalatha Vijayakanth has been allotted 10 seats, and they include Vriddhachalam and Pallavaram. Vriddhachalam was represented by the party founder, late Vijayakanth, in the past.

Thol Thirumavalvan-led Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) will contest from, among the allotted eight seats, Kattumannarkoil, Panrutti and Tindivanam.

The allocations to CPI(M) include Padmanabhapuram and Palani, while CPI will face the polls from Thalli and Bhavanisagar (SC), among others. Both Left parties have been given five seats each.

The DMK also identified seats for other allies, including the Vaiko-led MDMK, which will contest in four seats, including three on DMK's Rising Sun symbol. Its allocations include Madurai South.

While talking to reporters, Stalin said the party's election manifesto would be released on Sunday.

The DMK nominees were "victorious candidates," and the party will form its "2.0" government post the polls. "This is for sure," Stalin said emphatically.

Emerging Battle Lines

With the DMK-led SPA finalising the seat-sharing process, the battle lines are emerging with more clarity.

The AIADMK, which leads the opposition NDA bloc, has announced contesting from 169 seats, with some of its allies too fighting on its Two Leaves symbol. Out of the 169, it has named candidates for 150.

Among the many direct fights the two archrivals would be involved is Edappdadi, the native constituency of AIADMK chief K Palaniswami. The DMK has fielded Kasi against him. Simlar battles would also be witnessed in Tiruchirappalli, Tiruverumbur, Tambaram and Katpadi, among many others.
Donald Trump claims he intervened to prevent a full-scale war between India and Pakistan, asserting his desire to be known as a great peacemaker on the global stage.

IMAGE: US President Donald Trump waves as he boards Air Force One at Miami International Airport in Miami, Florida, on March 27, 2026. Photograph: Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters

Key Points Donald Trump claims he stopped a war between India and Pakistan by threatening a 250% tariff.

Trump aspires to be remembered as a great peacemaker, citing interventions in multiple international conflicts.

Trump insists reopening the Strait of Hormuz is a condition for any agreement with Iran.

Trump criticised NATO for not supporting the US in its dealings with Iran.

Trump hinted at potential future action against Cuba.

US President Donald Trump has said he would love his legacy to be made as a great peacemaker as he stopped eight wars, including the one between India and Pakistan last year.

Addressing the Saudi-backed Future Investment Initiative (FII) Priority Summit in Miami, Trump also said reopening the Strait of Hormuz was a condition for any agreement with Iran and stressed that maritime access for oil shipments must be restored.

"We're negotiating now, and it would be great if we could do something, but they have to open it up," he said.

The US President reiterated his claim that he helped stop eight wars, including those between Armenia and Azerbaijan; the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda; Cambodia and Thailand; Egypt and Ethiopia; Serbia and Kosovo; Israel and Hamas.

"I would love my legacy to be made as a great peacemaker because I really believe I am a peacemaker. It doesn't seem like it right now, but I think I am a peacemaker," Trump said.

"I even stopped India and Pakistan, and they were going at it for a week.. nine planes already shot down. They were in a war. I stopped them. How did I stop them? I said, if you keep fighting, I'm going to put a 250 per cent tariff on each one," the US President said.

"No, no, no, you cannot do that. I said, I'm doing it. All right, we won't fight anymore. That's how I stopped them." Trump said.

Trump on Iran and the Strait of Hormuz

Trump jokingly referred to the Strait of Hormuz as the 'Strait of Trump' during his remarks before correcting himself, later saying the comment was not accidental.

Trump described Iran as a longstanding force shaping instability in the Middle East but said its position had weakened under the US military operation Epic Fury.

"For 47 years, Iran has been known as the bully of the Middle East, but they are not the bully any longer. They're on the run," he said, adding that Iran's leadership, armed forces, and nuclear program had suffered damage during the operation.

Trump refused to refer to the attacks on Iran as 'war' and chose to refer to it as a military operation.

Trump's Criticism of NATO

The US president was harshly critical of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) for not 'helping' him with the war with Iran.

"NATO is a paper tiger. And I always said we help NATO, but they never help us. And if the big one ever happened and I don't think it will, but if the big one ever happened, I guarantee you they wouldn't be there."

Trump reiterated that if the US had not 'knocked the hell' out of Iran, the country would have had a nuclear weapon 'within two to four weeks' despite his insistence that the US bombing of Iranian nuclear sites last year set its programs back years.

"They would have used it on you, and on Israel, and on everyone else," he said, addressing the Saudi attendees. The president also hinted at potential action against Cuba.

"And Cuba is next by the way, but pretend I didn't say that," he said. "Please, please, please, media, disregard that statement. Thank you very much. Cuba's next," Trump said.
Glimpses from Vayu Shakti 2026 highlight India's aerial might and combat readiness.

From sonic booms to precision strikes, the Indian Air Force showcased its full-spectrum capabilities over Rajasthan skies.

The desert skies over Pokhran turned into a theatre of power and precision as the IAF showcased its might during Vayu Shakti 2026 on February 27.

Watched by President Droupadi Murmu, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, the spectacular display at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer brought together speed, firepower and flawless coordination in a breathtaking demonstration of India's air strength.

IMAGE: Indian Air Force fighters show their skills during Vayu Shakti 2026 at the Pokhran Field Firing Range. All photographs: Colonel Navdeep Singh Multani and Dr Suneet Madan

Key Points Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026 showcased India's air combat capabilities at Pokhran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan.

President Droupadi Murmu, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and senior military leadership attended the demonstration.

Advanced fighter jets, helicopters, and missile systems executed coordinated precision strikes and simulated combat operations.

Air defence systems including Akash and Spyder missiles highlighted India's integrated battlefield readiness.

The exercise concluded with transport aircraft flypast and a drone light display showcasing IAF's operational excellence.

In a riveting demonstration of India's Vayu Shakti on the 27th of February 2026, the skies at the Pokhran Field Firing Range, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, came alive.

IMAGE: Soldiers operate an artillery gun during a live-fire exercise, sending a plume of smoke across a barren training ground.

Three Chetak helicopters took to the air for the ceremonial flypast, carrying the national flag, the IAF flag, and the flag to commemorate Operation Sindoor.

IMAGE: IAF demonstrates its strike capability, here and below.

Ceremony begins with patriotic fervour

A thundering beginning of Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026 commenced with the Rafale shattering the sound barrier, producing a sonic boom that took everyone by surprise, creating a rippling effect of a loud cheer from the audience.

IMAGE: The Akash surface-to-air missile system in action.

The elaborate firepower demonstration was supported by the air defence assets -- the L-70 anti-aircraft gun.

Precision strikes were executed through engagement of air-borne platforms and ground-based systems including the Akash and Spyder missiles.

IMAGE: Air defence systems including L-70 guns demonstrate coordinated firepower support.

Precision strikes dominate battlefield simulation

Earlier in the day, the President flew in the Prachand helicopter.

IMAGE: Akash and Spyder missile systems engage targets with high precision.

IMAGE: A Chinook helicopter demonstrates heavy-lift capabilities, here and below.

Helicopter fleet showcases combat versatility

The heavy-lift mission ready Chinook helicopters carried the 105mm ultra light Howitzer guns, guided from a distance by a powerful Mi17 combat helicopter.

The twin-turboshaft attack helicopter, Apache, carried out precision-guided air-to-surface attacks in the live combat theatre, reaffirming the IAF's precision engagement capabilities.

IMAGE: Apache attack helicopters execute precision-guided air-to-surface strikes in simulated combat.

Special operations and heavy-lift missions

Simulating hostage rescue in an urban environment, the Mi17 helicopters undertook the special operations featuring Garud commandos and Para Special Forces.

Mi17 helicopters also displayed their versatility and agility in handling rocket attacks.

IMAGE: An ALH MK-IV helicopter during rehearsals for Exercise Vayushakti 26.

IMAGE: Mi-17 helicopters demonstrate agility and firepower in rocket attack simulations.

The supersonic attack jet, SEPECAT Jaguar, carried out highly coordinated attacks in long-range targeting, highlighting IAF's calibrated combat strength.

IMAGE: SEPECAT Jaguar jets execute long-range precision targeting operations.

The Sukhois, twinjet multirole air superiority fighters enthralled the audience with their high maneuverability in air-to-air missile firing, and carpet bombing.

IMAGE: Sukhoi fighter jets display high maneuverability and air-to-air combat capabilities.

IMAGE: Sukhoi aircraft perform coordinated carpet bombing during simulated operations.

The evening phase of the simulated battlefield was significant in showcasing the IAF's round-the-clock readiness and deterrence.

Casualty evacuation was carried out by C-130J and C-295 transport aircraft.

IMAGE: Evening phase showcases the IAF's round-the-clock operational readiness in battlefield scenarios.

IMAGE: C-130J and C-295 aircraft conduct casualty evacuation drills during the exercise.

The exercise ended with a low flypast by C 17 transport aircraft and a scintillating, seamlessly coordinated light display with drones that enthralled the audience with their spectacular formations showcasing some of the historic moments of the Indian Air Force.

IMAGE: Vayu Shakti 2026 showcased the IAF's readiness for combat operations in both day and night conditions.

IMAGE: Drone light formations depict historic milestones of the Indian Air Force in a visual spectacle.

IMAGE: The exercise concluded with a coordinated aerial and drone display captivating the audience.

Colonel Navdeep Multani, an army veteran, is an avid photographer and compulsive traveller.

A single father to a doting special child, he considers photography his form of meditation.

Having served the country for over three decades, he hung his boots in 2021 and is now settled in Panchkula.

Dr Suneet Madan is an alumnus of IIT Bombay and CEPT University, Ahmedabad.

Beyond her professional engagements, she is a vibrant author-illustrator, who crafts profound narratives through her paintings, photo journals, poetry and short stories.

Poinsettia, her debut book of poetry, introduces the world to 'duplet verses' -- her distinctive style.
Oil infrastructure at Saudi Arabia's western Red Sea port of Yanbu on March 4. - Agence France-Presse/Getty Images

Crude exports from the Red Sea port of Yanbu are at a record pace as Saudi Arabia reroutes shipments to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, with the Middle East war now in its fourth week.

Loadings have climbed to around 3.4 million barrels a day so far in March, according to Kpler data. Since the beginning of the week, flows have reached 4.5 million barrels a day, exceeding 5 million barrels a day on some days.

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This marks uncharted territory for the Red Sea system and underscores the scale of the rerouting effort, Emmanuel Belostrino and Jashan Prema from Kpler said Friday.

Earlier this month, the kingdom started diverting flows through the East-West pipeline, a roughly 750-mile system that transports crude from the eastern oil fields and processing centers near the Gulf to the port of Yanbu on the west coast.

The pipeline has a capacity of around 7 million barrels a day, while Yanbus loading capacity is estimated at around 4.5 million barrels a day, according to Kpler.

Most export barrels are now moving east, with India and China accounting for roughly half of shipments, the data showed. So far this month, Yanbu has supplied about 1.5 million barrels a day to those markets, replacing volumes typically loaded from Saudi Arabias Gulf coast.

However, congestion in the Red Sea is emerging as a key bottleneck. More than 30 tankers are currently waiting offshore Yanbuan all-time highwith loading delays stretching to around five days this week, Kpler analysts said.

Write to Giulia Petroni at giulia.petroni@wsj.com

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Algernon Health CEO outlines US brain imaging network plans - ICYMI Proactive uses images sourced from Shutterstock

Algernon Health (CSE:AGN, OTCQB:AGNPF, FRA:AGW0) earlier this week outlined plans to expand into nuclear medicine with the launch of a network of specialized brain imaging clinics across the United States, beginning with its first site in Florida.

In an interview with Proactive, CEO Christopher Moreau said the company is targeting a significant gap in diagnostic capacity for Alzheimers disease, particularly as new therapies drive demand for early and accurate detection.

Moreau explained that Algernon Health Inc has partnered with Catalyst MedTech to deploy USFDA-approved PET scanners designed specifically for brain imaging.

He noted that the new devices are substantially smaller and more patient-friendly than traditional PET CT machines, which could improve accessibility and patient throughput. The company intends to focus exclusively on brain scans, enabling more efficient diagnosis of neurological conditions including Alzheimers, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinsons disease.

Moreau highlighted that approximately 7 million Americans are believed to be living with Alzheimers, and recent approvals of antibody therapies that target amyloid plaques have created a clear need for PET-based diagnostic confirmation. He stated that patients must undergo a PET scan to qualify for these treatments, positioning Algernon Health Incs planned clinics as a critical component of the care pathway.

He further pointed out that the current installed base of PET CT scanners in the US is insufficient to meet rising demand, creating a strong market opportunity.

Moreau described the companys model as a low volume, special clinic approach, focused on high-quality patient care and faster access to diagnostic services.

The selection of Florida as the first location reflects its large population of individuals aged 50 and above, a demographic with elevated Alzheimers risk. Moreau indicated that both PET scans and treatments are generally covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, supporting the commercial viability of the model.

Looking ahead, Algernon Health Inc plans to replicate the clinic concept across multiple US locations. The first site is expected to begin operations within three to four months, serving as a launchpad for broader expansion.

The rollout of these clinics, combined with increasing demand driven by new therapies, represents a key near-term catalyst for the company as it positions itself within the growing nuclear medicine diagnostics market.
Iran has announced that children as young as 12 can sign up under a new program "for combatants defending the homeland," with applicants directed to mosques and "registration booths" on central squares.

The recruitment scheme was reported by multiple Iranian media outlets and announced by an official from the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), which is designated as a terrorist group by the United States, on March 26.

Rahim Nadali, IRGC deputy director for culture in Tehran, said in a TV announcement it was a response to popular demand for ways to help fighters who are "standing up to global aggression," referring to US and Israeli air strikes.

This claim could not be independently verified by RFE/RL, which is not permitted to operate in Iran.

"We launched a plan that we call For Iran, which is a registration plan for combatants defending the homeland," Nadali said. "We set the minimum age at twelve and above."

Official Iranian media reported that duties for recruits would include taking part in patrols and "checkpoint tours."

This could put children in danger. US and Israeli air strikes have hit checkpoints belonging to the Basij militia, a branch of the IRGC used for the brutal repression of dissent in Iran.

A Basij recruitment poster featured in Iranian media reports about the For Iran program showed children, who appear to be in the project's target age range, standing amid Iranian flags while burning missiles fall from the sky.

'An Increase In Numbers'

It was not clear if the recruitment drive was an effort to rally support, a response to a shortage of personnel, or a combination of these and other motives.

A prominent Iranian children's rights campaigner told RFE/RL's Radio Farda that child recruitment in the country was not "a new phenomenon" but this time it's on a larger scale.

"The Basij has consistently recruited children and adolescents. Regarding the checkpoints currently being discussed, the topic has become more media-prominent due to an increase in numbers," London-based Hamid Farahani said.

"Unfortunately, many parents may actually agree [with this recruitment]," he added. "If parents see their children being drawn in, they should try to dissuade them."

Iran has a track record of recruiting children for security and even combat roles, most notably using child soldiers during the 1980s war with Iraq. Stories of children sacrificing their lives to destroy Iraqi tanks were taught in Iranian schools as a means of indoctrination.

In 2017, Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported that Iran was recruiting Afghan children to fight in Syria. It said the children, aged as young as 14, served in an all-Afghan unit supported by Iran that served alongside forces loyal to the then president, Bashar al-Assad, in the country's civil war. HRW presented photos of tombstones of eight children who died on various Syrian battlefields.

More recently, Iran was accused of using minors to help the suppression of the mass nationwide Women, Life, Freedom protests in 2022, in which hundreds of people were killed by security forces.

Photos shared on social media showed children dressed in what appeared to be Basij uniforms and riot gear. An Iranian charity, the Imam Ali Society, said the children were from poor families and given "a few bags of food" for their work.

Other duties listed in the current recruitment scheme include "distributing items needed by fighters and taking care of homes damaged by enemy attacks," official media said.
Yemen's Houthi rebels on March 28 fired their first missiles at Israel since the Iran war began, but analysts warn the more consequential threat is not the projectiles aimed at Israeli territory -- it is what the group could do to global energy markets.

Hours later, the rebels announced their second launch, describing it as "a barrage of cruise missiles and drones targeting several vital and military sites" in Israel. Details were not immediately available.

A US-designated terrorist organization, the Houthis' involvement risks prolonging a war that has already drawn in US forces, Gulf Arab states, and Israel across multiple fronts.

Their entry into the conflict, ending nearly a month of restraint since the war began, raised immediate fears of a simultaneous disruption to two of the world's most critical shipping lanes. Iran has already effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz; the Houthis have now signaled they could move against the Bab al-Mandab Strait, through which roughly 10 percent of the world's seaborne oil passes.

But analysts say the attacks may have been less about Israel than about Riyadh. Michael Horowitz, an independent defense analyst based in Israel, noted that the Houthi military spokesman laid out specific conditions that would trigger full entry into the war, among them any countries actively participating in the US-Israeli war against Iran.

"This, in my opinion, is an indirect message to the Gulf and particularly Saudi Arabia, warning them against joining the war against Iran, or letting US forces use more of their bases," Horowitz told RFE/RL.

The month-long delay in Houthi involvement, Horowitz said, likely reflected the group's own calculations rather than Iranian direction. The Houthis may have been reluctant to jeopardize ongoing diplomatic efforts with Saudi Arabia that could yield economic incentives, he said, while Israeli strikes last year on civilian and economic targets in Houthi-controlled areas had already worsened conditions on the ground.

Energy Pain

Danny Citrinowicz, a security analyst at the Tel Aviv-based Institute for National Security Studies, said the broader threat lay in Iran's economic campaign against the United States.

"While Houthi strikes against Israel should not be dismissed, from Iran's perspective, as part of a broader economic campaign against the United States, the central issue lies in their demonstrated ability to threaten critical energy transit routes at both maritime chokepoints," he wrote on X.

Horowitz outlined three scenarios for full Houthi entry into the conflict: a resumption of their Red Sea blockade similar to operations during the Gaza war; strikes on Saudi energy facilities on the Red Sea, including the port of Yanbu -- an overland alternative that carries Saudi crude from the Persian Gulf coast to the Red Sea, bypassing Hormuz entirely; and potential strikes against the US aircraft carrier group in the Arabian Sea, though Horowitz said he doubted such efforts could succeed.

Energy markets research firm HFI Research put a number on the potential damage. A Houthi move on the Bab al-Mandab would put an additional 4 million barrels per day of Saudi crude exports at risk. "It won't be as bad as the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz thanks to the Suez Canal," the firm wrote, "but the market won't care."

Citrinowicz said the trajectory pointed in one direction. "With each passing day of the conflict, particularly in light of its expanding scope against Iran, the likelihood of this scenario materializing continues to grow. It is increasingly not a question of if, but when."
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) said that children as young as 12 can participate in defense-support roles. Amid ongoing US-Israeli strikes, the IRGC announced the launch of a broad campaign to mobilize public assistance in roles like security patrols and working at checkpoints. Under international law, children under the age of 15 are barred from participating in hostilities and the International Criminal Court considers the recruitment of children a war crime.
At least 12 US troops were wounded, two of them seriously, according to media reports, when Iran struck Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia with at least one missile and several drones, as Yemen's Houthi rebels launched their first missiles at Israel since the war began, threatening to broaden a conflict now in its fifth week.

The soldiers were inside a building at the base when it was struck, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal reported, citing unnamed officials. Several aerial refueling planes also suffered damage.

The Pentagon and US Central Command did not immediately comment.

Iran has kept up sustained retaliatory attacks on Persian Gulf nations it accuses of serving as a launchpad for US strikes, which began in a joint operation with Israel on February 28. Thirteen Americans have been killed since the conflict began -- seven in the Gulf and six in Iraq -- with more than 300 others wounded. The US military said 273 of those had already returned to duty.

The Saudi strike was part of a broader wave of Iranian attacks across the region. Authorities in Bahrain said they extinguished a fire at a targeted facility, while the United Arab Emirates (UAE) said its defense teams were engaging Iranian missiles and drones early on March 28.

Fires broke out in an Abu Dhabi industrial zone, injuring five people. Senior UAE official Yousef Al Otaiba wrote in The Wall Street Journal that a "simple cease-fire isn't enough," calling for a coordinated international effort to address Iran's nuclear capabilities, missiles, drones, and proxy forces, and said the UAE was prepared to join efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world's crude oil and liquefied natural gas passes in peacetime.

Israel said it was striking targets across Tehran in what has become an almost nightly operation and earlier targeted a uranium-processing facility and a heavy water reactor in central Iran. Iranian missiles struck six sites in and around Tel Aviv on March 27, killing one person.

Trump Blasts NATO

As casualties mounted, US President Donald Trump used his appearance at a Saudi-sponsored investment forum in Miami on March 27 to deliver his sharpest broadside yet against NATO, whose members have refused to join the Iran campaign or help secure the Strait of Hormuz ahead of a cease-fire.

"NATO made a terrible mistake when they wouldn't send a small amount of military armament, when they wouldn't just even acknowledge what we were doing for the world and taking on Iran," Trump said. "They just weren't there."

Trump also appeared to threaten the alliance with scaled-back participation, saying, "Why would we be there for them if they're not there for us? We spend hundreds of billions of dollars a year on NATO, hundreds, protecting them, and we would have always been there for them, but now, based on their actions, I guess we don't have to be, do we?"

The remarks are likely to alarm European allies already rattled by Washington's posture toward the alliance. NATO's total military budget in 2025 stands at around $5.3 billion, with the United States contributing roughly $842 million -- a fraction of the Pentagon's overall budget of more than $882 billion for the current fiscal year.

Houthis Strike Israel

The Houthi entry into the conflict marked a potentially significant escalation. The Yemen-based, Iran-aligned group launched missiles at Israel on March 28 -- their first such attack since the war began -- with Israel saying it intercepted one.

The Houthis warned their operations would continue until what they called the "aggression" on all fronts had ended. The group had signaled a day earlier that they were prepared to act if strikes against Iran and its regional allies continued.

Photo Gallery: In Photos: Week Four Of The Iran War Images from the fourth week of the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran as results of the conflict ripple out from the region.









A US-designated terrorist organization, the Houthis' involvement risks prolonging a war that has already drawn in US forces, Gulf Arab states, and Israel across multiple fronts. Observers warn that a full Houthi entry into the conflict would send shockwaves through global energy markets given the group's ability to threaten shipping in the Bab al-Mandab Straitthat and the Red Sea.

War Ends In Weeks, Not Months

On the diplomatic front, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking on the sidelines of a G7 meeting in France, said the United States had not yet received a formal response from Iran and suggested contacts had been indirect, but said Washington was "on or ahead of schedule" and expected to wrap up military operations in "weeks, not months."

He also pressed European and Asian nations that benefit from trade through the Strait of Hormuz to contribute to efforts to secure free passage.

Trump insisted Iran is "on the run" and that talks were ongoing. Special envoy Steve Witkoff said Washington had a "15-point deal on the table" awaiting a response from Tehran. Senior Iranian officials have denied that any negotiations are under way, though Iran said on March 25 that it was reviewing the US proposal and put forward five conditions for ending the conflict.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Radio Farda, RFE/RL Washington correspondent Alex Raufoglu in Paris, Reuters, and AFP
Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (EW), headquartered in Irvine, California, provides products and technologies for structural heart disease and critical care monitoring. Valued at $48 billion by market cap, the company offers products such as tissue replacement heart valves, heart valve repair, hemodynamic monitoring devices, angioscopy equipment, oxygenators, and pharmaceuticals. The leading global structural heart innovation company is expected to announce its fiscal first-quarter earnings for 2026 in the near term.

Ahead of the event, analysts expect EW to report a profit of $0.72 per share on a diluted basis, up 12.5% from $0.64 per share in the year-ago quarter. The company beat the consensus estimates in three of the last four quarters while missing the forecast on another occasion.

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For the full year, analysts expect EW to report EPS of $2.96, up 15.6% from $2.56 in fiscal 2025. Its EPS is expected to rise 11.5% year over year to $3.30 in fiscal 2027.

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EW stock has outperformed the S&P 500 Indexs ($SPX) 13.4% gains over the past 52 weeks, with shares up 15.5% during this period. Similarly, it outperformed the State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETFs (XLV) marginal returns over the same time frame.

www.barchart.com

EW continues to outperform, driven by strong TAVR momentum and the success of its SAPIEN valve iterations. By advancing next-generation technologies like the SAPIEN M3 (the first transseptal mitral replacement), the company is strategically positioned to meet its $2 billion TMTT sales target by 2030. These innovations highlight how established healthcare firms can accelerate growth through "blockbuster" medical devices, making earnings periods essential for gaining management insights that extend beyond standard FDA approval notices.

Analysts consensus opinion on EW stock is moderately bullish, with a Moderate Buy rating overall. Out of 30 analysts covering the stock, 18 advise a Strong Buy rating, two suggest a Moderate Buy, and 10 give a Hold. EW's average analyst price target is $96.44, indicating a potential upside of 17.5% from the current levels.

On the date of publication, Neha Panjwani did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com
A Roscommon man living legally in the United States has recounted his terrifying ordeal at the hands of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

Speaking to the Roscommon Herald from his home in Minnesota, Jonathan Cunniffe has recalled his chilling story of being stopped at gunpoint and detained by ICE agents last month.

Jonathan is originally from Mount Prospect near Fuerty and went to secondary school at CBS Roscommon.

He explained that he has been fully legal since moving to the US about three and a half years ago. He has all the required paperwork including a green card, a work visa and social security card.

Jonathan, who is a licensed medical massage therapist, also made it clear that he doesnt have a criminal record or even a speeding ticket.

On the morning of February 19th, he was driving to his workplace in Cambridge, Minnesota, located approximately 45 minutes from his rural home where he lives with his wife LaShae.

When he stopped at a filling station to fill up his car, he firmly believes that ICE agents in plain clothes overheard his Irish accent when he went to pay at the register. Before he knew it, he was being followed by an unmarked SUV.

They followed me for about 25 minutes and took every turn that I took and were right behind me, he said.

The frightening episode escalated when a second SUV, clearly marked as an ICE vehicle, pulled out in front of his car. Men jumped out of both vehicles, including ICE agents in combat gear, and started pointing guns in Jonathans face.

They took my documents, which are all legitimate and looked them over. And they were saying Oh, they arent real, they arent real.

He claims he was dragged from his car, assaulted and then bundled into the back of the ICE SUV before being taken to a building in Minneapolis where he remained handcuffed in a room for six hours.

Jonathan claimed he was assaulted again and subjected to physical aggression and intimidation, despite repeatedly telling ICE agents that he was in the US legally.

I didnt think I was going to make it out of that room if Im being honest with you, he told the Roscommon Herald.

They were questioning me about when I came over here. They were bringing up images of me and my wifes social media. I was completely terrified, he said.

Jonathan and LaShae during a visit to Roscommon.

Jonathan believes that he was eventually released from detention after constantly repeating the assertion that his wife had contacted the Irish Embassy. Feeling battered and bruised and very disoriented, he eventually managed to find his way back home.

What made matters worse for him was that he lost his job the next day for missing work despite explaining to his company what had happened to him. We think that theyre just scared of the ICE situation, he said.

Since his ordeal, he is still recovering physically and emotionally. Both he and his wife have been scared out of our minds and are afraid to leave the house. They are fearful that they are being watched.

I barely sleep anymore. My wife has a panic attack every single time I have to step foot out of our door.

He has been in touch with the Irish Consulate in Chicago but is still waiting to receive correspondence.

Right now, the couple just want to leave the US as soon as possible and get a one-way ticket to Ireland. Jonathan doesnt have family living in Roscommon any more but they are hoping to move back temporarily to his sister who lives in Mullingar.

Given their constrained financial situation, they have set up a GoFundMe page in the hope of gathering enough funds to cover the costs of flying to Ireland along with their three lifelong pets.

Their fundraising page can be found at https://gofund.me/79462c3dd
By Jonathan McCambridge, Press Association

A man murdered in Co Armagh has been named by police as 49-year-old Rolandas Kvederis.

Two men are still being questioned following the death of Kvederis in Portadown on Thursday.

Man murdered in Portadown named as Rolandas Kvederis https://t.co/gYQIzdjwnz pic.twitter.com/IfOab1y0NE  Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) March 28, 2026

A PSNI spokesperson said they received a report of an altercation at a property in the Ranfurley Road area shortly after 11pm and attended with Northern Ireland Ambulance Service colleagues.

They added: Sadly, Mr Kvederis was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two men aged in their 50s were arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in police custody.

Police have appealed to anyone who believes they may have information, or to anyone with CCTV, doorbell or other footage that could assist with their investigation to contact 101, quoting reference number 1809 26/03/26.
The American Federation of Teachers has urged its 1.8 million members to refrain from shopping at Target for back-to-school items, thereby intensifying pressure on the retailer during a critical sales period.

The union has stated that the boycott is in response to what it perceives as Target's insufficient action regarding federal immigration enforcement measures in Minneapolis, where two U.S. citizens lost their lives during a winter operation.

AFT President Randi Weingarten indicated that the union intends to promote similar resolutions within other prominent organizations, including the AFL-CIO.

Target has asserted its dedication to community investment, emphasizing its long-standing philanthropic efforts and educator discount programs; however, it has not directly addressed the boycott initiative.

This action places additional pressure on Target as CEO Michael Fiddelke seeks to restore growth through store renovations, price reductions, and the expansion of merchandise offerings following three consecutive years of declining annual sales.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

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The 150-200cc motorcycle segment recorded healthy growth in February 2026, with total sales reaching 1,78,187 units. This marks a strong 32.17% year-on-year (YoY) growth over 1,34,819 units sold in February 2025. Growth was driven by consistent demand across commuter-sport motorcycles, with multiple brands posting double-digit gains.

150cc to 200cc Motorcycle Sales Feb 2026

TVS Apache emerged as the top-selling motorcycle in this segment with 45,166 units, registering a 19% YoY growth. Bajaj Pulsar closely followed with 44,750 units, showing a strong 49.73% YoY increase. The gap between the two remains minimal, highlighting intense competition at the top. Honda Unicorn secured the third position with 36,317 units, growing 25.53% YoY. It continues to be a steady performer in the commuter-premium category.

Yamaha reported strong gains across its lineup. FZ sales surged to 16,852 units, marking a massive 75.74% YoY growth. MT-15 recorded 9,630 units, although growth remained marginal at 1.48%. R15 continued its steady run with 9,246 units, up 29.19% YoY. The recently introduced Yamaha XSR added 924 units, expanding Yamahas presence in the retro-modern space.

Hero Xpulse 200 saw significant growth, more than doubling sales to 3,602 units with a 112.13% YoY increase. KTM 200 also recorded strong growth at 3,887 units, up 66.40% YoY. Honda SP160 emerged as one of the fastest-growing models, posting 2,499 units with a 123.72% YoY growth. CB200X also saw strong gains with 1,065 units, up 110.47% YoY.

Not all models saw growth. Hero Xtreme 160R / 200 declined by 8.24% to 2,516 units. Honda Hornet 2.0 dropped 10.69% to 886 units, while Suzuki Gixxer saw a sharper 31.53% decline with 847 units. Bajaj Avenger and Kawasaki W175 reported zero sales in February 2026, indicating either low demand or supply-side constraints.

OEM Wise Performance

The 150200cc segments OEM-wise performance highlights a clear shift towards sporty commuters, with multiple brands recording strong double-digit growth. TVS continues to lead with Apache, but Bajaj has closed the gap significantly, posting a robust 45%+ YoY growth driven by Pulsars strong demand.

Honda remains a steady volume player with Unicorn and newer products like SP160 contributing to nearly 30% growth. Yamaha has emerged as one of the strongest gainers, with its combined portfolio growing close to 40%, led by FZ and supported by R15 and MT-15.

Heros performance is driven primarily by Xpulse, which continues to gain traction, while KTM maintains strong niche growth in the premium end. On the other hand, Suzuki and Kawasaki have seen declines, indicating weakening traction in this segment. Overall, the growth trend suggests increasing consumer preference towards performance-oriented, feature-rich motorcycles over traditional commuter offerings.
Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL) is included among the Dividend Stock Portfolio for Income: 15 Stocks to Invest In.

KBW Sees Mixed Fundamentals in Life Insurance, Starts Aflac (AFL) at Market Perform

On March 26, Keefe Bruyette & Woods re-initiated coverage of Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL) with a Market Perform rating and a $113 price target. The analyst said the life insurance sector shows a mixed fundamental picture. Companies have reduced liability tail risk and improved free cash flow conversion, while also benefiting from stronger growth. At the same time, the note pointed to rising competition, higher investment leverage, increasing balance sheet complexity, and macro tailwinds that may not last.

During the Q4 2025 earnings call, Senior EVP and CFO Max Broden said most of the companys previously issued 2026 guidance remained in place, with only a few adjustments. For Aflac Japan, he said, underlying earned premiums are now expected to decline by about 1% to 2% in 2026. The expense ratio is projected in the 20% to 23% range. He also noted that the benefit ratio in Japan is expected to fall between 60% and 63%, with a pretax profit margin of 33% to 36%.

Looking at the US segment, Broden said the company still expects net earned premium growth at the lower end of the 3% to 6% range. He added that the benefit ratio for 2026 is projected between 48% and 52%, while the expense ratio is expected to come in between 36% and 39% as the company continues to expand its newer business lines.

Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL) provides financial protection through its subsidiaries in the United States and Japan. Its core business centers on supplemental health and life insurance products.

While we acknowledge the potential of AFL 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 Dividend Kings and Aristocrats List: 32 Biggest Stocks

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All India Christian Council

Most Rev. Dr Joseph D Souza

National President

PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

All India Christian Council condemns the move to use [the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act] FCRA, to take away Christian properties meant for the development of Dalits, tribals, OBCs and marginalised people. The monies given to these institutions and projects came from individual and Christian churches for the wholistic development of these communities through Christians in India. As things stand whatever authority the proposed bill sets up under the BJP government will be run by RSS-affiliated individuals. This is a violation of the fundamental rights of Christians and other minorities.

Hyderabad, March 27, 2026:

The All India Christian Council, founded in 1999, expresses profound alarm and concern over the authorities continuing and accelerating the alienation of properties in the guise of enforcing FCRA. These lands and assets are not bought out of government funds in India or abroad. The development of these assets, in most cases, is a combination of local and foreign funds. They are specifically dedicated to the welfare and empowerment of Dalits, tribals, and other marginalised communities.

This is a dangerous and deeply alarming crisis with immediate and potentially irreversible consequences, AICC president Dr Joseph DSouza said. When the issue of waqf properties was in the Supreme Court, an RSS journal carried an article stating that now the BJP government should do the same with Christian properties and bring them under government control. The proposed new FCRA amendment is merely a ploy for the government to take over properties and assets run by Christian institutions.

Under the pretext of so-called transparency and anti-conversion rhetoric against development projects or economic initiatives, such alienation is rapidly dispossessing the most vulnerable sections of society of vital resources essential for their education, health, livelihood support, and human dignity. It poses an immediate and grave threat to the constitutionally guaranteed protections and safeguards for religious minorities.

The systematic alienation of properties strikes at the very heart of democratic principles of social justice, equality, and inclusive growth. Such practices are not only contrary to the principles of natural justice but also violate the spirit of the Constitution and the solemn commitments made to the upliftment of the weaker sections of society and of a democratic society. Coming as this does when the BJP leaders are trying to woo the Christian community in Tamil Nadu and Kerala in the upcoming state election, saying that the BJP is a friend of Christians, exposes the double standard of the present government with regard to Christians.

The AICC, which was specifically founded as a community watchdog for minority rights and civil liberties, strongly condemns any legislative, administrative or other measures that empower authorities, non-state actors, or private entities to alienate these properties without the free, prior and informed consent of the communities themselves. And even then, communities would need iron-clad guarantees that their rights and benefits will be fully protected. The weaponisation of the investigative agencies is a hard reality in India, and the Christian community fears that the investigative agencies will be misused against the minorities.

We feel these actions are wholly unacceptable, unjust, and raise the gravest concerns regarding fairness, transparency, equity, and accountability.

The AICC demands immediate and comprehensive consultation with affected communities and civil society organisations working at the grassroots level, rather than unilateral decisions that threaten their very survival and future.

We call upon the Government of India and the State Governments to take immediate and decisive action to immediately suspend all processes leading to such alienation.

For further information and an interview with Archbishop Most Rev Dr Joseph Dsouza, please contact the number below:

Madhu Chandra Singh

Secretary

9100952490

aiccdelhi[at]gmail.com
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) is included in our list of the best stocks to buy for financial stability.

UnitedHealth Group (UNH Launches AI Companion Avery

On March 26, 2026, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) announced the launch of Avery, designed to simplify benefits navigation, appointment scheduling, cost estimates, claims status, provider search, and other administrative tasks. The move reflects the companys use of generative AI in a customer-facing capacity rather than limiting it to back-office automation.

Averys rollout begins at scale, with the AI companion already available to approximately 6.5 million employer-sponsored members and 160,000 Medicare Advantage members. Furthermore, management projects 20.5 million commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid members by the end of 2026.

The launch is expected to improve UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH)s operating leverage and consumer retention, with management claiming that roughly 90% of Avery interactions require no need for advocate assistance. Furthermore, the tool could improve service quality and long-term economics by combining benefits, claims, and provider data into one experience.

Dan Kueter, CEO of UnitedHealthcares commercial business, said the following:

People want health care to be easier to use and tailored to their personal needs. Avery is one way we are responding to consumer demand for a more coordinated and simpler experience and enabling our members to focus on what matters most: getting and staying well.

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH), a diversified healthcare company, spans insurance, care delivery, pharmacy benefits, software, and analytics. Its UnitedHealthcare and Optum franchises support coordinated care, cost management, and data-driven services.

While we acknowledge the potential of UNH 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.
First investigated in 1982, Richard Allen Minsky, a notorious telephone scammer, built a decades-long career defrauding and assaulting hundreds of women across multiple U.S. states by cold-calling from phone books and impersonating authority figures. He manipulated victims with fabricated emergencies involving loved ones in legal peril, coercing payments or sexual favors under threats of imprisonment, often escalating to theft of thousands and violent assaults at arranged meetings.

Convicted over 80 times for crimes including rape, extortion, and grand theft, Minsky evaded capture using aliases until his 1999 arrest, resulting in a 146-year-to-life sentence. His schemes starkly illustrate the perils of phone fraud, and the things some criminals will try to steal from you.

To prevent this, this article identifies 12 common phrases that should immediately raise red flags for a scammer alert. However, awareness and other preventative measures can help protect you from falling victim to these deceitful tactics.

1. This is an urgent public service announcement.

When you hear this, your first reaction might be to listen closely and act quickly. Scammers use this phrase to create a sense of urgency, mimicking official alerts. The intentional use of this phrase causes people to bypass rational thinking and act without skepticism. But remember, genuine public services have other ways of getting in touch. Always double-check these alerts by contacting official sources through their verified channels.

2. You have won a free vacation!

Its exciting to imagine vacations to sandy beaches and sunny skies, especially if its free. However, these offers are often too good to be true. Furthermore, they may lead to phishing attempts or hidden costs. This phrase is a classic hook for scams and should automatically put you on high alert. Always ignore such claims and report suspicious numbers to consumer protection agencies.

3. I need to verify your account details.

This is a common tactic among scammers pretending to be representatives from your bank or a service provider. These types of scams have become even more common following a data breach. However, no credible organization would ask for sensitive details outright. Therefore, this phrase should be an immediate scammer alert.

When data breaches happen, organizations establish processes and procedures to contain them. If you receive such a request, hang up. Do not share any personal information. Instead, contact the institution directly using a known and secure method.

4. Theres a problem with your payment.

This phrase preys on your fear of financial mishaps. Scammers know that people will do whatever is necessary to avoid additional fees and disruption of service. They use this phrase in the hope of catching you off guard so you provide them with payment information out of panic.

Rather than sharing your account information, check the validity of their claims first. Always verify any payment issues by logging into your account independently or calling customer service directly. These measures could prevent you from wasting time and money.

5. Confirm your identity with your password.

If you hear this one, its a major red flag! Legitimate companies and government agencies understand the security risks of sharing personal information. In fact, policies prevent them from asking for your password or security code over the phone.

When you hear this phrase, end the call immediately. Then, report the incident to the company being impersonated or the government agency being impersonated. It could help prevent others from falling victim to these scams.

6. This is your final warning.

Using threats of legal or financial consequences is a common tactic to intimidate people. However, it is also often a scammer alert. Real organizations do not operate this way and will provide ample opportunity for resolution through proper channels. When you get this call, dont panic. Instead, keep calm, dont engage, do some homework and seek professional advice if needed.

7. You owe taxes and must pay immediately.

This scam becomes especially prevalent around tax season and plays on peoples deep-seated fear of owing money to the government. Taxes induce a sense of anxiety for most citizens, and scammers exploit these feelings for their own gain. Remember, the IRS communicates through mail, not unexpected phone calls. You can always verify any tax claims directly through official IRS channels to protect your finances.

8. Weve noticed suspicious activity on your account.

This is bank / credit card fraud. The scammers are attempting to impersonate your bank or credit card company to steal from you.

By suggesting that your account is at risk, scammers aim to make you act hastily to protect your assets. However, impulsive decisions could put you at greater risk. This phrase is a trick to psychologically pressure you to reveal your personal information or financial details. Never disclose these details if someone contacts you. Instead, reach out to your bank directly using official numbers, not those provided during a suspicious call.

9. Im calling from tech support.

If you didnt request assistance, why would tech support call you? The answer shouldnt surprise you. This is a tactic to gain access to your computer or personal information under the guise of fixing an issue. Some scammers are after information while others seek to sell you useless software. Dont become an unsuspecting victim. Always verify the legitimacy of the call by using a reverse phone lookup tool or contacting the company they claim to be representing.

If you get this call, hang up. Legitimate tech companies will not cold-call. If concerned, call a known number or go to the tech supports official page.

10. Can you hear me?

According to the US Public Interest Group, in 2024 Americans received about 2.14 billion scam calls per month. While many of these were legitimate marketing calls, the increased use of AI and voice recording devices introduces the possibility that some consumers may be subject to voice recording scams design for impersonate and identity theft.

The can you hear me? question, seems harmless, right? Unfortunately, its not. Its a method for scammers to record your voice saying Yes, which they can use to authorize fraudulent charges. When you hear this question, its best to hang up immediately. Then, check your accounts and statements for any unauthorized activity.

11. Please make a donation.

Charity scams prey on your generosity, often during times of crisis. Variations on the please make a donation fraud include phrases like Were collecting emergency donations for [disaster / charity], or Your donation can save lives  can we process it now?

However, disasters do happen, and people in them do have legitimate needs. So this shouldnt prevent you from donating to causes and organizations you want to support. To ensure your donation goes to a legitimate cause, donate directly through trusted organizations websites instead. Considering using CharityNavigator.org or Give.org to verify that the organization is legitimate. And dont give your payment information over unsolicited calls.

12. You must decide right now.

Use of the phrase you must decide right now is a red flag for an illegal scam. The perpetrators of these shenanigans use high-pressure tactics to force a quick decision. The goal is to get you to commit before you have the chance to think it through or consult others.

However, you should never act impulsively when you make important decisions. Instead, take your time, seek advice, and never make hasty financial commitments over the phone or via email. Instead of responding to the high pressure tactic, simply hang up the phone and take your time.

Prevention and Awareness

Quick universal tip: If you hear any of these, dont engage. Hang up and and report the number to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to your phone carrier. The FTC will share the report with law enforcement, which can help with getting scammers investigated or prosecuted.

Also, if you have the time, report the call to your phone carrier.

For T-Mobile, you can report it at this link: https://callreporting.t-mobile.com/

For AT&T, you can call their fraud reporting number: 877.844.5584.

The phrases in this article are all designed to trigger fear, greed, or urgencyyour best defense is to get off the phone and report them.

By staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from falling prey to these common scams. Remember, if something sounds suspicious or too good to be true, it usually is. So if you hear any of these phrases, it should be a red flag and scammer alert. Stay safe and help others stay informed of tactics such as these.

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Editors Note: For this story, SavingAdvice used generative AI to help with some sections of the article. An editor verified the accuracy of the information before publishing.
Saving for your childs future education can feel overwhelming, especially with tuition costs continuing to rise. But what if the state actually added money to your savings just for getting started? Thats exactly what the California 529 match offers through programs tied to the states official college savings plan. These programs are designed to give familiesespecially those with lower incomesa meaningful head start. And the best part is, many families qualify without even realizing it.

What Is the California 529 Match Program?

The California 529 match refers to incentives offered through the states ScholarShare 529 plan and related initiatives. ScholarShare 529 is Californias official college savings plan, allowing funds to grow tax-free when used for qualified education expenses. These matching programs provide extra contributions from the state to boost what families save. In many cases, the match is dollar-for-dollar up to a set limit, helping accelerate savings early on. The goal is simple: make college more accessible by encouraging families to start saving sooner.

The ScholarShare Matching Grant Program Explained

One of the most popular versions of the California 529 match is the ScholarShare Matching Grant Program. This program offers a dollar-for-dollar match on contributions, typically up to $200 for eligible families. Some versions of the program have also included small bonus contributions for setting up automatic deposits. To qualify, families must meet income requirements and open a new account for a child who meets age guidelines. This type of match can double your initial savings almost instantly.

CalKIDS: Free Money for Eligible California Children

Another major piece of the California 529 match landscape is the CalKIDS program. This initiative provides automatic seed deposits for eligible children, including newborns and public school students. Some children receive $25 to $100 just for being born in California, while others can receive up to $500 or more based on eligibility factors. Additional bonuses are available when families link their CalKIDS account to a ScholarShare 529 plan. This effectively acts like a built-in match, adding money before you even contribute.

Who Qualifies for the California 529 Match

Eligibility for the California 529 match varies depending on the program. For the ScholarShare Matching Grant, families typically must have an adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less. The child must usually be under a certain age and not already have an existing account. For CalKIDS, eligibility may be automatic for children born in California after a certain date or enrolled in public schools. These programs are specifically designed to target families who may need the most help saving. That means checking eligibility is always worth your time.

Why This Program Matters More Than You Think

Many families underestimate how powerful even small contributions can be over time. When you combine your own savings with the California 529 match, youre essentially getting an instant return on your money. Add in tax-free growth, and those dollars can multiply significantly by the time your child reaches college age. Programs like this are designed to reduce future student loan debt before it even starts. In a world where college costs continue climbing, that early boost can make a major difference.

How to Apply and Start Receiving Matching Funds

Getting started with the California 529 match is easier than many people expect. First, open a ScholarShare 529 account online, which typically takes just minutes. Then, check for current matching grant opportunities or eligibility for CalKIDS funds. Some programs require a separate application, while others are automatically applied. Be sure to follow all contribution rules, such as minimum deposits or recurring contributions if required. Taking these steps early ensures you dont miss out on free money for your childs education.

What You Can Use a 529 Plan For

One of the biggest advantages of these plans is flexibility. Funds in a 529 plan can be used for college tuition, books, housing, and even certain K12 expenses. They can also cover trade schools, apprenticeships, and some student loan repayments. This means your savings arent locked into a single path. Even if your childs plans change, there are still multiple ways to use the funds effectively.

Why Families Are Missing Out on the California 529 Match

Despite these benefits, many eligible families never take advantage of the California 529 match. One major reason is a lack of awarenesspeople simply dont know these programs exist. Others assume they wont qualify due to income or paperwork concerns. In reality, the application process is often simpler than expected. Missing out on this opportunity can mean leaving hundreds of dollars in free money on the table. Taking a few minutes to explore your options could pay off significantly in the long run.

The Smart Way to Turn Small Savings Into Big College Funds

The California 529 match is one of those rare programs that truly rewards proactive financial planning. By combining your contributions with state-provided funds, you can accelerate your childs college savings faster than you might expect. Even modest deposits can grow into meaningful support when paired with matching grants and tax-free growth. The earlier you start, the more powerful this strategy becomes. If youre eligible, this is one opportunity you dont want to overlook.

Have you opened a 529 plan for your childor taken advantage of the California 529 match yet? Share your experience in the comments!

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Meta, led by CEO Mark Zuckerberg, is continuing to shrink its workforce, like many of its peers in the tech industry. After laying off hundreds of employees earlier this week, a leaked document revealed the tech giants bizarre plan for several of its remaining staff as it shifts in a new direction.

Earlier this week, Meta laid off several hundred employees across multiple departments, including global operations, sales, recruiting, Reality Labs and even Facebook, according to a CNBC report.

Some employees affected by the change were offered new roles at the company, with some requiring relocation.

Teams across Meta regularly restructure or implement changes to ensure theyre in the best position to achieve their goals, said a Meta spokesperson in a statement to CNBC. Where possible, we are finding other opportunities for employees whose positions may be impacted.

The job cuts follow Meta's January layoffs of 1,000 employees in its Reality Labs division. The layoffs occurred after the department, which produces Metas virtual reality headsets, augmented reality smart glasses and metaverse vision, incurred $73 billion in losses since 2021 amid low consumer demand.

Last year, Meta also cut roughly 5% of its workforce, targeting low-performing employees. The layoffs come as the company has been ramping up its investment in artificial intelligence.

During an earnings call in January, Meta said it plans to spend $135 billion on AI to support initiatives across its Superintelligence Labs and core business.

A Reuters report later revealed that the company is allegedly considering laying off at least 20% of its workforce as it looks to offset mounting AI costs.

Meta experiments with an unusual workforce change after layoffs

As Meta continues to conduct layoffs amid its big AI bet, it is taking an unusual approach to reorganizing teams to prepare them for the companys new reality.

In a leaked memo, Meta stated that it plans to rebrand some of its employees as "AI builders," organizing them into AI-native "pods," according to a recent report from Business Insider.

Meta is piloting this change within its Reality Labs division, impacting a team of 1,000 employees where it plans to overhaul titles, roles and team structures.

The team within the division focuses on building developer tools, and each employee will hold one of these titles: AI builder, AI pod lead or AI org lead.

Related: Meta makes drastic workforce decision after $73 billion in losses

Each pod has a small group of AI builders that work across different specialties. Insider reports that this could include engineers tackling design work.
This story was originally published on C-Store Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily C-Store Dive newsletter.

Dive Brief:

Urban Value Corner Store is expanding the rollout of AI-driven Smart Store Coolers, the retailer announced on Friday.

Urban Value recently brought the standalone coolers to an apartment complex in Denton, Texas, marking the third site in its network to possess the technology. To use the coolers, customers tap a card or digital wallet to open the door and grab the items they want. The coolers  developed by retail technology firm Micromart  automatically charge users once the door closes.

This underscores Urban Values appetite for tech-driven updates to its network, which has also included opening autonomous stores through a partnership with retail technology firm Juxta.

Dive Insight:

Urban Value  whose c-stores are located in apartment buildings and, more recently, single-family home communities  rolled out its first Smart Store Cooler last summer. At the time, the company said the coolers would allow it to serve areas where the population density cant support a fully staffed location.

A year later, Urban Value has been very encouraged by the early performance of its smart coolers, which let the retailer sell popular items without the staffing requirements of a traditional location, Steve McKinley, CEO and co-founder of Urban Value, said in a statement to C-Store Dive.

The coolers also have increased Urban Values ability to partner with building developers, meaning the retailer can now support properties that may not have the space or density for a full-service store, he added. According to its website, Urban Value tailors the product mix in the coolers to local tastes and buying trends. It also handles the coolers inventory, stocking, pricing and promotions.

McKinley emphasized that Urban Value is seeing strong resident adoption with its smart coolers.

This is exactly why we created the SMART Store Cooler platform option, McKinley said in the announcement. Not every community has the footprint or density for a full-service store, but every community has residents who value convenience. Our ability to scale the model ensures we deliver the same elevated experience regardless of size.

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Analysis EnvironmentClimate changeClimate crisis Fossil fuel money funds climate lies. Then AI slopaganda spreads it Caitlin Fitzsimmons March 29, 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

Climate action has a new enemy  the rise of AI slopaganda. Thanks to generative artificial intelligence platforms, climate misinformation is now propagating itself, a federal Senate inquiry has found. The old enemies have not gone away  climate falsehoods are also spread by vested interests representing the fossil fuel industry, community members with genuine concerns but misguided beliefs, and sites serving clickbait to drive advertising revenue. A common misinformation meme is offshore wind turbines hurting whales. Matt Davidson The select committee on information integrity on climate change and energy put these issues under the microscope for almost eight months. The report, which dropped last week, makes for grim reading. The report says proliferation of misinformation (false information) and disinformation (deliberate deception) is polarising public discourse, reducing understanding of climate science and support for action, and eroding trust in science and knowledge institutions.

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Australia has some of the highest levels of concern about information integrity globally, the report says. In addition, false and misleading information about climate change or the environment was one of the top misinformation topics encountered by Australian audiences, with levels of disinformation tending to spike around extreme weather events. Related Article Opinion

Petrol prices Weve survived oil shocks before  by changing our energy use. We must again Nick O'Malley Environment and Climate Editor Misinformation campaigns against renewable energy projects have also been inflaming tensions and fuelling conflict in communities, the inquiry says, including bushfire survivors, landholders, and community group members being subject to harassment, intimidation, physical abuse and even death threats. Yet silencing debate would probably further undermine trust in communities, science, experts, public institutions and the democratic system, the inquiry says. So, in a nutshell, climate misinformation is not only undermining our ability to tackle the most pressing problem of our time, but the collateral damage includes community cohesion, political discourse and democracy itself.

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What do we have to thank for this toxic cocktail of consequences? Why, the same fossil fuel interests that caused the greenhouse pollution behind global warming in the first place. Parliamentary privilege for submissions enabled the publication of detailed and compelling evidence on the growing use of astroturfing and the role of dark money to influence mainstream public debate. Astroturfing is where a campaign looks grassroots but is in fact highly co-ordinated and well financed, often with links to think tanks, commercial interests, lobby groups, donors or political parties. The concern about dark money is the lack of transparency around donations to think tanks and third-party affiliated organisations. The report highlights a submission (No. 105) by Climate Social Science Network (CSSN)  an international collaboration of 800 scholars  that discusses climate obstruction or intentional actions and efforts to slow or block policies on climate change that are commensurate with the current scientific consensus of what is necessary to avoid dangerous human-caused interference with the climate system. In its submission, QUT Digital Media Research Centre describes the tactics as similar to those used by the tobacco lobby to fight anti-smoking regulation.

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Its worth reading the 75-page submission by University of Technology Sydney academic Dr Jeremy Walker, which lays out detailed evidence for a global climate misinformation campaign co-ordinated by the Atlas Network. It starts with an image of a cheque issued by Exxon to the Atlas Economic Research Foundation in 1998. Climate policy has not failed, it has been defeated, Walker writes. Walker points to archived documents that suggest ExxonMobil directly commissioned Atlas to seed hundreds of new think tanks around the world to defeat climate policies such as carbon taxation and an effective United Nations treaty. An example of a meme spreading disinformation about offshore wind found on social media. X In Australia, Walker says, Atlas affiliates include the Institute of Public Affairs, the Centre for Independent Studies (CIS), the Australian Taxpayers Alliance, the H.R. Nicholls Society, Australian Institute for Progress, LibertyWorks, Mannkal Economic Education Foundation and election campaigning vehicles Advance Australia and Australians for Prosperity. He does not claim these are members of a legal entity called Atlas, or that they are all directly funded  since there are many wealthy Australians willing to fund them  but that they are in regular contact and use co-ordinated messaging.

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Most of the more-established organisations did not respond directly, though CIS anticipated it in its own submission, saying it was founded several years before Atlas and did not take Atlas funding or direction. Advance Australia responds that Walker is a conspiracy theorist and the progressive climate movement in general are humanity-hating anti-prosperity scolds who want to make your life worse and who use the term disinformation to discredit people who disagree with them. Climate policy has not failed, it has been defeated. Dr Jeremy Walker, University of Technology Sydney Walker also argues that No Offshore Turbines, Responsible Future Illawarra and National Rational Energy Network are astro-turfing efforts linked to the Atlas Network, while Rainforest Reserves Australia is a legitimate charity that has been co-opted. These organisations have strongly contested his claims and their responses are published alongside Walkers submission. Responsible Future Illawarra, for example, states it is a grassroots community organisation with identifiable leadership and members, engaged in normal civic participation. The inquiry report discusses these allegations but does not make adverse findings or identify evidence supporting such claims against these individual groups. It is depressing how impotent we are to prevent misinformation without risking further harm.

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The committees recommendations include joining global efforts to combat misinformation, strengthening the role of regulators to tackle greenwashing, ensuring greater transparency in campaign materials, providing more funding for social science and independent monitoring, and greater oversight of corporate involvement in school systems. But it also rightly calls for a nuanced approach that does not dismiss legitimate community concern or stifle public debate. Editor's pick Climate crisis Why house burping should be on the agenda for Australians and their leaky homes One of the dystopian findings is the ways in which the sources of misinformation are multiplying. The committee finds that widespread use of generative AI has led to a self-perpetuating cycle of misinformation in which AI uses existing misinformation to create new content, which then becomes the basis for further AI-generated misinformation  described as AI slopaganda. The inquiry considers the role of certain mainstream media companies (not this one) in amplifying climate obstruction, but finds false information has been spreading fastest via digital platforms, including recommendation algorithms and bot networks. When the information environment is so heavily polluted, quality independent journalism is more important than ever. It is also under increasing threat. This is not the time to roll back copyright protection so that AI companies can simply grab whatever they want.

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Big Tech has stolen our attention, mental health, childrens wellbeing, livelihoods and elections. Now its coming for reality. We shouldnt fall over ourselves to help it. Get to the heart of whats happening with climate change and the environment. Sign up for our fortnightly Environment newsletter.

CLARIFICATION An earlier version of this story included a photograph of an artists impression image and accompanying caption that characterised material distributed by Responsible Future Illawarra as potentially misleading if not correctly used. This has been removed from the story as it was unrelated to the inquiry. The story has also been updated with further information about Responsible Future Illawarra and makes it clear the inquiry report did not make adverse findings against any individual group.
The actor and one-time queen of boho chic talks about her new role with a make-up giant, and how her best friend Emily Blunt led to her latest film.

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This story is part of the March 29 edition of Sunday Life. See all stories .

Sienna Miller stands up and points to her 31-weeks pregnant belly; even on Zoom, her skin is glowing but her breath is a little short as she takes her seat again. The 44-year-old American-born, London-raised actor and model, who became the face of boho chic in the early 2000s, is busily wrapping up multiple projects ahead of having her third child, the second with 29-year-old actor Oli Green, with whom shes been in a relationship since 2021. Apart from acting work, Miller is also ambassador for British make-up artist Charlotte Tilburys new Pillow Talk In Bloom collection. The role was a no-brainer for Miller, given the close relationship she has with Tilbury. Charlotte and I were working together long before I started out in the film industry, says Miller, whose acting breakthrough came in two films released in 2004, Layer Cake with Daniel Craig and Alfie, alongside her then-partner Jude Law. By then, Tilbury and Millers paths had already crossed many times. Not only were their respective mothers friends, Tilbury had worked as make-up director on runway shows and Vogue magazine covers featuring Miller, who recalls being on sets with Tilbury and top fashion photographer Mario Testino. [Charlotte] was very much part of that gang, and if you had [hair stylist] Sam McKnight and Charlotte Tilbury, you had an amazing team around you. Sienna Miller is the face of the new collection for Charlotte Tilbury. Betina di Toit Tilbury launched her own line of cosmetics in 2013 and Miller says it was an inevitable thing that she would become involved with the brand. I was the inspiration for one of her original Hot Lips lipsticks, Sexy Sienna, she says. Our mothers are friends. Charlotte told me she was doing a make-up line and the rest is history. I mean, she just completely blew up! Along the way, Miller has picked up a tip or two from the celebrity make-up artist, tricks she has been demonstrating in video tutorials on Tilburys YouTube channel. If you grew up getting freckles in certain areas of your face like I did, putting them back on your face with make-up can be a real age reverser, she says, adding that shes a fan of Tilburys Lip Cheat pencil in Foxy Brown for this task. Its about blending them slightly, a step Charlotte taught me that remains part of my ritual today. Pregnancy means Miller doesnt have time for complex make-up routines, nor does she much care for them. I never want to spend time focusing on my face because thats my day job, she says. Going to a hairdresser or putting on make-up feels like work, so I do the bare minimum when I am away from the work environment.

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Her go-to is Tilburys Unreal range  balmy, sheer foundation sticks and blush balms for lips and cheeks. I love the new three-in-one products because theyre versatile. Its on my lips, its on my eyelids, its on my cheeks. Im really lazy with make-up. Miller and Oli Green are expecting their second child together, and her third. Getty Images But when it comes to work, Miller is the opposite of lazy, though these days she only takes on projects which excite her. As I have gotten older, I have learnt how to say no. I was trying to please everybody all the time and it was completely exhausting. You find yourself kind of locked in to agreeing to things. Ive learnt its OK if everybody is a bit pissed off; you have to understand your own limits. Im also built differently. Ive been able to do a tonne of work, all at the same time, and I dont seem to run out of steam. And if I do run out of energy, I can push through those moments. But Ive learnt with age that I dont want to go to every event. I want to sit at home and be in bed by 9pm sometimes. And I am the happiest person ever when Im doing this. Last year, Miller appeared in two projects  the HBO legal thriller War and the second chapter of Horizon: An American Saga with Kevin Costner (chapter three is on its way). And shes just wrapped two films  a sporting biopic, Madden, and a yet-to-be-named film adaptation of the Jack Ryan TV franchise. Ive only had two months off since January 2025, she says. Working with American director David O. Russell (American Hustle, I Heart Huckabees) on Madden was one of the projects main drawcards, as was the chance to act alongside Nicolas Cage and Christian Bale. I love Davids films and was so excited to be part of his new one, she says. Its the most creative thing Ive ever done. Many actors have struggled on his sets because hes really direct, she continues, but I love the way he works. You completely know where you stand. And it felt like what I imagined acting was as a child  playing dress-ups with the best actors in the world.

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Shes also just wrapped a new season of War. Acting alongside some of the best British actors, all shot in London, has been fabulous, says Miller, came back to live in the British capital in 2023 after some seven years in New York City. Logistically this one made sense. Its close to home and it made managing the kids a lot easier. We have grandparents and friends who can help us. Miller has a 13-year-old daughter, Marlowe, with ex-partner Tom Sturridge (the pair split in 2015), and a two-year-old daughter with Green (theyve kept her name private). Motherhood later in life really suits me, she says. When I was younger, with my first child, it was much more of a conflict. I felt like I was missing out. Now, I am just thrilled to be on a baby schedule. Having an older child and a younger one works for me. And now, with a newborn on the way, its an exciting time for our family. Related Article Exclusive

Sunday Life Orlando and I are very close: Miranda Kerrs big, blended celebrity family Becoming a mother again in her 40s, with a new life partner whos very hands-on with parental duties, is Millers happy place. She and Green were the first celebrity couple to appear in a campaign for Frame denim, which she says was a favour to a friend. In fact, friendship is a recurring theme when it comes to deciding which projects to accept. I did Jack Ryan with my friend, actor John Krasinski. His wife, Emily [Blunt], is one of my best friends  theyre family to me. We were on holiday for Emilys 40th birthday, and I was whingeing, saying I need to do a big action film, I need to be in something that people will see. John was like, I have an idea. So Jack Ryan happened by going on a holiday and I got to work with a friend  it was great firing weapons and looking hardcore, she says of her role as an M16 agent.

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NationalNSWEducation The public parents fighting the flight to private school Christopher Harris March 29, 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

When Stephanie Dunstan enrolled her son at Glebe Public School, she did not realise what she was getting. Its not until youre in the school that you realise it is an amazing school, she said. Glebe has its own music teacher, a band program, and extremely strong growth in NAPLAN scores compared to other schools. Essentially, the school was the whole package. Parents Stephanie Dunstan, Nicole Done, Hong Ly, and Alena Maher with their children from Glebe Public School. Sitthixay Ditthavong But Dunstan, who is now the president of the school P and C, realised it also had two problems: it has lost about 100 enrolments since the pandemic, and is not doing a great job at selling itself to future parents.

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From other parents I speak to, other schools do not have a band program or a lunchtime writing club, she said. It is the stuff people want  its what I imagine is offered in private education  a chance for their child to play great music or write short stories and have a great librarian who inspires critical thinking. Like many schools in the inner city, inner west and eastern suburbs, Glebe Public is seeing dramatic declines in kindergarten enrolments as parents either opt for private or Catholic schools or simply leave the area because of surging rents and house prices. People are leaving Sydney  its just too expensive. Theyre going out of the inner city and going to Central Coast, Queensland or Tasmania, Dunstan said.

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Theres this realisation that public education has been undersold. It is not great at communicating how good it is. To fight the flight from public schools, she is attempting to raise Glebe Publics brand awareness in the community. The P and C has produced a 12-page dossier highlighting the schools achievements with parent testimonials, information about after-school care and details of literacy and numeracy gains for current students. If youre a prospective parent trying to understand the options, its really hard to understand what makes a school tick. The public school websites, although very recently improved, are really basic and you dont have a sense of the school and the community, she said. Last year, parents at Waverley Public successfully lobbied the Department of Education to install a selective stream for year 5 and 6 students. Parent Anh Tran-Nam said since then, the program had proved extremely popular to existing high-potential students as well as attracting new ones.

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Students have joined from both government and independent schools, overall attracting students to the public sector, she said. A Department of Education spokesman said its new program, called Inspire, was providing gifted students opportunities to challenge themselves and thrive across academics, the arts, leadership and sport. Parents at Glebe Public School point to its band as among its selling points. Sitthixay Ditthavong Schools are actively sharing more information about the opportunities available for students with their local communities and prospective families, he said. Across all schools, department technicians have worked to install new websites and strict enrolment rules have been relaxed in a bid to attract more students.

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To stem the flight to other schools, the department has also launched a campaign highlighting famous and successful public school alumni. It declined to answer questions on whether that campaign had improved enrolments. Related Article Education Girls lead exodus from states public schools Social researcher Mark McCrindle, who is also on the board of Independent Schools NSW, said private schools were typically better at communicating the essence of their school community and their offering. What a great example, at Glebe, where a government school is doing the same thing, he said. He said research showed that while parents valued academics, they were drawn to the extracurricular activities on offer and the sense of community. In the past, you didnt need schools to provide extracurricular activities because children might have been in Scouts or a sporting club or youth group in church and yet, these days, young people are less connected. Really, parents are outsourcing that to the school, he said.

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Glebe Public parent Alena Maher, who assisted with the campaign, said it could be difficult for new parents to gain information about schools. She said: It is hard for the school to self promote. The school websites are dictated by the Department of Education, so we were just saying, how do we tell people? Brady Downes, managing director of Look Education, a marketing agency that has worked with public schools in other states as well as private schools, said independent institutions were better resourced to produce bespoke websites, professional photography, digital campaigns and brand development. Public schools often dont have that same level of budget, and in many cases key assets like websites are delivered through department-wide templates. While that creates consistency, it can also make it harder for an individual school to clearly express what makes it distinctive. He said community trust mattered more than advertising alone. [The] schools community, parent advocacy, and word of mouth often become some of its most effective marketing tools, he said.
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NationalQueenslandArts Unearthing the mystery of the Moreton Bay mermaid Nick Dent March 29, 2026  6:59am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Like the selkie of Celtic and Norse myth, the Moreton Bay mermaid swims in the water but walks on the land. Her name is Warrajamba, and according to legend, she has walked upon the sands of North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) and Moreton Island (Mulgumpin). Quandamooka artist Delvene Cockatoo-Collins. Museum of Brisbane Her blood was spilled on Cowan Cowan Beach on Mulgumpin, where the sand to this day has a red tinge. From now until November you can find a life-size effigy of Warrajamba at the Museum of Brisbane, with quampie (pearl oyster) shells for fins and scales, yungaire (freshwater reed) for arms, and hair made from the fibres of the tawalpin, or beach hibiscus.

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Its by Quandamooka artist Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, who has been following the trail of Warrajamba for a decade. The story was passed down through her grandmother, Bethel Delaney, and mother, Evelyn Parkin. Craft at the Warrajamba Creative Space asks visitors to imagine what the mermaid is like. Museum of Brisbane My grandmother spoke to my mum about her, that shes a mermaid in the bay, so that was enough for me to keep exploring, Cockatoo-Collins said. Her research turned up writings by Archibald Meston, who joined the Aborigines Protection Society of Queensland in 1890 and produced some of the first articles on local Indigenous culture in 1895.

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He came and visited the island, and recorded stories and language. He recorded the story about the mermaid, but wrote its too long for this article. So theres more, somewhere. Cockatoo-Collins has taken over the Museum of Brisbanes Creative Space as artist-in-residence. When Dilly Bags Catch the Light is an artistic fashion installation exploring a matrilineal line of storytelling. Claudia Baxter Here, visitors are immersed in the mystery of Warrajamba, and provided with materials to make their own mermaid or dugong figures using cardboard, clothes pegs and printing stamps featuring the artists designs. A printmaker and a fashion designer, Cockatoo-Collins also has a display of her couture on show at Brisbane Quarter, George Street.

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The skirts, shifts and vests, featuring banksia-dyed fabrics, Stradbroke Island shells and fibres, are displayed along with three large-scale stylised dilly bags, inspired by her great-great-grandmothers string bags that are held in several museums. Related Article City life 26 things to do in Brisbane on the Easter long weekend While in residence at the museum, shell design a fashion collection for a runway show to be held in September. Cockatoo-Collins comes from an impressive matriarchal line. Her grandmother was one of several First Nations people who worked at the Dunwich Benevolent Asylum on North Stradbroke Island in the 1940s who were paid in rations. When they saw that other people were being paid in money, they protested, and were the first Aboriginal people to protest for equal wages and be successful, she said.

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Cockatoo-Collins spent her formative childhood years on the island, eating quampies in her mothers curries. She returned to raise her own children, create art and clothing, and conduct cultural tours. She said the message of Warrajamba is to ask the questions you can, while you can. Thats what my mum says about my grandmother. She wished she had asked more questions [about Warrajamba] than when she was told first up. This space is encouraging people to continue to ask questions to their families, to know your history. Warrajamba: Delvene Cockatoo Collins is at the Museum of Brisbane, City Hall, March 28- November 15. When Dilly Bags Catch the Light is at Brisbane Quarter until May 10. Entry to both is free. 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 NationalVictoriaEducation Missed the boat: Why the race for private school spots now starts in primary Bridie Smith and Craig Butt March 29, 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

Nicole and Steve Shaw always planned to send their sons to a private school after they finished year 6 at their local primary school. But all three boys ended up moving years earlier than planned. COVID was the impetus for us to move our eldest, Nicole said. After a year of online learning, we felt he needed more. Steve and Nicole Shaw with their sons (from left), Harry, Fraser and Oliver, who left their local state school for a private school years earlier than planned. Simon Schulter Moving their eldest son, Oliver, 15, when he was in year 5 worked so well that their middle son, Harry, 13, followed his brother to Brighton Grammar when he reached year 5. Their youngest, Fraser, 11, joined in year 3 after starting school during lockdowns.

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We just felt that if we moved him earlier, we wouldnt regret it. But we might regret it if we didnt, Nicole said. Analysis of the Victorian Education Departments latest enrolment data by The Age showed an uptick in enrolments at independent schools in years 5 and 6 last year, before a significant jump in year 7, when students start secondary school. Its a familiar pattern for Brighton Grammar headmaster Ross Featherston, who said the Anglican school added a class at year 5 when parents wanted additional school-based extracurricular activities. Demand was also being driven by some parents desire to secure a place before secondary school, he said. Year 5 fees at the school are $39,250, while parents pay $40,150 for year 6. People feel they might have missed the boat to get in at year 7, so they bring their enrolment forward, Featherston said.

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However, reflecting the statewide trend, year 7 remains the schools biggest intake, with students coming from up to 40 government and Catholic primary schools. Between 80 and 85 students join Brighton Grammar in year 7, for which fees are $42,768. The school has four year 6 classes but eight year 7 classes. We dont have any more big intake years from year 7 to year 12, and while there might be a little bit of movement, we try to have that group go all the way through to year 12, Featherston said. The most recent Education Department enrolment data shows that last year a third of year 6 Victorian students attended a private school, but once students reached year 7 that proportion swelled to 45 per cent. About 28,000 year 6 students were enrolled at private schools and about 55,000 year 6 students at government schools last year, according to the data.

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But in year 7 there were 38,000 students attending private schools, including independent and Catholic schools, and about 46,000 at government schools. The influx is so great that some private schools, such as Brighton Grammar, double the number of classes between year 6 and year 7. St Leonards College has four year 6 classes and eight, or sometimes nine, year 7 classes. Principal Peter Clague said the school, which charges $39,438 a year for year 7, held school camps and the house music performance in term 1 to help new students settle in.

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The whole ethos about that first term is about meeting new people and making new connections, he said. Its a similar story at co-educational Baptist school Carey Grammar, where the six year 6 classes grow to 10 year 7 classes. Firbank Grammar principal Jenny Williams said about 40 per cent of students were new to the school in year 7, making it the schools biggest entry point. Williams said the bayside girls school had also recorded a rise in the number of families entering the school at non-traditional entry points, most noticeably in the years following the pandemic. During COVID, independent schools were able to pivot to remote learning more quickly than the public sector, which resulted in many families making the switch, causing an upswing in enrolments, she said.

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Caulfield Grammars largest intake level remains year 7, when annual fees hit $41,415. Related Article Education The Melbourne public and private high schools most popular with parents However, the schools community engagement executive director, Sue Sonego, said more families were looking to enter before year 7 to ease the transition to secondary school. At Kilvington Grammar, where year 7 fees are $34,416, year 7 is the schools biggest intake point after prep. Director of admissions Liz Chegwin said most new students came from local government primary schools and that Kilvington went from two year 6 classes to four year 7 classes.

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Private school giant Haileybury College has 16 year 5 classes and 21 year 7 classes across the schools four campuses. Vice principal Scott Doran said about 202 students joined the school each year at year 7, making it the biggest intake point. Year 5 is the second-biggest intake year, when about140 students join the school. Doran put the growth in year 5 enrolments down to the schools parallel education model, which begins in year 5 when girls and boys are separated for teaching and learning but come together for extracurricular activities. [Entry at that point] gives us a chance to lay the foundations for strong academic learning, but we also want them to be settled in and build friendships and develop confidence, he said. A St Kevins College spokesperson said the boys Catholic school had enrolments across all entry points but many families enrolled their sons before year 7 so they could transition smoothly to secondary school.

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Associate Professor Paul Kidson, of Australian Catholic University, said the reasons behind the spike in year 7 enrolments at private schools were varied and difficult to pin down. In the end, most parents want what they perceive to be the best thing for their kids, he said. An Education Department spokesperson said parents were choosing government schools in record numbers. Victorian public schools are the best in the country, with nation-leading academic results, wellbeing supports for students and extracurricular activities, 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.
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PoliticsFederalRenewables Battery surge a cheap, green saviour as war fuels price spikes Mike Foley March 29, 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

Batteries powered by renewables are pushing gas plants off the electricity grid, proving that green energy will reduce fuel bills driven higher by shocks to the global fossil fuel market such as the crisis being driven by the Iran war. The oil price has spiked 60 per cent since the conflict began on February 28. Gas prices, which are linked to the oil market, are also on their way up, with Asian and European countries bracing for fuel shortages. The Hazelwood big battery, owned by French energy giant Engie, is located on the site of an old coal mine. When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the last time a crisis like this caused a global energy crunch, soaring oil and gas prices contributed to Australian electricity price hikes of 25 per cent. But a remarkable shift is under way across the electricity grid.

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Renewables For the first time, renewable energy is supplying most of our power The volume of battery capacity installed in 2025 was greater than the combined total of the previous eight years, the Clean Energy Council said. Batteries tripled their supply to the grid in the final three months of last year, while gas fell nearly 30 per cent and coal was reduced to its lowest ever quarterly level. Grattan Institute senior fellow Tony Wood said the growing viability of batteries could rewrite the current principles of the electricity system. Batteries are enabling us for the first time to store electricity in the same way we store everything else, he said. Previously, we couldnt store electricity efficiently, except maybe by a few pumped hydro projects, which meant we had to build the grid to meet peak demand and we had huge amounts of the system being utilised for a small number of hours of the year.

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Large-scale and home batteries, which are powered solely by renewables, are viewed by many as an opportunity for a country to achieve energy sovereignty. If rolled out on a large enough scale, renewables backed by batteries could supply nearly all the electricity a nation needs from the free inputs of sun and wind, said the Australian Energy Market Operator. Batteries soak up excess renewable output and supply power when the sun is not shining and the wind is not blowing. They compete directly with gas peaking plants, which are designed to fire up at short notice and supply bursts of electricity during periods of high demand, such as a cold snap or a heatwave. Uptake of batteries had not matched their potential during the eight years since the first were installed in late 2017.

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Related Article Energy As rooftop solar overtakes coal, more batteries are powering the night shift But falling costs are driving a battery boom. It was 20 per cent cheaper to build a battery in the 12 months from mid-2024 compared with the previous year. The costs are expected to reduce a further 15 per cent during the current financial year. At present, significant amounts of solar power energy goes to waste during the middle of most days of the year, when peak solar output around lunchtime coincides with a period of relative low electricity demand. However, that solar power is not available as the sun sinks during the evenings peak demand periods, which means coal and gas plants power the nation for just a few hours a day. Grattan Institute deputy energy director Hamish McKenzie said the data from the electricity grid showed a new pattern had taken hold over the past six months.

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Its obvious that batteries are discharging much, much more, especially in peak demand times, in the morning and evening. The mirror image is happening to gas. McKenzie said batteries can be recharged at extremely low cost during the middle of the day, when a flood of power from solar farms and rooftop panels inundates the grid with almost free electricity. If you are an electricity generator, and you can choose between dispatching your gas and your batteries, of course you would dispatch your batteries first, because you can do it for free as opposed to paying expensive prices for your gas, he said. Wood said while the rise of batteries is absolutely positive, governments and industry still needed to invest in new gas plants to replace ageing infrastructure.

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Thats because until coal is replaced by renewables, there needs to be a contingency for rare periods of constrained renewable generation  on cloudy and windless days known as the dark doldrums, akin to those that hit the grid in the second half of 2024. The role of gas is becoming increasingly fraught, Wood said. Its difficult for those gas plants we see today to make money, but we are going to need them into the future. Editor's pick Energy Cycling to work, staying home, cutting school hours: How the world is handling the fuel crisis The Australian Energy Market Operator warned in 2025 that gas supply to NSW and Victoria could run short as soon as winter this year, as the giant gas fields in Bass Strait are depleted. However, in its annual gas forecast published on Thursday, it said forecast shortages had been delayed until at least 2029. Get to the heart of whats happening with climate change and the environment. Sign up for our fortnightly Environment newsletter.
Fresh wave of No Kings protests across America

Protesters are taking to the streets in New York, Washington and Minneapolis to protest against US President Donald Trump.
The split with Europe has been a long time coming, making it more than a dispute about the Iran war.

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London: Britains former spy chief cut through the political noise about the war in Iran with two observations that highlighted the quicksand beneath US President Donald Trump and the dilemma for American allies who are being branded cowards for refusing to follow the US president into his conflict. Sir Alex Younger, who led MI6 under three prime ministers over six years, said Iran had gained the upper hand in the war because of its strategy of escalating the strikes across the Middle East and its move to globalise the cost of the war by blocking oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Theyve understood the significance of the energy war and held the Straits at threat, he told The Economist in recent days. So theyve played a weak hand pretty well. A US Air Force B-1 bomber is loaded with bombs at the Fairford air base in England on March 16. AP He added that Trump had begun a war of choice, while the Iranian leaders were in a fight for their existence. Thats imbued them with more staying power than the US, he said. Younger said he came to this conclusion with regret because of his years of working against the Iranian regime. But his remarks go to the heart of the mounting doubts about Trumps judgment, given the glaring evidence that the president was ill-prepared for the Iranian move to weaponise the oil trade. And they help explain the refusal of European leaders to support Trumps war. The second observation from the former MI6 chief, who left the service in 2020, was that Britain and other NATO allies had outsourced their security to the United States for too long and had to do more to wield their own military power.

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This is the moment where we actually, kind of, amend our relationship with hard power and understand that without that, were just going to be prey to other peoples ambitions, he said. That is overdue. This is the time where Britain and Europe need to regain [their] capacity to exercise hard power. And heres the rub: I actually think well have a better relationship with America once we do that. So many things are being said about the war, and so much by Trump himself at a blinding speed on social media, that it pays to step back from the hour-by-hour news and consider the challenge for America and its allies. The war has not gone to plan and Trump has no clear way out. Secretary of State Marco Rubio tried to stay positive at a G7 meeting in Paris on Friday, saying the war would end in a matter of weeks rather than months. He also claimed the US could win without sending ground troops, even as the US sends thousands of troops to the Middle East. In fact, elements of the Iranian regime can wreak havoc in the Strait of Hormuz even if their leaders are assassinated in airstrikes. And the US allies in Europe  and in Australia  have good reason to stay out of Trumps quicksand. His new deadline for a deal with Iran  April 6  continues the confusion about his end-game. Younger said he thought the United Kingdom and Europe had been infantilised by their security shield from America over the decades. Well, they seem ready to grow up. They are going their own way on Iran.

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Trump complains about this in capital letters. At dawn on Thursday in Washington, DC, he took to social media to say that NATO countries had done absolutely nothing to help the US and that he would never forget this. This is not true, of course: the European help is modest, but real. The key point is that Trump is discovering he cannot command trust from allies after threatening NATO members over their defence spending, surprising friends with costly tariffs and threatening to seize Greenland despite a long-lasting pact with Denmark over the Arctic territory. Most of all, Trump has been weak on the defence of Ukraine: shifting his stance, withdrawing US funding and favouring endless negotiations with Russia rather than a more decisive approach. US Marines providing assistance during an evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan in 2021. AP The split with Europe has been a long time coming. It is not just a gulf about the Gulf. This is a personal rupture for British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who charmed Trump with royal invitations last year but is now the butt of jokes. (Trump reposted a TV sketch making fun of the prime minister last weekend). Starmer made a series of conflicting decisions on whether to allow the US to use UK bases for the Iran attacks, before allowing their use for defensive purposes, and he is unpopular at home. But he is on side with voters on the war: a YouGov poll shows 59 per cent oppose the US military action against Iran. Starmer is not alone in breaking with Trump over the war. French President Emmanuel Macron has criticised the US action, as have Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Even when NATO members have mobilised to defend their interests in the Middle East, they have done so in a limited way that does not endorse Trump or his decisions.

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Most European powers stayed out of the war on Iraq in 2003 and remained US allies. But foreign policy researcher Sophia Gaston, a visiting fellow at Kings College London, says there is a more recent history involved. Related Article Trump's White House Losing control: Trump makes UK prime minister the target over island fiasco It is not so much the memory of the Iraq War but the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 which looms large in the mind of European allies, who lost their agency at the whim of the Americans poor planning, but were forced to deal with the consequences, including absorbing large numbers of refugees, she says. European leaders are anxious about the downstream effects of a Middle Eastern conflict on their citizens, given the fragile state of economic growth, the prolonged impacts of Russias war on Ukraine, and the sensitivities around migration. At a time when European governments are struggling to project a sense of control and stability to their populations, becoming part of a war with shifting objectives and uncertain outcomes is a challenging ask. This is not only seen as an affront to Trump. It is also another breach between the Europeans and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who urged Trump to commit to the attacks on February 28. It further isolates Netanyahu from European leaders after many of them moved last year to recognise a Palestinian state. Europeans reluctance to be drawn into the Iran war is not only an affront to Trump, but another breach between them and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Getty Images There is a case for some European action because of the way the Iranian regime has lashed out at so many targets. First came a drone strike on the UK airfield at Akrotiri in Cyprus, then a missile strike on an Italian base in Erbil in the Kurdish region of Iraq. There were no injuries. Then the US media revealed that Iran had aimed two long-range missiles at the Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia, a British territory and American air base.

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The Israel Defence Forces used this to warn that Europe was under direct threat because the missiles could fly as far as 4000 kilometres, issuing a map on social media to highlight this danger. Netanyahu cited this to urge Europe to join the attacks on Iran. What more proof do you need that this regime that threatens the entire world has to be stopped? he said last Sunday. Related Article Middle East at war We werent consulted: Albanese pushes back on Trumps criticism of Australia In fact, neither of the missiles reached their target. One was shot down by a US warship. The second failed in flight. According to a report in The Times, the second one fell after travelling about 3200 kilometres. These were said to be Khorramshahr-4 missiles, which might be capable of longer distances if carrying lighter payloads. But there is no public data on the missile strikes  just leaks to the media. Nobody has confirmed exactly where the second missile fell. The result is an argument about war based on feelings, not facts. The conservative media in London is urging Starmer to join Trump in the war, but is vague about the ships or troops to be put in harms way. The debate about the war is reduced to cheap jibes from the White House  such as Trump calling British aircraft carriers toys compared to their US equivalents. He dismisses allied help, then complains when he does not get it. Rubio took a softer line with allies at a G7 meeting in Paris on Friday, but this is now a common dynamic. The US Secretary of State will be diplomatic, only for his boss to turn on allies again. Behind the political posturing is the actual assistance between allies. US bombers are using the Royal Air Force base at Fairford, near the Cotswolds, to mount some of their strikes. Germany hosts a mammoth logistics hub, hospital and airfield at Ramstein. France is hosting US refuellers at the Istres-Le Tube air base near Marseilles, while Italy has done the same thing at Aviano, north of Venice.

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WorldNorth AmericaTrump's America Millions of Americans rally against Trump  even in small town West Virginia Michael Koziol March 29, 2026  9:09am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Charles Town, West Virginia: School teacher Chervon Grantham is 47 years old and attending her first protest. I finally had enough and was brave enough, she says. I can no longer stay silent about whats going on in our country. Grantham carries a sign with a play on the lyrics to John Denvers West Virginia anthem, Take Me Home, Country Roads, and wears a T-shirt inspired by the late Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Chervon Grantham, 47, attended her first protest on Saturday in Charles Town, West Virginia. Michael Koziol Being from West Virginia, Ive had to deal with racism my whole life, she says. I choose to be here and live here because I love my community. But its hard, and so now I feel its time to stand up so that everyone can be equal and everyone can be free. Grantham is with her friend Nicole Sergent, a physical therapist and veteran protester. It makes me feel like theres something I can do, the 49-year-old says. It feels despairing when you cant do anything.

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From big blue cities such as New York and Chicago, to small towns in red states like here in Charles Town, West Virginia, millions of Americans took to the streets on Saturday to protest the Trump administration, in one of the largest co-ordinated demonstrations the country has ever seen. Organisers of the No Kings protests said more than 3200 rallies were scheduled across all 50 states. Previous iterations of the No Kings demonstrations also attracted millions. Loading I do feel that there has been a bit of a turn with certain people: Nicole Sergent says more of the community is turning against Donald Trump. Michael Koziol Donald Trump easily won West Virginia in 2024  as he did in 2016 and 2020  including Jefferson County, which takes in Charles Town, and nearby Berkeley County, which includes the city of Martinsburg.

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But on Saturday, hundreds of anti-Trump protesters lined the main intersection of Charles Town, outside the historic Jefferson County Court House, where they carried signs, chanted slogans and cheered loudly each time a passing driver honked their horn. Thousands march through the streets of Houston, Texas on Saturday. AP In general, we mind our Ps and Qs, and we dont discuss politics. Some people still stick in that mindset, says Sergent, who is from Martinsburg. But I do feel that there has been a bit of a turn with certain people. Some traditional, non-MAGA Republicans and independent voters who supported Trump are bothered by the violence deployed by federal immigration agents in Trumps deportation crackdown, Sergent suggests. Jacob Collard, 32 and Sarah Ward, 21. Millions of Americans took part in No Kings protests in more than 3000 cities and towns. Michael Koziol

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Sarah Ward, a 21-year-old from Charles Town, agrees. She also works in schools and says many non-white families dont want their childrens names and photos to appear in the yearbook due to fears about being targeted by ICE. Ward says those are the kinds of things that appear to sow doubt about the Trump agenda among the more conservative members of her family. So does the increasing cost of petrol amid the ongoing war on Iran. Gas prices and the war have really started to change peoples opinion, she says. Because people around here really care about their dollar. We have a lot of blue-collar workers. Anti-Trump demonstrators held signs and sang protest songs. Michael Koziol National polls show Trumps approval rating has fallen sharply since the war started, to the lowest level of his second term. A new Reuters/Ipsos poll found just 36 per cent of Americans approved of Trumps performance, down from 40 per cent, while 62 per cent disapproved.

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On the corner outside the courthouse, a group of mostly older demonstrators has a prime position, holding an extra-large banner that says: We the people will not be governed by hate. They sing This Little Light of Mine, which emerged from the American gospel songbook to become a civil rights anthem. Demonstrators gather outside City Hall in Los Angeles. AP Across the street, a lone Trump supporter is wearing a red Make America Great Again cap underneath a kings crown and waving a pro-Trump flag. He plays Village Peoples Y.M.C.A. and Lee Greenwoods God Bless the USA  Trumps anthems  from his iPhone into a loudspeaker. Im surprised theres not more of me here, Jason Butler, 40, says later as the rally winds down. Maybe people are too afraid. But if you dont stand up for what you believe in, what else do you have? As we speak, a woman yells out the window of her car: Asshole! Butler shrugs: A lot of people get in my face. People hes known all his life now think hes a bigot or a Nazi, he says. At the end of the day, thats a really bad assumption to put on people just because they have one belief over another.

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Trump supporter Jason Butler stood on the corner and blasted Village Peoples Y.M.C.A. through a megaphone. Michael Koziol Butler says he voted for Barack Obama but became a Trump convert in 2016 after Obama went downhill. And there are still things the president says or does that he doesnt agree with  the war in Iran is one of them. Theres a lot of things he could have approached and done differently, maybe a little bit more diplomatic, he says. At the end of the day, hes doing what he thinks is best  Im sure theres a lot of stuff that he knows that hes not going to tell us until later. Protesters rally in St Paul, Minnesota, where the backlash to Trump immigration crackdown has been one of the strongest. AP Butler believes many of the Charles Town protesters are from elsewhere  Virginia, or Washington, DC, which is about 90 minutes drive away. Everyone I speak with, however, is a local or from another city nearby.

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Organisers are intent on showing that opposition to Trump is not confined to Americas large, liberal cities. Protesters at the National Mall in Washington, DC, one of more than 3000 locations across the country where demonstrations took place. AP The defining story of this Saturdays mobilisation is not just how many people are protesting, but where they are protesting, said Leah Greenberg, co-founder of Indivisible, the group that started the No Kings movement last year and led planning of Saturdays events. In Washington, several marches converged on the National Mall, steps from the White House (Trump spent the weekend in Florida). One protest was specifically directed at Trumps deputy chief of staff, Stephen Miller, a key architect of the administrations immigration crackdown. The White House dismissed the demonstrations. The only people who care about these Trump Derangement Therapy Sessions are the reporters who are paid to cover them, said spokeswoman Abigail Jackson.

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As well as the Iran war, which is now four weeks old, the upcoming midterm elections were a recurring theme during Saturdays protests. Trump is demanding Congress pass a law, the Save America Act, that would require voters to present identification at the polls, among other things. Millions of Americans were expected to take part in the protests. Some wore outfits mocking President Donald Trump or ICE, the immigration enforcement agency. AP Experts say non-citizen voting is exceedingly rare, but the move to require ID has public support. Still, it is not likely to get through Congress with Democrats opposed. Last week, former White House strategist Steve Bannon said Trumps decision to send ICE agents to airports to assist with staff shortages was a test run for deploying ICE to polling centres at the midterms. Lizz Winstead, the emcee at Saturdays protest in St Paul and Minneapolis, told the crowd: Every single person here today needs to be participating to make sure that our elections are not suppressed, people get to vote, and that in November, everybody is going to be able to vote to make the change that we desperately want to see.

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Israel renews strikes on south Beirut as Hezbollah says clashed with Israeli forces in south



Beirut, Lebanon, March 27 (AFP) Mar 27, 2026



Israel's military renewed its attacks on Beirut's southern suburbs Friday, saying it was targeting Hezbollah infrastructure, as the Iran-backed group said the foes had clashed directly in the country's south.

Nearly a month into the Middle East war, the United Nations refugee agency warned that Lebanon was facing a deepening humanitarian crisis that risks teetering into a catastrophe.

Lebanon was pulled into the Middle East war when Tehran-backed militant group Hezbollah fired rockets towards Israel on March 2 to avenge the US-Israeli killing of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Israel has responded with large-scale airstrikes on Lebanon and a ground offensive in the south.

Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported an Israeli strike on south Beirut's Tahouitet al-Ghadir area, where authorities said another raid without warning earlier Friday killed two people.

AFPTV footage showed smoke rising from the area, a Hezbollah stronghold that has largely emptied of residents after previous Israeli army evacuation warnings and heavy strikes.

In the evening, the NNA reported a further strike elsewhere in south Beirut.

Israel's military said it had "begun a wave of strikes targeting Hezbollah terror infrastructure in Beirut" and issued an evacuation warning for several neighbourhoods in the southern suburbs.

The NNA also reported Israel strikes on the country's south and east.

The health ministry said a paramedic was killed in an Israeli strike on an ambulance belonging to the Hezbollah-affiliated Islamic Health Committee in south Lebanon's Kfar Tibnit.

The ministry also said a raid on the southern town of Saksakiyeh killed six people including three children, while a raid in the Bekaa region in the country's east "killed a woman who was pregnant with twins".



- 'Extremely worrying' -



Hezbollah announced a series of attacks, including claiming its fighters had launched a surface-to-air missile at an Israeli warplane over Beirut.

In south Lebanon, Hezbollah said its fighters had clashed with "Israeli enemy army forces in the villages of Bayada and Shamaa at point-blank range with light and medium weapons".

Lebanon's coastal village of Bayada, adjacent to Shamaa, lies eight kilometres (around five miles) from the frontier.

The group also claimed responsibility for attacks on Israeli targets across the border.

AFP was unable to independently verify the claims.

Israel's army said it had found weapons including anti-tank missiles in a school in Khiam, a strategic border town where Hezbollah has reported repeated clashes with Israeli troops.

Israeli forces are pushing into numerous towns in southern Lebanon, aiming to create a security zone reaching the Litani River, some 30 kilometres from the border, to drive Hezbollah back and to protect northern Israeli communities.

Israeli army spokesperson Effie Defrin said that "contrary to the declaration by the Lebanese government earlier this year -- Hezbollah is still operating and conducting attacks from southern Lebanon."

"If the Lebanese government will not disarm Hezbollah, the IDF will," he said, referring to the Israeli armed forces.

Lebanese authorities say more than 1,100 people have been killed and more than one million others have been displaced this month.

The United Nations refugee agency's representative in Lebanon, Karolina Lindholm Billing, warned that "the situation remains extremely worrying and the risk of a humanitarian catastrophe... is real."

Nicolas Von Arx, regional director of the International Committee of the Red Cross, warned that "the humanitarian situation is worsening and civilians, as usual, are paying the highest price" in Lebanon.

After meeting Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, he said that "civilians must be protected wherever they are, whether they remain in their homes or are forced to flee".
One killed in Israel as army reports missiles fired from Iran



Jerusalem, March 27 (AFP) Mar 27, 2026



Emergency responders said a man was killed in Israel on Friday after the Israeli military reported missiles fired from Iran, as air raid sirens sounded in Jerusalem and explosions were heard from Jericho.

A 52-year-old man died in Tel Aviv following the latest attack, the Magen David Adom (MDA) emergency service reported, adding that two other men, aged 65 and 50, were wounded in the city and taken to hospital.

A 37-year-old and a 21-year-old were wounded by shrapnel in the southern Israeli town of Kuseife and taken to hospital, MDA added.

There was a heavy presence of emergency responders at the scene of a missile impact in Tel Aviv and a main road was partially cordoned off, images from Magen David Adom showed.

A witness shared video footage with AFP apparently showing an inbound missile barrage over Jerusalem as the Israeli military said it was scrambling search and rescue teams to impact sites in central Israel.

AFP correspondents heard the sound of explosions from Jericho in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and air raid sirens sounding in Jerusalem.

"A short while ago, the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat," the military said on its official Telegram channel.

"Search and rescue forces, both reserve and regular forces, are currently operating at the sites in central Israel where reports of impact have been received," it added in a subsequent post.

Israel's military warned of a new launch of missiles toward it from Iran as Saturday dawned.

Earlier Friday, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran would exact a "HEAVY price for Israeli crimes", after attacks on two of the country's largest steel factories and nuclear sites.

Ahead of the latest fatality, Israeli emergency services and authorities had said attacks killed 18 civilians on the Israeli side since the start of the war.

They said Iranian missile attacks had killed 13 Israelis, including four minors, as well as one Filipino caregiver and one Thai national.
One killed in Israel as army reports Iranian missile attack



Jerusalem, March 28 (AFP) Mar 28, 2026



Emergency responders said a man was killed in Israel on Friday after the Israeli military reported missiles fired from Iran.

The Magen David Adom (MDA) emergency service said a man was killed in Tel Aviv following the latest attack, which triggered air raid sirens in Jerusalem.

Two other men, aged 65 and 50, were wounded in Tel Aviv and taken to hospital, MDA said.

A 37-year-old and a 21-year-old were wounded by shrapnel in the southern Israeli town of Kuseife and taken to hospital, MDA added.

There was a heavy presence of emergency responders at the scene of a missile impact in Tel Aviv and a main road was partially cordoned off, images from Magen David Adom showed.

In a video from one of the impact sites shared by the military, Home Front Command official Miki David said a residential apartment was hit by a cluster munition.

Cluster munitions explode mid-air and scatter bomblets across a wide area. Iran and Israel have previously accused each other of using cluster bombs.

A witness shared video footage with AFP apparently showing an inbound missile barrage over Jerusalem as the Israeli military said it was scrambling search and rescue teams to impact sites in central Israel.

AFP correspondents heard the sound of explosions from Jericho in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and air raid sirens sounding in Jerusalem.

"A short while ago, the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat," the military said on its official Telegram channel.

"Search and rescue forces, both reserve and regular forces, are currently operating at the sites in central Israel where reports of impact have been received," it added in a subsequent post.

Israel's military warned of a new launch of missiles toward it from Iran as Saturday dawned.

Earlier Friday, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran would exact a "HEAVY price for Israeli crimes", after attacks on two of the country's largest steel factories and nuclear sites.

Ahead of the latest fatality, Israeli emergency services and authorities had said attacks killed 18 civilians on the Israeli side since the start of the war.

They said Iranian missile attacks had killed 13 Israelis, including four minors, as well as one Filipino caregiver and one Thai national.
US envoy predicts Iran talks as war enters second month



Tehran, March 28 (AFP) Mar 28, 2026



US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff said Friday he believes Iran will hold talks with Washington "this week" as the US-Israeli war against Tehran entered its second month.

The war began on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched airstrikes across Iran, killing supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and sending shockwaves across the globe.

A month later the conflict showed no sign of ending, with US-Israeli strikes hitting two Iranian nuclear facilities on Friday and an AFP journalist in Tehran reporting around 10 intense blasts and a plume of black smoke early Saturday.

A brief military statement said Israeli forces were "currently striking Iranian terror regime targets across Tehran", without elaborating.

The near-closure of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz has sent markets into turmoil and pushed oil prices to levels not seen since the start of the war in Ukraine.

"We think there will be meetings this week, we're certainly hopeful for it," Witkoff told a business forum in Miami. Washington expected Tehran to respond to a 15-point US peace plan, he said. "It could solve it all."

The diplomatic hopes came as Secretary of State Marco Rubio left G7 talks in Paris to declare Washington expects its military campaign to prove victorious within weeks.

"When we are done with them here in the next couple of weeks, they will be weaker than they've been in recent history," he told reporters.

Trump meanwhile reiterated his disappointment with NATO allies over their refusal to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, warning Washington may not help them if asked to do so. "Why would we be there for them if they're not there for us?" he said.

Rubio said he had won G7 support to oppose Iran's attempts to impose a toll on Strait of Hormuz shipping, a key sea lane for Gulf oil and gas exports.

"Not only is this illegal, it's unacceptable, it's dangerous to the world, and it's important that the world have a plan to confront it," he said.

G7 foreign ministers expressed the "absolute necessity to permanently restore safe and toll-free freedom of navigation" in the waterway and called for "an immediate cessation of attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure."

Iran had sent "messages" to the American side but had not formally responded to the peace plan, Rubio said.



- 'Heavy price' -



US-Israeli strikes on Friday hit two Iranian nuclear facilities -- the Khondab heavy water complex and a uranium processing plant in Ardakan -- as well as two steel plants, with Israeli forces confirming the attacks and Iranian sources saying there was no radioactive release.

Iran "will exact (a) HEAVY price for Israeli crimes," Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on X, adding the attack "contradicts (Donald Trump's) extended deadline for diplomacy."

Israel's military reported missiles fired from Iran as a man was killed in Tel Aviv and at least four others wounded across the country, with air raid sirens sounding in Jerusalem and explosions heard from Jericho in the occupied West Bank.

A witness shared video footage with AFP apparently showing an inbound missile barrage over Jerusalem as the military scrambled search and rescue teams to impact sites in central Israel.

Trump, swinging between threats of obliteration and optimistic talk of dealmaking, has insisted the Islamic Republic wants to "make a deal" and extended his deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face destruction of its energy assets to April 6.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned they would strike industrial sites across the region, urging civilians in such plants to "leave their workplaces immediately," having earlier issued similar warnings to those near American military bases and hotels hosting US troops.

Iranian strikes have shattered the Gulf's reputation for stability, hitting Dubai's airport, Bahrain's capital and energy facilities across the region during the course of the war.

Iran's Vice President Esmael Saghab Esfahani threatened to attack Saudi Arabia's Yanbu port and the UAE's Fujairah oil complex should a ground invasion take place. The Guards said the strait remained "closed" to vessels travelling to and from enemy ports, adding they had turned back three ships.



- 'Fingers on trigger'' -



Tehran also called for an end to US and Israeli attacks on aligned regional groups -- a reference to Hezbollah, among others, Tasnim reported.

Lebanon was drawn into the war after Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel.

Israel renewed strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs Friday, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure. The UN refugee agency warned Lebanon faced a deepening humanitarian crisis risking catastrophe, with over a million people displaced.

Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported an Israeli strike on south Beirut's Tahouitet al-Ghadir area, where another raid without warning earlier Friday killed two people.

AFPTV footage showed smoke rising from the area, a Hezbollah stronghold largely emptied after previous Israeli evacuation warnings and heavy strikes.

Yemen's Houthi movement warned Friday it would join the war if US-Israeli attacks continue hitting Iran or if more countries enter the conflict.

"We affirm that our fingers are on the trigger for direct military intervention," the group said.

burs-arp/abs

APRIL
12 US troops wounded in Iran strike on Saudi base: reports



Washington, United States, March 28 (AFP) Mar 28, 2026



An Iranian attack on a base in Saudi Arabia has wounded at least 12 American soldiers, two of them seriously, US media reported Friday.

Iran has kept up retaliatory attacks on Gulf nations it accuses of serving as a launchpad for US strikes on the country, which began in a joint operation with Israel on February 28.

The attack on the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia included at least one missile and several drones, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal reported, citing unidentified officials.

The soldiers were inside a building at the base when it was struck, the Journal reported.

Several aerial refuelling planes also suffered damage in the attack, the reports said.

Saudi Arabia has previously intercepted several missiles fired near the base.

The Pentagon and US Central Command did not immediately respond to AFP requests for comment.

Thirteen US military service members have been killed since the conflict with Iran broke out, with seven killed in the Gulf and six in Iraq. More than 300 more have been wounded.

Iran's government has not released an updated casualty toll, but a US-based activist group said on March 23 that around 1,167 Iranian troops had been killed and that the status of 658 troops was unknown.

AFP is not able to independently verify tolls in Iran due to reporting restrictions.

jfx/js




Israel says Iran missile attack kills man in Tel Aviv



Jerusalem, March 28 (AFP) Mar 28, 2026



Israeli authorities said an Iranian missile attack killed a man in Tel Aviv on Friday, as Tehran pressed its retaliatory strikes across the region a month into the war.

The Israeli military said it had "identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel" in at least five rounds in just over five hours, triggering air defence systems and warning sirens late on Friday and early Saturday.

The Magen David Adom (MDA) emergency medical service said a man was killed in Tel Aviv in one of the attacks.

Two other men, aged 65 and 50, were wounded in a separate incident in the city, and another two in the southern town of Kuseife, MDA said.

In a video from one of the impact sites shared by the military, Home Front Command official Miki David said a residential apartment was hit by a cluster munition.

Cluster munitions explode mid-air and scatter bomblets across a wide area. Iran and Israel have previously accused each other of using cluster bombs.

AFP images from Tel Aviv showed emergency responders at the scene of a missile impact, where the bombed-out entrance to a building was littered with debris.

Video footage that a witness shared with AFP showed what appeared to be a missile barrage over Jerusalem, where air raid sirens had sounded.

AFP correspondents also heard the sound of explosions from Jericho in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Israeli media said that one of the rounds of inbound attacks, which according to the army's Home Front Command triggered sirens in Israel's north and parts of the annexed Golan Heights, was carried out simultaneously by Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah.

Earlier Friday, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran would exact a "HEAVY price for Israeli crimes", after attacks major steel factories and nuclear sites.

Before the latest fatality was confirmed, emergency services and authorities had said attacks killed 18 civilians on the Israeli side since the start of the war on February 28.

They said Iranian missile attacks had killed 13 Israelis, including four minors, as well as one Filipino caregiver and one Thai national.
Israel army reports war's first missile attack from Yemen



Jerusalem, March 28 (AFP) Mar 28, 2026



Israel's military reported a first missile launch from Yemen since the Middle East war began on February 28, after Iran's Houthi allies threatened to join the fighting.

A military statement said Israeli forces had "identified the launch of a missile from Yemen toward Israeli territory, aerial defence systems are operating to intercept the threat".

It was the first such statement mentioning a launch from Yemen during the war with Iran, which has entered its second month.

There were no reports of any casualties or damage in Israel, and media reports suggested the missile may have been intercepted.

Yemen's Houthi movement warned on Friday it would join the war if US-Israeli attacks continue to hit its ally Iran or if more countries join the conflict.

The Houthi have in the past attacked shipping in the Red Sea in response to regional conflicts, but had so far not intervened in the latest war.

"We affirm that our fingers are on the trigger for direct military intervention," the group said in a statement, warning that it would act if other nations joined the US-Israeli fight or if the Red Sea was used for "hostile operations".
War in the Middle East: latest developments



Paris, France, March 28 (AFP) Mar 28, 2026



Here are the latest developments in the Middle East war:



- Israel reports Yemen missile fire -



Israel's military reported on Saturday a first missile launch from Yemen since the Middle East war began on February 28.

There were no reports of any casualties or damage in Israel. Yemen's Houthi movement warned on Friday it would join the war if US-Israeli attacks continue to hit its ally Iran or if more countries join the conflict.



- Thailand-Iran deal on Hormuz strait -



Thailand has reached an agreement with Iran to allow Thai oil vessels to travel through the Strait of Hormuz, its prime minister said Saturday.

"An agreement has been reached to allow Thai oil tankers to transit safely through the Strait of Hormuz," Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said at a press conference, adding the development would alleviate concerns over fuel imports.



- Five injured in UAE -



UAE authorities said fires broke out early Saturday at an industrial zone following a missile and drone attack from Iran, leaving five people with injuries.

The United Arab Emirates' defence ministry said air defences were responding to incoming cruise missiles and drones fired by Iran.



- Iran plant near Bushehr targeted -



A strike hit near Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant late Friday but caused no radiation leak or damage to the reactor, the UN atomic watchdog said.

The incident was the third in a series of reported strikes in Iran within the past 10 days, the IAEA said.

The Israeli military had said earlier it had struck a heavy water reactor and a uranium processing plant in central Iran, but did not mention Bushehr.



- Israel hits Tehran -



Israel's military said it launched strikes on Iranian "regime targets" early Saturday, as an AFP journalist in the capital Tehran reported hearing around 10 intense blasts and seeing a plume of black smoke.



- At least 12 US soldiers wounded in Saudi Arabia -



An Iranian attack on a base in Saudi Arabia has wounded at least 12 American soldiers, two of them seriously, US media reported Friday.

The attack on the Prince Sultan Air Base included at least one missile and several drones, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal reported, citing unidentified officials.

More than 300 American troops have been wounded since the start of the war on February 28, according to the US Central Command.



- NATO 'weren't there' for Trump -



US President Donald Trump reiterated his disappointment with NATO allies over their refusal to send military to help secure the Strait of Hormuz.

"They just weren't there," he said at an investment forum in Miami. "We spend hundreds of billions of dollars a year on NATO, hundreds, protecting them, and we would have always been there for them, but now, based on their actions, I guess we don't have to be, do we?"

"Why would we be there for them if they're not there for us? They weren't there for us."

Trump also said the Iranians "have to open up the Strait of Trump", immediately correcting himself to clarify he meant Hormuz but adding that "there's no accidents with me".



- Saudi Arabia intercepts missile -



Saudi Arabia said it "intercepted and destroyed" a missile targeting the area of the capital Riyadh.



- Lebanon clashes -



Israel's military struck Beirut's southern suburbs Friday, saying it was targeting Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.

In south Lebanon, Hezbollah said its fighters had clashed with "Israeli enemy army forces... with light and medium weapons".



- Man killed in Israel -



Israeli emergency responders said a man died in Tel Aviv on Friday and several others wounded across the country after the military reported missiles fired from Iran.

A Home Front Command official said a cluster bomb, which explodes mid-air and scatters bomblets across a wide area, was used in the attack.



- Hopes for Iran meeting 'this week' -



Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff said he believed Iran would hold talks with Washington "this week" to end the month-long war.

"We think there will be meetings this week, we're certainly hopeful for it," Witkoff told a business forum in Miami. "We have a 15-point plan on the table. We expect the Iranians to respond. It could solve it all."



- Iran vows 'heavy price' for plant strikes -



Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran would exact a "HEAVY price for Israeli crimes", after attacks on two of the country's largest steel factories and nuclear sites.

burs-pdw/js/abs/ami
Thai PM says reached deal with Iran for vessels to transit Hormuz Strait



Bangkok, March 28 (AFP) Mar 28, 2026



Thailand has reached an agreement with Iran to allow Thai oil vessels safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, the Southeast Asian nation's Prime Minister said on Saturday.

Iranian forces have effectively slowed shipping through the strait to a trickle during the Middle East war, which began late last month.

"An agreement has been reached to allow Thai oil tankers to transit safely through the Strait of Hormuz," Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said at a press conference, adding the development would alleviate concerns over fuel imports.

"With this agreement in place, there is greater confidence that disruptions like those seen in early March will not recur," he added.

More than 80 percent of the crude oil and liquified natural gas (LNG) that passes through the Strait of Hormuz heads to Asia, according to the US Energy Information Administration.

Much of Southeast Asia is bearing the brunt of fuel supply difficulties and long lines at petrol stations in Thailand have become increasingly frequent."

"The government will continue to adapt to evolving situations and adjust measures to minimise the impact on the public," Anutin added.

Earlier this month, a Thai bulk carrier travelling in the waterway was attacked and three of its crew members were missing.

Commodities shipping through the Strait of Hormuz plunged 95 percent between March 1 and 26 following the start of the war, according to the maritime tracking platform Kpler.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Friday they had turned back three ships trying to transit the Strait of Hormuz, adding the route was closed to vessels travelling to and from ports linked to its "enemies".

Twenty-four commercial vessels, including 11 tankers, have been attacked or reported incidents in the Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz or the Gulf of Oman this month, according to the British naval maritime security agency UKMTO.
Pakistan to host talks Monday on Mideast war: govt source



Islamabad, Pakistan, March 28 (AFP) Mar 28, 2026



Pakistan will host talks next week with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey on the war in the Middle East, a senior foreign ministry official told AFP on Saturday.

"We will host a quadrilateral meeting on Monday," the official said on condition of anonymity, adding that the exact representation was not yet confirmed.

Delegations are expected to arrive in Pakistan by Sunday evening, the official added.

Pakistan has emerged as a key facilitator between Iran and the United States as the conflict drags on, serving as an intermediary for messages between the two sides.

Islamabad has longstanding links with Tehran and close contacts in the Gulf, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Field Marshal Amin Munir have struck up a personal rapport with US President Donald Trump.

Ankara's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told the private A Haber broadcaster that the meeting was initially planned to be held in Turkey.

"However, since our Pakistani counterparts are required to remain in their country, we moved the meeting to Pakistan," he said late on Friday.

"It is possible that we will meet there this weekend," he added.

Fidan had said the talks would involve the foreign ministers of the four Muslim-majority countries.

Earlier on Friday, Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said he expected a direct US-Iran meeting in Pakistan "very soon", without revealing his source.

While Tehran has refused to admit to holding official talks with Washington, Iran has passed a response to US President Donald Trump's 15-point plan to end the war via Islamabad, according to an anonymous source cited by the Iranian Tasnim press agency.

burs-zz-phz/hmn
Yemen's Houthis launch first missile attack on Israel during Mideast war



Jerusalem, March 28 (AFP) Mar 28, 2026



Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels on Saturday claimed their first strike on Israel since the start of the Middle East war a month ago, after the Israeli military said it was intercepting an attack.

The attack came after the Yemeni group had threatened to join the regional war if its ally Tehran continued to be attacked or if more countries joined the conflict.

In a video statement posted on X, spokesman Yahya Saree said the group, which controls most of northern Yemen and targeted Israel with drones and missiles throughout much of the Gaza war, had launched ballistic missiles at Israeli military sites.

A few hours earlier, the Israeli military said in a statement it had "identified the launch of a missile from Yemen toward Israeli territory, aerial defence systems are operating to intercept the threat".

There were no reports of any casualties or damage in Israel, and media reports suggested the missile may have been intercepted.

The Houthis also attacked shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden during the Gaza war, saying they were acting in solidarity with the Palestinians, but have so far refrained from doing so in the latest war.

"We affirm that our fingers are on the trigger for direct military intervention," the group said in a statement on Friday, warning that it would act if other nations joined the US-Israeli fight or if the Red Sea was used for "hostile operations".

The Red Sea has become increasingly important during the US-Israeli war with Iran, as Saudi Arabia has diverted a large proportion of its oil exports to the port of Yanbu, with Iran having all but closed the Strait of Hormuz and cut off the Gulf.
Pakistan to host Saudi, Turkey, Egypt for talks on Mideast war



Islamabad, Pakistan, March 28 (AFP) Mar 28, 2026



Foreign ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt will meet in Islamabad for talks on the war in the Middle East, the government said on Saturday.

It said Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had invited his counterparts and that they would be in the Pakistani capital on Sunday and Monday.

"During the visit, the Foreign Ministers will hold in-depth discussions on a range of issues, including efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region," a foreign ministry statement said.

The visiting foreign ministers would also meet Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, it said.

A foreign ministry source earlier told AFP that the quadrilateral meeting would take place on Monday, with delegations expected to arrive in Pakistan by Sunday evening.

Pakistan has emerged as a key facilitator between Iran and the United States as the conflict drags on, serving as an intermediary for messages between the two sides.

Islamabad has longstanding links with Tehran and close contacts in the Gulf, while Sharif and army chief Field Marshal Amin Munir have struck up a personal rapport with US President Donald Trump.

Ankara's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told the private A Haber broadcaster that the meeting was initially planned to be held in Turkey.

"However, since our Pakistani counterparts are required to remain in their country, we moved the meeting to Pakistan," he said late on Friday.

Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said earlier on Friday he expected a direct US-Iran meeting in Pakistan "very soon", without revealing his source.

While Tehran has refused to admit to holding official talks with Washington, Iran has passed a response to Trump's 15-point plan to end the war via Islamabad, according to an anonymous source cited by the Iranian Tasnim news agency.

burs-zz-phz/pbt
Israel strikes towns, villages across southern Lebanon



Beirut, Lebanon, March 28 (AFP) Mar 28, 2026



Israel carried out dawn airstrikes on several towns in southern Lebanon on Saturday, Lebanese state media reported, as Israel and Hezbollah said they continued to target each other's forces.

Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported "a series of strikes" at dawn on the town of Majdal Selm and "successive strikes" on the towns of Kafra, Hanniyeh, Touline and Adloun.

It added that several Israeli strikes also targeted the city of Nabatiyeh, hitting "residential and commercial buildings and a fuel station".

At the same time, the agency reported strikes on border towns, particularly Taybeh, along with "an attempt by enemy forces to advance toward the Litani area".

The Israeli military said on Saturday morning that "at this time, the IDF continues to strike Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure across Lebanon".

It also reported having hit dozens of Hezbollah sites overnight and said it killed two senior members of Hezbollah's communications unit in a strike on Beirut on Friday.

"Overnight, the IDF conducted strikes on dozens of targets from the air and sea across multiple areas in southern Lebanon, in support of ground troops and as part of the ongoing effort to degrade the capabilities of Hezbollah in the area."

For its part, Hezbollah said in a series of statements that it had targeted gatherings of Israeli forces in Debel, a predominantly Christian border town with some remaining residents despite the war.

The group said it struck a Merkava tank "with an attack drone" in Debel.

And it said that "after monitoring an Israeli enemy force positioned in a house in Debel, its fighters targeted it with an attack drone".

Hezbollah also announced it targeted the Israeli military's Northern Command headquarters, north of the city of Safed in northern Israel, with a volley of rockets.
Pakistan to host Saudi, Turkey, Egypt for talks on Mideast war



Islamabad, Pakistan, March 28 (AFP) Mar 28, 2026



Pakistan's prime minister said he had a "detailed" call with Iran's president on Saturday, as foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey prepared to meet in Islamabad for talks on the war in the Middle East.

Shehbaz Sharif's government has emerged as a key facilitator between Iran and the United States as their war drags on, serving as an intermediary for messages between the two sides.

Top diplomats from Riyadh, Cairo and Ankara are due in the Pakistani capital Sunday and Monday for "in-depth discussions on a range of issues, including efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region", the Pakistan foreign ministry said.

They will be hosted by their Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar, and a meeting with Sharif is also planned, a statement read.

Egypt also confirmed the talks.

As part of preparations, Sharif said he had a "detailed telephone conversation with my brother President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran earlier today (Saturday), lasting over one hour".

"I reiterated Pakistan's strong condemnation of the continued Israeli attacks on Iran, including recent strikes on civilian infrastructure, and conveyed Pakistan's solidarity with the brave people of Iran," he wrote on X.

Sharif said he also expressed his condolences "on the tragic loss of precious lives and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured and displaced".

"I apprised him of Pakistan's ongoing diplomatic outreach -- engaging the United States and brotherly Gulf and Islamic countries -- to facilitate dialogue and de-escalation."

Sharif's office said separately that Pezeshkian "stressed upon the need to build trust in order to facilitate talks and mediation".

The pair have spoken previously in recent weeks about the conflict and Pakistan's commitment to bringing it to an end.

Islamabad has longstanding links with Tehran and close contacts in the Gulf, while Sharif and army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir have struck up a personal rapport with US President Donald Trump.

Late on Friday, Ankara's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told the private A Haber broadcaster that the meeting was initially planned to be held in Turkey.

Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said earlier on Friday he expected a direct US-Iran meeting in Pakistan "very soon", without revealing his source.

While Tehran has refused to admit to holding official talks with Washington, Iran has passed a response to Trump's 15-point plan to end the war via Islamabad, according to an anonymous source cited by the Iranian Tasnim news agency.

burs-zz-phz/mtp
War in the Middle East: latest developments



Paris, France, March 28 (AFP) Mar 28, 2026



Here are the latest developments in the Middle East war:

- Iran says dozens dead in strikes -

Iranian media said that US-Israeli strikes hit multiple residential areas, killing more than a dozen people overnight, though AFP was not able to independently verify any of these tolls.

Israel's military earlier said it launched strikes on Iranian "regime targets", as an AFP journalist in the capital Tehran reported hearing around 10 intense blasts and seeing a plume of black smoke.



- Bahrain denies Shia crackdown -

Bahrain denied it was cracking down on citizens based on their religion after activists reported a slew of arrests they said had mainly targeted Shias amid the Middle East war.

The statement came after two Bahraini rights groups told AFP that more than 200 people, the vast majority of them from the Shia community, had been arrested since the beginning of the war.



- Iran targets US ship -

Iran's military said that it had targeted a US logistics vessel near the Omani port of Salalah.

"A logistics vessel supporting the aggressive US army was targeted by the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran at a considerable distance from the port of Salalah in Oman," Ebrahim Zolfaghari, a spokesman for Iran's central military command said in a statement carried by state TV.

- Pakistan to host talks -

Foreign ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt will meet in Islamabad for talks on the war in the Middle East.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had invited his counterparts who would be in the Pakistani capital on Sunday and Monday, the government said.



- Kuwait airport badly damaged -

The radar system at Kuwait's international airport was heavily damaged in a drone attack, Kuwaiti authorities said.

The attack on the tiny Gulf country caused no casualties, a civil aviation spokesperson told Kuwait's official news agency



- Houthis attack Israel -

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed their first strike on Israel after the group threatened to join the regional war if Tehran continued to be attacked or if more countries joined the conflict.



- Worker wounded in Oman -

A drone attack on one of Oman's main ports wounded a foreign worker, the Gulf country's authorities said.

Two drones hit the port of Salalah in the far south of Oman, a statement carried by the country's official news agency said, injuring the worker and causing "limited" damage to a crane.



- Thailand-Iran deal on Hormuz strait -

Thailand has reached an agreement with Iran to allow Thai oil vessels to travel through the Strait of Hormuz, its prime minister said.

"An agreement has been reached to allow Thai oil tankers to transit safely through the Strait of Hormuz," Anutin Charnvirakul told a press conference, adding the development would alleviate concerns over fuel imports.



- Five injured in UAE -

UAE authorities said fires broke out at an industrial zone following a missile and drone attack from Iran, leaving five people with injuries.

The United Arab Emirates' defence ministry said air defences were responding to incoming cruise missiles and drones fired by Iran.



- Israel strikes Lebanon -

Israel carried out dawn airstrikes on several towns in southern Lebanon, Lebanese state media reported, as Israel and Hezbollah said they continued to target each other's forces.



- Ukraine,UAE defence agreement -

Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to cooperate on defence amid Iran's drone strikes across the region, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

Zelensky said on social media he had met with Emirati President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the two leaders "agreed to cooperate in the field of security and defence. Our teams will finalise the details".



- Blast near Erbil airport -

An explosion was heard near the international airport of Erbil, a city in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region, an AFP journalist reported and a witness said they saw smoke.

Erbil is home to a major US consulate complex, while its airport houses military advisors attached to a US-led international anti-jihadist coalition. Regular drone attacks by pro-Iran armed groups are usually intercepted by air defences.

burs-sbk/ach
Questions over Israel's interceptor stockpiles as Mideast war drags on



Jerusalem, March 28 (AFP) Mar 28, 2026



The ability of Israel's highly sophisticated air defences to keep intercepting Iranian attacks is coming under scrutiny as the Middle East war drags on into a second month.

The military has dismissed reports that it is running low on the interceptors used to shoot down the steady stream of Iranian missiles and Hezbollah rockets fired at Israel.

However, some analysts suggest that the war against Iran has significantly drained allied resources, with long-range interceptors among the most severely depleted.

Israel has a multi-layered air defence array, with a variety of systems intercepting threats at different altitudes.

The top tier consists of the anti-ballistic missile Arrow systems, with Arrow 2 operating both within the Earth's atmosphere and in space and Arrow 3 intercepting above the Earth's atmosphere.

Below that sits David's Sling, which was created to target medium-range threats including drones, shorter-range ballistic missiles and cruise missiles.

Israel's famed Iron Dome system is the third tier and was originally designed to intercept short-range rockets and artillery shells.

US systems also complement Israel's air defences with some THAAD anti-missile batteries reportedly in Israel.

"There is no area in Israel that is not under multi-layer defence," said reservist Brigadier General Pini Yungman, who played a key role in developing the country's air defences and is now president of defence company TSG.

But "there is no 100 percent in defence," he told AFP.

"To get the 92 percent that we are getting all together with all the systems, it's outstanding".

The Israeli military, which reveals few details about its air defences, says Iran has launched more than 400 ballistic missiles since the start of the war on February 28 -- sparked by US and Israeli strikes on the Islamic republic.

Spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani recently lauded the interception rate as "exceeding expectations".

Most damage in Israel has been caused by falling debris, but among the 19 civilians killed in the country since the start of the war, more than half died when Iranian missiles broke through.



- 'Nearing exhaustion' -



Around two weeks after the war began, news outlet Semafor first reported that Israel was "running critically low on ballistic missile interceptors", citing unnamed US officials.

An Israeli military source at the time denied the reports, saying there was no shortage "as of now" and that the military was "prepared for prolonged combat".

But analysis published by the London-based RUSI defence think tank on Tuesday indicates that the US, Israel and regional allies have burned through vast quantities of missiles and interceptors since the end of February.

Researchers estimated that in the first 16 days of conflict, allied forces expended 11,294 munitions costing roughly $26 billion.

Stockpiles of long-range interceptors and precision munition in particular, it said, were "nearing exhaustion".

"This basically means that if the war continues, coalition aircraft have to fly deeper into Iranian airspace -- and on the defensive side it means absorbing more Iranian missiles and drones," one of the co-authors, US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Jahara Matisek, told AFP.

Long and costly production timelines make the depletion of high-end interceptors, like Israel's Arrows, particularly critical.

Each Arrow 2 interceptor costs an estimated $1.5 million, with Arrow 3s around $2 million.

"The bottleneck isn't just money. It's industrial physics", Matisek said, pointing to issues including capacity constraints at the supplier level.

These are "production lines that don't scale like an iPhone factory," he said.

These are munitions "you save for the worst threats" he said, and the supply "is never going to be huge".

The RUSI analysis estimated that 81.33 percent of Israel's pre-war Arrow interceptor stocks had already been depleted, and that they would likely "be completely expended by the end of March".



- Accelerated production -



Yungman insisted that, taking into account all its air defence systems, Israel could produce interceptors faster than Iran could produce ballistic missiles.

He added that Israel accelerated its interceptor production after Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack and upgraded its systems to deal with ballistic missiles.

The military confirmed on Monday that it was a malfunction in David's Sling that had allowed Iranian ballistic missiles to strike the southern towns of Dimona and Arad last week.

Dimona is widely believed to hold Israel's undeclared nuclear arsenal.

Israeli financial newspaper Calcalist reported that the military had chosen to use David's Sling in a bid to preserve Arrow interceptor stocks.

Faced with the challenges posed by Iranian missiles, Israel has three options to conserve interceptor stocks, Jean-Loup Samaan, a senior researcher at the Middle East Institute of the National University of Singapore, told AFP.

"Mixing the different missile systems in order to avoid massive shortages; not intercepting missiles or drones if they land in unpopulated areas; and increasing the pressure on the offensive campaign, hoping that they are able to degrade Iran's capabilities before the IDF's air defence resources run out".
Iran military say targeted depot of Ukrainian anti-drone systems in UAE



Tehran, March 28 (AFP) Mar 28, 2026



Iran's military said on Saturday it had targeted a depot housing Ukrainian anti-drone systems in the United Arab Emirates which it said was used to assist US forces.

"As the hideouts of American commanders and soldiers in Dubai were targeted... a depot of Ukrainian anti-drone systems that was located in Dubai to assist the US military ... was targeted and destroyed," Iran's military central operational command Khatam Al-Anbiya said in a statement carried by state TV.

Earlier on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on an unannounced visit to the UAE that the two countries had agreed to cooperate on defence.

Ukraine and Saudi Arabia had signed an air defence agreement during Zelensky's visit to the kingdom, two senior officials told AFP on Friday.

Earlier this month, Zelensky said that 201 Ukrainian anti-drone military experts were in or on their way to the Middle East to help the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

The announcements came as Iran continued to launch strikes against Israel and US interests in the Gulf since war began on February 28.

Iran accuses its Gulf neighbours of allowing US forces to carry out attacks from their territory, but Gulf states have repeatedly denied the accusations, saying even before the war that they would not allow their territory or airspace to be used to attack Iran.
Blasts heard over Jerusalem after Iran missiles detected: AFP



Jerusalem, March 28 (AFP) Mar 28, 2026



AFP journalists reported two blasts heard over Jerusalem, after the Israeli military said it had detected incoming missiles launched from Iran.

The apparent attack came shortly after the Israeli military said it had completed a wave of strikes across the Iranian capital Tehran.
Indonesia says 'positive' talks with Iran to let tankers pass Hormuz strait



Jakarta, March 28 (AFP) Mar 28, 2026



Indonesia is in talks with Iran to secure safe passage for its tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, with Tehran responding favourably to Jakarta's diplomatic efforts, a foreign ministry spokesman said Saturday.

US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran's retaliatory response in the Gulf have sent global oil prices soaring, with Iran maintaining a hold on the vital waterway.

Indonesian tankers Pertamina Pride and Gamsunoro, owned by a subsidiary of state energy firm Pertamina, remain in the Gulf, a company spokesperson said.

The Indonesian government and its embassy in Tehran have held talks with the Iranian embassy in Jakarta and relevant parties in Tehran, which has responded positively to allow the ships to safely pass through the strait, foreign ministry spokesman Vahd Nabyl Achmad Mulachela said.

"The Iran embassy (in Jakarta) has conveyed the Iran government's favourable consideration regarding the safe passage of Pertamina Group's vessels in the Strait of Hormuz," he told AFP.

Pertamina will carry out some preparations to follow up on Tehran's "positive" response, he said, including ensuring that the crews are prepared and being insured.

"The foreign ministry and the Indonesian embassy in Tehran will continue to coordinate with all relevant parties in an effort to ensure the safe passage of Pertamina-owned vessels through the Strait of Hormuz," Vahd said.

Pertamina International Shipping is in talks with the foreign ministry to ensure its tankers can transit safely through the Strait of Hormuz, acting corporate secretary Vega Pita told AFP.

Pertamina Pride is carrying crude for domestic use, while Gamsunoro is carrying fuel oil to serve "external" consumers, Vega said, without disclosing further details.

Vega said the company's priority was to ensure the crews' safety and the security of the vessels and their cargo.

Iran reached an agreement on Sunday with Thailand to allow Thai oil vessels safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told a news conference.
Yemen's Houthi enter war as Iran strikes disrupt shipping



Tehran, March 28 (AFP) Mar 28, 2026



Yemen's Houthi rebels announced their entry into the Middle East war on Saturday by launching a ballistic missile towards Israel, as the world struggled to contain the economic damage of a conflict now entering its second month.

The intervention of Iran's Yemeni allies into Tehran's conflict with Israel and the United States will spark concern about disruption to Red Sea shipping, with trade from the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz already choked off.

With Hormuz closed, many shipments to and from the region pass through the Omani port of Salalah, on the Arabian Sea, but Danish shipping giant Maersk said operations had been temporarily suspended after a drone attack injured one worker and damaged a crane.

The war began when the United States and Israel launched a wave of airstrikes across Iran, killing supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, engulfing the Middle East in conflict and triggering global economic pain by sending oil and gas prices soaring.

With no end to the conflict in sight, despite US President Donald Trump's optimism that US forces have obliterated Iran's military, a spokesman for the Houthis issued a video statement declaring that the group had launched ballistic missiles towards Israeli bases.

A few hours earlier, the Israeli military had said it had "identified the launch of a missile from Yemen toward Israeli territory, aerial defence systems are operating to intercept the threat".

There were no reports of any casualties or damage in Israel, and the missile was reportedly intercepted.



- Red Sea shipping -



During Israel's recent war on Gaza the Houthis, claiming solidarity with the Palestinians, attacked shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. But, until Saturday, had sat out the latest conflict.

The Red Sea has become increasingly important during the new war.

Saudi Arabia has diverted a large proportion of its oil exports to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran says it has closed to shipping from hostile powers -- driving up energy prices worldwide.

Iran's military said on Saturday that it had targeted a US logistics vessel near the Omani port of Salalah on the Arabian Sea. Oman said a drone attack on the port wounded a foreign worker.

Air travel has also been disrupted.

On Saturday, authorities in Kuwait and in the city of Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan said airport facilities had been damaged in strikes. Fire also broke out after Iranian missiles and drones hit an industrial zone in the United Arab Emirates, injuring five people.

In Iran, meanwhile, production was shut down at a major steel plant in the southwest of the country after US-Israeli strikes, according to a statement from the Khuzestan Steel Company, cited by the Shargh newspaper.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards have warned they will retaliate for any economic damage by striking industrial sites across the region, having earlier issued similar warnings for US military bases and hotels hosting American troops.

Israel announced fresh strikes on Tehran and an AFP journalist in the city reported around 10 intense blasts and a plume of black smoke overnight.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian sent a message to other countries in the region, warning: "If you want development and security, don't let our enemies run the war from your lands."

In Jerusalem, AFP journalists reported two blasts after the military said it had detected incoming missiles from Iran.



- 'Could solve it all' -



An Iranian missile and drone attack on the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on Friday wounded at least 12 American soldiers, two of them seriously, according to The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, citing unidentified officials.

Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff said on Friday he believed Iran would hold talks with Washington "this week, we're certainly hopeful for it". Washington expected Tehran to respond to a 15-point US peace plan, he told a business forum in Miami.

"It could solve it all," he said.

Pakistan, which has been a go-between between US and Iranian officials, is to host foreign ministers from regional powers Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt in Islamabad on Monday for talks on the crisis.

Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul had said on Friday that he expected a direct US-Iran meeting in Pakistan "very soon", without revealing his source.

Thailand on Saturday joined a handful of nations that have announced they were able to secure safe passage for their oil tankers through Hormuz with Iranian approval. Indonesia said it was in "positive talks" to secure the same exemption.

burs-dc/dcp

A.P. MOELLER-MAERSK
Israel military says journalist killed in Lebanon member of elite Hezbollah unit



Jerusalem, March 28 (AFP) Mar 28, 2026



The Israeli military said it had killed on Saturday a member of an elite unit of Hezbollah who worked as a journalist for Al Manar television network.

The military targeted and eliminated Ali Shoeib, a "terrorist in the intelligence unit of Hezbollah's Radwan Force," it said in a statement.

Shoeib, it said, "operated within the Hezbollah terrorist organisation under the guise of a journalist for the Al Manar network, while operating systematically to expose the locations of IDF soldiers operating in southern Lebanon and along the border".

The military accused Shoeib of "maintaining continuous contact with additional terrorists, both within the Radwan Force specifically and across the broader Hezbollah terrorist organisation".

"Additionally, the terrorist engaged in incitement against IDF troops and Israeli civilians, using his position as a channel to disseminate Hezbollah propaganda materials."

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the Israeli strike that killed Shoeib and another journalist for the pro-Hezbollah Al Mayadeen channel in southern Lebanon.

"This is a blatant crime that violates all the norms and treaties under which journalists enjoy international protection in wars," Aoun said.
Ukraine denies Iran destroyed anti-drone system depot in UAE



Kyiv, Ukraine, March 28 (AFP) Mar 28, 2026



Ukraine on Saturday said Iran was lying about having struck a depot housing Ukrainian anti-drone systems in the UAE, after Tehran said it destroyed a facility used to aid US forces.

Foreign ministry spokesman Georgiy Tykhy said "this is a lie, we officially refute this information", saying Tehran "often conducts such disinformation operations".

Ukraine has moved rapidly to provide anti-drone expertise, developed while fending off Iranian-designed drones launched by Russia, to the Gulf countries as they come under fire from Iran.

Tykhy was speaking after Iran's central military command Khatam Al-Anbiya said in a statement carried by state TV that it had destroyed a depot in the United Arab Emirates.

"As the hideouts of American commanders and soldiers in Dubai were targeted... a depot of Ukrainian anti-drone systems that was located in Dubai to assist the US military ... was targeted and destroyed," the statement said.

Earlier on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on an unannounced tour of the Gulf that Kyiv and Abu Dhabi had agreed to cooperate on defence.

Qatar announced its own deal with Ukraine later on Saturday.

Ukraine and Saudi Arabia also signed an air defence agreement during Zelensky's visit to the kingdom, two senior officials told AFP on Friday.

Earlier this month, Zelensky said that 201 Ukrainian anti-drone military experts were in or on their way to the Middle East to help the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

The announcements came as Iran continued to launch strikes against Israel and US interests in the Gulf since the war began on February 28.

Iran accuses its Gulf neighbours of allowing US forces to carry out attacks from their territory.

They have repeatedly denied the accusations, saying even before the war that they would not allow their territory or airspace to be used to attack Iran.
Iran Guards say dismantled US, Israeli 'cluster bombs' in southern province



Tehran, March 28 (AFP) Mar 28, 2026



Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Saturday they had found and dismantled more than 120 unexploded cluster bombs, alleging they were dropped during US and Israeli attacks on a southern province.

"So far, 122 cluster bombs have been discovered and destroyed around Shiraz and in several towns,"the ISNA news agency quoted Jalal Yarmohammadi, deputy head of public relations for the Guards in Fars province, as saying.

It was not immediately clear when the bombs, which involve a single projectile that releases multiple bomblets, were dropped, though the statement said it was "several days ago".
Syrian army says confronted drone attack on base



Damascus, March 28 (AFP) Mar 28, 2026



The Syrian army said on Saturday that it had repelled a drone attack from neighbouring Iraq that targeted a southern Syrian base which previously housed US forces, state media reported.

Syria's official news agency SANA quoted the army as saying that its units were able to "repel a drone attack on the al-Tanf military base in the south of the country".

"The drones were launched from Iraqi territory," it added.

Iraq has been pulled into the war sparked by US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, and which has since engulfed much of the Middle East.

Pro-Tehran Iraqi groups have claimed responsibility for attacks on US interests in Iraq and across the region, while strikes have also targeted these groups.

Earlier this week, the Syrian military said one of its bases in the northeast was targeted by a missile attack from Iraq, while an Iraqi official said a local armed group was behind the attack.

In recent months, American forces have withdrawn from the Al-Tanf base in the southeast and Shadadi in the northeast, and had begun withdrawing from the Qasrak base, also in Hasakeh province.
Israeli strike kills three journalists in south Lebanon



Beirut, Lebanon, March 28 (AFP) Mar 28, 2026



An Israeli strike killed three journalists Saturday in south Lebanon, their channels and a Lebanese military source said, while Israel said one of them was a Hezbollah member.

This came as Israel continued its raids on southern Lebanon, and Hezbollah announced it had targeted Israeli forces that had entered border villages.

Lebanon was pulled into the Middle East war when Tehran-backed militant group Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel on March 2 to avenge the US-Israeli killing of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Israel has responded with large-scale airstrikes across Lebanon and a ground offensive in the south.

A Lebanese military source told AFP earlier on Saturday that Ali Shoeib of Hezbollah's Al Manar channel and Fatima Ftouni of Al Mayadeen, seen as close to the Iran-backed movement, were killed in Jezzine, alongside Ftouni's brother, a cameraman.

Al Mayadeen and Al Manar confirmed the deaths of their journalists.

Shoeib was one of Al Manar's most prominent war correspondents, having covered Israeli attacks on Lebanon for decades.

In a statement, the Israeli military said it had targeted Shoeib, accusing him of being a "terrorist in the intelligence unit of Hezbollah's Radwan Force".

Shoeib, it said, "operated within the Hezbollah terrorist organisation under the guise of a journalist for the Al Manar network, while operating systematically to expose the locations of IDF soldiers operating in southern Lebanon and along the border".



- 'Blatant crime' -



Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the killings, calling them "a blatant crime that violates all the norms and treaties under which journalists enjoy international protection in wars".

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said the targeting of journalists was "a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law."

Several journalists have been killed in southern Lebanon since the start of the previous round of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in 2023.

A strike on central Beirut earlier this month killed Mohammad Sherri, Al Manar's political programmes director.

In October 2024, during the previous war, three journalists -- including a cameraman for Al Manar and a cameraman and broadcast engineer for Al Mayadeen -- were killed in an Israeli airstrike that targeted the place they were sleeping in in southern Lebanon.

Al Mayadeen correspondent Farah Omar, cameraman Rabih Maamari and fixer Hussein Aqil were killed while on assignment in the south in November 2023.

In October 2023, Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah was killed and six others wounded, including AFP journalists Dylan Collins and Christina Assi while covering the conflict near the Israeli border.

An independent AFP investigation concluded that two Israeli 120mm tank shells were fired from the Jordeikh area inside Israel.

The findings were corroborated by other international probes, including those by Reuters, the Committee to Protect Journalists, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders.



- Strikes on south -



Israel launched a new series of raids on southern Lebanon on Saturday.

Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported "a series of strikes" at dawn on southern towns and villages.

It said several Israeli strikes also targeted the city of Nabatiyeh, hitting "residential and commercial buildings and a fuel station".

At the same time, the agency reported strikes on border towns, particularly Taybeh, along with "an attempt by enemy forces to advance toward the Litani area".

The Israeli military said Saturday morning that "at this time, the IDF continues to strike Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure across Lebanon".

Hezbollah, for its part, said in separate statements that it had targeted gatherings of Israeli forces in Debel, a predominantly Christian border town where some residents remain despite the fighting.

Israeli forces have been pushing into areas near the border in southern Lebanon, where Israeli officials have announced plans to establish a buffer zone up to the Litani River, around 30 kilometres (20 miles) north of the border.
Strike kills Iraqi fighter, wounds six more



Baghdad, March 28 (AFP) Mar 28, 2026



A strike in northern Iraq on Saturday killed one Iraqi fighter and wounded six more, a medical official said, in the latest attack on a former paramilitary coalition that is now part of the army but includes pro-Iran factions.

Since the Middle East war began on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes on Iran, Iraq has been increasingly drawn into a conflict it had sought to avoid at all costs.

Pro-Iran Iraqi armed groups have carried out drone and rocket attacks against multiple US targets including the embassy in Baghdad.

Strikes have also targeted bases of the former paramilitary group the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), which was integrated into the regular army but also contains some pro-Iran factions that have acted independently in the past. The PMF has blamed previous attacks on the US or Israel.

One PMF fighter was killed and six wounded after two missiles struck a base near Kirkuk city's international airport on Saturday, security and medical sources told AFP.

It was not immediately clear who was responsible for the attack.

Relations between Washington and Baghdad have been strained as the Middle East war has gone on, particularly after a strike on a medical clinic in western Iraq that killed seven members of the security forces.

Iraq has not officially blamed the United States, but did summon the country's charge d'affaires over the strike.

Washington has strongly denied targeting Iraqi security forces.

On Friday Washington and Baghdad said they would "intensify cooperation" to prevent attacks and ensure Iraqi territory is not used to launch assaults against US facilities.

Earlier this week, Iraq granted the PMF permission to "respond" to attacks after 15 of its fighters were killed in a strike.



- Drone attacks -



The Iraqi defence ministry said on Saturday that a drone had crashed into the southern Majnoon oil field "without detonating, causing no damage or injuries".

The facility's operations have been paused since the outbreak of the war.

A drone had targeted the US diplomatic centre in the Baghdad airport overnight, a security official told AFP, though they were unable to provide details on any damage.

The official added that "US military equipment" had been removed on a cargo plane early Saturday morning. Another security official had earlier reported waves of personnel had departed the base.

An AFP journalist also heard an explosion near the international airport in Erbil on Saturday, with a witness saying they saw smoke.

The city is home to a major US consulate complex, and the airport hosts military advisers with the US-led anti-jihadist international coalition.

Late on Friday, the influential Tehran-backed Kataeb Hezbollah -- designated a terror organisation by Washington -- announced it would extend a pause on attacks against the US embassy.

It first announced the pause on March 19 and has extended it once already.
Iraq must not be drawn into 'escalation', France's Macron says



Paris, France, March 28 (AFP) Mar 28, 2026



Every effort must be made to avoid Iraq being sucked up into an escalation of the Middle East war, French President Emmanuel Macron said Saturday after speaking with the head of the country's autonomous Kurdistan region.

Macron posted his message on X after a deadly strike in northern Iraq against the former paramilitary group the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF).

"Everything must be done to avoid Iraq being drawn into the current escalation," he said.

The PMF -- now part of Iraq's army but which includes some pro-Iran factions -- said three of its fighters were killed in what it described as a US-Israeli attack.

Macron said he had told the Iraqi Kurdistan region's President Nechirvan Barzani that he also viewed as "unacceptable" a drone attack against his official residence earlier Saturday.

"This very worrying development adds to a rise in attacks against Iraqi institutions, like those that left six eshmergas dead this week," he said, referring to members of Kurdistan's armed forces who were killed in an Iranian missile strike Tuesday.

Iran's government fears armed Kurdish groups in northern Iraq could be sent in through its own Kurdish region, which is in the west, on the border with Iraq.

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Medics say 11 wounded in Iran missile strike on Israeli village



Eshta'ol, Israel, March 28 (AFP) Mar 28, 2026



A direct Iranian missile strike on a village in central Israel on Saturday wounded 11 people and left a massive crater, medics said, as the Middle East war entered its second month.

The missile hit a residential area in the village of Eshtaol, near Beit Shemesh, where nine people -- including four minors -- were killed in the early days of the war by a missile fired from Iran.

Several buildings were badly damaged in Saturday's strike, with metal wreckage and concrete debris scattered around, AFP footage showed.

The blast also wrecked several cars and gouged a large crater at the impact site.

At the scene, rescue workers and security forces operated near a house whose roof tiles had been completely blown away, leaving only the shell of the structure.

It was a "direct hit by an Iranian missile," Ohad Moyal, commander from the military's Home Front Command, told an AFP correspondent at the site of the strike.

"Lots of buildings were hit," he added.

The military also confirmed to AFP that the strike was caused by an Iranian missile.

Military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani posted a video clip of the site on X, writing: "A family home in Eshtaol -- destroyed by an Iranian missile".

The Middle East has been engulfed in war since February 28, triggered by joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran.

Since then, Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and several countries in the region.
Son of Iran's ousted shah wins ovation from US conservatives



Washington, United States, March 28 (AFP) Mar 28, 2026



The exiled son of Iran's last shah, Reza Pahlavi, earned thunderous applause from a packed conference hall of US conservatives on Saturday as he urged Washington to press its military campaign against Tehran.

Speaking to a raucous audience in Texas, Pahlavi cast the war as a historic opportunity to topple Iran's clerical leadership, drawing cheers with a vision of his country transformed from an adversary of the United States into an ally.

"Can you imagine Iran going from 'death to America' to 'God Bless America?'" he asked the audience at the Conservative Political Action Conference in the Dallas suburbs, prompting one of several standing ovations.

The 65-year-old son of Iran's last shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, has lived in exile since the 1979 Islamic Revolution toppled the US-backed monarchy and ushered in the current system of clerical rule.

He has long positioned himself as a unifying figure for Iran's fragmented opposition, and on Saturday told supporters he was ready to lead a democratic transition.

"President Trump is making America great again. I intend to make Iran great again," he said, drawing prolonged applause.

The warm reception for Pahlavi underscored the extent to which parts of the conservative movement have rallied behind President Donald Trump's military campaign against Iran -- a shift that sits uneasily with the "America First" instinct to avoid foreign entanglements.

The United States and Israel launched a sweeping air campaign against Iran on February 28, killing supreme leader Ali Khamenei and many senior officials, and targeting the country's military infrastructure.

Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks across the region, while the conflict has disrupted global energy markets and raised fears of a wider war.

Pahlavi urged the United States to "stay the course" and "pave the way for the Iranian people to finish the job," arguing that only the complete collapse of the Islamic republic could bring lasting stability.

"This regime in its entirety must go," he said.

His message aligned closely with the most hawkish voices in Trump's coalition, who argue that sustained pressure could trigger an uprising inside Iran.

"Iran's story is not yet finished," he said. "Great civilizations outlast even the most vicious occupiers."

Trump himself skipped CPAC -- an annual conference that typically takes place in Washington -- for the first time in a decade, with officials citing his busy schedule amid the Iran war.
Strike kills three fighters in northern Iraq



Baghdad, March 28 (AFP) Mar 28, 2026



A strike in northern Iraq on Saturday killed three fighters from the former paramilitary coalition Hashed al-Shaabi, the alliance said, blaming the US and Israel for the attack.

Two police officers were also killed and five wounded in a strike on a Mosul police station that the interior ministry also attributed to a US-Israeli attack.

Since the Middle East war began on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes on Iran, Iraq has been increasingly drawn into a conflict it had sought to avoid at all costs.

Pro-Iran Iraqi armed groups have carried out drone and rocket attacks against multiple US targets, including the embassy in Baghdad.

Strikes have also targeted bases of Hashed al-Shaabi, also known as the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), integrated into the regular army but containing some pro-Iran factions that have acted independently in the past. The PMF has previously blamed these attacks on the US.

Three PMF fighters were killed and four wounded, according to the group, in the "treacherous Zionist-US attack" near Kirkuk city's international airport.

A security official said six Iraqi soldiers were also wounded in the attack, which they said occurred near Iraqi air force and special forces bases.

It was not immediately clear who was responsible.

Relations between Washington and Baghdad have been strained as the Middle East war has gone on, particularly after a strike on a medical clinic in western Iraq that killed seven members of the security forces.

Iraq has not officially blamed the United States, but did summon the country's charge d'affaires over the strike.

Washington has strongly denied targeting Iraqi security forces.

Later on Saturday, officials confirmed the Mosul police station strike that killed two officers. The PMF said the station was jointly used by its forces.

The violence comes just a day after Washington and Baghdad said they would "intensify cooperation" to prevent attacks and ensure Iraqi territory is not used to launch assaults against US facilities.

As well as strikes against pro-Iranian groups, pro-Tehran factions claim daily drone and rocket attacks against the US presence in Iraq and elsewhere in the region.

For the first time in ten days, two drones targeted the US embassy in capital Baghdad late Saturday, before being shot down outside the Green Zone.

Following the last attack on March 18, the influential pro-Iranian armed group Kataeb Hezbollah said it would pause such attacks for five days, twice extending.



- Erbil explosions -



In the north, a drone targeted the second home of the leader of autonomous Iraqi Kurdistan, Nechirvan Barzani, with Baghdad promising to investigate.

French leader Emmanuel Macron condemned the attack, as did Iran's Revolutionary Guards.

An AFP journalist heard two explosions near Erbil's international airport late Saturday, with air defences activating. An explosion was also heard in the morning.

The city is home to a major US consulate complex, and the airport hosts military advisers with the US-led anti-jihadist international coalition.

A drone had also targeted the US diplomatic centre in the Baghdad airport overnight, a security official told AFP, though they were unable to provide details on any damage.
Israel hits Iran naval research site, fresh blasts rattle Tehran



Tehran, March 28 (AFP) Mar 28, 2026



The Israeli military said it had struck an Iranian research facility for naval weapons, while a series of loud explosions rattled Tehran as night fell on Saturday.

The fresh attacks on the capital came after Yemen's Houthi rebels announced their entry into the Middle East war by launching a missile towards Israel.

The intervention of Iran's Yemeni allies is sure to spark concern about disruptions to Red Sea shipping, which would only compound the widening economic fallout from the effective closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz off Iran.

Israel's military said Saturday that it hit the headquarters of Iran's Marine Industries Organisation during a wave of overnight attacks across Tehran, saying the facility developed "a wide range of naval weaponry, including surface and sub-surface vessels, (and) manned and unmanned equipment".

An AFP journalist in Tehran reported intense explosions and a plume of black smoke overnight.

An Israeli military spokesman said Saturday that attacks on Iranian military industry had intensified, and "within a few days, we will complete attacks on all critical components".

On Saturday evening, another wave of blasts rang out in the capital for several minutes, though it was not clear what was targeted.

"I miss a peaceful night's sleep," an artist in Tehran told AFP, adding that the previous night's strikes were "so intense it felt like all of Tehran was shaking."

"We are powerless to change a government that kills, and we don't want this war either. We just want a normal, simple life."



- Pakistan mediation -



The conflict began when the United States and Israel launched airstrikes across Iran that killed supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, engulfing the region in conflict, sending oil and gas prices soaring and prompting diplomatic efforts to halt the fighting.

Pakistan, which has been a go-between between the United States and Iranian officials, will host foreign ministers from regional powers Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt in Islamabad on Monday for talks on the crisis.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has thanked Islamabad "for its mediation efforts to stop the aggression", and Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul had said Friday he expected a direct US-Iran meeting in Pakistan "very soon".

US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff said Friday he believed Iran would hold talks with Washington in the coming days. "It could solve it all," he said.

With no end to the conflict in sight despite Trump's optimism that US forces have obliterated Iran's military, a spokesman for the Houthis released a video declaring that the group had fired ballistic missiles towards Israeli bases.

The Israeli military had said earlier it had "identified the launch of a missile from Yemen", which was reportedly intercepted.



- Red Sea shipping -



During Israel's recent war in Gaza, the Houthis, claiming solidarity with the Palestinians, attacked shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, forcing shipping companies to take costly detours.

Until Saturday, they had sat out the latest conflict, even as the Red Sea shipping lane grew more vital.

Saudi Arabia has rerouted much of its oil exports via the Red Sea port of Yanbu to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran says it has closed to shipping from hostile powers.

With Hormuz all but impassable, many shipments to and from the Gulf have gone through the Omani port of Salalah, on the Arabian Sea, but Danish shipping giant Maersk said operations had been temporarily suspended there after a drone attack.

Fire also broke out after Iranian missiles and drones hit the Khalifa Economic Zone Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, injuring six people. The firm Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) reported significant damage from the attack.

Air travel has also been disrupted. On Saturday, authorities in Kuwait and in the city of Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan said airport facilities had been damaged in strikes.

Elsewhere in Iraq, a former paramilitary coalition -- integrated into the armed forces, but containing pro-Iran factions -- said three of its fighters were killed in a strike near Kirkuk, while the interior ministry said two police officers were killed in another in Mosul. Both attacks were blamed on the United States and Israel.

In Iran, production was shut down at a major steel plant in the southwest after US-Israeli strikes, according to a statement from the Khuzestan Steel Company, cited by the Shargh newspaper.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards have warned they will retaliate for economic damage by striking industrial sites across the region.

Pezeshkian sent a message to other countries in the Middle East, warning: "If you want development and security, don't let our enemies run the war from your lands."



- Ukraine drone deal -



An Iranian missile and drone attack on the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on Friday wounded at least 12 US soldiers, two of them seriously, according to The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, citing unidentified officials.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky left his own war-torn homeland for a visit to the Gulf to discuss using his country's experience in anti-drone technology to better defend the region from Iranian strikes.

"We are talking about a 10-year cooperation. We have already signed a relevant agreement with Saudi Arabia, we have just signed a similar agreement with Qatar, also for 10 years, we will sign one with the Emirates," Zelensky told reporters.

Qatar announced a fresh missile interception on Saturday, its first in a little over a week.

In Israel, meanwhile, hundreds gathered in Tel Aviv and other cities on Saturday to protest the war, in unauthorised demonstrations that security forces sought to disperse.

"No one's thought how the hell we're going to get out of (the war), and there's no end in sight," said protester Joanne Levine, 76.

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A.P. MOELLER-MAERSK
Israeli strike kills three journalists in south Lebanon



Beirut, Lebanon, March 28 (AFP) Mar 28, 2026



An Israeli strike killed three journalists Saturday in south Lebanon, including a well-known reporter for Hezbollah's Al Manar network, with Lebanese authorities denouncing the attack as a "war crime".

The Israeli military confirmed killing Al Manar correspondent Ali Shoeib, accusing him of having "operated within the Hezbollah terrorist organisation under the guise of a journalist".

Lebanon was pulled into the Middle East war when Tehran-backed Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel on March 2 to avenge the killing of Iran's supreme leader in the opening salvo of the US-Israeli war against the Islamic republic.

Israel has responded with large-scale airstrikes across Lebanon and a ground offensive in the south, with Lebanese authorities reporting at least 1,189 people killed since the hostilities broke out.

A Lebanese military source told AFP earlier on Saturday that Ali Shoeib of Hezbollah's Al Manar channel and Fatima Ftouni of Al Mayadeen, seen as close to the Iran-backed movement, were killed in Jezzine, alongside Ftouni's brother, a cameraman.

Al Mayadeen and Al Manar confirmed the deaths of their journalists.

Shoeib was one of Al Manar's most prominent war correspondents, having covered Israeli attacks on Lebanon for decades.

In a statement, the Israeli military said it had targeted Shoeib, alleging that he "operated within the Hezbollah terrorist organisation under the guise of a journalist for the Al Manar network".

It later said that it had killed "over 800" Hezbollah members "from the air, sea, and on the ground" since the start of the current war.



- 'Blatant crime' -



Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the killings, calling them "a blatant crime that violates all the norms and treaties under which journalists enjoy international protection in wars".

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said the targeting of journalists was "a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law", while Information Minister Paul Morcos deemed the actions to be "war crimes".

A strike on central Beirut earlier this month killed Mohammad Sherri, Al Manar's political programmes director.

Several journalists were also killed and wounded during the previous round of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in 2023 and 2024.

At least five journalists were killed in Israeli strikes in the south in that conflict, including a correspondent for Al-Mayadeen TV and a cameraman for Al-Manar.

In October 2023, Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah was killed and six others wounded, including AFP journalists Dylan Collins and Christina Assi while covering the conflict near the Israeli border.

An independent AFP investigation concluded that two Israeli 120mm tank shells were fired from the Jordeikh area inside Israel.



- Strikes on south -



On Saturday evening, Israeli warplanes broke the sound barrier over Beirut, with residents across the country hearing loud booms.

Israel earlier launched a new series of raids on southern Lebanon, killing nine paramedics according to Health Minister Rakan Nassereddine.

The minister said four of the medics were from the Hezbollah-affiliated Islamic Health Committee and were targeted by Israeli strikes while carrying out rescue missions, while five were from the Hezbollah-allied Amal movement's Risala Scouts, who were also on duty.

Since the start of the war, the Health Ministry has documented the deaths of 46 paramedics and five other healthcare workers in Lebanon due to Israeli strikes, the minister said.

World Health Organisation chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on X that "March has been the second most deadly month for health workers in Lebanon" since the organisation started monitoring attacks in October 2023.

"Health workers are protected under international humanitarian law and should never be targeted," he added.

The Lebanese army, meanwhile, announced the death of two of its soldiers, killed in Israeli airstrikes in the towns of Deir Zahrani and Kfar Tibnit. Military sources told AFP that the soldiers were not on duty.

Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported "a series of strikes" in the south early Saturday.

In Henniyeh, the health ministry said an Israeli strike killed seven people, six Syrians and one Lebanese, and wounded nine Syrians.

It said that another strike on Deir Zahrani killed seven people and wounded eight others.

Hezbollah said in separate statements that it had targeted gatherings of Israeli forces in several southern towns including near Taybeh, just a few kilometres from Israel.

Israeli forces have been pushing into areas near the border, and officials have announced plans to establish a buffer zone up to the Litani River, around 30 kilometres (20 miles) north of Israel.
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I've always thought of human bodies a lot like complex machines. Once you get to the root of a problem, there are likely several others awaiting you. That was certainly the case for Chrissi Anderson of Omaha, Nebraska, who told TODAY.com that she got the surprise of her life when she went to the CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center for an emergency appendectomy.

The pain began for Chrissi in her "lower flank," and she knew she had to get to a hospital quickly. Doctors swiftly determined her appendix was about to burst, but when they did a CT scan to confirm their diagnosis, they saw something they very much weren't expecting. Doctors saw a 1-pound kidney stone with antlers just sitting there.

I couldn't believe it. It was huge and it had horns, and it was like a monster, Anderson told the outlet. And they're like, that's what's growing inside your kidney. It was just massive.

Related: The Best Carb for Aging and Gut Health, According to Dietitians

What Was Anderson's Diagnosis?

Anderson had never had any kidney stones before and didn't have any noticeable symptoms typically associated with stones.

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Dr. Euclid de Souza, her urologist, told TODAY.com that that was actually typical for the type of kidney stone Anderson had: a staghorn kidney stone.

The problem with staghorns is they're very silent because they are big and they cannot move, whereas people complain about the small stones because they move, de Souza explained. The smaller the stone, usually more the pain, because they can move around, block the kidney, so the urine has nowhere to go. Whereas these stones have found a home for themselves in the kidney, and they don't move around, so urine drains around them.

Anderson was pretty lucky her appendix flared up when it did. If that stone had gone undetected, it could have damaged her kidney, and she could have lost the organ altogether. While you can live without one kidney, it's ideal to hang on to both of them for a myriad of reasons.

Her doctor believes it had secretly grown for years, as most stones he removes are typically only five millimeters in size. Stones develop from frequent urinary tract infections. According to a Sultan Qaboos University study, around 5060% of women will develop UTIs in their lifetimes, and recurrent ones are caused by reinfection by the same pathogen. There are several factors that can contribute to recurrent UTIs; it could simply be one's anatomy (i.e., a shorter urethra in females), frequent sexual activity, or even incomplete bladder emptying.

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The head of the deer on Andersons stone measured about 3 inches across with another 3 inches for the antlers, according to de Souza. It was so large, in fact, it had to be removed in four parts.

We had a stone crusher that we were able to use to break up where the big part was connected to the finger-like projections, he says.

Related: Bijou Phillips Says Shes Hanging on by a Thread as She Waits for Kidney Transplant

What Anderson Can Expect Going Forward

Now Anderson is recovering well and says the uncomfortable pressure she felt in her back and legs, which she previously attributed to fibromyalgia, is gone.

Of course, Anderson, and really anyone whose had kidney stones, is at risk of forming stones again.

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Some preventative measures women can take to avoid UTIs are:

The 30-Minute Rule: Urinate as soon as possible (ideally within 30 minutes) after sexual activity.

Hydrate: Drinking plenty of water is the top defense to help you urinate frequently.

Don't "Hover" or "Hold": When you have to go, go. Holding in urine allows bacteria to multiply. Also, try to sit fully on the toilet seat rather than hovering; relaxing the pelvic floor muscles ensures the bladder empties completely.

Skip Products: You actually don't need douches and sprays; your vagina is naturally self-cleaning.

This story was originally published by Parade on Mar 27, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Guests from the government and military of Guatemala watch carrier landing training on the USS Nimitz on March 26, 2026. The aircraft carrier is deployed as part of Southern Seas 2026 exercises in the eastern Pacific. (Tanner Orth/U.S. Navy)



The USS Nimitz hosted senior Guatemalan military and political officials during a visit tied to the Southern Seas 2026 multinational exercises in the eastern Pacific.

The Nimitz has transitioned from the 3rd Fleet area of operations, which covers the Pacific as far south as Mexico, to the 4th Fleet area of operations, which includes the Pacific and Atlantic on either side of Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean.

The Nimitz deployed to the exercises on its way from its former homeport of Bremerton at Naval Base Kitsap near Seattle to its future homeport of Norfolk, Va. The ship will circumnavigate South America during the trip.

The Pentagon announced this month that the Nimitz, marking its 50th year with the Navy since commissioning in 1975, will remain in the active fleet until at least March 2027, when the new USS John F. Kennedy carrier is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy.

The Nimitz had been slated to begin its retirement and decommissioning next month in Norfolk, but the Navy extended its service life to meet a congressional requirement for the fleet to have 11 aircraft carriers. The John F. Kennedy is the second of the new Gerald R. Ford-class carriers to be built.

The Guatemalan delegation that visited the Nimitz on March 26 was accompanied by John M. Barrett, charge daffaires at the U.S. embassy in Guatemala, as well as other senior officials from the Guatemalan government and the Ministry of Defense.

The Nimitz is expected to host additional foreign visitors during the exercises.

U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Cassidy Norman, commander of Carrier Strike Group 11, greets distinguished visitors from Guatemala on the USS Nimitz in the Pacific Ocean, March 26, 2026. (Tanner Orth/U.S. Navy)



While aboard, the delegation met with U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Cassidy Norman, commander of Carrier Strike Group 11, and Capt. Joseph Furco, commanding officer of the Nimitz.

The leaders discussed the Southern Seas 2026 mission and the strong maritime partnership between Guatemala and the U.S., the Navy said in a statement.

Visitors were also able to observe flight operations from Nimitzs flight deck.

Southern Seas 2026 is the 11th iteration of the regional exercise since 2007.

During the deployment, the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is scheduled to conduct passing exercises and operations at sea with partner nation maritime forces.

The strike group includes the Nimitz, Carrier Air Wing 17, Destroyer Squadron 9 and Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Gridley.
U.S. sailors and Marines aboard the USS Tripoli arrived in the Middle East on Friday. The America-class amphibious assault ship serves as the flagship for the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group / 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit composed with about 3,500 sailors and Marines, transport and strike fighter aircraft, as well as amphibious assault and tactical assets. (U.S. Central Command)



At least 15 U.S. troops were injured Friday in an Iranian attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, including five seriously, the Associated Press reported. The injuries are the latest U.S. casualties in the monthlong U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.

The strike involved Iran firing six ballistic missiles and 29 drones, according to the Associated Press. At least two U.S. Air Force refueling aircraft were damaged as well as an E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control aircraft, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The Saudi base, located about 60 miles south of Riyadh, is operated by the Royal Saudi Air Force and hosts the U.S. Air Forces 378th Air Expeditionary Wing.

U.S. Central Command has not publicly commented on the attack and did not immediately respond to a Stars and Stripes request for details.

Iran has repeatedly targeted U.S. positions across the Middle East since the start of the conflict with the United States and Israel, launching missiles and drones at bases hosting American forces.

Six Army reservists with the 103rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command died in a drone attack March 1 at Port Shuaiba in Kuwait. Another soldier assigned to 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade died from injuries sustained during a March 1 attack on Prince Sultan Air Base. Two weeks ago, six airmen died when a KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in a noncombat incident in western Iraq.

According to the latest CENTCOM count, more than 300 U.S. service members have been wounded, with most returning to duty.

At least 1,900 people have been killed and 20,000 injured in Iran since the war began, Irans Red Crescent said Friday.

The U.S. and Israel began bombarding Iran on Feb. 28, saying the campaign was aimed at degrading the countrys ballistic missile and nuclear capabilities, among other goals.

President Donald Trump has said talks with Iran on ending the war are going very well, though Iran denies this is the case and recently rejected the administrations ceasefire terms.

The conflict showed signs of widening Saturday, as Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen launched their first missile toward Israel since the war began.

The Israeli military said its air defenses intercepted the missile, and no casualties were reported. Houthi leaders said the attack targeted multiple Israeli military sites in the countrys south.

After the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza war in 2023, the Houthis launched drones and missiles at Israel and targeted commercial shipping in the Red Sea, disrupting a key global trade route.

The world economy has already been strained as Iran has disrupted maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for the worlds oil supply.

Trump officials, some of whom have long criticized what they saw as excessive U.S. military involvement in the Middle East, have repeatedly stressed the Iran conflict will be brief.

However, the Pentagon is reportedly considering sending up to 10,000 additional ground troops to the Middle East to expand military options in the region.

The potential deployment reportedly could include infantry and armored units and would add to the thousands of Marines and Fort Bragg-based paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division headed to the region.

Sailors and Marines aboard the USS Tripoli arrived in the Central Command area of responsibility on Friday, the command said in a Saturday post on X. The Tripoli is the flagship of its amphibious ready group and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The post did not say how many sailors or Marines were deployed, but previous reports indicated more than 2,000 personnel would be involved.
An NH90 NATO helicopter prepares to land in an airfield in Setermoen, Norway, March 18, 2026. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited U.S. Marines and NATO Allies to highlight the strength of NATOs joint force while observing their operational capabilities in an Arctic environment during Cold Response 26. (Alexis French/U.S. Marine Corps)



Russia and China are challenging the American and allied presence in the Arctic by expanding military and commercial activity around the North Pole at a time when American military focus is on other parts of the world, a congressional panel was told.

If we do not maintain a sustained focus on strengthening Americas Arctic security, we will have failed in our duty to protect the United States, Heather Conley, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, testified Thursday.

Conley and two other experts on Arctic security spoke Thursday at a joint hearing by two House Homeland Security Committee panels  the Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security and the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence.

The hearing was called Arctic Security in an Era of Global Competition: Safeguarding U.S. Interests in Frigid Waters.

Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Fla., chairman of the House Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security, described the ongoing competition between countries for a dominant role in the High North.

In recent years, Putins Russia has significantly expanded its military footprint in the region, while Communist China has sought to project its influence through increased deployments of icebreakers and other polar-capable vessels, he said.

The discussion of Arctic policy returned to the overall political approach of President Donald Trump.

Republicans and Democrats on the subcommittees, as well as Conley and other witnesses, agreed that the $25 billion increase in funding for the Coast Guard  a key line of military defense in the Arctic  was an important policy step.

But more was needed, they said.

Russia has the largest fleet of icebreakers in the world, including some nuclear-powered models and a new design incorporating a deck gun and space for ship-to-ship missile launchers.

Despite its ongoing war with Ukraine, Russia has quietly expanded its military footprint in the High North and reactivated its Cold War-era bases to deploy more advanced air and missile defense systems and increase complex naval operations across the region, Gimenez said.

China has backed up its declaration as an emerging Arctic power with the construction of its own icebreakers as well as the expansion of commercial and scientific missions to the region.

Russia and China have conducted joint naval and air exercises near the territory of the U.S., Canada and NATO allies.

The funding gives the U.S. an unprecedented opportunity to deploy the Coast Guards Arctic assets and exert greater dominance, Gimenez said.

Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., the ranking member, said Trumps pronouncement about Canada becoming the 51st state and taking over Greenland, a territory of Denmark, has done damage to the NATO alliance.

Trump has threatened to invade Greenland, an insane proposition that has angered and made our NATO allies very wary, McIver said. When we undermine trust with our closest partners, we do not strengthen our position. We weaken it. The United States cannot lead in the Arctic alone, and we cannot afford to create conditions that prompt our allies to question our trustworthiness.

Gimenez countered that Trump was trying to get allies to pay more for the cost of common defense, not to erase NATO.

It is the greatest alliance, and its the one that keeps the world safe, Gimenez said. But they needed to step up.

Conley said Canada and Denmark have pledged major increases in spending to defend the Arctic. The United States needs to follow through on its own efforts as well, she said.

Finnish air force F/A-18 Hornets near Evenes Air Station, Norway, March 16, 2026. (Mya Seymour/U.S. Marine Corps)



The Arctic region is within Homeland Defense, Conley said. Its part of our integrated defense of the Western Hemisphere. The ongoing modernization of our Arctic-based missile defense architecture, as well as developing a persistent presence in the maritime Arctic, with overdue investments in our icebreaker fleet, are critical components of this shift.

Bryan Clark, senior fellow and director of the Center for Defense Concepts and Technology at the Hudson Institute, said that modernizing American defenses in the Arctic was a crucial step. Until recently, Clark said, the region was a strategic flyover for defense.

But with warmer temperatures opening up new naval routes and exposing NATO sensors and undersea communications lines, defense across multiple domains was paramount.

We need to start translating our aspirations into something real on the ground and in the air, he said.

Clark pointed to the rapid growth of drones and remote or autonomous vessels, which could require the U.S. to plug a hole in Trumps proposed Golden Dome anti-ballistic missile plan.

Look whats happening right now in Iran, whats happening in Ukraine  drones are now the newest air threat that were going to face, and drones can be deployed from uncrewed vessels of their own, or they can be deployed from civilian vessels that merge into background commercial traffic, Clark said. We could find ourselves facing significant threats, via the Arctic, that have nothing to do with ballistic missiles, and on a scale that our existing defenses would not be able to handle. We could easily find ourselves overwhelmed and surprised.

Marisol Maddox, Senior Fellow at the Institute of Arctic Studies at Dartmouth College, told the lawmakers that Russias ability to restock its supplies of weapons despite the war in Ukraine shouldnt be underestimated. She also underlined that China sees the region as a key component to its future power projection.

Maddox said that environmental changes in the Arctic had important military and political implications. The widening of sea lanes and the exposure of more land require the maintenance of growing infrastructure.

Major fires in the Canadian wilderness create smoke and particulate matter that degrade U.S. military and allied sensor data quality, Maddox said. She pointed to other climate change effects on the Arctic that she said have an impact on seafood harvesting, Indian subcontinent monsoon patterns, prolonged droughts, and other conditions around the world that will draw even more nations to express an active national interest in the Arctic region.

And for this reason, I recommend referencing the planetary boundaries framework to appreciate the complexity of changes underway, Maddox said. The Arctic remains a region strongly characterized by transboundary challenges and opportunities. The growing risk of wildfire in the Arctic puts our assets, personnel and readiness at risk.
A video screen grab shows Army Spc. James Kelly making his first court appearance on June 21, 2023. (YouTube)



TACOMA, Wash.  A supply support specialist for a Ranger unit accused of killing two people and wounding five others in a shooting spree at a June 2023 outdoor concert in the Columbia River Gorge was arraigned in military court Friday at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Spc. James M. Kelly, 28, was charged under the Uniform Code of Military Justice with the premeditated murder of Josilyn Ruiz and Brandy Escamilla; one specification of attempted premeditated murder; three specifications of assault with intent to murder; three specifications of domestic violence; and two specifications of the use and possession of psilocybin, a controlled substance.

Kelly entered a not guilty plea to all charges. He exercised his choice of court-martial, asking to be tried by a panel that will include officers and enlisted personnel.

If convicted on all charges, Kelly faces life in prison, according to the Army Office of Special Trial Counsel, which handles murder, manslaughter, kidnapping and most sex crimes allegedly committed by soldiers.

Kelly enlisted in 2021 and was a member of the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment based at Lewis-McChord, just south of Tacoma, at the time of the shooting.

Kelly is being held in pre-trial confinement at Northwestern Joint Regional Correctional Facility at JBLM.

No trial date was set.

Kelly was arrested by civilian authorities soon after the June 17, 2023, incident at the Beyond Wonderland concert held at the amphitheater in the Columbia River Gorge. He faced murder and other charges in civilian court in Grant County, Wash. He had been held at the Grant County Jail since the incident.

The Grant County prosecuting attorney issued a statement Feb. 6 that the Army would take over the case. The Army says it took over the case on Feb. 10.

This decision was made with great care, Grant County Prosecuting Attorney Brandon K. Guernsey wrote in the statement. While our office was fully prepared to proceed to trial in Grant County, if necessary, after thorough coordination with military prosecutors, we concluded that prosecution within the military justice system best serves the interest of justice.

Kelly had been in continuous custody since the night of the incident, when he was shot by civilian law enforcement and hospitalized.

We continue to recognize that the loss has been deeply traumatic for many people, Grant County Sheriffs Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman said in a statement last month.

According to reports in The Columbian, a newspaper in Vancouver, Wash., civilian investigators say Kelly opened fire on festival concertgoers in the Gorge campground on June 17, 2023.

Kelly later told officers he had ingested psilocybin mushrooms and was experiencing psychedelic hallucinations in which he believed the world was coming to an end, according to media accounts at the time.

According to a Washington State Patrol report, Kelly retrieved a handgun from his truck and shot multiple rounds at Escamilla and Ruiz, who were walking nearby. Both women died at the scene.

Kelly also allegedly shot and seriously wounded Andrew Cuadra, a festivalgoer. He then fired at a security vehicle, wounding driver Lori Williams, according to The Columbian. He also shot down a Grant County Sheriffs Office drone.

Kelly then turned the gun on his then-girlfriend, Lily Luksich, shooting her twice, causing significant injuries, according to investigators.

There are a total of seven victims in this case, said Michelle McCaskill, a spokeswoman for the Army Office of Special Trial Counsel, based at Fort Belvoir, Va.

McCaskill noted that charges are allegations, and Kelly is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Sailors with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Four guide a pre-fabricated concrete bunker into position at Musa Qaleh, Afghanistan, October 2011. The Department of Defense on Monday, March 27, 2026, issued a call for vendors to provide pre-fabricated bunkers to the Middle East on short notice. (U.S. Navy)



A Pentagon exploratory call for potential contracts posted this week asked for pre-fabricated transportable bunkers that can be quickly sent to the Middle East.

The notice, which was published Monday and had a Friday deadline, aimed to determine if there exists an adequate number of interested and qualified contractors that can provide the bunkers.

Interested vendors were asked to submit three options for different estimated time frames: 3 days, 15 days and 30 days. All of the options had to be deliverable to King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba, Jordan.

Each response was required to identify the level of protection provided by the bunkers, including the highest level of threat that the bunker is designed to withstand, such as a ballistic impact.

The notice said the total quantity requirement is currently unknown, but that vendors are encouraged to give pricing structures reflecting any available economies of scale.

It comes as U.S. bases in the region have sustained damage. A New York Times report published earlier this week described many as effectively uninhabitable. It also comes as thousands of Marines and paratroopers are headed to the region and as the Pentagon reportedly weighs deploying an additional 10,000 ground troops to the area.
James Tolkan, a Navy veteran and character actor known for portraying a cigar-chomping commanding officer who chews out Tom Cruises character in Top Gun, died Thursday at age 94.

An actor with the air of a grizzled disciplinarian, he was also known for playing high school principal Mr. Strickland opposite Michael J. Fox in the Back to the Future trilogy. His death in Saranac Lake, N.Y., was announced in a brief obituary on the franchises website, which said his survivors include his wife of 54 years, Parmelee, and three nieces in Des Moines, Iowa. A cause of death was not given.

Tolkan served briefly in the Navy during the Korean War, completing basic training in San Diego before shipping out to Oakland, Calif., to prepare for duty aboard the Haskell-class attack transport USS Sandoval, he told the military and veteran-oriented website We Are The Mighty in a 2021 interview.

But after arriving in Oakland, Tolkan became ill and was sent to a naval hospital, where a heart issue was discovered, leading to his medical discharge.

Born in Calumet, Mich., in 1931, Tolkan lived in Chicago after his parents divorced and graduated from high school in 1949 in Tucson, Ariz., the online obituary said.

After being discharged from the Navy, he went to college in Iowa on the G.I. Bill, first at Coe College, then at the University of Iowa, where he studied theater, he said in 2021. After six years of college, he took a Greyhound bus to New York to become an actor.

With $75 in his pocket, he found a cold water flat where the rent equaled his VA check, the obituary said. It said he worked on the docks while studying acting with Stella Adler and Lee Strasburg, eventually spending 25 years in New York theater, from off of Broadway to the Great White Way, including as an original member of the ensemble cast of the 1984 Broadway run of David Mamets Glengarry Glen Ross.

The film website IMDb lists over 80 film, TV, and video game credits for Tolkan from 1960 to 2020, with his last credited film role in 2015s Bone Tomahawk.

In 2021, he said he most enjoyed working with director Sidney Lumet on three films, Serpico, Prince of the City, and Family Business.

Tolkan often played cops, senior military officers and other authority figures, bringing a sense of gravity to the roles.

As Cmdr. Tom Stinger Jardian, commander of the USS Enterprises carrier air group in 1986s Top Gun, he puts Cruises character, Maverick, in check early on before telling him and his weapons officer, Goose, that hes reluctantly sending them to fly alongside the best of the best at Navy Fighter Weapons School, known as Top Gun.

You screw up just this much, youll be flying a cargo plane full of rubber dog s--t out of Hong Kong, he warns in one of several memorable lines.

If things had gone differently earlier in his life, Tolkan might have remained in the service, he said in the 2021 interview.

I could have seen the Navy as a career until I got sick, he said. Anyway, it all worked out.
At 'Davos of energy', AI looks to gas to power its rapid expansion



Houston, March 27 (AFP) Mar 27, 2026



Natural gas took center stage this week at the world's largest energy conference, as major market players discussed how to power the rise of artificial intelligence.

In the halls of CERAWeek, where around 10,000 experts and executives converged, attendees debated the fastest way to feed the burgeoning technology's massive energy demands, despite carbon neutrality pledges.

"Gas-fired power, for sure, is critical" to the development of artificial intelligence (AI), Laurent Ruseckas of S&P Global told AFP on the sidelines of the summit.

Dozens of sessions were held addressing how the gas sector can help satisfy AI's insatiable thirst for electricity, or how AI-driven software can, in turn, help the sector optimize its production.

The data centers on which AI -- and cloud technology more broadly -- rely consume vast amounts of electricity, which often has a large carbon footprint.

Natural gas is already the third-largest energy source used by data centers globally, covering 26 percent of demand, according to International Energy Agency figures.

Coal -- a fuel that emits the highest levels of greenhouse gases -- has the largest share, followed by renewable energy, according to the IEA.

Since 2016, the United States has ramped up its natural gas production, and its Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) exports have increased 30-fold in that period, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).

With US President Donald Trump throwing his weight behind fossil fuels -- often sidelining renewable energy -- that trend is only expected to deepen.

This "surge in gas... is coincident and driven by the need to satisfy the growth in AI," said Eric Hanselman, an energy analyst at S&P Global.

Charles Riedl, president of industry group the Center for Liquefied Natural Gas (CLNG), told AFP "the reliability and dispatch ability of gas is second to none."

CLNG represents several US industry giants, including Cheniere Energy, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips.

More than a third of US gas capacity directly powers data centers in the United States, according to a recent study by Global Energy Monitor, a think tank.



- 'Not sustainable' -



Some experts, however, remain skeptical about the long-term viability of this model.

"Will gas play a role in the AI data center future? Yes. But I'm not so sure it's to the same degree as many predict," said Mark Brownstein, senior vice president of the Environmental Defense Fund.

"My belief is that that kind of approach to project development is not sustainable," he added.

The issue, he said, is that certain projects are "expensive to run," and "the pollution from them is also considerable."

The primary component of natural gas is methane, which, when burned, releases CO2 -- the leading greenhouse gas responsible for global warming.

Gas fields, LNG tankers, pipelines, and distribution lines also give rise to massive leaks of methane -- a gas with an even greater global warming potential than CO2.

In West Virginia, a project to build a gas-fired power plant intended solely to supply a massive data center is facing opposition from many residents concerned about its health and environmental impacts.

It is far from the only one.

Tech giants had previously pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 or 2040. However, the explosive growth in demand for AI has led them to set these promises aside, according to S&P Global's Ruseckas.

"That's gone out the window," he says. "Gas is the only quick way to get power quickly, which is what the data centers need."

Another option on the table is nuclear power, which already accounts for 15 percent of global electricity consumption by data centers.

The rapid growth of AI and its surging energy demand is "making nuclear really part of the solution set now," said Ho Nieh, chairman of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, at CERAWeek.

Nuclear reactors take significantly longer to build than gas turbines, however.

In January, tech giant Meta announced agreements with three US nuclear energy companies, making it one of the largest corporate buyers of such energy in the United States.

The 6.6 gigawatts of power those plants would provide, however, is not expected to be fully online until 2035.

ni-ube/aha/ksb

GOOGLE

Amazon.com

CHEVRON

CONOCOPHILLIPS
UN climate experts hold tense Bangkok meet



Paris, France, March 27 (AFP) Mar 27, 2026



UN climate experts wrapped up a tense meeting on Friday, with the session in Bangkok marked by disagreements between countries over the timetable for the group's next major report.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) publishes reports every five to seven years whose conclusions on the environment are used as a reference by the United Nations.

But a request from Saudi Arabia and India to delay the next report's publication to 2029 -- after a crucial UN climate change conference, or COP, in 2028 -- risked derailing this week's working session, according to diplomatic sources.

"We use our best endeavours to achieve consensus," IPCC Chair Jim Skea told delegates at the closing session, according to a statement.

"Sometimes... we strive in slightly different directions. But I think the spirit of compromise and flexibility in IPCC was shown in the end," Skea added.

The divisions at the IPCC session mirror those that have long riven the COP conferences, which have seen disagreements between developed and developing nations over issues such as an end to fossil fuel use, compensation for the damage caused by climate change and funding to adapt to a warming planet.

Some countries wanted the next IPCC report to be published by 2028, in time for COP33, which will likely take place in India, so that policymakers have access to the most up-to-date science possible.

But others, including India, Saudi Arabia and China, argued that a 2029 release would allow more time to incorporate scientific data and research from scholars in developing countries.

"Some of the arguments are quite obviously quibbling," a government source from a developed country lamented in December.

A diplomat told AFP on Friday that the staggered timings would prevent COP33 from "having the latest recommendations from the science".

In a bid to put an end to the row, the IPCC said on Friday that "member governments clearly indicated that they want the timeline agreed at its next session", the dates of which have not yet been announced.

COP33 is due to produce a key "global stocktake" on nations' efforts to contain climate change since the landmark Paris Agreement.
Pope Leo XIV arrives in swanky Monaco on lightning visit



Monaco, March 28 (AFP) Mar 28, 2026



Pope Leo XIV arrived Saturday in Monaco for a whirlwind visit to the tiny Catholic principality, a millionaires' playground that is the surprise pick for the first western European trip of his papacy.

Arriving by helicopter from Rome, the pope was greeted by Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene at Monaco's heliport under radiant sunshine, an AFPTV journalist said.

The US-born pope, a former missionary critical of the wealthy elite, will start his trip at the Prince's Palace, the official residence of the Grimaldi dynasty.

After a greeting from the balcony, he will go to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception to meet the Catholic community, then to the square in front of the Church of Saint Devota, dedicated to the patron saint of Monaco.

The highlight will be an open-air mass at the Louis II Stadium, expected to be attended by 15,000 people.

Monaco is one of the few places in Europe where Catholicism remains the state religion, and it has long-standing diplomatic ties with the Holy See.

Though only around eight percent of citizens identify as practicing Catholics, church pews are one of the few places where billionaires, cleaning ladies and construction workers mingle.
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Actor James Tolkan, best known for his role as Back to the Futures principal Mr Strickland, has died at the age of 94.

The performer, who also appeared in Eighties blockbuster Top Gun, died on Friday (27 March) at his home in Lake Placid, upstate New York, Back to the Future co-creator Bob Gale told TMZ.

The news was confirmed by John Alcantar, the stars representative for public appearances, who described Tolkan as a beloved professional who lived a good, full life in a statement to USA Today.

A cause of death was not given.

Tolkan appeared as Hill Valley High Schools no-nonsense teacher Strickland, who would repeatedly take protagonist Marty McFly to task for being a slacker in the original 1985 sci-fi movie, directed by Robert Zemeckis.

open image in gallery Tolkan appeared in all three Back to the Future movies ( Getty Images )

He went on to reprise the role in the 1989 sequel Back to the Future Part II, and would also play Stricklands grandfather in the third movie, released in 1990.

Tolkan also starred as another authority figure in Top Gun, taking on the part of Stinger, the commanding officer who often butted heads with Tom Cruises Pete Maverick Mitchell.

Born in Michigan in 1931, Tolkan went on to study drama at the University of Iowa after serving in the US Navy during the Korean War.

He went on to study at the famous Actors Studio in New York, where he learned from the influential acting teachers Stella Adler and Lee Strasberg.

open image in gallery The actor had an extensive stage career before heading to Hollywood ( Getty Images )

This marked the start of several decades working in the citys theatre scene, including a stint as part of the original ensemble cast of Glengarry Glen Ross, David Mamets Pulitzer Prize winning play.

He went on to appear in films such as crime drama Serpico and legal thriller Prince of the City, both directed by Sidney Lumet, as well as sci-fi movie WarGames and Woody Allens Love and Death, in which he played Napoleon.

He is survived by Parmelee, his wife of 54 years.
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Barry Caldwell, a veteran American animator and storyboard artist whose credits included Animaniacs, Pinky and the Brain and Osmosis Jones, has died at the age of 68.

His death was announced on Facebook by his longtime friend and fellow animator Paul Dini.

Barry Caldwell was one of the first animation artists I met when I started my career fresh out of school way back around 1980, Dini began his heartfelt post, which included a photo of Caldwell in an animation office.

He was also one of the finest artists I ever met, and easily one of the best people. The mans talent as a cartoonist, designer and director was revered throughout the industry...

When it comes to humor, it takes a special kind of genuis to be both dry and warm. Barry was both. No artist ever mocked the insanity of the Hollywood cartoon stystem with such devastating incisiveness, and yet loved its creative output so much. At least, I believe he did. You dont last too long in the cartoon business unless you have some true affection for the characters and the people you work with to bring them to life.

Barry Caldwell, the veteran animator who worked on 'Pinky and the Brain' (right) and Osmosis Jones has died at 68 ( Paul Dini/Facebook; Hulu/Everett/Shutterstock )

He continued: That spirit was on display for as long as I knew him, and in all the places we worked together, Filmation, Ruby-Spears, Warner Bros, Disney, so many others. Barry knew how to make a blah assignment sing and turn a good one into something wonderful...

When Dan Haskett told me today Barry had passed, it was like a silent cannonball blowing away a piece of my world. A lot of peoples worlds, actually. Barry was admired, celebrated and loved by just about everyone, myself included, for many more reasons than I can list here. Gonna miss you, pally.

Dinis tribute was reposted by another animator, Tom Ruegger, the creator of Tiny Toon Adventures, Animaniacs and Pinky and the Brain. Ruegger said he took the photo of Dini shared of Caldwell at Warner Bros. Studio in Sherman Oaks in the early Nineties.

We were about to transition from Tiny Toons to Animaniacs, two series in which Barry and his artistic brilliance played huge roles, Ruegger shared.

After I met Barry in 1989 and saw what he could accomplish with his incredible talent, I wanted to be sure to make him a big part of whatever show I ever worked on. The subtle expressions he could achieve on characters with his deft and revelatory drawings were unrivaled.

His direction was a lesson in the joy of animation, packed with personality, humor and heart. With Barrys passing, animation has lost an incredible artist, director and creative leader, and all of us who knew and worked with Barry have lost a great and faithful friend. I concur with Paul Dini on everything he says about the remarkable Barry Caldwell.

Born on June 19, 1957, in New York City, Caldwell trained at the School of Visual Arts and went on to work with Warner Bros. Animation, Walt Disney Television Studios and DreamWorks Animation over the course of his career.

His final credit listed on IMDB is as a storyboard artist on Disney Juniors Ariel.
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Bill Maher was surprisingly amenable when it came to the White House attempting to block his prestigious Kennedy Center award.

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 President Trumps officials at the time blasted the report as fake news.

On Fridays episode of Real Time With Bill Maher, the 70-year-old host addressed the drama, joking, We have reached a compromise. I am going to get [the award] and then Im going to give it to him.

However, he went on to play down the drama, saying, I just want things to work out. Im not looking for a fight, and Im not mad that he did this.

He continued, Me and the president, we have a complicated relationship this has been going on a long time, so him trying to block me from getting it? I respect the move.

open image in gallery Bill Maher joked about the drama surrounding his Kennedy Center honor on Fridays episode of Real Time ( HBO )

open image in gallery Maher and Trump have had a tumultuous relationship over the years ( Getty )

Get it off your chest, big man, Maher added.

Days after press secretary Karoline Leavitt denied that Maher would receive the honor, the White House appeared to make a U-turn on the decision.

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 Thursday.

The ceremony is 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, having already ordered it renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, prompting 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.

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 had 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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Independent readers have hit back hard on the dangers of screen time for young children and the grip of social media, reacting to new government guidance and a landmark US trial that found Meta and YouTube liable for addiction.

Many painted a stark picture of the risks, warning that even limited screen use can dull curiosity, slow learning, and replace real-world play.

Nostalgia ran through the comments, with readers longing for a time when children played outside, built friendships face-to-face, and werent exposed to online grooming, bullying, or the constant bombardment of misinformation.

Several highlighted parental responsibility, stressing that young children rely on adults to set limits and model healthy digital habits. But readers were just as quick to call out tech giants, arguing that platforms deliberately design addictive feeds, push harmful content, and profit from exploiting users attention and data  and that they must be held accountable.

Across the debate, the message was clear: children need guidance, parents need support, and social media companies must face the consequences of their designs.

Heres what you had to say:

Not a fair fight

Those who say just stop using the apps, miss two important points.

Addiction is different for different people. I had no problem drastically reducing my alcohol consumption, with none of the withdrawal symptoms or cravings that I'd been told to expect. But I know that I'm just lucky and that some people really struggle with it.

Companies like Meta invest many millions of dollars in crafting products that are uniquely addictive. You, as a user, are up against this. It's hardly a fair fight.

RickC

Its not just young people

The obsession is not limited to younger people. I have seen older people who keep the phone next to them when they eat in restaurants. That has another reason. They are lonely, have no contact with other people and enjoy receiving and sending messages with jokes and political news. In good old days people called each other but now only send messages. That makes people more lonely.

TotiCalling

Screen time for young children

The only screen a child aged under five should be watching is a cartoon on TV, and even that should be limited.

Social media has now proven to be toxically addictive in an extremely negative way.

Never mind it being banned for those under 16, it should be banned for all of us because I cannot think of one positive attribute it has brought to anyone, including interaction with our friends.

Bring back the good old days before social media, when kids were allowed to be kids, they played outside with their friends instead of being hooked to a tablet, groomed by sick actors, and bullied online.

Back to a place where lies werent the truth, hostile states were unable to sway peoples political opinions, people could not be groomed into extremists, and false actors could not convince people online that they were communicating with their banks and persuade them to transfer their entire life savings into a new account.

The vast majority of our countrys leaders know that social media isnt working for us and is damaging democracy, but who will have the guts to admit that and then completely ban it outright?

As for screen time for under-fives, unless youre an extremely stressed parent with a lot on your plate, I think the majority are responsible enough to curb their own screen time for young children. If theyre not, then hopefully the advice from the government will help, but what I will not do, as so many do, is blame the parents because nobody else knows what its like to walk in their shoes.

Amy

Social media needs a health warning

Social media is just an example of better targeted advertising. Better, in this case, means any method possible to attract and keep attention and gain valuable data for resale. Thats it. Maybe a health warning stating this could be inserted into every page to deter the unwary, as the saying goes. Preventing misuse of the above rule is important. Management of the social media companies must face shutdown or imprisonment, not fines.

Noseplus

Extreme screen time avoidance

If youre a parent who chooses to avoid or drastically limit screen time, or  God forbid  no screen time before two, then youre on your own. And thats us. We literally have not met anyone currently raising a young child who is also taking such an extreme approach. Were the mean parents depriving our child of his own tablet, Bluey, the third parent Miss Rachel, and the other heroes.

Im sad that this is the new normal, and scared for the kind of generation that will come out of this. No need for studies to see the effects of screen time on kids  just look at their faces watching something. Theres a blank stare into nowhere. Nothing is going on inside their heads that is capable of learning things at an amazing pace, and naturally being incredibly curious  screens are like a super slow lobotomy.

Whynot22

Platforms should take responsibility

I have to admit Im unconvinced about the boo-hoo, addiction claim. Its hard for kids these days (or often anyone without a limited social circle) to opt out of social media entirely, of course, but Im unconvinced thats the same thing as an addiction per se, and it stinks a bit too much of cheapening the concept of actual addiction.

I am, however, very keen to see these huge platforms  which, lets not forget, make all their money off the back of their users and the data they harvest  forced to take responsibility for the filth and harmful content their algorithms are designed to push our way. If youve ever wondered why your Facebook feed went straight from an echo chamber of you and your friends to 80 per cent content you dont follow and didnt ask for, its largely because of two things: petulance right from the top  Oh, you dont want echo chambers, do you? Fine, heres the other stuff you didnt sign up for  and the discovery that people will very often engage more and for longer with content with which they disagree strongly. Enhanced engagement equals greater profit.

PadraigMahone

Social media content moderation

This case surely opens a can of worms. Can we sue oil companies and car manufacturers for selling products that contribute to cancer and other diseases? Can we sue petrochemical companies for mass-producing plastics that end up in our food and drinking water? How about suing tobacco companies for selling products directly linked to cancer and heart disease?

While I dont disagree that these platforms are designed to hook you, Im not too sure I agree that the platform, as opposed to the content, was a substantial factor in her declining mental health. I do think they need to do more to moderate content. There are so many lies that people blindly believe.

Itsme

Parental responsibility

Yes, the platforms are designed to keep you coming back, and the protections and controls are inadequate, but the young person involved in this case started using social media at the age of six and was addicted by the age of nine. There is also a significant question of parental responsibility. What were her parents doing? At six, she is not buying her own phone or iPad. Her parents enabled her behaviour, and apparently stood back and let it happen until it was too late.

Giotto1301

Some of the comments have been edited for this article for brevity and clarity.

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A 22-year-old man, already in custody for a January killing, is now facing a second murder charge following a fatal shooting last weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Angelvis Jesus Quintero Fernandez was served with updated warrants on Wednesday while being held under an ICE detainer. Authorities claim he was living in the country without legal authorization.

The most recent case began in the early morning hours of Sunday, March 22, when Charlotte-Mecklenburg police responded to an assault call on Abermarle Road.

According to an affidavit seen by WBTV News, officers discovered Luis Guitierrez Mora around 2:12 a.m. on the ground suffering from a gunshot wound.

WSOC-TV reported that Mora was gunned down following a fight outside of the El Paisano Restaurante. While Mora was rushed to a nearby hospital, Fernandez was apprehended the following day on an unrelated charge.

During that initial arrest, police officially linked and charged him with the January shooting death of 44-year-old Ludvin Antonio Guzman Morales.

The first homicide occurred along Central Avenue, where Morales was shot multiple times in the street while trying to intervene in a fight. Although a suspect was not immediately identified in January, investigators were eventually able to link the two cases because spent bullet casings found at the January scene matched the gun used in the Albemarle Road shooting just two miles away.

The investigation into the Albemarle Road shooting progressed quickly after Fernandez allegedly confessed to shooting More during a police interview.

Court documents further reveal that Fernandez actually confessed to shooting both victims. He was initially booked on several counts, including attempted first-degree murder, felony conspiracy and possession of a stolen firearm.

However, the legal weight of the case shifted Tuesday when Mora died from his injuries. Following his death, the district attorneys office officially upgraded the attempted murder charge to first-degree murder.

Fernandez appeared in court this week, where he was denied bond. Beyond the two counts of first-degree murder, his status is further complicated by the ICE detainer filed during his processing.

He remains in the Mecklenburg County Jail as the judicial process for both homicides moves forward.
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The execution of a former Florida police officer, convicted of raping and murdering an 11-year-old girl, has been temporarily halted by the state's Supreme Court. James Aren Duckett, 68, was scheduled to receive a three-drug injection on Tuesday at Florida State Prison near Starke.

Duckett was sentenced to death in 1988 after being found guilty of first-degree murder and sexual battery. As part of his appeals process, he had sought DNA testing, arguing it could prove his innocence. A circuit court granted this request, and the testing is still pending.

The Florida Supreme Court has now ordered the state to provide an update on the DNA testing's status by 5 p.m. on Friday. Should the stay not be lifted by Tuesday, the future timing of the execution remains uncertain.

With a record 19 executions last year, Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis oversaw more executions in a single year in 2025 than any other Florida governor since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. The previous record was set in 2014 with eight executions.

According to court records, Duckett had worked as a police officer in Mascotte, a small city west of Orlando. He was on patrol the night of May 11, 1987, when 11-year-old Teresa McAbee disappeared. She was last seen getting into Duckett's patrol car at a convenience store.

Clouds hover over the entrance of the Florida State Prison in Starke, Fla., Aug. 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Curt Anderson, File) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

McAbee's body was found in a lake the next morning less than a mile away from the store, officials said. A medical examiner determined she was sexually assaulted and then drowned. Blood and hair linked her to Duckett. Distinct tire tracks found at the lake matched the tires on Mascotte patrol cars. Duckett and McAbees fingerprints were found on the hood of Duckett's car.

Three teen girls testified at trial that Duckett had previously given rides to each of them and had made sexual advances.

A total of 47 people were executed in the U.S. in 2025. Florida led the way with a flurry of death warrants signed by DeSantis. Alabama, South Carolina and Texas tied for second with five executions each.

All Florida executions are carried out via lethal injection using a sedative, a paralytic and a drug that stops the heart, according to the Department of Corrections.
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When Dawn Haas gave birth to her son, the Florida mom said she felt like she was doing something right for a change  bringing a perfect boy into the world.

But over the years, little Justyn Pennell began to display behaviors that Haas found disturbing. Shed wake up to him staring at her. Fits of rage would overcome him. Watching others being injured amused him.

There was something not right about him, Haas thought. But he was still her sweet, baby boy, and the thought of him doing something tragic never crossed her mind.

I just killed someone, Pennell admitted in a 911 call. I dont know whats wrong with me.

On January 9, 2020, Pennell was out in Hudson, Florida, when he struck and killed 75-year-old Michael Pratt, a Vietnam veteran and grandfather who was out walking with his cane. The then-21-year-old was sentenced to life in prison after he pleaded no contest to the murder. Haas thought she understood what her son had done.

That was until she heard his 911 confession for the first time.

open image in gallery Justyn Pennell was sentenced to life in prison after he intentionally ran over 75-year-old Michael Pratt  a Vietnam veteran and grandfather, in Florida in 2020. Now, his mom is speaking out in a new documentary about learning that her son was a killer ( CourtTV )

Thats not the Justyn I know, she said. Thats not him.

His calm demeanor and detached awareness of the situation shocks his mother, who wipes her tears and shakes her head, asking why.

Theres so much more to him that I didn't see, theres so much more to him that I didnt know, she tells a documentary crew. How does this happen?

A chilling confession

Haass story is one of several featured in Evil Lives Here: My Child the Killer, a new Investigation Discovery spinoff that explores the devastating reality of parents who realized their children were capable of the unthinkable.

In the first episode of the series, which premieres on March 31, Haas hears, for the first time, the 911 call her son made just moments after he plowed down Pratt, killing him. Pennell, who was 21 years old at the time, could be heard on the call telling the dispatcher what hes done  that he hit someone, and that it was intentional.

Ive been driving around roads looking for people I can hit while avoiding witnesses. he admitted

I saw the old guy with the cane and then I made a U-turn, he continues. I just went for him.

open image in gallery Haass story is one of several featured in Evil Lives Here: My Child the Killer, a new Investigation Discovery spinoff that focuses on parents who realized their children were capable of the unthinkable ( Investigation Discovery )

open image in gallery Haas recalls how her son Justyn often had fits of rage growing up ( Investigation Discovery )

In an interview with police, Pennell admitted that he just wanted to know what it felt like to kill someone. When asked about other methods he has considered, he told investigators that he always had a fondness for knives.

I mean Im really fond of knives, he says in the recording. I was thinking about slicing people up and cutting them open. Dissecting them, essentially.

Haas mother sobs on camera as she hears her son speak so nonchalantly about murder. She also sees, for the first time, photos of items recovered from his car the day of the killing, which include multiple types of knives, gloves, and a hatchet.

Thats a literal murder kit, she reacts in horror. Haas stares at the images, trying to reconcile them with the boy she raised.

open image in gallery Justyn was nine years old when he became annoyed at a duck and slammed it into a log ( Investigation Discovery )

An act of pure evil

Pennell, who had told investigators he had been thinking about killing someone for several months. He had never met Pratt. There was no connection between them  only opportunity.

The suspect drives past him, intentionally makes a U-turn, goes toward the victim and starts accelerating at a high rate of speed, Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco said at a press conference after the killing.

The suspect tells us later on that while hes driving, he can see the look of fright on the victims face. He can see that fear and he can see the emotion of, Oh my gosh, this persons about to hit me, and the victim tries to get out of the way. The suspect intentionally runs him over.

Pratt died at the scene.

It was an act of pure evil, the sheriff said.

open image in gallery Michael Pratt, a Vietnam vet and grandfather, was out walking with a cane when he was struck and killed by Pennell. The killer and victim did not know each other ( MLive.com )

open image in gallery Pennell told investigators he had been thinking about killing someone for 'several months' ( Investigation Discovery )

After slamming into the victim, Pennell didnt flee. His busted vehicle came to a stop at the scene of the crash, where he called 911 and waited for the authorities to arrive. It was Pennells reaction to Pratts death that stunned his mother.

When asked about how he felt after hitting Pratt, he told investigators: I just smiled and laughed. I enjoyed it, but afterwards, I calmed down. I was more ashamed that I broke the car.

Signs of a psychopath?

Long before the crime, there were moments his mother couldnt fully explain. Her son made comments that didnt feel right, she explained in the docuseries.

When he was just nine years old, he became annoyed with a duck that was swimming near him so he slammed it against a log over and over. When he was a teenager, and his cousin was struck by a car, all he could do was laugh.

It created a red flag in the back of my brain that he might be a psychopath, Haas said. Something is not right with him.

Haas said she tried to get her son help, had him evaluated by doctors. But was told that he was just a typical kid - and there was nothing to be alarmed about.

I was worried I might find him on the news, Haas said. Within a few short years, she did.

Its just been a horrible dream, a nightmare, she added. I just want to wake up from it.

open image in gallery Evil Lives Here: My Child the Killer premieres Tuesday, March 31 at 9/8c on ID, with episodes available to stream on HBO Max ( Investigation Discovery )

In 2022, more than two years after his arrest, Pennell changed his plea. He pleaded no contest to first-degree premeditated murder. A no-contest plea means a defendant does not admit guilt but will not challenge the charges.

In court, Pennell said he had been diagnosed with Aspergers, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. He acknowledged he was not taking medication at the time but said he was capable of making a clear decision. Judge Mary Handsel sentenced Pennell to life in prison.

Haas continues to keep in touch with her son, whom she lovingly calls Bubby.

For the Florida mother, the hardest part isnt just what her son did. It was hearing his deepest, darkest thoughts. And trying to understand how the boy she raised became a killer  while wondering whether the signs were always there.

The mom in me is still feeling the hurt hes feeling, she said between sobs. Because I can fix him and make him better? No, I can just love him. 

Evil Lives Here: My Child the Killer premieres Tuesday, March 31 at 9/8c on ID, with episodes available to stream on HBO Max.
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A prominent Palestinian activist was a target of a plot to firebomb her New York City home, according to officials. The plot was thwarted by the NYPD and the FBI.

Nerdeen Kiswani, co-founder of the group Within Our Lifetime, said she was informed by an FBI official late Thursday that a threat on my life that was about to take place. She said she was told that the man, Alexander Heifler, had been apprehended.

According to a criminal complaint, Heifler, a New Jersey resident, was arrested in his New Jersey home late Thursday after an undercover operation revealed that he planned to throw a dozen Molotov cocktails at Kiswani's home.

He had spent weeks discussing the plot with an undercover law enforcement official, at one point going to scope out her home, the complaint said.

He invited the undercover into his home Thursday, where he had assembled components for the bombs, including rags, corks and the highly flammable alcohol, Everclear.

The 31-year-old activist said she was shell-shocked by the news, but not surprised ( AP )

Kiwani, 31, said she was shell-shocked by the news, but not surprised.

I feel very blessed that they were able to thwart this, but its something that is a constant possibility for people who speak up on behalf of Palestine, she said.

A spokesperson for the NYPD said the operation was part of a joint operation within their counterterrorism bureau.
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The father of former Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard, who dubbed herself super mayor, was critically wounded in a Chicago shooting Wednesday, prompting her to urge Illinois leaders to consider President Donald Trumps offer to send federal resources to the city.

Henyards father, 65, was shot in the neck in an alley in the 1300 block of South Kedzie Avenue in Chicagos North Lawndale neighborhood around 5:54 p.m., police said. He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in serious condition.

No arrests have been made, and detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack, authorities said.

Henyard, who served as Dolton mayor from 2021 to 2025, confirmed in a social media post that the victim is her father, opening her statement by identifying herself as "SuperMayor Tiffany A. Henyard."

My father, my hero, was an innocent victim of this random and heartbreaking violence, Henyard posted on Facebook. This tragedy has shaken my family to its core and unfortunately it reflects a reality that far too many families across our state are facing.

open image in gallery Tiffany Henyard urged the Governor of Illinois and the Chicago Mayor to accept Trumps federal help to combat Chicagos rising violent crime after her father was shot ( Facebook/Tiffany Henyard )

Henyard then urged Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson to reconsider their opposition to federal involvement in public safety, calling on them to accept assistance from Trump to address rising violent crime in the city.

Across the country, communities that have welcomed federal support have experienced measurable reductions in crime. Cities such as Memphis, Tennessee; Washington, D.C. and New Orleans, Louisiana during the 2026 Mardi Gras period have all seen positive outcomes through collaboration efforts, she wrote.

Trump deployed the National Guard to all three cities as part of a federal effort to curb crime and boost public safety. These deployments have sparked significant incidents and controversies beyond routine publicsafety operations. The most serious occurred in Washington, D.C., where two Guard members were shot, leaving one dead. In Memphis, the deployment met fierce local opposition, while New Orleans reported no major incidents.

Henyards plea marks a notable evolution in her political stance. Once a Democrat, Henyard has recently switched parties and is now running as a Republican candidate for a seat on the Fulton County Board of Commissioners in Georgia.

open image in gallery Henyard then urged Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson to reconsider their opposition to federal involvement in public safety ( Getty Images for Vox Media )

Her shift follows a turbulent period in Illinois politics, during which she served as Doltons mayor from 2021 to 2025. In 2022, she was also appointed supervisor of Thornton Township, Illinois largest township, dubbing herself super mayor to reflect her authority over both government roles.

Henyard lost her re-election bid in 2025 by a wide margin, following mounting criticism and multiple investigations into her leadership and financial management. After her defeat, she relocated to Georgia, where she has reemerged on the political stage with a new party affiliation and platform.

Current Dolton Mayor Jason House issued a statement expressing support for the Henyard family, saying, "We are saddened to learn of the tragic incident involving her father.

Our thoughts are with him as he fights toward recovery, and with his family as they navigate this moment of uncertainty and concern," House said. "We stand in unity, offering our prayers, strength, and support to Former Mayor Henyard and her loved ones."

The Independent has contacted representatives for Henyard, the City of Chicago, the Mayors office, as well as the White House for comment.
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EnvironmentClimate changeRenewables Deep concerns: What made green groups turn against this new wind farm? Bianca Hall March 29, 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

Environment groups have lashed a vast proposed wind farm awaiting final approvals, saying it highlights the growing tensions between the renewable energy boom and communities facing the imposition of energy developments in pristine environments. The Kentbruck green power hub  spanning 7500 hectares of public and private land near Portland in south-west Victoria  would be nestled between national parks, and internationally significant and federally protected wetlands. Nature Glenelg Trust founder Mark Bachmann at Lake Mombeong. Nicole Cleary The proposal, which is being considered by Environment Minister Murray Watt after being approved by the Victorian government, is opposed by groups that say it is a good project in the wrong place. The wind farm is of a scale that most people will find difficult to imagine or comprehend, said Nature Glenelg Trust founder Mark Bachmann.

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At almost 300 metres tall, each turbine will be roughly equivalent in size to the largest skyscraper in Melbourne, and there are proposed to be 105 turbines arranged in several parallel rows that will hug a stretch of over 25 kilometres of this wild and remote coastline, immediately adjacent to the wetlands of Discovery Bay. Nature Glenelg Trust has restored dozens of wetlands across south-eastern Australia over the past 14 years, and Bachmann said the longest-running and most important of these projects was Long Swamp, nestled inside Discovery Bay Coastal Park. At Long Swamp, the organisation blocked an artificial outlet to the sea that had been cut in the 1930s  restoring wetland habitat that had been lost  attracting the return of endangered species like the Australasian bittern, and returning flows to the Glenelg River estuary along a 12-kilometre chain of coastal wetlands for the first time in 80 years. In 2018, it was incredibly exciting when this community-led project was recognised by the site being listed as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention, Bachmann said.

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There are only 12 Ramsar sites in Victoria, and this status under the EPBC Act is meant to offer the highest level of national protection to the most environmentally significant wetlands in the country. If the project is approved by the Australian government, this would set a very dangerous future precedent for all of Australias 67 Ramsar sites. In a letter to Watt, the Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA) argued that pushing through projects with poor planning and placement not only threatened nationally significant landscapes and habitats, but also the social licence of wind farm and renewable energy developments elsewhere. Part of the site of the proposed wind farm near Portland. Nicole Cleary VNPA campaigner Jordan Crook said the development  while largely situated within what is now a pine plantation  would be surrounded by national parks and protected coastal areas, and be within the flight path of critically endangered southern bent-wing bats, and migratory birds. Theres no doubt we need to transition, and transition quickly, to renewable forms of energy to combat the climate crisis, but it also means proper planning, Crook said.

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And if were planning these things properly, we wouldnt be putting them next to Ramsar sites or smack-bang next to national parks. The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty that aims to halt the worldwide loss of wetlands. Ramsar-listed sites are considered to have international significance, which is the case for the majority of the Lower Glenelg National Park and Discovery Bay Coastal Park, adjacent to the proposed wind farm. A section of the Ramsar-listed area in question. Nicole Cleary Across Australia, a raft of renewable projects have been shelved due to community opposition, and in June energy consultant Sangay Wangchuk described the challenges facing the transition to renewables as no longer primarily technological or financial; they are social. The pace of Australias renewable energy transition is no longer being set by climate targets or investor confidence, but by community resistance, he wrote.

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The Kentbruck project  if completed  would produce a total capacity of between 600MW and 900MW (government-provided figures differ) of renewable energy, providing power to a nearby Alcoa aluminium smelter and homes. To build it, HMC Capital intends to construct a raft of support infrastructure including a concrete plant, high-voltage transmission lines with overhead and underground cabling, terminal substations, access tracks, wind-monitoring masts, and temporary infrastructure including a potential on-site quarry. Gunditjmara man Shea Rotumah holding three grinding stones he salvaged from South Road in Kentbruck. Nicole Cleary A spokesperson for the project said HMC Capital was confident that threatened species would not be placed at further risk by the project, or that risks could be mitigated. The wind farm is predominantly located in an actively managed and harvested pine plantation, and the project has undertaken extensive research to understand and respond to the biodiversity and habitat values around the wind farm, they said.

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Expert investigations into the biodiversity values of the site and surrounds have been ongoing for over five years and have involved some of the most significant and rigorous monitoring programs undertaken for a wind farm in Victoria. Extensive First Nations cultural artefacts have been discovered in the region, although no archaeological surveys have been conducted within the project footprint. The HMC Capital spokesperson said the firm had been working closely with Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (GMTOAC) to prepare a Cultural Heritage Management Plan, and had been engaging with the body to prepare on cultural heritage investigations since 2021. The corporation did not respond to a request for comment. A small sample of the artefacts found on the Kentbruck wind farm site. Nicole Cleary Gunditjmara man Shea Rotumah has spent years collecting thousands of cultural artefacts including tools, flint knives and grinding stones from more than 20 sites in the project footprint, frustrated the artefacts could be obliterated by development. I have no doubt that the road base on the tracks is covering far more, and that many more occur throughout the project area, Rotumah said.

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My ancestors places, tools and artefacts are at risk, with no protection from the inadequacies of the Aboriginal Heritage Act. Damage to cultural heritage is highly likely to occur from increased traffic and development activity in this area. Opponents have also raised concerns about the number of threatened species in the area, including some that fly directly above the proposed wind farm site. Critically endangered bent-wing bats are found only in south-west Victoria and south-east South Australia. Alamy Rotumah said endangered southern bent-wing bats, known as Hinnahinnitj and measuring just five centimetres long, were the Gunditjmara male totem. Other threatened species in the area include Australasian bitterns, south-eastern red-tailed black cockatoos, blue-winged parrots, and migratory shorebirds.

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Related Article Renewables The SA miracle: How one Australian state leads the world on renewables In 2020, the federal government added Karst springs and the alkaline fens of the Naracoorte Coastal Plain Bioregion to the endangered list. Rotumah said they supply water to the rivers, lakes and swamps in the area and would suffer irreparable damage if disturbed. This landscape also contains many caves that have finger fluting, the worlds oldest form of rock art, he said. The caves in the area are important winter roosting sites for the endangered southern bent-wing bat. One cave contains art that has been dated to 50,000 years old. In approving the project, Victorian Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny noted there was insufficient information before her on how matters of national environmental significance might be managed.

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A spokesman for the federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water said the department had sought additional information from the proponent. The proposed Kentbruck Green Power Hub is being assessed under national environmental law and a final decision has not been made. Get to the heart of whats happening with climate change and the environment. Sign up for our fortnightly Environment newsletter.
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Review Eating outMelbourne It looks like other burger chains, but this ones better value, with better chips The all-American marketing might irritate some people. But this US burger franchise actually does a lot of things we love, including flat-price burgers. Emma Breheny March 29, 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 / 9 The Five Guys' build-your-own cheeseburger with chips. Simon Schluter 2 / 9 Inside the Lonsdale Street store. Simon Schluter 3 / 9 Every burger comes with two patties, which together weigh in at a little over 200 grams. Simon Schluter 4 / 9 A board near the kitchen lists where the potatoes come from. Simon Schluter 5 / 9 The "little burger" includes just one 100g patty. Supplied 6 / 9 Order at the counter and build your builder with ingredients of your choosing. Simon Schluter 7 / 9 Five Guys' chips were recently rated the best fast food hot chip in Australia. Simon Schluter 8 / 9 The kitchen is as open as a hatted restaurant. Simon Schluter 9 / 9 Outside Five Guys' busy Lonsdale Street location. Simon Schluter Previous Slide Next Slide Five Guys Burgers cuisine$$$$ First, the obvious question: who are the Five Guys? It could be the original One Direction line-up. Or Queer Eyes Fab Five. Perhaps a rival family in an HBO mafia series. Actually, its more ordinary than that. Whats now a global burger chain was started by a guy (Jerry Murrell) who went into business with his sons in the 1980s, starting with one shop in Virginia, growing to nearly 2000 outlets today through what Forbes describes as one of the most remarkable franchising runs in recent restaurant history. I know far less about franchise runs than Forbes does, so Ill take their word for it. Melbourne is home to two Five Guys venues, and Sydney to three. The chips have been a hot topic of conversation in our office recently, getting top marks in our ranking of fast-food chips and the tick of approval from several respected chefs. Is the rest of the menu any good? I had to know.

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Outside Five Guys' busy Lonsdale Street location. Simon Schluter Theres a rich pool of burgers right now in Melbourne, allegedly far richer than the online dating pool  swipe right for your perfect smash patty! Between all the new openings (Macgregors, Charrd), the stalwarts (Andrews), the budding legends (Easeys), the local franchises and the US names, what space has Five Guys carved out? Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up The deal is, you pay a flat price for your burger ($17.90, or $19.90 with cheese), and get to customise it with as many as 15 toppings. No extra charge. Basically, its the most American version of fast food possible. Your burger your way, no questions asked (unless youre that unhinged soul who ordered mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, mustard, tomato sauce, steak sauce, hot sauce and relish). Going in for this review, I chose what I usually like in a burger: cheese, pickle, raw onion, tomato sauce and mustard. My first thought when I collected my paper bag after six-ish minutes of waiting: its heavy! Every burger comes with two patties, which together weigh in at a little over 200 grams. And dine-in or takeaway, the burger comes wrapped in foil so the corners of cheese hanging out of the bun get all melty.

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Related Article 18 fast-food chips tasted and ranked from worst to best The beef itself, grain-finished, was fine. It wasnt assertively beefy, but both patties had decent char marks. They arent thick and juicy, theyre certainly not pink in the middle, but theyre also not a crisped-up smash patty. Along with the cheese, the fat was exactly the amount you want. No dry patches, loads of flavour. (Five Guys patties are an 80-20 mix of lean meat to fat, the same ratio at Beatbox burger truck; InnOut in the States is reportedly 60-40.) The sesame bun, made to a master recipe by a bakery in western Sydney, is soft and dense enough that my fingers had left imprints on it halfway through, meaning nothing falls out. And its sweetness might explain why a spokesperson describes the dough as similar to cake mix. Five Guys chips were recently rated the best fast-food hot chip in Australia. Simon Schluter

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Second time around, I tried one of the menus recommended combos: jalapeno, mayo, Franks hot sauce and sliced tomato on a cheeseburger. The raw jalapeno could have been more evenly distributed but it delivered bite to the power of two, both crunch and heat. And the chips? Believe the hype. Theyre evenly and generously salted, have crisp edges, a defined potato taste. I dipped a couple in my ridiculously thick, very sweet peanut butter thick shake, based on a colleagues recommendation. Thats your dessert, right there. On two visits a week apart in March, a board near the kitchen listed where the potatoes came from: Alicata, a business thats registered to a postcode in Thorpdale, Gippsland. I was struck by the fact the kitchen is as open as many hatted restaurants kitchens, with all the hot stations in view. The kitchen is as open as a hatted restaurant's. Simon Schluter

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Its those touches that make me think this most American of American burger chains, which plays a soundtrack of Third Eye Blind and The Allman Brothers Band, might actually be well suited to Australia and its tradition of homespun, milk bar-style burgers. Heck, you can almost get a burger with the lot, with lettuce, onion and tomato among the add-ons. No beetroot or egg though, sorry. The burger prices seemingly shock American customers based on my time lurking in Reddit threads, but theyre actually not all that steep for Australians, who are used to paying at least $16 at the latest buzzy burger spot. There are also menu hacks when value is your priority. The smallest serve of fries is enormous, easily shared between two. I usually dont have a stop button with hot chips but these defeated me. Theres also a line-up of little burgers  single patties  that are still satisfying, come with all the toppings, and start at $14.90. It aint winning prizes for coolest burger joint in town but it gets the details right. Would I come back? I would. And, if you hate the music, you can always put your headphones in. Three local heroes of the burger scene Butchers Diner Want production-line energy but handcrafted flavour? This in-and-out spot does a deliberately simple burger. Torn lettuce and two slices each of tomato, raw onion and pickle dress up a nicely rendered beef patty. The meats extremely well seasoned, the bun is grilled inside and out  perfection. 10 Bourke Street, Melbourne, butchersdiner.com Seoul Tiger 1988 The folks from buzzy Baguette Studios cafe-bakery in North Melbourne have widened their gaze. At their burger spot, open since February, their bread skills are put to good use crafting a pillowy potato bun that squishes bulgogi-slicked beef patties, golden crumbed prawn patties, and sticky fried chicken. 547 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, instagram.com/seoultiger1988 Macgregors Original Smash burgers are the focus at this newcomer, but you wont want to miss the beef tallow fries. Super savoury, with a crunchy outside that practically shatters, they scored highly in Good Foods hot chips ranking. Choose from a single, double or triple patty; if you like onion, get the Oklahoma. 212 Nicholson Street, Abbotsford, macgregorsoriginal.com 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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Everywhere you turn these days, one thing seems inescapable: trauma. Trauma in the very real sense, with ongoing wars, terror attacks, natural disasters, genocide and police violence; and in the hyperbolic way, with the word becoming shorthand in our therapy-speak world for enduring lifes most minor inconveniences. So what does Dr Bessel van der Kolk, one of the worlds foremost trauma experts and author of cultural sensation, The Body Keeps the Score, make of this? For the octogenarian whose lifework has been devoted to healing lives touched by horror  particularly victims of child sexual abuse  its not necessarily that theres more trauma, but that weve become less adept at weathering it. Theres a tremendous amount of danger and violence going on in the world, and you need to face it; thats just part of being a human being. People do terrible things to each other. Its more about teaching people to be resilient rather than cushioning the world, he says. The Dutch-born, Boston-based psychiatrist was at the forefront of early research into Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, starting with his treatment of Vietnam War veterans in the 1970s. But its his 2014 bestseller  The Body Keeps the Score  that has made him the poster boy for capital T trauma, and how we think and talk about our psychological and physical ailments. The book has sold millions of copies, been translated into 38 languages and spent almost seven years on The New York Times Bestseller List. Sales spiked during the pandemic, a time when mental distress hit record highs.

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No stranger to Australia, van der Kolk will be back again in April. (He has visited since early in his career, and more recently to explore the emerging field of psychedelics, of which he says Australia is at the forefront.) Editor's pick Explainer

Mental health The terror can flood back in an instant. What is trauma and how can it get stuck in the mind? While he initially wrote his blockbuster with psychiatry students, clinicians and survivors in mind, its become an (unexpected) runaway success with the broader reading public. Many will have at least a passing familiarity with its thesis: that the echoes of trauma are imprinted not just in the mind, but deep within the body (van der Kolks friend and collaborator Judith Herman explores many such ideas in her groundbreaking 1992 book Trauma and Recovery). Trauma, van der Kolk argues, scrambles our bodys inbuilt stress response. Its why a survivor might have a fight, flight or freeze response to a trigger, years after the fact, even when their rational self knows theyre safe. Traumatic memory, he argues, doesnt follow a coherent narrative, but lies dormant in the body as a series of images, sensations and emotions. Meanwhile, its title has become a common refrain in popular culture, jokingly and sincerely  Monica Lewinsky, for example, made reference in an interview withVanity Fair last month.

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It must mean something to people, he suggests as a reason for its enduring popularity. People get these diagnoses, labels, but it doesnt really tell them who they are. I think the book really allowed people to know, Oh, thats whats going on. Im not crazy. Im living with the imprint of terrible things that have happened to me. Its been over a decade since its release, but unlike other celebrities in the booming self-help field (Gabor Mate, Esther Perel and Phil Stutz) he has not published another book  until now. In October, van der Kolk signed an eight-figure, multi-book deal, that includes Come to Your Senses, a workbook that expands on the ideas put forth in The Body Keeps the Score. The Body Keeps the Score has been translated into 38 languages. I guess I have become a celebrity in a way from the book. [But] Ive been pretty prominent in psychiatry for a long time, so I hardly consider myself one ... in some ways my life hasnt changed all that much, he says. Professor Alain Brunet, director of the National PTSD Centre and the University of the Sunshine Coasts Thompson Institute, says van der Kolk has been one of the important leaders and pioneers in our field. That cannot be denied. Dr Bonnie Quigley, senior lecturer in trauma and translational research at the Thompson Institute, says, the field has really moved to understand that trauma is a whole body response.

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As a molecular biologist looking at biochemistry and genetics, I see the effect stress [causes] With my neuroimaging colleagues who are looking at the brain with things like MRIs, you can see the physical changes that that trauma has on the brain, she says. I think thats one thing that really helps people accept and deal with their trauma  the fact that it does have a physical component. But while the mind-body approach to trauma has become broadly accepted, it wasnt always that way. Editor's pick Mental health The $300 a week medicine Daniel feels better without People would laugh me out, says van der Kolk of the mainstream medical establishments initial reaction to his ideas. We had a conference in Melbourne in 2000, and I first introduced the notion that we need to work with the body  when I left, everybody said, he has gone off the deep end. He has gone crazy. And today, people wouldnt say that. Brunet thinks one of van der Kolks most valuable contributions is his work to distinguish PTSD  typically arising from a single traumatic event, like war, a terror attack or a natural disaster  from complex PTSD, which generally involves compounding trauma over time, often starting in childhood. (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which van der Kolk calls a miserable diagnostic instrument, still does not recognise complex PTSD as a distinct diagnosis.)

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Given traumas corporeal effect, van der Kolk has long argued the top-down, rational approach to healing, through treatments like medication or talk therapy, is not enough. Bottom up treatment, including yoga, somatic therapy and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, are needed to dislodge traumas sticky residue from the flesh. Talking, reflecting upon yourself and learning to be honest with yourself are all terribly important, he says. Language is a wonderful part of being human. But oftentimes its not enough. I was very inspired working with the Truth Commission in South Africa and Bishop [Desmond] Tutu, who would sing and dance a lot with people and get this rhythmical, interconnection going. In China, too, people are not allowed to talk about what happens [to them], but its unbelievable how many do Qigong and group dancing everywhere. But some experts have criticised van der Kolks promotion of PTSD treatments they say lack evidence. Professor Paul Fitzgerald, director of the Australian National Universitys School of Medicine and Psychology, says, physical therapies like [yoga and massage] are useful adjuvants  theyre not bad things to do.
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LifestyleLife & relationshipsSunday Life To visit Sydneys millionaires playground, skip the traffic and arrive in style Paul Ewart March 29, 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

This story is part of the March 29 edition of Sunday Life. See all stories .

Im suspended in a moment of pure, cinematic gold, gazing down at the turquoise ribbon of the Pacific Ocean as it crashes against the glittering sands of Bondi. Above the low roar of the engines, I feel a dizzying rush as our Sydney Seaplanes flight banks sharply, bringing the iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House into view. Below, the urban sprawl gives way to a quilt of lush national park that culminates in the narrow, gilded peninsula Ive come to explore. This isnt just transport. Its an experience in itself  a magnificent reminder that Sydneys famed northern beaches are not just a coastal escape but a spectacular playground for the luxe-loving set. While the hour-long drive to Palmie is easy enough from central Sydney, for a high-roller arrival a seaplane flight is the only way to go. New York has the Hamptons, and Sydney boasts its own stunningly narrow, gilded peninsula: Palm Beach and the tranquil, mirror-like waterways of Pittwater. And while the hour-long drive to Palmie (as the peninsula is known to locals) is easy enough from central Sydney, for a high-roller arrival a seaplane flight is the only way to go. Departing from the purpose-built terminal in Rose Bay, I journey to my first stop on Cowan Creek, landing right next to one of the regions culinary gems  the secluded Cottage Point Inn. Following in the famous footsteps of the likes of Brad Pitt and Cameron Diaz, I enjoy one of the loveliest long lunches in memory, a multi-course degustation menu of modern Australian dishes focusing on fresh local seafood alongside perfectly paired wines. Speaking of breathtaking views, the position of Pretty Beach House  high above the village of Pretty Beach, nestled deep in the Bouddi National Park on the other side of Broken Bay  ensures stunning bush and ocean vistas. A member of the Luxury Lodges of Australia collection, the boutique property is easily accessible via a short ferry ride from Palm Beach.

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Comprising four pavilions, three of which have their own private, heated plunge pools, the luxury getaway features everything even the most picky of luxury hotel lovers need, from oversized tubs and generous beds to private terraces. I barely leave during my two-day stay except for short hikes on several nearby coastal trails. However, the star of the Pretty Beach show is undoubtedly the all-inclusive, all-day dining, the kitchen composing ever-changing modern Australian menus using locally sourced seafood, organic fruit and vegetables and native ingredients. Theres also a dangerously good cellar of premium Australian and international wines. Related Article Sunday Life Butlers, private pools and volcanic mud baths: The side of Bali youve been missing Before dinner, I enjoy expertly mixed martinis and a selection of canapes before settling in for the Chefs Table experience. Seated at the table adjacent to the open kitchen, I can chat intimately with the head chef as each delicious course is plated up and explained, turning the meal into an educational performance. The inevitable detox element of any fancy resort package arrives the next day via the in-house Bouddi Spa, where Im slathered with aromatic native oils and revived using traditional Aboriginal healing methods. In contrast to the high-profile glamour of Palm Beach, Great Mackerel Beach offers a genuinely secluded, lesser-known escape that feels like a private island getaway. Tucked away on the western side of Pittwater, within Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, this tranquil cove can only be reached by a short ferry ride from Palm Beach Wharf, a water taxi or a private boat. The absence of cars and shops immediately slows the pace of life, creating a peaceful, barefoot-luxury atmosphere.

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The charming Sandstone Cottage is the scene of my serene Palmie finale. One of Great Mackerel Beachs original houses, the dreamy shack is set on the absolute beachfront and its views are nothing short of jaw-dropping, allowing me to surrender to the rhythm of doing little more than swim, sleep, read, eat  and repeat. I fall asleep to the gentle lapping of the water and wake up to wallabies chomping on vegetation in the bush and colourful parrots hanging out by the window. Instead of car keys, I grab one of the provided kayaks and glide straight into the calm, inviting waters of Pittwater, embracing the invigorating salt-sharpness for my last few hours of paradise before the return ferry. From the exhilarating high-roller arrival by seaplane to the soft coo of a native bird in a bush-clad haven, this corner of Sydney has a way of dissolving whatever weight you arrived with. Whether you come in search of culinary excellence, wild adventure, or simply the restorative hum of nature, youll find it here, one blissful breath at a time. Get the best of Sunday Life magazine delivered to your inbox every Sunday morning. Sign up here for our free newsletter.
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NationalFederal budget Opinion So stingy: Why Australia is sliding on this vital global ranking Matt Wade Senior economics writer March 28, 2026  1:30pm

March 28, 2026  1:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Imagine the federal budget was $100. More than a third of that, about $37, would be spent on social security and welfare including the aged pension, assistance for families and support for the disabled. Health would take up another $16  most of it allocated to Medicare and the federal governments contribution to public hospitals. Illustration by Simon Letch Photographic Other big-ticket items are federal education funding at $7 and defence on $6.60. The remaining $33 is spent on a host of other purposes. But one item stands out for its stinginess: overseas aid, just 65 cents. Labor came to power promising to rebuild Australias aid program following deep cuts made by the previous Coalition government. But the share of federal spending devoted to assisting poorer nations keeps shrinking.

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When the Howard government left office in 2007, overseas aid accounted for $1.12 of every $100 spent by the federal government. By the time the Albanese government took office in 2022, that share had been slashed to 75 cents, and it is forecast to be just 60 cents by the end of the decade. A telling illustration of the extent of the downgrade is to contrast overseas aid and defence spending, which speaks volumes about national priorities. Between 1960 and 2015, defence spending was between five to eight times greater than overseas aid; in that period, Australia confronted the uncertainty of the Cold War and funded several major military deployments including Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq. But over the past decade the gap between arms and alms has grown to a chasm.

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This year Australia will spend 11 times more on defence than on overseas aid, the biggest disparity to date, analysis by Australian National Universitys Development Policy Centre shows. Budget forward estimates indicate that will exceed 13 times by 2029-30. Related Article Exclusive

Middle East at war Lessons from the Iran crisis: Australia looking to ramp up missile production The gulf between defence and aid spending is likely to widen even further as the government funds the hugely expensive AUKUS submarine program. Australias defence spending is currently about 2 per cent of gross domestic product, but if that is lifted to 3 per cent  as some are calling for  and foreign aid remains on its current trajectory, the multiple would be 19 times or more. An international comparison in 2023 showed Australias spending gap between defence and foreign aid (10.1 times that year) was already way bigger than that of many comparable countries, including Canada (3.4 times), the UK (3.9), and France (4.1).

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Most voters vastly overestimate how much the Australian government spends assisting developing countries. A recent opinion poll found one in four assumed 3 per cent or more of the federal budget was allocated to overseas aid and one in 12 thought the proportion was more than 10 per cent. (This years figure, see above, is 0.65 per cent.) It would probably surprise many voters that the federal government spends four times more funding private schools than it does on overseas aid, and six times more servicing its own debt. Australia has not always been so stingy. Thirty years ago, we were the worlds ninth most generous aid donor when measured by the share of national income devoted to assisting poorer nations. But the latest international rankings show Australia is among the Wests least generous donors. Australia is languishing in 29th place among 32 countries that provide overseas aid, according to figures published in 2024 by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (when foreign aid is compared with national income).

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As Australia has become less generous, other nations have become far more open-handed. South Korea during the 1970s was a recipient of foreign aid, including from Australia. But after decades of rapid economic progress, the country became an aid donor in 2010 (and has also emerged as one of Australias biggest trading partners). Related Article Exclusive

Foreign aid 'Spread very thin': Former intelligence chiefs raise alarm about foreign aid In the past decade, South Korea has ramped up the assistance it provides to lower-income nations. In 2024, its overseas aid spending was higher than Australias (measured in US dollars), even though both economies are comparable in size. South Korea has chosen to lift foreign aid spending despite the perennial military threat posed by ultra-hostile neighbour North Korea. This should be an example to Australia. As one of the worlds wealthiest nations, we can afford to do far more to assist poorer nations, especially those in our region. Aid isnt charity  its a smart strategic investment. Australia confronts growing security threats and our region is increasingly contested. Given those challenges, it is not surprising defence spending is growing as a share of GDP. Yet simply lifting defence spending is an insufficient response.

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If we want a safer world  one that is better for our neighbours and Australians  we must address risks before they become crises, and prevent crises from becoming catastrophes. Related Article Opinion

Jim Chalmers Jim, this is the most important budget this century. Youd better not bottle it Shane Wright Senior economics correspondent Effective aid strengthens communities in neighbouring countries and can help prevent problems that might threaten Australias interests before they escalate. It is also a powerful demonstration of our commitment to developing countries in our region that are grappling with complex challenges. The upshot? Overseas aid is a cost-effective response to the growing security challenges and strategic competition in South-East Asia and the Pacific. Treasurer Jim Chalmers will deliver his fifth budget in a few weeks amid global uncertainty and economic turmoil. That is all the more reason for Labor to deliver on its promise to rebuild Australias overseas aid program.

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Advocacy group Micah Australia is calling on the Albanese government to lift spending on overseas aid to 1 per cent of federal spending, up from the current paltry 0.65 per cent. That would be a good start. Matt Wade is a senior economics writer at The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.
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WorldMiddle EastMiddle East at war The crisis drawing Israeli troops away from the Iran war Henry Bodkin March 28, 2026  1:55pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Israels military chiefs have warned that settler expansion and violence in the West Bank are stretching the army to breaking point. Jewish attacks on Palestinians have spiked since the beginning of the war against Iran to the extent that formerly silent politicians are now warning that the situation undermines Israels security and international standing. IDF soldiers take up positions during an army raid in the West Bank town of Nablus last month. There are warnings that Israeli forces are becoming too thinly stretched. AP At the same time, the government has approved a swath of new settler outposts throughout the occupied territory. This has increased the burden on the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), which has to protect and police the outposts, as it fights a new ground war against Hezbollah, on top of the Iran operation. The army is obliged to provide protection to Israeli citizens and settlements in the West Bank, as well as ensuring an overall level of security in most of the territory.

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Related Article Middle East at war US-Iran war as it happened: US expects to end operation in weeks, not months, says Rubio; G7 call for attacks on civilians to stop; Israel attacks Iranian nuclear facilities At a meeting of Israels security cabinet on Thursday, General Eyal Zamir, the IDF chief of staff, issued an urgent warning that the army needed more troops. The IDF is going to collapse in on itself, he said. Im raising 10 red flags in front of you. Before long, the IDF will not be ready for its routine missions and the reserve system will not last. Israels military says it is short of about 12,000 soldiers  about 7000 of them in combat roles. There are several reasons, including the refusal of most people from the increasingly populous Ultra-Orthodox community to serve.

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However, the rapid expansion of Jewish settlements in the West Bank and the anti-Palestinian violence, which tends to accompany it, have diverted thousands of troops. At the same security meeting, Major General Avi Bluth, the chief of Israeli forces in the West Bank, explicitly warned ministers of the strain that policing the territory placed on numbers. This is your policy, but it requires security and a full protection package because the reality on the ground has completely changed and that requires manpower, he reportedly told politicians. The unusually blunt warnings  swiftly leaked to the press  came after the IDF was forced to divert a whole infantry battalion earmarked for deployment in Lebanon to the West Bank. Instances of settler violence against Palestinians have escalated dramatically since October 2023.

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However, human rights groups have warned that the trend has accelerated even further since the start of Operation Roaring Lion on February 28. We did not establish a Jewish state so that violent gangs could operate within it. I strongly condemn any manifestation of nationalist violence by Jewish extremists in Judea and Samaria. Naftali Bennett, former Israeli prime minister At least seven Palestinians in the West Bank have been killed by settlers during more than 100 reports of violent clashes. It is understood other flashpoints include arson attacks, a serious sexual assault where the victim was molested in front of his family, nighttime rampages through communities by scores of masked men, and the theft and killing of livestock. Palestinians inspect a torched vehicle next to Hebrew graffiti on the wall that reads revenge. AP

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In addition to those killed, dozens have been injured and many displaced. The Israeli body politic traditionally plays down West Bank violence or portrays it as the over-exuberance of a handful of youths. However, a number of major figures have recently begun to speak out against it. These include Naftali Bennett, the former prime minister and Benjamin Netanyahus main contender, who said last week: We did not establish a Jewish state so that violent gangs could operate within it. I strongly condemn any manifestation of nationalist violence by Jewish extremists in Judea and Samaria.

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He added that the majority of settlers were peaceful. In an interview this week, Yechiel Leiter, Israels ambassador to Washington, bemoaned the damage that settler violence was doing to Israels reputation and relationships with allies. Related Article Graphic content

Israeli-Palestinian conflict Two boys shot in the chest, only one survivor. This is life in the West Bank Mainstream journalists and TV news programs have begun speaking of Jewish terrorism in a way that previously tended to be the preserve of those on the left. At the same meeting during which there were warnings of a manpower crisis, the security cabinet reportedly approved the recognition of another 30 wildcat outposts, which will all need policing.

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Traditionally, the IDF as an institution has been seen as aligned with the more secular part of Israeli society. However, the ideological composition of the army is shifting, making it more religious and nationalist, especially among officers. Human rights groups frequently present evidence suggesting that troops fail to prevent settler violence and, in some instances, actively go along with it. Ironically, given the demands that policing the West Bank places on the army, the IDF is increasingly reliant on recruits from the settlements, as they tend to be enthusiastic volunteers. IDF chief of staff General Eyal Zamir has warned that too much is being expected of Israels armed forces. AP US President Donald Trump has made it clear that he opposes any formal annexation of the West Bank by Israel, which is the dream of the settler movement.

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However, critics argue that this is what is already happening. Saudi Arabia is among the major Middle Eastern powers that are withholding diplomatic relations with Israel, partly based on the situation in the West Bank. Contentious issue The size of the armed forces is becoming an increasingly contentious political issue in Israel. Since the Hamas atrocities of October 7, 2023, some reservists have spent hundreds of days on duty, often in combat environments. Instances of post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide are going up, along with resentment towards those who do not enlist.

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His political opponents and challengers in this years general election are using the shortages in troop numbers to criticise him. Even some in his own Likud Party have expressed their frustration. Dan Illouz, a Knesset member, said: Being right-wing means, first and foremost, security. You cant demand annexation, settlement and total victory and then let the IDF collapse due to lack of soldiers. The Telegraph, London 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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AUSTIN, Texas, March 27, 2026 -- xTool, a global premium consumer-tech brand empowering digital-to-physical creation, is making its debut in the heart of motorcycle and custom fabrication culture as title sponsor of The Handbuilt Show, Brought to you by xTool, now underway at Circuit of The Americas in Austin. As builders, fabricators, riders, and enthusiasts gather for one of North America's most celebrated custom motorcycle events, xTool is bringing its technology directly into the mix with live demonstrations and hands-on experiences built for real shop applications.

At this year's show, xTool is featuring MetalFab and F2 Ultra as shop-ready tools for modern fabrication workflows. Throughout the event, attendees can experience outdoor live laser welding demonstrations alongside an indoor precision station showcasing engraving, marking, prototyping, and customization applications relevant to motorcycle builders and metalworking shops. xTool is also bringing a broader demo footprint to Austin, giving visitors a look at how its wider ecosystem supports creative production across disciplines.

The Handbuilt Show has become a key destination for custom craftsmanship, mechanical artistry, and fabrication culture, making it a natural setting for xTool to connect with a community that values precision, speed, repeatability, and execution. By showing up in a meaningful way at the event, xTool is not only introducing its technology to a new audience, but also supporting the creative spirit and hands-on innovation that define the culture around custom motorcycles.

"xTool felt like a natural fit for Handbuilt and Revival because their tools lower the barrier between idea and execution. The technology is precise, fast, and accessible in a way that reflects how modern builders actually work. Tools like this don't replace craftsmanship, they expand it," said Alan Stulberg, Founder of Revival Cycles & The Handbuilt Show.

"In a working shop, the ability to move quickly from concept to prototype to finished part is critical. Whether it's producing templates, cutting gaskets, engraving components, or creating repeatable parts, this kind of tool solves real problems and earns its place immediately.

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About xTool

xTool is a global premium consumer-tech brand empowering digital-to-physical creation. Since 2021, xTool has supported individual creators, SMB owners, and retail brands across 80+ countries with desktop laser cutters and engravers, laser welders, material printers, user-friendly software, accessories and consumables. By combining powerful technology with intuitive design, xTool helps creators push their creative potential and turn imagination into meaningful, real-world creationsdriven by our mission to redefine physical-world creativity through technology.

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PM bats for Team India spirit Modi interacts with CMs amid M-E conflict





NEW DELHI :

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reviewed with Chief Ministers of all but poll-bound States their preparedness and plans in the wake of the West Asia conflict. The virtual meeting was aimed at ensuring synergy of efforts in the spirit of Team India, official sources said. This is the first time that the Prime Minister held such 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. Iran also retaliated by firing on its Gulf neighbours and Israel.

Those Chief Ministers who attended the meeting included Devendra Fadnavis (Maharashtra), Mohan Yadav (Madhya Pradesh), Vishnu Dev Sai (Chhattisgarh), N Chandra Babu Naidu (Andhra Pradesh), Yogi Adityanath (Uttar Pradesh), Revanth Reddy (Telangana), Bhagwant Mann (Punjab), Bhupendra Patel (Gujarat), Omar Abdullah (Jammu and Kashmir), Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (Himachal Pradesh), Pema Khandu (Arunachal Pradesh) among others. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah were also present in the meeting.

The Prime Minister interacted with the Chief Ministers through video conferencing on the West Asia conflict and reviewed preparedness and plans of the states. The meeting focused on ensuring synergy of efforts in the spirit of Team India, a source said. The Chief Ministers of election-bound States were not part of this meeting due to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). The Cabinet Secretariat is going to hold a separate meeting with the Chief Secretaries of poll-bound Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Kerala and the Union Territory of Puducherry.

The Prime Minister said, the global situation arising out of the West Asia conflict remains dynamic, and asserted that maintaining economic and trade stability, ensuring energy security, strengthening industry and supply chains, and safeguarding citizens interests remain the Governments top priorities. Urging the Chief Ministers to ensure the smooth functioning of supply chains and to take strict measures against hoarding and profiteering, Modi cautioned against the spread of misinformation and rumours, asserting that timely dissemination of accurate and credible information is essential to prevent panic.

Referring to the situation, the Prime Minister said India has prior experience in dealing with similar global disruptions, recalling the collective response during the Covid-19 pandemic. Govt sets up informal group of ministers: THE Government has set up an informal group of ministers led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to look into the issues arising due to the West Asia conflict, sources said.
CM meets kin of victims, injured in hospital





Our Correspondent :

CHHINDWARA :

After the tragic mishap that claimed 10 lives and left 31 injured in Chhindwara on Thursday evening, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav visited Karer village and met the families of the deceased and injured. He consoled the family members and shared their grief. Sitting among the grieving families, the Chief Minister consoled them and assured them of all possible assistance in such testing times.

After arriving in Chhindwara, the Chief Minister went directly to the hospital to meet the injured in the tragic accident. During this, he inquired about their treatment from the doctors. Meanwhile, In-charge Minister Rakesh Singh is present in the district and is continuously monitoring treatment of the injured. He visited the hospital, reviewed the arrangements and instructed the officials to ensure best possible treatment.

Immediately after the accident, the Chief Minister expressed his condolences on social media and announced financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each to families of the deceased. He assured that all the injured will be treated entirely at Governments expense. About the accident, a bus overturned after colliding with a pick-up truck in Chhindwara district, at around 6:30 pm on Thursday.

Ten people, including drivers of both the vehicles, were killed in the accident. More than 30 injured are admitted to Chhindwara District Hospital. One critical patient has been referred to Nagpur Medical College. The bus (MP28 P0321) was carrying 51 people from Kosamdhana, Karer and Bhandarakund villages of Gwara Panchayat in Mohkhed block. The passengers were returning after attending a public function of the Chief Minister. Five of the 10 deceased were from Karer village. When their funeral was held on Friday, cries of grief and sorrow was heard from every home.
CM Yadav doubles ex-gratia to Rs 8 lakh





Staff Reporter :

Following Thursdays fatal road accident in Chhindwara district, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav visited the affected villages on Friday to meet with the bereaved families. Chief Minister personally assessed the situation in the villages of Karer, Gwara, and Jhiriya. During his visit to the grieving households, the Chief Minister announced a significant increase in the financial compensation for the families of the deceased.

While an initial ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh had been sanctioned, Dr. Yadav stated that an additional Rs 4 lakh would be provided to each family under the Sambal Yojana, effectively doubling the total assistance to Rs 8 lakh. Compensation for Deceased: Families of those who lost their lives will receive a total of Rs 8 lakh (Rs 4 lakh ex-gratia + Rs 4 lakh via the Sambal scheme). Support for the Injured: Every n Staff Reporter Following Thursdays fatal road accident in Chhindwara district, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav visited the affected villages on Friday to meet with the bereaved families. Chief Minister personally assessed the situation in the villages of Karer, Gwara, and Jhiriya.

During his visit to the grieving households, the Chief Minister announced a significant increase in the financial compensation for the families of the deceased. While an initial ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh had been sanctioned, Dr. Yadav stated that an additional Rs 4 lakh would be provided to each family under the Sambal Yojana, effectively doubling the total assistance to Rs 8 lakh. Compensation for Deceased: Families of those who lost their lives will receive a total of Rs 8 lakh (Rs 4 lakh ex-gratia + Rs 4 lakh via the Sambal scheme). Support for the Injured: Every individual injured in the crash has been granted Rs 1 lakh in financial aid to support their recovery. Medical Mandate:

The state has committed to providing entirely free treatment for all survivors. Dr. Yadav visited the District Hospital to review the condition of the injured and instructed medical staff to facilitate transfers to higher centers in Nagpur or other cities if specialized care is required. Recognition of First Responders: The Chief Minister publicly lauded the promptness of the local citizens and the police force.

He specifically announced rewards for the police personnel who demonstrated high sensitivity and speed in rescuing victims from the wreckage. The Chief Ministers visit spanned several locations, beginning with Village Karer in the Mohkhed tehsil, where he sat with the families of victims including Siya, Ramdas, Daulat Pawar, Bhagwati, and Shakun. He later proceeded to Gwara and Jhiriya villages to extend similar support. Addressing the local administration and the families, Dr. Yadav remarked that the state government remains committed to providing all possible resources to those impacted by the tragedy.
Savarkar was awarded DLitt by Ngp Varsity in 1943, defying British law





By Reema Mewar :

As Nagpur Fim Festival warms up, renowned Bollywood celebrity Randeep Hooda is set to attend as the chief guest for the inaugration ceremony at the Jamnalal Bajaj campus of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University on March 28. Known for taking on roles that demand immense psychological depth, Hooda has carved a space for himself with performances in films like Highway, Sarbjit and Operation Fryday. Among his many other roles, he played Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, a film that recently completed two years on March 22. The performance, as many viewers have described, is intense, and focuses on the emotional and ideological weight of the character. For viewers, it brought into perspective the scale of personal sacrifice that were made by several freedom fighters; which have shaped India into the country we see today.

Savarkars story, as it turns out, is not entirely distant from Nagpur. The erstwhile Nagpur University, now Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) had, in its own way, taken a stand with the spirit of the freedom movement several years ago. At a time when academic institutions were expected to conform to the British Raj, Governor Sir Henry Twickenham, Chancellor of Nagpur University, conferred the honorary degree of DLitt upon Savarkar on August 14, 1943, in recognition of his extensive contribution to literary works in both Marathi and English. At this time, the university had extended support to students whose education had been disrupted due to their participation in nationalist activities, even making provisions to ensure they could continue their studies. In Hyderabad Sansthan, though it was under the Nizam, the primary control rested with the British.

Around 150 students of Osmania University who had participated in the Vande Mataram movement were expelled. Seeking to continue their education, these students approached Nagpur University, which admitted them immediately. Thus, in many ways, Hoodas presence at the Nagpur Film Festival completes a certain circle. His portrayal of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar now finds its way to a city and an institution that had, decades ago, formally recognised his contributions in the face of colonial pressure.
Rendering of renovated Shell gas station on Boston Post Road in Darien Courtesy of Standard Realty, LLC Rendering of renovated Shell gas station on Boston Post Road in Darien Courtesy of Standard Realty, LLC

DARIEN  Despite some concerns on traffic congestion, Dariens Shell Station on Boston Post Road will be building a 2,400-square-foot convenience store while demolishing its service garage.

The gas station, at 805 Boston Post Road, and convenience store, will be branded as Standard. The station will continue to sell Shell gas.

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At Tuesday's Planning & Zoning Commission meeting, commission members voted 4:2 in favor of the plan.

Commission members Jamie Zionic, John Sini, George Reilly and Chair Steve Olvany voted for the plan while members Amy Barsanti and Adam Balgach voted against the plan.

Construction will take about nine months, Olvany has said.

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My client is very pleased that after careful and comprehensive consideration of their application, the commission voted to approve its application to reposition an old and tired service station with a new, attractive state of the art gas station with a convenience store. It will be a handsome addition to the Post Road corridor serving the Darien community," said Attorney Michael Cacace of Cacace, Tusch & Santagata. He was speaking on behalf of Standard Realty, LLC, the applicant.

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Cacace said Standard Realty intends to move forward to secure a building permit and commence construction as soon as possible. The gas station will be closed during construction.

The Shell gas station is in a commercial zone located at the intersection of Boston Post Road and Sedgwick Avenue. The two buildings on the property total 3,750 square feet. According to the plan, there will just be one building  the convenience store, which will sell sandwiches, snacks, and coffee, and also, car supplies.

The food service area in the store will be a prep area for heating pre-packaged foods and making sandwiches, the plan said.

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In terms of projected volume, the goal is to sell 100,000 gallons a week. Currently, the station sells 50,000 gallons a week.

Changes made from the original plan, which was submitted to the town in September, include reducing the original size of the building by 400 square feet and adding two additional parking spaces on the north side of the building, to total 12 parking spaces, plus parking at the pumps.

Some members of the Planning & Zoning Commission and general public expressed traffic concerns since they said convenience stores generate a lot more traffic than service stations. Prior to the plan being approved, a handful of Darien residents wrote to the commission, with their complaints.

"That road intersection could be the most difficult traffic problem for Darien residents and visitors currently and this additional traffic with double the gas sold and additional retail sales will create a nearly impossible situation. Plus (new developments at) Corbin and One Sedgwick will be coming on line in 2026 as well. Please vote no," said Ed Tobergte.

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Darien resident Brian O'Hagan said expanding the size and capacity of the gas station and convenience store will naturally draw more vehicles into an "already constrained traffic pattern. Additional ingress and egress movementsespecially vehicles slowing, turning across traffic, or queuing for pumpswill further impede flow and increase the likelihood of backups along both roadways."

The Darien Local Legal Traffic Authority called the area "one of the busiest segments of Boston Post Road in Darien, affecting both eastbound and westbound traffic and increasing potential conflicts with pedestrians."

To address these concerns, the LTA recommended a state approved "No Left Turn" restriction for cars leaving the site, and as part of the adopted resolution, no left turns will be allowed coming out of the property at all, including tractor-trailers and fuel trucks.

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Jason Koch is the editor of The Edwardsville Intelligencer. He can be reached at Jason.Koch@hearst.com. Rick Brewer/For The Intelligencer

"Well-behaved women rarely make history."

A former colleague of mine had that sign on her desk when we worked together in Belleville. She made it her motto, and she didnt let anyone else define who she was supposed to be. She had a way of making her presence felt, and I always knew where I stood with her.

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It was heartbreaking when she left us for a bigger opportunity. It meant I'd have to watch her make her mark from afar.

When she leaves her mark, I hope it's one that everyone remembers  because history often forgets the women who made them.

Take, for instance, Hortensia.

She lived during the final years of the Roman Republic, in the uneasy aftermath of Julius Caesars assassination. Antony, Octavian, and Lepidus  the Second Triumvirate  were consolidating power and preparing for war against Caesars killers. To fund it, they decided to tax the 1,400 wealthiest women in Rome.

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This came after they had already ordered the deaths of more than 2,000 senators and aristocrats and seized their property to bankroll their cause.

Women in Rome had almost no role in public life. They couldnt vote. They couldnt hold office. They had no voice in the decisions being made.

Until that moment, they werent taxed.

Hortensia and a group of Roman women refused to accept that arrangement. If they had no role in the state, they argued, why should they be made to fund it  especially when it was being driven by the same men who had already upended the republic?

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She took that argument directly to the Forum.

"You have already deprived us of our fathers, our sons, our husbands, and our brothers if you take away our property also, you reduce us to a condition unbecoming our birth, our manners, our sex. Why should we pay taxes when we have no part in the honours, the commands, the state-craft, for which you contend against each other? When have taxes ever been imposed on women?"

It wasnt the kind of speech the men in power wanted to hear.

They tried to silence her. Tried to have the women removed. But they couldnt ignore them.

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The triumvirs backed down, at least in part  cutting the number of women taxed from 1,400 to 400 and shifting more of the burden onto male property owners.

It wasnt a complete victory. But it was enough to matter.

And yet, Hortensia is largely forgotten.

Octavian  later Augustus  is remembered as Romes first emperor. Antony, Lepidus, Brutus, Cassius  their names still fill history books.

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Hortensia barely registers.

For a long time, thats how its gone for many women.

Margaret Hamilton led the team that developed the onboard flight software for NASAs Apollo missions. Her work  particularly the error-detection system she designed  was critical in preventing an aborted landing during Apollo 11. Without it, Neil Armstrong doesnt take that first step onto the moon.

For years, her name wasnt nearly as widely known as the men she helped get there.

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Shes not alone.

Ada Lovelace, Alice Ball, Rosalind Franklin, and Katherine Johnson are starting to get their due.

Many others never will  not because they didnt matter, but because their work was overlooked, credited to someone else, or simply not preserved.

Theres only so much we can do to recover whats already been lost.

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But we dont have to keep repeating the same mistake.

As Womens History Month comes to a close, the goal shouldnt just be to look backward and fill in the gaps. We must make sure fewer gaps exist in the future by recognizing contributions as they happen, so the next generation doesnt have to rediscover what should have been remembered all along.

We owe nothing less to the women history has forgotten.
Picture this. You finish another long day caring for patients who need you. You head home exhausted but fulfilled. Then the worry creeps in. Will another complaint land on your desk tomorrow? Will your take-home pay cover the mortgage in this state? You love California. You trained here. You built your life here. Yet more and more of us are scanning job postings in Texas, Florida, or Arizona, not because we stopped caring about our patients, but because the daily grind has become too heavy to carry alone.

The financial strain of Medi-Cal

The financial side hits hard, especially with Medi-Cal patients. This program covers millions of Californians, yet its reimbursement rates still fall far short of what it actually costs to deliver care. A routine new-patient visit can leave your practice losing money once overhead is tallied. Many doctors quietly limit how many Medi-Cal patients they see. They do not do it lightly. They simply cannot keep the lights on otherwise. Primary care already faces a projected shortage of thousands of physicians, and this squeeze only makes recruitment and retention tougher.

The heavy toll of medical board scrutiny

What really wears so many of us down, though, is the constant scrutiny from the California Medical Board. In fiscal year 2024-25, the board received 9,707 complaints. That number is nearly identical to the year before. Roughly one thousand of those complaints move forward to full investigation. Those probes can drag on for three or four years. During that entire time, doctors sit in painful limbo. A sitting board member, Eserick TJ Watkins, has publicly renewed calls to make serious investigations public sooner. He points out that the public stays blind to a doctors true record while cases linger. For the physician on the receiving end, even an unfounded complaint means months or years of stress, legal bills, and the quiet fear that one allegation could end a career built over decades.

The process feels opaque and relentless. It turns medicine from a calling into a constant defense. Physicians describe profound exhaustion. They feel the system no longer trusts them to do the work they trained for. Research on physician wellness links this kind of regulatory pressure directly to higher burnout rates and decisions to leave practice or the state altogether.

The crushing weight of taxes and living costs

Then come the taxes. Californias top marginal income tax rate sits at 13.3 percent, the highest in the nation. It kicks in on earnings that most practicing physicians reach. Add property taxes, sales taxes, and everything else, and a solid-looking paycheck shrinks fast. You work harder, carry more responsibility, and watch a bigger share disappear than in lower-tax states.

Finally, there is the cost of simply living here. Housing prices remain brutally high. Mid-tier homes cost more than twice the national average. Mortgage payments on a typical house can run around $5,500 a month. Even successful doctors find themselves stretched thin, worrying about affording a home, saving for retirement, or giving their kids opportunities without constant financial anxiety. The cost of living sits well above the national average and erodes any salary advantage. California has led the nation in outbound moves for years. Physicians are part of that quiet migration.

A quiet migration and a warning from the front lines

This combination hits us on a personal level. You train here because you love the state and its people. You stay for residency and early practice because the communities feel like home. Yet the structural pressures make you question whether it is still worth it. Many of us feel a quiet grief watching colleagues pack up, knowing patients in places like the Central Valley or Inland Empire will face longer waits for care. Despite training plenty of new physicians, persistent shortages in primary care and rural areas keep growing because retention is failing. Doctors who complete training here often head elsewhere for better balance, pay, and peace of mind.

At its core, this is not just about spreadsheets. It is about dedicated healers feeling undervalued, over-regulated, and financially trapped in the very place they wanted to serve. The frustration builds until one day you say, I love my patients, but I cannot keep doing this to my family or my own well-being.

If we do not address the low reimbursements, the Medical Boards lengthy scrutiny, sky-high taxes, and crushing living expenses, California risks becoming a state that trains excellent doctors only to watch them leave for places where the math and the mission line up again. The Golden State shaped us. Right now it is pushing too many of us out. Policymakers and leaders need to hear this not as criticism but as a heartfelt warning from the front lines. Without real change, the physician shortage will deepen, access will suffer, and patients will pay the ultimate price. We owe it to the next generation and to the communities we care for to make California a place doctors actually want to stay and thrive. The clock is ticking.

Kayvan Haddadan is a physiatrist and pain management physician, and president and medical director of Advanced Pain Diagnostic & Solutions, a multidisciplinary pain management practice in California that he founded in 2012. A physician and surgeon licensed by the Medical Board of California, he is double board-certified in pain medicine and physical medicine and rehabilitation. He is also certified in controlled substance registration through the DEA and serves as a qualified medical examiner through Californias Department of Industrial Relations Division of Workers Compensation.

Dr. Haddadan earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Alborz in Tehran, Iran, and his medical degree from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. He later received his Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates certification in Philadelphia, completed an internship in medical surgery at Loyola University Medical Centers Stritch School of Medicine in Illinois, and finished his residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at the same institution. He completed his fellowship in pain medicine at California Pacific Medical Centers Pacific Pain Treatment Center and also trained in medical acupuncture for physicians at the University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine.

Dr. Haddadan has contributed to 29 research publications across multiple specialties, including pain management, cardiology, pulmonology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, and infectious disease. His work has examined topics such as hyperlipidemia in high cardiovascular risk patients, hyperuricemia and gout management, type 2 diabetes and hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma therapies, influenza treatment, irritable bowel syndrome, and opioid related complications in chronic pain care. His research has also included clinical outcome studies in spinal cord stimulation and award-winning presentations on neuropathic pain management and neuromuscular disorders.
Are you concerned about statins? In the past two weeks, cold hard statistics have cut through the fog of misinformation surrounding these best-selling drugs, focusing instead on the safety and efficacy of lowering your blood cholesterol level. No emotions or bias, just numbers. Welcome information for anyone who has enjoyed numerous trips around the sun and is looking forward to many more.

Middle age, that point in life when your invincibility fails, can be tough. Bad news gains momentum, and tales of cancer and heart disease are no longer just a concern of your parents. I wait nervously in the doctors office as they frown slightly and go over my chart. I am contemplating the very worst news, a recommended lifestyle change. I decide I can live with chair yoga, as long as my friends do not find out, but I will draw the line at celery.

The news could have been worse. My cholesterol, the bad kind, is only a bit high, and my doctor recommends a low-dose statin to be safe. And yet I feel fine. There is no immediate problem, the doc explains, they simply want to change the trajectory of my heart disease. Wait, what trajectory?

I have questions. Am I at risk of a heart attack, like my father and his father before him? Should I be on a statin, the poster child of cholesterol-lowering drugs? Do they really work? What about the side effects?

Peace of mind, powered by numbers

Many of these questions have been answered by two recent clinical studies known as meta-analyses, the gold standard of medical evidence. Using statistics to separate the science from the non-science, here is what the number-crunchers found.

Cholesterol-lowering drugs like statins will, on average, extend your life.

All cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins, ezetimibe, PCSK9i, and the recently approved bempedoic acid) are capable of delaying and possibly preventing your first heart attack.

Statins, the best value for money, have far fewer side effects than what you may see listed on the container.

Cholesterol, which is no longer the only villain in the heart disease story, is still a convenient marker to track the progress of the disease. Better yet, drugs that lower cholesterol also reduce the true culprit, a protein called apoB, as well as lower chronic inflammation, providing patients with a double bang for their buck in limiting their risk of a heart attack. Testing blood cholesterol is quick, cheap, and backed by several decades of data, a convenient tool with which physicians can estimate your risk of heart disease.

The upside: how small numbers affect millions

The first study followed nearly 100,000 middle-aged people who had no prior history of heart disease. It measured the fate of people on cholesterol-lowering therapy, mostly statins, with those who had not been treated. The medical events they were looking for sound grim indeed: death, non-fatal heart attack, stroke, and if caught in time, surgical procedures to prevent all the above.

The results: People on any low-dose cholesterol-lowering therapy had a 30 percent lower chance of experiencing an event than their unmedicated counterparts. The survival benefits were even greater for those on higher doses of medication.

But what does a 30 percent benefit actually mean? During the four-year duration of the study, a small number of participants experienced a cardiac event. Those on cholesterol-lowering drugs had 30 percent fewer events relative to those not on any medication. This suggests that a statin, even in people without symptoms of heart disease, provided an immediate benefit to life expectancy.

Now let us include all the relatively healthy participants and look at the benefits to the group as a whole. What were the absolute benefits for the 100,000 middle-aged men and women who began therapy before symptoms of heart disease were detected? That is you, right? Better check!

The absolute benefit to the drug group over the drug-free was 2 percent. At first glance this may not impress, one life was saved for every 50 people on cholesterol-lowering therapy over the four-year period. Before deciding whether you can live with, or die from, those odds, one has to consider two factors, the scale of the problem, and time. Here are the facts.

Every year, an estimated 850,000 Americans die from heart disease or stroke, the 2 percent absolute benefit represents a sizable number of lives saved.

Heart disease develops over several decades, not the short four-year window of the study. The benefits of lowering cholesterol in your body compound over your lifetime, suggesting that the sooner you begin therapy, the better your outcomes would be.

It is not todays cholesterol that is the problem, but rather your accumulated cholesterol load over your lifetime.

The downside: facts before fears

Statins, however, are notorious for their unpleasant side effects, with countless social media channels, websites, and blogs dedicated to exposing the downside of these drugs. Enter the second study which looked to see if the dire warnings printed on the drug labels were accurate. It followed over 120,000 people on statin therapy for five years and compared side effects reported by users with a drug-free population. A big plus: The studies pooled in the analysis were double-blinded, neither the patients nor their physicians knew if they were on a statin or a sugar pill. This ensured that any side effects that predominated in the statin group would likely be caused by the drug, whilst side effects common to both groups were not.

Sixty-six potential side effects were compared between the statin and the control group with only one new symptom, raised liver enzymes, being elevated in the statin group. The finding joins the previously recognized conditions of muscle pain (myalgia) and new-onset diabetes associated with statin use, and occurred in a handful of extra cases per year among statin users. The enzymes were not sufficiently elevated to affect health.

The remaining 62 side effects, which included brain fog, depression, sleep disturbances, and sexual dysfunction, occurred at similar rates in both groups.

Could your doctor be right?

Sometimes the hardest pill to swallow is admitting that the best medical evidence we have is accurate. Today Americans have more choice than ever when it comes to cholesterol-lowering drugs. If one does not agree with you, your doctor can prescribe another.

It all comes down to shifting the probabilities of survival in your favor. Your family will thank you, probably.

Cliff Dominy is a medical writer.
Emergency lights on a police car. Oliver Helbig/Getty Images

EDWARDSVILLE  A police pursuit involving a stolen semi-truck that started Wednesday in Jersey County, went through Madison County and Alton, and ended in Missouri resulted in a number of felony charges against an Alton man, filed March 26 in Madison County.

The 33-year-old suspect was charged March 26 with two counts of unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle, both Class 2 felonies; unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony; and three counts of aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer, all Class 4 felonies.

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The charges cover two separate incidents, Wednesdays involving the stolen semi and a second case involving an earlier auto theft and drug possession.

The Metro East Auto Theft Task Force presented the semi case, and the Alton Police Department presented the second case.

According to court documents, on March 25, the suspect was allegedly found to be in possession of a stolen Peterbilt 375 semi-truck registered out of Indiana; and attempted to flee from officers, reaching speeds in excess of 21 miles per hour above the posted speed limit, disobeying two or more traffic control devices, and causing in excess of $300 in property damage.

In the second case, court records show that on March 16, the suspect was in possession of a stolen Chevrolet GMT400, and on Dec. 7, was found to be in possession of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine.

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He was ordered remanded to jail in both cases.

According to petitions to deny pre-trial release filed by the Madison County States Attorneys Office, the March 25 incident began in Jersey County, where the suspect stole the semi. Video showed the suspect stealing the vehicle, and a live dash camera showed him operating the vehicle during the police pursuit.

After leaving Jersey County, he went through Madison County to the Clark Bridge in Alton, crossed it, and eventually crashed into a guardrail, disabling the vehicle.

In the Dec. 7 case, he was arrested on possession of methamphetamine and released, then implicated in the March 16 theft, in which a school district vehicle was taken from an industrial facility. In that case, the suspect was observed on license plate reader cameras operating the vehicle and was later found in possession of the key.

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It was noted that the suspect is on pretrial release in several cases, has repeatedly failed to appear, and is considered a flight risk.
Indias aviation regulator issued one of its most comprehensive safety directives in decades, laying down strict new rules for flights carrying the countrys top political and constitutional figures.

In an order dated March 27, 2026, Director General of Civil Aviation Faiz instructed all operators, pilots and state governments that safety is non-negotiable, giving more power to the crew. This order came two months after a chartered jet carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar crashed near Baramati, killing him and four others.

The order supersedes two older circulars, both of which had guided VIP aviation operations for decades. It covers a wide list of dignitaries, including the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, Central and State Cabinet Ministers, Chief Ministers, Governors, the Chief Justice of India and SPG protectees in the Z+ category.

The most notable provision was that no one can pressurise the pilot. "Any last-minute changes to the planned flight due to VIP requirements should be coordinated through the organisations management only, and not directly with the crew," the order stated.

Operators must also brief VIPs before every flight via a standard pamphlet, reminding them that flight decisions rest entirely with the crew.

The order also lifted the qualification bar for the crew. Commanders of fixed-wing aircraft must have at least 3,000 total hours, including 2,000 as pilot-in-command and 75 hours on the specific aircraft type. Co-pilots need 500 total hours and 100 on type. For helicopters, the PIC must hold 2,000 total hours, 500 as PIC and 75 on type, while co-pilots need 300 total hours and 50 on type, the order stated.

Aircraft standards have also been made stricter. This includes a valid Certificate of Airworthiness, a serviceable weather radar, and zero tolerance for unresolved defects before the next flight. The order also mandates written clearance from district authorities, down to the level of DM, SDM, SSP, SP or SHO, at least 24 hours before any helipad or temporary airstrip is used.

On election flying, which the order described as "highly demanding" given long hours, hurriedly prepared helipads and congested airspace, each operator must nominate a responsible compliance officer and file weekly flight duty and time limitation returns to the DGCA. Penalty for non-compliance ranges from a formal caution all the way to cancellation of the Air Operator Permit, the order noted.
India might be looking at sweeping reforms in payments and settlements, according to a new vision document from the Centre.

The Reserve Bank of India unveiled its Payments Vision 2028 on March 27, a strategic roadmap with 15 concrete initiatives to be rolled out through December 2028. With the theme, "Shaping India's Payment Frontier", Indias apex bank seems to be doubling down on making the system safer, fairer, and globally formidable

The RBI outlined a "Shared Responsibility Framework", something to safeguard anyone who has ever had money vanish from their bank account via UPI after a dodgy call or a suspect SMS. Under the current rules, if you are a victim of unauthorised digital fraud, it is almost entirely your bank, the one that issued your account, that takes the hit.

RBI now proposes to change that, making both the senders bank and the receivers bank jointly liable. The rationale is that the alleged scammers bank will actually bother to check who is opening accounts on its platform.

"To ensure balanced accountability, introducing a shared responsibility framework would be explored under which both the customers bank (issuer) and the beneficiarys bank jointly bear the liability arising from unauthorised digital payment transactions. This approach would incentivise both parties to implement robust fraud detection and prevention measures, and strengthen coordination for timely intervention, thereby enhancing overall consumer protection and trust in digital payments," the document read.

RBI also mused on the introduction of the Payments Switching Service (PaSS). If you have ever changed your bank account or moved your salary account, you might have had to go through days of notifying employers, insurance companies, and even moving over subscriptions and EMIs. Here, PaSS would let you transfer all your incoming and outgoing payment instructions, be it EMIs, salaries, auto-debits, everything, from your old account to a new one with minimal friction.

Another proposal is giving users the power to switch all digital payment modes on or off, not just cards, through their own banks app.

Apart from this, the document also outlined a complete overhaul of the cross-border payments framework to reduce friction, lower remittance costs, and make it simpler for MSMEs to trade internationally.

Other proposals include electronic cheques and the introduction of a new cyber risk framework for fintech firms. Read the full report HERE.

"A comprehensive review of the design and security features of cheques shall be undertaken to enhance uniformity, strengthen fraud prevention, and ensure alignment with emerging processes. The review shall identify and adopt best practices, making them applicable across all cheque instruments," read the report.
Indian Army's firepower just got a major shot in the arm as Adani Defence and Aerospace delivered the first batch of 2,000 'Prahar', light machine guns (LMGs).

Manufactured under the 'Make in India' initiative at the defence major's Small Arms Complex located on the outskirts of Gwalior, the guna licensed version of the Israeli Negev NG7 developed by Israel Weapon Industriespromises higher lethality and reliability.

For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India

A. Anbarasu, DG Acquisition, Ministry of Defence, flagged off a series of trucks carrying the first batch of the LMGs meant for the Indian Army in the presence of Ashish Rajvanshi, CEO of Adani Defence and Aerospace, and other senior officials of the company.

"The scale and speed are very critical for improving the Indian defence industry ecosystem, and I'm optimistic that in the coming days, the private industries and public sector industries, all defence industries, will rise to the occasion and meet their potential," Anbarasu said.

Rajvanshi said the company will deliver the total order of 40,000 LMGs in the next three years.

"The journey that has begun today took us six years, starting from bid submission, and we have delivered it 11 months ahead of schedule....The original timeline, which was given to us by the customer, was over seven years, but I can assure you that in the next three years, the full order will be delivered," he said while interacting with the media.

Anbarasu hailed the company for delivering the first tranche of guns ahead of the schedule and said this shows that there is the ability to "race and fire" against time in turning contracts into deliveries.

Why 'Prahar' matters?

The induction of 'Prahar' LMGs marks a significant upgrade to the Indian Armys infantry firepower, as the guns would enhance the lethality and battlefield adaptability of the forces.

The 7.62 mm-calibre weapon that weighs 7.7 kgs is specifically designed for modern combat as it strikes a perfect balance between firepower and mobility. With a rate of fire of 600750 rounds per minute, this LMG ensures sustained suppressive fire, critical in both offensive assaults and defensive operations.

ALSO READ: JF-17 fighter jet talks with Pakistan, BrahMos missile deal with India: Understanding Indonesias defence move

The weapon is built for versatility, as it can be fed through an assault drum, belt chain, or magazine, allowing the Indian Army troops to adapt to different combat scenarios.

A gas regulator system enables reliable performance even in adverse conditions such as dust, heat, or high-altitude environments. This feature makes the gun an extremely good fit for the Indian Army troops that operate in different terrains in different theatres across the country.

According to the company, the gun can be quickly dismantled for maintenance, ensuring minimal downtime during operations. The adjustable buttstock and cheek rest improve ergonomics, helping soldiers maintain accuracy and comfort during prolonged engagements.

"Our Negev LMG is very significant for the infantry. The upgraded capabilities of the infantry and the reliability of the LMGs are very high. We believe it will support the Indian troops very much, as it did in the last supply of 16,000 LMGs, which took place in 2020," news agency ANI quoted Shuki Schwartz, chief executive officer of Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), as saying.
India's cybersecurity landscape is no longer defined by isolated incidents but by scale, speed, and systemic vulnerability. According to the latest annual report from the Home Ministry, 62.72 lakh cybercrime incidents were recorded in a single year, signalling a rise in criminal activity and the emergence of a deeply entrenched digital threat ecosystem.

The financial dimension of cybercrime remains particularly stark. Authorities have managed to prevent losses worth Rs 4,725 crore under the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System, reflecting the scale of attempted fraud and the increasing efficiency of real-time intervention systems.

The government's crackdown on enabling infrastructure has also led to the blocking of 8.45 lakh SIM cards, highlighting how deeply cybercrime networks are embedded within telecom channels as well.

In that regard, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), designated as the nodal agency for cybercrime, has significantly expanded its operational footprint through technological platforms and inter-agency coordination.

THE WEEK - JUN 01

The Sahyog Portal has streamlined the process of issuing automated notices to intermediaries under Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act. Over 1,11,185 suspicious online contents have been blocked till March 2025, including 83,867 WhatsApp accounts identified as being linked to cybercrime operations.

ALSO READ | We are setting up an integrated cyber shield for India, says Union Home Minister Amit Shah in an exclusive interview.

The nature of these operations reveals an important shift: cybercrime is no longer confined to opportunistic scams; it has evolved into a structured, cross-border enterprise.

Targeted interventions have yielded measurable preventive outcomes, such as the dismantling of the Wingo Android application infrastructure, safeguarding 1.5 lakh potential victims daily.

The data reveals the scale of the challenge ahead, with cybercrime growing and diversifying. Financial fraud remains dominant, but other forms, including impersonation, identity theft, and platform-based scams, are becoming increasingly prevalent. Structural constraints continue to shape responses, with law enforcement remaining a state subject, leading to uneven capacities across regions.

India's response is moving towards a more proactive and integrated model, combining financial intervention systems, infrastructure blocking, and content regulation mechanisms. However, the scale of the numbers involved suggests that the challenge is far from contained.

The figures62.72 lakh incidents; Rs 4,725 crore saved; 8.45 lakh SIM cards blocked; 1,11,185 contents removed; 83,867 WhatsApp accounts targeted; and 1.5 lakh potential victims protected dailyare indicators of both vulnerability and response; of a system under pressure, but also in transition.

India's ability to manage cybercrime will depend on the strength of its institutions, the awareness of its citizens, and the cooperation of global and private stakeholders.
Major changes have taken place in the BJP over the last 24 hours, as the saffron party on Friday night expelled nine rebel leaders for a six-year period for contesting independently against officially nominated party candidates.

As a result, state BJP president Dilip Saikia said in a letter on Friday that action had been taken against them "with immediate effect" under provisions of the partys constitution.

He cited Clause XXV-9 of the party consitution as a reason for the dismissal.

According to this clause, any member contesting the election against "the official candidate of the Party" can be "summarily expelled" by the party, by either the state president or the all-India president.

Jayanta Das, who wanted a Dispur ticket from the party before his expulsion, had even voiced strong criticism against the BJP over being denied the seat.

Other expelled leaders include Uddhav Das (Barpeta), Jitendra Singh Gour (Kaliabor), Amalendu Das (Barkhola), Dhanjit Rabha (Goalpara West), Chakradhar Das (Bongaigaon), Gagan Chandra Haloi (Barpeta), Ankur Das (Kamalpur), and Yashoda Dulal (Shyamal) Rakshit (Lumding).

The BJP also cracked the whip on six other party leaders accused of acting against the party's interests by supportingand/or conducting backdoor talks withmembers of other parties.

This decision was taken in line with Clause XXV (a) and (b) of the the party constitution, which forbid members from "acting or carrying on any propaganda" against party programmes/decisions, and from opposing official party candidates in public body elections, "excluding those where party symbols are not allocated".

The six dismissed leaders have been identified as Gagan Chandra Mandal, Kishore Karmakar, Guru Prasad Upadhyay, Tushanta Kalita, Mani Hazarika, and Pinki Mirdha Chunamost of whom hail from the Kaliabor area.

These major changes come barely two weeks before the 2026 Assembly elections in the state, which will be held on April 9, and for which votes will be counted on May 4.
Union Minister Amit Shah released a 15-year chargesheet against the Mamata Banerjee government on Saturday, criticising its governance and the law and order in the state ahead of the 2026 West Bengal assembly polls.

The minister said that the West Bengal CM used the victim card in politics while speaking at a conference in Kolkata.

He said that the people of Bengal now understood her tactics. "Mamata Banerjee has always played the politics of the victim card. At times, she gets her leg broken; at other times, she has her head bandaged; sometimes she falls ill; and then, she stands before the Election Commission feigning helplessness while hurling abuses at the institution. But I have come to tell her that the people of Bengal have now thoroughly understood this politics of the victim card," he said.

Shah said that during the SIR, judicial officers were deployed only in Bengal. He also said that the BJP would remove infiltrators from the voter list and expel them from the country.

VIDEO | Kolkata, West Bengal: Union Home Minister Amit Shah releases the BJPs list of charges against the TMC during a press conference and says, "The BJP has decided to raise the issues of the people against the TMC government and present them before the people of Bengal and pic.twitter.com/Xz7ZUdgLlp  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 28, 2026

"SIR is happening across the entire country, yet nowhere else did judicial officers have to be deployed--only in Bengal. What is the reason for this?... Mamata Banerjee should answer this to the people of Bengal. She is levelling allegations against SIR; however, today I wish to ask the people of Bengal: should those infiltrators who have been kept here be allowed to decide the future of Bengal? I want to make it clear on behalf of the BJP that we are resolved to identify and expel every single infiltrator from the country, not merely from the voter lists but from across the entire nation, and this is my party's agenda," he said.



He said that the BJP would fence the border and stop infiltration from the neighbouring country 45 days after it was voted into power.

He also criticised the CM for including 77 communities in the OBC, claiming that 75 of them were from Muslim communities. He questioned whether OBC status should be determined based on religion.

Shah said the charge sheet reflected the people and that the administration in Bengal was corrupted top to bottom, which is why there was no industries in the state. He said that TMC relied on the politics of protecting the infiltrators to stay in power for the last 15 years.

He also said that the BJP will return to power in Bengal with an absolute majority.

Shah said the situation in West Bengal had deteriorated in such a manner that people of West Bengal have started saying that the communists in the state were much better.

He also said that the BJP would ensure crimes against women which has become rampant would be punished regarless of political affiliations. The safety of the women in West Bengal had been the worst during the current Trinamool Congress regime. All those involved in crimes against women are associates of Trinamool Congress. Such offenders should be punished regardless of their political affiliations. That is exactly what is happening in the BJP-ruled states. That will happen in West Bengal also after the BJP comes to power in West Bengal after the elections, Shah said.

The union minister also complimented the leader of the opposition in West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari, over his role in carrying out the role against the TMC.
Allegations and counter-allegations flew between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) with Union Home Minister Amit Shahs Kolkata visit on Saturday opening a Pandoras box with a chargesheet on misgovernance during Mamata Banerjees rule in West Bengal.

In 15 years, fear, corruption and division politics is taking place with the help of lies, fear and violence, Mamata is taking her politics forward with the new theory, said Amit Shah.

The 40-odd-page booklet, focusing on various sectors of neglect and misgovernance by the ruling TMC establishment, is a prelude to the saffron partys Bharosha Potro (manifesto) expected next week.

Mamata has always played victim card politics. Sometimes she breaks her foot, sometimes she ties a band-aid on her head, sometimes she falls ill and sometimes she acts like a victim in front of the Election Commission (EC) and abuses them, said the Union Home Minister.

Mamata Di, I have come to tell you that people of Bengal have seen through and understood your victim card politics. To abuse the Election Commission does not suit Bengals culture.

#WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal: Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "Mamata Banerjee has always played the politics of the victim card. At times, she gets her leg broken; at other times, she has her head bandaged; sometimes she falls ill; and then again, she stands before the pic.twitter.com/iWWOhyZ4bB  ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2026

Shah also questioned why Mamata was against Special Intensive Revision (SIR), which has been conducted in 12 states and Union Territories (UTs). The infiltration issue which the saffron party has been focusing on repeatedly is also another aspect that he used to hit out at Mamata.

What happened in Bengal that judicial officers had to be placed? District Magistrates (DMs) did not work efficiently, hence judicial officers had to be placed, he questioned.

The Home Minister also pointed out that the Murshidabad district violence on Ram Navami (on Friday) had been brought under control due to competent officers brought into the state after the EC transferred several officers close to Mamata after election dates were announced.

Violence has been less this time because officers close to Mamata were transferred by Election Commission. That is why the violence was curtailed, he added.

The TMC tore into the BJP soon after by releasing its own chargesheet against Shah with the slogan Mota Bhai, Jawab Chai. The chargesheet had 12 points on misgovernance in BJP-ruled states, including corruption, safety of women and ethnic violence.

#WATCH | Kolkata | On HM Amit Shah's statement on a 'chargesheet' against the West Bengal government, TMC MP Mahua Moitra says, "You have declared every Bengali as a criminal, and you do it in four steps: first you insult us, then you deprive us, then you criminalise us, and then pic.twitter.com/WrvVSB2Tvm  ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2026

He is one such Home Minister who is a fugitive. In another country, he could never become the Home Minister, said TMC leader Kirti Azad, who was in the BJP earlier.

You are not doing SIR because you want to send back infiltratorsthere are no infiltrators. In Bihar you used the same excuse ... You are doing SIR to disenfranchise valid citizens. That is the only reason you are doing this, claimed Mohua Moitra.

The TMC hit out at the BJP for stating judicial officers were only sent to West Bengal, and nowhere else in the country.

In no other state has the issue of logical discrepancy happened. No other state has 1.2 crore voterswhich is 15 per cent of our voter baseput through hearings ... The answer is, Amit Shahs desperation to win West Bengal, Moitra added.

The TMC also questioned the BJP for saying that officers transferred by the EC were cadres from the TMC.

If they are not competent officers, why are they sent as observers to other states? When SIR was taking place they didnt find anything wrong with the officers, they were all right, Azad questioned.

The battle of words between the two parties is heating up with less than a month to go for the elections.

While TMCs manifesto looks to take forward their existing welfare schemes and other projects in various sectors, the BJP says its manifesto will be solution-oriented to give Bengals citizens a growth-oriented vision.
India is holding the chair of BRICS in 2026. The chair could not have come Indias way at a worse time. In the forthcoming meetings of the BRICSforeign ministers are slated to meet in mid-May, while the heads of state will meet in a September summitNew Delhi may be cornered to take a position on the raging conflict between Iran and the US-Israel combine, a clear-cut position on which New Delhi has managed to evade till now.

The BRICS is not a homogeneous platform guided by a common political position. But widely, it has been looked at as an anti-US platform as it has avowed multilateralism while eschewing unilateralism.

Brazil, Russia, India and China together founded the organisation in 2009, while South Africa joined in 2010. At present, its 11 members include the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Iran.

The US-backed UAE and Saudi Arabia are facing Iran in a military conflict that is threatening to put the global order into turmoil, along with an impending scenario of a global economic slowdown. Iran, on the other hand, has the tacit backing of Russia and China.

Indias dilemma is evident. Besides strong historical links, it is close to Iran because of its massive energy needs. And to Israel and the US because of close military ties and collaboration.

The pressure on India is obvious. On March 21, Irans President Masoud Pezeshkian told Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a telephonic call that Tehran expects BRICS to play an independent role in halting aggression against Iran.

Prof Kumar Sanjay Singh, a strategic affairs commentator who teaches history in a Delhi University college, told THE WEEK: Till date India has carefully hedged its bets. It is yet to make its position clear on the US-Israeli attack on Iran. It has been dragging its feet on demands to issue a statement from BRICS on the West Asian crisis.

Yet, time is running out on this strategic ambivalence. With the meeting of the foreign ministers of BRICS members slightly over a month away and the meeting of BRICS scheduled in the first half of September, India will be faced with the task of handling the rival claims of Iran and the UAE. What complicates the matter even more is that important BRICS member countriesRussia, China and Brazilhave unequivocally criticised the US-Israeli attack on Iran.

Nor can India hedge it anymore because doing so would erode its credibility to be a leading voice of the Global Southan ambition that India has been nursing for long and is an adjunct to its policy of strategic autonomy.

By now, the Indian establishment has become fairly used to the vicissitudes of the rocking boat of strategic policy in a world full of turbulence, be it on balancing its proximate ties to the US and Russia, handling the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, or maintaining the trapeze act after the ambush terror attack by Hamas in Gaza on October 7, 2023.4

But, come May and September, Indian diplomacy may face a major challenge to its stated policy of prioritising national interest above everything else.
Delhi-NCRs second international airport at Jewar in Gautam Buddha Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday.

The Noida International Airport is expected to transform the connectivity and fuel the economic growth of the NCR and the surrounding districts.

The first phase of the airport and the part being inaugurated on Saturday was built at a cost of Rs 11,282. The larger vision for the airport was pegged at around Rs 29,560 crore.

#WATCH | Greater Noida, UP: PM Modi arrives at Noida International Airport in Jewar today ahead of the inauguration of Phase 1. UP CM Yogi Adityanath is also present with him.



(Source: DD) pic.twitter.com/YSmOkhUnQE  ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2026

A day before the inauguration, PM Modi said that the Noida international airport will not just strengthen commerce and connectivity but also ease the pressure on Indira Gandhi airport in Delhi .

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said that the inauguration was a historic day of pride ,"I congratulate all the citizens of the state and the entire nation. Today, the whole state is dancing with joy."

BJP is set to win the 2027 elections again with a massive majority, but our primary focus remains development. We aim to build a country where even a common man wearing 'Hawai Chappals' can afford 'Hawai Yatra' (flight travel). This airport is a major step toward that vision, he said.

The Noida International Airport was developed to complement the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. The airports are to function as an integrated aviation system, easing congestion and expanding passenger capacity.

While officials say the airport is physically ready, commercial services will commence at the airport only after final approvals, including tariff clearance and airline scheduling, are completed. Limited domestic flights are to likely to commence first before it gradually expands to full scale domestic and international services.

The airport has already secured an aerodrome licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), a key requirement for operations. Airports typically take around 45 days to two months after licensing to complete coordination with airlines, ground handlers and other stakeholders before flights are launched, NDTV reported.

The airport is spread over 1,300 hectares. The first phase includes one runway and a terminal capable of handling around 12 million passengers annually

#WATCH | Greater Noida, UP: PM Modi is all set to inaugurate Phase-1 of Noida International Airport at Jewar today.



(Visuals from the airport) pic.twitter.com/VJtxuelJtv  ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2026

At its final form, the airport is set to have five runways and a capacity of 70 million passengers per year by 2040, which will make it one of Asia's largest aviation hubs.
Sundar C., a multifaceted talent in the Tamil movie industry and the husband of Tamil Nadu BJP Vice-President Khushbu Sundar, will fight the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections on a Puthiya Needhi Katchi ticket. The party is a part of the AIADMK-led NDA alliance and will be using the Two Leaves symbol.

Sundar C. will be contesting from the Madurai Central seat that has been allotted to the Puthiya Needhi Katchi by the AIADMK.

For the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections, under the National Democratic Alliance, the Madurai Central constituency allocated to the Puthiya Needhi Katchi by the AIADMK will have the following candidate. Film producer, director, and actor Sundar C., son of Chidambaram Pillai, has been selected as the partys candidate for the Madurai Central constituency," the party's president A. C. Shanmugam said in a statement.

The BJP, the second-biggest player in the alliance, is expected to hand one seat to the party. The announcement regarding the same will be made on 30 March, Puthiya Needhi Katchi founder Shanmugam added. The party candidate for this seat will fight the assembly polls using the saffron party's 'Lotus' symbol.

The Puthiya Needhi Katchi is part of the AIADMKBJP-led alliance. During the recent seat-sharing discussions held at the AIADMK party office, A. C. Shanmugam did not participate, leading to speculation that he was unhappy with the way things had turned out. However, he held a meeting with AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, local media reports said.

Madurai Central constituency is currently represented by the Minister for Information Technology and Digital Services, Palanivel Thiaga Rajan. In 2021, he had crushed the AIADMK's N. Jothi Muthuramalingam by a margin of 34,176 votes, polling 49.47% of the total votes polled.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has declared the Rajeev Gandhi Institute of Technology & Management in Alwar, Rajasthan, a fake institution and warned students against taking admission there.

In a statement, the UGC said the institute is not authorised to award any undergraduate or postgraduate degrees, and that any qualification issued by it would not be valid for higher education or government employment.

It is informed that Rajeev Gandhi Institute of Technology & Management, District Alwar (Rajasthan), is neither recognised by the UGC under Section 2(f) nor Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, the commission said in a circular.

In view of the above, students, parents, and the public at large are cautioned through this public notice not to take admission in the above-mentioned self-styled institution. Taking admission in such an institution may jeopardise students careers, it added.

The UGC is a statutory body under the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India.

Last month, the commission identified 32 institutions operating as fake universities across India and urged students to verify the recognition status of institutions before seeking admission.

Delhi topped the list with 12 such fake institutions, followed by Uttar Pradesh with four.

In the national capital, institutes such as the Indian Institute of Science and Engineering, Institute of Management and Engineering, United Nations University, ADR-Centric Juridical University, and National Institute of Management Solutions were among those flagged as fake.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will release a document detailing allegations of corruption and misgovernance during Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees 15-year tenure in West Bengal. The document, titled Abhiyognma or charge sheet, will be unveiled at a hotel in New Town, Kolkata, on Saturday afternoon.

A senior BJP leader told PTI that the charge sheet will highlight the alleged failures of the TMC government across 14 sectors, including administrative corruption, collapse of law and order, safety concerns for women, the prevalence of syndicate raj, and crises in health and education.

The BJP is scheduled to release its election manifesto in the first week of April, which is expected to further emphasise the TMC governments alleged shortcomings while presenting the partys proposed alternatives.

Shah has been at the forefront of the BJPs election campaign in West Bengal, where the party aims to wrest power from the TMC. Over the past two months, he has made several visits to the state, attending organisational meetings, public rallies, and outreach programsincluding the Poriborton Yatrato strengthen the BJPs grassroots network and fine-tune poll strategies.

West Bengals 294-member assembly will go to the polls in two phases on April 23 and April 29 with vote counting scheduled for May 4.

Shah arrived in Kolkata early Saturday after a nearly two-hour delay caused by a severe thunderstorm that lashed the city and surrounding areas overnight.

According to airport sources, the special aircraft carrying the Home Minister from Delhi was scheduled to land at 11:46 pm but had to circle over the airspace of Nadia and North 24 Parganas districts due to lightning and heavy rain.

The plane finally landed at 1:46 am, and Shah departed for a city hotel in a convoy at 2 am.
Two more LPG tankers headed for India were allowed on Saturday to cross the Hormuz Strait amid uncertainty over Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declaring the waterway "closed" a day earlier, which reportedly forced three Chinese vessels to abandon attempts to exit the strait.

The two Indian-flagged tankersthe BW Elm and the BW Tyrhad kept their AIS transponders switched on to indicate that they were of Indian origin, and did not face any harm while transiting through the embattled strait.

Update:



Marrine trafftic data shows Both the Indian LPG Tankers has safely passed from Larak island where Iran IRGC units hold control and currently passing Strait of Hormuz right now



 Bw Tyr

 Bw Elm India ship https://t.co/i2m8EHVErk pic.twitter.com/EOfhwIHK7w  OSINT Digest (@Indowatchosint) March 28, 2026

The two new tankers are part of a set of tankers that have been trickling into India over time as a result of diplomatic talks between New Delhi and Tehran, aiding the government's efforts to keep the LPG crisis at bay.

This includes the Shivalik and the Nanda Devi, two of the first vessels to exit the Hormuz Strait unharmed, leading up to the Jag Vasant and the Pine Gas, which docked in India earlier this week.

Uncertainty in the Hormuz Strait

The safe passage of the two Indian-flagged vessels comes after two Chinese-linked container ships on Friday were forced to turn back after trying to exit the Hormuz Strait on Friday.

COSCO vessels abort Strait of Hormuz transit attempt amid ongoing instability



Following COSCOs announcement to resume booking acceptance to Gulf destinations, new developments overnight suggest the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains highly unstable.



According to pic.twitter.com/VkrtGwOZgD  MarineTraffic (@MarineTraffic) March 27, 2026

Despite carrying Chinese flags, two COSCO-owned vesselsthe CSCL Indian Ocean and the CSCL Arctic Oceanwere forced to turn back after attempting to pass through the strait as safe passage could not be guaranteed, a Kpler report said.

Notably, Friday also saw the IRGC declare the Hormuz Strait as "closed" to ships linked with the US and its allies, marking a major change in rhetoric from its earlier status of "special conditions" on the maritime chokepoint.

The IRGC's new move to 'close' the Hormuz Strait marks a major shift in rhetoric from the 'special conditions' it had earlier placed on the waterway.



(iran us war news israel lockdown, irgc trump hormuz strait closed chinese cosco ships)https://t.co/TQ4lgyC5mV  THE WEEK (@TheWeekLive) March 27, 2026

The uncertainty lies in the fact that Iran has already publicly allowed ships linked to five friendly nationsincluding India, China, and Pakistanto cross the Hormuz Strait safely.

Yet, in the Friday announcement, the IRGC had also declared that it had "turned back" three container ships "of different nationalities".

As the identity of the third ship is unclear, it is speculated that the third that was "turned back" could also be the Pakistan-bound Selen carrying the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis, which was intercepted and stopped from exiting the Hormuz Strait on Thursday.
US President Donald Trump on Friday jokingly referred to the Strait of Hormuzthe key oil chokepoint in the Persian Gulfas the Strait of Trump, adding that the remark was not accidental.

Speaking at the Future Investment Initiative in Miami, Trump said negotiations were underway with Iran to reach a deal and end the ongoing conflict.

They have to open up the Strait of TrumpI mean, Hormuz, the President said, drawing laughter from the audience.

Excuse me, Im so sorry. Such a terrible mistake. The fake news will say he accidentally said it. But there are no accidents with menot too many, he added.

Trump claimed that Tehran was under pressure to reach an agreement and had sent multiple oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz as part of ongoing negotiations.

Theyre being hit so hard. Anybody would be negotiating. They are negotiating. Theyre begging to make a deal, he said.

While Trump has repeatedly asserted that US forces have almost obliterated Irans military, the Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a key source of conflict, with Iran effectively blocking the shipping channeldisrupting global markets and driving up oil prices.

The strategic waterway carries around 20 million barrels of oil per day.

Meanwhile, the New York Post reported on Friday that Trump is actually considering taking control of the strait and potentially renaming it the Strait of Trump or the Strait of America.

He does believe that if were going to guard it, take care of it, police it, and ensure safe passage through it, then why should we call it that [Hormuz]? a senior official was quoted as saying by the Post.

Why dont we call it, you know, the Strait of America? he added.

Trump, during a cabinet meeting on Thursday, had said it was "an option" to take control of Iran's oil as the United States has effectively done with Venezuela.

Media reports noted that the President had made similar tongue-in-cheek remarks before renaming Washington's Kennedy arts centre the "Trump-Kennedy Center". He also renamed a peace institute in Washington after himself last year.
The Israel Defense Forces on Saturday claimed that a journalist killed in an airstrike in southern Lebanon was a member of Hezbollah's elite Radwan Force.

The slain journalist was identified as Ali Shoeib. He was travelling in a car along with another reporter, Fatima Ftouni, and her brother, video journalist Mohammed Ftouni, in the southern Lebanon town of Jezzine when the airstrike occurred.

Who was Ali Shoeib?

Ali Shoeib was a journalist working for Al Manar TV channel owned by Hezbollah. However, the IDF alleged that he was also an operative of the Radwan Force's intelligence unit.

IDF referred to Shoeib as a "terrorist" under the guise of a journalist. It alleged that he exposed locations of IDF troops along Lebanese border and in southern parts of the country.

IDF claimed that Shoeib "maintained continuous contact with other terrorists in the Radwan Force unit in particular, and within the terror organization in general." Some of the top Hezbollah commanders with whom Shoeib was allegedly in touch with included Ali Karaki, Mohammad Afif and Muhammad Nimah Nasser. Ali Karaki was the Hezbollah's Southern Front commander who was killed alongside Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in September 2024. Hezbollah media relations chief Mohammad Afif was killed in November 2024 while Muhammad Nimah Nasser, the group's commander in Aziz division, was killed in July 2024.

The Israeli military also alleged that the slain journalist was engaged in "incitement against IDF troops and Israeli civilians, using his position at the channel to disseminate Hezbollah propaganda materials."

Reporter Fatima Ftouni and her brother and video journalist Mohammed Ftouni were working for Al Mayadeen channel, which is also affiliated to Hezbollah. Israel is yet to comment on the killings of Ftouni and her brother.
Yemens Houthis have claimed responsibility for an attack in southern Israel on Saturday morning. The Ballistic missile attack, a first by Irans allies in the country since the start of the war, triggered sirens in Beersheba and surrounding areas.

The group claimed responsibility for the attack, saying they targeted sensitive Israeli military sites with a barrage of ballistic missiles in response to the targeting of Iran, Lebanon, Iraq and the Palestinian territories.

A military spokesman for the Houthis, Brigadier-General Yahya Saree, announced the attack on Saturday on the rebels Al-Masirah satellite television. He said that the attacks will continue until the declared objectives are achieved, as stated in the previous statement by the armed forces, and until the aggression against all fronts of the resistance ceases. The group has held Yemens capital, Sanaa, since 2014.

The IDF meanwhile said that it intercepted one missile.

The attack came just hours after the rebel group said that it would join the war.

The Houthis had stayed out of the recent Iran war.

From November 2023 until January 2025, the group had attacked more than 100 merchant vessels with drones and missiles, sinking two ships and killing four sailors. They stopped the attack after the US brokered a ceasefire between the Israel and Hamas in October 2025

The group's involvement now raises the prospects of a wider regional conflict.

Mohamad Elmasry, a professor of Media Studies at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, who spoke to Al Jazeera, said the Houthis entering the US-Israeli war on Iran as very significant.

If they decided to move to shut down Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea and, ultimately, the Suez Canal, then we would have two major choke points [shut down] along with the Strait of Hormuz, he said. These are major international shipping waterways for international trade, so I think it can be very significant from that standpoint.

The Houthis also sit on another important international trade route. Chatham House research fellow Farea Al-Muslimi told the BBC. On whether the Houthis will disrupt another trade route, Al Muslimi said: Its a nightmare. We already have a nightmare, and this would make it worse of a nightmare.
Former Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli was arrested on Saturday in connection with the Gen Z protests that led to the collapse of his government in last September. Former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has also been taken into custody.

The arrests came just a day after rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah was sworn in as Prime Minister on Friday after winning the March 5 parliamentary elections.

According to reports, the arrests were made based on a panels recommendation to prosecute Oli for allegedly failing to prevent the crackdown on the protests, which resulted in the deaths of dozens of people.

Min Bahadur Shahi, a senior leader of Olis Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), told Reuters that Oli was taken into custody from his residence this morning.

A promise is a promise, Prime Minister Shah wrote on X soon after Olis arrest.

"We have taken former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and outgoing Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak under control. This is not revenge against anyone; it is just the beginning of justice. I believe that now the country will take a new direction," he said.

The coalition government led by Oli collapsed following youth-led Gen Z protests against corruption, nepotism, and a social media ban. The demonstrations escalated into violence on September 8 and 9, leaving more than 70 people dead.

Following Olis ouster, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki assumed office as interim prime minister on the recommendation of the Gen Z movement.

In the March 5 general elections, Balendra Balen Shah defeated Olia four-time prime ministerby a wide margin in the Jhapa-5 constituency, a long-standing stronghold of the CPN-UML.
A man was killed in Tel Aviv, and several were injured after Iran fired a missile barrage toward central Israel and Jerusalem late Friday night.

One of the missiles carried a cluster warhead, which caused widespread destruction at 11 impact sites across central Israel, including several areas of Tel Aviv, Petach Tikvah, Ramat Gan, and Givatayim.

A munition killed a 52-year-old at one of the impact sites in Tel Aviv. He was later identified as Vyacheslav Vidmant, Hyd, a 52-year-old resident of Ashdod, who worked as a security guard in Tel Aviv. He was not inside a protected space when the missile hit.

Another munition hit a residential building in another area of Tel Aviv, lightly injuring two men in their 50s. They were treated by MDA paramedics at the scene and evacuated to hospitals.

Another six people with varying levels of injuries were evacuated from impact sites in Givatayim, Ramat Gan, and the Negev.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

(YWNs Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis haShabbos in Israel)
Kansas City 'No Kings' Open Thread: Historic American Protest?!? Politically speaking . . . Today's "No Kings" protests MIGHT OR MIGHT NOT serve as a progressive turning point for American voters.

So far conservatives have not meaningfully answered the movement and only work to actively downplay what seems to be worsening discord amid U.S. military conflict around the world.

Meanwhile . . . The so-called MAGA civil war and even discord amongst progressives vs. moderate Dems leaves us many voters asking:

What exactly are the demands of protesters?!?

That's not an unreasonable question but it's a quandary that doesn't have a definitive answer.

The Dems don't have a singular message about mass deportation, Iran conflict, affordability or rapidly rising gas prices.

Accordingly . . .

Obviously, this is an anti-Trump protest and it has garnered EPIC enthusiasm that eclipses any local support we've ever seen of Prez Trump . . . Yep, even the time that Missouri Republicans brought in all of the ringers and a few small planes from the boondocks to parade through Midtown KC streets.

The bigger question . . .

WILL IT WORK?!?

In red state Missouri . . . There likely won't be much impact but it's nice for people to get some sun and enjoy the brisk Springtime air.

Here's a more enthusiastic description . . .



Millions of Americans are expected to take to the streets on Saturday for the No Kings protests against the Trump administration. More than 3,000 events are planned in all 50 states, plus in 16 countries, according to a coalition of organizers that includes anti-authoritarian groups Indivisible and 50501, labor unions and other grassroots organizations.



I would expect March 28 to be the biggest protest in American history, said Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible.



Saturdays protest will be the third No Kings; the last one in October drew 7 million people nationwide.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

Third No Kings protests to see millions across US push back on Trump administration Anti-authoritarian rallies, taking place in all 50 states plus 16 countries, are expected to be biggest in US history

'No Kings' calls itself leaderless but its own internal documents tell a very different story No Kings, a decentralized protest movement opposing President Donald Trump's second term, says it will hold over 3,500 events across the U.S. on Saturday.

'No Kings' aims for record turnout in Saturday's anti-Trump protests Organizers behind No Kings, a network of progressive groups, says protesters will stage demonstrations across the country and abroad to speak out against the Trump administration's actions.

Thousands across the metro expected to participate in 'No Kings 3.0' rallies Large crowds are expected across the country, and across Kansas City, to peacefully protest what organizers call a fight against "corruption" and "dictatorship."

Developing . . .
This morning angel Candice inspires our latest glimpse at pop culture, community reporting and top headlines.

Check TKC news gathering . . .

More Than Hobo Hangout?!?

Kansas City's public libraries have even more to offer than books. Here's where to start Make the most of your library card, no matter where in the Kansas City area you live. Our region has no shortage of great libraries, and you can find an entire world of resources and unique activities beyond just a great read.

Cowtown Hits Road

12 road trips to take from Kansas City Discover 12 amazing road trip destinations near Kansas City. From winery views to big-city adventures, there's something for everyone.

Not Ur First Feel Up In Van

Mobile mammogram event at Overland Park Chicken N Pickle aims to boost early breast cancer detection A mobile mammogram unit will be at Chicken N Pickle in Overland Park Saturday, offering quick screenings to promote early breast cancer detection.

Maybe Bon Voyage

Visa processing delays force Kansas City French immersion teachers out of their classrooms mid-year Delays in H-1B visa processing are forcing some teachers at Academie Lafayette in Kansas City out of their classrooms.

In-Law Guide Debuts . . .

Conde Nast lists Kansas City's top luxury hotels ahead of World Cup Conde Nast Traveler has released a lineup of the top luxury hotels in Kansas City, listing the six "best" places to stay as the city prepares for an estimated 650,000 people to visit du...

Angel Shares Throwback

Candice Swanepoel channels Baywatch glam in red swimsuit as series shoots in LA MODEL Candice Swanepoel looks ready to make a splash in the Baywatch reboot as she shows off a red swimsuit. The new TV series is being shot in Los Angeles. But Candice, 37, is too busy working on ...

MAGA Money Sneak Peak

Trump's signature coming to U.S. cash. Who signs money and why Trump's signature breaks from longstanding tradition.

Progressively Rough Strategy

Cory Booker wants Democrats to 'Stand' and fight : Consider This from NPR Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) has a new book.Unlike much of his public speaking of late - like his record-breaking 25-hour Senate floor speech - it isn't directly about the politics of the current moment.It's an argument for civic ideals - for ten virtues he sees as critical to American life, like agency and patriotism, but also vulnerability and humility.What does that mean for his political future?

Conservative Confusion

CPAC crowd demands impeachment in awkward moment The awkward moment took place at the Conservative Political Action Conference

Economy Stays Losing

A Downturn in Las Vegas Could Signal Tough Times for the Nation These days, the high rollers are still rolling into Las Vegas, but those on a budget no longer feel like

Bern Above It All . . .

Bernie Sanders flies first class out of DC as airports brace for more mayhem after DHS shutdown bill fails to pass Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders was pictured jetting out of DC Friday afternoon as airports braced for more mayhem following Congress' failure to pass a bill.

Iran From Escalation

Houthis claim first missile launch on Israel as Mideast war intensifies Iran struck a base in Saudi Arabia, wounding more than a dozen U.S. service members

Europeans Doubt Future

EU Parliament Told Continent 'On Track For Civil War' It is an open question whether there will be a Europe in 50 years' time, a European Parliament conference on civil war heard this week.

Latest Launch News

12 Americans hurt in Iranian attack in Saudi Arabia as Operation Epic Fury approaches fifth week 12 Americans were injured in an Iranian attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, two of them seriously. Operation Epic Fury approaches fifth consecutive week.

Iran Fight Not Going Deutsch

German Chancellor Merz says he has doubts over Iran war aims Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday expressed scepticism that the United States and Israel had a clear strategy to end the war in Iran but he said Germany would in principle be ready to help stabilise the region after the end of hostilities.

Diva Shares Cringe Response

Britney Spears breaks silence after DUI arrest in new Instagram videos with son Jayden Britney Spears broke her silence after her DUI arrest in videos posted to Instagram Friday.

Tiger In Trouble Again

Tiger Woods' mugshot released; eyes appear bloodshot after DUI arrest Tiger Woods appeared bloodshot in his mugshot that was released following his DUI arrest after he got into a car crash near his Florida home.

Useful Info For Saturday Night Routine?!?

Why sexual novelty doesn't have to overwhelm long-term couples | CNN Dr. Nicole McNichols fills the information vacuum with her new book, "You Could Be Having Better Sex." Here's her advice for adults seeking deeper sexual experiences.

Latest Mascot Moment

Kansas City Chiefs fans celebrate beloved mascot KC Wolf's birthday Kansas City Chiefs fans recently celebrated beloved mascot KC Wolf's birthday | @EdEastonJr

Protest Forecast . . .

Slightly warmer, dry, and breezy in KC today Cold start, then sunshine & breezy southerly winds warm us into the lower 60s.

David Gray - Babylon is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
For late night and early morning readers we share another peek at our reading by way of pop culture, community reporting and top headlines . . .

Check TKC news gathering . . .

Celebrate More Lady Ballers

Meet KC's women's tackle football team. They're only growing, they say The KC Glory kick off their seventh season on Saturday.

The Dotte Bags Another Store

New grocery store planned to take over Merc Co+op space in downtown KCK A new grocery store may soon take over the space formerly occupied by The Merc Co+op in downtown Kansas City, Kansas.

Golden Ghetto Gets New Honor

Chef at Overland Park's 'Of Course' named James Beard semifinalist "I want them to see the love that we put into our food, the love that goes into making Indian food, the culture behind it, and I want them to appreciate it," chef Swetha Newcomb said. "And I feel like everybody does."

Locals Leverage Robot Aircraft

City of Kansas City, Mo., first to use new AI and drone technology to assess severe weather damage to homes KCMO's Office of Emergency Management is working with Google X's Bellwether to prepare for future natural disasters by testing how artificial intelligence (AI) can strengthen emergency response.

Patchy Start To Springtime

Brown patches popping up across your lawn? Thank Kansas City's recent weather | Here's how to fix it All those brown spots popping up on your lawn right now? Those are called freeze burn spots. But don't worry, experts say the damage won't be permanent if you take action.

Insta Date Disclosure

Wealthy parents pay 6 figures to date their sons & think I'm the perfect woman A MODEL has revealed how wealthy parents now offer her six-figure sums to date their sons because they believe she is the "ideal" woman. CeCe Rose, who has 2.1m followers on Instagram, ...

Maybe New MAGA Moniker

Trump considers renaming Strait of Hormuz after either America or himself - once he evicts Iran While Trump said Iran is virtually decimated and wants to make a deal, the Trump administration wants to finish the job in the Middle East -- including ensuring Iran can no longer claim authority over the Strait of Hormuz.

Progressively Twitching

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Politicking Temp Solution

House passes short-term DHS funding bill Speaker Mike Johnson called the Senate-passed bill a "joke," noting the lack of border security funding.

Zuck Stays Losing Cases

Silicon Valley reeling from social media addiction trial verdict The landmark decision in an LA court may go beyond immediate impacts on defendants Meta and YouTube.

Funny Man Offers Prez Grace

Bill Maher Says President Trump Tried to Block His Kennedy Center Honor: "I Respect the Move" Maher addressed his upcoming Mark Twain Prize for Humor during Friday's 'Real Time With Bill Maher' on HBO Max, an episode that also featured Laura Coates, Stephen A. Smith and Senator Elissa Stokin.

Of Friends & Benefits

Why do the middle classes find polyamory so titillating? Far from being a threat to traditional mores, the eyebrow-raising affairs of others offer a welcome diversion in troubling times

Cowtown Cosplay

Twelve Things To Do In KC This Weekend, March 26-29 Here are twelve things to do in KC this weekend, March 26-29 including Planet Comicon Kansas City, Moby Dick: A Sea Shanty and The Freedom Affair.

Chill Saturday?!?

FORECAST: Freeze warning to start weekend, solid spring feel returns With clear skies, it gets downright cold early Saturday.

And this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. I express my gratitude to the government and people of Azerbaijan for the humanitarian assistance provided, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on his X page, Trend reports.

"I express my gratitude to the government and people of Azerbaijan for their humanitarian assistance, as well as for the conditions created for the delivery of aid from other countries.

This support, shown in difficult times, is based on the common culture that unites the peoples of Iran and Azerbaijan," the publication says.
Premium Turkmen commodity exchange external quotations decline slightly

The total value of external quotations at the Turkmen commodity exchange decreased compared to the previous session, driven by declines in the petrochemicals and light industry sectors, while other categories remained unchanged.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. Turkiye has become Azerbaijan's second-largest trading partner from January through February 2026.

Data obtained by Trend from the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee indicates that trade turnover between the countries in the reporting period amounted to $877.1 million, reflecting a decrease of $127.5 million, or 12.7%, compared to the same period last year.

Turkiye accounted for 14% of Azerbaijans total foreign trade turnover, ranking second among the top trade partners of Azerbaijan, following Italy.

From January through February of this year, Azerbaijans exports to Turkiye totaled $532.9 million, down $28.1 million, or nearly 7%, compared to the same period last year. Thus, during the reporting period, Turkiye also ranked second among the top export destinations for Azerbaijan.

During the period, non-oil products accounted for $83.4 million of Azerbaijan's exports to Turkiye, which ranked second with a share of 14.37% in Azerbaijan's total non-oil exports. Non-oil exports to Turkiye increased by $644,000 or 0.8% compared to the first two months of last year.

In addition, in the first two months of this year, 47,100 tons of crude oil and crude oil products from bituminous rocks worth $22.1 million were exported from Azerbaijan to Turkiye. This is $14.7 million or three times more in value and 11,700 tons or 1.8 times more in volume than in the same period last year.

In the reporting period, Azerbaijan's imports from Turkiye amounted to $344.2 million, down $87.1 million, or 20.2%, year-on-year.

Overall, Azerbaijans foreign trade turnover amounted to $6.26 billion in the reporting period, down by $2.64 billion, or 29.6% year-on-year. Of this, $3.66 billion accounted for exports and $2.59 billion for imports.

Consequently, the country achieved a positive trade balance of $1.06 billion, which is $438 millionor 1.7 timeshigher than the previous years figure.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, March 28. Georgias exports to Uzbekistan reached $22 million in the period from January through February 2026, representing a 7.6% increase compared to the same period last year.

Data obtained by Trend from the National Statistics Office of Georgia shows that Uzbekistan accounted for 2.1% of Georgias total exports during the reporting period.

Uzbekistan ranked among Georgias top ten export destinations from January through February 2026, maintaining its position among the countrys key trading partners.

Meanwhile, Georgias total exports reached about $1.03 billion in the first two months of 2026, which is 22.9% higher compared to the same period last year. China, Kyrgyzstan, and Azerbaijan were the largest export markets for Georgia, while the combined share of the top ten partner countries exceeded 72% of total exports.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and China for the period from January through February 2026 amounted to $779.4 million, an increase of $34 million, or 4.6%, compared to the same period last year.

Data obtained by Trend from the State Customs Committee indicates that China accounted for 12.44% of Azerbaijans total foreign trade turnover, ranking 3rd among the countrys largest trading partners.

Over the reporting period, Azerbaijans exports to China totaled $21.6 million, rising by $10.7 million, nearly doubling compared to the same period last year. Imports from China amounted to $757.8 million, up by $23.3 million, or 3.2% year-on-year, making China Azerbaijans leading import partner.

Overall, Azerbaijans foreign trade turnover amounted to $6.264 billion in the reporting period, down by $2.64 billion, or 29.6% year-on-year. Of this, $3.66 billion accounted for exports and $2.59 billion for imports.

Consequently, the country achieved a positive trade balance of $1.06 billion, which is $438 millionor 1.7 timeshigher than the previous years figure.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. Gohar Textile is currently exploring concrete opportunities to launch joint production initiatives in Uzbekistan, the founder of the company, Gauhar Mustafa, told Trend, commenting on the outcomes of his meeting with President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

"In particular, we are considering the establishment of joint ventures with local woven home textile manufacturing units, focusing on value-added products aimed at international export markets," Mustafa said.

He noted that the company is also closely examining Uzbekistans newly launched economic and industrial zones, which offer strong potential for investment, modern manufacturing expansion, and long-term cooperation.

"These zones are among the key areas we are considering for future development," he added.

According to Mustafa, discussions are progressing positively, and the next steps will include further technical assessments, engagement with potential partners, and project structuring in the coming months.

Gohar Textile Mills (Pvt) Ltd. is a prominent vertically integrated home textile manufacturer based in Faisalabad, Pakistan. The company employs over 3,000 staff, operates six factories across 120150 acres of land, and produces curtains, bedding, and jacquard fabrics for global markets. It also runs a facility in Manchester, the United Kingdom.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, March 28. The European Union and Turkmenistan discussed the countrys accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), Trend reports via the Turkmen MFA.

The issue was addressed during a business forum titled New Horizons for Strengthening Connectivity, Attracting Investment and Sustainable Development, held in Ashgabat with the participation of Turkmen government officials, EU diplomats, international organizations, and foreign business representatives.

In the course of the discussion, European financial institutions and development banks signaled interest in expanding their activities in Turkmenistan, including financing infrastructure projects and facilitating access for local businesses to European markets. Meanwhile, the international experts presented assessments of Central Asias economic outlook, noting that Turkmenistans steady growth supports its positioning as the European Union's reliable partner in the region.

Discussions also covered green transition priorities, with a focus on renewable energy and methane emissions reduction, as well as potential cooperation with European partners to introduce more efficient and environmentally friendly technologies.

Meanwhile, Turkmenistan outlined the European direction as one of the key priorities of its foreign policy for 2026. The following statement was made in February, 2026, by Turkmenistans Ambassador to Belgium Sapar Palvanov during a meeting with Jan Dusik, Deputy Director-General of the European Commissions Directorate-General for Climate Action.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. Maritime freight costs along certain routes through the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman have doubled, Masoud Polmeh, secretary of Irans Association of Shipping Companies, told reporters, Trend reports.

According to him, operational costs for shipping firms, excluding fuel, have risen by around 20% over the past year.

When fuel prices are factored in, the minimum operating costs for shipping companies exceed 50%. As a result, costs for customers have increased by at least 100%, and in some cases, freight rates have surged by as much as 270%, Polmeh noted.

He attributed the sharp rise in expenses to the ongoing military escalation involving the U.S. and Israel against Iran, which has driven up both oil prices and maritime transport costs. Additional risk premiums have further compounded the financial burden on shipping operators.

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
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, March 28. Turkmenistan and Germanys Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) signed agreements aimed at expanding cooperation in the energy sector, Trend reports via the Turkmen MFA.

The documents were signed during the Turkmenistan-European Union business forum titled New Horizons for Interaction, Investment and Sustainable Growth, held in Ashgabat with the participation of government officials, EU diplomats, international financial institutions, and business representatives. The forum agenda covered key areas of cooperation, including improving the business climate, transport connectivity, green transition, and decarbonization.

In particular, the sides signed amendments to memorandums of understanding between Turkmenistans Ministry of Energy, Turkmengas State Concern, and GIZ, as well as a separate protocol with the Ministry of Energy.

"Our partnership with Turkmenistan is entering a whole new phase, one in which the environmental agenda and economic development are inextricably linked. The forum served as a unique platform for translating diplomatic dialogue into concrete investment projects that will lay the foundation for a sustainable future in the region," GIZ Country Director in Turkmenistan Joachim Fritz said.

For reference, the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) is a German development agency that implements projects on behalf of the German government, focusing on sustainable economic development, energy, governance, and climate policy across more than 130 countries.

Cooperation between Turkmenistan and GIZ has developed over the past decade and covers areas such as trade facilitation, vocational education, legal and economic reforms, as well as more recent initiatives in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and climate policy. In recent years, cooperation has intensified through joint projects and agreements with key ministries, particularly in the energy and green transition sectors.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, March 28. Turkmenistan and Poland discussed the expansion of political contacts between their foreign ministries and strengthening bilateral cooperation, Trend reports via the press service of the Turkmen Government.

The issue was addressed at a meeting between representatives of Turkmen and Polish Foreign Ministries, during a working visit of a delegation from Polands Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Ashgabat.

The Polish side also took part in the Turkmenistan-European Union business forum New Horizons for Connectivity and Sustainable Growth, held in Ashgabat with the participation of government officials, EU diplomats, international financial institutions, and business representatives.

As part of the visit, the delegation visited the Institute of International Relations of the Turkmen MFA and met with experts from the Scientific Center for Strategic Studies. The sides discussed opportunities for developing analytical and institutional cooperation.

The Polish delegation included diplomats Michal Grechilo and Mateusz Boriszczuk, while Turkmen participants featured representatives of the research center and foreign policy experts.
Premium Turkmen ministry of energy issues tender for Mary power plant repairs

The Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan has launched an international open tender for repair works and spare parts supply at Mary State Power Plant. Interested companies must submit complete proposals and pay a non-refundable participation fee.
Cyril Ramaphosa has been disinvited from the upcoming G7 Summit in Evian, scheduled for June, 2026, following reported pressure from the United States, according to the South African Presidency.

The development was disclosed on March 26, 2026. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said France withdrew the invitation after the US allegedly threatened to boycott the Summit, if South Africa participated.

Tensions between Donald Trump and South Africa have intensified in recent months, spanning trade disputes and disagreements over domestic racial policies. Trump previously imposed 30 percent tariffs on most South African exports, although the policy was later overturned by the US Supreme Court.

The rift has also been fuelled by South Africas legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice over alleged genocide in Gaza, as well as Washingtons criticism of Pretorias transformation policies aimed at addressing apartheid-era inequalities.

Despite the diplomatic strain, Pretoria has downplayed the fallout, insisting its bilateral relations with France remain intact and reaffirming its commitment to constructive engagement with the United States, noting that longstanding ties between the two nations extend beyond the current US administration.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, March 28. Belarus and Turkmenistan have reached an agreement on the allocation of permits for international road freight transport for 2027, thereby facilitating streamlined procedures for carriers from both nations, Trend reports via the Belarus Ministry of Transport and Communications.

The agreement was reached during a session of the Belarus-Turkmenistan Joint Committee on International Road Transport held in Minsk.

In accordance with the principles of reciprocity, drivers operating vehicles authorized for international road transport and equipped with digital tachographs compliant with TIR requirements will be permitted to operate in both countries.

The participants also addressed measures to simplify administrative procedures for Belarusian carriers operating in Turkmenistan and to extend the allowable duration of drivers stays within the country.

Additionally, in December 2025, the Belarusian logistics operator Beltamozhservice inaugurated a new express rail route for exporting goods to Iran via Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. This service is expected to facilitate international container shipments along the BelarusRussiaKazakhstanTurkmenistanIran corridor. Delivery along the route requires approximately two weeks, establishing it as one of the fastest and most convenient transport options in the region.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, March 28. Turkmenistan and the United States reviewed the current state and prospects of bilateral economic relations, Trend reports via the Turkmen MFA.

The talks were held during a meeting of the Working Group on Trade and Economic Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan between the representatives of the both countries.

During the discussions, both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining regular and substantive dialogue at various levels, highlighting the effectiveness of existing mechanisms that strengthen partnerships between the two countries. The Turkmen-American Business Council, including its annual sessions, was cited as an example of successful cooperation.

Participants focused on expanding investment cooperation and implementing joint projects involving American companies. Positive results achieved over the past year were noted, demonstrating steady development of bilateral partnership and practical collaboration. Coordination of joint efforts to ensure sustainable growth and diversification of mutual trade was highlighted as a key priority.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, March 28. Kazakhstan and India discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector, Trend reports via the Kazakh MFA

The talks were held during the Kazakhstan-India Pharma Business Meeting, held in New-Delhi on March 28.

The meeting brought together Kazakh government officials, including Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Alibek Kuantyrov, and representatives of leading Indian pharmaceutical companies, such as Acies Pharmaceutical Pvt. Ltd., Abaris Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., Akriti Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd., and AMTEC Health Care Pvt Ltd. The event aimed to enhance economic ties and promote joint investment projects in the industry.

At the forum, Kuantyrov highlighted that over 12,000 Indian students are currently studying in Kazakhstan, most of them in medical universities, which lays a strong foundation for future collaboration in healthcare and medical research. He also cited the recent investment by Indias MSN Group to build a full-cycle pharmaceutical plant in the Almaty region as an example of growing business engagement.

The Mayor of Kazakhstan's Almaty Darkhan Satibaldy praised the citys development of modern pharmaceutical clusters, scientific centers, and new drug production projects. Indian Ambassador to Kazakhstan Sailas Tangal emphasized the importance of the forum in fostering long-term economic relations between the two countries.

The event also featured a presentation by JSC NC Kazakh Invest on Kazakhstans investment and pharmaceutical potential, inviting Indian investors to actively participate in localizing drug and medical equipment production in the country.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, March 29. Turkmenistan continues to be a key supplier of natural gas to China, Chinese Ambassador Ji Shuming said during a briefing in Ashgabat, Trend reports via the press service of the Turkmen Government.

The briefing, held in the ambassadors office, commemorated the 20th anniversary of Turkmen-Chinese cooperation in the gas sector and focused on the achievements and future prospects of bilateral collaboration in the oil and gas industry, which has served as the cornerstone of relations between the two countries for several decades.

Official data indicate that, as of March 1, 2026, Turkmenistan had exported 460 billion cubic meters of natural gas to China. Over the past 14 consecutive years, Beijing has remained Turkmenistans largest trading partner and the principal importer of Turkmen gas.

Ambassador Ji Shuming further highlighted the forthcoming stage of cooperation: the development of the fourth phase of the supergiant Galkynysh gas field. This project will be executed by China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), which secured the corresponding tender. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov recently ratified the contract between Turkmengaz and CNPC.

The execution of this significant project is expected to further enhance Turkmenistans gas production capacity, increase state budget revenues, and generate additional employment opportunities for the population, concluded Ji Shuming.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. The three-reading measure was submitted to lawmakers and aims to formally initiate Irans exit from the treaty, according to Iranian MP Malik Shariati, who announced the development on social media platform X, Trend reports.

Under the proposed legislation, Iran would withdraw from the NPT and repeal a law governing the reciprocal implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Shariati said.

He added that Iran would instead pursue a new international framework with what he described as solidarity countries, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS, focused on the development of peaceful nuclear technology.

The move comes amid escalating tensions following the collapse of nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran. On February 28, the U.S. and Israel launched coordinated airstrikes on Iranian targets. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S. military facilities across the region.

Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, was killed on the first day of the strikes, along with several senior military officials. On March 8, Irans Assembly of Experts unanimously elected his son, Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, as the countrys third Supreme Leader.

Additional senior figures reported killed in the strikes include Chief of Staff Major General Abdulrahim Mousavi; Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Commander-in-Chief Mohammad Pakpour; senior advisor Ali Shamkhani; Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh; Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib; Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani; and Basij Commander Gholamreza Soleimani, among others.

Between March 1 and March 5, the conflict widened, drawing in multiple countries across the Middle East.

The escalation has also heightened risks to regional energy infrastructure and maritime traffic. Security concerns around the Strait of Hormuz have driven a sharp increase in global oil prices, while several governments have urged their citizens to leave affected areas.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, March 28. Uzbekistan has enacted legislation introducing Islamic banking, establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for the development and operation of this sector, Trend reports via the country's Ministry of Justice.

The law provides clear definitions for Islamic financial operations, investment deposits, licensing requirements, and the scope of permissible activities for licensed banks.

Developed by the Central Bank of Uzbekistan with contributions from domestic and international experts, the legislation amends the Tax and Civil Codes as well as other relevant legal acts to ensure alignment with international standards and best practices. It also mandates the creation of specialized councils within the Central Bank and commercial banks to oversee compliance and facilitate the structured growth of Islamic finance in the country.

Under the new framework, licensed banks will be authorized to conduct trading operations, establish legal entities, acquire equity stakes, and operate broadly within the permitted range of Islamic financial services. The law further clarifies taxation rules for these operations, fostering a supportive environment for sectoral expansion. The legislation is scheduled to take effect three months after its official publication.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, March 28. Kyrgyzstan and Hungary held talks on security and international issues, Trend reports via the press service of the Kyrgyz President.

This topic was discussed during a meeting between Secretary of the Security Council of Kyrgyzstan, Adilet Orozbekov, and Chief National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of Hungary, Marcell Biro, held in Budapest.

During the meeting, the parties examined issues related to the evolving global order, as well as contemporary challenges and threats, including terrorism, extremism, irregular migration, cybersecurity, and the fight against organized crime.

Orozbekov emphasized that the current security environment, including ongoing conflicts, necessitates enhanced integration and consolidation of interstate efforts to ensure regional stability and the preservation of peace in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and universally recognized norms of international law.

Senior officials responsible for foreign policy and security from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkiye, and Azerbaijan also participated in the meeting.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. Iran informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) about strikes on the Khondab heavy water production plant, the agency's publication on X page reads, Trend reports.

IAEA informed by Iran that the heavy water production plant at Khondab was also hit today. No radiation risk seen as installation contains no declared nuclear material.

Separately, the IAEA noted that Iran reported today an industrial facility - the Khuzestan Steel Production Factory which uses sealed Co-60 and Cs-137 radioactive sources for gauging - was subjected to strikes but there was no off-site radiation release.

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.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. Over 93,200 non-military facilities have been damaged in Iran as a result of military airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel since February 28, the statement of Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) says, Trend reports.

The report states that during this period, 20,800 commercial properties and 71,500 residential buildings across various provinces of the country were affected by the attacks. In Tehran province alone, 31,500 residential and commercial facilities sustained damage.

The Iranian Red Crescent Society also reported that 295 healthcare and medical centers, 600 schools, 17 of its own centers, 48 rescue vehicles, 46 ambulances, and 3 rescue helicopters were damaged in the strikes.

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.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 28. The Iranian army has been carrying out drone strikes on various Israeli facilities since the morning, Trend reports, citing the statement of the Iranian army.

The statement said that targets included the radar of an aviation center at Israels Haifa port, a strategic electronics center, and fuel supply facilities at the Ben Gurion airbase.

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.
Authorities in Kenya have exhumed at least 33 bodies from a mass grave in Kericho, with investigations suggesting the remains were transferred from a hospital morgue.

The discovery was confirmed on March 26, 2026. According to the DCI (Directorate of Criminal Investigations), the exhumed remains include eight adults, 25 children, and dismembered body parts found buried in a church-owned cemetery.

Authorities believe the bodies were moved from Nyamira District Hospital to the burial site. DCI head Mohamed Amin stated that investigators are working to establish whether the disposal of the bodies followed legal procedures. Under Kenyan law, unclaimed bodies must be buried after 14 days with Court authorization.

Government pathologists have begun autopsies to determine the causes of death, though the identities of the deceased remain unknown. At least two suspects have been arrested in connection with the case, while reports indicate that some gravediggers alerted police to the suspicious burials.

The incident marks the third major mass-grave discovery in Kenya in recent years, following similar cases in 2023 and 2024. It comes amid rising concerns over alleged human rights abuses and extrajudicial killings, with advocacy groups documenting a growing number of such incidents across the country.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 29. Iran has allowed 20 Pakistani-flagged ships to transit the Strait of Hormuz, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar wrote on his X page, Trend reports.

"I am pleased to share a great news that the Government of Iran has agreed to allow 20 more ships under the Pakistani flag to pass through the Strait of Hormuz; two ships will cross the Strait daily," the minister wrote.

He added that this is a harbinger of peace and will help usher stability in the region. "This positive announcement marks a meaningful step toward peace and will strengthen our collective efforts in that direction," he noted.
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Alaska bike journey rolls along

Photo by Ned Rozell

Forest Wagner, left, and Ned Rozell pause in front of the tripod on the ice of the Tanana River at the town of Nenana. When the river ice breaks up and the tripod pulls a cable attached to shore, the person who guessed the time will win the Nenana Ice Classic.

MANLEY HOT SPRINGS  Its so quiet in these spruce hills and tamarack swamps that 27 hours and 50 miles passed between when Forest Wagner and I said goodbye to one human being at Old Minto and hello to the next near Baker.

Space is in ample supply here on these pressed-in snow trails between towns and villages of Interior Alaska.

Forest and I are out riding these ephemeral ribbons of blue-white, moving westward with a goal of reaching Nome.

Last Saturday, when it warmed to minus 12 degrees Fahrenheit, I lurched my loaded fat bike out of my home in Fairbanks. Saying goodbye to my wife and dogs, I rumbled eastward on a boot-packed trail that after a mile led to a plowed bike path. I then rolled through the familiar University of Alaska Fairbanks campus and onward 8 miles to Forests cabin.

Photo by Ned Rozell

Forest Wagner pushes his fat bike on a drifted-in section of trail in the Minto Flats State Game Refuge on March 25, 2026.

He handed me a mug of coffee and an egg sandwich. Then we started pedaling our fat bikes down Chena Pump Road until we reached the Tanana River.

We found a trail groomed for a multisport winter race, turned right, and headed downstream on our home river, there half a mile wide. It was a day when the weather finally nodded toward spring. Fair-a-dise showed up with bluebird skies as the day warmed to 8 degrees Fahrenheit.

Photo by Ned Rozell

Jenna Jonas holds her daughter Juniper while her other daughter Celia looks on. Jenna and David Jonas hosted Ned and Forest at their Tanana River homestead on the first night of the bikers trip.

After a month of pillowy snows and crazy cold temperatures and retelling people our new takeoff days to semisuppressed eye rolls, we were finally unstuck from the glue of town.

If an object wasnt hanging off our bikes, we didnt need it. No more fiddling with the load or obsessing on the seven-day weather forecast. Just big ol tires humming on dry snow.

Now, five days and 145 miles later, Forest and I are digesting French toast and bacon our friend Steve OBrien cooked for us as we wait on the dryer in the Manley washeteria. When we get a few dollar bills, we will take showers.

Its a good life here on the trail, just-add-water living at its finest. Eat everything in front of you, apply some sunblock and keep mashing on the pedals.

OBrien is one of the many people helping us move westward. In one of the most clutch moments, my wife Kristen and our friend Jen Wenrick appeared wearing headlamps on the packed snow ramp off the Tanana River in Nenana. They handed us burgers and fries from the Monderosa.

Photo by Ned Rozell

The Tolovana Roadhouse at the mouth of the Tolovana River is open for travelers to rent a bunk in the original structure, which also hosted the 1925 Serum Run lifesaving dog team mission to Nome. Ned and Forest slept here.

After a surprise tough day due to soft trail that had us working real hard, those burgers and Cokes were like oxygen.

There have been many other acts of kindness from Jenna and David Jonas, Steve Ketzler, Forests dad Joe Wagner and others. Tonic for the body and soul.

We will meet more excellent people, including some old friends, as we ratchet toward Nome.

When my satellite tracker is on, you can see our arrow creeping across the landscape here: https://share.garmin.com/NedRozell.

Since the late 1970s, the University of Alaska Fairbanks' Geophysical Institute has provided this column free in cooperation with the UAF research community. Ned Rozell is a science writer for the Geophysical Institute.
By Nicole Lyons, March 27, 2026

Dave Jorgenson, an award-winning journalist and digital media creator, will offer a community

presentation on April 6 at UCM.

The Muleskinner, the University of Central Missouris (UCM) student news organization, will host digital media creator and journalist Dave Jorgenson for a community event at 9 a.m. Monday, April 6, in the James C. Kirkpatrick Library.



The event, Pastries with the Press, will take place in the librarys first-floor Reading and Relaxing Area. It is free and open to the UCM and Warrensburg communities. Complimentary pastries and refreshments will be provided.



Jorgenson is a Webby Award-winning digital video creator, journalist, and co-founder of Local News International, a media company focused on innovative storytelling and audience engagement. He is widely recognized as the creator and on-screen personality behind the viral TikTok newsroom at The Washington Post, where his creative storytelling helped the organization connect with millions of younger audiences online. Jorgenson is also the author of the book Make a TikTok Every Day.



During his visit, Jorgenson will meet with Muleskinner student journalists, tour campus media spaces and deliver a presentation focused on emerging journalism trends, digital storytelling and engaging audiences in a rapidly evolving media landscape. The program will include a moderated discussion and a question-and-answer session with students.



The event aims to bring together university students, local high school journalism educators and programs, and community members to explore how journalism and storytelling continue to evolve in the digital age.

This is an exciting opportunity for our students and community to hear directly from someone working at the forefront of digital journalism, said Julie Lewis, Ph.D., associate professor and faculty adviser to The Muleskinner. Daves experience connecting news with our MuleNation and Warrensburg community through creative storytelling offers valuable insights for aspiring journalists and audience members.

The Muleskinner provides students with hands-on reporting and multimedia storytelling experience while serving the campus and Warrensburg communities with local news coverage.



Community members and students interested in attending are encouraged to arrive early, as seating is limited.



For more information, contact Lewis at jlewis@ucmo.edu.
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Gujarat Uniform Civil Code defies principles of inheritance: Jamiat Ulama

Announcing to challenge the Gujarat Uniform Civil Code (UCC) before Supreme Court of India, Jamiat Ulama i Hind said the newly passed legislation nullifies the Muslim Personal laws and defies the principles of inheritance

[Retired Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Desai, who headed a five-member panel, handed over the Gujarat UCC Bill draft to the state Chief Minister Bhupendra Bhai Patel before it was tabled and passed by the assembly.]

New Delhi: Announcing to challenge the Gujarat Uniform Civil Code (UCC) before Supreme Court of India, Jamiat Ulama i Hind said the newly passed legislation nullifies the Muslim Personal laws and defies the principles of inheritance.

"The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) passed by the Gujarat Assembly seeks to effectively nullify Muslim personal laws  particularly the clearly defined principles of inheritance, which are recognized under the Constitution of India. Being derived from Quran and Sunnah, these are not mere social customs but constitute binding religious obligations", President of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, Maulana Mahmood Madani, said.

He said that no government has the constitutional authority to interfere in matters of religious beliefs and essential religious practices.

"Furthermore, the abolition of personal laws under the pretext of a Uniform Civil Code amounts to legislative overreach, which will not withstand strict constitutional scrutiny before the Supreme Court", he said.

Jamiat flags 3 core aspects

Following a comprehensive examination of the Gujarat UCC, Jamiats legal panel has identified at least three core aspects that are in direct conflict with explicit Islamic injunctions.

Foremost among these is the Islamic law of inheritance, the shares of which are clearly defined in the Holy Quran and are immutable.

Each heirs share has been individually prescribed and declared as part of the limits set by Allah, with any transgression termed as injustice.

"Therefore, these provisions are not merely components of Muslim personal law but divine commandments, compliance with which is obligatory upon every Muslim", the Jamiat said.

"Any attempt to nullify or dilute these injunctions is not only condemnable but also constitutes a violation of the fundamental principles of justice and a breach of the assurances given to Muslims by the framers of the Constitution", the largest representative body of Indian Muslims said.

Similarly, the blanket prohibition on polygamy effectively criminalizes a recognized religious permission, amounting to a direct interference in religious freedom.

"Moreover, provisions imposing a complete ban on all forms of divorce outside court procedures, prescribing up to three years of imprisonment, and imposing a fine of 60,000 for failure to register a marriage within sixty days, are neither consistent with constitutional principles nor aligned with established legal and ethical standards", the Jamiat said.

"These measures are manifestly disproportionate and represent a serious and unjustified shift of civil matters into the criminal domain", it added.

Why STs expempted?

While slamming the Gujarat UCC, Maulana Madani termed as absurd the statement of the Chief Minister of Gujarat that one nation must have one law, questioning why Scheduled Tribes have been exempted from the purview of this law.

Are they not part of the nation? he asked.

He stated that such differential treatment constitutes a clear violation of Article 14 (Right to Equality) of the Constitution.

He announced that Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind will challenge this law before the Supreme Court and will pursue all available constitutional and legal remedies to ensure the full protection of the religious and constitutional rights of Muslims, and to prevent any infringement upon the essential injunctions of Islamic Shariah.

Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates.

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DENVER (AP)  Four of the current seven law enforcement officers in a rural Colorado county, including the sheriff, as well as a former deputy have been indicted in an investigation into allegations of misconduct, prosecutors said Friday.

A grand jury indicted Costilla County Sheriff Danny Sanchez and former Deputy Keith Schultz on charges of allegedly mishandling human remains discovered in October 2024, according to court documents. A man who found the remains and reported them to the sheriffs office said Sanchez and Schultz took only the skull and left the other remains behind, including teeth, court documents state.

Two months passed before Schultz wrote a report, saying he left bones in a bag on his desk and went on another call, the documents state. A coroners official said he received the skull in an unlabeled paper bag from the sheriffs office, the documents state.

Sanchez and Schultz are charged with official misconduct and corpse abuse.

Separately, Undersheriff Cruz Soto, Sgt. Caleb Sanchez  the sheriffs son  and Deputy Roland Riley are charged in connection with the use of a Taser against a man who was having a mental health crisis in February and tried to leave when they insisted he go to the hospital, according to the documents. The man said he was roughed up by deputies and was left with broken ribs, according to the indictments.

Soto was charged with failing to intervene, failure to report use of force, third-degree assault and official misconduct, according to court documents. Caleb Sanchez and Riley were charged with second- and third-degree assault.

In announcing the indictments, 12th Judicial District Attorney Anne Kelly said shes committed to investigating and prosecuting crimes no matter the offender.

I cannot and will not ignore violations of the trust that a community should have in their police. No citizen of the San Luis Valley should have any doubts about the integrity of their police force, Kelly said at a news conference Friday evening.

A person who answered the phone Friday at the sheriffs office said there are seven law enforcement officials on staff. The person offered no immediate comment but said a statement would be posted online.

Phone numbers listed for Danny Sanchez, Soto and Riley did not work. Caleb Sanchez did not have a listed number. An unidentified person who answered a number for Schultz referred The Associated Press to an attorney, Peter Comar. The AP left a message Friday for Comar seeking comment.

Kelly said all five turned themselves in to authorities. She said they were expected to post bond Friday and be released.

_____

Associated Press reporter Mead Gruver contributed to this report.

By COLLEEN SLEVIN

Associated Press
KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday made unannounced visits to the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, as Ukraine seeks to use its drone expertise to help Gulf Arab states blunt Irans attacks during the war in the Middle East.

Zelenskyy said that Ukraine has already signed 10-year security agreements with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and expects to shortly finalize a similar agreement with the UAE.

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 full-scale invasion, which began on Feb. 24, 2022.

In return for its aid to Gulf countries, Ukraine is seeking more high-end air-defense missiles that they possess and that Kyiv needs to counter Russias attacks. On Thursday, Zelenskyy visited Saudi Arabia,, and last week he said that Ukraine is looking into whether it can play a role in restoring security in the Strait of Hormuz.

Zelenskyy tours Gulf Arab states

On Saturday, Zelenskyy and Emirati state media reported on a meeting between the Ukrainian president and his Emirati counterpart, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to discuss regional security amid the Iran war.

Zelenskyy later posted on X to say that he had moved on to Doha and met with Qatari leaders, including with the ruling emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

The Ukrainian and Qatari ministers of defense signed cooperation agreements in the defense sector and defense investments, according to the Qatar Ministry of Defense.

Real security is built on partnership  we value everyone and remain open to supporting all those who are ready to work together for this goal, Zelenskyy wrote alongside a video of himself disembarking a plane in Qatar.

The war in the Middle East erupted on Feb. 28 when the United States and Israel launched joint attacks on Iran. The Islamic Republic retaliated with strikes against Israel and the Gulf Arab States and the blockading of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway. The war has upended global travel and sent oil prices soaring as its economic fallout extended well beyond the region.

Last week, Zelenskyy revealed that Kyiv is helping five countries  the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan  counter Tehrans drone strikes on their territory.

For Ukraine, this is also a matter of principle: terror must not prevail anywhere in the world. Protection must be sufficient everywhere, he said on X following his meeting with the Emirati leader.

He added they had discussed the security situation in the Emirates, Iranian strikes, and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which directly affects the global oil market.

Ukraines Mideast alliances

Zelenskyy told reporters that his government is seeking to build long-term strategic ties with Middle Eastern countries, including joint production, investment, energy cooperation and the sharing of battlefield experience.

Simple sales do not interest us, he said at a live briefing held on Zoom on Saturday.

While Ukraine remains short of high-end air defense systems, such as Patriot missiles, Zelenskyy said that Kyiv has developed an integrated defense model that effectively protects against Iranian-made Shahed drones.

Tehran sent large numbers of the attack drones to Russia early in the war. Since then, Moscow has modified them to improve their effectiveness, begun domestic production, and repeatedly launched the drones in waves at Ukrainian cities.

Zelenskyy said that Ukraine is offering Gulf Arab partners combat-tested expertise, and has already signed 10-year security deals with Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

The agreement with Qatar involves joint defense industry projects, the establishment of coproduction facilities, and technological partnerships between companies, Zelenskyy said in an X post.

At a media briefing, the Ukrainian leader said that he expects a similar agreement with the UAE to follow shortly.

He also told reporters that Ukraine had received no signals from the U.S. about potential diversions of weapons, including those funded by Kyivs European partners, from Ukraine to the Middle East.

His comments followed weeks of speculation that the Iran war could detract attention from Ukraine, deplete Western arsenals and force NATO allies to reduce military support for Kyiv.

Russia is already profiting from a surge in global energy prices, brought on by damage to oil and gas infrastructure in the Gulf and Irans blocking of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil choke point.

Zelenskyy on Rubio: I have not lied to anyone

Zelenskyy also pushed back on recent remarks by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who on Friday dismissed as a lie the Ukrainian leaders claim that Washington wants Kyiv to hand over territory to Russia before giving it security guarantees.

Zelenskyy said his earlier statements, made in an interview with Reuters, reflected the general direction of talks.

I have not lied to anyone, he said, adding that Rubio may have misconstrued his comments.

Zelenskyy stressed that the U.S. has not directly pressured Kyiv to withdraw troops from the Donbas, Ukraines industrial heartland long coveted by Moscow.

Russian forces occupy the bulk of the region, but they have not seized a strip of land that is among the most heavily fortified parts of the front line. Kyiv fears that Moscow could use that territory as a launchpad for further aggression.

But Zelenskyy said he was worried by Washingtons insistence that Ukraine would only receive guarantees following a comprehensive peace agreement, not a ceasefire deal. Kyiv claims that Russia has refused to end the war unless it can take over all of the Donbas.

Drone attacks in Ukraine and Russia

Russia launched more than 270 drones at Ukraine overnight, killing at least five people, Ukrainian authorities reported on Saturday.

Two people were killed and at least 11 more were wounded in a nighttime Russian drone strike on Odesa, according to the head of the region, Serhii Lysak. Zelenskyy said that the massive strike on Odesa involved more than 60 drones.

Russias overnight strikes also killed two men and wounded two other people in Kryvyi Rih, Zelenskyys hometown in central Ukraine, after a drone hit an industrial facility, regional head Oleksandr Gandzha said in a Telegram update. He didnt specify what the industrial building was.

One person was killed overnight in the Poltava region, also in central Ukraine, as Russia struck industrial sites there, regional authorities reported on Saturday. Ukrainian state gas company Naftogaz said that a production facility was hit.

In Russia, a child died after a Ukrainian drone hit a private house in Russias western Yaroslavl region, local Gov. Mikhail Evraev reported early Saturday. According to Evraevs Telegram post, the childs parents were hospitalized with serious injuries after the attack.

Russias Defense Ministry said on Saturday that 155 Ukrainian drones were shot down during the night over Russia and the annexed Crimean Peninsula.

___

Hanna Arhirova contributed to this report.

By VOLODYMYR YURCHUK

Associated Press
Vietnam Briefing has developed into a premium source for insight on doing business in Vietnam. It publishes business news concerning foreign direct investment into Vietnam, including the most important tax, legal and accounting issues. The Vietnam Briefing Magazine was first published in 2009, and is contributed to by investment professionals based in Vietnam.
Operation Epic Fury, launched by the United States against Iran, began on February 28 with the killing of 175 girls and teachers when a missile struck an elementary school in Tehran.

When asked by a New York Times reporter whether the United States had struck the school, President Trump replied:

No. In my opinion, and based on what Ive seen, it was done by Iran.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth added:

The only party targeting civilians is Iran.

A body of evidence gathered by The New York Timesincluding satellite imagery and other verified videosshows that the Iranian elementary school was struck by a U.S. Tomahawk missile. A piece of debris from the missile that struck the school bears the inscription Made in USA and the name Globe Motors, a manufacturer based in Ohio.

The Pentagon has reported that, during the first seven days of Operation Epic Fury, over 3,000 targets in Iran were struck with thousands of bombs and missiles. The forces deployed include strategic bombers and fighter-bombers, electronic warfare aircraft, reconnaissance and attack drones, aircraft carriers, and missile-launching units, as well as other weapons that the Pentagon says it cannot list because they are classified. Trump has announced the possible deployment of US troops to Iran to secure the countrys stockpiles of enriched uranium. He told reporters: Send troops to Iran? We havent done that yet, but its something we could do. If we did, the Iranians would be so decimated that they wouldnt be able to fight back. At some point, maybe well do it. It would be fantastic. Trump declares in no uncertain terms that he, as President of the United States of America, should choose who governs Iran.

The economic cost of war is enormous. The Pentagon has reported that the first six days of Operation Epic Fury cost the United States more than $11 billion. Just consider that a single one of the thousands of satellite-guided glide bombs used in the bombing of Iran costs, when converted to euros, the equivalent of 25 average annual gross salaries in Italy.

The growth in U.S. military spendingwhich Trump intends to increase from $1 trillion to $1.5 trillion annuallyis driving the growth of military spending among European NATO countries: Italys spending, which already exceeds the average of 120 million euros per day, must soon rise to over 300 million euros per day in accordance with NATO commitments. Added to this is the war-driven rise in oil prices, which have surpassed $100 per barrel, leading to a rise in the cost of living. These and other factors are triggering a global economic crisis.

At the same time, Operation Epic Fury is significantly increasing the risk of nuclear war. Israelto which the United States is supplying an additional 12,000 1,000-pound bombs for use against Iran and Lebanonis discovering that the missile defense systems provided by the United States are not as infallible as had been claimed. Several Iranian missiles are managing to bypass them, striking cities and other targets in Israel. The impact is profound, not so much in terms of damage and casualties, but in terms of the psychological effect on the population.

At this point, the possibility is growing that Israel, the only country in the Middle East possessing nuclear weapons, might use a nuclear weapon against Iran. There is now open talk in the Israeli press of the Samson Option. This is how it is described by The Times of Israel:

The Samson Option is a doctrine governed by the logic of survival: when all other deterrents have failed and the very existence of the Jewish state is at stake. For now, the conditions for its activation do not exist. But the situation is changing. An unexpected escalation or an attack resulting in a large number of casualties could change the calculations overnight. The Samson Option involves the use of nuclear force as Israels ultimate defensive measure. But unlike the biblical Samson, who died alongside his enemies, Israelthough perhaps diplomatically condemnedwould remain alive, intact, and still capable of defending its right to exist.
United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) is a US-based organization founded in 2008 by two former US ambassadors to the United Nations, Mark Wallace and Richard Holbrooke. It began by calling on all New York hotels to boycott Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejads visit to the United Nations. Subsequently, it spearheaded campaigns to pressure companies, such as the French automaker Renault, to cease investing in Iran.

In 2013, UANI began receiving substantial donations from Las Vegas casino owners Sheldon and Miriam Adelson. The organization then launched the Maritime Intelligence Network and Rogue Vessel Analysis (MINERVA), a satellite monitoring system for imports and exports to and from Iran. It also manages the Iran Business Registry (IBR), which monitors international companies doing business with Iran. Democrat Senator Joe Lieberman became its president from 2015 until his death in 2024, and enforced the US embargo against the country.

On March 23, 2015, the US government withdrew a lawsuit filed by a Greek shipowner against UANI on the grounds of "state secrecy." The case, which concerned the operations of MINERVA, was therefore never brought to trial.

In 2019, UANI invited representatives of the Peoples Mujahedin Organization of Iran (MEK) to its congress. Iran then placed UANI on its list of terrorist organizations. The Peoples Mujahedin soon revealed information about Irans military nuclear program, all of which was subsequently refuted.

Today, UANIs presidents are Jeb Bush (brother of former US President Georges W. Bush) and Mark Wallace, who remains in his position. Its board of directors includes former director of Mossad intelligence Colonel Zohar Palti. former Director of Political Planning at the State Department Ambassador Dennis Ross; former Director of the German Federal Intelligence Service (BND) August Hanning; former Chief of the Defence Staff of the British Army General Graeme Lamb; former Chair of the British Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC) Baroness Pauline Neville-Jones; the academic Walter Russell Mead, a systemic opponent of Professors Walt and Mearsheimer ; and, of course, Roger Noriega and Otto Reich, who were key figures in the Iran-Contra affair.

Until his appointment as US Secretary of War on January 25, 2025, Pete Hegseth was an advisor to the UANI, alongside former Director of MI6 Sir Richard Dearlove and former Director of Mossad Meir Dagan.
Our director of publication and editor-in-chief directed French magazines several years ago, and has won journalism awards abroad. He has regularly contributed to some fifteen major dailies and magazines around the world.

Voltaire, International Newsletter is available by subscription for 500 a year, is published 42 times a year (not in July-August, nor during the Christmas holydays). Its an indispensable tool for any professional in international relations or defense.

EDITORIAL

 5071 United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI): A Low-Key Yet Effective LobbyNot as Private as It Seems

AMERICAS

 5072 Donald Trump threatens Iran with the destruction of its power plants

 5073 Donald Trump suspends bombings of Iranian power plants

 5074 Reopening of the investigation into the death of Jeffrey Epstein

 5075 Russia Helps Cuba Cope with Its Oil Crisis

 5076 US law protects the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel

 5077 Globalists call for a ground military intervention in Iran

 5078 Kharg Invasion Plans

 5079 A fifteen-point US peace plan

 5080 Elon Musk aims to manufacture a very large quantity of electronic chips

 5081 US Supreme Court examines election rules

 5082 Social Media Condemnation

 5083 Voice of America will be relaunched

 5084 Cuba negotiates with the United States

EUROPE

 5085 The role of the British army in the war against Iran

 5086 Spain reduces energy taxes and strengthens social welfare programs to cope with the consequences of the war against Iran

 5087 Danish Parliamentary Elections

 5088 Alexander Stubb anticipates recognition of Ukraines territorial losses

 5089 Frank-Walter Steinmeier analyzes international relations

 5090 Slovenian parliamentary elections under the influence of Israeli mercenaries

 5091 Hungary blocks EU subsidy and Hungarian gas to Ukraine

 5092 European Commission suspects Hungary of spying on the EU on behalf of Russia

 5093 Denmark and Italy anticipate a wave of migration towards the EU

 5094 The discreet control of national elections by the European Union

 5095 The EU will apply the free trade agreement with Mercosur from May 1st

 5096 The EU signs strategic Security and Defence agreements with Australia and Ghana

 5097 Ukraine is preparing to expand its efforts across the African continent

 5098 For the Council of Europe, there is no democracy without social rights

 5099 Sergey Lavrov analyzes the United States policy of global energy dominance

 5100 Sergey Lavrovs analysis of international relations

ASIA

 5101 Benjamin Netanyahu continues his attacks while Donald Trump negotiates

 5102 The Netanyahu government is ready to call up reservists

 5103 Benjamin Netanyahu maximizes destruction ahead of a possible US- Iranian peace

 5104 The Lebanese Resistance continues its war against the Israeli occupation

 5105 Israel now occupies southern Lebanon up to the Litani River

 5106 The new Syrian authorities are slowly imposing a strict practice of Islam

 5107 Iran reportedly transferred its FPV drone technology to its former proxies

 5108 Iran changes its targets in the Gulf

 5109 Ansar Allah still stays out of the war

 5110 Turkey offers to organize US- Iranian negotiations

 5111 Irans four priority targets in the event of an escalation

 5112 Mohammad Ghalibaf asserts that there are no negotiations with the aggressors

 5113 Iran mines the Strait of Hormuz

 5114 Mohammad Zolghadr, new secretary of the Iranian Supreme National Security Council

 5115 Iran fires on USS Abraham Lincoln

 5116 Iranian Internet Censorship

 5117 Pakistan could host the US- Iran negotiations

 5118 Iran fires on Diego Garcia base

 5119 Kim Jong-un intends to consolidate his countrys nuclear power in the face of the United States

 5120 An SDF lieutenant attempts to assassinate Chinese diplomats

 5121 China-US summit confirmed

INTERGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS

 5122 UN General Assembly proclaims that "the slave trade of Africans and racialized slavery of Africans constitutes the most serious crime against humanity."

 5123 NATO members reluctant to get involved in the war against Iran
Pope Leo and the leader of the Church of England to meet at Vatican on Monday.

Dame Sarah Mullally, who last month became the Church of England's first female Archbishop of Canterbury, will meet Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Monday during her four-day visit to Rome.

The director of the Anglican Centre in Rome, Bishop Anthony Ball, met Archbishop Mullally on Saturday, the first day of her visit, scheduled from 25-28 April.

She was later met at the Vatican by Archbishop Flavio Pace, secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, before being shown around St Peters, according to a statement from the Anglican Centre in Rome.

Archbishop Mullally then travelled to the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls where she was welcomed by Cardinal James Harvey, the Archpriest of the Basilica.

The Common Declaration - the landmark ecumenical commitment between the Anglican Communion and the Roman Catholic Church - was signed by Archbishop Michael Ramsey and Pope Paul VI at this basilica on 24 March 1966.

On Sunday, Archbishop Mullally was guest of All Saints and St Pauls Within the Walls - the citys Church of England and Episcopal Church congregations respectively - and visited the Archbasilica of St John Lateran and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, ahead of her audience with Pope Leo on Monday morning.

Exchange of letters

The pontiff and the new Archbishop of Canterbury - who on 25 March took the helm as the spiritual leader of 85 million Anglicans worldwide - have exchanged letters expressing their commitment to Christian unity.

In his letter, the pope said he prayed she might be guided by the Holy Spirit and draw inspiration from the example of Mary, the Mother of God.

The pope's letter was delivered in person and read by Cardinal Kurt Koch, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, during a prayer service to mark the 60th anniversary of the Common Declaration.

Pope Leo noted the fruits of that commitment over the past six decades and praised the work of the AnglicanRoman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC).

Archbishop Mullally replied the same day, thanking the pontiff for his prayers and expressing her own commitment "to seek the full and visible unity to which our Lord has called us all (John 17:21).

Common Declaration

Referencing the 1966 Common Declaration, she said the historic meeting between Pope Paul VI and Archbishop Michael Ramsey "marked a new beginning in Anglican-Roman Catholic relations  one that continues to bear fruit in dialogue, friendship, and common witness across the world", adding that the shared journey continues to grow, "not least through the recent state visit of His Majesty The King to Pope Leo XIV in Rome."

Cardinal Koch's visit to Canterbury also included a service of ecumenical Morning Prayer attended by the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop Flavio Pace, and Bishop Anthony Ball.

Established following the 1966 Declaration, the Anglican Centre in Rome serves as the permanent Anglican Communion presence in Rome and the Archbishop of Canterbury's representative office to the Holy See.

Photo courtesy Lambeth Palace
Eva Osborne

The maximum age limit for Bus Eireann school bus drivers has been increased, allowing eligible drivers to continue working until the age of 72.

This is two years beyond the previous limit.

Cork North West TD, John Paul OShea, said the decision was a "practical and common-sense move that will help ease ongoing pressures within the school transport system".

This is a very welcome and long-overdue decision. For too long, experienced and fully qualified drivers were required to step away from their roles at the age of 70, regardless of their capability or medical fitness.

"That simply did not make sense, particularly at a time when we are facing real challenges around school transport capacity.

OShea also said that, while the increase to 72 is a positive step, further consideration should be given to moving away from rigid age thresholds altogether.

I believe there is still more work to be done. We should be moving towards a system that prioritises medical fitness and capability over arbitrary age limits. Many individuals in their early 70s are more than capable of carrying out this role safely and effectively.

Senator Sean Kyne, Fine Gaels candidate in the Galway West by-election, also welcomed the decision.

Kyne said the previous age restriction unfairly excluded experienced and medically fit drivers.

We had a situation where fully qualified, experienced drivers were forced to step away at 70, regardless of their ability or medical fitness," he said.

At a time when families across the country are struggling with school transport capacity, it simply makes no sense to sideline drivers who are willing and able to continue working."

Kyne echoed O'Shea's view on age limits overall.

This is an important step forward, but I believe we need to do more work to ensure the system focuses on medical fitness rather than an arbitrary age limit. Many drivers in their early 70s are more than capable of continuing safely in their roles.

School bus drivers around the country play a vital role in rural Ireland, ensuring that children get safely to and from schools. Their experience and commitment should be recognised."
Waterford City and County Council are advising residents at Mount Suir Manor to avoid their balconies 'until further notice'.

The warning comes one week after a three-year old boy and seven-year-old girl fell through their balcony's window pane.

Jayden O'Neill (3) and his sister Nevaeh O'Neill (7) were rushed to University Hospital Waterford after falling over 20 feet on the morning of Friday, March 20. Jayden suffered a brain bleed. Both children have since been discharged from hospital and returned to home in Block C. Block C is under the ownership of Waterford City and County Council

The horrifying incident has re-ignited criticism over the conditions in the apartment complex. Councillors and residents have raised issues including heat, mould, algae, and basic safety.

The Council launched an investigation to establish the 'full circumstances surrounding the incident.' On Friday, March 27, Waterford Council released a statement about the ongoing investigation into Mount Suir Manor. It stated: "A technical inspection of all balconies of Block C, which is in the full ownership and occupation of the Local Authority, commenced on Monday, March 23rd. Structural engineers are currently endeavouring to complete all inspections this week. Once completed a detailed report will be prepared and all necessary actions arising from its findings will be implemented."

The statement continued: "The owner management company (OMC) with responsibility for Blocks A and B confirmed to the Council that it has also commenced inspections of all balconies within those blocks.

"While understanding the concern, frustration and inconvenience caused, Waterford City and County Council is advising tenants, as a precautionary measure, that access to balconies is restricted and should be avoided wherever possible until further notice.

"The Council continues to work with and provide support to the family and wishes to assure all tenants in Block C of Mount Suir Manor that this incident is being treated with the utmost urgency and seriousness."

Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme.
A man allegedly found with over 4,000 concealed in his trousers told gardai he was collecting a drug debt.

Christian Muresan (25), of 1 Copper Hill, Bonmahon, was charged at Waterford District Court with money laundering on March 12, 2025.

Sergeant John Phelan told the court that gardai stopped the defendants car on the Waterford Road, Tramore, and on searching him found 4,300 in cash concealed in his trouser leg.

At the time he told the gardai that he was collecting the money, which was payment for a drug debt owed to another individual and that he was paid to do so.

He later, during his interview with gardai, denied having said that.

The court was told that the defendant had two previous convictions for drug driving.

Acting for the defendant, solicitor Ken Cunningham said that without the roadside utterance there would be no case against his client.

Read More Rise in reported drug debt intimidation cases in Waterford

He said his client had been under significant stress as he had an issue with drugs and was coerced into collecting the money by someone else.

The fact that the cash was confiscated had caused additional issues for Mr Muresan.

However, since the incident, Mr Cunningham told the court his client has distanced himself from those people and he had not come to anymore garda attention.

He is now expecting his first child and is working.

Judge John Cheatle said he wanted to give the defendant time to show that this lifestyle was behind him.

The judge ordered a probation report and put the matter back to March 2027 for finalisation.

He said that if the report was favourable, Mr Muresan might avoid a conviction.

Funded under the Court Reporting Scheme
No, this column is not about the awful war in Iran and given the monstrous idiocy unleashed upon the planet by the current US administration, its hard not to think or write about it. But this is a local column in a local paper so.After a decade of effort, UHW finally has a go-live date (July 2026) for 24/7 PPCI, emergency heart attack interventional cardiology.

An election promise from Fianna Fail, which many in the health system wished had never been made, such was the systemic opposition to it, is finally fulfilled.

During the campaign, it became evident from the data uncovered that Waterford was being lied to by the system. Official figures were grossly incorrect. The appalling farrago of the national computer being unable to talk to or interpret the UHW computer, thus presenting incomplete local data, to satisfy those in the Cork-based SSWHG, the HSE and the Dept. of Health, was like something from a dystopian novel.

The detective work on the issue by Darren Skelton, one time reporter here, should not be forgotten. Micheal Martin and Mary Butler tied themselves to the service with a photo outside UHW, which promised delivery.

In fairness, a second cath lab was built and 24/7 will happen. The Taoiseach and Minister Butler must be congratulated on that. Its a big win for UHW.

On that score, will Kilkennys St Lukes General Hospital be mandated to send its cardiology patients to UHW? They have apparently resisted involvement with UHW cardiology services since the service began in 2008. Hopefully better sense will now prevail.

As ever with state investment in Waterford, we worry about unspoken caveats. I heard last week that UHW, one of eight national cancer services, is not permitted by the system to erect a sign saying precisely that. What systemic support for UHW does that imply?

Tremendous work across the gamut of cancer services for the South East is done at UHW without the staff complement or resources deployed elsewhere. This is the implicit fault in a grossly unfair system lacking apolitical delivery.

It is widely suggested that recruitment for the 24/7 cardiology service has been done at cost to other very important services in UHW.

Consultants approved by the HSEs own CAAC system are interviewed and ready to take up advertised posts, because the patient demand is there, yet the HSE will not authorise their appointment for budgetary reasons.

Fairness does not apply. What is Minister Butler doing about that? You can bet your house that the same situation does not apply in CUH or any of the other Model 4 hospitals in the land. The system favours those with political power.

We know from our reporter Alex Cunningham and various parliamentary questions, the exact staff complement used in UHL to provide 24/7 cardiology, but locally, Minister Butler is not permitted to say how many will be provided in UHW. This rightly makes people nervous.

Beaumont Hospital in Dublin tried to operate a 24/7 service some years ago but it was apparently abandoned as the rota was too onerous to maintain. We can be sure, as God made little ,apples that the UHW service will be HSE and clinically compliant, as it must be to operate, but that the staff numbers as used in CUH will not be available. The numbers around that will become clearer on the day.

As an aside, it should be mentioned that the HSE website, which up to April 2025 published a monthly staff analysis for every hospital in the country, has ceased to do so. Only gross figures for each health area are now available, which makes it impossible to ascertain comparative hospital staffing levels. Is bureaucracy being used, for political reasons, to obscure the actual staffing figures?

During the last government, there were regular meetings between all local Oireachtas members and UHW management at which items of interest were discussed. Useful press coverage ensued. Matt Shanahan was to the fore in organizing these discussions.

Since he lost his seat, all such activity has apparently ceased. Minister Butler is silence personified. When on local radio, there is little update.

Minister Cummins, who had trenchant opinions on everything, has little to say. Hospital management has reverted to HSE omerta despite genuine concerns about the shelving of the Vertical Overhead OPD, the fate of a promised 96-bed ward unit, construction of a new Adult Mental Health Unit and the building of a multi-storey car park.

It may be that cards must be played very close to ones chest in this divided region.

Fair enough, people understand that, but there is currently not a single, ready-to-go project at UHW (or SETU). This doesnt suggest that pressure is being applied. The government, plus Ms Butler and Cummins, are receiving a free pass, not to mention the abysmal performance on new FDI jobs.

These are matters of great public concern in a city with a rapidly growing population and a major regional hospital dealing with massive service demands. The political silence locally is deafening. Is being treated like a second class city acceptable?

Meanwhile, Sinn Fein does its own thing. Mr Cullinane was on RTE radio last Wednesday, rightly airing legitimate concerns about the appalling delay in finishing the new National Childrens Hospital. He was articulate, exercised and passionate in a way I have never heard him about anything in Waterford. Are there Sinn Fein riding instructions from HQ about comment on local matters lest Sinn Fein loses regional support elsewhere? Some 20,000 Waterford voters would probably like to know.

Anyway, last week, the Taoiseach opened the magnificent new Glassworks One building. Its a credit to the Frisby family and to Waterford. The private sector stepped up to the mark.

During the opening ceremony speeches, SETU president Prof Veronica Campbell spoke of new buildings coming on stream, with funding allocated and planning permission to be sought shortly. It cannot be repeated often enough that Waterford is playing catch-up after a 20-year investment famine in its third-level offering.

During that politically driven hiatus six new buildings were built in Carlow IT, allegedly out of their own magic cash in hand. Believe that and youll believe anything.
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BusinessConsumer affairsAviation Some European flights are cheap again, but are they safe to book? Elias Visontay March 29, 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

Middle Eastern airlines have begun lowering airfares for Australia-Europe services to pre-war prices as they try to revive near-dormant tourism through key transit hubs, but experts warn the cheap flights are risky and could leave passengers stranded or stuck with travel credits. Airspace over the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, through which a significant chunk of Australians transit on their way to European and other destinations, ground to a halt earlier this month as Iran began striking its regional neighbours in retaliation to US-Israel attacks. Planes parked at Dubai International Airport after a drone strike earlier in March. AP It left thousands of Australians stranded in cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha  the respective hubs for Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways  as missiles rained down on population centres. Fatalities and injuries were reported inside airports, which have been directly struck by Iran or by debris. Limited flight operations have since resumed as airspace disruptions eased. However, the US-Israel war on Iran has led to a spike in demand for seats with non-Middle Eastern airlines, particularly those based in Asian cities or those that can offer services to Europe flying eastwards.

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Australians have reported being sold tickets on routes that avoid the Middle East for multiples more than normal prices, including economy tickets selling for thousands above pre-war prices. Additionally, the strangling of crude oil movement through the Strait of Hormuz, and subsequent spike in jet fuel costs, have made airfares more expensive. Related Article Aviation Qantas steps up flights to Europe as travellers scramble for options amid Iran war Airlines such as Singapore Airlines and Turkish Airlines have been able to continue their operations similar to pre-war, largely avoiding the need to reroute around airspace closures. Meanwhile, Chinese-based carriers - which have for years been among the cheapest tickets between Australia and Europe  continue to be able to fly over Russian airspace that other airlines pay more in fuel to avoid. Now, Middle Eastern carriers, facing uncertainty as to when hostilities and airspace disruptions will end, have begun aggressively lowering prices for Australians travelling to Europe in an attempt to woo back safety-conscious travellers with deals thousands of dollars cheaper than rival carriers. A plume of smoke caused by an Iranian strike is seen in the background, while an Emirates plane is parked at Dubai International Airport. AP

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Last week, Etihad was offering return economy flights between Sydney and London via Abu Dhabi for as little as $1570, for trips departing as soon as the first week of April, despite services on the route this week being cancelled. Etihad flights for the same dates between Melbourne and London are even cheaper, at $1460. Elsewhere, Qatar Airways  whose Doha base is still subject to severely limited operations due to the war  is selling flights later in April between either Sydney or Melbourne and London or Paris, via Doha, for about $1700 return in economy. Prices for both Etihad and Qatar Airways continue to drop in May, with Dubai-based Emirates also lowering its prices throughout the month. Emirates fares between Sydney and London are available for about $1800, and about $1900 from Melbourne. Such routes all require transiting through airports in Middle East countries subject to broad do not travel warnings from the Australian government. Meanwhile, return economy flights with other carriers operating via Asian transit hubs, or through the United States, are selling for between $2600-$3800 for the same dates.

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Jodi Bird, a travel expert at consumer advocacy organisation Choice, said that because the transit cities were all subject to Australian government do not travel classifications  even for those just transiting through without plans to leave the airport  most travel insurance policies would exclude claims if flights were disrupted. Related Article Opinion

Aviation Qantas turbulence shows why Warren Buffett was wary of investing in airlines Elizabeth Knight Business columnist It would be quite a risk for people to book to travel through the Middle East at the moment, he said. Bird said that while airlines took care of stranded customers initially with quick refunds or rerouted tickets, this could change as war sets in and customers book knowing the risks. Our concern is that longer term, if people are booking through the Middle East and their flight gets cancelled, they could get stuck with credits for quite a few years.

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Ian Douglas, a senior lecturer at the University of New South Wales School of Aviation and at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, said that while their ability to operate all scheduled flights remained uncertain, carriers such as Etihad, Emirates and Qatar Airways wanted to try to keep bookings flowing and some operations running. Related Article Aviation Airport planners brace for weeks of travel chaos even after the war If they just vanish off the booking networks completely, it would be difficult to build back up. My sense is that they want to be positioned in the market so that if there is a ceasefire or end to hostilities, that they could move fairly quickly back to what they were flying. Douglas said safety concerns about flying through Middle Eastern airports, including news stories of terminals being hit by drones and civilian casualties in Dubai and other cities with a reputation for safe, luxury tourism, would be front of mind for travellers.

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Carriers, and their hub cities, have suffered reputational damage regarding uncertainty and safety, he said. As such, the airlines  which are backed by oil-wealthy states  could afford to absorb losses and be aggressive on pricing to win back customers. The strategy comes as governments in the region, who had invested significantly in expanding their airport hub reputation into a luxury travel destination, grapple with dwindling tourism numbers. Last week, the New York Times reported that foot traffic at malls in Dubai, known as a playground for the wealthy, have slowed to a trickle, reportedly triggering fear among luxury fashion labels whose stores in the tax haven count rich expats and travellers as key customers. Early in the war, an Iranian drone strike also triggered a fire at the famous Burj Al Arab hotel, where premium suites can cost more than $25,000 per night. Given such developments, slashing airfares made sense for the state-owned carriers, Douglas said.

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Its about reestablishing that traffic and saying not only are we flying, but that you can safely come for a stopover, he said. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
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BusinessMarketsMiddle East at war Opinion Fuelled by subsidised diesel, Australia is running dry

David Fickling March 28, 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

Australia was once said to have been built on the sheeps back  a recognition that wool played a central role in its economic growth. These days you might say it floats on a lake of diesel. No major economy uses the fuel more lavishly. Consumption runs to about 7.7 barrels per person, per year, sufficient to fill the tank on a Ford F-150 pickup nine times over. Thats about 80 per cent above US levels, and eight times more than China. With the global petroleum supply chain starting to seize up due to the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, prices have risen more than 50 per cent in a matter of weeks. Shortages are looming. Truck driver Chris Gibbs fills the tank. Australias dependency on diesel has become a major problem in the Iran fuel crisis. Louise Kennerley Garbage companies have warned that waste collections may be cancelled as trucks run short. Hundreds of petrol stations are out of at least one type of fuel. Farms have postponed crop seeding because their tractors cant be refilled. Truckers are getting stranded at drained outback filling stations. Charter fishing boats operating out of Sydney Harbour face squeezed margins.

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The government is dismissing talk of rationing, but has relaxed safety regulations to draw more supplies in from overseas. The market looks worryingly tight. For all that, you can blame decades of complacency and misguided subsidies. Other countries shouldnt assume theyre immune. Fuel shortages are already prompting talk of emergency conditions in the Philippines and South Korea, while the knock-on effects in Australia could hit global supplies of food and raw materials. Things would have been far better if successive governments hadnt spent years incentivising wasteful consumption. Some of this diesel dependency is close to inevitable. Mining is a voracious consumer of the fuel. Its a versatile power source for the energy-hungry trucks and machinery used at remote work sites. Farmers use it to power their harvesters, tractors and pumps for similar reasons. Part of this is down to geography. Australia has a population not much greater than that of Florida, spread across a continent almost as big as the US.

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As a result, an outsized trucking industry hauls goods on two-, three- or even four-trailer road trains between major cities that are rarely much less than 1000 kilometres apart. Bad policy has made the problem far worse than it should be, though. Despite some of the worlds biggest reserves of coal and natural gas, Australia is an insignificant oil producer, and depends on imports from Asia for about 90 per cent of its diesel. Related Article Middle East at war Australia taps fuel stockpile in urgent bid to fill shortages and stem panic buying Stockpiles are currently sufficient for just 30 days. Thats the lowest among members of the International Energy Agency, which requires at least 90 days of inventory. With the Strait of Hormuz closed and major suppliers China, Japan and South Korea limiting exports to prevent local shortages, that has left Australias safety net looking distinctly threadbare. Things would have been far better if successive governments hadnt spent years incentivising wasteful consumption. Industrial users get tax rebates to cover the cost of their diesel use, a program that has grown to become one of the biggest drains on the budget. The federal government will spend $10.8 billion on diesel rebates in the current fiscal year, more money than goes to the army or navy, and almost as much as is spent on public education.

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That windfall acts as a financial brake on attempts to decarbonise. Other countries are surging ahead. At Chiles Collahuasi mine, one of the worlds biggest copper pits, overhead wires have been installed to allow electric dump trucks to cart rock to the processing plant. At Vales S11D in Brazil, part of the worlds largest iron ore complex, electrical machinery crushes ore in the pit and sends it out on conveyors, cutting emissions by three-quarters and costs by 15 per cent. At Canadas Macassa gold mine, 80 per cent of ore is dug by electric machines, which also reduces the steep cost of ventilating underground tunnels. Related Article Energy Cycling to work, staying home, cutting school hours: How the world is handling the fuel crisis On Indian farms, 13 per cent of irrigation pumps are solar-powered. In China, where sales of battery-electric commercial vehicles have been surging lately, more than half of heavy-duty trucks bought in December came with a plug. In Australia, such innovations sound like science fiction. Battery-powered trucks are only being tentatively tested, and solar pumps were almost unknown until a few years ago. BHP, whose diesel usage accounts for about 63 per cent of its operational emissions, is planning to defer most of its spending to cut diesel dependency into the 2030s. This is what happens when the government is putting its thumb on the scale to favour fossil fuels. Iron ore miner Fortescue, one of the largest single beneficiaries of the diesel rebate and one of Australias most aggressive decarbonise, has called for the measure to be abolished for all but small businesses. Removing the tax break would increase savings from electrifying mining equipment by about 50 per cent, according to Fortescue. The billions of dollars the government would save could be ploughed back into building the transmission, distribution, charging, and battery-swapping infrastructure needed to electrify mine sites and long-haul truck routes.

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It shouldnt take an energy shock for Australia to see how far it has gone wrong with its dependence on dirty, costly, insecure diesel. If the current alarm helps change that short-sightedness, it wont have come a moment too soon. David Fickling is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering climate change and energy. Previously, he worked for Bloomberg News, the Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times. Bloomberg The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
Laura McCusker says she has learnt lessons from life that shes taken into the workshop  and lessons from the workshop that have aided in her life.

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This story is part of the March 28 edition of Good Weekend. See all stories .

Its that rarest of things, a hot late-summer afternoon in Hobart, and Laura McCusker opens the gate to her workshop wearing sweaty black shortalls and scuffed work boots. Shes a little sunburnt, a little messy, and doesnt seem to care. McCuskers settled family life imploded three years ago, and at the age of 51, the celebrated furniture maker and designer is crafting her world afresh. Ive always tried to design my life, she tells me over coffee at a corrugated iron smoko shack with two kayaks suspended from the roof  the only insulation  beside her century-old red-brick workshop. Im now redesigning it. The new rules are reflected in the furniture taking shape at this former apple-packing shed in suburban Moonah, beside a poplar-lined rivulet branching from the River Derwent. McCuskers signature has long been pale, almost Scandi-hued timber pieces: tables, benches, cabinets and screens in Tasmanian oak with a mid-century accent. But nearing completion here are a darkly varnished dining-room table and a coffee table, the latter in fluid organic lines. Strikingly -expressive works, these hint at a bolder and more experimental spirit. Then there is Forest Stand, commissioned last year by Launceston-based Design Tasmania for its permanent wood collection. A quirky clothes stand made from offcuts of Tasmanian oak, Huon pine, golden sassafras, myrtle and Tasmanian blackwood, left over from bespoke commissioned tables, the piece is sculptural and playful and light on its feet. It functions as a clothes stand  just. But its also an essay about the many lives of wood: its arboreal origins, its subtle beauty, its utility, with something to say about its maker, too. Ive always tried to design my life  Im now redesigning it. Adam Gibson Most of all, the new rules are inscribed in the credo McCusker is determined to live by. The mother of two worked her Blundstones off to forge a happy home. Her daughter, Ella, has just finished a teaching -degree and Jim, her son, is at university. Now that her marriage has ended, shes just as determined to be joyously single, unfettered and answerable to herself alone. If Im in the zone its work, work, work; if I feel like taking time off, I go camping, she says. This is going to sound soooo Tasmanian, but I have a swag and I toss it in the ute, clip on the cover. Leave. Born in Adelaide to an Irish father and Brazilian mother, both medical specialists and recent immigrants, she moved to Sydney as a teenager. Much like her parents, she had a talent for maths and science, but there were early signs of her mania for making. I had no interest in dolls, dress-ups or games of make-believe, she recalls. But give me plasticine, cellophane, crayons, paper, wire and glue and Id be happy for days.

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As a 21-year-old, she enrolled in the UTS architecture school because she wanted to make a table  an indispensable, universal, humble domestic object  and to make it beautiful. But after three days of -abstruse theory, she dropped out, running and screaming from the classroom. She made that damn table anyway through a cabinetry course at TAFE, which led to a course in the finer aspects of woodwork  from wood types, veneers and joinery to coopering, laminating, designing and making custom furniture. Fine woodworking was, for McCusker, the perfect combination of art and engineering, maths and making. Shed discovered her true vocation. And it would become her life. She leads me to her workshop, an Aladdins cave of timber and tools and furniture pieces at all stages of gestation. The walls are an orderly farrago of marking gauges, chisels, files, block planes, engineers squares, sliding bevels, calipers, cabinet scrapers, handsaws, woodworking rasps, screwdrivers; everything in its place and a place for everything. Ella, who is down from Sydney and on the tools today, is applying a treacly coat of tannic varnish to one of McCuskers most recent dark pieces. And there, in a shadowy corner, is an astonishing thing: a stack of five raw Huon pine slabs, each one about five centimetres thick, 70 centimetres wide and seven metres long, still in their crusty skin of aged bark. Related Article Good Weekend She plays the rich bitch so well: Who is Monas first lady, Kirsha Kaechele, really? Its always a shock to see a stash of rare Huon pine, in any state, and McCusker admits she almost cried when these sister slabs (from the same source) were brought in. It was so evocative of the magnificent tree that once was, and had been for centuries. This rich, butter-hued timber is as precious and alluring as the lustre of gold or the scintillation of diamonds. The boards belong to MONAs founder David Walsh and she will say only that theyll be used for something amazing. A rarely discussed dimension of the MONA effect is its role in sustaining the states high-end craft economy. McCusker  who made a 60-metre table for the wedding of Walsh and Kirsha Kaechele, furniture for the MONA Pavilions, outdoor tables and benches for the Moorilla wine bar, a tasting table for the Moorilla cellar door, and dining tables for The Source restaurant  has long been a beneficiary of MONAs twin divinities and their almost Pharaonic passion for building. McCusker working on the wedding table of MONAs David Walsh and Kirsha Kaechele in 2014. Jonathan Wherrett

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I first interviewed Laura McCusker in the winter of 2020 for a piece in this magazine on Tasmanian women designers. Sitting with her today in the smoko shack, beneath the suspended kayaks, and beside a well-worn upright piano, I ask the most elemental of questions: So whats changed for you these past six years? Her eyes widen and she shoots back, What hasnt changed? Then she turns, heads to the sink, returns with coffee, and breaks the seal on the most delicate of subjects. When marital problems hit in mid-2022, McCusker began to study her marriage as if it were a carefully crafted object, modelled by hands and guided by hearts. The Japanese would say that the greatest respect you can give to a loved yet broken object is to repair it, she tells me. The cracks are part of its beauty. You dont throw it away. Relationships age and take on character, just like the furniture pieces Ive dedicated my life to. She was looking for ways to put it back together, this thing of human beauty. It was a fine idea and noble sentiment, in keeping with McCuskers instinct for braiding together her life and work, but it ultimately proved futile. Despite her best efforts, the fissure was irreparable. The break, inevitable. When I spoke with McCusker back in 2020, it was striking how strongly her story was impressed with the trope of woman-in-a-mans-world. The other Tasmanian women in the story  jewellers Anita Dineen and Emma Bugg, and graphic designer Megan Perkins  werent lugging and planing planks for a living. McCusker told how her first job in Hobart, after moving from Sydney in 2003, was making furniture for a luxury yacht, in a shipyard with 350 men. On day one, there was a mad scramble to remove the girlie pics from the tea room. Talking to her now, she adds a not-insignificant gloss. I was a young mother at the time, breastfeeding Jimbo. I used to say goodbye to him around 6am and wouldnt see him again till six in the evening. It was a really tough time. But we had a mortgage and no money and I needed to get a job to provide for the family. Laura McCusker with her kids. Courtesy of Laura McCusker She remembers starting her own practice in inner western Sydney three decades ago, in 1996, with her apprenticeship and trade certificates in woodworking under her belt, and a big pregnant belly  she was carrying Ella  beneath her overalls. I was working right up to 38 weeks.

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The decision to have children early was all part of the plan, she says, the grand design of her life. The idea was to free herself up in her 50s. Things have panned out, pretty much, as expected. I feel like Im having my 20s in my 50s, she says with a quick smile of delight at the paradox. Its so much more fun to be 20 when youre 50, if that makes sense. Im fitter than Ive ever been. I know who I am. Ive got housing security, job security, more financial security than Ive ever had. In your 20s, youre still trying to work out who you are. Of course shes ended up with a tad more freedom than she hoped for. My new plan is to work out how to do this in a way thats still fun and joyful. I know Im incurably optimistic, always looking for the silver linings. I think it

irritates the shit out of my children sometimes. But, what are the options? This stage of life can be a bit rough, but if you learn how to, you know, read the surf  and how to sort of ride the waves  then youre much better than just being thrown around by it. In the early years of her career, and her relocation to Hobart, she was acutely conscious of her femininity in a male-dominated world of tools and machines, that required strength, skill and precision, and an element of danger. She wanted more than anything to fit in. So the girl with her Brazilian mothers soft, brown eyes and heavy hair learnt to speak bloke, my accent changed, I became harder. I wanted to just get on with my work and be judged by my work. As part of that strategy of effacement, she set out to dial down her femininity, lest it become a distraction. It was survival strategy via camouflage. Im sure Im not the first woman to use this technique. Im older, wiser and Im not worried about making other people feel comfortable. Laura McCusker Now, three decades after McCusker started fashioning a life in wood, Im older, wiser and Im not worried about making other people feel comfortable. I know I am good at what I do and I make no excuses for who I am. And with time has come a deeper appreciation of traditional feminine skills in the worlds of business, craft and art. I would say, Dont throw that stuff out thinking you have to blend in.  McCusker has learnt lessons from life that shes taken into the workshop, and lessons from the workshop that have aided her in life. Theres a quiet meditative conversation going on during the slow, reflective process of woodwork, despite the background hammering and the shrill ringing of saws. You learn to read the timber, she says. Read its grain, its growth, what part of the tree the board has been cut from. You can go against the grain  and sometimes you must. But your knives need to be sharp, the cut not too deep, and take it slow. Related Article Good Weekend The 30-minute timer trick: The productivity hack behind Natasha Lesters 12 novels

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Her children, she admits, often roll their eyes when she talks this way, when she comes over all Jedi Wood Master, but she cant resist the temptation to view working with wood as a metaphor for working through life. A piece of timbers most beautiful feature, for McCusker, is as often as not the result of stress. Of fracture. Of tension. Of the tree responding to wind, to lean, to damage, to uneven light. What we admire as beauty is often the visible record of difficulty. Those glorious growth rings  so striking when they arc across a board  are also where the tension lives in the tree. Where torsion builds. Where movement is stored. They are beautiful  and they can be unstable. They demand respect. Allowance. Understanding. I leave McCusker at her studio and drive two hours north along the Midland Highway to view Forest Stand. The work is an evolution from a more functional piece designed a decade earlier for a client to encourage his partner to dismantle the clothes monster in the corner of the room, and actually put his clothes away. Responding to a commission last year from Design Tasmania, she returned to the idea. This time she used specialty Tasmanian timbers left over from commissioned tables  cast-offs, as she puts it, too good to throw away but not good for very much else. The fine bones of this functional sculpture mesh into a fretwork of contained and open spaces, some seeking earth and stability, others breaking free. The quirky Forest Stand commissioned last year by Design Tasmania for its permanent collection. Peter Whyte Photography Arts consultant Pippa Dickson, who met McCusker more than 20 years ago when she arrived in Hobart as a young mother and designer, sees Forest Stand as a riff on an earlier cluster of verticals and play of shadows. This piece dates from 2003, an undulating slatted screen of blackbutt titled Barcode Screen, a bespoke version of which is in Walsh and Kaecheles -private collection. Consistently through both McCuskers work and her personality, Dickson sees strength and elegance, grit and refinement, a combination that feels entirely her own. For sure theres an evolution, but theres also a straight and consistent grain. The next day, McCusker sends a note to say that our discussion about design and life, design in life, and designing life  at least having a good crack at it  has prompted thoughts about purpose. As is her way, she frames her meditation in tangible terms that relate to her craft.

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Updated NationalWACyclones Exmouth cut off by land and air after Cyclone Narelle causes extensive damage Rebecca Peppiatt Updated March 28, 2026  8:28pm ,first published 11:35am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Residents in Exmouth are assessing the trail of destruction left by Tropical Cyclone Narelle as the system weakened on Saturday morning to a low as it continued to track south. The cyclone crossed the West Australian coast at Coral Bay on Friday afternoon as a category 3 system, bringing with it winds of up to 250km/h which tore off roofs, uprooted trees, flooded homes and cut power. A day on, Exmouth Shire President Matthew Niikkula said the town had suffered extensive damage, with many residents without running water. The airport has suffered catastrophic damage to the terminal, so we wont be able to receive or send out regular passenger planes for a while. The runway itself has sustained major damage, which RAAF are working on trying to clear that and repair that as fast as possible in order to be able to get some support planes in, he said.

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Everyones on emergency power right now, and were still cut off by road and by air except for helicopter at the moment. Niikkula said there were no injuries reported as a result of the storm, but damage to properties was very extensive. Exmouth town beach. Blue Media Exmouth/Violeta Brosig Roofs off, sheds down, fences down, he said. Both of the towns supermarkets and fuel stations had also received damage to their buildings.

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Niikkula took part in emergency talks on Saturday about how best to get the town back on its feet and the community will be updated after. Resident Violeta Brosig said it was the worst cyclone she had experienced since moving to the town 17 years ago. A vessel tipped on its side at Exmouth marina. Blue Media Exmouth/Violeta Brosig It was the most scary, she said. To be honest Im not worried about the property at all. Property is just whatever. I just want to know how everyone is.

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Almost 350 millimetres of rain fell as the cyclone passed through  a years worth in 12 hours. The town was on red alert for more than 24 hours. Residents reported the town was bathed in red dirt as the wind stirred up the Pilbara dust, creating an eerie post-apocalyptic scene. The wind started from about 8pm [Thursday night] and then it just continued to get worse and worse, Yarni McLachlan told 9News Perth. Pretty scary gusts. Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Christie Johnson said the system was continuing to make its way south and inland on Saturday.

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Yesterday Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle crossed at the coast around Coral Bay during the afternoon as a category three, but was downgraded to a category 2 system during the evening as it moved onshore and to the south, she said. Through this morning, it moved through the northern Gascoyne. Last night we saw 133km/h wind gusts at Carnarvon Airport and 122km/h at Gascoyne Junction. We have seen the wind beginning to increase this morning over the southern Gascoyne with Golden Grove Airport recording 90km/h and 89km/h recorded at Mount Magnet. Johnson said the low would bring destructive winds to inland communities, with some areas expected to cop between 30 and 50 millimetres of rain within six hours, which could cause flash flooding. Overnight, Dalgety Downs recorded the most rain, with 112mm in the gauge in the past 24 hours.

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Related Article Cyclones Tropical Cyclone Narelle news updates: Exmouths airport suffers catastrophic damage Talisker Station resident Judy Rogers said her property, about 150 kilometres east of Shark Bay, was damaged by the cyclone. We had very strong winds all day yesterday that picked up lots of red dirt, she said. The winds intensified around about 6 oclock. The rain was coming in horizontal. She said they measured around 104mm of rain and sustained damage to some of the roof on the house and the roof of one shed was gone completely.

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Some of our power solar panels are on the ground, she said. Weve lost one wall on the shearing shed. Given the strength of the winds we endured we have faired better than we expected. We put this down to the very good warnings that were put out giving us time to prepare. Narelle was reclassified as a tropical low on Saturday morning. Now known as ex-tropical cyclone Narelle, the weather system is still expected to bring severe weather to large parts of WA on Saturday, Bureau of Meteorologys Angus Hines said. We will continue to see some weather impacts, particularly rainfall but also some strong wind as this weather system keeps on moving southward, he said.

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Narelle was moving through the Wheatbelt area of WA on Saturday and heading towards the Great Southern before crossing the Esperance coastline in the evening. By Saturday night, the system will be back out to sea after having made landfall twice already  first in Queensland and then in the Northern Territory  before reforming off the WA coast. This will be the final time we say farewell to Narelle, Hines 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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NationalWACourts Sentencing for WA teacher who gave birth to students baby delayed by psychiatric report Rebecca Peppiatt March 27, 2026  10:28am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

A West Australian teacher who raped a schoolboy and gave birth to his baby will be psychiatrically assessed ahead of her sentencing later this year. Naomi Tekea Craig, 33, was charged by child abuse detectives late last year, accused of persistently engaging in sexual conduct with a student between 2024 and 2025. Naomi Craig, 33, has pleaded guilty to the sexual abuse of a student. She faced court a day after her last sexual encounter with the boy in December, and just weeks before she gave birth to a child, who police alleged was fathered by the boy, on January 8. The victim was just 13 years old at the time.

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Craig pleaded guilty to two charges of indecently dealing with a child under 13, five charges of sexually penetrated a child over 13 and under 16, five charges of sexual penetration of a child under 13, a person who persistently engaged in sexual conduct with a child under the age of 16 years, one charge of indecently deals with a child over 13 under 16 and one charge of possessing child exploitation material. A hearing was held in her absence on Friday morning in Perth District Court, where her lawyer Michael Tudori told the court a psychiatrist had been drafted to assess her ahead of her sentencing. We have managed to find a psychiatrist, to complete a psychiatric report, he said. Its been difficult to find one, but we have, but I am seeking quite a lengthy adjournment until July 3 for her to do the report as she needs time. Craig did not attend the hearing and her bail was renewed on the same terms, which include no unsupervised contact with any children except her own and a prohibition from contacting the young victim.

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The court previously heard that her sexual contact with the boy began when he was 12 in 2024. Related Article Analysis

Child abuse A father at 13: How a WA teachers predatory campaign shattered a boys future Earlier this year, police confirmed a DNA test had been conducted after Craig  who is married  gave birth, which they alleged confirmed the victim was the babys father. She is also the mother of a three-year-old boy. She will be back before the court on July 3 for a sentence mention hearing. 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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Weve all been there, scrolling through social media only to realise weve been staring at our phones for 20 minutes instead of two. But it seems West Australians are turning away from the digital realm  and into the analogue space. According to a new report, the average Australian spends roughly five hours and 52 minutes a day online, and an average of 19 hours 28 minutes a week on social media. Craft Club founder Molly Wellington. Indigo Lemay-Conway The E-Safety Commissioner lists a variety of signs and symptoms people may feel from spending too much time online. These include: ongoing headaches, eye strain and sleep disturbance, neck, back or hand pain, regularly checking your device while trying to complete other tasks, withdrawing from offline friends and activities and a decline in performance in work or study. Now, there appears to be an increased focus on switching off the phone  and indulging other avenues to get your brain working.

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Set up for art connoisseurs and newbies alike, Craft Club  which runs from 6pm to 8pm every second Thursday at Fremantle Piazza  allows for people to connect outside of social media through their love of crafting. When I started it, there wasnt anything like it in Perth. Also, there was nothing to do in Perth in winter, which is when the club began, founder Molly Wellington said. Editor's pick Perth business A lot of people are sad: Freo businesses struggle over bridge woes The first club session was around three years ago, but it was sporadic in timing, so essentially I have been doing it more consistently over the last six months because I thought that there was a need, and there definitely is. Also I selfishly just have a list of like a hundred projects that I want to do myself and I never do them if Im just doing them at home on my own, she said with a laugh. Tickets to the craft club are sold out ahead of sessions. Crafters can either bring their own project and tools or use the supplies Wellington brings to start something new.

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On alternating Tuesday evenings, Wellington hosts workshops which vary between patchwork, junk journaling, keychain making and more. While she champions the analogue idea at her sessions, it was on social media that she first stumbled across the trend. The hilarious thing is that I noticed it on the internet a lot which is really funny to me. But in real life I feel like people just want to get off their phones, she said. A lot of the conversations that I keep having on the nights are with people who say, Im so hooked on my phone, I just need to have an excuse as to why Im not looking at it, or the other night someone said that they felt really gross that they brought their phone to look up something during for their project because  they just wanted to be here in the moment. It definitely feels like [the analogue trend] is popping off right now and Im seeing other clubs and things pop up in Perth as well, which is so good because normally you just see them over East. Painting therapy Also offering a space to break free of the digital realm is The Painted Teapot in Subiaco.

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The studio offers book-in sessions where people can paint a piece of blank pottery, ranging from cups and plates to teapots and vases. Owner Kalpanie Fernando said the studio became popular after COVID-19 when people discovered how positive arts and crafts can be for mental health. I definitely think there are a lot of people that are way more into arts and crafts now than there was pre-COVID. I dont know if that was a catalyst for this change in mind and this kind of shift, but definitely a noticeable change, she said. The Painted Teapot owner Kalpanie Fernando. Indigo Lemay-Conway I think we all got a taste of what a work-life balance could look like when people started spending more time at home, working from home, being able to pursue arts and hobbies and have family time. Fernando said that her bookings have shifted from parents and children to mostly adults looking to escape from stressful work days and excessive screen time. Ill be honest, 95 per cent of my bookings are adults or at the very least over 15-16 year olds, she said.

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There has been an enormous shift and theres a lot more people who do this kind of thing in their spare time. I think they use it as an excuse to get away from the digital world, honestly. Pottery painting sessions come with an $8 studio fee plus the price of the pottery which starts at $20. Philippe Giguere-Simmonds has been a regular at The Painted Teapot, using sessions to relax from his job as a haematologist. I ran across it during COVID, and I thought oh gosh, I havent done that in years and so I sort of got back into it then, he said. It was a nice creative outlet that gave me something durable and nice at the end that I could use. I like using all of my pieces, eating off of them and drinking from the mugs and stuff. Giguere-Simmonds said concentrating on painting feels repetitive and meditative for him. Craft classes

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InspirationAdventure holidays Hiking Africas second-highest mountain beats Mount Kilimanjaro Andrew Bain March 28, 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

This article is part of Travellers Holiday Guide to Adventure & Outdoors. See all stories .

The drive to the national park entrance passes through an avenue of tall eucalypts on the slopes of Mount Kenya. As our vehicle climbs towards the parks Chogoria Gate, Im briefly struck by the sense that Im heading into the Australian High Country, a fancy soon dispelled by the sight of an elephant and her calf grazing at the roadside. As I watch the animals pull at the branches of a tree, the idea that Ill be standing by a glacier on an alpine summit four days from now feels surreal, if not absurd. But thats the beauty of hiking on Africas second-highest mountain. Mount Kenya suffers nothing from being of a lower elevation than Kilimanjaro. Mount Kenya draws only around 30 per cent of the number of trekkers who attempt to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Rising to 5199 metres above sea level, Mount Kenya attracts less than a third of the number of trekkers who attempt to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the continents tallest peak, but suffers nothing for its lower elevation. Its trails are uncrowded and the experience is arguably more rounded and rewarding  low on the slopes, the climb can be like a safari on foot, up high it becomes a full alpine ascent.

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Ten years ago, I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, but have wondered ever since about Mount Kenya, so Ive returned, onto the trails of this vast mountain splayed across the equator. A short distance beyond the elephants, our vehicle stops and we begin to walk. This first day were hiking purely to acclimatise, heading up the quiet park road through bamboo forest and into thick cloud. A Land Rover bumps past us, bursting at the seams with all of our gear plus, in a Tardis-like miracle of space, 17 porters (10 of them ours for the coming days). Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now. Like Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya is laced with trails. Our path is the Chogoria route, which is, according to the Mountain Club of Kenya, considered the most picturesque on the mountain. On the mountains lower slopes, the climb can be like a safari on foot. The climbs true start is at Chogoria Gate, 2950 metres above sea level, where we spend this first night in bandas (cabins). A thick mist adds a sense of foreboding to a sign warning of dangerous animals at night. Suitably, we wake to the mist-shrouded sight of three buffaloes grazing the lawns outside. Mount Kenya is a big mountain, with its slopes covering a diameter of around 120 kilometres, but as we set out hiking through the persistent mist, it feels like a small world. Visibility is less than 10 metres. Leading us through the pall is Moses. At 62, the former policeman is tall and strong and has been guiding trekkers to Africas highest summits for more than 30 years. Hes climbed Kilimanjaro 101 times and Mount Kenya hundreds of times. And hes adamant about his favourite.

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Most people come to do the Roof of Africa  thats Kili  and thats why its popular, but its not as scenic, Moses says. People end up loving Mount Kenya most. Mount Kenya has lots of peaks and valleys. Its more dramatic. Three of those peaks will dominate our days ahead. Most imposing are the two highest  Batian (5199 metres) and Nelion (5188 metres)  standing tall, fierce and inaccessible to all but rock climbers. For trekkers, its the third peak, the 4985-metre Point Lenana, that beckons. The four-day climb to Lenana is punctuated by lakes  Lake Ellis, Lake Michaelson and Simba Tarn  with camping beside each one. On this first day, we see only two other hikers and are one of only three small groups camped by the shores of Lake Ellis. But were far from alone. When I wake in the morning, theres fresh leopard scat near our tents, while word soon filters in that a lion had wandered through a nearby camp at dawn. Its starting to feel a little too safari. The four-day climb is punctuated by lakes, with camping beside each one. On the shores of Lake Ellis, the frosty morning breaks open into a bright and blue day, with the cloud now pressed into the valleys far below us. Starlings hang about as though were a food truck, and malachite sunbirds, as bright as the sky, flit between shrubs as we ascend a long ridge, topping out after three hours at the mountains most startling view. Suddenly, instead of looking onto alpine tussocks and the shrinking Lake Ellis, Im staring down into a vast canyon, with peaks rising above like fins and Lake Michaelson pooled on a high ledge at the canyons head. For this view alone, Id climb Mount Kenya over Kilimanjaro. You know youre in the mountains now, Moses says from over my shoulder, and I can only nod mutely and appreciatively. Lake Michaelson is the mountains standout campsite  perhaps the most beautiful camp Ive encountered in Africa  set deep inside a volcanic crater among giant lobelias. As dusk nears, hyraxes, animals that resemble small wombats, graze the lawns around our tent and, at times, try to climb inside them.

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Each day now brings more altitude and less oxygen and finally, above Lake Michaelson, we enter the alpine zone, where life seems to end, but the mountain goes on. Our final camp, Simba Tarn, is as bleak as the sleet storms that blow through as we rest up in our tents, preparing for the summit attempt the next morning. Simba Tarn is also the closest camp on the mountain to the summit, meaning that instead of the requisite midnight starts on Mount Kilimanjaro, were woken at a relatively sluggish 3.30am, setting out into the night for the final slow kilometres to Point Lenana. Each day brings more altitude, less oxygen and better views. In the darkness, the world loses all shape, reduced to the circle of light cast by my headtorch, with the lights of a large group down the slopes looking like a train rolling through the night. The air is cold and sparse. It takes an hour just to walk one kilometre, but soon were inching along ledges and scrambling over boulders in the dark. Twenty minutes before sunrise we come to a set of metal steps billed as the worlds highest via ferrata, ascending them step by step to rise onto the summit. Immediately beside us are the cliffs of Batian, glowing orange in the days first light, and the remnants of the Great Lewis Glacier, looking ever closer to extinction. I think it will be gone within five years, says Moses, who has watched its inexorable decline over more than three decades.

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On a clear day, you can see distant Kilimanjaro and the lights of Nairobi from Point Lenana, though today we look down onto a sea of cloud, with peaks piercing through them. Its like standing on a floating island of rock amid a dramatic ensemble of peaks and towers. My breath is slow and forced, but my eyes and my brain are racing. Ive found my African mountain of choice. FIVE OTHER AFRICAN MOUNTAINS Kilimanjaro Tallest of all, 5895-metre Kili can be climbed along seven routes; allow at least seven or eight days for the greatest chance of summit success. Simien Mountains

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Ethiopias highest mountain range is one of the most beautiful high regions in which Ive ever trekked. Hiking trips aspire to climb 4550-metre Ras Dashen, the countrys highest mountain. High Atlas Ascend North Africas highest peak, 4167-metre Jebel Toubkal, at the very edge of the Sahara Desert in Morocco. Drakensberg Theyre far from the highest mountains in Africa, topping out at 3482 metres, but South Africas dragon mountains are as dramatic and fantastic in shape as their name suggests.

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World Expeditions runs a seven-day Mount Kenya Ascent trip, starting and finishing in Nairobi, with five days of trekking. Trips start from $4190. See worldexpeditions.com The writer travelled as a guest of World Expeditions.

Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Adventure holidays

Kenya

Africa Andrew Bain is a Hobart-based writer and author who has been writing about travel and adventure for more than 25 years, and is most at home in the outdoors and remote places.
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WorldAsiaMiddle East at war Iran war sparks global fertiliser shortage and threatens food prices Annirudha Ghosal and Allan Olingo March 28, 2026  4:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Hanoi, Vietnam: Farmers around the world are feeling the squeeze from the war in Iran. Fuel prices have shot up, and fertiliser supplies are waning due to Tehrans near shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for US and Israeli bombing. The fertiliser shortage is putting the livelihood of farmers in developing countries  already troubled by rising temperatures and erratic weather systems  further at risk, and could lead to people everywhere paying more for food. India is trying to reduce its dependence of imported fertiliser. Bloomberg The poorest farmers in the northern hemisphere rely on fertiliser imports from the Gulf, and the shortage comes just as planting season begins, said Carl Skau, deputy executive director of the World Food Program. In the worst case, this means lower yields and crop failures next season. In the best case, higher input costs will be included in food prices next year.

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On Friday, Irans ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, said Tehran had accepted a request from the UN to let humanitarian aid and agricultural shipments move through the critical waterway, even as it endured strikes on its nuclear facilities. The aid plan would be the first breakthrough at the shipping choke point after a month of war. While markets and governments have largely focused on blocked supplies of oil and natural gas, the restriction of fertiliser threatens farming and food security worldwide. The planting season is now. The fertiliser isnt there. Raj Patel,food systems economist Nitrogen and phosphate  two major fertiliser nutrients  are under immediate threat from the blockade. Supplies of nitrogen, including urea, the most widely traded fertiliser that helps plants grow and boosts yields, are the hardest hit because of shipping delays and the soaring price of liquefied natural gas, an essential ingredient.

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The conflict has restricted about 30 per cent of the global urea trade, said Chris Lawson of CRU Group, a London-based commodities consultancy. Some countries are already facing critical shortages, according to Raj Patel, a food systems economist at the University of Texas. For example, Ethiopia gets more than 90 per cent of its nitrogen fertiliser from the Persian Gulf through Djibouti, a supply route that was strained even before the war began in February. Related Article Analysis

Middle East at war Trump needs troops to seize the Strait of Hormuz. These are his options The planting season is now, Patel said. The fertiliser isnt there. Phosphate supplies, which support root development, are also under pressure. Saudi Arabia produces about a fifth of the worlds phosphate fertiliser, and the region exports more than 40 per cent of the worlds sulphur, a key ingredient and byproduct of oil and gas refining, Lawson said.

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Even after the war ends, producers in the Gulf would need clear security guarantees before resuming shipments through the strait, and insurance costs would almost certainly rise, said Owen Gooch, an analyst with London-based Argus Consulting Services. In India, the government has prioritised urea supplies for domestic use and provides fertiliser manufacturers with about 70 per cent of their natural gas needs. Some plants are still operating below capacity, resulting in lower output. The food system is fragile, and it depends on stable fertiliser supply chains to ensure farmers can produce the food the world relies on, said Hanna Opsahl-Ben Ammar of Yara International, one of the worlds largest fertiliser companies. Shortages hit at a critical time Fertilisers are generally applied just before or at planting, so crops miss key early growth stages, and yields can fall when deliveries are delayed, even if supplies improve later.

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The impact is already being felt in the United States and Europe, where the main planting season is underway, and it is expected to hit the first planting season in much of Asia in the coming months. A Thai farmer distributes fertiliser across his paddy field using a fishing net. Bloomberg Our crops out in the field need nitrogen now  the sooner, the better  so they can get off to a good start, helping them establish themselves and build up reserves for the harvest later this summer, said Dirk Peters, an agricultural engineer who runs a farm outside Berlin. Fertiliser prices are below the peaks seen after Russias invasion of Ukraine, but grain prices were higher then, helping farmers absorb the costs, said Joseph Glauber of the International Food Policy Research Institute. Grain prices are lower now, meaning margins are tighter and farmers may have to switch to less fertiliser-intensive crops  such as soybeans in the US  or apply less fertiliser, reducing yields. Lower yields can lead to higher consumer prices.

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Other nations likely wont make up the shortfall. China, the worlds largest producer of nitrogen and phosphate fertilisers, is prioritising domestic supply, and urea shipments probably wont resume until May, Lawson said. Factories in Russia, another major producer, are already running near full capacity, he said. Developing nations are vulnerable The disruptions are already being felt across Africa, where many farmers rely on fertiliser imported from the Middle East and Russia. Early heavy rains in East Africa have left farmers with about a week of dry weather to prepare fields and apply fertiliser, said Stephen Muchiri, a Kenyan maize farmer and chief executive of the Eastern African Farmers Federation, which represents 25 million smallholders.

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Workers unload fertiliser in Colombo, Sri Lanka. There are concerns that the shutdown Strait of Hormuz could trigger global shortages. Bloomberg Fertiliser shortages and price hikes hit farmers hard, forcing them to use less and leading to reduced yields. Even short delays can reduce maize yields by about 4 per cent in a season, Patel said, citing research from Zambia. Governments can intervene by applying subsidies, promoting domestic production and controlling exports. Related Article Note From The Editor From Lebanon to the petrol pump  making sense of the Middle East omnishambles India already subsidises fertiliser to ease the financial strain on farmers, but those subsidies leave less money for long-term farming investments. It has budgeted $US12.7 billion ($18.4 billion) this year for urea subsidies alone, according to the US-based Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis.

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Efforts to produce domestic urea have increased Indias dependence on imported gas, and excessive urea use has harmed local soil, said Purva Jain of IEEFA, which supports the use of organic fertilisers. Less reliance on imported fertilisers could protect farmers and consumers from energy price swings and climate shocks, said Oliver Oliveros, executive coordinator of the Agroecology Coalition. This could be a turning point, he said. 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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WorldNorth AmericaTrump's America Millions of Americans rally against Trump  even in small town West Virginia Michael Koziol March 29, 2026  6:09am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Charles Town, West Virginia: School teacher Chervon Grantham is 47 years old and attending her first protest. I finally had enough and was brave enough, she says. I can no longer stay silent about whats going on in our country. Grantham carries a sign with a play on the lyrics to John Denvers West Virginia anthem, Take Me Home, Country Roads, and wears a T-shirt inspired by the late Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Chervon Grantham, 47, attended her first protest on Saturday in Charles Town, West Virginia. Michael Koziol Being from West Virginia, Ive had to deal with racism my whole life, she says. I choose to be here and live here because I love my community. But its hard, and so now I feel its time to stand up so that everyone can be equal and everyone can be free. Grantham is with her friend Nicole Sergent, a physical therapist and veteran protester. It makes me feel like theres something I can do, the 49-year-old says. It feels despairing when you cant do anything.

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From big blue cities such as New York and Chicago, to small towns in red states like here in Charles Town, West Virginia, millions of Americans took to the streets on Saturday to protest the Trump administration, in one of the largest co-ordinated demonstrations the country has ever seen. Organisers of the No Kings protests said more than 3200 rallies were scheduled across all 50 states. Previous iterations of the No Kings demonstrations also attracted millions. Loading I do feel that there has been a bit of a turn with certain people: Nicole Sergent says more of the community is turning against Donald Trump. Michael Koziol Donald Trump easily won West Virginia in 2024  as he did in 2016 and 2020  including Jefferson County, which takes in Charles Town, and nearby Berkeley County, which includes the city of Martinsburg.

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But on Saturday, hundreds of anti-Trump protesters lined the main intersection of Charles Town, outside the historic Jefferson County Court House, where they carried signs, chanted slogans and cheered loudly each time a passing driver honked their horn. Thousands march through the streets of Houston, Texas on Saturday. AP In general, we mind our Ps and Qs, and we dont discuss politics. Some people still stick in that mindset, says Sergent, who is from Martinsburg. But I do feel that there has been a bit of a turn with certain people. Some traditional, non-MAGA Republicans and independent voters who supported Trump are bothered by the violence deployed by federal immigration agents in Trumps deportation crackdown, Sergent suggests. Jacob Collard, 32 and Sarah Ward, 21. Millions of Americans took part in No Kings protests in more than 3000 cities and towns. Michael Koziol

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Sarah Ward, a 21-year-old from Charles Town, agrees. She also works in schools and says many non-white families dont want their childrens names and photos to appear in the yearbook due to fears about being targeted by ICE. Ward says those are the kinds of things that appear to sow doubt about the Trump agenda among the more conservative members of her family. So does the increasing cost of petrol amid the ongoing war on Iran. Gas prices and the war have really started to change peoples opinion, she says. Because people around here really care about their dollar. We have a lot of blue-collar workers. Anti-Trump demonstrators held signs and sang protest songs. Michael Koziol National polls show Trumps approval rating has fallen sharply since the war started, to the lowest level of his second term. A new Reuters/Ipsos poll found just 36 per cent of Americans approved of Trumps performance, down from 40 per cent, while 62 per cent disapproved.

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On the corner outside the courthouse, a group of mostly older demonstrators has a prime position, holding an extra-large banner that says: We the people will not be governed by hate. They sing This Little Light of Mine, which emerged from the American gospel songbook to become a civil rights anthem. Demonstrators gather outside City Hall in Los Angeles. AP Across the street, a lone Trump supporter is wearing a red Make America Great Again cap underneath a kings crown and waving a pro-Trump flag. He plays Village Peoples Y.M.C.A. and Lee Greenwoods God Bless the USA  Trumps anthems  from his iPhone into a loudspeaker. Im surprised theres not more of me here, Jason Butler, 40, says later as the rally winds down. Maybe people are too afraid. But if you dont stand up for what you believe in, what else do you have? As we speak, a woman yells out the window of her car: Asshole! Butler shrugs: A lot of people get in my face. People hes known all his life now think hes a bigot or a Nazi, he says. At the end of the day, thats a really bad assumption to put on people just because they have one belief over another.

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Trump supporter Jason Butler stood on the corner and blasted Village Peoples Y.M.C.A. through a megaphone. Michael Koziol Butler says he voted for Barack Obama but became a Trump convert in 2016 after Obama went downhill. And there are still things the president says or does that he doesnt agree with  the war in Iran is one of them. Theres a lot of things he could have approached and done differently, maybe a little bit more diplomatic, he says. At the end of the day, hes doing what he thinks is best  Im sure theres a lot of stuff that he knows that hes not going to tell us until later. Protesters rally in St Paul, Minnesota, where the backlash to Trump immigration crackdown has been one of the strongest. AP Butler believes many of the Charles Town protesters are from elsewhere  Virginia, or Washington, DC, which is about 90 minutes drive away. Everyone I speak with, however, is a local or from another city nearby.

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Organisers are intent on showing that opposition to Trump is not confined to Americas large, liberal cities. Protesters at the National Mall in Washington, DC, one of more than 3000 locations across the country where demonstrations took place. AP The defining story of this Saturdays mobilisation is not just how many people are protesting, but where they are protesting, said Leah Greenberg, co-founder of Indivisible, the group that started the No Kings movement last year and led planning of Saturdays events. In Washington, several marches converged on the National Mall, steps from the White House (Trump spent the weekend in Florida). One protest was specifically directed at Trumps deputy chief of staff, Stephen Miller, a key architect of the administrations immigration crackdown. The White House dismissed the demonstrations. The only people who care about these Trump Derangement Therapy Sessions are the reporters who are paid to cover them, said spokeswoman Abigail Jackson.

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As well as the Iran war, which is now four weeks old, the upcoming midterm elections were a recurring theme during Saturdays protests. Trump is demanding Congress pass a law, the Save America Act, that would require voters to present identification at the polls, among other things. Millions of Americans were expected to take part in the protests. Some wore outfits mocking President Donald Trump or ICE, the immigration enforcement agency. AP Experts say non-citizen voting is exceedingly rare, but the move to require ID has public support. Still, it is not likely to get through Congress with Democrats opposed. Last week, former White House strategist Steve Bannon said Trumps decision to send ICE agents to airports to assist with staff shortages was a test run for deploying ICE to polling centres at the midterms. Lizz Winstead, the emcee at Saturdays protest in St Paul and Minneapolis, told the crowd: Every single person here today needs to be participating to make sure that our elections are not suppressed, people get to vote, and that in November, everybody is going to be able to vote to make the change that we desperately want to see.

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Leesville, LA (71446)

Today

Cloudy early with thunderstorms developing later in the day. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. High 79F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. Low 64F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%.
While he studied dentistry in University College Cork, Neil Tully also pursued and cultivated his interest in writing, the fruit of which now comes in the shape of the Ballina mans debut novel, entitled The Visit.

Neils love of writing stems from a young age. He grew up in The Moorings, Ballina, and attended The Quay School and St Muredachs College locally. His mother Ann and his late father Tim  a former Garda Superintendent in Ballina  encouraged creativity among their children. Neil and his siblings had a gifted streak when it came to music, writing and art. So, once he qualified as a dentist in UCC, Neil went on to complete an MA in Creative Writing at the University of Limerick.

Now living in Cork City with his wife, where he practises as a dentist, Neil has written short stories previously but The Visit is the 36-year olds first foray into something more substantial.

Set in June 1963, at the time of John F Kennedys visit to New Ross, Neil completed extensive research from the start to ensure anachronistic integrity for his story. The narrative centres around Garda Sergeant Jim Field, who feels a guilty paternalism for Patrick Hatten, a young man struggling to find a job, a life and a purpose in a small-town Wexford community. Both are used to being on the fringes but while Jim is a romantic with bad health and regret, Patrick is full of anger and action, and his actions could have devastating effects.

Renowned author Joseph OConnor has lauded Neils first major work, calling it "an exquisite and powerful debut novel from a compelling new voice in Irish fiction", and Wexford author Colm Toibin has given it the thumbs up also, calling it "brilliant and intriguing".

The Visit will be published in hardback this coming Thursday by Eriu, and will be available to purchase in bookshops and online.
By Jonathan McCambridge, Press Association

President Catherine Connolly has attended an event marking the 75th anniversary of a veterans homeless charity.

The Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (Oglaigh Naisiunta na hEireann), known as ONE, marked the anniversary with a ceremony in Cathal Brugha Barracks in Rathmines, Dublin, on Saturday.

ONE provides a number of services, particularly for homeless veterans and those that need mental health support.

The president addressed the charity following a guard of honour (Niall Carson/PA)

The charity has homes for homeless veterans in Athlone, Cobh, Dublin and Letterkenny which provide 51 single bedrooms.

The 75th Anniversary of ONE coincides with the commencement of phase two of its Veteran Home Expansion Plan with the addition of 17 single en-suite bedrooms across three new homes in Cork, Limerick and Newbridge.

Connolly said: Since 1951, the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel has played a vital role assisting veterans of our Defence Forces, providing essential professional services, including mental health and homeless services.

Both of these issues  homelessness and mental healthcare  require urgent attention.

We must constantly raise awareness across our society to ensure that the motto of the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel  no veteran left behind  becomes the lived reality for those who served in our Defence Forces.

Chief executive officer of ONE Cormac Kirwan said: Homelessness and mental health challenges have now become part of our common language but in doing so, they may have unfortunately lost some of their true meaning.

Both of these issues, homelessness and mental healthcare require urgent attention Catherine Connolly

The blunt reality is that it is about being without shelter, or compassion, or care, or hope.

The new facilities will directly enable ONE to provide homeless veterans with a safe, secure and supportive space, warm meals, camaraderie, care and hope, for as long as it is needed.

The ceremony included a veterans guard of honour to welcome the President and an address by her.

She said one of the driving forces behind the establishment of the charity 75 years ago had been a housing crisis.

Connolly said: It is now 75 years later and we are suffering yet another housing crisis, 17,112 people, including 5,319 children residing in emergency accommodation in January of this year. The figure has probably risen.
Darragh Mc Donagh

Accumulated profits at a property management company owned by Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae exceeded 1 million last year, according to newly filed accounts.

Roughty Properties Limited was set up by the Kerry politician in May 2022, and has been linked to a guesthouse in Tralee used to accommodate Ukrainian refugees, among other properties.

Healy-Rae, 59, is the sole owner of the firm, while his son, Kevin, 27, is also listed as a director.

Accounts just filed to the Companies Office show that accumulated profits climbed by 241,244 to just over 1 million during the 12 months to the end of last May, while the firm had cash and other current assets worth 461,042.

Healy-Rae has been referred to as the largest landlord in the Dail. His latest declaration of interests lists 28 separate properties, including guesthouses, student accommodation, and rental homes.

He lists his occupations as a postmaster, politician, farmer, service-station owner, owner of rental properties, and the owner of a plant-hire business. He is a director of four companies.

In 2022, Kerry County Council refused planning permission to Roughty Properties Limited for a three-storey extension to Rosemont Guesthouse, which would have significantly expanded its capacity.

The value of fixed assets at the company increased more than threefold to 669,617 during the last financial year, while cash and current assets decreased by 257,004 to 416,042.

The firm had previously reported 465,860 in post-tax profits during its first year of incorporation, followed by another 376,048 in the subsequent 12 months to the end of May 2024.

Healy-Raes Rosemont guesthouse received 1.22 million from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth during the 27 months to the end of December 2024, according to official figures.

His declaration of interests confirm that Roughty Properties Limited held contracts with the department for the accommodation of Ukrainians in 2025, while he also had contracts with Kerry County Council for the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS).

Healy-Rae, who is the minister of state with responsibility for forestry, also owns a number of parcels of forestry, according to his declaration of interests, along with farmland, retail property, and B&Bs.

His other interests include shares in the New York Times.
Allentown, PA (18103)

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Partly sunny and still fairly pleasant. A later afternoon shower is possible but most will stay dry for the day..

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There might be an early shower; otherwise, mostly cloudy.
Reading, PA (19601)

Today

Partly sunny and still fairly pleasant. A later afternoon shower is possible but most will stay dry for the day..

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There might be an early shower; otherwise, mostly cloudy.
Tech founder and investor David Sacks has been named co-chair of US President Trump's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), expanding his role in shaping US policy on artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency, according to media reports. Established by Executive Order, PCAST brings together the Nation's foremost luminaries in science and technology to advise the President and provide recommendations on strengthening American leadership in science and technology. PCAST will focus on topics related to the opportunities and challenges that emerging technologies present to the American workforce, and ensuring all Americans thrive in the Golden Age of Innovation. Sharing the update on social media, Sacks said the council is ready to begin work on the administration's priorities. "After all the accomplishments in our first year, Donald Trump has even bigger priorities for 2026," Sacks wrote in a post on X. "The President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology is hitting the ground running to deliver more wins for America." Sacks' appointment drew praise from industry leaders, including Mike Selig, who highlighted his role in advancing innovation-focused policies. In a reply to Sacks' post, Selig wrote, "@DavidSacks made @POTUS' vision of securing America as the global leader in innovation a reality by working tirelessly to advance pro-growth policies for AI and crypto." He also thanked Sacks for his work as the administration's AI and crypto advisor, adding, "Thank you David for your leadership as President Trump's AI and Crypto Czar." Selig further said he looks forward to working with Sacks in his expanded role. "I look forward to working with you in your new capacity as co-chair of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology," he wrote. According to the media reports, the appointment expands Sacks' influence over technology policy as the administration pushes to strengthen the United States' leadership in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and digital assets. (ANI)
The now ex-NDP leader Jagmeet Singh with Justin Trudeau. From 2019, the NDP has propped up the minority Liberal government in parliament, under Trudeau and now Carney. [Photo: You Tube]

The NDP, Canadas social democratic party, will announce Sunday the outcome of a three-week-long membership vote to determine the partys next federal leader. Framing the contest is the existential crisis that confronts the NDP in the wake of last years national election when it won just 6.3 percent of the vote and only 7 of the 343 House of Commons seatsfar and away its worst-ever result.

The labour bureaucracy and the corporate media have sought to explain away the NDPs collapse and the polarization of the electorate behind the big business Liberals and Conservatives by pointing to the impact of Trumps annexation threats and trade war measures.

No doubt the return of the fascist, would-be dictator to the White House shuffled the electoral deck, beginning with the forced resignation of Justin Trudeau as prime minister. But the NDPs electoral debacle and its bleeding of support to both of the ruling classs traditional parties of national government was first and foremost the outcome of the role that the social democrats and their allies in the trade union bureaucracy have played in suppressing the class struggle as world capitalism has been roiled by systemic crisis.

For six years beginning in 2019, the NDP, with the support and at the behest of the trade unions, propped up successive Justin Trudeau-led minority Liberal governments that implemented capitalist austerity, rearmament and war. The unions, meanwhile, derailed the biggest strike wave in decades. As workers sought to mount a counter-offensive against surging prices and intensifying worker-exploitation, the unions systematically isolated their struggles, pushed through concessionary contracts, and enforced government antistrike laws and orders.

Eleven months after the April 28, 2025 federal election and under conditions where the Liberal government, reorganized under the former central banker Mark Carney, has lurched sharply further right, support for the NDP remains tepid. Most polls show its popular support hovering around 10 percent. Looking for greener pastures, NDP politicians continue to defect to the Liberals. These include Nunavut MP Lori Idlout, who earlier this month crossed over to the Carney Liberals, and Doly Begum, who last month resigned as Ontario NDP deputy leader and a Toronto-area MPP so that she can stand as the Liberal candidate in an upcoming federal by-election.

Nevertheless, within the ranks of the union bureaucracy and the middle-class pseudo-left there is much interest in rebranding and reviving this anemic, right-wing social-democratic party. This is because they fear that the mass opposition that will soon emerge to the Carney Liberal governmentits support for the imperialist wars on Iran and Russia, diversion of societys resources to preparing for world war, and assault on workers social and democratic rightswill escape their stultifying political grip.

There are five candidates to succeed Jagmeet Singh as federal NDP leader. But only three of themEdmonton MP Heather McPherson, ILWU Canada President Rob Ashton and filmmaker, journalist, and academic Avi Lewishave any chance of winning.

Radical journalist and antiwar activist Yves Engler, the nominee of the Pabloite-led Socialist Caucus, also fulfilled all the leadership-race entry requirements, including submitting a $100,000 fee. However, an anonymous three-member NDP vetting committee arbitrarily excluded him from the race for his opposition to the NDPs full-throated support for the NATO-instigated Ukraine war and trenchant denunciations of the Gaza genocide.

McPherson, the lone sitting MP in the race, is widely considered to be the preferred candidate of the NDP apparatus. Ashton has been endorsed by several prominent union bureaucrats, including Canadian Labour Congress President Bea Bruske and the Canadian director of the United Steelworkers, Marty Warren.

Avi Lewis attempt to rebrand the NDP as an opponent of the billionaire class

With Engler excluded from the race, Lewis has cast himself as the left candidate. He argues the NDP needs to be bolder and advance an offer that is clearer and names the villains in our economythe billionaire class.

Lewis cites the successful New York mayoral campaign of Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist embedded in the Democratic Party, one of the twin parties of US imperialism, as an inspiration and model. He advocates for new Crown Corporations and increased social spending to make up for market failures and decouple Canadian capitalism from the US economy. Specific policy proposals include: a wealth tax on the richest 1 percent and a public option to compete with the private sector in groceries, consumer banking and telecommunications (cell phone and internet plans.)

NDP leadership candidate Avi Lewis [Photo: Avi Lewis/X]

Lewis has deep connections to both the international pseudo-left and Canadian social democracy. The husband of the writer Naomi Klein, Lewis made a film in 2019 about the Green New Deal with Alexandra OcasioCortez, a Democratic Party congresswoman and like Mamdani a prominent leader of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Lewis father, Stephen Lewis, was once the head of the Ontario NDP, and his grandfather, David Lewis, was the NDPs federal leader in the 1970s, including during the two-year period when the social democrats propped up a minority Liberal government headed by Pierre-Elliott Trudeau. Earlier as the federal secretary of the NDPs forerunner, the CCF, David Lewis was a point man in the Cold War purge of supporters of the Stalinist Communist Party and other revolutionary-minded workers from the trade unions.

Avi Lewis embraces this reactionary political legacy, calling it an inheritance of struggle.

Campaign donor information supplied by the NDP indicates Lewis has raised far more than his opponents and from many more contributors. This has led the press to suggest that he has a decided edge going into the last days of voting.

The NDP, the Liberal government, and Team Canada

Whatever their tactical disagreements, all of the candidates for the NDP leadership are staunch defenders of Canadian capitalism and its state, and inveterate opponents of class struggle. They are determined to contain and neuter social opposition by shackling it to the pro-employer trade unions, protests to the corporate elite and parliamentary-electoral politics.

None has repudiated the NDPs role in propping up the Trudeau minority Liberal government, which has continued under Carney, as in last Novembers budget vote.

All support Team Canada, the federal government-led, union and NDP-supported national front against Trumps tariffs and threats. Team Canada serves to both pit Canadian workers in trade war against their US and overseas class brothers and sisters and to provide, behind a parade of Canadian nationalist flag-waving, political cover for the ruling class to push politics far to the right. Carneys union and NDP-backed calls to strengthen Canadian sovereignty and economic resilience have invariably taken the form of massive rearmament, measures to strengthen Canadas military-industrial base and steep cuts to public services and federal jobs.

Lewis has sought to appeal to antiwar sentiment, condemning the criminal, unprovoked US-Israeli attack on Iran, and Israels genocide and ethnic-cleansing in Gaza and the West Bank. But he backs the war against Russia in Ukraine, Canadas arming of Ukraine and Ottawas working with the European imperialist powers to prevent any peace deal between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump made over the heads and at the expense of the predatory interests of the other NATO powers. Like the NDP as a whole, Lewis welcomed Carneys speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January, in which he advocated for Canada and other second-rank imperialist powers to ally so as to ensure that they secure a seat at the table in the imperialist drive to repartition the world through trade war, aggression and global war.

Heather McPherson and Rob Ashton

On becoming an NDP MP in 2019, McPherson offered to join the cabinet of the Liberal government, newly reduced to a minority, to provide it Western/Alberta representation. After the August 2021 election, she was named NDP foreign affairs critic and soon became one of the shrillest advocates of the Ukraine war, frequently joining with the far-right, Canadian state-sponsored Ukrainian Canadian Congress to demand the Liberal government take an even more belligerent stance.

McPherson boasts that she is a big tent New Democrat. In other words, she wants to hone to the corporate media-identified centre, appeal to disaffected Liberals, and eschew like the plague any policy proposals that go beyond the most meagre and miserly reforms. She and prominent supporters like former Alberta NDP cabinet minister Shannon Phillips have attacked Lewis for being divisive. They have taken particular issue with his climate change policies, which would cap further expansion of Albertas oil industry.

Ashton, who first came to national prominence for his role in sabotaging the 2023 strike and struggle of 7,400 British Columbia longshore workers, has also attacked Lewis from the right.

Workers picketing during the July 2023 West Coast dockers strike. The strike was isolated and sabotaged by the ILWU Canada, headed by Ashton, the US based ILWU International and the Canadian Labour Congress in the face of a massive campaign, involving all of corporate Canada, the Trudeau and BC NDP governments, and the Biden administration, to break it. [Photo: ILWU Canada/Facebook]

Sections of the pseudo-left have nonetheless tried to promote the ILWU president as an authentic worker leader. In fact, he is nothing more than the typical right-wing, nationalist union bureaucrat.

In the name of workers power, he advocates union bureaucrats be given seats on the boards of capitalist corporations, as under Germanys co-determination system, to boost corporate competitiveness and defend Canadian jobs.

Workers need a real seat in the boardroom, not just at the bargaining table, Ashton told the DSA-aligned Jacobin. We can change regulations to make sure Canadian companies and workers benefit. Ships operating in Canadian waterways should be built in Canadian shipyards, houses and hospitals should use Canadian materials, and mines here should purchase Canadian-made equipment. If we rebuild our industries with workers at the table, well create good jobs that last and an economy built by workers, for workers.

Ashton is fully on board with the Carney Liberal governments plans to massively expand Canadas military-industrial base. We need to ensure we have the capacity to protect our sovereignty. That means building Canadian-controlled defence capacity that doesnt rely on American technology  And it means investing not just in equipment, but in the women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces who do the work and carry the risk.

Ashtons promotion of protectionism, militarism, Canadian nationalism and the supposed common interests of Canadian workers and their capitalist exploiters is entirely in keeping with the foul role that he played in the 2023 BC ports strike. The strike quickly developed into a confrontation with the union and NDP-backed Trudeau Liberal government and all of corporate Canada. But Ashton, working closely with the Canadian Labour Congress, did everything to isolate it and confine it within the pro-employer collective bargaining system. Although US West Coast longshore workers, fellow members of the ILWU, were also working without contracts and many of them for the same giant shipping conglomerates as their striking Canadian brothers and sisters, Ashton and the US-based International leadership ensured the two struggles were hermetically sealed from one another.

Avi Lewis and the pseudo-left

Lewis has responded to right-wing criticisms by insisting that his differences with his fellow candidates are in fact small, that he stands for party unity and is eager to work with the NDP provincial governments in British Columbia and Manitoba, which are implementing austerity. Both provincial governments are keen supporters of Ottawas rearmament drive and close allies of the federal Liberal government.

Lewis has justified their pro-war, anti-worker policies by claiming that political dynamics require them to unite with pro-Liberal sections of the political and corporate establishment to prevent even more reactionary and rapacious representatives of capital coming to power. This is the very argument that the federal NDP and unions have invoked for years to justify propping up right-wing federal and Ontario Liberal governments and the corporatist, anti-worker union-NDP-Liberal alliance as a whole.

In the realpolitik of the western provinces, particularly British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, Lewis told Jacobin, they are fighting genuinely hard right forcesMAGA-like political cultures. They are looking across the trench at the extreme right. We support them and love themand want them to be in government.

The reality is that it is the political subordination of the working class to the pro-war, pro-austerity parties of the so-called progressive wing of the capitalist establishment that has made it possible for far-right demagogues from Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre and Trump to Frances Le Pen to make a phony social appeal to economically distressed working people.

Much of the pseudo-left, including the Pabloite International Viewpoint, are promoting Lewis candidacy, just as they have other maneuvers aimed at diverting growing anticapitalist sentiment among workers and youth into pressuring and reforming the phony left parties of the capitalist establishment, be it the insurgencies led by Jeremy Corbyn in Britain or Sanders and Mamdani in the US. All have ended in a debacle. In the name of preserving the unity of the Labour Party, Corbyn retreated at every point before the Blairite right wing, including in witch hunting his own supporters, paving the way for a Labour government under Keir Starmer whose policies are indistinguishable from those of its Tory predecessor. After bellowing against the billionaire class, Sanders thrice corralled workers and youth behind the right-wing nominees of the Democratic Party, Hillary Clinton in 2016, Joe Biden in 2020, and Kamala Harris in 2024. Since winning election last November, Mamdani has scampered to the right, jettisoning one policy pledge after another and twice meeting with Trump, with whom he has now formed an alliance.

The NDP is a political vehicle of the trade union bureaucracy and other petty bourgeois layers that are entirely beholden to Canadian capitalism and its state. It serves as a mechanism for politically suppressing the working class. It cannot be transformed into an instrument for opposing imperialist war and capitalist austerity, let alone a means for workers to fight for socialism. On the contrary, workers will only be able to wage such struggles through a decisive political break with social democracy and its sponsors in the pro-capitalist trade union apparatuses.

This requires the building of new organizations of class struggle, rank-and-file committees that refuse to subordinate workers interests to the profit and geopolitical imperatives of Canadian imperialism. One of the principal tasks of these committees will be to fight to fuse the struggles of workers in Canada with the growing working class upsurge in the United States against Trump, his operation dictatorship and the Iran war. Above all, the fight against war, oligarchy and the threat of fascism and dictatorship requires the building of a mass revolutionary party of the working class to impart its struggles with an international-socialist program and strategy. That party is the Socialist Equality Party.
A report by the Colorado Times Recorder (CTR) following a Freedom of Information Act request revealed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operates at least 170 hold rooms - unofficial, undisclosed detention sites - across forty-nine states and four U.S. territories, excluding only West Virginia, the District of Columbia, and American Samoa. 130 of these are located in ICE field offices or sub-offices, locations where immigrants often must report for routine check-ins with ICE. Nearly every major American city has at least one hold room.

People wait outside immigration court of the US immigration and customs enforcement field office, Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, in San Francisco. [AP Photo/Minh Connors]

Predictably, conditions of these black sites are deplorable. Several sites are nothing more than windowless warehouses, or low-quality structures near airports. Detainees are not provided beds, and must sleep on floors or chairs; and these facilities are not required to even have toilets.

According to analysis by CTR and No Concentration Camps in Colorado (NOCCC), these secret and inhumane detention cells have held more than 140,000 immigrants from January through October 2025. Immigrants who have been sequestered to these sites are frequently held for weeks at a time. 37 of these facilities held immigrant detainees for over a month, with one detainee being held for 292 days in Newark, New Jersey.

109 of these black sites have held at least one child. The New York site has held 927 children, and the Phoenix site has held 749. A one-year old girl was held at one of Colorados nine hold rooms. Both the New York and Phoenix locations are located in federal buildings housing government immigration offices, including U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services offices and Immigration Courts.

Under conditions of deep popular hostility to the Democrats and Republicans alike, and growing sympathy for socialism, the Democrats first established this secret detention network and both parties have maintained and expanded it for the past 15 years.

The detention network has existed since at least 2011, under the Obama administration, and has been maintained and expanded by every administration since. In the final 16 months of the Biden administration, more than 80,000 people were detained in these facilities nationwide. After Trumps return to the White House, their use surged even further, with more than 140,000 detainees held in ICE hold rooms between January and October 2025 alone. What Trump inherited was not a new apparatus, but a long-standing bipartisan system of clandestine detention, which his administration has escalated dramatically.

The Trump administration has increased the twelve-hour rule to 72 hours, coinciding with the ICE arrest quota increasing to 3,000 per day. From January 25, 2025 to October 25, 2025, more than 5,000 people were held in these ICE black sites for more than 72 hours. The Krome site near Miami alone has held more than 1,300 people for more than 72 hours.

The Krome site is located at the Krome Service Processing Center, an official ICE detention facility that has long been the site of abuse and detainee deaths. Together, the Krome, Dallas, and Montgomery, Texas black sites account for more than 38,000 detentions, over a quarter of all recorded detentions in ICEs secret detention network in the first ten months of 2025.

Given ICEs planned $38.3 billion expansion of its concentration camp network, the only rational conclusion following the revelation that ICE also operates a network of secret black sites is that these, too, will grow and expand.

Detainees held at black sites are disappeared and are therefore placed outside the reach of the law, without access to legal remedies such as habeas corpus through which they might challenge their detention. More than 20 years after the exposure of the US governments global network of secret prisons in the war on terror, these same anti-democratic methods are increasingly being deployed within the United States itself.

To keep the black sites and for-profit concentration camps full, the federal government is paying millions of dollars to local police to function as immigration bounty hunters.

ICEs 287(g) program - part of a law enacted by Bill Clinton in 1996 - authorizes the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security to enter formal agreements with state and local governments for immigration enforcement. The Task Force Model deputizes local police as ICE agents, granting them authority to carry out federal immigration law; the Jail Enforcement Model deputizes police to identify, process and hold immigrants it arrests; the Warrant Service Officer Model authorizes police to serve and execute administrative warrants on immigrants in local jails; and finally, the Tribal Task Force Model authorizes tribal law enforcement agencies to enforce immigration laws. As of 2025, more than 1,000 287(g) agreements are in effect, and more than 400 police departments have recently negotiated new or expanded agreements with ICE.

Bipartisan support for Trumps anti-immigrant agenda has provided ICE with an essentially unlimited budget. As a result, ICE has the capacity to allocate tens of millions of dollars as incentives and awards to local law enforcement agencies that participate in its 287(g) programs, paying off local and state police to turn them into immigration bounty hunters.

Recent reporting from Ken Klippenstein found that the Arkansas State Police receives a base award of more than $4.2 million dollars for more than 550 task force officers, with an anticipated $8.25 million to come. Oklahomas Department of Public Safety has been awarded nearly $5.4 million for 704 officers, alongside a $1.65 million salary modification and more than $38 million in pending line item funding. The Louisiana State Police receives a base award of $880,025 for 104 officers, plus an additional $45,000 salary modification. Florida law enforcement has received the largest payouts, with $89 million being paid out as incentive funding to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Division of Highway Patrol alone.

ICE funding for immigration bounty hunters reaches even small and obscure state agencies, such as the nine task force officers at the Point Comfort Police Department in Texas. The Key Colony Beach Police Department in Florida and the Coward Police Department in South Carolina can each boast only a single officer, but together receive more than $240,000 in ICE funding. A single officer in Bradley County Constable District 7 in Tennessee was awarded $107,525, followed by a salary bump of $11,500, and the District is now apparently to receive more than $1.8 million in additional ICE funding.

Significantly, neither the Hennepin County Sheriffs Office nor the Minnesota State Patrol has a 287(g) agreement with ICE, but that did not prevent them from attacking and arresting protestors at the Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis, effectively functioning as state and local auxiliaries for immigration thugs.

The exposure of ICEs nationwide network of clandestine detention sites, together with the lucrative payouts used to recruit state and local police as immigration bounty hunters, lays bare the class and bipartisan character of the repression of immigrants in the United States. The entire police apparatus operates in concert with the immigration police and cannot be relied on to defend the democratic rights of workers, regardless of immigration status. None of these agencies can be reformed to serve the interests of workers. They must be abolished, along with the capitalist system they defend.
An image from video released December 2025 by Ukraine's security service shows a Russian oil tanker that was struck by a Ukrainian sea drone in the Black Sea [Photo: Security Service of Ukraine]

The crude oil tanker Altura, owned by Turkish company Pergamon Shipping and en route from Russia, was struck by an armed unmanned maritime vehicle (UMV) on Thursday, 26 kilometres (16 miles) from the entrance to the Bosphorus Strait.

No one has officially claimed responsibility for the attack, which occurred in the fifth year of the US-NATO war against Russia in Ukraine. Carried out during the US-Israel war of annihilation against Iran, Turkiyes eastern neighbour, the attack underscores the danger of escalation and expansion in the Ukraine war.

An explosion occurred on the bridge of the Sierra Leone-flagged tanker carrying 140,000 tons of crude oil, and the engine room began to take on water. Following an emergency call, rescue tugs belonging to the General Directorate of Coast Guard were dispatched. It was reported that the 27-member Turkish crew are in good health and that no injuries were sustained.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Oncu Keceli said Thursday evening that the attack within NATO member Turkiyes Exclusive Economic Zone in the Black Sea was in violation of international law, adding, To prevent the war from spreading to the Black Sea and escalating further, we are continuing our contacts with the relevant parties.

Neither Ukraine nor Russia has so far issued an official statement. Alexander Kotz, a reporter for the Russian state television network NTV, said, This is not the first time Ukrainian drones have attacked civilian ships in the Black Sea. Throughout the conflict, Kyiv has systematically shifted its military operations to international shipping lanes; this poses a threat not only to Russia but also to NATO countries, including Turkiye.

After being acquired by Pergamon Shipping in November 2025, the targeted tanker was renamed Altura. According to a report by the Cumhuriyet newspaper, the tanker was added to the European Unions (EU) sanctions list in October, to Switzerlands and Ukraines in December, and finally to the United Kingdoms in February. The report claimed that the vessel was linked to Muhammad Hussein Shamkhani, the son of Ali Shamkhani, the former Secretary-General of Irans Supreme National Security Council, who was killed by Israel in February.

Five UMV have been found along Turkiyes Black Sea coast over the past one and a half years. Most recently, on March 21, an armed UMV was detected off the coast of Ordu, a city in the Eastern Black Sea region. According to a statement made Thursday by Rear Admiral Zeki Akturk, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, this UMV is of US origin and is believed to have drifted ashore due to a current after its engine malfunctioned. It was safely destroyed by teams from the Underwater Defense Command. The UMV was reportedly carrying two tons of ammunition.

The situation in the Black Sea escalated after the Trump administration presented a 28-point plan to Kiev on November 20, calling for a negotiated resolution to the conflict with Russia.

On November 28, two tankersthe Kairos and the Viraten route to Russia were attacked in waters under Turkiyes jurisdiction off the coasts of the provinces of Kocaeli and Kastamonu. On December 10, the Comoros-flagged tanker Dashan was struck in the Black Sea by a Ukrainian-made unmanned maritime vehicle named Sea Baby.

These targeted tankers had been listed among vessels sanctioned after the war began in 2022. Following its invasion, Russia has used a shadow fleet of hundreds of tankersmany sailing under different flagsto evade Western sanctions, especially those targeting its oil exports.

The attacks in the Black Sea are being carried out with NATOs knowledge and approval. In early December, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte implied that they had approved such attacks, stating: We are strengthening our support for Ukraine and increasing pressure on Russia. This includes countering Russias Shadow Fleet and other measures to pose strategic dilemmas for the Kremlin.

Meanwhile, the UK military will be sent to board ships suspected of being part of Russias sanctions-evading shadow fleet. According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, Belgium, Finland and France have all seized or detained tankers; Germany, Italy, Latvia, Norway and Sweden have boarded or detained cargo and bulk vessels.

Russia also announced that Ukrainian forces had carried out more than a dozen attack attempts this month on facilities supplying the TurkStream and Blue Stream natural gas pipelines, both of which pass through the Black Sea, and that these attacks had been repelled.

According to Reuters calculations based on market data at least 40% of Russias oil export capacity is at a halt following Ukrainian drone attacks, a disputed attack on a major pipeline and the seizure of tankers. It reported that this month Russias major Western oil export ports, including Novorossiysk on the Black Sea and Primorsk and Ust-Luga on the Baltic Sea, were hit.

On Thursday, the French daily Le Figaro wrote that the major concern of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys regime, which fully supports the US-Israel war against Iran, is becoming an indirect victim of the war in Iran, while acknowledging that Since the very first day of the US-Israel coalitions intervention, the wars in Iran and Ukraine have been closely intertwined.

The newspaper highlights the Ukrainian governments disappointment that the military aid it had expected from the US has been redirected toward the war against Iran, noting that this occurred in the midst of Ukrainian forces largest territorial gains in the past two yearsan area of 250 square kilometres (155 square miles)since February.

Both the Zelensky regime and the European powers are opposing the Trump administrations attempt to end the war in Ukraine through a separate agreement with the Kremlinone that would allow it to reap the spoils aloneas well as its reduction of arms shipments. European powers, on the one hand, seek to recoup their investment in the war in Ukraine and, on the other, support escalating the conflict with Russia to enhance their military capabilities independently of the US to advance their predatory imperialist interests.

Turkiye, which has strong ties to both Ukraine and Russia, advocates for a negotiated solution between Kiev and Moscow out of concern that an escalation of the war would harm the interests of the Turkish bourgeoisie. The risk of the US-NATO war against Russia expanding is accompanied by the danger of Turkiye being drawn into an imperialist war against Iran.

After the attacks against Iran began, it was alleged that Iran had fired missiles at Turkiye on three occasions. Although Iran denied targeting Turkiye, NATO, Ankara and the Turkish media quickly issued statements condemning Iran. Last week, Ankara, along with allied Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Arab regimes, signed the Riyadh statement condemning Iran while remaining silent on the illegal war of aggression waged by the US and Israel.

NATO is bolstering its forces in Turkiye as it openly prepares to join the war against Iran. Using the alleged missile launches from Iran as a pretext, Patriot air defense systems were deployed to the Incirlik Air Base in Adana and the Kurecik Radar Base in Malatya, both of which are used by the US.

NATO is establishing a new corps in Turkiye called the Multinational Corps Turkiye (MNC-TUR). The news was confirmed by the Ministry of National Defense on Thursday.

Spokesperson Akturk stated that the Ministry of National Defense has launched efforts to establish a Corps Headquarters in 2023 under the NATO Southeast Regional Plan and added: Efforts to transform the headquarters into a multinational structure are being carried out in coordination with NATO authorities; however, since NATO procedures have not yet been finalized, the approval process is ongoing.

Speaking to the daily Evrensel, political scientist Dr. Hakan Sahin said, Turkiye will be the only country with two NATO corps. ... Especially after Russias annexation of Crimea, NATO established these multinational corpscomprising Eastern Bloc and Baltic countriesin Poland and Romania. They were established under the pretext of preventing attacks on countries bordering Russia.
The Sri Lankan government has sharply increased fuel prices by 2630 percent since the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran, placing even greater burdens on working people. The fuel price hike has triggered a series of increases such as transport fares, food prices and prices of other essential goods.

After claiming his government could manage the crisis emerging in Sri Lanka, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake made an about-turn, warning of shortages, rising costs and electricity disruptions.

Sri Lankan President Dissanayake addressing parliament on March 20, 2026 [Photo: Facebook/Anura Kumara Dissanayake]

In a televised media discussion on March 17 and again in a parliamentary speech on March 20, Dissanayake stressed that Sri Lanka faced an external shock due to the war. He pointed to threats to global energy supplies, then declared that the government had little choice but to increase prices.

Neither Dissanayake nor his government has condemned the criminal war by Israel and US imperialism on Iran, but has maintained a false posture of neutrality. In fact, in a previous statement on the war, Dissanayake has singled out the closure of the Strait of Hormuza retaliatory action by Iran against naked US-Israeli aggressionas the chief disrupting factor in oil supplies and the global economy.

The risk of escalation is high. For a country like Sri Lanka, which imports 60 percent of its energy needs, much of it through the Strait of Hormuz, the war is having a serious impact. The island relies on energy imports for electricity generation, transport and much of its economic activity, under conditions where it is already forced to implement a severe International Monetary Fund (IMF) austerity program.

Dissanayake barely mentioned the IMF in his speeches, but the governments response to the Middle East crisis is closely tied to IMF demands. Under the terms of the $US3 billion bailout loan agreement, Sri Lanka is required to maintain strict fiscal discipline, by showing a 2.3 percent primary account surplus, eliminating price subsidies for fuel and electricity and slashing other public sector spending including by privatization. The top IMF priority is to repay foreign debts.

The IMF officials have acknowledged the vulnerability of countrys economy. IMF spokesperson Julie Kozack recently stated that Sri Lanka is significantly exposed to the Middle East conflict. An IMF delegation is scheduled to visit Colombo from March 26 to April 6 to review the next tranche of the bailout.

The impact on living conditions is already severe. Fuel price increases have quickly spread through the entire economy. Public and private bus fares have increased by an average of 12.19 percent, while other transport services have increased charges, leading to higher prices for food and other essentials. Prices for cooking gas and kerosene have increased by 8 percent and 30 percent respectively. The Ceylon Electricity Board requested an increase in tariffs of at least 13 percent.

Farmers are facing serious problems given that that 36 percent of fertilizer imports are from Qatar and the UAE, that have to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Prices for nitrogen-based products like urea, the most critical fertilizer product, have risen between 30 and 40 percent on the world market since conflict began.

The government has restricted the distribution of fertiliser for paddy (rice production) which means that yields for the Yala season from May to August are likely to be severely affected. The earnings of farmers for vegetables have plummeted because most trucks involved in transporting the goods to market lack fuel.

Echoing the desperate measures imposed after the country defaulted on foreign debts in 2022, the government has reintroduced a QR code-based fuel rationing system to curb consumption, intensifying the difficulties for three-wheeler and other taxi drivers in particular. Fearing a public outcry, it has deployed the military and police to fuel stations.

Sri Lanka lacks sufficient storage capacity for fuel and is thus dependent on regular shipments. Even minor delays risk shortages and long queues, as seen during the 2022 crisis.

At the same time, the government has permitted large corporations with access to foreign currency to import fuel privately, shielding big business while ordinary people face higher prices and rationing.

The ruling Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna/National Peoples Power (JVP/NPP) is also using the fuel crisis to advance the IMFs austerity measures. Under the pretext of reducing fuel consumption, a four-day work week has been introduced in parts of the state sector, with further cuts under consideration, presented as temporary but aimed at cost reductions.

The Dissanayake government fears rising anti-war sentiment and a renewed mass uprising, potentially surpassing the 2022 revolt that forced President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to flee the country. Asked on March 17, Dissanayake dismissed such concerns, claiming the 2022 uprising stemmed from corruption and authoritarianism, not an economic breakdown.

Opposition parties, including the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, have mildly criticized the government in order to exploit anti-war sentiment. SJB leader Sajith Premadasa has called for the government and parliament to condemn both sides in the warequating US and Israeli aggression with retaliatory strikes by Iran on Gulf states hosting US bases.

The trade unions, which are mostly aligned with the main bourgeois parties, have kept silent on escalating attacks on workers amid the war crisis. Prior to the war, union leaders in the health, electricity and education sectors worked to contain struggles, limit industrial action and block the emergence of a unified working-class movement.

Workers struggles to defend jobs and working conditions cannot be separated from the fight against war and the capitalist system that produces it. To advance this struggle, the working class must break from the trade unions and form independent rank-and-file committees as part of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees.

Working people and the oppressed in Sri Lanka face the same fundamental issues confronting workers internationally. Only a unified working-class movement based on socialist policies is capable of ending the cycle of crisis and austerity and the plunge towards a far wider world war.
Youhuang Xiang

On March 4, Chinese post-doctoral researcher Youhuang Xiang pleaded guilty to a single count of smuggling. As part of this plea agreement, federal prosecutors agreed to recommend a sentence of time served. Xiang has been incarcerated in county jails since his arrest four months ago. Despite the agreement between the prosecution and the defense, Chief Judge James R. Sweeney II of the Southern District of Indiana has delayed the sentencing hearing by nearly five weeks, until April 7.

Xiang, who lawfully resided in the United States on a J-1 visa, worked as a post-doctoral research associate in the Department of Biology at Indiana University. He was arrested November 25 in Chicago on charges alleging he received plasmid DNA associated with E. coli through the mail.

Under the terms of the March 4 plea agreement, Xiang petitioned to plead guilty to Count Two of the indictmentSmugglingwhile the government agreed to dismiss the remaining charges, which included Conspiracy to Commit Smuggling and Making False Statements. The government recommended a sentence of time served, while Xiang agreed to the entry of a judicial order of removal, effectively accepting his deportation from the United States.

Seeking an immediate end to his months-long ordeal behind bars, Xiang filed an unopposed motion to waive the Presentence Investigation Report (PSR) and proceed to sentencing. Judge Sweeney, a Trump appointee and member of the right-wing Federalist Society, flatly denied the request. In his March 9 order, Sweeney justified the delay by citing the need to investigate Xiangs personal finances to extract a financial penalty. Because the smuggling charge carries a maximum potential fine of $250,000, Sweeney demanded a deeper probe into the modest monthly income Xiang earned as a university researcher, to determine his ability to pay any fine that may be imposed.

This delay is the latest outrage in a xenophobic dragnet targeting Chinese scientists at universities across the United States. It contrasts with the relatively short delay between plea deal and sentencing in similar recent cases. Former University of Michigan (U-M) researcher Chengxuan Han was sentenced to time served on September 10, three weeks after her plea of no contest. Yunqing Jian was immediately sentenced to time served as part of her plea deal on November 12. Three other U-M researchersBai, Zhang, and Zhangwere released the day after the federal cases against them were dismissed on February 4.

The delay in sentencing further highlights the scientific illiteracy and reactionary xenophobia driving the FBIs operations. The initial criminal complaint filed in Chicago, and the inflammatory posts on X by FBI Director Kash Patel, accused Xiang of smuggling E. coli bacteria. However, by the time the formal indictment was filed in Indiana on December 16, the charges had quietly shifted focus. The indictment accused him of receiving a package containing plasmid DNA of E. coli bacteria.

Judge Sweeneys March 9 order denying the motion to waive the PSR evinces the same elementary misunderstanding, conflating plasmid DNA with living E. coli bacteria: The offense to which Xiang proposes to plead guilty is a serious offense involving the smuggling from China of plasmid DNA of E. coli bacteria, a pathogen, for use in Xiangs research. The United States Department of Agriculture requires a permit for the importation of E. coli because its importation may negatively impact agriculture in the United States.

A plant biologist ridiculed the governments false claim that plasmid DNA poses any danger:

Its purified DNA. Its the same chemical as the DNA in our own cells, or in every organism on the planet. Theres no difference between DNA isolated from E. coli versus DNA isolated from a human cell, so the fact that it was isolated from E. coli is irrelevant.

The continued imprisonment of Xiang exposes another way US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is used by the state apparatus to break foreign-born workers and scientists. At Xiangs initial hearing in the Northern District of Illinois on November 26, the magistrate judge was prepared to release him on bail. However, the Department of Homeland Security had already revoked his J-1 visa, and immediately placed a detention hold on his case. This created a legal trap: if Xiang accepted bail and was released from criminal custody, US Marshals would immediately turn him over to an ICE detention facility.

Because time spent in an administrative ICE facility does not count toward a federal criminal sentence, Xiang was effectively forced into a corner. To ensure that his days behind bars would count as time served against any ultimate criminal penalty, Xiang had to remain in the Chicago jail. As a result of his revoked visa and the looming threat of ICE, he waived his right to a detention hearing and has remained in federal custody ever since.

Rather than defending against these politically motivated frame-ups, universities have functioned as willing accomplices in the state dragnet. In the cases of Bai, Zhang, and Zhang, it was the universitys internal investigation and subsequent firing of the researchers that abruptly canceled their visas, instantly stripping them of their legal status and exposing them to ICE detention and arrest.

On March 26, U-M President Domenico Grasso testified before Chairman Tim Walberg of the House Committee on Education and Workforce:

We share this committees commitment to research integrity and have no tolerance for behavior that may risk the security of our nation in isolated but serious incidents.  Once alerted, we acted swiftly and decisivelyworking with federal law enforcement, promptly terminating student work visas and severing all ties with those individuals. 

We are meeting the increased threat with increased security, continued Grasso. We are setting university-wide standards for visiting researchers and expanding use of background checks. We are enhancing oversight of biological materials entering or leaving University labs and strengthening physical security, and we are working to open more regular lines of communication with Federal regulatory law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Safety and security is a team effort, and at Michigan, we know how important it is to be a team player.

In March 2024, Rep. Walberg called for the nuclear destruction of Gaza.

Grassos invocation of teamwork with congressional committees and intelligence agencies exposes the university administration as a willing collaborator in the bipartisan drive to purge international researchers, smash academic freedom and prepare public opinion for confrontation with China. The immediate victims are researchers and immigrant workers, but the ultimate target is the entire working class.

The Socialist Equality Party, the International Youth and Students for Social Equality and the World Socialist Web Site seek to link the fight for democratic rights to the broader struggle against imperialist war and capitalist austerity. Workers, students and scientists must demand the immediate release of detained researchers, the dropping of all charges against them, restoration of visas and employment, and an independent, publicly accountable inquiry into coordination between universities and the US Department of Justice.
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A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent scans an ID at a TSA checkpoint at HartsfieldJackson Atlanta International Airport on Friday, March 27, 2026. [AP Photo/Emilie Megnien]

Five days after President Donald Trump deployed hundreds of armed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to airports across the US, not a single Democratic leader in the House or Senate has called for their removal. The same goes for Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Instead, one day before millions prepared to take the streets in the No Kings protests, the Democratic Party effectively dropped its phony charade of reining in the ICE and Border Patrol killers. This was the significance of the bill unanimously passed by the Senate early Friday morning to fund the Department of Homeland Security, with the exception of ICE and Border Patrol.

The Democrats cynically called the bill a victory and backed it in the House, despite the fact that it included none of the minor reforms to the immigration enforcement agencies they were calling for just days before. The bill would have restored funding for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a component of DHS, enabling TSA agents to be paid and ending mass sickouts and long lines at airport check-ins.

This agreement funds TSA, the Coast Guard, FEMA, CISA, strengthens security at the border and ports of entry, and keeps America safe, Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said on Friday.

Later on Friday, House Republicans rejected the Senate bill and passed their own stop-gap measure that would fund the entire DHS, including ICE and Border Patrol, until May 22. This came after Trump signed an emergency order to pay TSA agents using part of the massive DHS appropriation contained in last years tax and spending measure dubbed Trumps Big Beautiful Bill.

As the Democrats well know, the Republicans, who narrowly control both houses of Congress, plan to push through a DHS funding bill with no restraints on ICE or Border Patrol and Trumps voter suppression provisions by using the budget reconciliation process. This maneuver bypasses the 60-vote Senate filibuster and requires only a majority to pass.

Meanwhile, Trumps ICE officers remain at the airports. Their presence has done nothing to ease the chaos there. It was never meant to. It is, rather, a further step in normalizing the use of armed federal agents and the military in civilian settings to intimidate and terrorize the population. It is a core element in the drive by Trump, and the corporate oligarchy that he represents, to dictatorship.

ICE at the airports is particularly sinister. It will be used to block not only immigrants from leaving the country but also political opponents of the government. It is the physical prefiguration of a police state.

This danger was underscored Monday by Trump co-conspirator Steve Bannon, who declared on his War Room podcast that the airport deployment was a test run for the 2026 midterm elections. Democracy Docket reported Bannon as saying, We can use this as a test run, as a test case, to really perfect ICEs involvement in the 2026 midterms, before going further and insisting that ICE is going to be there in the fall of 26, just like theyre in airports today.

ICE and Border Patrol have earned the contempt and hatred of the vast majority of Americans. They are the spearhead of a pogrom against immigrants that has put tens of thousands into concentration camps and deported hundreds of thousands more. In Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis, masked ICE and Border Patrol thugs occupied neighborhoods and brutally attacked immigrants and protesters, citizen and immigrant alike, executing Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti in cold blood. None of the killers have been prosecuted.

Millions have demonstrated against ICE and in defense of immigrant workers, including 50,000 in Minneapolis on January 23. The response of the Trump administration was the murder of Pretti the following day.

The lessons of Minneapolis must be drawn. The maneuver relating to a partial draw-down of immigration Gestapo in Minnesota in February was not, as Left Voice maintains, a victory, proving that mass protest alone can end government repression. Rather, it was a redeployment to other cities and now to the airports. And it was facilitated by Democratic Governor Tim Walz and Democratic Mayor Jacob Frey, who made a deal with border tsar Tom Homan to allow ICE into the prisons and have state and local police suppress demonstrations.

The escalating war drive abroad, seen in the illegal and quasi-genocidal war in Iran, and the turn to dictatorship at home are inseparably connected. They are both expressions of the existential crisis of American and world capitalism.

The cost of the war drive is to be paid for by the working class, whose sons and daughters will be ordered to fight and die for Big Oil and the banks. The rise in gas and food prices intensifies popular opposition to Trump and the entire political system. As mass protests and strikes spread, the ruling class and both of its parties turn to state repression. Trump does so openly and crudely, but he is enabled by the Democrats as well as the pro-capitalist trade union bureaucracy.

The union bureaucrats devote all of their efforts to suppressing the class struggle. They seek to block strikes where they can and isolate and betray them where they cannot. They take no action against the deployment of ICE to airports and the more general militarization of American society.

The greatest fear of the Democrats and the union tops is that mass social discontent and opposition will escape the confines of the capitalist political set-up, with its two parties of imperialism and oligarchic rule, and assume an independent working class and socialist form. This they fear far more than they fear fascist dictatorship.

This, however, is the only means of defeating the ruling class drive to world war and fascism. Democratic rights cannot be defended through appeals to Congress or the Democratic Party. The drive to dictatorship and world war is rooted in the capitalist system. It can be stopped only by putting an end to that system.

The crisis is driving a massive eruption of the class struggle. But this must be infused with a conscious internationalist, anti-capitalist and socialist perspective.

The way forward is the building of independent, democratic organs of working class strugglerank-and-file committees in workplaces, campuses and neighborhoodsto unite workers and youth in the United States and internationally against dictatorship and war. The World Socialist Web Site, the Socialist Equality Party and International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) call for the expansion of these committees to mobilize the immense social power of the working class against repression at home and imperialist violence abroad.

This must be connected to the building of a political leadership in the working class to fight for socialismthe only basis for ending war, defending democratic rights and putting societys resources under democratic control to serve human need, not profit.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday led the Indian delegation at the World Trade Organisation's 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Yaounde, Cameroon, where trade ministers deliberated on WTO reform issues on the second day. According to an official statement released by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Goyal emphasised that consensus-based decision-making is the bedrock of the WTO's legitimacy, and it is important for the WTO not to ignore the sovereign right of each member to not bind itself to rules which they do not agree to, India stressed on the importance of the WTO to undertake a careful stock-take of the current impasse and its underlying causes, while ensuring discussions remain transparent, inclusive and Member-driven. India also highlighted that an integrated multilateral trading system cannot thrive alongside fragmentation within its own institutional framework. On the 'Level playing field issues', Goyal emphasised that discussions must take into account the asymmetries from the Uruguay Round. India focused on the need for long-pending issues like food security, PSH, and SSM on Cotton to be prioritised while taking up new issues to address the structural asymmetries. Highlighting the continued dysfunction of the dispute settlement system, India emphasised that without effective adjudication, rules lose their enforceability, thereby disproportionately disadvantaging smaller economies. India also cautioned against weaponising transparency to justify trade retaliation or challenge legitimate domestic policies. Instead, it should be accompanied by meaningful and sustained capacity-building support, ensuring that all Members can meet obligations fairly and effectively, the ministry said. India also stressed the importance of all Members to have a fair opportunity to build productive capacity, create employment, and participate meaningfully in global trade. The day concluded with a Ministerial Plenary Session on WTO Reform Transparency. Speaking during this session, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, extended India's support for a time-bound restart of reform efforts with milestones, based on a more robust evidentiary analysis and through engagement with submissions and Ministerial Decisions. India unequivocally called for eschewing cherry-picking issues and proliferating preconceived and prejudged positions. India also highlighted the need to give greater importance to the role of WTO Committees, which, through their lived and learned experiences, can contribute to an exhaustive stocktake through a bottom-up approach. While cautioning against plurilaterals fragmenting the multilateral trading system, Agrawal called for the consensus process to be premised on the principles of openness, transparency, inclusivity, participative and member-driven. On the sidelines of the second day of the MC14 meetings, Goyal held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from the US, China, Korea, Switzerland, New Zealand, Canada, Morocco and Oman. Discussions were focused on the MC 14 agenda as well as on matters related to deepening bilateral trade ties. (ANI)
The electricity rates in Taiwan will remain unchanged from April, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) announced Friday following a semiannual review, citing rising geopolitical risks and the need to stabilise prices and support industrial competitiveness. According to a report by Focus Taiwan, at its first electricity rate review meeting in 2026, the ministry decided to keep the average power rate at NT$3.7823 (US$0.11) per kilowatt-hour, taking into account uncertainties stemming from Middle East tensions and global tariff developments, the MOEA said in a statement. The ministry noted that recent U.S.-Iran tensions have pushed up international energy prices, with crude oil briefly reaching around US$100 per barrel. Prices later fell sharply after U.S. President Donald Trump signalled his willingness to reach an agreement with Iran on March 23, highlighting ongoing volatility. Given the fluctuations, the review committee recommended continued observation of fuel price trends and opted not to adjust electricity rates for now to help maintain price stability. At a news conference following the meeting, Vice Minister of Economic Affairs Lai Chien-hsin said the ministry will wait until the next review in September to decide whether to adjust electricity rates. Lai said state-run Taiwan Power Co. had earlier projected losses of NT$28 billion (US$878.29 million) in 2026, with natural gas estimated to cost NT$15.79 per cubic meter and oil US$76 per barrel. However, actual costs in January and February came in below estimates, reducing expenditures by NT$15 billion. If hostilities in the Middle East conclude within three months, Taipower's losses are unlikely to widen, easing pressure to raise electricity rates in the second half of the year, he added. (ANI)
With the army recently increasing enlistment age, the possibility of a potential military draft is in the air. And with the conflict in Iran not looking like its going to end anytime soon, despite what some have said, that reality is hitting every man in the age range hard. But does that include President Trumps youngest son, Barron?

Former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura, who is a decorated Navy SEAL veteran, thinks he should. Do something your father didnt have the patriotism to do, Ventura said Tuesday on Piers Morgan Uncensored. Ventura was on the show to criticize Trumps war in Iran.

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How can you send somebody elses kids to a war if you wont send your own? said Ventura, who served on an elite Navy Seals Unit during the Vietnam War. Theres a simple thing as a leader, and you know this having been in the militaryTrump wouldnt know it because hes a draft dodging cowardits this: A war is justified if youre willing to send your kids.

Trump never served in the military.

Barron Trump would be of draft age if a draft were authorized by the President and Congress. He is currently 20 years old. The army recently increased its maximum enlistment age to 42. The minimum age remains 17 with parental permission, or 18.

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But would Barron actually have to join the army even if a draft existed? Ironically, the answer might be no. And its not because hes the Presidents son, but because of his height.

The youngest Trump stands at 6-foot-9, and right now, the US Army has a 6-foot-8 maximum height requirement. Why is this requirement in place? For safety. Taller individuals have problems fitting comfortably in standard military vehicles.

Barron has recently made news for reasons other than the possibility of his serving his country. The youngest Trump turned 20 on March 20, and reportedly had a private celebration that did not include his older siblings Don Jr., Eric or Ivanka. That decision was reportedly made by first lady Melania Trump.

Rob Shuter reported that the snub was intentional. Theyre not close  at all, one source told him. This wasnt an oversight. They were left off the list.

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Melania is in charge, and she wanted this to be about Barron  not about Donald Trump, and not about his other children, an insider said. This was a small, controlled, private celebration, the source added. And certain people were simply not included.

The big age gap has made it so the siblings are reportedly not close. Barron didnt grow up with them in the same way, an insider said. There isnt a real bond there.

And reportedly, the first lady leaned into it. Shes always kept Barron separate, the source said. This just made it obvious.

Barron Trump attended his first year of college last year at New York Universitys Greenwich Village campus, but is now reportedly studying at the NYU Washington campus and living in the White House.

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BusinessWire India Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], March 28: NGOBOX, a leading platform in the social impact ecosystem, has announced its rebranding to One Purpos Openings. This marks a strategic shift and an important step forward in its journey of building meaningful connections across the development sector. Over the last 13 years, NGOBOX has established itself as a go-to platform, earning the trust of over 5 lakh development professionals, 400 recruiters, and more than 50,000 NGOs who actively engage with it. It has consistently supported nonprofits, CSR foundations, and social enterprises in their growth journeys, particularly in enabling access to the right talent and opportunities. With this transition, the organization is sharpening its focus on one of the sector's most critical challenges, enabling structured, purpose-driven discovery and connection between talent and opportunities. One Purpos Openings builds on NGOBOX's existing ecosystem, which has long enabled access to opportunities such as jobs, RFPs (Requests for Proposals), EOIs (Expressions of Interest), fellowships, and more. With this rebrand, these offerings are being further streamlined and structured into a more integrated, user-centric platform, making it easier for both organizations and professionals to discover, access, and engage with the right opportunities in one place. "This is not just a name change; it reflects the direction we have been moving in for years. With One Purpos Openings, we are building a solution that helps organizations find the right people and helps individuals find work and opportunities that truly align with their purpose," said Shilpi Jain, CEO and Co-Founder. The platform will offer: - Curated opportunities across jobs, RFPs, EOIs, and fellowships - Employer branding support tailored for impact organizations - Simplified and efficient hiring workflows - Data-led insights to strengthen talent acquisition and engagement As part of its user-first approach, the platform will also soon be launching a mobile application, aimed at making it comparatively easier for users to search, discover, and apply for jobs, EOIs, RFPs, and fellowships in a streamlined manner. This transition reinforces the platform's long-term commitment to strengthening the impact ecosystem by ensuring the right talent and opportunities connect in a more efficient, scalable, and accessible way. The launch of One Purpos Openings coincided with the NGOBOX's 13th anniversary, symbolizing both continuity and a renewed strategic focus on the future. Stakeholders, partners, and users are encouraged to adopt the new name across all communications. Explore One Purpos Openings: One Purpos Openings Follow on LinkedIn: One Purpos Openings LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram: One Purpos Openings Instagram (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Braden Clavicular Peters, a controversial social media content creator, influencer and someone tied to looksmaxxing, was arrested Thursday in Florida on battery charges.

On Thursday, Peters, 20, was taken into custody by the Fort Lauderdale Police Department on a misdemeanor battery charge, and his bond was set at $1,000, according to jail records obtained by People and The Independent.

A spokesperson for the Osceola County Corrections confirmed that they had a warrant for Peters arrest, but declined to share further details, per People.

Why was Braden Clavicular Peters arrested?

Peters arrest follows an investigation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which stated that the 20-year-old and another individual were seen in a viral video shooting a dead alligator, The Independent reported.

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In the footage, Peters and the other person were in the Everglades, Florida, on an airboat when Peters was seen pulling out a gun and firing several shots at the reptile, saying, Just had to make sure.

The FWC is aware of a video depicting individuals in the Everglades on an airboat who appear to be discharging firearms at an alligator. FWC officers are looking into the incident and will provide additional information when available. To report wildlife violations, call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922, the state government agency wrote in a post shared on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The FWC is aware of a video depicting individuals in the Everglades on an airboat who appear to be discharging firearms at an alligator. FWC officers are looking into the incident and will provide additional information when available. To report wildlife violations, call the pic.twitter.com/fTbuEWMSh6  MyFWC (@MyFWC) March 27, 2026

According to state law, Peters actions were deemed illegal.

The Florida Statute 379.409 states that it is unlawful to intentionally kill, injure, possess, or capture, or attempt to kill, injure, possess, or capture, an alligator or other crocodilian, or the eggs of an alligator or other crocodilian, unless authorized by the rules of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Any person who commits this crime using weapons like handguns will have their property confiscated by the FWC based on its guidelines.

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Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins said he expects the FWC to file charges against Peters for violating state laws following its investigation, per The Independent.

Who is Braden Peters, and what is looksmaxxing?

Peters is a content creator and influencer with millions of social media followers. He is part of a group of people known for looksmaxxing, which is a controversial section of the internet created by young men who draw attention to their attractiveness in the most extreme ways, People reported.

In recent years, Peters had gone viral for his controversial and racist moments on his livestreams. He has used racial slurs repeatedly and admitted to taking illegal drugs to maintain his appearance.

Peters Kick account, where he livestreams, has been taken down due to his legal situation.







The post Who Is Clavicular, What Is Looksmaxxing, And Why Was He Arrested? appeared first on Blavity.
The enemies of Superman include some of DC Comics most powerful and cunning villains. It take considerable ability and finesse to counter the Man of Steel. One such villain was recently reborn in a new form, after dying in a way that forever changed the DC Universe. They have also returned with a new power and an intention to challenge Superboy Prime.

Major Superman Villain Reborn With New Power After Forever Changing DC Lore

Written by Joshua Williamson, with art by Dan Mora, Superman #36 centers around Superboy Prime. This variant Clark Kent was an ordinary comic-loving fanboy, who developed into the sole superhero of his Earth. He went mad with power, and became one of the multiverses most feared villains.

However, he sought redemption for his crimes, and helped to save Earth-Prime during the DC K.O. event. With Superman vanished, Superboy Prime offers to guard his world until his return. It is an offer the Justice League and Lois Lane reluctantly accept.

(Image Source: DC / Dan Mora)

Most of the issue focuses on Superboy Primes difficulties in building a new life. He refuses a job at The Daily Planet, reasoning they would probably notice a younger version of their Clark Kent working in the mail room. Instead, he takes a job at a comic book store, so he can study the comics of a whole new universe.

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As he goes about this business, he is observed by a ghostly figure. This figure also speaks to the reader in the same fashion as Superboy Prime, as if aware hes in a work of fiction. The final page reveals this figure to be the Superman villain Manchester Black.

Who is Supermans enemy Manchester Black?

(Image Source: DC / Dan Mora)

First appearing in 2001s Action Comics #775, Manchester Black was a British superhero and leader of a team called The Elite. He was originally designed as a parody of Jenny Sparks, as The Elite parodied The Authority. However, he quickly became more than a joke.

A powerful telepath, Manchester Black was a cynical sort and skeptical of paragons of virtue like Superman. His team challenged Superman to a fight, and were shamed when he single-handedly stopped them without using lethal force. This storyline, Whats So Funny About Truth, Justice & the American Way? was later adapted into the movie Superman vs. The Elite.

(Image Source: DC / Doug Mahnke)

In the current timeline, Manchester Black developed a similarly antagonistic relationship with Superman. For this reason, he sought an alliance with Lex Luthor. However, Luthor saw no reason to bargain fairly and used Black to power the technology behind Project Blackout. This erased all memory of Clark Kent being Superman from all but his closest family, shortly after Superman revealed his secret identity to the world. Manchester Black seemingly died in the process and the Man of Steel arrested Lex Luthor for his murder.

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However, the end of Superman #36 reveals that Manchester Blacks mind survived independent of his body. More, he has apparently developed the same ability to see beyond the Fourth Wall as Superboy Prime. This could make him a dangerous foe for the Manchild of Steel.

Superman #36 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
A missing kangaroo is back home in Wisconsin after a three-day search.

The 16-month-old kangaroo named Chesney had escaped from an outside enclosure in Necedah on March 25, after being frightened by some unknown barking dogs.

Chesney is part of the Sunshine Farm petting zoo, which drew a surge of online attention for its regular Facebook updates about the missing marsupial.

"We have Chesney. We are on our way home," the petting zoo posted on Facebook around noon on March 28.

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Later that day, Sunshine Farm's owner, Debbie Marland, confirmed in a phone call with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that the kangaroo had made it home.

Marland's two kangaroos  Chesney and Kenny  are part of the family and usually kept in the house, she previously told USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin.

Chesney was comfortable with the family's five dogs, but on the morning of March 25, when he was in the outdoor enclosure, several unknown dogs approached and began barking intensely, Marland said.

Chesney became frightened, scaled the enclosure wall and hopped over the fence.

The search for Chesney had a strong lead overnight, just before 1:30 a.m. March 28. Search drone operators spotted the kangaroo. A group of eight people split into two groups and tried to circle Chesney.

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Unfortunately, Chesney had other plans and was way quicker than us, Marland wrote on Facebook. We came real close. One of the people dove onto him, and he snuck out of the grip.

Marland planned to head back to the area alone after daylight.

I know this isnt the outcome we wanted, but on a very positive note (Chesney) is alive, she wrote. "He looks to be extremely healthy, and he surely is running fast and staying in this area.

Just before 9:20 a.m., the farm's Facebook page shared that those who wanted to help could slowly drive down a portion of 23rd Street, close to where Chesney had been spotted near the powerlines

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Less than three hours later, the petting zoo announced Chesney had been found and was on his way home.

Marland previously told USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin that she travels all over with Chesney and his brother, including weekly visits to a nursing home.

"They bring so much joy and love to the community," Marland said. "They're wonderful animals."

Karen Madden and Jamie Rokus of USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Kangaroo, missing from Wisconsin petting zoo, found after three days
Eric and Amy Gale loved working in the wine industry in the state of Washington, but they say it was a desire to get back to their roots that had them moving to Egg Harbor and starting a winery.

Amy, who grew up in Milwaukee, and Eric, a native of Luxemburg, met as students at St. Norbert College in De Pere. After graduation, Amy, who worked in event planning since she was 16, moved on to larger events. She did everything from weddings to large corporate parties and gained experience in most components in the hospitality industry.

Eric loved academia and wanted to teach sciences at the college level. But as he was embarking on that goal, funding in that field was drying up and prospects were limited.

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He said, Amy and I started dating at that time and we began to think about our other talents and how we could put them together to be successful. I had grown up around the earth, working on a farm, and loved agriculture.

With Amys hospitality experience and his in farming, they decided to explore a new kind of agriculture.

I had a concept of owning a winery and vineyard, Eric said. I saw others planting vines and thought it was interesting. I started checking into grad programs in that field, applied to and was accepted at three, and decided on Washington State.

At Washington State, there was a large extension department, and while attending school, he worked for the state viticulture specialist. Amy was working in Milwaukee as a venue coordinator for the Harley Davidson Museum at the time, but left that position to join Eric.

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They were married in 2016, and that same year, Eric graduated with a masters degree in horticulture.

I learned about plant physiology, worked for the extension specialist, got to go and meet vine growers and got my hands dirty learning how to grow grapes, Eric said.

Anchored Roots Vineyard & Winery in Egg Harbor has six acres of vines planted, with four more cleared. They currently produce 4,000 cases annually.

Amy said, I knew I wanted to work inside a winery to learn about that aspect of the business. I got a job filling distribution orders for a mid-size winery. When they discovered I had other skill sets, I started doing other jobs. I managed taste rooms and the wine club, handled direct to consumer sales, and planned events. I got an inside look at what it takes to run a winery.

Eric, for his part, went to work as a viticulturist for the largest winery in Washington state. In his role as a consultant, he traveled the state and visited the growers the winery worked with to help with any issues, assess and estimate crops, and be a liaison between teams.

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Amy said, Thats where we learned everything. In early 2019, we started looking ahead to starting a winery of our own and got the ball rolling before we jumped ship and packed up to leave.

They decided they wanted to locate nearer to home; preferably in Door County. As the search for properties ensued, Eric said it wasnt easy to find the right land.

We had learned that you need to have a really good growing site for grapes. You cant make great wines without a world class growing site, he said.

In December 2019, they found a site in Egg Harbor that would become Anchored Roots Vineyard & Winery and made an offer. But the timing wasnt ideal. Amy was a few months away from giving birth to their first son (they now have three children) and the pandemic was soon going to shut everything down.

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Yet, planning had already begun. Just a few months prior to the shutdown, they had started working with David Stauffacher of the Small Business Development Center, a partner of SCORE and part of the SBA.

We knew that the business plan was absolutely imperative when it came to planning, Amy said. David looked in on all of our work. We created two plans  one for the winery and one for the vineyard. He helped us figure out all of those pieces to make it look good for lenders.

Stauffacher also connected them with Door County Economic Development where they found additional assistance. Finally, in July 2020, they had a lender and a plan and closed on the purchase.

A few days after closing, family and friends gathered to help them with the initial planting. In the ensuing months, building on the winery began. Because of the pandemic, it was difficult to procure building materials. When the supplies were available, Eric and his dad worked closely with the construction crew and did much of the work themselves.

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In early 2022, the large pieces of equipment that would be used to press grapes for wine finally arrived. Because vines take up to five years to produce grapes, theirs were not ready and they purchased grapes from Washington state vineyards that they were familiar with.

Anchored Roots Vineyard and Winery opened in fall of 2022 with a variety of wines they had produced and others from favorite wineries. The winery includes a tasting room, large patio, open area, and small kitchen.

Amy said, We have limited menu options like charcuterie boards to enhance the winery experience and round out wine tasting. We work with Wisconsin producers for products like chocolate, oils, cheese, balsamic vinegar, and beverages other than wine.

In 2024, they offered their first estate bottle of wine, a blended red that was named The Roots. The labels, created by Andrea Naylor, a Door County artist, reflect the unique characteristics of the varieties of wine. The names on the bottles tie in with the wine variety. For blended wines, there is usually a nod to the region it came from.

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As vines start producing more grapes, the workload has increased. They have six acres already planted and four more cleared for planting. Production is at 4,000 cases annually. With Amys marketing skills, brand recognition continues to grow.

As Door County becomes recognized for wine, tourists are drawn to the area. Anchored Roots is part of the Wine Trail, Door County Wine Fest, and Wine Passport. They hold workshops, have tastings, offer tours, started a wine club, have space for private events, are active on social media, and have a schedule of events at the winery. Even with the experience they brought to the business, there have been surprises.

Eric said, You have to be flexible and ready to pivot. The best-laid plans dont always turn out as expected, but the business is so gratifying. We get to see peoples reactions when they try something and they say that its amazing.

Every struggle is worth it, Amy said. Working for yourself is a huge reward.

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Tina Dettman-Bielefeldt is co-owner of DB Commercial Real Estate in Green Bay and past district director for SCORE, Wisconsin.

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Owners offer variety of products, events at winery in Door county
The N.C. Azalea Festival's highest-flying event will be getting even bigger this year.

Wilmington's Azalea Festival is our city's most popular event of the year. It's a time when visitors flock to the Port City to see parades, concerts, the street fair, and of course, the star of the show: the azaleas blooming all over town.

But if you're interested in history or aviation -- or better yet, both -- there's one event you won't want to miss. Warbirds Over Wilmington is an air show with historic planes as the focal point, and this year it will feature an even bigger cast of planes than before.

When and where is Warbirds Over Wilmington?

Warbirds over Wilmington will take place at the Wilmington International Airport south ramp. The event is scheduled for Friday, April 10 through Sunday, April 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Both parking and admission will be free.

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Address: ILM Public Viewing Area, 2260 Control Tower Drive.

A UH-1 Huey, a Vietnam-era helicopter, will be on display during the Warbirds Over Wilmington event scheduled for April 10-12, 2026.

What historic planes can you see?

The featured plane at the event is a WWII Japanese A6M Zero fighter replica, built for the movie "Tora! Tora! Tora!" The plane will conduct fly-bys down each of the airport's two runways on Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12.

"This will be a rare opportunity for the public to see the iconic Zero flying at speed and visualize its dominance over American F4F Wildcat fighters in the Battle of Guadalcanal in the Pacific," the press release for the event said.

Times for the fly-bys will be announced closer to the festival.

A WWII Boeing PT-17 Stearman bi-plane will also appear. The public can purchase a ride in the Stearman for $400.

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According to the press release, "other additions to the event include three Vietnam-era helicopters, UH-1 Huey and OH-6 Cayuse, provided by the North Carolina Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association. Other military aircraft and vehicles are expected to be available for static display."

Aviation- and military-themed merchandise, as well as food trucks, will also be available on-site.

Charlie Kingree is the Pender County and trending topics reporter for the StarNews. He can be reached at ckingree@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Warbirds Over Wilmington to showcase historic planes at NC Azalea Festival
Mar. 28JAMESTOWN  The Kiwanis Club of Jamestown brings together community members with a shared mission of improving the lives of children and strengthening the community through service.

"A Kiwanis Club chapter in Jamestown helps people come together to make a positive difference  especially for children and families  while building leadership, community pride and lasting connections," said Jacque Erickson, president of the local club.

The Kiwanis Club of Jamestown was chartered on Sept. 4, 1922. Today, the Kiwanis Club of Jamestown has 41 members, which includes individuals in the Kiwanis Satellite Club. Kiwanis Club of Jamestown members pay $100 each quarter, while the membership price is reduced for individuals in the Kiwanis Satellite Club.

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While membership numbers have remained about the same through the decades, the Kiwanis Club still has many active projects, said Don Caine, who has been a member of Jamestown Kiwanis Club since 1965.

"I'd say the projects, the things that we do, are most important," Caine said. "But the fellowship of members and weekly meetings and the programs weekly are important to me."

Erickson said members join for networking opportunities and to give back to the community.

"But they stay for the unexpected professional growth," Erickson said. "It is a safe-to-fail environment where you can sharpen leadership and public speaking skills without the typical pressures of the workplace. You come here to serve the community, but you leave as a more well-rounded professional. In Kiwanis, you can take risks in a supportive community with no bosses, just a shared mission of service."

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Erickson said the club includes members from a wide variety of professional backgrounds, and that helps strengthen the organization.

"A Kiwanis Club made up of varied, respected individuals is stronger, more creative, more trusted and more effective," Erickson said. "In a community like Jamestown, where relationships matter, that diversity of leadership can significantly amplify the club's impact."

Erickson said members have a wide variety of skills who bring different ideas on what to do for service clubs or projects.

"We definitely have a very wide variety, and especially even if you look at the ages of our members," she said

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The Kiwanis Club sponsors the Key Club at Jamestown High School, which allows high school students to participate in service projects and join members at their regular meeting. The Aktion Club provides volunteer opportunities for individuals with special needs who participate in different service projects as well.

The Key Club has 20 members, and the Aktion Club has 23.

In addition, a Kiwanis Satellite Club meets monthly in the evenings for members whose work schedules do not allow them to attend the regular meetings.

"They're still part of Kiwanis, but they'll do different projects," Erickson said.

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The Kiwanis Club supports local youth and families through service projects and fundraisers that address hunger, education and community well-being, Erickson said. Those efforts include Kiwanis Against Hunger, Pancake Day, backpack and school supply programs, holiday food baskets, bell ringing for the Salvation Army, youth club sponsorships, park improvements and community health initiatives.

One of the club's largest projects is the annual Kiwanis Against Hunger event, a one-day meal-packing effort that draws many volunteers from the community. Since launching the annual Kiwanis Against Hunger event in Jamestown, the local club and volunteers have packaged over 1.3 million meals for families in need.

"The Kiwanis Against Hunger event is important because it turns Kiwanis' mission into visible, meaningful action  feeding children, uniting the community and strengthening Jamestown through service," Erickson said.

The most recent Kiwanis Against Hunger events have brought in around 175 volunteers.

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"It becomes a community project, and people are very anxious to help us out," Caine said.

The meal-packing event requires months of planning and fundraising, Erickson said.

"We begin planning well in advance  often four months or more before the event," Erickson said. "We start by setting a meal goal and building a budget. From there, our members reach out to local businesses, community partners and individual supporters to secure sponsorships. We hold fundraisers, collect donations and spread awareness throughout Jamestown."

The Kiwanis Club also holds its annual Pancake Day  one of the club's most important community-building fundraisers, Erickson said. Pancake Day raises about $11,000 each year, and that is all donated back into the community.

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"It's an event that allows the community to come together," Erickson said. "It's family friendly, and all of the money raised goes back into the community."

The proceeds support local service projects and often help fund youth programs, hunger initiatives like Kiwanis Against Hunger, scholarships and other efforts that benefit children and families in Jamestown.

Erickson said Pancake Day provides a simple way for the community to give back and reinforces Kiwanis' presence as a consistent and reliable community partner.

"Just buying a ticket supports the club, the mission, the activity," Caine said.

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The Kiwanis Club collects "happy dollars" from members during meetings that have helped organizations like Laundry Love, Bio Girls, Birthday Blessings, Healthy Families North Dakota, North American Bison Discovery Center, James River Valley Library System, Jamestown Public Schools' Angel Fund to help pay for student meals, and many other service efforts in the community.

Erickson said Kiwanis chooses a local organization to donate "happy dollars" for two months. Then, another local organization is chosen to collect "happy dollars" for another two months.

Caine said the club also collects "K" dollar bills that have a letter in the front depending on what Federal Reserve Bank makes them. He said the "K" dollars go to the Kiwanis Children's Fund.

Kiwanis members also learn about community issues during their regular meetings. Each meeting typically includes a speaker from the community.

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Caine said those programs have included speakers from the University of Jamestown, law enforcement, Jamestown High School and charities.

"If it's a charity thing, I think it does generate some interest and support for those groups," he said.

The Kiwanis Club also has a long-standing partnership with the Rotary Club of Jamestown through Camp Rokiwan near Spiritwood Lake.

"This partnership is absolutely essential," Erickson said. "Kiwanis and Rotary operate as equal partners in this endeavor, and that synergy is what has allowed this camp to thrive for over a century."

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Camp Rokiwan was founded by the Rotary and Kiwanis clubs in 1923. The name "Rokiwan" comes from combining Rotary and Kiwanis.

The two clubs provide a weeklong summer camp for children each year.

By combining resources and a shared vision, she said the two clubs are able to provide scholarships and professional leadership to run a high-quality program. She said the two clubs share legal, financial and promotional responsibilities equally because they both believe in the same core mission.

"When these two historic clubs come together, we create a safety net for the community, ensuring that children have a safe place to go and no child is left out of these summer experiences," she said.

Erickson said the two clubs also work directly with Camp Rokiwan caretakers and the camp director and support them by helping with the curriculum, physical setup and teardown, and ensuring everything runs smoothly when children arrive.

"It's a true team effort to make sure the property serves its No. 1 purpose  providing a world-class experience for underserved children," she said.

Caine said both clubs hold a cleanup night where members go to Camp Rokiwan to clean, wash windows, scrub floors and do whatever else needs to be done.

He also said the camp is not just for children. He said Camp Rokiwan is also available for rent for events such as family reunions.

The Kiwanis Club also participates in global initiatives through Kiwanis International.

In 1994, the club raised around $18,000 to help combat iodine deficiency disorders around the world, Caine said.

"The idea was to do whatever we could to eliminate iodine deficiency disorders throughout the world," he said.

He said iodine deficiency disorders affect the intellectual abilities of children when they are short iodine.

"So whenever a community in the world somewhere was given that cure, IQ went up considerably," he said.

In 2004, Caine said the Kiwanis Club also raised more than $20,000 to help fight maternal neonatal tetanus.

Tetanus causes considerable mortality among undervaccinated mothers and their infants following unhygienic deliveries, especially in low-income countries, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
28 YEARS AGO  1998

 Smokers who buy cigarettes from the College Store at Plattsburgh State will eventually have to look elsewhere for tobacco. The College Auxiliary Services Executive Committee voted recently to end its lucrative tobacco-product business in five years. The committee wanted to halt profiting from the addiction of a few, said Cheryl Hogle, associate dean of students and president of CAS. We have to do whats right, she said. Plattsburgh State President Horace Judson agreed with the decision. It is really hypocritical on our part to sell it in our very own college store, and at the same time educate our students that smoking is detrimental to their health, he said. The five-year time frame will allow CAS to find alternative ways to fund programs now paid for by college store revenues. Its going to have an impact, Hogle said. Tobacco is a large revenue maker for the college, said Jerry DeCelle, director of college stores. Cigarettes are a large-volume item. I dont know what were going to be able to find to replace that kind of business. Im glad the board gave me five years to come up with something rather than five months. College store tobacco sales represent $180,000 with a 24% gross profit margin of $43,200. The average tobacco customer also makes additional purchases while in the store, averaging $1.42 with a 35% gross profit margin of 50 cents. According to Hogle, these figures indicate CAS can expect to see a minimum loss of $79,000 profit when tobacco sales are halted.

 A dam proposed for the Little AuSable River will help prevent sea lampreys from reaching several miles of prime spawning habitat. The Department of Environmental Conservation is receiving $225,500 in funds from the Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act to construct the 50-foot dam. The lamprey barrier will be about 10,000 feet from the mouth of Little AuSable. Hopefully, if we can build this dam, we will successfully eliminate the need to chemically treat over 6 miles of river (for lamprey control), said Lawrence Nashett, supervising aquatic biologist for DEC. The Little AuSable is one of the most productive lamprey streams on the New York side of Lake Champlain. This dam would block virtually 100% of sea-lamprey spawning habitat there.

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50 YEARS AGO  1976

 The Plattsburgh Air Force base will begin security police week activities, which will feature a special security police open house to acquaint the public to the base squadrons mission and its accomplishment. Several weeks ago, the base policemen were notified they had been selected as the best security police squadron within Strategic Air Command. During the first three days of the week, the base police force will hold a series of in-house seminars where the policemen and base officials can evaluate their performance. Base security personnel will have an open house at the base, allowing the public access to most of their building facilities. The public can also see demonstrations involving security police equipment at the Recreation Center located at the new portion of the air base. Here, people can see the equipment and the possible activities of Star, a canine member of the security squadron. Star is one of 27 guard dogs in the K-9 section, who is trained to find marijuana. The security squadrons base operations will be open to the public. One of the officials who has worked on the details of the open house and the equipment demonstrations is 1st Lt. Hubert Mitchell, of the security squadron. Hes been working on the project for about two weeks.

 NBCs announcement that its ready to bid on TV coverage rights for the 1980 Lake Placid Winter Olympics amounts to nothing but hot air, a local Olympic official charged last week. Its hot air, John M. Wilkins repeated. What he (NBC President Robert T. Howard) is trying to do is justify their poor judgment and their inept negotiation to the directors and stockholders of NBC. NBC has slipped drastically in the ratings. Now, theyre trying to explain away why theyre in second place by trying to use the committee Wilkins chairs (the marketing and TV committee of the Lake Placid Olympic Organization Committee) as whipping boys so they can tell their directors and stockholders that the reason they didnt get the 1980 Olympic games (coverage rights) is that they were not given a fair chance, which is absolutely untrue. The LPOOC has reached an agreement in principle with ABC for the coverage rights. NBC and CBS complained earlier this month that the LPOOC had discriminated against them by reaching the agreement with ABC. NBC followed that last week by announcing its prepared to enter a bid higher than the amount of the ABC bid thats appeared in press accounts.

75 YEARS AGO  1951

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 Gov. Thomas E. Dewey signed, without comment, yesterday a bill barring TV sets in automobiles, beginning July 1. The bill, introduced by Republican Sen. Seymour Halpern, of Queens, as a safety measure, says, It shall be unlawful to operate upon any public highway in this state a motor vehicle which is equipped with a television receiving set.

 Teenage girls of Plattsburgh and Clinton and Essex counties will be interested in the announcement of a nationwide IGA stores contest, which will be sponsored next month. This contest will be conducted in two phases. First, a popularity election in each IGA store April 2 to 21 inclusive, followed by a contest of skill in a playoff to determine the regional and national prize winners from among the winners in all the store popularity elections. Girls between ages 13 and 19 will be eligible to enter this contest. Store prizes are listed as first, a girls deluxe bicycle; second, a Spartus Press-flash camera set; and third, an electric corn popper. Winners of store prizes will then be eligible for regional prizes and the grand national prize  a free trip to New York with all expenses paid for two for one week, plus a 1951 Hudson car.

100 YEARS AGO  1926

 Meet Buddy, the childrens friend. Few youngsters in the south end of the city are unacquainted with Humane Officer Philip S. Pitts dog, three years old and full of tricks, but as good a watch dog as can be found in the North Country, his master says. Buddy was not trained with the whip but by kindness and a judicious use of cookies. Pitts started training Buddy at the age of three months and he now goes through a number of stunts. Buddy picks the morning Press from the fence and brings it to his master. He plays Big Dog and Little Dog, he plays dead, rolls over and jumps over a stick at any height up to 5 feet. One of Buddys tricks the youngsters like to watch is when he plays ball. Buddy stands on his hind legs, balances the ball on his nose, then throws it up in the air and catches it. He sits up and holds a lump of sugar on his nose until Pitts claps his hands, then tosses the sugar up then catches and eats it. Buddy also has an uncanny ability to pick out different colored pencils and yarn at command.

 The flooding Saranac River nearly added another to a list of drowned yesterday. Glen Couch, carpenter with the Uncle Toms Cabin production, was on location at the old carbide mill. Something went wrong with the pulley through which the double cable runs across the river by the big dam. Working his way out hand over hand, Couch was soon over the center of the river. He swung with the slackness of the cable. His feet dropped into the water, and the swift current caught them and pulled at his body with tremendous force. Lee Lawson, technical director, pulled frantically at the cable and managed to free it from the entanglement of the pulley. Couch hung on and was dragged safely to shore where he fell, exhausted, to the snow and was revived. On account of the rapid melting of ice and snow, the Saranac River location is rapidly becoming worthless, and cameraman Charles Stumer is looking for another location in Vermont or New Hampshire.
You could easily walk past the Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts, in Santa Monica and not notice the place. I've done it a hundred times. Aside from a valet stand with those vertical flame-thrower type heat lamps, the building doesn't register from Ocean Avenue as one of Los Angeless finest boutique hotels.

That's partly why it's been surprising lately to hear about the richer details within, and particularly one interior feature that's been getting buzz: a hidden bathroom people are driving across town to see.

More on that in a second. The Oceana has been a fixture on this stretch of Santa Monica for decades. Little known fact: The screenplay for Elf was developed in one of the rooms. The hotel had been operating under various incarnations until 2021, when JRK Property Holdings sank nearly $30 million into a top-to-bottom transformation, emerging with the first U.S. property under Hilton's LXR brand, a portfolio of independent luxury hotels designed to feel like... its not a Hilton.

A Jewel Box In Santa Monica

The 70 suites now come with Loro Piana bedding, Bottega Veneta bath amenities, and iPads that control the lights. The dining room was a work in progress until last October, when La Monique opened inside the hotel's existing bones.

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Designed by Martin Brudnizki, the London- and New York-based studio behind The Beekman Hotel in Manhattan and The Connaught Bar in London, the 42-seat room is frequently described as a jewel box of plush velvet banquettes in emerald and sapphire, with a backlit bar that glows like a very expensive aquarium. Straw-marquetry wall panels are handmade in France by Atelier Lison de Caunes, and there are vintage works by Andre Butzer and Donald Sultan. When the velvet curtains are drawn, you could convince yourself you're somewhere on the Cote d'Azur.

Word is definitely getting around. You didnt hear this from me, but the back corner table may have been occupied on a recent evening by Margot Robbie and Stevie Nicks, who are reportedly talking about a movie biopic.

Hand-cut beef tartare with house Kennebec potato chips at La Monique inside Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts. Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts

Chef David Fricaud is a French native and Top Chef France semi-finalist, who worked at Scarpetta in Vegas (he also cooked in Lisa Vanderpumps massive kitchen at Caesars Palace). Here he serves hand-cut steak tartare with house-made Kennebec potato chips, escargot reimagined as crispy poppers with garlic-herb creme fraiche (the empty shells, Fricaud tells diners, should be sipped like a shot), and a chicken dish, Le Poulet Duo Poele and Braise, that arrives tableside (Apparently, there is also an off-menu burger that Fricaud describes only as "the best in the world").

The Most Memorable Two Minutes Of Your Evening

And yet, the one details that seems to lodge itself in people's memories on the way out is something most restaurants don't spend much time thinking about at all.

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That bathroom.

The bathroom that named a restaurant. Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts

It has been called the restaurant's "most opulent  and unexpected  design factor. As the Observer writes: A floor-to-ceiling mirror creates the kind of flattering glow that makes you want to linger. A marble counter. A copper sink. Walls with a textured, palm leaf-like surface that nods, quietly, to the Mediterranean mood of the whole room. It is, in short, a better-designed space than most Los Angeles restaurants manage for their dining rooms.

The bathroom also holds the key to the restaurant's name. Olivier Zardoni, CEO of 34th Floor Hospitality, the F&B group behind La Monique, recalls the moment the identity of the place snapped into focus. "While we were working on the design and creating renderings, I realized, 'Oh, this feels like a woman's home,'" he told the Observer. "I turned to my business partner and said, 'I think a woman lives here.' I pictured her as a madame." La Monique, the character, was born  and with her, a restaurant designed from the inside out, down to the very last copper fitting.

The restaurant is open nightly for dinner, Sunday through Saturday, 6 to 10 p.m. Reservations at lamoniquerestaurant.com, or by calling the hotel directly.

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Walk-ins from Ocean Avenue are theoretically possible, though given how easily you can walk past the Santa Monica hot spot without a second glance, you might want to book ahead so you have it on your calendar.

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Over the next few decades, American retirees are expected to pass on an estimated $84.4 trillion to their families and favorite causes. Yet despite that staggering number, most Americans haven't done the basic paperwork. As of 2025, only 24% have a will  down from 33% just three years prior, according to Caring.com.

The fallout from that gap is something estate planning attorneys see regularly. Families that could have avoided conflict end up in drawn-out legal fights, strained relationships, and financial stress that lingers long after the funeral. Michael Zahrt, an estate planning attorney with Foster Swift Collins and Smith in Grand Rapids, Michigan, says a lot of people treat the subject like a jinx  as if writing a will somehow invites the worst to happen sooner.

Putting it off, though, has real consequences. Without a plan, families can get stuck in bitter, expensive probate battles over everything from who gets the house to who pays for the burial.

The high cost of doing nothing

Cheryl Fratello, an elder law attorney based on Long Island, New York, points out that the state doesn't wait for you to have a preference. When someone dies without a will, intestacy laws kick in and divide things up according to a formula  not your wishes. In New York, that typically means splitting assets between a spouse and children, which sounds reasonable until there are minors involved. A teenager could suddenly be sitting on a large life insurance payout with no guardrails in place.

6 documents you need in your estate plan

A solid estate plan isn't just a will  it's a set of documents that work together to make sure the right people are in charge of the right things. Because probate laws vary so much by state, it's worth sitting down with an attorney rather than piecing things together from online templates.

1. Last will and testament

The will itself is where most people start, and for good reason. It spells out who gets what and, critically, who raises your kids if something happens to you. Zahrt has seen what happens when that part gets skipped  grandparents and in-laws end up in court fighting over the grandchildren.

2. Financial power of attorney

A financial power of attorney is just as important, even if it gets less attention. This document names someone to manage your money and accounts if you can't do it yourself. Without it, your family may have no legal authority to pay your bills or access your accounts  and getting that authority through the courts is slow and expensive. Fratello also cautions against downloading a basic form online. Generic versions often leave out the specific powers needed to set up or fund a trust.

3. Healthcare proxy or patient advocate designation

A healthcare proxy  or patient advocate designation, depending on your state  hands decision-making authority to someone you trust when you can't speak for yourself. Zahrt drafts these broadly on purpose. A laundry list of specific scenarios sounds thorough, but it can actually tie a doctor's hands if a situation arises that isn't on the list. And don't assume it has to be a family member. Pick the person who can handle the pressure.

4. Living will

A living will is a separate document that spells out your end-of-life preferences  whether you want life-sustaining treatment, what comfort care looks like to you. Fratello keeps it apart from the healthcare proxy deliberately, so your agent has clear guidance without being boxed in.

5. Trust (when appropriate)

Trusts aren't for everyone, but they're worth considering. They let you skip probate, protect assets, and control how and when money gets distributed. Zahrt set up his own kids' inheritance so they won't see a large payout until they're 27. "I assume they're going to be terrible with money," he said. Fair enough. That said, if your assets are straightforward and your beneficiaries are responsible adults, a will might be all you need.

6. Disposition of remains form

The disposition of remains form is newer and easy to overlook, but it matters. It designates who handles your burial or cremation  which is important because the person the law defaults to may not be who you'd choose. Fratello has seen cases where a long-estranged sibling ended up with that authority simply because no one had thought to write it down.

Having the tough conversation

The hardest part of estate planning is not the paperwork, but starting the conversation. Fratello is clear about what happens if you avoid it: hurt feelings, court battles, and family relationships that may never heal. For adult children who want to talk to aging parents, Zahrt suggests focusing on their wishes instead of their mortality. Once you have a plan, do not just file it away and forget it. Zahrt recommends reviewing it every four years or after any major life event, like a new baby, a divorce, a death in the family, or a big financial change.

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The core documents  will, durable power of attorney, healthcare proxy, and possibly a trust  each do something different, but together they cover the situations most likely to create problems. A durable power of attorney keeps the bills paid and the accounts accessible if you're incapacitated. A trust can protect assets and keep things out of probate. None of them are complicated to set up, but all of them require some thought about who you actually trust.

Probate battles are largely avoidable. Clear documentation, honest conversations with your family, and a plan that gets updated as life changes go a long way. The families that end up in court are usually the ones where nobody ever wrote anything down  or where the documents were so outdated they no longer reflected reality.
Protesters march in a No Kings protest on Saturday, March 28, 2026, along Adams Street in Green Bay, Wis. The march is part of a nationwide protest against President Donald TrumpOs administration. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Protesters gather during a No Kings protest on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at St. Johns Park in Green Bay, Wis. The protest and march are part of a nationwide protest against President Donald TrumpOs administration. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Protesters cheer during a No Kings protest on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at St. James Park in Green Bay, Wis. The protest and march are part of a nationwide protest against President Donald TrumpOs administration. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin A motorist gives a thumbs up to protesters during a No Kings protest on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at St. James Park in Green Bay, Wis. The protest and march are part of a nationwide protest against President Donald TrumpOs administration. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Protesters gather for a No Kings protest march on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at St. James Park in Green Bay, Wis. The march is part of a nationwide protest against President Donald TrumpOs administration. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Marigold Hock, 4, of Green Bay, holds a protest sign during a No Kings protest on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at St. James Park in Green Bay, Wis. The protest and march are part of a nationwide protest against President Donald TrumpOs administration. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Protesters carry a Constitution-themed protest banner in a No Kings march on Saturday, March 28, 2026, along Adams Street in Green Bay, Wis. The march is part of a nationwide protest against President Donald TrumpOs administration. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Traffic drives by a No Kings protest on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at St. James Park in Green Bay, Wis. The protest and march are part of a nationwide protest against President Donald TrumpOs administration. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin An officer from the Green Bay Police Department looks on as protesters make their way to St. James Park for a No Kings protest march on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Green Bay, Wis. The march is part of a nationwide protest against President Donald TrumpOs administration. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Protesters hold signs as they march in a No Kings protest on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Green Bay, Wis. The march is part of a nationwide protest against President Donald TrumpOs administration. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Pearse Haworth, 10, of Lawrence, cheers during a No Kings protest on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at St. James Park in Green Bay, Wis. The protest and march are part of a nationwide protest against President Donald TrumpOs administration. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin A dog wears a protest sign during a No Kings protest march on Saturday, March 28, 2026, along Lawe Street in Green Bay, Wis. The march is part of a nationwide protest against President Donald TrumpOs administration. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Protesters sign a Constitution-themed protest banner during a No Kings protest on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at St. James Park in Green Bay, Wis. The protest and march are part of a nationwide protest against President Donald TrumpOs administration. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Protesters gather for a No Kings protest march on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at St. James Park in Green Bay, Wis. The protest and march are part of a nationwide protest against President Donald TrumpOs administration. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Protesters make their way to St. James Park for a No Kings protest march on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Green Bay, Wis. The march is part of a nationwide protest against President Donald TrumpOs administration. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin A protest sign is seen during a No Kings protest on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at St. James Park in Green Bay, Wis. The protest and march are part of a nationwide protest against President Donald TrumpOs administration. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Donna Rasmussen, of Green Bay, signs a Constitution-themed protest banner during a No Kings protest on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at St. James Park in Green Bay, Wis. The protest and march are part of a nationwide protest against President Donald TrumpOs administration. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Protesters hold signs as they march in a No Kings protest on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Green Bay, Wis. The march is part of a nationwide protest against President Donald TrumpOs administration. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Protesters hold signs as they march in a No Kings protest on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Green Bay, Wis. The march is part of a nationwide protest against President Donald TrumpOs administration. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Protesters make their way back to their vehicles after a No Kings protest on Saturday, March 28, 2026, along Madison Street in Green Bay, Wis. The protest and march are part of a nationwide protest against President Donald TrumpOs administration. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Check out photos from Green Bay No Kings protest 1 of 20 Protesters march in a No Kings protest on Saturday, March 28, 2026, along Adams Street in Green Bay, Wis. The march is part of a nationwide protest against President Donald TrumpOs administration. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

(This article was updated to add new information.)

The crowd at St. James Park in Green Bay was diverse, with teenagers and veterans and former professors.

A man made his way to a park shelter, wearing a sign on his back reading totally disheartened moderate Republican, while Gloria De Grave spoke to those who gathered.

We are all united behind what we can do to take this dictator down from office," said De Grave, an organizer with the progressive nonprofit Citizen Action of Wisconsin.

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As elsewhere across Wisconsin and the country, these protesters gathered in Green Bay and De Pere on March 28 against the Trump administration under the banner of No Kings.

The moniker, used in previous national demonstrations in June and October, pointed to the protests overarching critique of President Donald Trumps governance as anti-democratic.

Protesters gather for a No Kings protest march on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at St. James Park in Green Bay, Wis. The march is part of a nationwide protest against President Donald TrumpOs administration. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Its a view dismissed by the presidents supporters, who see the presidents wielding of power as a display of strength and have dismissed the No Kings protests as unpatriotic and nonsensical. The Republican Party of Brown County on March 28 reposted comments by Republican U.S. Rep. and gubernatorial-hopeful Tom Tiffany, who said in a social media post that it was "strange" No Kings protesters weren't demonstrating against Democratic Gov. Tony Evers for future property tax increases.

Protesters gather during a No Kings protest on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at St. Johns Park in Green Bay, Wis. The protest and march are part of a nationwide protest against President Donald TrumpOs administration. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

The only people who care about these Trump derangement therapy sessions are the reporters who are paid to cover them, Abigail Jackson, a White House spokeswoman, said in a statement one day before the protests.

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In Green Bay, about 1,500 demonstrators had gathered at St. James Park by 11:30 a.m. A later demonstration in De Pere drew about 1,500 protesters at Voyageur Park by 3:30 p.m., some of whom had been at the Green Bay protest earlier.

Many protesters said the war in Iran and the Trump administration's immigration policies were top-of-mind grievances, though generally referenced a wider gamut of discontent also reflected in their picket signs. They expressed anger at the handling of the Epstein files, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency as a whole, the reshaped rules at national parks. Many of their signs framed Trump against facets of American life: Law is King, Trump is not, one sign read. We love America. We hate Trump, another read.

About 1,500 people walk along the Fox River Trail during a "No Kings" protest on March 28, 2026, in De Pere, Wis. About 1,500 people attend a "No Kings" protest on March 28, 2026, at Voyageur Park in De Pere, Wis. Protesters gather on the Claude Allouez Bridge during a "No Kings" protest on March 28, 2026, in De Pere, Wis. About 1,500 people attend a "No Kings" protest on March 28, 2026, at Voyageur Park in De Pere, Wis. About 1,500 people attend a "No Kings" protest on March 28, 2026, at Voyageur Park in De Pere, Wis. Protesters gather on the Claude Allouez Bridge during a "No Kings" protest on March 28, 2026, in De Pere, Wis. Protesters gather on the Claude Allouez Bridge during a "No Kings" protest on March 28, 2026, in De Pere, Wis. Protesters gather on the Claude Allouez Bridge during a "No Kings" protest on March 28, 2026, in De Pere, Wis. About 1,500 people walk along the Fox River Trail during a "No Kings" protest on March 28, 2026, in De Pere, Wis. About 1,500 people attend a "No Kings" protest on March 28, 2026, at Voyageur Park in De Pere, Wis. About 1,500 people attend a "No Kings" protest on March 28, 2026, at Voyageur Park in De Pere, Wis. About 1,500 people attend a "No Kings" protest on March 28, 2026, at Voyageur Park in De Pere, Wis. About 1,500 people attend a "No Kings" protest on March 28, 2026, at Voyageur Park in De Pere, Wis. About 1,500 people walk along the Fox River Trail during a "No Kings" protest on March 28, 2026, in De Pere, Wis. About 1,500 people attend a "No Kings" protest on March 28, 2026, at Voyageur Park in De Pere, Wis. About 1,500 people attend a "No Kings" protest on March 28, 2026, at Voyageur Park in De Pere, Wis. About 1,500 people attend a "No Kings" protest on March 28, 2026, at Voyageur Park in De Pere, Wis. Protesters gather on the Claude Allouez Bridge during a "No Kings" protest on March 28, 2026, in De Pere, Wis. About 1,500 people attend a "No Kings" protest on March 28, 2026, at Voyageur Park in De Pere, Wis. About 1,500 people attend a "No Kings" protest on March 28, 2026, at Voyageur Park in De Pere, Wis. About 1,500 people attend a "No Kings" protest on March 28, 2026, at Voyageur Park in De Pere, Wis. Green Bay Press-Gazette's March photos in review 1 of 21 About 1,500 people walk along the Fox River Trail during a "No Kings" protest on March 28, 2026, in De Pere, Wis.

For some, it was their first time protesting. A father showed up, who said he'd been doubtful before about the purpose of protest. Another couple said they came for the first time. Their sons lived in Minneapolis and they had been shaken by the killing of two U.S. citizens by federal immigration agents there. One of those killed was Green Bay Preble High School grad Alex Pretti.

Many demonstrators said they'd already been to No Kings protests previously held in criticism of Trump's military parade for Flag Day and ICE deployments across the country. Some said protesting was unlikely to amount to much, though said they ought to.

About 1,500 people walk along the Fox River Trail during a "No Kings" protest on March 28, 2026, in De Pere, Wis. (Sarah Kloepping/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)

Pat and Julie McCain had driven from Cecil to meet up with Monica Johnson of De Pere. Braving blustery winds while marching on the Claude Allouez bridge in De Pere, Pat McCain said he kept turning out to protest because, "It makes you feel like you're not alone, you're not going crazy."

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Ellen Brehm and Nancy Gibbs of Green Bay, who've also attended prior No Kings protests, rattled off a list of grievances.

About 1,500 people attend a "No Kings" protest on March 28, 2026, at Voyageur Park in De Pere, Wis.

Kristi Noem and her nonsense, Gibbs said, referring to the ousted Homeland Security secretary. Now were in war, most of it done behind our backs.

Its not democracy, Brehms said.

Jesse Lin is a reporter covering the community of Green Bay and its surroundings, as well as politics in northeastern Wisconsin. He also writes a weekly column answering reader questions about Green Bay. Contact and send him questions at 920-834-4250 or jlin@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: No Kings protests in Green Bay De Pere against Trump draw thousands
Actor Stefan Kapicic, best known for portraying Colossus in the 'Deadpool' franchise, is set to reunite with filmmaker Tim Miller for an upcoming sci-fi action movie headlined by Keanu Reeves, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The yet-untitled Warner Bros. project is currently in production in the Dominican Republic. While plot details remain under wraps, the film is said to be a high-concept story, with the Ian Shorr-penned script drawing tonal elements from the time-loop actioner 'Edge of Tomorrow' and the survival thriller 'The Shallows'. Kapicic's role has not been officially disclosed, though reports suggest he could take on an antagonistic role opposite Reeves, as per the outlet. The collaboration marks a reunion between Kapicic and Miller nearly a decade after 'Deadpool' redefined the superhero genre. Kapicic first appeared as the metal-skinned mutant Colossus in 'Deadpool', later reprising the role in 'Deadpool 2' and making a brief appearance in 'Deadpool & Wolverine'. Beyond the 'Deadpool' films, Kapicic has also worked with Miller on Netflix's animated anthology series 'Love, Death & Robots'. His other credits include 'Better Call Saul', where he played one of the workers involved in building the meth superlab featured in 'Breaking Bad', and the horror film 'The Last Voyage of the Demeter', according to The Hollywood Reporter. The upcoming film boasts an ensemble cast including Callie Cooke, Steven Waddington, Nicholas Duvernay, Abraham Popoola, Anastasia Sofonav and Bobby Holland Hanton. The project is produced by Matthew Vaughn, Aaron Ryder, Andrew Swett and John Zaozirny, with Scott Lumpkin serving as executive producer. The film is slated for release on August 13, 2027, according to The Hollywood Reporter. (ANI)




On Thursday morning, the largest Asian supermarket chain in the United States opened its first East Bay store to great fanfare. The new H Mart in Dublin drew an estimated 10,000 people throughout the day, with lines so long in the morning that it took an hour just to get inside the store, an H Mart spokesperson told SFGATE.

The Dublin H Mart sells produce, meat, seafood, banchan, snacks, pantry staples, and health and beauty products. It also features a food hall with six different vendors: Oh K-Dog & Egg Toast (Korean-style corn dogs and toast), Kyodong Noodles (Korean Chinese cuisine), Chodang (soft tofu soup), BBQ Chicken (Korean fried chicken), Daeho (galbijjim) and Tous Les Jours (French Asian bakery).

The new H Mart at 7884 Dublin Blvd., Dublin, Calif., opened on March 26, 2026. (H Mart)





The popular Korean grocery store's arrival in the East Bay has been four years in the making, with the San Francisco Business Times first reporting the New Jersey-headquartered chain's plans to transform a former Orchard Supply Hardware store into an H Mart in 2022. The new store at 7884 Dublin Blvd. marks the chain's fourth location in the Bay Area, with other stores in San Francisco and San Jose. H Mart also plans to open its largest location in the entire country in Fremont, with construction anticipated to begin late this year, SFGATE reported in January. H Mart's first store opened in New York City in 1982, and the chain has since grown to more than 100 locations across 18 states.

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Mega Mart, another Korean supermarket chain, is also slated to open in Dublin at 2480 Dublin Blvd., less than 5 miles away from the new H Mart. The Bay Area has recently seen a wave of Asian supermarket openings, from Tokyo Central in Emeryville in January to Osaka Marketplace in Foster City in December (the Japanese grocery chain is also planning a Pleasant Hill location). Additionally, the Canada-headquartered Asian grocery chain T&T Supermarket is planning to open three stores in the Bay Area this year in San Francisco, San Jose and Millbrae.

The new H Mart at 7884 Dublin Blvd., Dublin, Calif., opened on March 26, 2026. (H Mart)





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This article originally published at 10,000 people lined up for opening of highly anticipated Bay Area H Mart.
March 27 (UPI) -- An Iranian attack on an air base in Saudi Arabia on Friday injured 10 U.S. service members -- two seriously -- unnamed officials familiar with the incident told media outlets.

The attack took place at the Saudi military's Prince Sultan Air Base in Al Kharj, striking a building where the U.S. service members were, U.S. officials told The Wall Street Journal. NBC News and CBS News also confirmed the attack, citing unnamed sources.

Iran used missiles and drones to carry out the attack, which also damaged multiple refueling vehicles.

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Since the start of the war in Iran a month ago, more than 300 Americans have been injured and 13 killed.

The United States and Israel began attacks on Iran beginning Feb. 28 amid stalling talks regarding Iran's nuclear program. On Thursday, President Donald Trump said the United States would forgo attacks on Iran's energy sites for 10 days to give time for further negotiations to end the war.

Iran on Friday blamed Israeli for contradicting Trump's 10-day delay by launching attacks on infrastructure sites, including an energy plant.

The U.S. Air Force's 378th Air Expeditionary Wing has been based at Prince Sultan base since 2019.
A 13-year-old boy has died after being stabbed in the western German city of Witten, police said on Saturday, adding that the child's father has been detained as the suspected perpetrator.

The boy's mother and his 9-year-old sister were seriously injured, a police spokesman told dpa.

He said an argument began inside a residential building before spilling out onto the street, where the boy died despite immediate medical intervention. Several eyewitnesses said they saw the father stabbing the boy.

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His sister and mother were treated by emergency doctors at the scene before being transferred to hospital, where they are in critical condition in the intensive care unit.

Neighbours who witnessed the violence were receiving counselling.

The 40-year-old suspect was slightly injured, police said.

Police said no further details about the motive were available. A homicide investigation has been launched.

Officials said the family were German nationals.

The suspect, who was detained some 200 metres from the crime scene, remains in police custody and is expected to be brought before a magistrate. A knife has been secured at the scene.

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According to the police, the suspect has not previously come to their attention and there were no indications of any psychological problems.

In a statement published on its website on Saturday afternoon, the town of Witten expressed its deep shock at the violent incident.

Mayor Dirk Leistner said: "The news of this terrible act has shaken us all to the core. The death of a child in particular leaves us speechless. Our thoughts are with the family, the relatives and everyone affected by this incident."
Two people were arrested following a pursuit of more than 150 miles after a vehicle suspected of involvement in a human smuggling attempt drove through a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint in South Texas, authorities said.

The incident began at a Border Patrol checkpoint in Freer, a small city in Duval County located about 150 miles south of Atascosa County. Officials said the vehicle failed to stop at the checkpoint, prompting a multi-agency response.

Officers from the Freer Police Department and Duval County Sheriffs Office attempted to stop the vehicle on Highway 16 shortly after it fled the checkpoint. The pursuit quickly expanded, with assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety and U.S. Border Patrol.

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The chase continued north through McMullen County and into Atascosa County. Deputies from McMullen and Atascosa counties joined the effort to stop the vehicle.

Authorities said the pursuit ended on Highway 16 just north of FM 140 after officers deployed spike strips that flattened all four tires on the suspect vehicle.

Two individuals were taken into custody and transported to the Duval County Jail. Both are expected to face multiple felony charges.

Two additional individuals believed to be in the country illegally were turned over to U.S. Border Patrol custody.

Highway 16, which was temporarily closed during the pursuit, has since reopened in both directions.
Two sailboats that went missing carrying humanitarian aid from southern Mexico to Cuba landed in Havana on Saturday afternoon, hours after Mexico's navy said it had located the boats days after they went incommunicado because of bad weather.

The vessels carrying at least eight people departed from Isla Mujeres in southern Mexico on March 20 and then lost contact, fueling concern in Mexico, Cuba and beyond.

The Mexican navy earlier Saturday said that it has located the two boats. An aircraft from the Mexican navy found the sailboats about 80 nautical miles northwest of Havana, Cuba, the navy said on X. The navy added that one of its boats was on the way to provide support.

One of the two sailboats, left, carrying humanitarian aid that had previously gone missing arriving at the port of Havana on March 28, 2026. / Credit: Yamil LAGE /AFP via Getty Images (Lisandra COTS /AFP via Getty Images)

Upon arriving on the island, Adnaan Stumo, the coordinator of the sailing convoy, said bad weather was responsible for the delay because the boats had to take a longer route and the sailors were "never in any serious danger."

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He thanked Mexico's navy, which escorted one of the boats into Havana Bay, for its support and making sure they were OK, and said they were "delighted" to start delivering aid to Cubans on the island.

"We arrive with a simple but powerful message: solidarity with the Cuban people doesn't stop at borders. It crosses oceans," Stumo, a U.S. citizen, said. "Over the past week, our sailboats encountered difficult conditions at sea, during which we lost contact with convoy coordinators and maritime authorities alike."

An image provided by Mexico's navy shows one of the aid vessels heading to Cuba. / Credit: Mexican navy

The organization Nuestra America Convoy, a global coalition that is helping organize aid shipments to Cuba, said Friday that based on the speed of the vessels reported to the Cuban maritime authorities, the window of arrival for the boats in Havana should be between Friday and Saturday and that the boats were led by experienced sailors.

James Schneider, communications director for Progressive International who helped coordinate the Nuestra America convoy to Cuba, thanked Mexican and Cuban authorities for their help on Saturday and said he was "relieved" to hear they were safe.

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"The crews are safe, and the vessels are continuing their journey to Havana," he said Saturday morning. "The convoy remains on track to complete its mission  delivering urgently needed humanitarian aid to the Cuban people."

Aid brought by the Nuestra America Convoy from Mexico is collected at the William Soler Pediatric Cardiocenter in Havana, Cuba, on March 25, 2026. / Credit: Lisandra COTS /AFP via Getty Images

The boat's arrival comes as an increasing number of countries and aid organizations have sent shipments of aid to Cuba, while a U.S. fuel blockade has caused crippling blackouts and pushed the Caribbean nation to the brink of collapse.

President Trump, in a speech on Friday, said "Cuba is next" after speaking about military actions in Venezuela and Iran.

The fuel blockade has prompted United Nations leaders to warn of a potential "humanitarian crisis" in the island's future amid mounting concerns by human rights and religious leaders as hospitals, schools and many residents go without power for long stretches.

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The same day the boat was located, a delegation of religious leaders also arrived in Cuba. They visited hospitals and a nursing home, and met with other religious leaders on the island.

"Immense suffering is being caused to the people," said the Rev. Philip Vinod Peacock, general secretary of the World Communion of Reformed Churches.

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  A mother and her son were assaulted during a home invasion that happened in Providence early Saturday morning, according to police.

Police said the incident happened just after 3:30 a.m. on Plainfield Street.

According to police, multiple men wearing dark clothing broke into the apartment, and one of them displayed a firearm.

One of the two victims suffered a head injury and was treated at the scene by first responders.

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The men took personal property before leaving the apartment, police said.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing. No arrests have been made so far.

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A school bus full of middle-school students on a field trip collided with a dump truck and an SUV in Tennessee, killing at least two children on Friday, March 27.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol confirmed the deaths of the two Clarksville-Montgomery County students, reported the Clarksville Leaf Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network. Several others were injured, with multiple people airlifted to trauma centers in Nashville and Memphis.

"I want to speak directly to the families of the students that we lost today: There are no adequate words we can use to ease the pain that you're feeling right now," Major Travis Plotzer with the highway patrol said at a news conference about the tragic deaths. "This is a parent's worst nightmare."

The Clarksville-Montgomery County's Kenwood Middle School students were headed to Jackson, Tennessee, for a field trip when their school bus was involved with a crash with a Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) dump truck and a Chevrolet Trailblazer, authorities said.

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While Plotzer said the investigation is ongoing, "it doesn't appear that TDOT had any contributing factors to the crash."

Major Travis Plotzer speaks during a Tennessee Highway Patrol press conference concerning a Clarksville-Montgomery County bus crash at Lake Halford in Huntingdon, Tenn., on Friday, Mar. 27, 2026.

The two students were pronounced dead at the scene, Plotzer said. The Tennessee Highway Patrol said in a post on Facebook that several others were injured in the crash, "with multiples airlifted to trauma centers in Nashville and Memphis."

At the news conference, a spokesman for an ambulance company said that they requested nine air ambulance helicopters to the scene and that seven of them were used to transport patients. He said he could not share patient information.

Plotzer said there were 25 students and five adults on the bus, two passengers in the dump truck and two in the Chevrolet.

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Families of everyone on the bus were contacted, and the district was directing them to the reunification point at a church in Huntingdon, Tennessee.

This is a developing story.

Kenya Anderson is a reporter for The Leaf-Chronicle.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tennessee school bus crash: At least 2 students killed
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The 110,000-year-old Neanderthal bone fragment found in Denisova Cave in Russia, from which ancient DNA was extracted. | Credit: Diyendo Massilani.

Two Neanderthals present at the same cave site 10 millennia apart were distant relatives, a tiny 110,000-year-old bone fragment from the Altai Mountains in Siberia reveals. The fragment has also produced the fourth full genome of a Neanderthal to date, shedding light on how small and isolated Neanderthals were long before they disappeared around 40,000 years ago.

Researchers found the bone fragment in Denisova Cave , which both Neanderthals and Denisovans lived in off and on for nearly 300,000 years. In a study published Monday (March 23) in the journal PNAS , the researchers compared the genome of the 110,000-year-old Neanderthal male (called D17) with three other complete Neanderthal genomes to better understand Neanderthals' population structure.

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The researchers compared the genome of D17 with the genome of a female Neanderthal (called D5) dated to 120,000 years ago from the same cave. They found that, while D5 was not a direct ancestor of D17, the two Neanderthals belonged to closely related lineages connected by a common ancestor. This distant biological relationship suggests Neanderthals had a long-term presence in the Altai region, the researchers said.

"But it is likely that Denisova Cave was part of a broader landscape used repeatedly by these Neanderthal populations over time, rather than a site occupied by a single, continuous group," study first author Diyendo Massilani , a genetics professor at the Yale School of Medicine, told Live Science in an email.

The study results also revealed that Neanderthals in the Altai region lived in very small and highly isolated populations of 50 or fewer people, as shown by stronger genetic markers of inbreeding. Specifically, researchers found that the individuals they analyzed had large sections of identical DNA, an indication that their parents were very closely related  as close as first cousins, for example.

The new research complements previous studies that showed Neanderthals lived in smaller and more isolated groups than our own species did. A 2022 study indicated that one Altai Neanderthal community numbered around 20 individuals , while another study provided evidence of a group being isolated for roughly 50,000 years . Many researchers have pointed to inbreeding and isolation as causes for Neanderthals' disappearance around 40,000 years ago. But the latest results suggest that Neanderthals also survived for long periods under extreme conditions of isolation and small population size.

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Massiliani and colleagues also discovered that Altai Neanderthals were very different from later European Neanderthals. In their genetic analysis, the researchers found that Altai Neanderthal D17 was more closely related to D5 than either of them was to Neanderthals in Europe or to later populations in the Altai region. This suggests that Neanderthal populations from eastern and western Eurasia became genetically different from one another in a relatively short time frame and within a fairly small geographic area.

"Even though the individuals from which we have genomes were separated for only about 50,000 years on average, they reached levels of difference similar to what we see today between some of the most distinct human populations, like people from Central Africa and Papua New Guinea that separated about 300,000 years ago," Massilani said.

We start to have enough Neanderthal genomes to actually have some claim about their population structure. Populations are groups of individuals, so the more data the better. Leo Planche, population geneticist at Paris-Saclay University's Interdisciplinary Laboratory for Digital Sciences

Likely because they were small and isolated, Neanderthal populations became genetically distinct from one another much more quickly, Massilani said. This may have been because in small, isolated groups, a process called genetic drift can cause random genetic changes to become more common over time.

"We already knew that Neanderthals were not a single, homogeneous population spread across Eurasia, but a patchwork of groups shaped by complex demographic processes, including divergence, migration, local extinctions and replacements," he said. "What is striking in our results is just how differentiated these populations could become."

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Did modern humans wipe out the Neanderthals? New evidence may finally provide answers

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Neanderthals and Denisovans lived (and mated) in this Siberian cave

The high amount of genetic separation and differences between groups may have limited Neanderthals' ability to adapt to environmental changes, Massilani said.

The study provides new details about how Neanderthal populations were structured, one expert said.

"To have two sequenced Neanderthals in such a close geographic place does bring new and more fine-grained insight" into their population, Leo Planche , a population geneticist at Paris-Saclay University's Interdisciplinary Laboratory for Digital Sciences who was not involved in the study, told Live Science in an email. "We start to have enough Neanderthal genomes to actually have some claim about their population structure. Populations are groups of individuals, so the more data the better."

Editor's note: This article was updated on March 27, 2026 to note that the vast majority of Neanderthals went extinct 40,000 years ago, not 34,000 years ago as was previously stated.

Neanderthal quiz: How much do you know about our closest relatives?
A UK woman tried to cheat the system, claiming over $30,000 in disability for her crippling anxiety, which was, apparently, so severe that she was unable to leave the house.

But then, she was spotted in Mexico  ziplining, ATVing, and surfing.

The jig was up. Catherine Wieland, 33 years old from Goring-by-Sea, West Sussex, was caught by the Department of Work and Pensions, when photos surfaced of her clearly not homebound, and instead, enjoying her government-funded vacation in Cancun, Mexico.

Per the Independent:

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[Wieland] had informed the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that she suffered from anxiety so severe it rendered her housebound. However, the DWP uncovered evidence that she had been untruthful about her condition for over two years.

Investigators found Wieland had been surfing in Cancun and ziplining in Mexico, in addition to making three separate visits to Thorpe Park. While accumulating tens of thousands of pounds in Personal Independence Payments (PIP), she also spent money on manicures, tanning sessions, and appointments at a private Harley Street dentist.

When challenged about her bank statements showing the funds going to vacations and other extravagances, Wieland allegedly responded:

I didnt realize youre not allowed to leave your house.

Related: Scammer Faces Six Years in Prison for Stealing $1,000,000 from SoCal Surfers

Additionally, Wieland had claimed that her mental health was so severe, preventing her from cooking or showering, and yet, she made 76 beauty appointments, visited 60 pubs, clubs and restaurants and spent money in foreign currencies.

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Minister for the DWP, Andrew Western, said this in response to the situation:

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.

As punishment, Wieland has been ordered to repay over $30,000 to the taxpayers, and she was sentenced to 28 weeks in custody, suspended for 18 months.

Related: Ben Gravy Arrested After Attempt to Surf Into Haiti (Video)

This story was originally published by Surfer on Mar 27, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Surfer as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Four people are dead after a car crash in northern Ohio late Thursday night, according to our CBS affiliate WTOL-11 TV.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The crash occurred before 10:30 p.m. on State Route 18 just outside of Tiffin in Seneca County.

TRENDING STORIES:

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Hermoiney Greenler, 19, of Bucyrus, was driving eastbound on SR-18 when she lost control of the car, according to our affiliate.

The car went off the right side of the road, hit a tree, and then went into a pond.

The car became partially submerged in the pond.

Greenler and two of the passengers, Madison Yates, 21, and Jonathan Bowling, 22, both of Tiffin, were pronounced dead on scene.

Alexzandria Hickle, 22, of Tiffin, was transported to a nearby hospital, where she later died.

A spokesperson with the Ohio State Highway Patrol told WTOL-11 that Hickle was the only person wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

The cause of this crash remains under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

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Bhojpuri superstar Pawan Singh visited his ancestral town of Gorakhpur to promote the upcoming song 'Touch Buddy' from the film 'Dacoit', starring Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur in lead roles. Speaking at a press conference, Singh highlighted the significance of his hometown in his journey and shared insights into the film and his career. The Bhojpuri actor also revealed that 'Dacoit', originally shot in Tamil and later adapted into Hindi, took 149 days to complete. He expressed admiration for the film's story, saying that during a previous meeting in Lucknow, he found both the narrative and the song remarkable. On the Bhojpuri film industry, Singh spoke about addressing concerns regarding obscenity. "Obscenity exists everywhere, but it needs improvement. I always want our Bhojpuri industry to progress. We have infused the essence of Bhojpuri into the films." he said. Singh also reflected on his personal journey. "An artist may or may not get money, but when love is received, the heart becomes bigger," he remarked, recounting the early struggles of his career. "No one knows where or when destiny will take a person. There was a time when, while leaving my village with just 100 rupees in my pocket, it felt like my whole world was in those 100 rupees," he said. He also praised CM Yogi for the development in the Gorakhpur from what it was in the old days, when he was a struggling artist. "We talk about how Gorakhpur was yesterday and how it has changed today. This is all due to the blessings of our Maharaj Ji," he said. Singh also expressed hope to meet CM Yogi soon. "I haven't had a chance to speak to Maharaj Ji recently, but I have to stay in Lucknow for 10 more days. I hope I get the opportunity to meet him." Actor Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur's upcoming film Dacoit has received a new release date, with the makers announcing on Tuesday that the action-romantic thriller, originally slated for March 19 will now hit theatres on April 10, 2026. Apart from Sesh and Thakur, the film will also feature filmmaker Anurag Kashyap in a crucial role. (ANI)
Five people were killed when the van they were riding in was struck by a railroad train in southern Mississippi on March 27.

The driver and four others in the van were killed and a sixth passenger was taken to the hospital, Stone County Coroner Wayne Flurry told USA TODAY. All of the persons involved were from the south Mississippi coastal region, he said.

The Chrysler Town & Country van was headed west on Pump Branch Road and was struck by a Canadian Pacific Kansas City freight train in a railroad crossing just east of U.S. 49 about 12:30 p.m. The accident occurred just north of the town of Wiggins, Mississippi, which is located about 40 miles northwest of Biloxi, Mississippi.

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The crossing has been the site of at least three train-vehicle accidents in the last three years including a fatality in February, Flurry said.

The crossing doesn't have any lights or a crossing gate, but there is a posted stop sign, he said. "That crossing has proven to be rather dangerous for some reason," Flurry said.

Deceased are the van's driver, Ryan C. Peterson, 26, and front seat passenger, Kristina Carver, 45, and two of her daughters, Emley Chamblee, 22, and Sarabeth Chamblee, 20, and another passenger, Demarcus Perkins, 23. A third daughter of Carver, Ariel Chamblee, 23, remains in the hospital, Flurry said.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City said it is "working with local officials as they investigate yesterdays tragic incident," in a statement to USA TODAY.

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"A freight train made contact with the vehicle at the Pump Branch Road grade crossing early Friday afternoon. There were no injuries reported to the crew on board the train," the company said. "The incident remains under investigation by the Stone County Sheriffs Office. Our most sincere condolences go out to the families of the victims of this tragedy."

The Stone County Sheriff's Office did not immediately return a request for comment from USA TODAY.

Mike Snider is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, X and email him at mikegsnider & @mikegsnider.bsky.social & @mikesnider & msnider@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mississippi train-van collision leaves five dead
A surfer had a close call with a suspected great white shark in Southern California on Thursday, as lifeguards took precautionary action and closed surrounding beaches.

The incident happened at 35th street in Newport Beach around 1:15pm. No injuries were reported. And the shark was estimated to be about eight-feet-long, making it a juvenile great white. As a result, lifeguards closed waters one mile in each direction.

See the official statement from the Newport Beach Fire Department below.

The statement reads:

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"Shark Sighting  West Newport Beach



"Today at 1:15 PM, Newport Beach Fire Department Lifeguards confirmed the sighting of an approximately 8-foot great white shark circling a surfer off 35th Street in West Newport.



"The following precautions are in effect:



"- Water cleared one mile east and west of the last known location; minimum 4-hour closure with active monitoring by tower and patrol lifeguards



"-NBPD notified; HB-1 helicopter fly-over requested



"-OCSD notified; surveillance vessel requested and NBLG Sea Watch rescue vessel deployed



"- Neighboring lifeguard agencies notified



"-Beach closure and shark-sighted signs posted"

Related: Gigantic Shark Mauls Surfers Legs at Northern California Beach

Southern California is a typical hotspot for juvenile great white sharks. It serves as a nursery for them, typically in the summer and fall months, since they enjoy the warmer water and abundance of prey  including small fish and stingrays. However, it has been an abnormally warm winter, with a marine heat wave off the west coast and a predicted El Nino season on the way this summer.

Regarding the incident, the Newport Beach Fire Department added:

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Shark sightings are rare along our coastline. When observed, these animals are typically transiting through the area. Out of an abundance of caution, we ask that the public avoid the water in this vicinity until the all-clear is issued.

Related: High School Teacher Healing Well After Shark Bites Both Legs in NorCal

This story was originally published by Surfer on Mar 26, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Surfer as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Retirement doesnt mean disengagement. And seniors arent sitting this one out.

Residents at a senior living community in Clifton are continuing to engage in political activism, despite the physical challenges that come with aging.

This week, they prepared to attend Saturdays No Kings rally at Brookdale Park in Montclair, a North Jersey town with a long Democratic voting history. Organizers describe the protest as opposition to Republican President Donald Trumps administration.

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They believe hes posing a serious risk to Americans.

To my last breath, I will fight against what I see, said Floyd Asnes, 96, who, like many of the residents, says hes worried for his familys future generations.

Asnes, a resident of the Four Seasons at Great Notch for more than 10 years, said he lived through World War II and is deeply fearful of what he views as the rise of fascism in America.

More than a dozen seniors in this Passaic County community are planning to protest outside their housing development before they head to the main rally.

Organizers said they chose to rally first along Valley Road so the group would be visible and nearby neighbors unable to travel could still take part.

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In Clifton, a typically Democratic area, Trump narrowly won in the most recent presidential election. However, Gov. Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat, won the town by a significant margin in the 2025 gubernatorial race.

More than 180 residents belong to Seniors for a Democratic Society, a neighborhood group formed in 2016, ahead of Trumps election.

The organization, which meets a few times a year, has committees centered around womens rights, trans allyship and local politics, among other subjects.

The seniors are bringing about 40 posters to Saturdays protest, set to begin around 11 a.m. The signs, designed to be worn around the neck, were made by 70yearold Marilynn Faherty.

New Jersey seniors protest Trump administration outside age restricted housing

John Purket, 78, shared that all four of his grandparents, as well as his father, were immigrants. He said he advocates for people coming into the U.S. who genuinely want to make their lives better.

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I feel like I cant give up. I refuse to give up, said Purket, who opposes certain treatment of illegal immigrants at the hands of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.

Just this morning I made another call to another congressman, he said. I make a call every day to one of them.

ICE officers have significantly increased detentions of individuals across the state since President Trump took office. On Thursday, video footage was released of officials smashing a car window to detain a person outside a South Jersey courthouse.

Bonnie Boltax, 78, who has lived in the neighborhood for three years, said shes motivated by the prospect of helping her family through political action.

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Its about my grandkids, said Boltax, who has five children and 13 grandchildren.

Norma Skolnik, 83, said she feels more passionate about her political beliefs now than she did in the 60s, when she was protesting the Vietnam War.

Were all mostly in our 70s and 80s but we still have the motivation to do this, said Skolnik.

I think No Kings is like a rallying cry against authoritarianism, said Skolnik. Most of us feel that its important to show that were very concerned about whats happening in this country.

Skolnik added that while shes not sure if shell be able to stand for three hours during the protest, shes still willing to try.

Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
LAGOS, Nigeria (AP)  Lagos taxi driver Adegbola Isaac went to the gas station twice last weekend. Each time, the price in the Nigerian city had climbed further and hit 1,350 naira ($0.99) per liter, a nearly 35% increase since the Iran war started. That's wiped out most of his daily profit.

It is hitting hard, Isaac told The Associated Press.

Like many people across the world, Isaac is one of millions across Africa who are reeling from the economic impacts of the faraway conflict in the Middle East, which began Feb. 28 with joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.

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For many Africans, the fuel price hike because of the Strait of Hormuz being largely closed off worsens the hardships they already struggle with in some of the world's poorest households.

The latest shock also isn't isolated.

Africa is hurting again from another global crisis it had no part in starting.

From the COVID-19 pandemic to the war in Ukraine and now the Middle East conflict, the worlds fastest-growing continent  with a population rivaling China and India  is at the painful end of ripple effects that include a global scramble for critical resources like fuel and fertilizer.

With the majority of African countries being net importers of refined oil products, the impact has been swift, leading to rising retail fuel prices in Africa and associated increases in the costs of most goods and services.

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Experts say African countries are critically integrated into global economies and are exposed to global shocks because of their dependence on major economies.

The United Nations on Friday said it is pursuing a way to allow fertilizer to resume safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz, hoping it would build confidence in wider diplomatic efforts around the Iran war.

Africa is the epicenter of crises

According to a 2025 report by U.N. Trade and Development, or UNCTAD, which describes Africa as the epicenter of overlapping global crises, more than half of the continents imports and exports are with five non-African countries.

All of Kenya's fuel comes from the Middle East, particularly from the United Arab Emirates, with its fuel retailers saying 20% of the country's outlets are already affected. Uganda's fuel stock was initially projected to last a few weeks.

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South Africa sources a significant amount of its fuel from Saudi Arabia. Nigeria, Africa's largest oil producer, lacks local refinery capacity and relies on importing refined crude products from Europe.

Adapting to higher prices

In Zimbabwe, health labor workers protested in favor of an increase in wages as the cost of living rose sharply. In response, the government plans to increase the blending of fuel with ethanol, from the current 5% to 20% ethanol blending. The blend poses a danger to cars, and a higher blend contributes to the emission of pollutants.

I now avoid going into town during peak hours because the fares are too high, said Washington Nyakarize, an informal cellphone trader who works in Harares Central Business District. If I go later, the charge is a bit lower, but I lose business, because most customers come early in the morning.

After South Africa's fuel supplies from Saudi Arabia dropped, diesel-dependent industries started to panic-buy, fearing the worst. That is despite the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, or DMPR, saying the country still has untapped strategic reserves and diversified supply routes.

War is likely to impact more than fuel

Access to fertilizer across Africa, including conflict-wracked countries like Sudan and Somalia, is set to be impacted, according to UNCTAD.

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Kenyas flower industry also 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.

Experts say the war could further put Africa in uncharted territory if it lasts longer.

If the conflict persists for another month or two, honestly, were going to be in unknown terrain, that no one else, like, no one can really predict, and we just have to wait and see, said Zainab Usman, a senior research scholar at the New York-based Center on Global Energy Policy.

Governments scramble for alternatives

With the global squeeze in oil supply, African governments have begun to look for alternative routes for supplies.

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Bloomberg reported this week that several countries including South Africa, Kenya and Ghana have reached out to Nigeria's Dangote Refinery for fuel deals.

While it regularly exports jet fuel used in aircraft to the U.S. and Asia, the Dangote refinery this week announced that it completed the sale of 12 shipments of refined petroleum products to several African countries, including Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Tanzania, Ghana and Togo, a first at that scale since reaching full capacity earlier this year.

Energy experts say the Dangote refinery could be challenged in meeting growing demands for its products if its planned expansion is slowed down or if there are disruptions to its crude oil supply.

As long as there is a steady supply of crude oil, the (Dangote) refinery has the capacity to meet some of the needs from across the continent, according to Olufola Wusu, a Lagos-based oil and gas expert who was part of a team that helped review Nigerias national gas policy.

___

Michelle Gumede and Mogomotsi Magome in Johannesburg, South Africa, and Farai Mutsaka in Harare, Zimbabwe, contributed to this report.
BALTIMORE  BWI Marshall Airport continued advising travelers to arrive hours early Saturday as long security lines persisted, driven in part by staffing shortages among Transportation Security Administration officers during the prolonged federal shutdown.

The guidance came a day after President Donald Trump signed an executive action aimed at addressing disruptions at airports nationwide. In a memo authorizing pay for TSA workers, Trump said Americas air travel system has reached its breaking point, according to the Associated Press. TSA officers have been working without pay for more than 40 days amid the partial government shutdown.

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said TSA workers could begin receiving paychecks as early as Monday.

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A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson thanked Mullin and Trump for their efforts to get TSA employees paid amid the shutdown in a Saturday email to The Baltimore Sun.

During this time, over 500 officers have quit, and thousands more have been forced to call out because they cant afford basic necessities like gas, childcare, food, or rent, the spokesperson said. We are grateful to President Trump for taking action to help fund and pay TSA employees after more than 40 days without a paycheck.

At the airport, security checkpoints A and B were closed, and officials warned of significant delays at Checkpoint C, which are expected to continue throughout Saturday. As of 9 a.m., BWI advised travelers to arrive four hours before their scheduled departures  far earlier than the typical recommendation of between two and three hours for domestic or international flights.

We have not previously experienced checkpoint wait times similar to what we are seeing this morning, the airport wrote in a post to X. The most impacted travelers are those departing from A, B, C concourses. Security Checkpoint D/E was less impacted this morning, though BWI advised in the post that that might change as the day progresses.

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The delays followed a ground stop issued Friday evening by the Federal Aviation Administration. BWI was one of five airports affected, along with Washington Dulles International, Ronald Reagan Washington National, Charlottesville-Albemarle and Richmond airports.

The FAA said the ground stop was tied to an Operational Contingency Level, a reduced level of air traffic control services used during emergencies or equipment outages. The disruption was linked to reports of a strong odor at the Potomac Terminal Radar Approach Control facility, which handles air traffic control for the region.

The ground stop was lifted shortly after 8 p.m., but delays continued into Saturday morning.

BWI Customer Ambassador Martin Louamou said he had never seen lines like the ones wrapping around the outside of the airports terminal entrances ever before in over two decades of working at airports, including at New Yorks John F. Kennedy Airport.

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The 62-year-old was posted at the ever-changing end of the line with a sign saying as much to help incoming passengers find where to begin their long wait to get inside the airport, a job that began Friday. Louamou said hed seen many people missing flights this week, while before, everything was correct.

In the line outside, Progress Maduka was not optimistic she would make her Southwest flight to Charlotte with a scheduled takeoff of 1:30 p.m. Saturday. She hoped the order signed by President Trump would kick in pay for TSA right away.

I understand what  Congress is fighting for, Maduka said. But right now its affecting a lot of people, including passengers and workers alike.

Adrien Malick accompanied his daughter, wife and 2-year-old granddaughter in the line outside as they waited, beginning at 10 a.m., to enter the terminal in hopes of making a flight to Sarasota on Saturday afternoon.

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Ive never seen so many people in one place at one time, Malick said. Its absurd It all appears to be politics. Nobody wants the other person to look good.

Leslie Pahl, Malicks daughter, blamed ineffectual leadership for the delays at BWI.

U.S. Rep Sarah Elfreth voted against House Republicans resolution to fund the Department of Homeland Security, the federal department that runs several national agencies like TSA, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Patrol. Though the U.S. Senate passed a bill to fund DHS, including TSA, without funding ICE and Border Patrol, the House passed a bill to fund the entire department through May 22, according to the Associated Press.

Representing the Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) Thurgood Marshall Airport and over 45,000 federal employees, nothing is more important than paying our civil servants and ensuring the American people can travel safely, Elfreth said in a statement after the vote Friday night.

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I have always been clear that we cannot fund President Trumps weaponization of ICE and the brutality they have unleashed on communities around our country, she said.



(Sun reporter Mathew Schumer contributed to this article.)


NASHVILLE  Thousands of Tennesseans turned out at peaceful No Kings rallies taking place in small towns and major urban hubs across the Volunteer State on Saturday to push back against the Trump administrations increasing consolidation of executive power and its economic, military and immigration policies in a coordinated nationwide day of protest.

The Tennessee protests, taking place in dozens of cities across the state, are among an estimated 3100 No Kings events planned nationwide, according to organizers. Trump wants to rule over us as a tyrant. But this is America, and power belongs to the people  not to wannabe kings or their billionaire cronies, the events official website said.

Nashville

Several thousand gathered in downtown Nashville, marched across the citys pedestrian bridge past Broadway, Nashvilles strip lined with Honky Tonk bars, then ended at the citys courthouse.

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Mark Smith, a 67-year-old retired teacher from Nashville, showed up in a fascism never sleeps t-shirt, saying there wasnt one thing that brought him out, but that everything is going in the wrong direction.

It seems like the speed with which things are going downhill is only picking up, Smith said.

Thousands showed up to the No Kings gathering in Nashville on March 28 (Photo: John Partipilo) Photographs by John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout

Signs at the peaceful rally included opposition to immigration enforcement, references to the Jeffrey Epstein files and calling on Americans to wake up and resist.

Gigi Page, a Clarksville native, held two signs, one calling for no kings and the second referencing impeachment in the Constitution.

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This administration is flagrantly corrupt, Page said. What Trump has been doing is destroying every facet of this country.

Before the march began, several organizers spoke, most delivering strong anti-ICE messages. Last May, Nashville was the center of an ICE and Tennessee Highway Patrol operation to pull over and arrest as many immigrants as possible, no matter whether they actually posed a threat. Most of the over 100 arrested were on their way to work, and ICE only identified three as serious criminal offenders in a news release.

Then as the crowd began its march, two large, low-flying military helicopters flew over the gathering, then doubled back again.

Jackson

About 400 people lined the road in front of the Madison County courthouse Saturday afternoon, waving American flags and showing off their signs to passing cars, including anti-war and anti-tariff signs. Many drivers honked their horns or rolled down their windows to cheer in support.

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Indivisible Jackson organizer Cindy Boyles said previous No Kings rallies have seen as many as 600 participants, including residents from surrounding smaller West Tennessee towns.

About 400 people turned out for a No Kings protest in Jackson, Tenn. on March 28, one of thousands of such protests against the Trump administration taking place across the nation. (Photo: Cassandra Stephenson)

Now, Boyles said, more of those towns are hosting their own No Kings events. Bolivar, the county seat in Hardeman County, is holding its first rally Saturday.

Indivisible Jackson formed in 2017, and Boyles said the diversity of people attending protests has grown during Trumps second term. Early demonstrations attracted mostly older participants. On Saturday, attendees spanned all ages.

Rachel Breslin, 27, greeted fellow attendees at the March 28 No Kings protest in Jackson, Tenn. with the help of her 3-year-old dog, Ellie. It was Ellies first protest, Breslin said. (Photo: Cassandra Stephenson)

Its empowering to be here and to see that Jackson is not the deep, deep red that people think it is, Boyles said. And I think also theres just a lot of people that disagree with what hes doing, and that just brings people out too.

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Rachel Breslin, 27, greeted fellow attendees with the help of her 3-year-old dog, Ellie. Saturday marks Ellies first protest, and Breslin dressed her for the part in an eagle hat and a vasectomies prevent abortions t-shirt.

Breslin came to Jackson from Ripley, Tennessee and joined her partner, 30-year-old Andrew Henson, on the sidewalk near Jackson City Hall.

Today is really just a show of camaraderie and support, she said. These protests are really a good opportunity to see that youre not the only person, especially in a red state, its really easy to feel like youre a blue dot drowning in a red sea.

Breslin wore a shirt supporting Jerri Green, a Democratic candidate in Tennessees upcoming gubernatorial race.

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Politics are obviously very divisive, Breslin said. But I think the one unifying things, we can all look at something and say its not right.

Chattanooga

In Chattanooga, a multi-generational turnout included Molly Brooks, 15, who attended the No Kings rally with her stepfather, Kevin Brady.

Molly Brooks, 15, wearing a polar bear costume, at the No Kings rally in Chattanooga on March 28. (Photo: Holly McCall)

I wanted to make sure people know Im passionate about who is president, she said from inside her polar bear suit.

Shes 15 going on 19, Brady joked.

The pair were among 3,000 people who lined Riverfront Parkway near downtown Chattanooga, as passing cars honked horns in support.

Organizers for the event said the third No Kings held in the East Tennessee city appeared to be about double the size of prior ones.

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Event marshals with bullhorns led the crowd in chants of, When our rights are under attack, we stand up and we fight back! and Hey, hey, ho, ho, (President) Donald Trump has got to go.

Attendees expressed concerns about Trumps overreach, holding signs condemning fascism and quoting the U.S. Constitution, as well as humorous ones: One featured a drawing of Elvis Presley labeled, Americas Only King.

The mood of the crowd, for Saturday at least, was one of optimism and unity.

Nancy Deakins came with friend Donna Ziebell. The No Kings rally was a first for her, she said.

I just turned 70 and this is my first protest, said Deakins. Im so excited!

Gallatin

In Gallatin, about 300 showed up to the No Kings protest on Main Street. A solo guitarist strummed and sang the late Tom Pettys classic song, I wont back down

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Local residents Josh and April Mitchell said there isnt enough poster board to hold all of their complaints about the president. Josh Mitchell held a sign saying Only you can prevent fascism.

They attended the protest just to support everything thats supposed to be right about humanity, he said. Under the Trump administration people are being killed in the streets and deported illegally, he said.

Brian Sullivan with The Equality Project told the crowd it would be easy to get discouraged by the full-on assault on marriages and LGBTQ rights. But you showed up, he said. He pointed out that the Tennessee Legislatures first bill passed this year attacked the LGBTQ community and alluded to a House-passed measure that pries into LGBTQ healthcare. Other measures were deferred because you showed up, he said.

Hundreds gathered in downtown Gallatin for a No Kings rally on March 28 (Photo: Sam Stockard)

Cole Shepherd, an Air Force veteran, also addressed those gathered in Gallatin, criticizing the presidents actions abroad: Were sending our young men and women into harms way for no reason, he said.

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Other speakers criticized Sumner County lawmakers such as House Majority Leader William Lamberth and Rep. Johnny Garrett, both Republicans, for sponsoring some of the 40 anti-immigrant bills in the legislature this year.

Contributing: Adam Friedman, Sam Stockard, Cassandra Stephenson, Holly McCall and Anita Wadhwani.

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ANDERSON  With a new law essentially mandating a ban on personal cellphones and wireless devices in the states public schools set to take effect this summer, local administrators are considering changes in their existing policies that may need to be made.

The law began as Senate Bill 78, authored by Republican Sens. Jeff Raatz of Richmond Greg Goode of Terre Haute. It prohibits students from using their wireless communication devices, including cellphones and smartwatches, during the school day.

The bill, introduced in December, went through multiple readings before being passed through both chambers of the Indiana General Assembly with bipartisan support. Gov. Mike Braun signed the bill into law earlier this month.

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Frankton-Lapel Community Schools Superintendent Sterling Boles said he supports the intent of the bill. He said the Frankton-Lapel district has had restrictions in place during the school day since 2024, but the bell-to-bell approach creates a consistent expectation across the board for everyone.

I believe this bill has the potential to support schools in creating more focused learning environments, Boles said. Several schools that have implemented phone-free practices report improvements in student engagement and fewer distractions during the day.

Boles acknowledged concerns expressed by parents, particularly their desire to be able to contact their children in emergency situations.

Thoughtful implementation, with clear procedures, will be important to ensure both a strong learning environment and continued peace of mind for families, he said.

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Currently, Frankton-Lapel students can have their cellphones during passing periods and at lunchtime, but a bell-to-bell ban will necessitate planning for storage and other considerations.

Boles said the schools are still working through the best storage options, which could include keeping cellphones stored inside students lockers or stored inside classrooms.

Boles said that, while Frankton-Lapel is not planning to prohibit students from bringing devices to school altogether, the districts focus will be on making sure they are not used or accessible during the school day.

Other local districts are also planning updates to their existing phone ban policies to comply with the new law, which takes effect July 1.

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The law requires the Department of Education to provide schools with model policy language, said Mark Hall, superintendent at South Madison Community Schools Corp. Were waiting for the Department of Education to provide us with that. Once we receive that, our school board will have to pass a policy that complies with that law, based on that model language.

Hall said that, while schools may not know what their updated policies will look like in practice, the law has the potential to help students focus in school.

I think thatcellphones can certainly be a distraction, Hall said. I think that, like any new law, well just have to wait and see the future impact of it. I think its certainly moving in the right direction.
Police have arrested a suspect in connection with a road rage incident involving aggressive drivers and two competitive cyclists in Orange County.

The suspect, identified as Samir Weiss, is now in custody after a search warrant was executed at his Corona home Thursday night, authorities said. Officers seized a blue BMW M3 from the suspects home.

The March 21 incident happened while cyclists Ben Byra and Luke Fetzer were training for a Sunday race along Pacific Coast Highway and Bayshore Drive in Newport Beach.

Video captured a dangerous and frightening encounter between two competitive cyclists and a pair of aggressive drivers in Newport Beach on March 21, 2026. (Sendy_McGee X Benbryaa) Video captured a dangerous and frightening encounter between two competitive cyclists and a pair of aggressive drivers in Newport Beach on March 21, 2026. (Sendy_McGee X Benbryaa) Video captured a dangerous and frightening encounter between two competitive cyclists and a pair of aggressive drivers in Newport Beach on March 21, 2026. (Sendy_McGee X Benbryaa) Video captured a dangerous and frightening encounter between two competitive cyclists and a pair of aggressive drivers in Newport Beach on March 21, 2026. (Sendy_McGee X Benbryaa) Video captured a dangerous and frightening encounter between two competitive cyclists and a pair of aggressive drivers in Newport Beach on March 21, 2026. (Sendy_McGee X Benbryaa)

Harrowing video shows a driver in a blue BMW, later identified by police as Weiss, appearing to get dangerously close to two cyclists who were riding in a bike lane along PCH and throwing objects at them.

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A person behind the wheel of a black and red corvette, at least verbally, also reportedly joined in on the activities.

Footage of the incident has captured millions of views on Instagram, but the cyclists said part of the incident that doesnt appear in the video was even more aggressive and potentially dangerous.

A couple of lights down, they all got out of their cars trying to  I dont know  tackle us or hit us. I dont know what their plan was, Byra said. Were going 30, 40 miles per hour downhill, so if they did touch us, it wouldnt have been good for anyone.

Competitive cyclists nearly run down by raging Orange County drivers

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The cyclists, fortunately, were not injured in the incident.

Weiss is facing charges of assault with a deadly weapon and obstructing/delaying an arrest related to the incident. No further information was released.

Anyone with additional information can contact Sergeant Sabrina Fabbri at sfabbri@nbpd.org.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
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Credit: Space.com / Josh Dinner

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.  The crew of Artemis 2, NASA's first launch to the moon in over half a century, has arrived at the Kennedy Space Center ahead of their mission.

NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Jeremy Hansen piloted T-38 jets from the Johnson Space Center in Houston to touch down on the runway at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility at 2:15 p.m. EDT (1915 GMT) today (March 27), here on the Space Coast.

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The quartet are poised to launch aboard NASA's Space Launch System rocket (SLS) as soon as April 1, and will fly the agency's Orion spacecraft on a 10-day mission around the moon and back to Earth. It's the first crewed mission of NASA's Artemis program to establish a sustained human presence on the moon, and the first to launch astronauts there since Apollo 17, in 1972.

Lego Icons NASA Artemis Space Launch System (10341)

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The crew have been in quarantine since March 20, when SLS was rolled from KSC's Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) to the pad at Launch Complex-39B (LC-39B). Now at their last terrestrial stop before heading to space, the Artemis 2 astronauts will remain in quarantine through the remainder of the mission's upcoming launch window, which extends through April 6.

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It was the second such rollout for the Artemis 2 SLS, which NASA was forced to roll the rocket back to the VAB from the pad after its initial rollout earlier this year due to maintenance issues discovered during prelaunch tests in February.

Artemis 2 is designed as a stepping stone for the Artemis program, and will test Orion's life support systems in space with astronauts aboard for the first time. The crew won't land on the moon during Artemis 2, but will instead fly in a loop around its far side on a course known as a free-return trajectory. This is a path that flies Orion to lunar space on a direct path back to Earth to avoid the need for any major firings of the spacecraft's engine after its translunar injection burn that will put it on a course for the moon.

Assuming no major issues crop up during the Artemis 2 mission, NASA is planning a demonstration with Orion and the Artemis lunar landers to take place on Artemis 3 in Earth orbit next year. Following that, and pending the readiness of one of those landers, the agency is aiming for the program's first lunar landing on Artemis 4 in 2028. Beyond that, NASA hopes to begin laying the architecture for a more permanent lunar presence through the 2030s with habitats, rovers and regular cargo landers to establish a sustained outpost on the moon's surface.

"We're not trying to get it right out of the gate," Isaacman said to media after the astronauts' arrival. "In fact, it's a test and experimentation phase  lots of rovers, lots of landers ... That means lots of opportunity for scientific and technological payloads that we can incorporate."

Reid Wiseman. Space.com / Josh Dinner

Victor Glover. Space.com / Josh Dinner

Christina Koch. Space.com / Josh Dinner

Jeremy Hansen. Space.com / Josh Dinner

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"It's awesome to be here. We love coming here," Wiseman said on the tarmac on Friday afternoon. "About 100 miles away, we said how much we love sliding to KSC."

In his remarks, Wiseman also thanked members of NASA's astronaut office for their support. "I just want to send a special thank you to our AOD team. They pulled a lot together to make this possible for us to get to fly these jets and stay in quarantine and have all the support," he said.

If NASA's schedule holds, the Artemis 2 crew will transfer to KSC's Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout facility (O&C), appropriately named for one of the first human to walk on the moon, early Wednesday to begin donning their spacesuits, as mission teams work through launch countdown procedures to fuel SLS.

NASA plans to begin fueling SLS with the rocket's volatile, cryogenically-cooled liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellants at 7:45 a.m. EDT (1245 GMT) on Wednesday, with liftoff scheduled during a two-hour launch window that opens at 6:24 p.m. EDT (2324 GMT). Should mission operators encounter any delays and need to postpone the launch for another day, NASA is able to reset SLS for up to four attempts between April 1-6, with another window opening April 30 should the first week of the month become unviable.
The Artemis II astronauts flew to the Kennedy Space Center Friday to prepare for the scheduled April 1 launch that will take them on a nearly 700,000-mile voyage around the moon and back, the first crew to leave Earth orbit since the final Apollo mission a half century ago.

Artemis II commander Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen made the trip to Florida from the Johnson Space Center in Houston aboard sleek T-38 jets, setting down on the spaceport's three-mile-long runway around 2:10 p.m. Eastern Time.

The Artemis II crew, fielding questions from reporters at the Kennedy Space Center runway on March 27, 2026, after arriving to make final preparations for launch. Left to right: Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, NASA astronaut Christina Koch, mission commander Reid Wiseman and pilot Victor Glover. Koch, Wiseman and Glover are NASA space veterans while Hansen will be making his first flight. / Credit: NASA (NASA)

"Hey, let's go to the moon!" exclaimed Wiseman, pumping his fists on the runway. "I think the nation and the world has been waiting a long time to do this again. And on behalf of myself, Victor, Christina, Jeremy, we are really pumped to go do this for this entire team.

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"It has been a lot of work. It's been a great journey. It's great to be down here in the Florida. The vehicle looked amazing on the pad on the way in...It's just been an awesome start to this journey here at Kennedy."

Countdown clocks are expected to begin ticking at 4:44 p.m. EDT Monday, setting up a launch attempt at 6:24 p.m. Wednesday, the opening of a two-hour window.

The crew originally hoped to blast off in early February but the flight was delayed, first by hydrogen leaks detected during a fueling test, and then by problems pressurizing the rocket's upper stage propulsion system.

That problem could not be fixed at the launch pad, forcing engineers to haul the 322-foot-tall SLS rocket back to NASA's cavernous Vehicle Assembly Building. The issue was quickly traced to an out-of-place seal, and after recharging a variety of batteries in the rocket, the vehicle was hauled back out to the pad.

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While tests and checkout indicated the rocket and Orion crew ship are ready to go, Wiseman said the crew was prepared for another delay if necessary.

A larger-than-usual crowd of reporters and photographers greeted the Artemis II crew on the Kennedy Space Center runway, indicating broad interest in NASA's first moonshot in more than 50 years. / Credit: NASA

"We are ready to launch," he told CBS News correspondent Mark Strassmann. "But we're also humans, trying to load millions of pounds of propellant onto a giant machine and send it to the moon. So it could very well be that we get to April 1st and we're behind (the) timeline and we're just not ready to launch...We are ready for that."

Because of the constantly changing positions of Earth and moon, along with lunar lighting and solar power requirements, the crew has until April 6 to get off the ground, or the flight will be delayed another four weeks or so when conditions will again be favorable.

It will be only the second flight of an SLS rocket, the most powerful operational launcher in the world, and the first with a crew on board. The same applies to the Orion crew ship at the top of the rocket.

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Before the astronauts head for the moon, they will spend a full day in Earth orbit putting the Orion capsule through its paces, making sure its life support systems and other critical components are working properly.

"That one 24-hour orbit gives us time to check out all of (Orion's) environmental control, life support systems," Wiseman said in an earlier interview. "Can it scrub our carbon dioxide? Can it keep us alive? Can we drink water? Can we go to the bathroom? All those basic human functions that we did not test on Artemis I. We've got to go get those things tested before we press out to the moon."

Coming along for the ride: a small plush toy named "Rise" that will serve as the crew's informal zero gravity indicator, a contest-winning design submitted by a California second grader.

"The crew personally participated in selecting our buddy, our stowaway, to fly with us," Koch said. "And this little guy, Rise, really resonated with us because the theme is actually the Earthrise photo taken on Apollo 8, which is inspirational to all of us."

Astronaut Christina Koch discusses the crew's informal

A small zippered pocket in the toy will carry a computer card with the names of nearly six million people around the world who responded to the agency's "send your name around the moon" campaign.

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If all goes well, the Orion capsule will pass within about 4,100 miles of the moon on April 6, giving the astronauts an unprecedented view of the lunar far side as the moon's gravity bends the spacecraft's trajectory back toward Earth. Re-entry and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego is targeted for April 10.

Artemis II will set the stage for a follow-on flight in Earth orbit next year when another crew will test rendezvous and docking procedures with commercial moon landers being built by SpaceX and Blue Origin.

If those flights go well, NASA hopes to launch one, and possibly two, lunar landing missions in 2028 before beginning work to build a moon base near the lunar south pole for long-duration stays on the surface.

"We have talked a lot about the exciting changes that have been announced and how we're approaching fulfilling our destiny in space and our journey to the moon and on to Mars," Koch said. "And the one thing the crew all agrees on is that it has been motivating. It has been inspiring, and it has fired us up."

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Trump says he's extending a pause on Iran energy site strikes

Iran may respond to U.S. peace proposal today, sources say

Trump reveals Iran apparently gifted the U.S. boats of oil that moved through Strait of Hormuz
The Leader of the Opposition in the Himachal Assembly and former Chief Minister of the state, Jai Ram Thakur, on Friday accused the state government of attempting to 'defame and shut' the Himcare scheme by presenting misleading figures on alleged corruption and demanded an apology from Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. Speaking to the media and later to ANI, Thakur said the Congress government had failed to justify its claims of large-scale irregularities in the scheme. "We were repeatedly asking why payments were not being made. Now the truth has come out in the Assembly, where the Chief Minister himself said there was a scam of Rs 100 crore at one point and Rs 1,100 crore at another," he said. Questioning the figures cited by the Chief Minister, Thakur added, "How can there be a scam of Rs 1,100 crore when the total expenditure during our government was only Rs 441 crore? This shows the figures are completely baseless." He further claimed that the Congress government had spent significantly more under the scheme. "During their tenure, around Rs 972 crore has been spent under Himcare to treat nearly 7 lakh people. Even officials in the Finance Department have stated that the average annual expenditure is around Rs 200 crore. Then how did Rs 972 crore get spent in just three years?" he asked. Thakur also pointed to pending liabilities. "Out of this, around Rs 400 crore is still pending for payment. This clearly shows mismanagement on their part," he said. Accusing the government of trying to build a narrative to shut the scheme, he said, "Whatever the Chief Minister is saying is only to defame the scheme and create grounds to close it. Statements are being made as if addressing a public rally, not the Assembly, where facts and data should be presented." Referring to the Assembly proceedings, Thakur said, "When we raised the issue after Question Hour, the Chief Minister said the Rs 1,100 crore figure was a mistake, and even the Rs 100 crore figure is yet to be established as the investigation is still pending. Then how can conclusions be drawn before the inquiry?" He reiterated the BJP's stand on accountability. "From the very beginning, we have said that if there has been any misuse, it should be investigated and strict action should be taken against those responsible. But instead of a vigilance probe, a High Court sitting judge should conduct the inquiry. We are ready to face any investigation," he said. Thakur said the Chief Minister should apologise. "He has misled the House, misled the media, and misled the people of the state. He should apologise," he added. Responding to claims of irregularities cited by the government, Thakur said, "If there are instances like bills being raised for ovarian surgeries in male patients, then action must be taken against the guilty. We fully support strict kaarrvaaii (action) wherever wrongdoing is found." He also rejected allegations regarding treatment outside the state. "We never empanelled private hospitals in Punjab under Himcare. Only institutions like PGI Chandigarh and Government Medical College, Sector 32, were included for better treatment of referred patients," he clarified. Raising broader concerns, Thakur alleged deterioration in law and order in the state. "Drug mafia, mining mafia, and forest mafia are operating freely. Incidents of violence, including firing cases and attacks on police personnel, are increasing. Even police personnel have been found involved in drug-related activities," he claimed. He further accused the government of targeting BJP leaders. "Cases are being registered against BJP leaders and even against families affected by natural disasters, which shows political vendetta," he said. On the Centre's decision to reduce import duty on fuel, Thakur welcomed the move and said the state government should also reconsider its policies. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to hold a meeting with chief ministers, where further steps may be discussed. "At a time when global supply chains are under pressure, efforts should be made to ensure availability of petrol, diesel, and gas to the public without burden," he added. (ANI)
MINOT, N.D.  Tensions between factions of the North Dakota Republican Party reached a new high Saturday as state convention delegates narrowly approved a motion removing the party brand from candidates not in attendance.

The debate came as all statewide elected officials, including those not on the ballot, skipped the convention, a move political observers have called unprecedented. A total of 707 delegates participated Saturday, about half the size of the crowd two years ago.

Jerol Gohrick, chair of the District 2 GOP, proposed to strip the Republican Party brand from any incumbent elected officials who did not attend the convention. Supporters of the motion called incumbents RINOS, or Republicans in name only, and said their absence showed they dont care about their constituents.

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You want to thumb your nose at the Republican state convention, how can you expect its endorsement? said Clint Feland of Bismarck, a delegate from District 8.

Crystal Dueker of Fargo walks back to her seat during the NDGOP state convention on March 28, 2026, after speaking in opposition to a motion to strip the Republican statewide candidates not attending the convention of their Republican status. (Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

Crystal Dueker, a long-time Republican from District 46 in Fargo, passionately opposed the proposal and criticized the poison and venom being directed within the party.

If we divide our party, were going to be lost in the wilderness, Dueker said in a later interview. Its just a battle between conservatives and Republicans, and I dont want to see that battle. We need to work together.

The absent statewide elected officials, including Gov. Kelly Armstrong, were the target of significant criticism from speakers, panelists and delegates in attendance on Saturday. No incumbents received the state partys endorsement during the convention. The U.S. House endorsement will be discussed Sunday, though incumbent Rep. Julie Fedorchak will be among those absent. A sign posted at the convention called out officials who were missing in action.

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Senate Majority Leader David Hogue, R-Minot, who participated as a delegate, said the incumbents decision to skip the convention was a missed opportunity, but he did not support Gohricks proposal to strip the officials of the Republican brand.

The short answer is no. The long answer is hell no, Hogue said in an interview. The attorney said he believes the effect would be only symbolic and is unnecessarily divisive. A house divided against itself cannot stand, he said.

The motion passed 318-312, with several delegates absent by the time the vote was taken late Saturday.

Sen. Chuck Walen, R-New Town, speaks during the NDGOP state convention at the State Fairgrounds in Minot on March 28, 2026. (Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

Rep. Karen Karls, R-Bismarck, was disappointed by the result and said party law does not supersede state law. Sen. Chuck Walen, R-New Town, said he plans to introduce 2027 legislation to ensure the party-endorsed candidate is always in the general election. Sen. Claire Cory, R-Grand Forks, said its unclear whether the motion affects legislators as well as statewide officials.

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Rep. Bernie Satrom, R-Jamestown, said he believed North Dakota Republicans may have damaged the party with that motion.

We just put a nail in the coffin of the NDGOP, Satrom said. In my opinion, that was really a stupid move.

Aimee Copas, chair for NDGOP District 30, said the delegates spent three hours talking about an issue that is in law and cant be changed by an action of a political party.

Some incumbents pointed to frustrations over how the convention was handled in 2024 as their reason for skipping this year. Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, who has sought the state endorsement several times, cited back-biting and infighting within the party. Armstrong is participating in a friends wedding this weekend.

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Sens. John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer did not appear at the convention Saturday. The convention opened on Sunday with a recorded message from Cramer. Neither senator responded to requests for comment ahead of the convention.

No floor nominations

The party only had two endorsements to consider, the U.S. House race and a six-year term on the Public Service Commission, the two races with candidates who met a deadline for seeking the partys support.

Some delegates wanted to provide a letter of recommendation for Chris Olson, of Baldwin, for a two-year seat on the Public Service Commission. Olson was deemed to be ineligible for an official endorsement because he did not file with the party ahead of time. He spoke against Summit Carbon Solutions plans to build a carbon dioxide pipeline in the state.

We should not be trampling private property owner rights, Olson said in a floor speech.

A sign at the North Dakota Republican Party convention highlights statewide elected officials who opted to skip the event. (Photo by Jacob Orledge/North Dakota Monitor)

The motion to provide a letter of recommendation proved controversial as several speakers warned against violating the partys rules and setting a poor precedent. Others spoke in favor of providing a second candidate for the two seats on the commission. Republican incumbent Jill Kringstad, who submitted signatures to run for the two-year term, was among candidates not at the convention.

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A lot of us were insulted by the incumbents that werent coming, said Sen. Jeff Magrum, R-Hazelton. Thats why some of these guys have stepped up.

The motion to provide a letter of recommendation failed.

Some delegates were unhappy with the methods used to vote. Votes were judged by the number of people standing up for aye and no votes, a process that was at times tedious when votes were close.

Im a little disgusted with how things have been ran so far, said Clint Hetletved, a delegate from Robinson in District 14 who favored the letter of recommendation. It seems like something that would have happened in the 1900s. You know, why dont we have clickers to vote with, like we do at Farmers Union and other major organizations?

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The party had about 1,470 delegates participate in the NDGOP convention in Fargo in 2024, a year that also saw a contested governors race.

Jim Martini, a Fargo delegate from District 11 and an Army veteran, warned Republican political dominance may not last in North Dakota if things continue as they are.

If the Republicans dont stop screwing around, youre gonna have Democrats in power in the state, Martini said.

Steve Deace, a conservative author serving as the keynote speaker, told delegates the officials not in attendance will come back to the party when the base proves it can govern.

Theyll come back, said Deace. The power is now in your hands. Wield it, and do so wisely.

Delvin Boehm, chair of the arrangements committee for the NDGOP State Convention, speaks to delegates before the convention begins at the North Dakota State Fair Center in Minot on March 28, 2026. (Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

Forum Communications columnist Rob Port reported the NDGOP denied his request for media credentials and also his attempt to purchase a $40 ticket to attend as a member of the public.

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The party had a disclaimer on its website indicating that application for media credentials did not guarantee approval. When asked about the disclaimer during a March 10 news conference, Simon emphasized that the NDGOP is a private organization holding a private event and had ultimate right of refusal.

Media outlets in attendance had restricted access compared to the partys state convention in 2024. Media representatives were required to work from the balcony and not allowed to access the floor for taking photos or conducting interviews, restrictions that were not in place two years ago. Broadcast outlets did not have audio or video hookups, which were provided at the last event.

Republicans hosted former NBA player Royce White as a speaker Friday night, but it was not open to the media. White, who won the Republican U.S. Senate primary in 2024 in Minnesota, has been the subject of various scandals, the Minnesota Reformer has reported, including making disparaging comments about various groups and accusations of campaign finance law violations.

This story has been updated to note that Sen. Kevin Cramer provided a recorded message for delegates.
A Cleveland attorney was sanctioned by the 11th District Court of Appeals for using AI related to Malikhi Colemans appeal of murder charges.

William Norman sought to re-open Colemans appeal on murder charges. The filing had a number of issues, including citing statements that were never made by prosecutors. The filing also claimed the site of the crimes in this case, just outside Harbor Ridge Apartments on Ohio Avenue, was in Cleveland.

In March 2024, Coleman was convicted of one count of murder, an unclassified felony, one county of discharge of a firearm on or near prohibited premises, a first-degree felony, one count of felonious assault, a second-degree felony, and one count of improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle, a fourth-degree felony, relating to the murder of Fredrick Johnson on July 26, 2022. Coleman was sentenced to 37.5 years in prison.

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He appealed to the 11th District Court of Appeals, which upheld the conviction, and the Ohio Supreme Court declined to hear the case.

In May 2025, Norman filed the application to re-open the case,

Norman admitted his staff used AI, which hallucinated quotes that did not exist in the transcript, according to the 11th Districts judgement entry on sanctions.

It stated Norman further said his firm had a new AI policy. However, the policy included hallmarks of being generated by AI.

The proffering of an AI-generated AI policy as a remedial measure in a case involving the submission of AI-generated fabrications to this court is, at best, ironic, the judgement entry stated. It suggests that respondents engagement with the consequences of his misconduct has been superficial.

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Norman and the Ashtabula County Prosecutors Office entered into a settlement, and the Ashtabula County Prosecutors Office dropped its motion for sanctions, but the 11th District noted it was not bound by the parties agreement.

In a filing, the county prosecutors office noted a document in the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court in October 2025, two months after the sanctions hearing in this case, that had questionable citations and a sentence appearing to ask if an AI should draft additional filings.

Norman submitted a brief to the court in which he admitted his mistake and stated he had settled the claim with the Ashtabula County Prosecutors Office for $2,000, according to the 11th Districts order. He also withdrew the filing in the Cuyahoga County case.

The 11th District found the filing in the Coleman case identified false, specific inflammatory statements to specific individuals, the prosecutor and judge in this case. They formed the core of the application to reopen the case.

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The fabricated quotes also made up the core of Normans appeal to the Ohio Supreme Court, according to the 11th Districts judgement entry.

The court found Norman made a false statement of fact to the court, offered false evidence, failed to competently represent Coleman, violated responsibilities regarding non-lawyer assistance, engaged in dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation, committed conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice and failed to take corrective action. The Cuyahoga County filing was a recurrence of the issue, according to the court filling.

Norman could not be reached for comment.

Norman was fined $2,000, with credit for $2,000 already paid to the Ashtabula County Prosecutors Office, ordered to present a copy of the court of appeals decision to all judges for two years and sign a certification stating all facts in the filing have been independently verified, any use of AI in its drafting has been disclosed and it has been reviewed for accuracy, completeness and compliance with all rules.

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Norman was also required to participate in continuing legal education on ethical use of AI, its professional responsibility implications, attorney supervision of non-lawyer assistants related to AI tools and candor towards the tribunal and the duty to verify filings.

He was removed from Colemans case, and ordered to write apology letters to attorneys and judges in the case.

The issue was also referred the matter to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel.

Eleventh District Court of Appeals Judge John Eklund concurred with the matter being referred to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel and the $2,000 fine, but dissented on the other sanctions, arguing the court lacked the authority to impose them.
One person is dead following a shooting stemming from an altercation at an apartment complex in Lowell, the Middlesex District Attorneys Office confirmed.

The DAs office says the incident occurred just before 4 p.m. on Pawtucket Boulevard.

An initial investigation indicates that prior to the shooting, two men who were familiar with each other got into an altercation. Both of the men had firearms on them when one of the men suffered gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital, where he passed away.

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The other man involved in the altercation remained on scene.

Authorities say that there is no threat to the public.

This is an active and ongoing investigation being conducted by the Middlesex District Attorneys Office, Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorneys Office, and Lowell Police, the DAs office wrote.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Former White House strategist and podcaster Steve Bannon said Friday at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) that the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran could result in U.S. service members fighting on the ground at Kharg Island.

Bannon told CPAC attendees in Grapevine, Texas, that the U.S. is probably [at] the start of a war but added that decision in going forward is obviously President Trumps decision.

You have to be convinced that this is the right thing to do, particularly now that were on the eve of potentially the insertion of American combat troops, Bannon continued. Your sons, daughters, granddaughters, grandsons, could be on Kharg Island or be holding a beachhead down by the Strait of Hormuz.

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Trump has considered taking Kharg Island, Irans economic lifeline where it holds 90 percent of its crude exports. Taking over the island would require ground troops, something experts have said would be risky and likely result in more casualties, leaving the option of negotiating with Iran unlikely.

Blackwater founder Erik Prince spoke not long after Bannon and emphasized that Irans Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei will be the sole person who decides that the conflict is over. He added, however, that the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran left Khameneis wife, several other family members and his father, the former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, dead.

The CPAC audience applauded this, but Prince said he does not share the optimism of the administration that theres going to be a peaceful stop to this.

They will burn it down, he continued. And my real concern is that if they try to put boots on the ground, force [open] the Strait of Hormuz, youre going to see imagery of burning American warships in the next couple of weeks. And I dont think people are really prepared for that.

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Prince also downplayed calls for regime change from an armed opposition within Iran, something Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have given support to at separate times before and during the conflict.

Theres never been a real preparation of an armed opposition inside the country, and a lot of ways to do that from the periphery that does not require U.S. boots, he added.

Trump and his Cabinet members have touted the U.S. firepower raining down on Iran. The president has said that strikes have decimated Irans naval, air and missile capabilities, and he has also suggested the conflict could be winding down.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the foreign ministers of Group of Seven nations in France that the conflict would conclude in two to four weeks, Axios reported. He later told The Guardian that the conflict will end in weeks, not months.

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When we are done with them here in the next couple weeks, they will be weaker than theyve been in recent history, Rubio told The Guardian.

Rubio said the U.S. was still working with mediators to negotiate an end to the military operation with Iran, sources told Axios. He added that it was unclear who is actually making decisions in Tehran and that mediators are having difficulty communicating with Iranian officials who fear they will be located and killed by airstrikes.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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The Bay Mills Indian Community is planning to construct a long-term care facility in Brimley, and the project has just received financial and technical support through the Michigan Mass Timber Catalyst Program.

According to a Michigan Department of Natural Resources announcement, the project will receive $50,000. It is among 10 projects statewide to share in $400,000 of funding designed to spur mass timber building around the state.

According to the Michigan DNR, mass timber enables the construction of large buildings using wood that is engineered to be strong and fire-resistant.

More: Mass timber technology planned for DNR field office in UP

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We received six applicants for a number of different projects in the Upper Peninsula, said Patrick Mohney, senior lands program manager with the DNRs Office of Public Lands, in the announcement. This shows that interest in this building technique is growing.

According to the DNR, mass timber enables the construction of large buildings using wood that is engineered to be strong and fire-resistant.

The catalyst program is designed to provide both financial and technical support to projects that use mass timber as a primary structural or architectural material. The planned Brimley building is the only U.P. project included in the catalyst programs first cohort, the nine others in Lower Peninsula include projects like a woodworking school in Adrian and a municipal building in Grand Rapids.

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Project teams in the cohort will receive technical assistance from Woodworks, MassTimber@MSU and others.

With more than 65 mass timber projects complete, in development or under construction in the state, Michigan is becoming a leader in mass timber adoption in the eastern United States, said Sandra Lupien, director of MassTimber@MSU at Michigan State University, in a statement. The Michigan Mass Timber Catalyst Program seeks to ensure this momentum continues here, by giving early adopters like the Bay Mills Indian Community and the other cohort members additional support and resources to help them successfully implement mass timber.

This article originally appeared on The Sault News: Bay Mills tribe's mass timber project joins Michigan catalyst program
The Aviation Funding Solvency Act. The Keep America Flying Act. The Keep Air Travel Safe Act. The Aviation Funding Stability Act.

Again and again, members of Congress have dusted off the same idea: ensuring the federal employees who control air traffic and screen passengers and bags at U.S. airports get paid during government shutdowns.

Bills to make it happen keep getting introduced in one form or another, sometimes with Democrats and Republicans as co-sponsors. Yet session after session, the result has been the same  agencies receive their annual appropriations, public outrage over long security lines and flight delays fades, legislation languishes and workers have no guarantees their paychecks won't stop coming again.

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Once the crisis is over, people assume that the good times are back, said Eric Chaffee, a Case Western Reserve law professor whose research includes risk management in the aviation industry. Its easy to pass the next big bill when youre still in the throes of the financial crisis, but once the shutdown is done, people have a relatively short memory of the problems that it created.

Since 2019, after a partial shutdown that spanned the holiday travel season, lawmakers have drafted, revised and reintroduced multiple proposals to pay aviation workers who would have to keep reporting for duty in the event of another budget impasse.

The Aviation Funding Stability Act of 2019  and 2021 and 2025  and the bipartisan Aviation Funding Solvency Act introduced after a government shutdown last fall would protect the pay of air traffic controllers. The Keep Air Travel Safe Act, filed in October, extended the protection to Transportation Security Administration agents. The Keep America Flying Act, also from October, would cover both TSA personnel and certain Federal Aviation Administration employees.

Broader proposals, like the Shutdown Fairness Act introduced in January, would maintain the pay of essential federal workers across the U.S. government. Those bills have stalled as well.

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Congress cares about headlines, and as a result of that, it means they dont always make changes that would be really beneficial, Chaffee said.

Political gridlock

Shutdowns that disrupt air travel have continued along with the push for aviation-specific pay protections. The 35-day shutdown that arose over funding for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border during President Donald Trumps first term resulted in delays at East Coast airports and prolonged wait times at some airports as air traffic controllers and TSA agents went unpaid.

Last fall's 43-day shutdown broke the record for the longest funding lapse and revived concerns over the consequences of requiring air traffic controllers to work without pay. The FAA, citing risks to aviation safety, took the extraordinary step of ordering U.S. airlines to cut flights at 40 of the nation's busiest airports as unscheduled absences deepened existing staffing shortages at air traffic control facilities.

TSA officers who worked through that shutdown also found themselves working through a short one that started on Jan. 31 and yet another when funding for only the Department of Homeland Security lapsed on Feb. 14. Thousands began missing shifts each day as the stalemate entered its second month.

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Carlos Rodriguez, a TSA agent and local union leader in New York, said many workers had not recovered financially from last years shutdown when this one hit.

Part of the American dream that I was sold was that working for the government was honorable and stable, Rodriguez, a second generation Dominican American, said. But this is not honorable or stable.

On Friday, the 42nd day of the DHS shutdown, Trump signed an emergency order instructing Homeland Security to pay TSA agents immediately. The action came after House Republicans defeated a Senate deal that would have funded the TSA, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Federal Emergency Management Agency but not Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol. The House later in the night passed its own bill to fund the entire Homeland Security department through May 22, but senators had already left town.

Johnny Jones, secretary-treasurer of the TSA division of the American Federation of Government Employees, said union members resent having their livelihoods used as tools and talking points in a game of political brinkmanship.

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To them, the machinations of Congress feel like lets checkmate the queen with the TSA pawn here, and then well smash them over whenever we feel like it," Jones said. "Were on the chess board.

Public pressure builds

Labor unions, airline leaders and airport executives have issued open letters, taken out newspaper ads and made direct appeals to urge lawmakers to act on at least one of the existing bipartisan proposals.

Congress has the power to end this dysfunction once and for all, and must use any legislative vehicle to accomplish this goal, the Modern Skies Coalition said in a joint statement this week. The broad coalition of more than 60 organizations pointed to the Aviation Funding Solvency Act, Aviation Funding Stability Act and Keep America Flying Act as potential options.

The president and CEO of Airlines for America, a trade group representing major U.S. airlines, made a similar case in a Washington Times op-ed this week, writing that Congress must get to the table immediately and pass legislation that would prevent more scenes of frustrated passengers, overflowing airport terminals and donation drives for public servants.

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Right now, lawmakers are sitting on their hands doing nothing with three viable, bipartisan bills that could prevent this mess," wrote Chris Sununu, a former New Hampshire governor hired to lead the trade group last year.

The American Federation of Government Employees joined more than 30 unions this week in urging Congress to pass the Shutdown Fairness Act, warning that funding lapses undermined employee morale, recruitment and retention.

Breaking the cycle

Some TSA workers have reported sleeping in their cars or thinking about selling them to make rent. Union leaders have described workers not being able to fill their refrigerators or gas tanks.

Caleb Harmon-Marshall, a former TSA officer who runs a travel newsletter called Gate Access, said the officers he's spoken with are eager to receive all of their back pay quickly because they are struggling to pay their bills and accumulating debt. But without greater certainty, more officers may miss shifts or decide to quit, he said.

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If the president's emergency order only funds a single pay period, thats not enough to bring them back," Harmon-Marshall said. "It has to be an extended pay for them to come back or want to stay there.

Previous legislation with bipartisan backing struggled to make it across the finish line. The Aviation Funding Act of 2019 that was introduced by Sen. Jerry Moran, a Kansas Republican, had 13 co-sponsors, eight of them Democrats. It never made it out of committee. A House version introduced by Oregon Democrat Peter DeFazio eventually had 303 co-sponsors and cleared the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee but never received a floor vote.

The current political environment in the U.S. may consign the legislation in Congress now to the same fate, Chaffee said.

We live in a society currently where things are very polarized, he said. Whether or not any of these bills get passed, it will need to have political momentum behind it, meaning it will need to be something that the public really wants to see happen.

___

Associated Press writers Mae Anderson and Josh Funk contributed to this report.
Authorities in Colombia have found the body of a missing Dallas-based American Airlines flight attendant who disappeared during a layover in Medellin nearly a week ago.

The family of Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina, a U.S. citizen missing since last Sunday, confirmed to WFAA that the body located by Colombian authorities on Friday is Eric's.

Medellins mayor confirmed Friday on social media that a body was discovered between the municipalities of Jerico and Puente Iglesias and that there is a very high probability it was Molina. He said the body has been transported to the legal medicine authorities in Medellin for identification.

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Mayor Federico Gutierrez said he personally informed Molina's father, who was in Medellin but has since returned to Texas, of the discovery, and he has notified both the U.S. ambassador to Colombia and the Consul General about the case.

"We express our solidarity to his family and friends," the mayor said in a statement. He goes on to say that Colombian police and prosecutors would "have very clear leads on those responsible."

He also said extradition could be sought for anyone implicated in Molina's death.

"Let justice be done," the mayor said.

Molina had been missing for five days after going out with a co-worker last weekend in Medellins popular El Poblado district. Friends said the two were seen leaving a nightclub with another man, whom authorities said at the time they believed may have been involved in his disappearance.

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Investigators suspect Molina may have been drugged after his co-worker was later found disoriented.

He was last heard from that night, and when he failed to report for duty the next day, friends immediately grew concerned.

"He is always communicating, either with me, his family, his friends. He's always on the phone," said Ernesto Carranza, Molina's partner. "For him not to show up on time for work was a red flag all by itself."

Carranza said when they checked his phone location, it wasnt anywhere near the hotel where Molina was supposed to be staying.

In a statement, American Airlines said the company is working to assist Colombian law enforcement with their investigation.

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"We are heartbroken by the tragic passing of our colleague. Our thoughts and support are with his family, loved ones and colleagues during this difficult time," the statement reads.

The U.S. State Department, which had previously warned travelers about violent crime in Colombia, said it is closely monitoring the case. American Airlines said it is cooperating with authorities and providing support to Molina's family.

The mayor said he plans to hold a press conference to release additional details.

This is a developing story check back for updates.
ATLANTA (AP)  With Democrats steadily wiping out Republicans electorally in the core Atlanta counties of swing-state Georgia, Republicans have a new idea: Make most local candidates run for office without party labels.

The Republican-majority Georgia House on Friday gave final passage to a bill that would require nonpartisan elections in the five most populous counties in metro Atlanta. Among officials affected would be Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, whom Republicans have repeatedly targeted because of her prosecution of Republican President Donald Trump after he pushed to overturn Democrat Joe Biden's key win in Georgia in 2020.

State Sen. John Albers, a Republican from the Atlanta suburb of Roswell who pushed the bill, said he believed it was needed to promote public safety, even though the counties' elected sheriffs will continue to be elected under party labels when it goes into effect in 2028.

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This is a bill that makes perfect sense, Albers said during Senate debate Thursday. If youre playing politics, youll be against this. If you want to keep Georgians safe, youll be for it.

The measure would require nonpartisan elections for district attorneys, lower level county prosecutors called solicitors general, county commissioners, court clerks and tax commissioners.

It would apply in Fulton County, which includes most of Atlanta, as well as the suburbs of Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb and Gwinnett counties. Fulton, DeKalb and Clayton counties are the three most important Democratic jurisdictions in the state. Cobb and Gwinnett, once the suburban heartlands of Georgia Republicans, have increasingly come under Democratic control since 2016.

Democrats assailed the bill as trying to rig elections so Republicans running without party labels had a better chance to win.

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The reason were putting this bill forward is because theres a certain side thats losing elections in these counties, so they want to hide behind a nonpartisan badge in order to win them," said state Rep. Gabriel Sanchez, a Democrat from Smyrna in Cobb County.

Carter Chapman, a spokesperson for Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, declined to say Friday whether Kemp will sign the bill into law.

While the bill's primary sponsors have denied the measure targets Willis, other Republicans edged closer to that theme.

By passing this legislation, were giving voters the opportunity to rid themselves of district attorneys who are more concerned with playing partisan games than prosecuting and delivering justice," said Rep. Trey Kelley, a Republican from rural Cedartown.

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Republicans have passed multiple bills in recent years targeting district attorneys and Willis in particular. The association representing district attorneys argues that the law can't change the partisan status of district attorneys because they aren't county officers, but instead state judicial branch officers.

The association argues that a state constitutional amendment is what's needed instead. That would be exceedingly unlikely given Democrats have enough strength to block the two-thirds vote needed in the General Assembly to propose such a measure to go before Georgia voters.

Two of the 99 Republicans voted against the bill, including Republican Jordan Ridley, whose district includes part of Cobb County.

If it's good policy, then it should be statewide, Ridley told reporters after the vote.
Thousands gathered Saturday throughout Central Florida for the third wave of national No Kings protests launched in opposition to policies of President Donald Trump, with participants citing the recent war with Iran and the ongoing crackdown on immigrants as reasons they joined the crowds.

Things have gotten progressively worse. Everyday theres something else where our freedoms are being taken away, said Kendra Musselle, as she stood on a downtown Sanford street corner and shouted into a megaphone at passing cars, imploring them to honk their horns.

She was waving a cartoon Donald Trump balloon and holding a handmade sign. Saturdays event was the fourth anti-Trump protest she has attended in the past year and a half.

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Its a shame because we all got better things to do on a Saturday. But there can be no better thing to do at this point in time.

The regions largest event took place in Orlando at City Hall, where thousands packed City Commons Plaza with an overflow crowd lining nearby streets.

The diverse group  from all age groups and ethnicities  waved flags, signs and some wore inflatable costumes including a grinning blue shark, a frog, and a unicorn with a rainbow mane.

One person carried an almost life-sized Wicked Witch of the East from The Wizard of Oz on his back. Two others held poles to keep a 14-foot figure of Trump, made partly from papier mache and dressed in an orange prison jumpsuit, standing tall.

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Telka Difate came with her husband and carried a sign demanding justice for Alex Pretti and Renee Good, U.S. citizens fatally shot in Minneapolis in January by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Shes worried about the direction Trump is taking the country.

Im afraid to see democracy die, and at the rate things are going, thats where were at, she said.

Obsidian Tiburon, emcee of the event, kicked things off shortly after noon with some words about the protesters and why they were there.

We are here with our resistance rooted in the most vulnerable people, Tiburon said.

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The No Kings website showed more than 1,000 protests were planned across the nation, the state and at a half dozen Central Florida locations including Baldwin Park, Clermont, Davenport, Kissimmee, Lake Mary, Leesburg, Mount Dora, Poinciana and Sanford.

In Sanford, hundreds of protesters gathered even before the event started. At 9:30 a.m. about 600 were already lined up along W. First Street and U.S. 17-92.

The Seminole County Democratic Party organized that protest, the third it has taken part in since Trumps second term began.

Erin Kutner, events chair for the group, said she feels an increasing support for the party.

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The energy is really positive and exciting, she said.

The first Seminole county protest had about 1,200 people and the second 2,400. Kutner expected the latest to be the largest one yet.

The first nationwide No Kings protest took place June 14, with local events in Orlando, Casselberry and Apopka. They were purposely scheduled for the same day as Trumps 79th birthday and his multimillion-dollar military parade for the U.S. Armys 250th anniversary.

Another national wave of No Kings protests took place Oct. 18 throughout the state and in Orlando, with people showcasing their dislike for what they call the presidents authoritarian policies.

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The protests have been on the receiving end of conservatives ire. Last year, Trump said he felt attendees were not representative of the people of our country and insisted that Im not a king. Gov. Ron DeSantis, also a Republican, said ahead of the June protests that drivers who felt threatened by protesters could hit them with their cars.

In Orlando on Saturday, dozens of police officers on bicycles and motorcycles stood watch across the street from the protest. An Orlando Police Department representative said by phone later vent that she wasnt aware of any arrests or problems during the protest.

David Bennett, came to the protest with his mother, his first time taking part in such an event. He showed up, he said, after some encouragement from his family to be a bit more present in the political atmosphere.
NECEDAH  Its been nearly 72 hours since Chesney the kangaroo escaped from an enclosure at his home in Necedah, and his owner reports that as of 1 a.m. Saturday, March 28 he is alive and appears to be extremely healthy." But he remains missing.

His owner, Debbie Marland, posted on the Sunshine Farm-Necedah petting zoo Facebook page early Saturday morning that during an overnight search drone operators spotted Chesney, and a group of eight searchers split up into groups of two in a circle around the kangaroo.

Chesney the kangaroo has been missing from Sunshine Farm petting zoo in Necedah, Wisconsin, since Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Chesney became frightened when a couple of unknown dogs approached his enclosure and began barking and the kangaroo scaled the enclosure wall and hopped over the fence, said his owner Debbie Marland.

Unfortunately, Chesney had other plans and was way quicker than us, she wrote. We came real close. One of the people dove onto him, and he snuck out of the grip.

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Marland said she plans to head back to the area alone on Saturday when it is light out to try to gently coerce him to return.

I know this isnt the outcome we wanted, but on a very positive note (Chesney) is alive, she wrote. "He looks to be extremely healthy, and he surely is running fast and staying in this area.

How Chesney the kangaroo escaped Necedah home

Marland, who owns Sunshine Farm petting zoo in Necedah, previously told a USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin reporter that at 11:15 a.m. March 25, her two kangaroos  Chesney and Kenny  were outside in an enclosure when a couple of unknown dogs approached the enclosure and began barking intensely. Chesney became frightened, scaled the enclosure wall and hopped over the fence.

The kangaroos are usually kept in the house and are part of the family, Marland said. She also has five dogs and Chesney is not afraid of them.

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Chesney, who is a young kangaroo, about 16 months old, weighs about 40 pounds, and is not fully grown yet. Pictures of Chesney standing up make him look much taller than he normally would be hunched over, Marland told a reporter.

"They bring so much joy and love to the community," Marland said. "They're wonderful animals."

Marland said she travels all over with Chesney and his brother. They go to a nursing home every week as well.

"They're more like a therapy dog," Marland said. "We go into an enclosed room and go up to people and let them hold them, if they're medically able."

What to do if you spot Chesney the kangaroo

Marland has continued to thank those who are following Chesneys story, searchers and drone operators over the last three days.

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Thank you to everyone who has been following and offering so much help and support, she wrote. We will bring Chesney home so he can sleep in his bed eventually.

Marland has asked that anyone who spots Chesney call her at 773-682-8042. She urges people who might see him to remain in their cars and to not call him or chase him as that could scare him further.

Lets get my newly found celebrity home, she posted.

Editor Jamie Rokus can be reached at jrokus@usatodayco.com or follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @Jamie_Rokus.

This article originally appeared on Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune: Have they found missing Chesney the kangaroo in Necedah, Wisconsin?
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday rejected allegations made by the opposition over the Himcare scheme, asserting that no decision has been taken to shut it and citing 'alarming facts' revealed in an internal audit. Speaking to the media in Shimla, Sukhu said, "There is no question of any scam in that regard, and just now the Hon'ble Speaker has clarified it before you. Secondly, it was being said that the scheme would be closed. We have not taken any decision to shut the scheme at present." He added that while there is no immediate plan to discontinue Himcare, the government is exploring ways to strengthen healthcare delivery in the future. "In the coming time, we may think about how to provide treatment facilities to around 75 lakh people of the state in a better way," he said. Referring to alleged irregularities, the Chief Minister said the government's focus is to prevent misuse of public funds. "From our perspective, steps are being taken to ensure that such irregularities, including the 110 crore scam detected in certain cases, can be prevented in the future," he stated. Sukhu said an internal audit of the health department has already revealed serious discrepancies. "We have placed some alarming and shocking facts in the Assembly. There are instances where payments were made under Himcare for ovarian surgeries in the names of male patients. There are several other such issues, and the internal audit report has now come to us," he said. He further informed that a detailed investigation has been ordered. "I have directed a vigilance inquiry into the matter. So far, investigations at two places, including Tanda, have indicated irregularities worth about 110 crore involving payments to private hospitals. Another agency has also been asked to look into how public money was misused," he added. Emphasising the government's stance on corruption, Sukhu said, "If there is any corruption, our government will not hesitate to order an inquiry even against the most powerful individuals. Whether it involves a sitting judge or any other authority will be decided as per the state's procedures, but once facts have come out in the internal audit, we must proceed further." On the future of the scheme, the Chief Minister said reforms are being considered. "We have also given an assurance regarding the scheme. We are considering moving towards an insurance-based model and studying systems adopted by other states so that proper auditing can be ensured. Himcare has not been audited so far, and that is also a concern we are addressing," he said. He also pointed to procedural lapses in the scheme's implementation. "There were cases where expiry-linked claims had lapsed in January but were cleared in March. Such issues are being taken into account as we move forward," he noted. Commenting on the Centre's decision to reduce import duty on petrol and diesel, Sukhu said he would review its impact. "I have just received information about the reduction in import duty on fuel by the Government of India. I am yet to assess how much it has been reduced and what impact it will have. There is a meeting later today where we will discuss it," he said. The Chief Minister assured that the fuel situation in the state remains stable. "As of now, the availability of petrol and diesel in Himachal Pradesh is normal, and there is no shortage," he added. (ANI)
Since Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the Moon almost 60 years ago, 10 other people have done it, too. All have been Apollo astronauts, but some nations have ambitions of making their own Moon landing. China is one such nation, and the country officially announced a mission in 2023 that aims to get astronauts on the Moon by 2030.

However, before doing so, China must decide where exactly those astronauts would land. The country is in the process of narrowing down what began as an enormous list of just over 100 possible landing places, and some recent research suggests a frontrunner location has emerged. According to a study published in Nature Astronomy, a lunar region called Rimae Bode could make for an excellent spot to land a potential mission.

The study, published in March 2026, details that Rimae Bode is located close to the equator, which could offer proximity to a range of different lunar rocks for sampling. This would also serve as a prime nearside spot that would make both landing and critical communications with colleagues on Earth much easier. Let's take a closer look at Rimae Bode, and why this particular spot could be so important to the goals of China's mission specifically.

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Read more: 13 Countries That Make Their Own Fighter Jets

Why China is so interested in Rimae Bode as a landing spot

A view of the Earth from the Moon's surface. - Buradaki/Getty Images

Ambitious projects like moon landings aren't cheap, and countries generally tend to want to get the most out of them by collecting samples and performing as much research as possible. In addition to making sure a surface is relatively flat to make landing easier, scientists want to make sure they are landing in a spot with lots of valuable research materials nearby. In this study, the authors factored in the distribution of such materials on the Moon's surface in their analysis. Because Apollo 17 reached no more than 8.2 km from its landing spot, the authors were looking for the highest concentration of enticing Moon materials that could be found within an 8-km distance.

Professor Jun Huang, a co-author of the study, told Space.com that the Rimae Bode region of the Moon's surface features "volcanic plains and ancient highlands, allowing astronauts to sample everything from volcanic ash erupted from the deep lunar interior to debris from massive ancient impacts." Some of this material from inside the depths of the Moon, Huang goes on, offers "information that is usually hidden beneath miles of crust." Overall, the team suggested four different potential landing sites worth pursuing in the Rimae Bode region. The question is when they might get there.

This is major progress in China's ongoing mission to reach the Moon

Yutu Rover mockup on display in museum. - Shujianyang/Wikimedia Commons/cropped and resized/CC BY-SA 4.0.

As a historic Chinese rocket test in February 2026 demonstrated, China certainly seems committed to achieving its first-ever manned flight to the Moon's surface. That spacecraft test along with the recent Nature Astronomy study of possible landing zones on Rimae Bode are two of the latest steps in a long process of getting to the Moon.

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China's lunar landing program began in 2004. Known as Chang'e (after the Chinese Goddess of the Moon), it got underway three years later when the Chang'e 1 probe set out to orbit our celestial neighbor. It ultimately did so hundreds of times, creating an in-depth map of the Moon through extensive photography. Since then, the program has sent several other probes to the Moon to better understand the makeup of the Moon beneath the surface and bring home China's first lunar material, a small quantity of 2-billion-year-old samples.

The country's lunar efforts have become more ambitious over time, and these missions are all building toward something monumental. China plans not only to host its first manned flight, but also to construct a lunar research base. The country is getting closer to accomplishing these goals with each breakthrough.

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Read the original article on SlashGear.
More than half a century after humans last traveled to the moon, NASA is preparing to send astronauts back into deep space  this time, theyre going beyond the moon. The Artemis II mission, scheduled to launch as early as Wednesday, April 1, will carry four astronauts on a 10-day journey around the moon and back to Earth  marking the first crewed mission beyond low-Earth orbit since NASAs Apollo 17 in 1972.

Its a pivotal moment for NASAs Artemis program and comes just days after the space agency confirmed its first nuclear-powered mission to Mars, a moon base and its intent to perform crewed lunar landings at least every six months beginning with Artemis IV in 2027.

MORE FROM FORBESNASA Sets 2028 Launch For First Nuclear Mission To Mars Days Before Return To The Moon By Jamie Carter

Final Countdown In Florida

Orion capsule, NASAs 322-foot-tall (98 meters) Space Launch System rocket, and the European Space Agencys European Service Module now stand at Launch Complex 39B at Floridas Kennedy Space Center, following an 11-hour rollout on March 20. Traveling at less than 1 mile per hour atop a crawler-transporter, the rockets slow journey signaled the transition into final launch preparations. SLS offers 8.8 million pounds (3.9 million kg) of thrust as it lifts Orion and the ESM into orbit.

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This is not the first time SLS and Orion have reached the pad for the Artemis II mission. Earlier attempts were delayed by technical challenges, including a liquid hydrogen leak during a wet dress rehearsal. Engineers later resolved the issue, only to encounter a separate helium flow problem that required the rocket to be rolled back into the giant Vehicle Assembly Building for repairs. With those fixes complete, NASA has opted not to repeat the full rehearsal, aiming instead for a quick launch.

MORE FROM FORBESNASA Artemis 2 Moon Mission Delayed To April After Rocket Issue By Jamie Carter

When To See Artemis II Launch

Artemis II is due to launch between 6:24 and 10:24 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, April 1. It also happens to be the night of the full pink moon, with moonrise in Orlando, Florida, due at 7:36 p.m. EDT that day, during the launch window. However, there are backup opportunities, according to NASA:

8 p.m. EDT on Friday, April 3, to midnight EDT on Saturday, April 4

8:53 p.m. EDT on Saturday, April 4, to 12:53 a.m. EDT on Sunday, April 5

9:40 p.m. EDT on Sunday, April 5, to 1:40 a.m. EDT on Monday, April 6

10:36 p.m. EDT on Monday, April 6, to 2:36 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, April 7

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The mission will begin with launch and two orbits of Earth before moving into a highly elliptical orbit, with translunar insertion sending Orion and ESM to the moon.

Artemis II crew members CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, and NASA astronauts Christina Koch, Victor Glover, and Reid Wiseman walk out of the astronaut crew quarters inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building to the Artemis crew transportation vehicles prior to traveling to Launch Pad 39B as part of an integrated ground systems test at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Sept. 20, 2023, to test the crew timeline for launch day. NASA/Kim Shiflett

NASA Artemis II: Meet The Astronauts

The Artemis II crew includes commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover and mission specialist Christina Koch  all from NASA  alongside Jeremy Hansen of the Canadian Space Agency.

Their journey will include several historic milestones, including the first time a Black man (Glover), a woman (Koch) and a non-American astronaut (Hansen) travel beyond low-Earth orbit toward the moon.

The astronauts will travel 4,600 miles (7,400 kilometers) beyond the moon, traveling farther from Earth than any other humans (about 254,600 miles/410,000 kilometers).

Artists concept of Phase 3 of NASAs Moon Base. NASA

NASAs Plans For A $20 Billion Moonbase

Over the course of the Artemis II mission, the crew will test life-support systems, navigation and communications for future Artemis missions to the moon. The data collected will directly inform future missions, including planned lunar landings later this decade. However, NASA has bigger plans.

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The space agency announced earlier this week that it intends to create a permanent human presence on the moon, with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman outlining plans to begin sending infrastructure to the moon after the Artemis IV mission in late 2028.

An artist's impression of NASAs SR-1 Freedom spacecraft, from NASA's "Ignition" presentation on March 24, 2026. NASA via YouTube

From The Moon To Mars

While Artemis II focuses on the moon, NASA is already looking beyond it. Just days before the planned launch, the agency announced plans for a nuclear-powered mission to Mars targeted for December 2028. The mission will center on the experimental SR-1 Freedom spacecraft, designed to use nuclear electric propulsion. This technology would allow spacecraft to travel farther and more efficiently than traditional systems, representing a potential breakthrough in interplanetary travel.

The Mars mission will also deploy advanced robotic helicopters to scout terrain and search for resources, such as water ice. Timed to coincide with a favorable planetary alignment, the mission could reach Mars in about a year.

The Beginning Of A New Space Age?

As Artemis II approaches liftoff, its beginning to seem more like a first step in a renewed era of deep-space exploration. Whether NASAs ambitious plans materialize remains to be seen, but success for Artemis II will confirm that NASAs systems are ready to carry humans beyond Earth orbit once again.

Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
The plaintiffs in Missouri v. Biden have won and received a court order vindicating their free speech rights. The dire predictions after the Supreme Court found insufficient standing to support a preliminary injunction in Murthy v. Missouri have failed to materialize. On March 25, the district court in Louisiana signed a consent decree in Missouri v. Bidenadmitting that the government wrongfully squelched Americans speech for years by strong-arming social media companies to eliminate disfavored speech. The decree allows New Civil Liberties Alliance (NCLA) plaintiffs Jill Hines and Aaron Kheriaty, along with Jim Hoft of Gateway Pundit and the Louisiana and Missouri attorneys general, to obtain sanctions should the surgeon general, CDC, or CISA attempt to do this again.

The consent decree is unprecedented. It begins with the recitation from the Executive Order 14149 that the Biden administration "trampled free speech rights by censoring Americans speech on online platforms" by "coercive pressure" on social media platforms. The complaint in this matter notes that in fact much of the pressure began in the first Trump administration but increased exponentially under the Biden administrations "whole of government" approach to COVID-19 censoring. Be that as it may, "to prevent such censorship from recurring" the plaintiffs and defendants agree to the terms of the consent decree.

It explains the background of the suit and its current posture, which drove the settlement. The plaintiffs had won on the merits, regarding the censorship that occurred, before every judge who reached the merits from district court to the Supreme Court. But standing for a preliminary injunction was not yet proven. The district court had denied the governments motion to dismiss on remand from the Supreme Court and was going to allow more discovery on standing. The initial discovery had been just eight depositions (including Dr. Anthony Fauci) and limited other inquiry. The court was awaiting the parties position on what the EO did to the case going forward. The key to settlement was ending "continuing costly and protracted litigation." Also, there was uncertainty for both sides.

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The key criticism of the consent decree on social media is that it applies only to the plaintiffs in the case, as it prevents third parties from suing. It also allows only the CDC, the surgeon general, and CISA to be sanctioned. Nonetheless, this is enforceable by highly motivated plaintiffs against a heretofore recalcitrant federal government. As a practical matter it will be very difficult for the government to pressure the social media companies to remove messages from Joe Average American without also violating the consent decree against Jill Hines, Aaron Kheriaty, Jim Hoft, and the States of Louisiana and Missouri.

The concern that the next administration will dissolve the EO without consequence is addressed by the consent decrees 10-year duration and by the statements in the order. The best part of the order for every American, now with the imprimatur of the federal judiciary, are paragraphs 20, 21, and 22. They provide: "The Parties agreethat modern technology does not alter the Governments obligation to abide by the strictures of the First Amendment." They further provide: "The Parties also agree that government, politicians, media, academics, or anyone else applying labels such as "misinformation," "disinformation," or "malinformation" to speech does not render it constitutionally unprotected." Finally, "[T]he Government cannot take actions, formal or informal, directly or indirectly-except as authorized by law-to threaten Social-Media Companies with some form of punishment  unless they remove, delete, suppress, or reduce, including through altering algorithms, posted social-media content containing protected free speech."

The social media companies covered are Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X), LinkedIn, and YouTube. It allows plaintiffs to seek attorneys fees in this matter.

This landmark suit has proceeded for years. NCLAs former clients, Jay Bhattacharya and Martin Kulldorff, are now running or working for the agencies they sued and so had to leave the suit. John Sauer, who worked first for the Missouri AG and then for the Louisiana AG, is now the solicitor general of the United States.

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The issues of COVID-19 lockdowns and treatments, the 2020 election, and Hunter Bidens laptop being Russian "disinformation" have faded. But this suit uncovered a vast censorship machine and led to congressional inquiries uncovering even more. It also engendered many judicial opinions reinforcing free speech in America. The government has promised not to do it again. We now have an order to hold the government to that promise.

John Vecchione is senior litigation counsel for the New Civil Liberties Alliance, representing individual plaintiffs in Missouri v. Biden and the plaintiffs in the Relentless v. Dept. of Commerce case that overturned Chevron deference at the Supreme Court.
A Massachusetts cop was reportedly seen sobbing in court after she and her husband were accused of repeatedly raping a teen boy they took into their home.

Plymouth Police Officer Samantha Pelrine and her husband, Daniel Forand, were arrested shortly after she was suspended from her job on March 17.

The couple has been accused of abusing the 12-year-old victim after he moved in with them in 2019.

Pelrine, 31, was arraigned on several charges that include three felony counts of aggravated rape of a child with force and one count of aggravated statutory rape of a child, per the outlet. Meanwhile, Forand, 37, was hit with 20 charges that include rape of a child, indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or over and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

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Mom and Boyfriend Allegedly Beat 11-Year-Old for Years, Made Him Write Youre Not a Loved Child

During the court appearance, prosecutors asked for the defendants to be held on $250,000 bail. Prosecutors claimed that Pelrine and Forand abused the boy beginning when he was 14 years old and continued to do so for several years.

The name for that is grooming, the prosecutor told Judge Kristen A. Stone of the crimes, per the Boston Herald.

Meanwhile, Pelrines attorney, Joseph Krowski, Jr., argued that the couple should be released on their own recognizance with a no-contact order due to them having no prior criminal history and strong ties within their community.

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While Pelrine is a police officer, Forand owns the exterminator company Pilgrim Pest Professionals.

The judge ultimately imposed a $10,000 cash bail for Pelrine, while Forand was given a $25,000 cash bond.

Both Pelrine and Forand have pleaded not guilty to the charges theyre facing, according to the outlet. If they are found guilty, they will face a statutory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison.

During the hearing, Forand was photographed donning a blank expression as he stood in Plymouth District Court to be handed the charges. Meanwhile, Pelrine cried heavily during the arraignment.

Us Weekly previously reported that Pelrine was put on leave from her role with the Plymouth Police Department on March 17.

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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 department said in a statement. 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 principals [sic] a police officers to serve and protect.

Pelrine was put on leave after the victim filed a restraining order against the couple and made the abuse claims. In the court documents viewed by Us, the accuser claimed that he met Pelrine and Forand through his aunt.

Florida Cop Arrested, Put on Administrative Leave Following Front Yard Fight With Daughter, 15

The couple took the 12-year-old child in and became his legal guardian, while the alleged sexual and physical abuse began soon after, per the documents.

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The victim went on to claim that Pelrine and Forand both sexually assaulted me until 2025 and physically assaulted me until 2026.

They are looking for me, and I am scared for my safety, the victim added, per the affidavit.
More than 3,100 demonstrations protesting the administration of President Donald Trump took place across the nation on Saturday, including throughout the Tampa Bay region.

In St. Petersburg, hundreds gathered outside Tyrone Square Mall carrying signs in dissent of political issues including rising costs and the countrys ongoing conflict in Iran. Participants said the weekend also provided an opportunity to voice criticism of the government shutdown that left airport security workers unpaid.

Participants crowded the sidewalks and corners along 66th Street, Tyrone Blvd and 22nd Avenue, and demonstrations were peaceful with mostly positive honking and waving from passing motorists.

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The No Kings movement rose in response to Trumps policies since taking office. Participants first cited the perceived attacks on freedom of speech and civil rights and the tactics of Immigration and Custom Enforcement agents during enforcement raids.

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A suspect fired at Dallas police officers early Sunday morning in Oak Cliff, and officers returned fire during an incident that ended with two arrests, police said.

Officers were investigating a vehicle crash around 2:07 a.m. on March 22 at Jefferson Boulevard and Plymouth Road when they heard gunfire coming from a nearby parking lot in the 2600 block of West Jefferson Boulevard.

Surveillance video shows two men outside a business firing guns into the air at different times before getting into separate vehicles. One man got into the drivers seat of a gray pickup truck, while the other got into the rear passenger seat of a black sedan.

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Officers ran toward the parking lot and saw the black sedan driving away. A passenger then pointed a gun out of the vehicle and fired at officers. Officers returned fire as additional shots came from the sedan while it traveled east on Jefferson Boulevard.

Bystanders pointed out the gray pickup truck as also involved in the incident. Officers tried to stop the truck, but it sped away.

No one was hit by gunfire, police said.

Investigators later identified the suspects as 42-year-old Frank Williams and 20-year-old Antonio Hernandez Rivera. Williams, who drove the pickup truck, faces one count of deadly conduct. Hernandez Rivera, who police say fired at officers from the sedan, faces two counts of aggravated assault against a public servant.

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Both men are in custody.

Detectives recovered a black Glock 17 used in the shooting, police said.

This marks the sixth officer-involved shooting Dallas police have investigated in 2026.

The department released body-worn camera footage and surveillance video from the incident.

The Dallas Police Departments Special Investigations Unit is investigating the shooting. The Dallas County District Attorneys Office will conduct a separate investigation. The Office of Community Police Oversight has been briefed.

The investigation remains ongoing.
Satellite images of one of Russias key Baltic oil ports have revealed the destruction caused by Ukrainian strikes.

Kyivs drone swarms hit oil hubs in Russias Baltic Sea region four times over five consecutive nights this week, sending 100m-high walls of flames into the sky and creating smoke plumes that could be seen from Finland.

In new satellite pictures of Ust-Luga, one of Russias main export hubs for refined products, which handles some 18 million tons of fuel oil annually, thick curtains of smog could be seen rising from a pulverised oil loading pier, while damage could also be seen at storage tanks and technical trestles, according to the Ukrainian military analysis website Militarnyi.

The 100-metre-high flames in Ust-Luga could be seen as far as Finland - VANTOR

Russian Telegram channels published footage from Saturday morning showing smoke continuing to billow from Ust-Luga and its near neighbour Primorsk, another crucial Russian port hit in recent days. The intense blaze is believed to be caused by an oil spill.

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Local governors in Russia had insisted there had been little damage to the facility, but the satellite images show extensive destruction, which could severely hamper Moscows oil trade.

Ukraine has intensified its attacks over the past week, seeking to blunt the windfall from surging oil prices and relaxed sanctions that doubled Moscows revenues in the first three weeks of the US-Israeli war on Iran.

Record numbers of drones have traversed near-record distances, weaving through successive layers of air defence to deal a fatal blow to some of Russias most critical facilities.

Primorsk is another Russian port that has been hit by a Ukrainian attack in recent days

On Saturday, Russias defence ministry said it had shot down 155 Ukrainian drones over 16 regions, including Moscow and occupied Crimea.

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The Ust-Luga terminal is believed to still be closed after it was hit in several of the attacks earlier this week, creating a bottleneck which put oil processing at risk in four of Russias biggest refineries, according to Reuters.

Kirishi, Yaroslavl, Moscow and Ryazan, which process some 400,000 barrels of oil per day, could be forced to reduce crude runs because of shipping constraints.

Russian oil producers had cautioned buyers that they could be forced to declare force majeure on supplies from the Baltic Sea ports amid the emergency, freeing them from liability if they are rendered unable to fulfil their obligations.

Kirishi is one of four oil refinerys in Russia which process around 400,000 barrels of oil per day

Analysts also suggested that the attacks could pose a serious threat to the Kremlins ability to export oil, its dominant export and the lifeblood of its economy. The oil and gas sector accounted for around 30 per cent of Russias federal budget in 2024.

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This is the most serious threat to exports of Russian oil and oil products since the war began, Boris Aronstein, an energy analyst, told the Russian independent TV channel Current Time.

The thoughtfulness, the scale and direction of the attacks, as well as their timing and execution  all of this together produced an effect that I personally cannot recall in four-plus years of war, he said.

Ust-Luga plants had not loaded any oil for the last five days, CREA estimated

On Wednesday, Reuters reported that at least 40 per cent of Russias oil export capacity had been halted by drone attacks, combined with the attack on the Druzhba pipeline and a series of tanker seizures.

Part of the success of recent strikes has been down to their persistence, said Isaac Levy, an analyst with the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).

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While Russia has previously restored damaged refineries within weeks, Ukraines campaign of repeated drone strikes has deliberately slowed recovery timelines, he told Radio Free Liberty.

CREA estimated earlier this week that the Primorsk and Ust-Luga plants had not loaded any oil for the last five days.

The tempo of attacks shows no sign of fading. Overnight on Saturday, Ukraine hit the Slavneft-YANOS refinery in the central Russian city of Yaroslavl, one of the countrys five biggest refineries, which can produce more than 15 million tons per year.

Meanwhile, Ukraines flagship homemade Flamingo missile was used to strike an explosives manufacturing plant in Russias Samara region, which Ukraine said is used to produce more than 30,000 tons of military-grade explosives per year.

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The countrys general staff confirmed a direct hit on the facility, and it was still establishing the extent of the damage.

Russias attacks on Ukraine early on Saturday killed at least five people and damaged a port and maternity hospital across the Odesa, Kryvyi Rih and Poltava regions.

There was no military purpose whatsoever  this was pure terror against ordinary civilian life, said Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president.

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A deal to end the weeks-long partial government shutdown appears to have fallen apart. Republicans in the House are rejecting a deal that would fund most of DHS but not ICE and Border Patrol. A counterproposal by the House GOP is unlikely to pass the Senate soon and may not be approved by senators at all, thus extending the partial shutdown.

Speaker Johnson, House Republicans reject Senate deal on DHS

As Blavity previously reported, the Senate reached a deal early Friday morning to fund most of the Department of Homeland Security after a weekslong standoff in which Democrats refuse to approve DHS funding without reforms to ICE and Border Patrol.

Under the Senate deal, funding for DHS would be passed with the exception of money for ICE and Border Patrol, which would instead be left up to a separate negotiation. On Friday, Republicans in the House, led by Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana), vehemently rejected that proposal.

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This gambit that was done last night is a joke. Im quite convinced that it cant be that every Senate Republican read the language of this bill, he said.

He and other Republicans in the House balked at the idea of passing a deal that did not include funding for ICE and Border Patrol.

House Republicans push alternative plan with ICE, Border Patrol funding

Maryland Rep. Andy Harris ripped the Senate deal.

We cant believe that the Senate abdicated its responsibility this morning, he said. This deal is bad for America. Its bad for Americans.

Harris also referenced President Trumps recent pledge to use previously allocated funds to pay TSA agents, who have been working for over a month without pay due to the DHS standoff.

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The president has already said hes going to fund TSA out of funds he has, Harris said. So its not going to affect the airports if we dont do this today.

Having rejected the Senate deal, House Republicans are instead pushing a proposal that would fund all of DHS, including ICE and Border Patrol, for 60 days.

New proposal faces hurdles in the Senate

The Republican plan to pass a short-term continuing resolution (CR) would likely run into problems. The Senate, having passed its compromise early Friday, has already adjourned for a two-week recess.

And even if the Senate eventually takes up the proposal coming from House Republicans, the GOP proposal will face Democratic opposition that will make it unlikely to pass the 60-vote threshold it would need to pass.

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Weve been clear from day one, said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York). Democrats will fund critical homeland security functions  but we will not give a blank check to Trumps lawless and deadly immigration militia without reforms.

Schumer rejected the House GOP proposal.

A 60-day CR that locks in the status quo is dead on arrival in the Senate, and Republicans know it.

With President Trump set to follow through on his promise to fund the TSA, the federal workers operating airport security are set to finally be paid again as the congressional standoff continues. But with key members of the Senate and the House each rejecting the proposals coming from the other chamber of Congress, it appears that the dispute over immigration enforcement reform and DHS funding will not end anytime soon.







The post Deal To End Partial Government Shutdown Falls Apart As House Republicans Reject Senates DHS Funding Compromise appeared first on Blavity.
Israel is continuing its operations against infrastructure of the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia in Lebanon, the military said on Saturday.

Two senior Hezbollah members were killed in a strike on the capital Beirut, according to the Israeli military, which said it had carried out dozens of attacks in the south of the country.

These were also supported by Israeli ground troops stationed on Lebanese soil, officials said.

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Among other targets, weapons depots were said to have been hit. The army reported that two soldiers were seriously injured during the fighting in southern Lebanon.

The Lebanese news agency NNA reported numerous Israeli attacks during the morning and previous night, particularly in the south.

It said Israeli jets hit an ambulance belonging to the Risala rescue service near Nabatieh, killing five paramedics.

Risala is close to the Amal Movement, which is a key ally of Hezbollah.

According to NNA, a further attack in southern Lebanon killed four more people believed to be Syrian workers.

Hezbollah in turn claimed responsibility for several rocket attacks after reports of several volleys of missiles being fired towards Israel and at Israeli positions in Lebanon. There were no initial reports of injuries.
The officers received a report of a stabbing at a colony in Hiranki. When they reached the spot, they found blood scattered around. The injured person had already been rushed to Burari Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.

The victim was identified as Arun Kumar, a 22-year-old from Burari. He came from a poor family; his father worked as a rickshaw driver. According to his family, he had become addicted to drugs during his teenage years and was staying at a rehabilitation centre in Hiranki.

A case was registered under Section 103(1) BNS at PS Alipur.

A special team led by Inspector Vivek, under the supervision of Inspector Shailender Sharma and ACP/SP Badli, was formed immediately. Within an hour, the team apprehended the accused, Arun Joshi (27), at the scene itself. A blood-stained knife, believed to be the murder weapon, was recovered from his possession.

Along with the knife, the police also recovered CCTV footage showing the accused's involvement, blood samples and biological evidence from the spot.

During questioning, Arun Joshi admitted that he had quarrelled with the victim a few days earlier after the victim allegedly abused him. He said he stabbed him to take revenge. Both the victim and the accused were residents of the same de-addiction centre.

Further investigation is ongoing. (ANI)
There was a heated back and forth Friday between parents and a local school board.

They dont see eye to eye on a $23 million early childhood learning center in Decatur.

Channel 2s Audrey Washington was there as the school board voted no on a referendum.

Emotions were high inside the special called board meeting Friday afternoon.

Right now, the City Schools of Decatur and the people who live in the area are at odds over how to fund the center. State lawmakers voted to leave the decision up to the voters.

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We havent gotten a hand on how much were asking, how much this will cost, board member James Herndon said.

The legislation requires that any approval of a $23 million dollar, 40-year bond to fund the facility needs to be decided by referendum.

The bond also includes enhancements for Decatur High School at the tune of about $30 million.

After about an hour into the meeting it was time to vote, and it failed to pass.

After the referendum failed to pass, Washington spoke with one parent who said she has problem with the process.

And with the addition of the high school expansion, were talking $50 million or more, which is a massive undertaking, so the public should be able to weigh in on that, Marci Roberts said.

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The defense attorney for a Chicago woman accused of falsely reporting a shooting in Ogle County during a rodeo near Rochelle last year argued Tuesday that the charges were filed in retaliation over controversy about such events and should be dismissed.

Jodie Wiederkehr, 56, the campaign director of SHowing Animals Respect and Kindness, was charged in June 2025 with two counts of false reporting, a Class 4 felony, and one count of harassment by telephone, a misdemeanor. She pleaded not guilty on Aug. 20, 2025.

SHARK has been advocating for the closure of a rodeo holding steer-tailing events called Rancho La Esperanza, south of Rochelle, but it has continued to operate under a permanent land-use permit issued by county officials, county records show.

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[ Northern Illinois counties struggle to regulate Mexican-style rodeos, steer-tailing events in their area ]

Steer tailing, or coleadero, is when a horseback rider chases a running steer, grabs onto its tail, and wraps the tail around the riders leg to slam the animal to the ground. Its banned in Nebraska and in parts of California and Colorado.

The charges against Wiederkehr stem from May 25, 2025, when prosecutors allege she repeatedly called 911 and told an Ogle County dispatcher that she saw someone get shot at 16989 Ritchie Road, the location of the rodeo, when she knew what she was telling the dispatcher was not true, court records show.

Wiederkehrs attorneys have argued that context is important, and the intent of those calls was to report animal cruelty actively occurring on the property. In a court filing, they said that day five steers had their tails severed, one had its leg broken, and witnesses didnt see any veterinary care provided at the rodeo.

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The trial was set to begin in February, but Wiederkehrs attorneys filed three motions to dismiss the charges, arguing that theyre a result of vindictive prosecution and violate Wiederkehrs constitutional right to free speech.

On Tuesday, Wiederkehr appeared before Ogle County Associate Judge Anthony Peska with her attorneys, Brad Thomson of Chicago and Chris Carraway of Colorado. Peska did not make any rulings and said he would take all arguments under advisement.

Carraway said the charges against Wiederkehr arose out of, frankly, a public controversy.

Wiederkehr publicly criticizes Ogle County States Attorney Mike Rock for not prosecuting the rodeo, Carraway said. He added that Rock equally criticized Wiederkehr, and referred to Rocks statement in a Shaw Local article that what [SHARK does] is they go after the local prosecutors.

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Carraway said Wiederkehr and Rock have implied the other is a liar, referring to a county committee meeting on May 13, 2025, when they each made conflicting statements about the rodeo and got into an argument.

After that meeting, Wiederkehr and others sent hundreds of emails to his office demanding an investigation into the rodeo, Carraways motion says.

Carraway also said Rock blocked Wiederkehr from his official social media account that represents him in his elected position, which Carraways motion argues violates her First Amendment rights.

Evidence shows animus on behalf of Rock, Carraway said, and cited other Illinois cases to argue that it is a qualifying factor of vindictive prosecution.

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Ogle County Assistant States Attorney Matthew Liesten disagreed.

Liestens motion cites a federal case to explain that vindictive prosecution occurs when charges are filed to punish a person for doing what the law allows him to do. It also says the defense must show motive, such as animus, and evidence that, without the motive the prosecution would not have occurred, court records show.

Liesten said the defense did not meet that burden of proof.

His motion also includes a timeline that shows the charges were filed June 17, 2025, after a June 10 county committee meeting when Wiederkehr spoke, and a sheriffs deputy identified her voice as the caller.

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Liesten said Wiederkehr is charged for actions on May 25, 2025, and the court should limit its analysis to the known facts of that day.

Rock, who was not at the hearing, told Shaw Local he couldnt comment on specific facts of the case, but a prosecutor has a duty to seek justice, which is what theyre doing, he said.

Carraway argued that the state focused solely on the timeline and didnt consider the full panoply of evidence, which, he said, is mostly uncontested.

Carraway also said Rock decided to embroil himself.

Thats something that frankly is very unusual for the head DA [district attorney] of a county, Carraway said.

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Carraways motion also included a request for a list of records from the state related to their argument in case Peska doesnt dismiss the case.

Liesten said the list of items is broad and burdensome for the state, questioned why its needed if the motion is to dismiss and argued that it shouldnt be ruled on until after a ruling is made on dismissal.

,

Defenses motions to dismiss for free speech violation

Carraway cited a federal case related to false claims to argue that the First Amendment includes false statements and the court must look at other factors, such as the alarm caused.

Its the context. Its the nuance, Carraway said, explaining that Wiederkehr was reporting animal cruelty and asked, hypothetically, if they would respond differently if she said she saw someone get shot.

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This is not a federal court, Peska said.

Under Illinois law, making a false report is considered disorderly conduct, which is committed when a person reports a crime to law enforcement knowing at the time of the transmission that there is no reasonable ground for believing that the offense has or will occur.

Carraway cited two Illinois cases to argue that disorderly conduct requires some alarm to be caused.

In Wiederkehrs case, Carraway said, dispatchers did not take the reports of a shooting seriously.

One deputy went over, did not investigate the shooting or animal cruelty reports and was heard on body camera footage saying they knew there was no shooting before entering the property, Carraways motion says.

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Liesten said that any amount of resources expended by law enforcement for a false report is not what law enforcement is meant to do.

Peska asked Carraway if Illinois law requires a police response.

The fact that it doesnt is what dooms it in a constitutional analysis, Carraway said.

Liesten argued the defense should not be able to control the context of a false report. He said it becomes dangerous if reports can be made as a joke or to test police response and should never be protected.

As for the harassment charge, Carraway said, calling to report a crime is petitioning the government, which is fundamentally different than calling a private person.

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Illinois law says one way a person commits harassment is by making repeated telephone calls, during which conversation ensues, solely to harass any person at the called number.

Carraway said Wiederkehr called police at their office during regular business hours to report what she believed to be a crime and continued calling when police refused to take the report.

Someone is asking, help me, help me, he said. At what point does that become harassment?

Liesten said that amount of calls should not be protected by the First Amendment or any legal defense.

Liestens motion says the state intends to present evidence that Wiederkehr made 27 calls calls that day, and that those calls took up the dispatchers time and prevented them from answering any other potentially legitimate emergency calls.

Peska also heard arguments for the defenses motion requesting a long list of additional information from the state, but said that it may become irrelevant if the case is dismissed.

Liesten said the case is about the day the calls were made, and any information outside that is irrelevant.

This did not happen in a vacuum, Thomson said, explaining their defense goes beyond that day.

Peska scheduled a hearing for his ruling for 2 p.m. on May 13.
Heres what youll learn when you read this story:

An ancient Spanish treasure discovered in 1963 yielded some surprising results when testing showed that pieces were made from meteorite irona timeline that didnt make historical sense.

The treasure features multiple gold items and has been dated to the Iberian Bronze Age.

The 66-item find is known as the Treasure of Villena, and is housed in Spain.

Controversy has long swirled around an ancient gold-filled treasure discovered in 1963. Not because of arguments over who owns the 66-piece find, but rather, over just exactly what is included in the mix. The key sticking point? An open bracelet or ring and a hollow semisphere, easily two of the less glamorous pieces in the collection known as the Treasure of Villena.

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In 2023, a meteorite seemingly answered all the questions.

In a study published in Trabajos de Prehistoria, data supported both pieces being made of meteoritic iron, implying the possibility of locating their chronology at some point in the Late Bronze Age prior to the beginning of the production of terrestrial iron.

On December 1, 1963, archaeologist Jose Maria Soler discovered a set of 66 pieces ranging in metals and including bowls, bracelets, bottles, and gold ornaments. Some pieces mix metalsthere are three silver bottles, an iron bracelet, another iron piece with gold ornaments, and an amber and gold button. In total, according to the Jose Maria Soler Archaeological Museum, the collection features nearly 22 pounds of gold and is considered the most important prehistoric treasure in Europe.

While iron isnt as flashy as gold, the origin of the iron in the collection had puzzled experts for decades. Thats because the dating of the gold found on the Iberian Peninsula worked out to sometime between 1200 BC and possibly as far back as 1500 BC. But the Iron Age and terrestrial iron smelting wasnt happening on the peninsula before 850 BC at the earliest. That means the iron-looking elements from the Treasure of Villena presented a dating problem.

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It was a weird timeline quirkbut decades later, a meteorite made it even weirder.

The 2023 study analyzed the nickel content from the two pieces, showing that the high nickel content falls in line with iron originating from a meteor.

The study took small samples of both items for mass spectrometry readings. While the high levels of corrosion didnt present a fully conclusive result, it still gave the authors enough certainty to claim that a meteorite was the source of the iron metal found in the treasure.

Not only does the finding line up with the age of the gold from the Treasure of Villena, but it also means this is the first known existence of meteoritic iron used in production on the Iberian Peninsula.

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Iron was as valuable as gold or silver, and in this case [it was] used for ornaments or decorative purposes, study coauthor Ignacio Montero Ruiz, a researcher at the Spanish National Research Councils Institute of History, told Smithsonian magazine.

Montero Ruiz noted that using unusual raw material shows that a highly skilled metalworker was developing new technologies. For the pieces to get included in the treasure mixturethought to be from an entire community rather than one individualshowed their enormous value.

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A drive-by shooter killed a man who was sitting inside his South Side home on Saturday morning, Chicago police said.

Police said the shooting happened in the Englewood neighborhood's 5700-block of South May Street just after 5 a.m.

Someone inside a grey sedan opened fire, striking the 45-year-old victim in the head, police said. The victim was pronounced dead on the scene.

The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office identified the victim as 45-year-old Antwan Washington.

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Police said the sedan's driver fled the scene northbound on May Street.

Area One detectives are investigating. Authorities did not immediately provide further information about the shooting.

INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood
A Northern Kentucky defense lawyer, who hired a former client to vandalize his ex-girlfriends car in retaliation for her involvement in an earlier trial, has been ordered to five years in prison for violating his probation.

A March 26 ruling by visiting Campbell County Circuit Judge Jeffrey Schumacher revoked 32-year-old Chase Coxs probation.

The prison sentence was imposed after Cox tested positive for cocaine and gave false information to a parole officer by initially denying drug use. He later admitted to using cocaine after a lab test returned positive results.

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Cox was sentenced in December to five years, with the condition that he could serve that sentence outside of prison if he completed probation for the same length of time.

He pleaded guilty to retaliating against a participant in a legal process and misdemeanor criminal mischief after his accomplice in the case told authorities he colluded with Cox to damage the womans car, court filings state.

Chase Cox appears in Campbell County Circuit Court in April 2025.

Attorneys representing Cox have yet to respond to emails and a phone call from The Enquirer with questions about whether Cox plans to challenge the judge's ruling.

Ex-attorney hired 'felon friend' to vandalize ex's car to retaliate for testimony

Cox enlisted Joshua Baker, now 39, to vandalize his ex's car after she was the main witness against him in a June 2024 trial, in which the attorney was convicted of misdemeanors.

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Just more than a week after Cox was released from jail in favor of home incarceration in his earlier case, the woman reported in August 2024 that her vehicle was damaged while parked in the garage of her Newport apartment building, court filings state.

A racial slur and other derogatory language were scratched into the cars paint and the tires were slashed. She told police that she believed Cox was involved because shed seen Baker enter the building.

The woman told police that Baker was Coxs former client, whom the attorney referred to as his felon friend, court filings state.

Authorities say Baker was part of a January robbery and that he later hid from authorities in the Brent Spence Bridges substructure during a chase, closing the bridge for several hours until first responders were able to locate and arrest him.

Joshua Baker appears in Kenton County District Court in February 2025.

Baker was sentenced in Kenton County Circuit Court to 15 years for the January 2025 pursuit.

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Video footage obtained by Newport police showed Baker enter the building and proceed directly to the garage. He stayed inside for roughly 10 minutes and didnt go anywhere except for the garage.

Investigators said Baker entered using an access code belonging to another of Coxs friends, who also lived in the apartment building.

After leaving the scene, Baker drove to Coxs home in Covington and was seen going inside, prosecutors said. Police also uncovered phone records showing that Cox was sent a photo of the womans garage just minutes before Baker went inside.

There were also phone calls between them, along with a text from Baker to Cox saying, here now, according to prosecutors. Baker later texted Cox, saying, Call in a sec get money ready, and sent a screenshot of his CashApp account, court filings state.

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Prosecutors said calls and texts involving Baker had been deleted from Coxs phone.

Judge says attorney continues to 'not take any of this seriously'

As part of the order revoking Coxs probation, the judge listed other instances in which Cox failed to follow court orders in his two criminal cases, including alcohol use and failed drug tests.

Schumacher wrote that Cox appears incapable of following directives of the court for any significant amount of time.

He added that Cox has been given numerous opportunities for success, but he continues to not take any of this seriously.

Cox's law license was automatically suspended because of his felony conviction in the most recent case. The suspension remains in effect until dissolved or superseded by order of the court, according to Kentucky Supreme Court rules.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: NKY lawyer who hired 'felon friend' to go to prison after cocaine use
More than 7 million student loan borrowers who have been enrolled in a Biden-era repayment plan will receive notices beginning Friday with instructions to seek a new plan to repay their debt, the Education Department said.

Borrowers enrolled in the SAVE plan, which was struck down by a federal court earlier this month, have been in forbearance since July 2024 as a legal battle played out in courts. Starting July 1, loan servicers will begin issuing notices giving borrowers 90 days to select a new repayment plan.

The available repayment plans will mean higher monthly payments for most of those borrowers.

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The Education Department called the plan "illegal," and said in a statement Friday it's based on "the false promise of student loan forgiveness and artificially low monthly payments."

"Today's guidance, which every borrower enrolled in the defunct SAVE Plan will receive over the next week, puts the Biden Administration's illegal student loan bailout agenda to rest once and for all," Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent said in a statement. "For years, borrowers have been caught in a confusing cycle of uncertainty, but the Trump Administration's policy is simple: if you take out a loan, you must pay it back.

When Alexis Arredondo graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles, in 2024 with a degree in microbiology, he struggled to find full-time work in research or public health. Instead, he began working part-time and freelancing for nonprofits in Southern California.

A first-generation college student, he took on roughly $40,000 in student debt and enrolled in the SAVE plan upon graduation. Now, he said, he has to choose between paying more per month, which would be a struggle to afford, or a longer repayment period, which would increase how much he pays in interest.

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"It's very difficult knowing where I'm going to be to able to get this money from," he told The Associated Press.

The SAVE plan was among several initiatives launched by former President Joe Biden, a Democrat, to reduce Americans' student debt burden.

The SAVE plan provided more lenient terms than other repayment plans, reducing loan payments to as little as 5% of a borrower's discretionary income and offering forgiveness for borrowers who made payments for at least 10 years and originally borrowed $12,000 or less.

While the court challenges played out, borrowers enrolled in the plan have not been required to make payments. But debt balances began accruing interest following a court ruling last summer that blocked implementation of the SAVE plan, meaning some students will see increases in the amount they owe.

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Borrowers have felt whiplash as the challenges to the SAVE plan worked their way through court, said Mike Pierce, executive director of the Student Borrower Protection Center.

"Over and over again, education officials of both parties made promises about fixing the broken student loan system and called student debt a crisis," he told The Associated Press. "And yet today, these same borrowers are being told it's time to pay and you have no good options."

Starting July 1, the Education Department said that a new income-driven repayment plan called the Repayment Assistance Plan will be an option for borrowers. The plan ties monthly payments based on a borrower's income and number of dependents with fixed terms and timelines between 10 and 25 years to repay.

Last year, the Trump administration and Congress made several changes to student loan repayment options that will take effect over the next two years. For one, new student loans will no longer have the option of deferment because of unemployment or economic hardship.

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"You're talking about a pressing current affordability crisis, and you took away the most affordable plan option," said Alexander Lundrigan, policy and advocacy manager at Young Invincibles, an advocacy group.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit struck down the SAVE plan. The Education Department's notices to borrowers beginning Friday will direct them to enroll in a plan and resume making payments as soon as this summer.

Borrowers will be contacted by their loan servicers in stages, with a new group receiving word every two weeks. Those who had been enrolled in the SAVE plan the longest will be the first to receive notices.

Trump says he's extending a pause on Iran energy site strikes

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Israeli emergency services reported that several homes and a synagogue were damaged as a result of the fall in the Beit Shemesh area.

At least 19 people were injured near Beit Shemesh following a launch from Iran towards central Israel on Saturday afternoon.

Israeli emergency services reported that several homes and a synagogue were damaged in Moshav Eshtaol as a result of the fall. About 10 homes and dozens of cars were damaged as a result of the impact.

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Several other people suffered from anxiety and post-traumatic stress symptoms due to the blast, Magen David Adom said.

"We received a report of an impact. We arrived at the scene with mobile intensive care units, an ambulance, and rapid response motorcycles. We saw destruction and people walking around fully conscious," said MDA senior EMT Elad Kadmon. "We provided initial medical treatment to the lightly injured and are conducting searches to ensure there are no additional casualties.

Iranian missile impact site in southern Israel. March 28, 2026. (credit: VIA WALLA/SECTION 27A COPYRIGHT ACT)

Cluster bombs land in Savyon, with no people injured

Later on Saturday, Israeli media reported that an unexploded cluster munition from an Iranian missile fell in a house in Savyon, a city located east of Tel Aviv.

According to the reports, police sappers and a fire brigade team were called to the affected home, while people from the neighbourhood were instructed to enter protected spaces until further notice.

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The police said in a statement that it was not possible to determine whether the damage occurred because of a recent missile barrage or during the last couple of days, as no one is currently living in the house.

Buildings damaged in Eilat by Iranian munition impact

Later on Saturday, two sites of impacted Iranian munitions and Israeli interceptors were reported in open areas in Eilat.

The Municipality of Eilat announced that two missiles were launched at the southern Israeli city: one was intercepted and the other fell in an open area.

There were no casualties or injuries from the incident.

Later on Saturday evening, Israeli interception fragments fell in Kuseifa after an Iranian missile barrage caused sirens to sound in the Negev.

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No one was hurt, and no damage was recorded.

On Saturday, a fragment of a cluster munition was located inside a house in Savyon. Bomb disposal units neutralized the item and ordered residents to enter bomb shelters until further notice.
On Wednesday, President Donald Trump's newly appointed AI advisory council drew reactions, with top tech executives expressing gratitude while critics warned of growing corporate influence in policymaking.

Big Tech Leaders Welcome Trump's AI Council Appointments

Several high-profile executives tapped for the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, or PCAST, welcomed their appointments.

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. CEO Lisa Su said she was "honored to be nominated" and looked forward to advancing U.S. technology leadership alongside fellow members.

Honored to be nominated by @POTUS @WhiteHouse to serve on the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. Great to join @mkratsios47 @davidsacks47 and so many distinguished leaders to advance U.S. technology leadership and strengthen our innovation ecosystem. https://t.co/n44PA3QREj  Lisa Su (@LisaSu) March 25, 2026

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Dell Technologies Inc. CEO Michael Dell echoed a similar sentiment, calling it a privilege to join the council and highlighting that artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are "reshaping what's possible for American businesses and the global economy."

Honored to join President Trump's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). AI and emerging technologies are reshaping what's possible for American businesses and the global economy. Looking forward to helping ensure the U.S. leads in this Golden Age of Innovation https://t.co/RSBFDjSzKq  Michael Dell  (@MichaelDell) March 25, 2026

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The council will be co-chaired by David Sacks and Michael Kratsios, who also took to X to share their gratitude.

I am honored and grateful to be appointed by President Trump to the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) and to be named Co-Chair along with OSTP Director Michael Kratsios.



PCAST is the principal body of external advisors tasked with shaping science, pic.twitter.com/UoEW6KCFAj  David Sacks (@DavidSacks) March 25, 2026

Today, we welcome the first wave of extraordinary members to President Trump's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST).



Rooted in the tradition FDR began in 1933, PCAST unites America's brightest minds to advise the President on the most pressing national issues in  Director Michael Kratsios (@mkratsios47) March 25, 2026

Other prominent members include Nvidia Corporation CEO Jensen Huang, Meta Platforms Inc. CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Oracle Corp. executive chairman Larry Ellison and Alphabet Inc. co-founder Sergey Brin. Venture capitalist Marc Andreessen is also on the list.

See Also: 1.5 Million Users Are Already Working Inside This AI Platform  Investors Can Still Get In

Elizabeth Warren Criticizes Big Tech Influence

Not everyone is applauding the move.

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Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) criticized the composition of the council, arguing it departs from tradition.

"Only money gets a seat at the table," Warren said, noting that such advisory bodies have historically included leading scientists and academics rather than corporate executives.

NEW: Trump appointed 12 Big Tech executives including Jensen Huang and Mark Zuckerberg to the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.



This board is usually made up of top scientists and doctors.



In the Trump Administration only money gets a seat at the table.  Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) March 25, 2026

Meta, Google and Nvidia each donated $1 million to Trump's inauguration fund.

Ellison's Oracle is part of the group that assumed control of TikTok's U.S. operations under a deal approved by Trump through an executive order.

Andreessen has also contributed to political action committees aligned with Trump.

Read Next: Blue-chip art has historically outpaced the S&P 500 since 1995, and fractional investing is now opening this institutional asset class to everyday investors.

Photo courtesy: jamesonwu1972 On Shutterstock.com

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Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market.

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This article Elizabeth Warren Slams Big TechHeavy AI Council As Lisa Su, Michael Dell, Others Thank Trump: 'Only Money Gets A Seat At The Table' originally appeared on Benzinga.com
PIERRE  Nearly 200 demonstrators showed up Saturday outside the post office in South Dakotas capital city to protest the Trump administration as part of the No Kings movement.

The Pierre protest was one of a dozen in South Dakota, and one of thousands across the country. The states largest cities  Sioux Falls and Rapid City  each had demonstrations, according to the No Kings website, as well as places such as Aberdeen, Vermillion and even White River, a town of just over 500 people.

https://southdakotasearchlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/032826-No-Kings-Pierre.mp3

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Listen to an audio version of this story by reporter Meghan OBrien. For broadcasters: See below for a downloadable version with a script.

Democracy has cost this country too much to relinquish now, said Brian Doherty, a U.S. Army veteran from Fort Pierre who attended the Pierre demonstration. I pray the people of this country go out and vote.

Throughout the protest, he reminded people to check if they were registered to vote.

This was the third round of No Kings protests across the country. Previous protests in June and October drew crowds of thousands.

This was the largest crowd for a No Kings demonstration in Pierre, according to Dawson Lewis, Hughes County Democrats chairperson and organizer. About 20 people RSVPd for the demonstration, he said, but nearly 200 showed up at its peak.

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Policies are at the whim of one man, Lewis said. Gas prices going up, food prices going up, fertilizer prices going up for the farmers. I think people are just getting tired of the chaos.

The Rev. Mercy Hobbs, of Trinity Episcopal Church in Pierre, donned an inflatable frog costume and carried a sign that read Riberty Resist. She was inspired by previous demonstrators in Portland, Oregon, who wore inflatable suits.

There wasnt any interaction besides just standing there and being present, she said. Enough of the tyranny and the injustice.

The Rev. Mercy Hobbs, left, and the Rev. David Hussey, both of the Episcopal Diocese of South Dakota, attend the March 28, 2026, No Kings protest in the capital city of Pierre. Hobbs said she was inspired by seeing past demonstrators in Portland, Oregon, who wore inflatable suits. (Photo by Meghan O'Brien/South Dakota Searchlight)

Dawson Lewis, chairperson for the Hughes County Democrats, carries an American flag during Pierre's No Kings protest on March 28, 2026. Lewis, who organized the demonstration, said "people are just getting tired of the chaos." (Photo by Meghan O'Brien/South Dakota Searchlight)

Demonstrators showed up in Pierre, South Dakota, on March 28, 2026, in support of the No Kings movement to protest the Trump administration. (Photo by Meghan O'Brien/South Dakota Searchlight)

Brian Doherty, a U.S. Army veteran, holds a sign that reads "23 year Army veteran votes for the Constitution," at a No Kings rally in Pierre, South Dakota, on March 28, 2026. (Photo by Meghan O'Brien/South Dakota Searchlight)

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Dawson Lewis, chairman of the Hughes County Democrats, walks behind people lining a street on March 28, 2026, in the South Dakota capital city of Pierre. About 20 people RSVP'd for the No Kings demonstration, he said, but nearly 200 showed up at its peak. "It shows you that people are tired of the chaos that's happening," Lewis said. (Photo by Meghan O'Brien/South Dakota Searchlight)

For broadcasters
District Udhampur of Jammu and Kashmir is undergoing a "Strawberry Revolution" through which local youth are turning into entrepreneurs, powered by the Government's support. In a significant shift from traditional farming to high-value commercial horticulture, Vinod Sharma, a progressive youth from Thalora village in Majalta, area of District Udhampur, has emerged as a successful entrepreneur by establishing a thriving strawberry farm. Inspired by the various self-employment schemes launched by the Government of India and the Department of Horticulture, Sharma transitioned from conventional crops to strawberry cultivation on his 12-kanal land. His venture has not only secured a handsome livelihood for his family but has also turned him into a job provider, currently employing six to seven local residents. After earning substantial profits last year, Sharma anticipates a "bumper crop" this season, projecting an income in Lakhs within just four months. The success of such grassroots initiatives underscores the impact of modern agricultural technologies and high-density plantation facilities provided under central government programs. Chief Horticulture Officer (CHO) Udhampur, Brij Vallabh Gupta, highlighted the department's ambitious vision to transform Udhampur into a "Strawberry Hub." While 62 farmers are currently engaged in strawberry cultivation in the district, the department aims to scale this number to 500 soon. Encouraging other young people to move away from the hunt for limited government jobs, Sharma advised his peers to leverage government subsidies and the latest machinery to become "job givers rather than job seekers," proving that the horticulture sector offers immense potential for those willing to adopt innovative farming practices. Additionally, Anil Singh, a local from Thalora, an employee in the strawberry farm, expressed elation and pride in the process and recognised it as a better alternative to sitting idle. "We are happy. We used to work elsewhere, and then we were called by some of our brothers, and we have been working here annually. I request those who are sitting idle to join us and work," he said. Meanwhile, Vansh, a buyer from Thalora, described the lusciousness of the strawberries, motivating more people to become a part of this revolution. "I just bought a few boxes of strawberries. They are juicy, tasty and red. They are grown organically, which is even better," he told ANI. (ANI)
By Phil Stewart, Idrees Ali, Jonathan Landay and Erin Banco

WASHINGTON, March 27 (Reuters) - The United States can only determine with certainty that it has destroyed about a third of Iran's vast missile arsenal as the U.S. and Israeli war on the country nears its one-month mark, according to five people familiar with the U.S. intelligence.

The status of around another third is less clear but bombings likely damaged, destroyed or buried those missiles in underground tunnels and bunkers, four of the sources said. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity given the sensitive nature of the information.

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One of the sources said the intelligence was similar for Iran's drone capability, saying there was some degree of certainty about a third having been destroyed.

The assessment, which has not been previously reported, shows that while most of Iran's missiles are either destroyed or inaccessible, Tehran still has a significant missile inventory and may be able to recover some buried or damaged missiles once fighting stops.

The intelligence stands in contrast to President Donald Trump's public remarks on Thursday that Iran had "very few rockets left". He also appeared to acknowledge the threat from remaining Iranian missiles and drones to any future U.S. operations to safeguard the economically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Reuters first reported that he is weighing whether to escalate the conflict by deploying U.S. troops to Iranian shores along the Strait.

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"The problem with the straits is this: let's say we do a great job. We say we got 99% (of their missiles). 1% is unacceptable, because 1% is a missile going into the hull of a ship that cost a billion dollars," Trump said at a televised Cabinet meeting on Thursday.

Asked for comment, a Pentagon official said Iranian missile and drone attacks were down by about 90% since the start of the war. The U.S. military's Central Command "has also damaged or destroyed over 66% of Iranian missile, drone, and naval production facilities and shipyards," the official added.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Democratic Rep. Seth Moulton, a Marine Corps veteran who served four tours in Iraq, declined to comment on Reuters' findings but he disputed Trump's claims about the impact of the war on Iran's arsenal.

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"If Iran is smart they've retained some of their capability - they're not using everything that they have. And they're laying in wait," Moulton said.

IRAN'S MISSILES ARE PRIME U.S. TARGET

The Trump administration has said it aims to weaken Iran's military by sinking its navy, destroying its missile and drone capability and ensuring that the Islamic Republic never has a nuclear weapon.

Central Command has said its operation, known officially as "Epic Fury", is on schedule or even ahead of plans laid out prior to the February 28 start of the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran.

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U.S. strikes have hit more than 10,000 Iranian military targets as of Wednesday and, according to Central Command, have sunk 92 percent of the Iranian navy's large vessels. The U.S. military has published imagery showing attacks on the factories that produce Iran's weaponry and has stressed that it is not just pursuing missile and drone stockpiles, but the industry that makes them.

Still, Central Command has declined to state precisely how much of Iran's missile or drone capability has been destroyed.

One source said part of the problem is determining how many Iranian missiles were stockpiled in underground bunkers before the war started. The U.S. has not disclosed its estimate of the size of Iran's pre-war missile stockpile.

Israeli military officials say Iran had 2,500 ballistic missiles capable of reaching Israel before the war. Over 335 missile launchers have been "neutralized", representing 70% of Iran's launch capacity, a senior Israeli military official said.

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Israeli officials have not publicly disclosed how many actual missiles they believe Iran still possesses. They privately acknowledge that eliminating what they estimate to be the last 30% of Iran's capacity will be relatively more difficult to achieve.

IRAN STILL FIRING AT NEIGHBORS

Despite the heavy pace of U.S. strikes, Iran has demonstrated that it has not run out of weapons.

On Thursday alone, it fired 15 ballistic missiles at the United Arab Emirates, along with 11 drones, according to the UAE's Defense Ministry.

It has also displayed new capabilities. Last week Iranian forces for the first time fired long-range missiles, targeting the U.S.-UK military base Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.

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Nicole Grajewski, an expert on Iran's missile forces and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps at Paris' Sciences Po university, said the Trump administration may have overstated how much U.S. strikes have degraded Iranian capabilities.

She pointed to Iran being able to continue to carry out strikes from Bid Kaneh military facility, which has been heavily bombed.

"The fact that they've managed to sustain this, I think, indicates the U.S. was overstating the success of its operation," Grajewski said, adding she believed that Iran still retained about 30 percent of its missile capabilities.

Grajewski said Iran had more than a dozen large underground facilities where it has been able to keep launchers and missiles, adding: "The big question is: have these facilities collapsed?"

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IRAN'S TUNNELING

One senior U.S. official voiced skepticism about the United States' ability to accurately assess Iran's missile capabilities, in part because it was unclear how many were underground and accessible in some way. "I don't know if we'll ever have an accurate number," the official said.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged the challenge posed by Iran's tunneling in remarks on March 19, saying: "Iran is a vast country. And just like Hamas and their tunnels (in Gaza), they've poured any aid, any economic development, humanitarian aid, into tunnels and rockets."

"But we are hunting them down methodically, ruthlessly and overwhelmingly, like no other military in the world can do, and the results speak for themselves," he said, without providing details on the percentage of missiles or drones destroyed.

(Reporting by Phil Stewart, Idrees Ali, Jonathan Landay and Erin Banco; additional reporting by Rami Ayyub in Jerusalem; Editing by Don Durfee and Gareth Jones)
By Jana Choukeir

April 6 (Reuters) - U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran have killed several senior political and military figures, hitting the Islamic Republic's core leadership as the regional war disrupts energy markets and global shipping.

Below are some of the most prominent figures killed:

SUPREME LEADER

*Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who as Supreme Leader since 1989 built an iron grip over Iran while entrenching hostility towards the U.S. and Israel, was killed aged 86 in a U.S.-Israeli air strike on his compound on February 28.

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His more than three-decade rule was marked by consolidation of power through the security apparatus, and expansion of Iran's regional influence, even as tensions over its nuclear programme repeatedly brought it into confrontation with the West.

SENIOR OFFICIALS

*Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and a veteran powerbroker, was killed at 67 in a U.S.-Israeli air strike in the Pardis area on March 17, along with his son and one of his deputies, Iranian media reported.

A former Revolutionary Guards commander and nuclear negotiator, he was a close adviser to the slain Supreme Leader and played an important role in shaping Iran's security and foreign policy.

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*Esmail Khatib, Iran's intelligence minister, was killed in an Israeli strike on March 18. A hardline cleric and politician, he worked in Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's office and was mentored by him, before heading the civilian intelligence apparatus in August 2021.

*Ali Shamkhani, a close adviser to Khamenei and a key figure in Iran's security and nuclear policymaking, was killed in U.S.-Israeli strikes on Tehran on February 28.

He had earlier survived an attack on his home during the 12-day June war between Israel and Iran.

TOP MILITARY COMMANDERS

*Mohammad Pakpour, commander-in-chief of the IRGC, Iran's most powerful military force, was killed in the February 28 strikes in Tehran, Iranian state media said.

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He rose through the ranks to lead the Revolutionary Guards after his predecessor Hossein Salami was killed in the 12-day war in June.

*Aziz Nasirzadeh, Iran's defence minister and a career air force officer, was killed in the same wave of strikes targeting senior leadership in Tehran on February 28, according to sources. He played a key role in military planning and defence policy.

*Abdolrahim Mousavi, chief of staff of Iran's armed forces, was killed in the February 28 strikes during what Iranian media said was a meeting of senior leadership in Tehran. He was responsible for coordinating Iran's military branches and overseeing conventional forces.

*Gholamreza Soleimani, commander of Iran's Basij paramilitary force, was killed in U.S.-Israeli strikes on March 17, according to Iranian state media. A senior Revolutionary Guards officer, he led the force central to internal security and the enforcement of state authority.

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*Behnam Rezaei, the Revolutionary Guards' navy intelligence chief, was killed in an Israeli strike in the port city of Bandar Abbas on March 26, according to the Israeli military, which said he was responsible for collecting information on regional countries.

*Alireza Tangsiri, the Revolutionary Guards' navy commander, died of wounds sustained after being targeted in an Israeli strike in Bandar Abbas on March 26, according to the Israeli military and Iranian media. A native of Bushehr, he rose through the ranks to lead the IRGC Navy in 2018 and oversaw what Iran calls the "smart control" of the Strait of Hormuz, restricting passage through the vital global oil route.

*Majid Khademi, head of intelligence for the IRGC, was killed in an Israeli air strike in Tehran in April, 2026, according to Iranian and Israeli statements. A veteran intelligence and counter-espionage official, he took up the role in 2025 after his predecessor was killed in a similar strike, having previously led the Guards' Intelligence Protection Organisation and held senior defence ministry posts.

(Reporting by Jana Choukeir and Dubai newsroom; Additional reporting by Nayera Abdallah; Editing by Aidan Lewis, Bernadette Baum and Edwina Gibbs)
The parents of a Portland State University student killed in a crash on Highway 217 said a moment of distraction by another driver cost their daughter her life.

Diana Minko was driving home the evening of March 21, when Beaverton police said a driver behind Minko bent down to pick up his cell phone. In that moment, traffic ahead had stopped near Allen Boulevard. The driver failed to notice in time, rearending Minko's car and pushing it into another vehicle, police said.

Minko's parents, Jessica and Loretta Altman-Pollack, said Minko would have turned 22 next week.

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"She was such an amazing human being and had a life with so much potential ahead of her," said her mother, Jessica Altman-Pollack. "That life was just cut short."

Minko had recently started a new job at Washington Square mall and had just received her first paycheck, her family said. The PSU student also loved to read and had dreams of becoming a doctor.

"What he did was just unforgivable," said Loretta Altman-Pollack. "He took our daughter, someone who was just an incredible human being."

Police said the driver was not cited at the scene because he was not actively using his phone at the moment of the crash. The case was referred to the Washington County District Attorney's Office for review, and the family said they are also considering their own legal options.

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In the midst of their grief, Minko's family said Minko gave a final gift to others.

"This morning was her organ donation," said Jessica Altman-Pollack. "It is so her to make sure that from her death, at least some life could come of it."

Minko's younger sister, Alina, said the loss has been devastating.

"She was like my best friend," said Alina. "It's going to be hard not having that best friend anymore."

The family hopes that by sharing Minko's story, they will help prevent similar tragedies. They urged drivers to stay focused and put their phones away.

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"Just pay attention," Alina said. "It's really not worth going on your phone and risking other people's lives."

"No phone call," added Jessica, "no text, no anything is worth this kind of a price."
Tehran could use the Houthis to take action in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.

A ballistic missile was launched from Yemen toward Israeli territory on Saturday morning, marking the first such attack by the Iran-backed Houthis since Operation Roaring Lion began a month ago, the IDF has confirmed.

Air defense systems were activated to intercept the threat, the military said, as sirens sounded across Beersheba and surrounding Negev communities. There were no reports of casualties or damage.

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The Houthis confirmed the attack several hours later, saying they had targeted Israel in response to continued Israeli strikes across Iran, Lebanon, Iraq, and the West Bank, and warned that their operations would continue until their objectives are met.

The Houthis have previously stated that they want an end to the attacks on the axis of resistance, which includes Iranian-backed groups in Iraq and Lebanon.

An Iran-backed proxy based in Yemen, the Houthis have previously threatened to target Israel in coordination with other Iranian proxies in the region.

However, this marks the first confirmed missile launch toward Israeli territory from Yemen since the war began on February 28.

PROTESTERS, MOSTLY Houthi supporters, sit along an Iranian flag at a demonstration in support of Palestinians and Iran, in Sanaa last week. Aggression by proxies such as the Houthis must be treated as direct Iranian attacks, says the writer. (credit: KHALED ABDULLAH/REUTERS)

Despite repeated strikes, the group has shown little sign of being deterred

Arab News reported that the group has shown an ability to strike targets far beyond Yemen and disrupt shipping lanes around the Arabian Peninsula and the Red Sea, as they did in support of Hamas in Gaza after October 7, 2023.

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The Houthis have previously demonstrated their capacity to halt maritime traffic in the Red Sea, an outcome that could further strain the global economy.

With the Strait of Hormuz already largely restricted, additional disruption along the Red Sea corridor, which feeds into the Suez Canal, would compound pressure on global trade. Tensions across the region remain high.

In 2015, Saudi Arabia led a coalition alongside the United Arab Emirates and Egypt to prevent the Houthis from advancing toward Aden. In response, the group escalated by launching ballistic missiles and drones toward Riyadh.

These earlier attacks are now widely viewed as a precursor to Irans current regional strategy. The Houthis have steadily expanded their capabilities, acquiring long-range Shahed-136 drones as early as 2021 and maintaining stockpiles of ballistic missiles, many of which are believed to be concealed in fortified underground sites.

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Despite repeated US and Israeli strikes, the group has shown little sign of being deterred.

In an interview with Al-Masirah TV following Houthi Brig.-Gen. Yahya Sarees announcement of Yemens first ballistic missile strike on Israeli targets, a Houthi-affiliated analyst outlined the groups strategic aims.

What are the Houthis' objectives?

Houthi Brig.-Gen. Omar Marabouni said Yemens entry into the war was a response to what he described as US and Israeli actions.

The move is intended to complicate the scene for the Americans and Israelis, which is already complex, he said, citing Yemens geographic position as a key factor.

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Marabouni pointed to what he described as Yemens leverage over critical maritime routes, including the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, according to Almasirah media network.

Such positioning, he argued, directly impacts military navigation movement and constrains the operational flexibility of US and Israeli forces in the region.

Separately, Almasirah reported that Sabaeen Square in Yemens Houthi-controlled capital was the scene of a mass rally on Friday, described as a million-strong march under the slogan steadfast with Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran... ready for all options, marking what organizers called the National Day of Resilience.

Houthis say they have a plan to prevent passage of Israeli ships through Bab al-Mandab

Following Saturdays strike from Yemen, a senior Houthi advisor cited by Al Araby TV said, We have developed a plan to prevent the passage of Israeli ships through the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

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The threat came days after Iran said it would take action in the vital waterway.

During the war in Gaza, the Houthis repeatedly attacked shipping vessels in the Red Sea, triggering an international shipping and trade crisis.

In an interview on Yemens Houthi-run television channel, a supporter argued that Saturdays strike would complete a ring of fire against US-Israeli operations.

A fragment of a missile fired from Iran toward Israel, intercepted by Israeli air defense systems, seen lodged in the ground in the Golan Heights, March 19, 2026. (credit: MICHAEL GILADI/FLASH90)

Houthis issue final warning before joining the war

According to Arab News in Saudi Arabia, the Houthis can strike targets far from Yemen. The report noted similar language to that appearing in Houthi statements.

Though the Houthis had so far avoided joining the war, a Houthi leader told Reuters on Friday that the group was ready to get involved and potentially support Tehrans war efforts in the Red Sea.

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Saturday mornings attack could signal the opening of another front in the current conflict, which would likely deepen the global oil and economic crisis brought on by the ongoing war.

We stand fully militarily ready with all options. As for other details having to do with determining zero hour, they are left to leadership, and we are monitoring and following up with the developments and will know when the suitable time is to move, the Houthi leader said, anonymously, this week.

Until now, Iran has been doing well and is defeating the enemy every day, and the battle is going in its direction. If anything contrary to this happens, then we can assess, he added.

On Wednesday, Iran had said that it would take action in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, if provoked, raising fears that Tehran could use its Yemen-based proxy to carry out such actions.

The Bab al-Mandeb Strait lies between Yemen, Djibouti, and Eritrea, with the Houthis on the Yemeni side.
A Michigan fisherman went out to Wolf Lake last Wednesday looking for his next catch. What his sonar pulled up instead was a little more than he bargained for: a full-size pickup truck sitting 25 feet underwater, apparently unbothered about the whole situation.

The fisherman contacted the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office after his Garmin LiveScope sonar system showed an unmistakable vehicle-shaped silhouette chilling on the lake bed in Almena Township. He shared the images with deputies, and sure enough, the shape was far too boxy and far too large to be any fish native to Michigan.

The Truck Had Gone Full Aquarium by the Time Divers Showed Up

The Van Buren County Dive Team hit the water on Thursday and confirmed what the sonar had teased: a Dodge Ram pickup, reported stolen out of Kalamazoo County back in October, had been living rent-free at the bottom of Wolf Lake for months. At that point, it wasn't just a stolen truck anymore. It was an ecosystem. Fish and other aquatic life had fully colonized the cab, apparently deciding that a submerged Ram was the next hot neighborhood in Wolf Lake real estate.

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To their credit, the dive team "took care to safely return fish and other wildlife back into Wolf Lake" before hauling the truck out, according to a release from the sheriff's office. Relocating the tenants before demolishing the building. Very professional.

Deputies are now investigating how exactly a Dodge Ram ended up at the bottom of a lake, which is one of those questions that probably has a pretty short list of innocent explanations.

As for the fisherman, he didn't catch any fish that day. But he did find a truck, help solve a theft case, and give every Garmin LiveScope owner a new reason to brag at the boat ramp. Not a bad Wednesday.
For years, Florida officials have scrutinized sociology curriculums while carrying out efforts to transform higher education, especially its key teachings on racial inequities, gender and race. Yet critics say the state's move to bar students from taking sociology courses for general education credit is not just escalation, its retaliation.

The State University System Board of Governors voted March 26 to disallow introductory sociology classes from counting toward general education requirements needed for a bachelors degree. Instead, students could take the class as an elective.

The back story: Florida public university students no longer required to take sociology

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This was the latest development in Florida's efforts to tackle how universities teach racial and social inequities, which has spanned years as part of Gov. Ron DeSantis' battle against "woke" ideologies.

Particularly, it comes after professors across Florida have criticized a new sociology textbook adopted in some universities starting January, which was crafted by some faculty to comply with state law (SB 266) prohibiting general education courses from including a curriculum based on "theories that systemic racism, sexism, oppression, and privilege are inherent" in the country's institutions.

But although the latest action by the Board of Governors doesn't prevent students from taking the course  since they can take it as an elective  the "theater of this is creating an atmosphere of intimidation," said Robert Cassanello, the president of the United Faculty of Florida.

State University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues disagreed.

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At the Pensacola meeting, Rodrigues read out comments from some professors published in media outlets. He even referenced a story from The Guardian about some professors quietly teaching the classes including the removed materials, and Rodrigues said violating state law meant the institution could lose some state funding.

"If they were that intimidated, they wouldn't feel confident enough to tell mainstream publications their intent to violate the law," Rodrigues said in an interview with the USA TODAY NETWORK  Florida.

That's why he proposed that sociology courses aren't part of general education at all, since the law only applied to general education courses. He rejects the notion that striking sociology is retaliation, but instead said it was driven by seeing some faculty members declare intention to violate the law, "knowing what the consequences of that violation would be to the system and to the institutions."

"Because it's not gen ed, they can use any text, and they can teach according to whatever their discipline determines are the appropriate professional standards," Rodrigues said.

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Yet Cassanello contends that eliminating the course from general education requirements is "silencing what each of the colleges and universities might want to include," which violates academic freedom.

"These measures are not abolishing those lessons from the campuses but marginalizing them in an attempt to make them harder for students to access easily, favoring speech that Rodrigues likes and wants on the campus and disfavoring those that he doesn't but not exactly eliminating them," Cassanello said.

More: Florida unions challenge requirement for public college syllabuses

Professors say textbook furthers censorship of ideas

To comply with state law, state officials worked with small faculty groups to develop a new textbook, which has been used by professors at Florida International University and Florida State University since January. An FSU spokesperson did not return a request for comment, but FIU provost Elizabeth Bejar said in a statement that FIU doesn't mandate using the textbook, but that it was shared to assist faculty in "developing course syllabi that align with Florida Statutes."

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The changes to the textbook for an introductory sociology course removed about 400 pages from its prior version, including chapters on media and technology, global inequality, race, social stratification, gender and sexuality.

Anne Barrett, a sociology professor at FSU, said this version gives "far less attention to systems of inequality"

"When that material is minimized, students lose both a full account of how the social world operates and access to the discipline's analytical tools that help them understand it," Barrett said.

Deciding what can and can't be taught to students is a form of censorship to the information students can receive, said William Marsiglio, a University of Florida professor who has Introduction to Sociology for nearly four decades.

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"It disempowers young people from really hearing about the world and learning about the world and being encouraged to think critically about how the social world actually operates," Marsiglio said.

Florida's yearslong battle against 'woke' ideologies

Lawmakers have gradually reshaped higher education in Florida through pivoting toward DeSantis' agenda to combat "woke" ideologies, such as through prohibiting critical race theory from being taught and through slashing funding for diversity, equity and inclusion programs at universities.

In 2021, Republicans sought to solve an issue of conservative students self-censoring on campus, although critics said the law requiring an annual survey of viewpoint diversity chilled academic freedom.

Then, DeSantis signed the "Stop WOKE Act" in 2022, which limited discussion of race and gender in university classrooms. Yet this provision was soon blocked by a federal judge, who called it "positively dystopian." Although a federal appeals court agreed with the temporary order to block that part of the law, the case is still being litigated.

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But the heightened attack on sociology became more prevalent in 2023, when DeSantis approved further changes to Florida's higher education with SB 266 directing the Board of Governors to review academic programs to ensure they align with a university's mission. It also limited general education courses from distorting historical events.

That year, state officials particularly targeted sociology, with the then-Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. saying it was "hijacked by left-wing activists." DeSantis later called the discipline "very mushy" and "highly ideological."

In 2024, the Board of Governors also removed Principles of Sociology from the state's list of approved general education courses. Since then, the curriculum has been reshaped by state officials with some faculty around the state. University leaders, meanwhile, instructed faculty at FSU and FIU in December to revise syllabi ahead of the spring semester starting January.

This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners. USA Today Network-Florida First Amendment reporter Stephany Matat is based in Tallahassee, Fla. She can be reached at SMatat@usatodayco.com. On X: @stephanymatat.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida battle with sociology escalates, critics accuse retaliation
ABOVE: The latest forecast update from Severe Weather Center 9. To stay on top of changing weather conditions, be sure to download our free WSOC-TV weather app.

FORECAST:

A few downpours may pop up this evening as a weak line of showers develops after another unusually hot day.

A couple of additional showers could move through later tonight.

After that, a cooler breeze settles in, sending temperatures down for the weekend.

Expect a much more comfortable stretch ahead, with highs only in the 60s and overall great weather.

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a red flag warning for parts of North Carolina effective Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The warning covers a significant portion of the western and central regions of the state, including Mecklenburg County.

Which one sounds more ridiculous to you? That its 85 right now...or this - pic.twitter.com/2VxBwKKO2d  John Ahrens (@JohnAhrensWSOC9) March 27, 2026

> Channel 9s Weather 24/7 stream has the latest local weather all day, every day. Watch wherever you stream  on our website, or through your mobile app or smart TV.

WEATHER RESOURCES:

FOLLOW OUR TEAM ON X:
The City of Melissa says it is aware of the arrest of a former member of the Melissa Fire Department in connection with allegations of indecency with a child by sexual contact.

According to a news release from the city, the former employee resigned from the department prior to the arrest and is no longer employed by the City of Melissa.

Officials said the Texas Rangers made the arrest at the request of the City of Howe Police Department. The investigation is being handled by the Rangers as an outside agency.

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In a statement, the city emphasized its commitment to public trust and the safety of minors, stating it takes the safety and well-being of minors seriously and remains committed to maintaining the trust of the community it serves.

This is a developing story check for updates.
The Frederick Board of Trustees election is April 7. There are eight candidates vying for three trustee positions.

Ballots were mailed to registered voters in mid-March. If you are not registered to vote, it is not too late to register. Ballots can be dropped off inside the town hall at 401 Locust St., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Election Day, April 7.

Voters can also use the 24-hour drop box in front of the Carbon Valley Recreation Center, at701 Fifth St.

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The April 7 ballot will elect three trustees and ask one ballot question asking whether the towns regular municipal election should move from April to November in even-numbered years.

For more information, search Elections on the city of Fredericks website.

Ryan Antonio

Ryan Antonio

1. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Frederick right now, and how would you address it as a trustee?

The most important issue facing Frederick is public safety, especially as the town continues to grow. With that growth comes increased demand on police, fire and emergency services, and it is essential that staffing, response times and resources keep pace. School safety is also a critical component of this priority  ensuring strong partnerships between the town, law enforcement, and local schools to keep students, staff and families safe. As a trustee, I would prioritize proactive investment in public safety personnel, training and equipment, while ensuring that development decisions are aligned with our ability to maintain a safe and secure community. Public safety must remain the foundation for every decision we make.

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2. How do you think Frederick should approach future growth and development?

Frederick should pursue balanced, intentional growth that does not outpace infrastructure, traffic capacity or public safety services. A key priority is ensuring the west side of the I-25 corridor is also fully integrated into the towns long-term vision economically, infrastructurally, and as part of the broader community identity. Planning must address traffic flow, road capacity and infrastructure improvements to support both current residents and future development. Growthshould also support a business-friendly environment for both small and large businesses, preserve open space and maintain the quality of life that residents value.

3. If you are elected, what would you hope to accomplish during your term on the board?

If elected, my goals would be to strengthen public safety, improve traffic and infrastructure planning, enhance transparency and communication with residents, and ensure fiscally responsible decision-making. I would also work to create a very business-friendly environment that supports both small businesses and larger employers, helping drive local economic growth and job creation. A specific priority would be to partner with regulators and companies to develop and implement a comprehensive plan to plug and remove low-producing and existing oil and gas wells, reclaiming valuable land and creating new opportunities for responsible development that benefits the entire community.

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Gabriel Creek

Gabriel Creek

1. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Frederick right now, and how would you address it as a trustee?

Managing growth without losing what makes Frederick worth living in. I spent nearly a decade as a 911 dispatcher for Boulder County, coordinating police, fire, and EMS across 30+ agencies simultaneously. That job teaches you one thing: the systems holding a community together are invisible until they fail. Roads, emergency response capacity, utilities. These arent exciting topics until they cant keep up.

Frederick is growing fast. Residential development is outpacing both the infrastructure and the commercial tax base needed to support it. Residents feel that gap in response times, in traffic, in services they expect and deserve.

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As a trustee, Id push for growth approvals tied to infrastructure capacity, not ahead of it. Id advocate for public safety benchmarks that keep pace with population. And Id work to close the commercial development gap so residents arent carrying the full tax burden alone.Ive lived in the same house in Frederick since 2013. Im not watching this from a distance.

2. How do you think Frederick should approach future growth and development?

Proactively, not reactively. Bandimere Speedways relocation to Hudson will funnel significant traffic through Frederick on HWY 52. Thats a real opportunity for retail, hospitality, and commercial investment, but only if were positioned ahead of it and targeting smart investments in our Town. Our neighbors are paying attention. We should be too.

Growth should also mean a town people can move through safely. Fredericks neighborhoods are increasingly disconnected from schools, parks, and each other. That means protected pedestrian crossings, trails that actually link neighborhoods, safe routes to school, and exploring options like community circulators and CDOT micromobility grants available to smaller towns. Design it in from the start, not retrofit it later.

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Growth should balance residential with commercial development and protect the open space voters have already said they want.

3. If you are elected, what would you hope to accomplish during your term on the board?

Tighter links between development approvals and infrastructure readiness. A stronger commercial presence. And making sure Fredericks family resources grow with its population.My wife and I have been working to expand our Longmont child care, Longs Peak Learning Center, into Frederick later this year. Families are the backbone of this town. The boards decisions should reflect that.

Shirl Garcia

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Shirl Garcia.

1. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Frederick right now, and how would you address it as a trustee?

I feel I represent 49% of the population! This includes, but is not limited to: people who have retired but had to return to the workforce; folks who have a disability, and/or who have children with disabilities; people who are on Medicare; women who own a business; and residents who care about their community and who want to make a difference! I am a job developer for the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. I help people with disabilities find meaningful jobs.

2. How do you think Frederick should approach future growth and development?

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My vision is a safe, vibrant community focused on both growth and preserving heritage. The town focuses on creating a high quality of life for residents and, through the Economic Development team, works to attract and retain businesses by focusing on the fundamental needs of people, places and businesses.

One of my main focuses is being an inclusive town, that will be accessible to all with access and functional needs! This must include accessibility to the lake, playgrounds and local businesses. This must be done with input from our residents! It cant be about us without us! With rapid growth and an increase of population of 3,000 since 2024, the increase of people with disabilities as well as cultural diversity!

3. If you are elected, what would you hope to accomplish during your term on the board?

I will be a partner for the people to the promise of FRED (Family: supporting one another unconditionally; Respect: showing kindness and thoughtful regard; Empower: building confidence through motivation; Dedicated: Performing excellent work.)

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Brian Grubb

Brian Grubb.

1. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Frederick right now, and how would you address it as a trustee?

The most important issue is managing growth without overextending the town or losing what makes Frederick unique. Growth is happening, but if infrastructure, water, and services fall behind, it creates long-term problems that are costly and difficult to fix. As a trustee, I would focus on making sure growth pays for itself, aligns with our resources, and is planned with a long-term perspective. Through my involvement on the historic preservation committee, Ive seen how quickly a towns character can change negatively or water down if growth isnt handled carefully, and I believe we need to be intentional about protecting that.

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2. How do you think Frederick should approach future growth and development?

Frederick should take a deliberate, balanced approach to growth. That means being selective about annexation and development, ensuring infrastructure keeps pace, and prioritizing projects that fit the community long-term. Growth shouldnt be automaticit should make sense financially, practically, and for the overall character of the town. We should also make sure the process is clear and predictable so businesses can succeed while still maintaining thoughtful standards. Many growing towns fall into financial pitfalls or poor planning dead ends if growth isnt handled wisely.

3. If you are elected, what would you hope to accomplish during your term on the board?

I would focus on strengthening long-term planning, maintaining fiscal discipline, and improving transparency so residents understand how and why decisions are made. I also want to help create an environment where local businesses can thrive while ensuring growth remains sustainable. My goal is to contribute to steady, practical, and servant leadership based decision-making that keeps Frederick a place people are proud to live in now and in the future.

Suzanna (Suz) Healy

Suz Healy

1. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Frederick right now, and how would you address it as a trustee?

There is significant growth happening in Frederick, as more people and businesses choose to put down roots here. With that growth comes the need for improved transportation infrastructure (and an approved future improvements plan) so we can support that growth now and for years to come. As a trustee, I would support passing the 1% transportation sales tax initiative, so that we can begin these necessary improvements rather than leaving these needs unaddressed.

2. How do you think Frederick should approach future growth and development?

The aforementioned investment in infrastructure development is extremely important as Frederick continues to develop. As we have already started to see, with the population growth comes enhanced appeal to larger businesses wishing to expand into this region. There are many benefits to that, including employment opportunities and more revenue going back into the community. As a small business owner, I welcome that growth while also being mindful of the legacy of local businesses in the downtown area. To ensure we all continue to thrive, I would be interested in the town pursuing grants and partnerships with larger businesses for beautification initiatives.

3. If you are elected, what would you hope to accomplish during your term on the board?

When elected, I will work to establish and sustain more collaborative opportunities within the community. This would include weekly events, where residents can gather and engage with local businesses. Whether at a farmers market, movie night, or town dinner, these events would serve to bring together new residents and those who have been here for decades, showcasing all this town has to offer. We already have a citizen-input based future growth plan that shows this is what people want  so lets give it to them.

Matt Hickman

Matt Hickman

1. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Frederick right now, and how would you address it as a trustee?

While I feel Frederick is in a better situation than other towns, I think water is going to be the big issue this summer. Frederick has planned well, but the lack of moisture this winter is alarming. I think we will need to look at every option to stay ahead of shortages, which may mean limiting some new building projects and possibly (imposing) watering restrictions. But water is something every Frederick resident has on their mind, and we need to have the same sense of urgency they do to protect the resource.

2. How do you think Frederick should approach future growth and development?

Frederick is growing at a higher pace than many surrounding towns; it is a highly sought-after community. Because of that, we must plan carefully and protect all our resources. This isnt a new plan for Frederick; the current board has done this well. As we grow, we must keep our infrastructure ahead of the growth. Leveraging builders to invest in that infrastructure as part of their projects. Four pillars must be focused on when evaluating projected projects:

1. Protecting water and other resources.

2. Improving roadways and traffic safety.

3. Ensuring schools dont get overcrowded.

4. Maintaining parks and open space for families.

Above all, we need to keep our town special; our safety and our small-town heart will be at the center of my decision-making. If we manage the growth, we keep that small-town feel and close-knit community; if we dont, we become an overcrowded suburb that people commute in and out of, like too many others around Denver.

3. If you are elected, what would you hope to accomplish during your term on the board?

This starts with something simple. I want to listen, work hard, and serve the residents of Frederick with integrity. We are fortunate that our town is on the right path, when existing leadership is in chaos or is causing problems, election goals are easy to shout out. I am inspired by how (Mayor) Tracie (Crites) and the Board have led, so I cant shout for change. However, challenges are always around the corner, and I thrive on facing challenges head-on. My goals for this term are not to jump in with too many preset changes but to listen to the people and solve their problems. While I do this, I want to expand on some of our youth programs that foster their involvement. On the other end of the spectrum, Id like our retirees and golden-agers to feel confident that they wont be priced out by rising tax rates. Anyone who needs to be heard can rest assured I will read every email and do my very best to respond to you.

Paul Meier

Paul Meier is a 2026 candidate for Frederick Town Board. (Courtesy photo)

1. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Frederick right now, and how would you address it as a trustee?

Choosing the right businesses to bring in. This is directly part of the next question, but it is key to our wise growth. We need to encourage businesses which will partner with the Town as they provide jobs and help build the infrastructure. Larger businesses require a larger footprint, typically, which needs managed as well, but are more likely to provide our townsfolk with jobs that can sustain them; more so than those companies which provide more part-time or lower-scale jobs. We need those, as starter jobs for the younger generation to learn and grow, but we need companies which can really come beside the Town and work with us to grow and to help their employees stay in town.

2. How do you think Frederick should approach future growth and development?

Slowly and carefully. We need to keep that old West feel we all love when we walk by 5th and Oak. Doing that will take planning and care. Parking needs to be addressed even as much as we address the businesses, large and small, and the housing that is nearby. We also need to consider wise agreements with businesses and large corporations so that the Town is seeing an appropriate return and can afford to continue to grow and thrive.

3. If you are elected, what would you hope to accomplish during your term on the board?

I simply want to continue to see Frederick stay its charming, safe and warm self. Since the first time I walked across the street and realized what a quiet, peaceful place it is, I havent ceased to be enchanted by the feel of the Town. Its why I continue to volunteer at so many events and will hopefully continue to do so. Frederick is rather rare, in our low crime rate, the accessibility of fun and relaxing places downtown, and I want to keep that. I will be careful to review whatever decision is put before me to respond to it in the way that most benefits our Towns citizens.

Windi Padia

Windi Padia

1. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Frederick right now, and how would you address it as a trustee?

Our 2025 community survey tells us whats top of mind for Frederick: It is economic vitality  the availability of local jobs, shopping options, and keeping and supporting the wonderful businesses in our town. Ill continue to advocate for policies that attract new amenities to our town  a recent example is the King Soopers Marketplace  while promoting actions that make current businesses feel supported. Public safety and town governance scored very high in our community survey. My goal is to maintain the trust we have built and to help the town make decisions that continue to promote transparent and responsive local government.

2. How do you think Frederick should approach future growth and development?

Every decision the board makes now has great consequences for our future. Population growth in our region is higher than the rest of Colorado, and it is fast-paced. We are at a critical time to make decisions that balance retail amenities, jobs, small businesses, open space, parks, infrastructure and residential housing, while preserving our small town character. To do that we need to finish the update to our land use code to align with our recent comprehensive plan update. I will continue to advocate for our planning processes to be more clear and accessible for residents  as development applications are in process we need more information, and more touchpoints for residents to engage.

3. If you are (re)elected, what would you hope to accomplish during your term on the board?

Raising our voice for regional transportation planning has been a passion of mine. I am currently the representative for Frederick on the Denver Regional Council of Governments  a forum where local governments can coordinate on roads, highways and infrastructure. At the end of my next term, I want strong partnerships regionally and with the state so that we can be leaders in coordinated transportation planning  our highways, roads and trails need to keep pace with development and we need to be a voice at many tables to make that happen. That said, my job will continue to be responsive to the concerns and ideas Frederick residents bring to the board.
French police stopped an apparent bomb attack outside a Bank of America building in Paris early Saturday, and a man was arrested as he was about to set off a homemade explosive device.

Police grabbed the man just after he placed a device, made of nine pints of a liquid believed to be fuel, 23 ounces of explosive powder, and an ignition system, according to an initial assessment. The device will undergo a full analysis at the Paris police's forensics lab.

The incident occurred around 3:30 a.m., while the office was closed. No employees were injured, according to the bank. The building is located in Paris' chic 8th arrondissement, a few streets away from the Champs-Elysees.

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A suspect is in custody, France's National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor's Office told CBS News.

A policeman stands outside The Bank of America building in the 8th arrondissement of Paris on March 28, 2026. / Credit: Sebastien DUPUY /AFP via Getty Images (Sebastien DUPUY /AFP via Getty Images)

The office told CBS News it has opened an investigation into the charges of attempted arson or dangerous damage in connection with a terrorist enterprise, manufacture of an incendiary or explosive device in connection with a terrorist enterprise, possession and transport of an incendiary or explosive device with the intent to prepare dangerous damage, in connection with a terrorist enterprise and terrorist conspiracy.

The Paris police and France's domestic intelligence service are also investigating, the prosecutor's office said.

Bank of America head of global media relations Jessica Oppenheim told CBS News that the company is "aware of the situation" and is "communicating with authorities."

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French interior minister Laurent Nunez praised the police officers' fast actions on X and said they stopped "a violent action of a terrorist nature last night in Paris."

Trump says he's extending a pause on Iran energy site strikes

Iran may respond to U.S. peace proposal today, sources say

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An Election Tram car with posters promoting the West Bengal Assembly elections 2026 was inaugurated in Kolkata by the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Kumar Agarwal, on Friday. The state will conduct elections in two phases, on April 23 and April 29, with counting of votes for both phases scheduled for May 4. The Election Commission has partnered with the popular animated character 'Chhota Bheem' to launch a campaign aimed at raising voter awareness ahead of the Assembly elections. While speaking to reporters, CEO Agarwal said that a report from the District Officer (DO) regarding the recent violence in Basanti has been received. He further stated that the police have filed a specific case for assault, along with other applicable legal sections, and that an investigation is currently ongoing. "We have received a report from the DO, and police have filed a specific case for assault and other sections of law, and an investigation is going on," he told reporters. Violence broke out in the Basanti assembly constituency of South 24 Parganas district during the campaign of BJP candidate Bikash Sardar near Basanti Bazaar. The Election Commission of India (ECI) suspended Inspector Avijit Paul, In-Charge of Basanti Police Station, with immediate effect. The suspension follows the violent incident on March 26 in the Basanti Bazar area under Basanti Police Station, Baruipur Police District, which resulted in injuries to several individuals, including police personnel. "It has been observed that Insp. Avijit Paul, I/C Basanti PS, has failed to make adequate police arrangements in spite of having prior information regarding the public programme of two political parties. Further, the CAPF has been made available for the last few days. Despite this, he did not requisition CAPF for maintenance of law and order. This reflects serious negligence and dereliction of duty on his part," the ECI said in an order. (ANI)
Joe Oltmann, a MAGA podcaster and Republican candidate for Colorado governor, is expanding and intensifying his antisemitic attacks, which have been coupled with his calls for mass executions.

Oltmann claims that a group of Jewish people he calls the Synagogue of Satan run Colorado and, more broadly, control the world. Oltmanns antisemitic rhetoric has intensified in recent weeks and broadened to include new targets.

Oltmann has discussed his theory at increasing length and depth on 14 of his weekday podcasts since Jan. 1 and recently broadened it to include another elected official in Colorado who is Jewish.

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Oltmann has said a Jewish cartel running Colorado wants to enslave people as they enrich themselves.

Our society is run by this cartel, Oltmann said on a Jan. 2 podcast.

They represent a little over what, 2% of our population, Oltmann said on Jan. 2. And they run 100% of the positions of power and of trust.

On a March 17 episode of his podcast, Oltmann told his audience that elected officials in Colorado who are Jewish are terrible people that have lied and stolen from you.

"Were a largely Christian nation, Oltmann said. Were not a Synagogue of Satan nation.

Oltmann said Colorado Governor Jared Polis, Attorney General Phil Weiser, and Secretary of State Jena Griswold are demonic individuals that have built a fraternity around the George Soros of the world.

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Polis, Weiser, Griswold, and Soros are prominent Democrats who are Jewish.

I think Jared Polis should be hung. I think Jena Griswold should be hung. I think Phil Weiser should be hung. I think they should hang from their neck until dead, Oltmann said on a November 2025 episode of his podcast.

For years, Oltmann has called for a variety of his political opponents to be tried for treason and executed.

Calls for political assassinations should never become normalized, especially by someone running for political office, said Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt in a Dec. 30, 2025 post on X responding to Oltmanns comments.

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Everyone, no matter what side of the political aisle they sit on, should condemn this dangerous antisemitic rhetoric, Greenblatt wrote.

Oltmann said Colorados judicial system is also controlled by the Synagogue of Satan, pointing to unnamed judges, lawyers, investigators, and Mesa Countys Republican District Attorney Dan Rubinstein, who is Jewish.

Rubinstein successfully prosecuted the case against Oltmanns political ally Tina Peters, who is serving a nine-year sentence for her role in a breach of Colorados voting systems in an unsuccessful search for election rigging.

Oltmann called Polis, Weiser, Rubinstein, and Griswold traitors in a Nov. 29, 2025 post on X, writing, The synagogue of Satan Jews stick together as traitors to our nation.

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They deserve to be tried for treason in military tribunals and hang, Oltmann wrote. They are irredeemable and disgusting and they and many many others must pay.

Oltmann routinely says that his claims about Synagogue of Satan Jews are not antisemitism. Oltmann says he has Jewish friends and family.

In a March 24 podcast, Oltmann referenced the Holocaust, suggesting that society should separate Jewish people doing good from those doing evil or all Jewish people could be targeted.

If we dont start separating people who are doing evil deeds and doing bad things from the good people that we have that are our Jewish brothers and sisters... then aren't we setting ourselves up for a return of history? Oltmann said. Going straight back to the place that we were in when we went through World War II. The justified killing of Jews just because they feel like every Jew is a bad Jew.

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In a statement to 9NEWS, Oltmann defended his comments.

If you want to address the elephant in the room, and you want to stop the hate against an entire group of people, separate the evil from the good and let the evil answer for what they are and what group they belong to, Oltmann wrote. That is why I call them the Synagogue of Satan.

Despite you and others hiding the obvious, I can tell you that most people see it, Oltmann wrote.

What Polis, Weiser and Griswold have done is demonstratively evil and they did it together, Oltmann said. Their lineage and their connections are equally obvious.

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Oltmann has expanded his antisemitic attacks in recent weeks.

On a March 19 podcast, Oltmann criticized four Democratic state legislators who opposed legislation to eliminate alternatives to incarceration in certain child sexual assault cases.

Oltmann singled out the lone Jewish legislator in the group, State Senator Mike Weissman of Aurora, as a Little Synagogue of Satan member.

Weissman said Oltmann was one of several far-right figures and social media accounts to target him following the vote. Weissman said he received a deluge of antisemitic hate via phone, email, and social media that he removed his contact information from his online sites and took down several social media accounts.

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Several of the most disturbing and specific threats were reported to the Colorado State Patrol, Weissman said, adding that the threats were more intense and voluminous than any hed received while in public office.

Weissman took to the senate floor on March 23 to decry threats of political violence and antisemitism, likening them to the danger posed by wildfires in Colorado.

Be careful with open flames. Better yet, don't play with fire at all, Weissman said. And if you happen upon a fire already burning, please, for God's sake, don't pour gasoline on it.

Oltmanns antisemitic rhetoric isnt reserved solely for public figures.

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On Dec. 25, 2025, Oltmann responded to criticism from an obscure X account located in Georgia. The account had no user image, no background photo, and fewer than 1,500 followers. The last name visible on the account included a traditionally Jewish surname.

Another synagogue of Satan Jew cartel mouth running, Oltmann said.
President Donald Trump speaks with reporters before departing on Marine One from the South Lawn of the White House, Friday, March 20, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

In a Friday Politico report, adding to the growing number of GOP lawmakers voicing unease over the prospect of a deeper U.S. military entanglement in Iran, one Republican House representative warned anonymously that the party could lose 60 to 70 seats during the midterms if President Donald Trump launches a ground invasion.

Despite almost every GOP lawmaker voting to block invoking the War Powers Act, Politico notes that now, many are concerned as evidence mounts that Trump could escalate the war to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, secure Irans nuclear stockpile or accomplish other strategic goals.

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Of the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, the anonymous congressman. said that if Trump sends ground troops to the Middle Eastern country, We lose 60 to 70 seats.

During a Thursday interview with Politico, Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) also shared his concerns. The MAGA-aligned former Navy SEAL who served five wartime deployments said, Im really, really hopeful this doesnt turn into a boots-on-the-ground situation My biggest concern this whole time is that this would turn into another long Middle Eastern war.

Though I dont want to try and take away any of the presidents ability to carry out this operation, I know a lot of our supporters and a lot of members of Congress are very concerned, he continued.

The article went on to mention other GOP lawmakers who have echoed Cranes concern. No U.S. troops on the ground, Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) said, adding that if that line is crossed, were in a different phase of the conflict, which requires Congresss input.

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Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), another veteran, similarly said he has been very clear in opposing U.S. ground troops in Iran, while Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA) cautioned against the U.S. being drawn into another Forever War.

Even some Republicans defending Trumps broader strategy signaled discomfort with escalation, with Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) saying a ground invasion is not the intention, adding, It should not be necessary.

The post GOP Rep Says Republicans Will Lose 60 to 70 Seats If Trump Launches Iran Ground Invasion first appeared on Mediaite.
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  Firefighters had a difficult time battling a fire Friday on the Reno-Harvey county line.

About 5 p.m., Harvey County said the fire was near Northwest 24th Street and North Woodberry Road, northwest of Burrton.

(Courtesy: Harvey County)

The department said the difficult terrain and high winds made the fire very hard to fight and contain. Units from both Harvey County and Reno County are battled the fire.

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Lightning likely culprit for fire near Quivira Wildlife Refuge

Shortly before 7 p.m., Harvey County dispatch said the fire was contained. Crews were going to stay on scene for a few more hours.

For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here. To watch our shows live on our website, click here.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
Students at Edgewood Elementary School in Greenfield put their lessons on empathy into action March 27  racing the clock to make more than 1,000 sandwiches for people experiencing homelessness.

The effort was part of school-wide effort to teach students about compassion and community impact. Created to encourage high-energy, students spent one hour creating sandwiches for The Guest House shelter in Milwaukee.

The goal was to provide enough sandwiches to last the shelter three days, with about 300 students participating, according to Edgewood Elementary School Principal Meg Boyd.

Edgewood Elementary School students make more than 1,000 sandwiches in 60 minutes to help feed people experiencing homelessness through The Guest House shelter on Friday March 27, 2026 in Greenfield, Wisconsin. Edgewood Elementary fourth-grader Sajid Segani opens a jar of peanut butter as students prepare to make more than 1,000 sandwiches in 60 minutes to help feed people experiencing homelessness through The Guest House shelter on Friday March 27, 2026 in Greenfield, Wisconsin. Edgewood Elementary School counselor Anna Becco, left, hands a loaf of bread to fifth-grader Caleb Farney, right, as students prepare to make more than 1,000 sandwiches in 60 minutes to help feed people experiencing homelessness through The Guest House shelter on Friday March 27, 2026 in Greenfield, Wisconsin. Edgewood Elementary School principal Meg Boyd, right, guides students to stations as they prepare to make more than 1,000 sandwiches in 60 minutes to help feed people experiencing homelessness through The Guest House shelter on Friday March 27, 2026 in Greenfield, Wisconsin. Parent volunteer Kate Marach, left, and Edgewood Elementary fifth-grader Ethan Berndt hand out sandwich bags as students prepare more than 1,000 sandwiches in 60 minutes to help feed people experiencing homelessness through The Guest House shelter on Friday March 27, 2026 in Greenfield, Wisconsin. Edgewood Elementary fifth-grader Caleb Farney organizes boxes as students prepare to make more than 1,000 sandwiches in 60 minutes to help feed people experiencing homelessness through The Guest House shelter on Friday March 27, 2026 in Greenfield, Wisconsin. A student-made instructional PB&J sign is seen as students prepare to make more than 1,000 sandwiches in 60 minutes to help feed people experiencing homelessness through The Guest House shelter at Edgewood Elementary School on Friday March 27, 2026 in Greenfield, Wisconsin. An Edgewood Elementary School student helps make more than 1,000 sandwiches in 60 minutes to help feed people experiencing homelessness through The Guest House shelter on Friday March 27, 2026 in Greenfield, Wisconsin. Edgewood Elementary paraprofessional Jessica Gruber helps kindergartner Aliana prepare a sandwich as students make more than 1,000 sandwiches in 60 minutes to help feed people experiencing homelessness through The Guest House shelter on Friday March 27, 2026 in Greenfield, Wisconsin. Edgewood Elementary fourth-grader Yazen Mahmoud helps make more than 1,000 sandwiches in 60 minutes to help feed people experiencing homelessness through The Guest House shelter on Friday March 27, 2026 in Greenfield, Wisconsin. Edgewood Elementary School students make more than 1,000 sandwiches in 60 minutes to help feed people experiencing homelessness through The Guest House shelter on Friday March 27, 2026 in Greenfield, Wisconsin. Stacks of peanut butter is seen as Edgewood Elementary School students make more than 1,000 sandwiches in 60 minutes to help feed people experiencing homelessness through The Guest House shelter on Friday March 27, 2026 in Greenfield, Wisconsin. Edgewood Elementary School students make more than 1,000 sandwiches in 60 minutes to help feed people experiencing homelessness through The Guest House shelter on Friday March 27, 2026 in Greenfield, Wisconsin. Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Edgewood Elementary Principal Meg Boyd instructs students as they make more than 1,000 sandwiches in 60 minutes to help feed people experiencing homelessness through The Guest House shelter on Friday March 27, 2026 in Greenfield, Wisconsin. Edgewood Elementary kindergarten students help make more than 1,000 sandwiches in 60 minutes to help feed people experiencing homelessness through The Guest House shelter on Friday March 27, 2026 in Greenfield, Wisconsin. Edgewood Elementary School counselor Anna Becco, center, helps kindergarten students make more than 1,000 sandwiches in 60 minutes to help feed people experiencing homelessness through The Guest House shelter on Friday March 27, 2026 in Greenfield, Wisconsin. Edgewood Elementary kids make 1,000 sandwiches to help others 1 of 16 Edgewood Elementary School students make more than 1,000 sandwiches in 60 minutes to help feed people experiencing homelessness through The Guest House shelter on Friday March 27, 2026 in Greenfield, Wisconsin.

Students collected large amounts of peanut butter, jelly, bread and deli items to prepare for the event. To help cover the costs of perishable items, they also had a "Penny War" competition  where children brought spare change to school.

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In four days, Boyd said the students raised $1,800. The additional donation will also go directly to the shelter.

'Its so important for a community, because we all have to help each other'

At 2 p.m., students gathered in the lunchroom and library to begin the event, forming an assembly line to build sandwiches. Many wore colorful pajamas for the schools pajama day, adding to the energetic atmosphere.

Boyd said students were initially surprised by the goal of making 1,000 sandwiches but quickly embraced the challenge.

Theyre excited  this is the first time weve done it, with a focus on giving back, Boyd said. Its always a focus that we have, and part of that is realizing that as a kid, you can make a difference and that your voice isnt small just because youre maybe under 4 feet tall.

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Boyd said she also wanted students to better understand homelessness in their community.

It happens in our community so much more than we realize, she said. We have students whose families have experienced homelessness, and so I want that to be on their horizon.

Ashley, a fifth grade student, said she learned about homelessness at school and believes its important to help others.

Its so important for a community, because we all have to help each other, she said. We live in this place together, and we have to get used to each other. I felt a lot of empathy for people experiencing homelessness because they dont really have homes or shelter.

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Yazen, a fourth grade student, said he felt good about participating and encouraged others to help those in need.

When you see a homeless person, you just help them, Yazen said. Give them anything that they need  its what were doing right now.

Homelessness in Milwaukee

In 2024, the Milwaukee saw a decline in its homeless population, even as numbers increased statewide and nationally, according to a previous report from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

A January 2024 count found 885 people experiencing homelessness in Milwaukee, a 17% decrease from 2023, according to federal data.

However, a January 2025 point-in-time count found 968 people experiencing homelessness in Milwaukee County, according to the Institute for Community Alliances.

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Despite fluctuations in the data, service providers say the need remains high, particularly among families.

Nationally, homelessness reached record levels in 2024, and shelters in Milwaukee have reported seeing more families with children in recent years.

This story was updated to add a video.

Adrienne Davis is a south suburban reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Got any tips or stories to share? Contact Adrienne at amdavis@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @AdriReportss.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Greenfield students make 1,000 sandwiches for homeless shelter
A stranded kayaker can thank rescue workers from two different states for his rescue in Alabama this past week.

On March 21, the kayaker reportedly had nearly drowned and was stranded along a remote section of the Little River Canyon National Preserve near Fort Payne, Alabama. Troopers from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency quickly arrived and realized they would need help to get him out.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

ALEA reached out to the Georgia State Patrols Aviation Division and the Cobb County Fire/Rescue water rescue team for help.

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Troopers said the location prevented them from safely or efficiently reaching the kayaker. The kayaker was stuck in extreme terrain, with steep inclines and limited access routes.

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The Georgia State Patrol and Cobb Rescue Technicians flew to the park and conducted a precision, short-haul basket extraction deep within a narrow ravine, getting the kayaker out safely.

They took the kayaker to a local fire station in Adamsburg, where emergency medical personnel were waiting to get him to a nearby hospital.

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A 27-year-old Harnett County man who was on the lam for nine months was arrested March 22.

Tyrone Desmon Taylor, of the 80 block of Raynor McLamb Road between Anderson Creek and Bunnlevel, was held in the Harnett County Jail on a combined bond of $770,000.

He allegedly tried to kill Al Nasir Skakur Wright on Jan. 19, 2025, according to an arrest warrant that was issued on June 11, 2025.

Taylor was charged with attempted first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm by a felon.

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The latter charge relates to a conviction for assault with a deadly weapon in Cumberland County stemming from Dec. 5, 2017. In that case, he was sentenced Nov. 26, 2018 to 44 to 65 months in the North Carolina Department of Corrections, according to eCourts.

Taylor also has pending charges for drug possession stemming from July 17, 2024 and no drivers license, no inspection, no insurance, fictitious/altered tag and no registration stemming from Oct. 12, 2024.




Henry Lee, a world-renowned forensic scientist and longtime professor at the University of New Haven, died in his home in Nevada on Friday after suffering from a "brief illness," the university announced. He was 87 years old.

Lee was a pioneering forensic expert who testified in hundreds of cases, including O.J. Simpson's 1995 murder trial, and worked on investigations such as the JonBenet Ramsey case and Connecticut's Helle Crafts wood chipper murder.

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In 2023, a federal judge found that Lee, who ran Connecticut's forensic science lab for more than two decades, had lied on the stand in a murder case that sent two Connecticut men - Ralph Birch and Shawn Henning - to prison for decades before they were exonerated in 2020.

The state of Connecticut ultimately paid Birch and Henning $25.2 million for their imprisonment.

Lee was born in Rugao, Jiangsu, China, in 1938 and moved to the United States with his late wife, Margaret Lee, in 1964, according to an obituary shared by UNH. After studying forensic science and biochemistry, he took a post at UNH in 1975 and began a decades-long tenure at the university.

The school's Institute of Forensic Science and College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences at UNH both bear his name.

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According to UNH, Lee was predeceased by his former wife Margaret, and is survived by his current wife Angel Xiaping Jiang, as well as a son and daughter and four grandchildren.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

This article originally published at Henry Lee, world-renowned forensic scientist and longtime University of New Haven professor, dies.
WORTHINGTON  More than 60 protesters gathered for a No Kings protest here Saturday despite wind gusts of 38 mph off Okabena Lake and a Trump-friendly local political scene.

Rubi Lara held a microphone on the mud-covered curb of Lake Avenue, directing the crowd with chants and songs in protest of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements presence in Minnesota. The native of Worthington went to Minneapolis after the killing of Renee Macklin Good to protest, and she said she needed to bring that energy to Worthington.

Worthington is the county seat of Nobles County, which has the highest foreign-born population out of Minnesotas 87 counties. Its Hispanic and Latino populations are 45%, more than six times the Minnesota average of 6.7%, according to 2024 census data.

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I just want to be able to let them know that theyre safe here, said Lara, who also organized an anti-ICE protest in February.

No Kings protest organizer Rubi Lara smiles during the protest at Chautauqua Park in Worthington Saturday, March 28, 2026. The winds gusted up to 38 mph. (Photo by Photo by Henry Creel/Minnesota Reformer)

The small Worthington rally was one of more than 3,000 across the country to protest what the demonstrators say are the unconstitutional actions of President Donald Trump.

Matthew Oleske, who lives across the street from the park, tearfully described why he came to show his support. He said as a substitute school teacher, hes seen firsthand some students fear about coming to school or even going to church, especially with many children walking to school and work.

As the Reformer reported in February, foot traffic in downtown Worthington quieted to a patter since the beginning of the year, and businesses suffered significant economic losses, with some owners saying they might not survive.

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You cant just sit there and say Im mad. You have to take action, Oleske said. What happened to our state is atrocious. It was on purpose. It was done to divide. And if you cant see through that, youre blind.

Three police cars sat two blocks from the protest. Lara invited police in advance of the rally.

Chelsea Wintz, a teacher at Worthington Middle School, came out to the rally with her elementary-age daughter. She described the impact ICEs presence has had on her students, with many children in Worthington living in fear. Even after fears of ICE subsided, she said the effects persist.

When people are afraid, they cant learn and they cant function day to day, she said. We had a couple kids who were gone for a couple weeks, and then became so sick, because I think they were just so stressed.

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Her daughter has been asking questions about the situation, so Wintz brought her along.

You know, I dont know what to do, and thats very hard, she said, tears falling down from behind her sunglasses.

She said shes trying to show the community that they care for their neighbors, and are just continuing to try to be like Jesus.

Nobles County is Trump country: In 2024, Nobles County voted 67% for Donald Trump and 31% for Kamala Harris. Even reliable Democratic vote-getter Sen. Amy Klobuchar lost here.

Josh Hoffman held an upside down American flag, with the words AN ORANGE NAZI IS STILL A NAZI.

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Just because things dont look exactly like they did in World War II, doesnt mean we arent going down the same path, he said.

Hoffman lives 12 miles West down I-90 from Worthington, in Rushmore. He said he hopes demonstrations like these will be an avenue for peaceful change, preventing future escalations to violence.

Even if we were to stop all this tomorrow, its gonna take a decade, maybe generations, to get back to the level of trust that weve squandered, he said.
A home healthcare worker's license remains suspended after he was seen stealing pills from an elderly patient in surveillance video shared exclusively with Eyewitness News.

The video shows a man, Friendswood police identify as Stephen Seiter, rummaging through a drawer and taking out a prescription bottle before taking out pills on Nov. 3 at a client's home.

The victim's daughter said her 88-year-old mother was in the hospital at the time.

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"We kept watching it because we were in shock," the daughter, who asked not to be identified, said of the video.

In all, she told police she found 16 hydrocodone tablets and 42 tramadol tablets missing from her mom's medicine drawer.

Seiter was charged with burglary but has since bonded out of jail.

"We look forward to litigating the case in court," Seiter's attorney, Jed Silverman, told Eyewitness News in a statement. "It is my opinion that when the facts are presented, Mr. Seiter will be exonerated."

"He looked like someone who has been looking over his shoulder his entire life," the victim's daughter said.

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Seiter's then-employer, Bay Area House Calls, is owned by a company called Privia Health. Privia didn't respond when asked how they vetted Seiter, who, according to records, had no criminal history in Texas prior to November.

Earlier this year, home healthcare worker Walter Portillo pleaded guilty to stealing jewelry and silver from an elderly Bellaire couple.

Eyewitness News searched Texas Medical Board records but couldn't find anyone licensed by that name.

AARP Texas recommends hiring from a licensed agency. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission requires them to do pre-employment background checks.

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Family members can also go a step further.

"I think it is important to establish that rapport," said Rosalinda Martinez with AARP. "Kind of do a gut check as well. Get to know the person."

It could have spared a Friendswood woman a lot of sleepless nights.

"She's terrified to the point where she is like, 'I'm selling that house.' The house that she's been in for 51 years," said her daughter.

AARP encourages victims of fraud to call their hotline at 877-908-3360. April is Fraud Awareness Month.

For news updates, follow Luke Jones on Facebook, X and Instagram.
A team of Cyber Police Station, South-West District, has busted a gang involved in investment fraud with the arrest of five accused persons on Friday. The arrested accused have been identified as Shridhar Dilip Ingle (25), Archiryan Goraksh Kamble (21), Ajij Miran Shaikh (25), Pranav Jalinder Guldagad (24) and Vishal Durgadas Bachal (25). On September 4, 2025, a complaint was lodged by N Rai on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) portal, wherein he reported that he is a resident of Arunachal Pradesh and presently residing in Delhi and alleged that he was induced to invest in the stock market through a purported company, namely Next Billion Technology Pvt Ltd. It was alleged that after opening an OTC account on July 7, 2025, the complainant was contacted by one Parineeti Jain and her associates through multiple mobile numbers, who induced him to invest funds on the pretext of high returns. Additional DCP South West Vikas Meena said, "The complainant registered the complaint on September 4, 2025, stating that he was contacted by the cyber-fraudsters and scammers who assured him how he could get the maximum return on his investment. The complainant transferred Rs 12,22,670 to their bank accounts," he said. Additional DCP Meena further said that when the complainant realised that this was a scam, he filed a complaint on the NCRP portal after which an FIR was registered. A dedicated team was formed under Sub-Inspector Somveer. The team was supervised by SHO Cyber and ACP Operations of the South West District. Acting upon such inducement, the complainant transferred a total amount of Rs 12,22,670. Subsequently, it was revealed that the said entity was fake and the complainant had been cheated. Accordingly, the present case vides e-FIR No. 24/2025, u/s 318(4)/340/112(2)/61(2) BNS was registered at PS Cyber, South-West District, and an investigation was taken up. During the course of the investigation, technical analysis, surveillance and scrutiny of financial transactions were carried out. The money trail and digital evidence led to the identification of the accused persons operating from Maharashtra. "During the investigation, several leads and money trails were followed with the help of digital tools and techniques. One such lead took us to Srirampur, Maharashtra, with the information that our first accused was there. A raid was conducted, which led to the first arrest. The accused informed of his co-conspirators and modus operandi. We have arrested a total of five people. Six mobile phones and information about 35 mule accounts have been recovered from the accused," he said. One accused, Shridhar Dilip Ingle, was identified on the basis of technical surveillance. Based on technical inputs, a raid was conducted at Shrirampur, Maharashtra, and the accused Shridhar Dilip Ingle was apprehended. During interrogation, he disclosed that he used to sell mule bank accounts on a commission basis to his associate Chaitanya, presently residing in Dubai. He further revealed that his accomplices Archiryan Goraksh Kamble, Ajij Miran Shaikh, Pranav Jalinder Guldagad and Vishal Durgadas Bachal assisted him in procuring mule bank accounts from different persons. Thereafter, raids were conducted at multiple locations, leading to the arrest of the remaining co-accused persons namely Archiryan Goraksh Kamble, Ajij Miran Shaikh, Pranav Jalinder Guldagad, Vishal Durgadas Bachal. During sustained interrogation, the accused persons disclosed that they were engaged in procuring and supplying mule bank accounts to cyber fraud syndicates on a commission basis. The accused used to obtain bank accounts from various individuals and subsequently transfer/control the same for use in fraudulent transactions. These accounts were further provided to their associates, including one Chaitanya (based in Dubai), thereby facilitating large-scale cyber fraud. Analysis of the bank accounts indicates fraudulent transactions amounting to several crores, affecting victims across multiple States/UTs. From their possession, 6 mobile phones used in the offence and details of 35 bank accounts used in the commission of crime have been recovered. Further investigation is underway. (ANI)
WASHINGTON  Some GOP members of the House of Representatives are starting to sound a lot more like Democrats.

Or, perhaps more precisely, they're routinely finding a common enemy: Senate Republicans.

The escalating tensions came into sharp focus March 27, when animosity between GOP lawmakers in the two chambers of Congress burst dramatically into view. House Republicans woke up to find that their Senate counterparts had, in the dead of night, unanimously passed a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security except for immigration enforcement. They then sent the legislation to the other side of the Capitol and left town for a scheduled two-week recess.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) stands next to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) as he speaks during a press conference on October 3, 2025.

Congressional mayhem ensued.

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"This gambit that was done last night is a joke," House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, said.

In the words of Rep. Austin Scott, R-Georgia: "Senate Republicans absolutely capitulated."

North Carolina Rep. Virginia Foxx, the powerful Republican chairwoman of the House Rules Committee, called what her Senate colleagues had done "unconditional surrender" to Democrats.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents patrol at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York City, March 23, 2026. Hundreds of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were ordered to deploy to airports to help fill TSA staffing gaps across the country. Travelers stand in long lines at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on March 23, 2026 in Atlanta. The travel disruptions continue as hundreds of TSA agents quit or work without pay during a partial government shutdown. ICE agents walk through the airport drinking coffee as travelers stand in long lines at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on March 23, 2026 in Atlanta. People wait in TSA security lines at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York City, March 23, 2026 Passengers wait in lines as they maneuver toward a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint after hundreds of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were ordered to deploy to airports to help fill TSA staffing gaps, at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, March 23, 2026. Travelers stand in long a line outside of Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on March 23, 2026 in Atlanta. The travel disruptions continue as hundreds of TSA agents quit or work without pay during a partial government shutdown. President Donald Trump said ICE agents will be deployed to airports on Monday, with border czar Tom Homan in charge of the effort. ICE agents look on as travelers stand in long lines at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on March 23, 2026 in Atlanta. Passengers wait in lines as they maneuver toward a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint after hundreds of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were ordered to deploy to airports to help fill TSA staffing gaps, at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta. People wait in TSA security lines at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York City, March 23, 2026. ICE agents appear at airports as TSA delays snarl check-in 1 of 9 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents patrol at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York City, March 23, 2026. Hundreds of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were ordered to deploy to airports to help fill TSA staffing gaps across the country.

While frustration in both parties between the House and Senate is endemic to the institution of Congress, resentment within the GOP felt almost palpable on March 27.

It was the latest culmination of an increasingly undeniable, and politically consequential, dynamic on Capitol Hill, where more moderate members of the less-raucous Senate are often finding themselves at bitter odds with their hardline-conservative colleagues in the House, where the majority is razor-thin and legislative outcomes are often not as predictable.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) (R) and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) hold a press conference on the Republican budget bill at the U.S. Capitol on April 10, 2025 in Washington, DC. The Republican leaders spoke on the reconciliation process and said they would find $1.5 trillion in cuts as the House prepares to vote on President Trump's budget outline for his tax and spending plan after Republican holdouts refused to vote without deeper cuts.

Read more: Trump signs order to pay TSA workers with no DHS shutdown end in sight

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On a range of big issues  including mail-in balloting, President Donald Trump's tariffs, ending the filibuster and allowing senators to win big payouts in government lawsuits  Republicans in the upper and lower chamber have been at each other's throats as of late. The president's hands-off approach to managing Congress, along with his penchant for letting people jockey for his approval, hasn't been a particularly unifying force, either.

Yet big events on the horizon will require as much unity as the GOP can muster. In a looming legislative battle over a second so-called "Big, Beautiful Bill," Johnson can barely afford a single defection in his ranks. Neither can Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-South Dakota. Fighting to pass another reconciliation bill, which only takes a simple majority vote in the two chambers, may be the only way Congress can approve cash to support the war in Iran. Both Republican-controlled sides of the Capitol will have to coordinate in tandem to do it.

Read more: Another 'Big, Beautiful Bill' may be coming to pay for the Iran war

Then there's the issue of the midterms. In order to stave off potentially bruising losses in November, Republicans of all persuasions are working to get on the same messaging page to pitch voters on why their party should stay fully in power over the next few years. Intensifying intraparty friction isn't likely to help with that effort.

Rep. Joe Neguse, D-Colorado, lambasted Republican disunity during a congressional hearing about DHS funding on Friday, March 27.

The GOP divisions are, however, already helping Democrats, who typically struggle more with eating their own politically. During a congressional hearing held after the Senate's DHS funding deal fell apart, Colorado Rep. Joe Neguse was one of several House Democrats who used the shutdown dysfunction as an opportunity to criticize how Washington works under total Republican rule.

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"My Republican colleagues are very much living in a fantasyland and somehow trying to make the case to the American people that Democrats control the United States Senate," he said. "It's absurd."

Zachary Schermele is a congressional reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach him by email at zschermele@usatoday.com. Follow him on X at @ZachSchermele and Bluesky at @zachschermele.bsky.social.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: DHS shutdown impasse leaves House, Senate Republicans openly at odds
The U.S. population is growing in many cities and counties at a slower rate than in previous years, according to a report from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The report illustrates that population growth slowed in the majority of the nation's 3,143 counties and the District of Columbia between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025.

Among the 2,066 counties that grew between 2023 and 2024, nearly 80 percent of them saw their growth slow or reverse direction in 2025, according to Census data.

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The Houston metro area gained more residents than any other U.S. metro area from July 2024 to July 2025.

The greater Houston area saw population growth of 126,720 people in the same period, according to census data.

Despite topping the list, Houston grew at a slower pace than in previous years.

"It's the most rapid compared to other areas that are really struggling, but it's much slower than what we've seen in the past," Baker Institute Fellow in Public Finance Bill King said. "Houston, probably more than any other place in the country, is affected by federal immigration policy. For the past decade or so, our population growth has almost completely relied on international immigration, so when international immigration goes down, we are going to feel it here."

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King stated that multiple factors are at play, leading to slower population growth locally.

"On the domestic side of it, if we make this an unattractive place to live, then that's going to discourage people from moving here. Things like higher taxes, floods, hurricanes, high crime rates, poor schools," King said.

King also mentioned the factors at play at the federal level.

"This is a function of the birth rate that has been coming down for the past 20 or 30 years. The only thing that has sort of propped up the United States as far as our population continuing to grow is international immigration, and obviously, with this new administration, we have a very different policy, so we are effectively at zero new immigration," King said.

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Demographers and economists explain that there are economic impacts of slowed population growth.

"There's no question that we don't have enough people to fill the jobs in this country based on how many children we are having so we have got to bring in people for the labor force and if we don't have that that's going to constrain people in all kinds of work especially people in the construction industry will be dramatically affected by it and restaurant industry will be affected," King said.

King said there needs to be a policy shift to spur more population growth.

"I don't view this change in population as being particularly terrible or great, but it's different than what we've had in the past and what we've got to do is start thinking about how we adjust the policy decisions that we are making," King said.
CAIRO (AP)  A missile attack on Israel by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen on Saturday raises concern that Tehran's proxies may again try to block Red Sea shipping routes, as Iran's chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz keeps another key global trade passage virtually closed.

The Houthis said they fired a barrage of missiles at sensitive Israeli military sites in southern Israel, their first since the start of the war in the Middle East a month ago. The Israeli military said it intercepted a missile fired from Yemen.

When asked about the Houthis, Israeli military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin replied: "We are preparing for a multifront war.

The Houthis are a key Iranian ally

The Houthis are a crucial part of Irans so-called Axis of Resistance," which includes militant groups in Lebanon, Iraq and the Palestinian territories. They control the Yemeni capital of Sanaa and much of the countrys north, and since 2014 have fought a civil war against the internationally recognized government that is backed by a Saudi-led coalition.

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Unlike Lebanons Hezbollah and militant groups in Iraq, the Houthis in Yemen had held back for a month since the U.S. and Israel launched attacks on Iran on Feb. 28.

Red Sea shipping attacks would further disrupt the global economy

Now that they have entered the war with a missile attack on Israel, there are growing concerns that they could start attacking shipping in the Red Sea. Such a move would further disrupt the maritime industry and the global economy since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has shaken markets and energy prices. The rebels also have the capability of striking oil facilities in the Persian Gulf as they did previously during the Yemen civil war.

The Houthis said they wont allow the U.S. and Israel to use the Red Sea for attacks on Iran. Our fingers are on the trigger, Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, a military spokesman for the Houthis, said in a statement Friday.

The Houthi attacks on vessels would not only further push up oil prices but destabilize all of maritime security, said Ahmed Nagi, a senior Yemen analyst at the International Crisis Group. The impact would not be limited to the energy market.

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Since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Saudi Arabia has been sending millions of barrels of crude oil a day through Bab el-Mandeb, at the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula.

The 32-kilometer (20-mile)-wide strait is one of the busiest for global oil trade. A fourth of global container trade also transits through the strait on its way to and from the Suez Canal. Disrupting transit through Bab al-Madab forces shipping firms to route their vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, as they did in 2024 and 2025, significantly increasing costs.

About 12% of the worlds trade typically passes through Suez, including oil, natural gas, grain and everything from toys to electronics.

It would be devastating for so many countries, Nagi said. If we see more pressure on the Iranians, or theres any escalation, the Houthis will jump in harshly."

Red Sea is a critical corridor for Europe's natural gas

Such attacks will add more pressure on energy supplies for the 27-nation European Union, which relies on imported natural gas to power factories, generate electricity and heat homes. Tankers carrying liquefied natural gas  which is supercooled to travel by ship instead of pipeline  routinely pass through the Red Sea.

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The Houthis attacked over 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two vessels and killing four sailors, from November 2023 until January 2025, and also launched projectiles at Israel. They said their attacks were in support of Hamas during the war in Gaza.

The U.S. and Israel responded with a punishing air campaign across the Houthi-held areas in Yemen, which killed many people, including most of the Houthi-allied Cabinet in Sanaa. President Donald Trump halted U.S. strikes on the Houthis after a deal that saw the rebels stopping their attacks on ships in the Red Sea.

___

Associated Press writer Isabel DeBre in Beirut contributed to this report.
March 28 (UPI) -- The USS Tripoli and USS New Orleans arrived in the Middle East, carrying with them 2,200 Marines -- with more on the way -- hours after an Iranian strike left dozens of U.S. service members hurt at a Saudi air base.

The Tripoli and New Orleans are two of several additional vessels and personnel the Pentagon has deployed to the region as the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran enters it's second month.

The Tripoli Amphibious Group brings with it F-35B Strike Fighters, as well as transport aircraft, amphibious assault vessels and other tactical assets, U.S. Central Command said in a post on X.

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The USS Boxer's amphibious group left port on March 18, with its 2,500 Marines, and the USS George H. W. Bush Carrier Strike Group is heading to the region after finishing pre-deployment tests in the United States, the military publication Task & Purpose reported.

The Army's 82nd Airborne division is sending at least 1,000 soldiers to the region, and the Pentagon may send another 10,000 soldiers to the region as it considers a ground assault of some type. Of the Marines already there, 1,200 are ground combat forces.

Members of the media walk amid wreckage of vehicles at an auto service center in Tehran on Saturday, one of thousands of locations that have been hit by U.S. and Israeli strikes since the war in Iran started four weeks ago. Photo by Abedin Taherkenareh/EPA

An Iranian attack on Friday at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia where U.S. personnel were stationed injured at least 24 U.S. service members, most of whom reported traumatic brain injuries and at least two of whom were seriously injured, The New York Times reported.

The strike also damaged two aircraft, The Times reported, although it was unclear if one or both were refueling aircraft, after at least two missiles and one drone got through U.S. air defenses at the base.

An Israeli air defense system intercepts projectiles over the West Bank city of Nablus, on Saturday. Israel said it detected missiles launched from both Iran and Yemen. Photo by Alaa Badarneh/EPA

Central Command on Saturday published an update on Operation Epic Fury in a post on X that said the military has flown more than 11,000 combat flights, struck more than 11,000 targets and destroyed at least 150 Iranian naval vessels.

Houthis enter war

The Iranian-backed Houthis on Saturday launched missile strikes toward Israel, marking Yemen-based group's first foray into the wider Middle East conflict involving Iran.

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The Houthi political and military group in Yemen confirmed it launched the ballistic missiles in response to Israeli strikes a day earlier in key infrastructure sites in Iran, The Guardian reported.

Friday's strikes hit two of Iran's largest steel factories, a power plant, civilian nuclear sites and other locations.

Israel also confirmed it detected an incoming missile launched from Yemen, CNN reported.

The Houthis said the strikes on Israel would take place until the end of what it described as "aggression."

"The Yemeni armed forces, with the help of Allah almighty and relying upon Allah, have carried out the first military operation using a barrage of ballistic missiles targeting sensitive Israeli military sites in southern occupied Palestine," a Houthi statement said.

War enters second month

Israel and the United States began strikes on Iranian sites exactly one month ago, Feb. 28 that were meant to put pressure on Iran to limit its nuclear program.

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U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday announced the extension of a 10-day pause on strikes targeting Iran's energy sites as the sides come to possible terms for negotiations.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday accused Israel of contradicting Trump's 10-day pause with its attacks on key infrastructure.

"Israel claims it acted in coordination with the U.S.," Araghchi wrote in a post on X.

The "attack contradicts POTUS extended deadline for diplomacy," Araghchi wrote.

"Iran will exact HEAVY price for Israeli crimes."

Over the past month, the conflict has broadened to include other Gulf nations. The Houthis' entry into the war threatens and even broader war.

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Kuwait reported drone strikes on an airport there, damaging radar Saturday. Oman also had attacks at the port of Salalah. Officials in Abu Dhabi said falling debris from the interception of a missile injured six people.

Meanwhile, Israel targeted multiple locations in southern Lebanon with airstrikes, and Hezbollah responded with its own attacks on Israel.

Since the start of the war, at least 1,900 Iranians have been killed, Iran's Red Crescent organization said Friday. Among those were more than 200 children. Other death tolls include at least 1,142 in Lebanon, nearly 100 in Iraq, 19 in Israel and 13 in the United States.
Truly brilliant! Transportation Security Administration agents have been working for weeks without pay to ensure that flyers can fulfill their travel plans. Meanwhile, Congress people who are doing nothing to resolve that despicable situation are getting paid.

But here's the best part. Now President Donald Trump has ordered ICE agents, whose job supposedly is dealing with all the really bad illegal immigrants, to the airports to help out. With what?

The ICE agents are not qualified to help the TSA agents with security matters and so we see them standing around while flyers stand in hours-long lines to pass through security. And the best part, the unpaid TSA agents can see the ICE agents standing around doing nothing yet getting paid for it.

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Aah, Trump's America!

John Karkheck, Glendale

Letter: Use drop off boxes or go in person to vote April 7

Opinion: It's time for Wisconsin Democrats to lead on education

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Paid lawmakers do nothing to solve unpaid TSA agent situation | Letter
The admission by President Trumps Justice Department this week that Immigration and Customs Enforcement provided false information to justify mass arrests at immigration courts has sparked fury among attorneys and advocates, and demands that those detained in the crackdown be freed.

Federal prosecutors in Manhattan told a judge on Tuesday that an ICE memorandum they had repeatedly cited to defend the agencys immigration court arrests in an ongoing lawsuit did not, in fact, justify the practice. They said the office had been repeatedly told otherwise by ICE.

The New York Civil Liberties Union, one of the firms that brought the underlying suit challenging the lawfulness of courthouse arrests, is slated to formally address the revelation in the coming weeks. In a filing Wednesday, lawyers told the court the implications would be far reaching.

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Every single person who has been impacted by ICEs erroneous interpretation of their own policy should be made whole, Murad Awawdeh, the president and CEO of the New York Immigration Coalition, told The News Friday. That means reopening their cases, freeing them if theyre being detained, and if theyve been deported, allowing them back to continue their cases here in the United States.

Lower Manhattans 26 Federal Plaza has served as an epicenter of immigration court arrests since Trumps return to power, with chilling scenes of families torn apart playing out in the buildings windowless hallways almost daily last summer.

More than half of those detained in the city last year were swept up by agents at the 41-floor facility towering over Foley Square, including more than 1,000 people and at least 150 children, according to ICE figures obtained by the Deportation Data Project and analyzed by The CITY.

Weve witnessed thousands of New Yorkers showing up to 26 Federal Plaza going to court for their check-in, Awawdeh said. These are individuals who are literally following the process by the letter of the law, and instead of having the opportunity to fight their cases, they were trapped and detained.

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Beth Baltimore from The Door, a nonprofit that provides support to young New Yorkers in need and one of the suits plaintiffs, told the Daily News she was still assessing the potential ramifications.

It is such a shock, Baltimore said. The last year has been very frightening for so many people impacted.

In apologetically alerting Manhattan Federal Judge Kevin Castel to the material mistaken statement of fact Tuesday, prosecutors said they would withdraw four briefs that relied on revised policy guidance issued by ICEs acting director, Todd Lyons, in a May 2025 memo.

The prosecutors said Castel would need to revisit his September ruling that allowed immigration court arrests to continue and rejected the civil rights groups argument that the practice violated the Administrative Procedure Act. Castels opinion relied on guidance ICE issued in a 2021 memo and in the superseding May 2025 memo, finding arrests were permitted at or near immigration courts.

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In the decision prosecutors now say he must receive new briefing on, Castel wrote, The 2025 guidance was more expansive and permissive, and found the groups had failed to show they would succeed in proving ICEs courthouse arrest policies were arbitrary, capricious or otherwise not in accordance with law.

While Castel allowed the immigration court arrests to continue in his September decision, he granted a victory to the plaintiffs by halting a directive by the Justice Department that had ordered immigration judges to quickly dismiss cases to ease agents ability to make arrests.

The judge has now given lawyers for the groups party to the suit, The Door and African Communities Together, two weeks to respond to the governments admission that it muddied the record.

Castel has also ordered federal prosecutors and ICE to preserve all past, present, and future communications about the memo. Democrat officials have also sought answers from ICE and the Department of Homeland Security, including Rep. Dan Goldman (D-Manhattan/Brooklyn), who wrote the agency heads Friday demanding a full accounting of everyone targeted under the erroneously applied policy.

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Alison Cutler, the supervising attorney from the immigration protection unit at NY Legal Assistance Group, which is not involved in the underlying suit, was hopeful the acknowledgment would aid people arrested in immigration courts across the U.S. fighting deportation.

This is only going to be helpful in that we can now cite this and say, Look, ICE has admitted that these detentions were not authorized, and then that will allow us to further that argument, Cutler said.

The attorney said while the admission may have been startling, it wasnt surprising.

I think all of us who have been going to court from day one of the court detentions, this isnt shocking to any of us, because weve been seeing ICE actively not following the law. Not only have we been seeing physical violence in the hallways, but theres been institutional violence, as well as them circumventing folks due process rights and their constitutional rights, Cutler said.

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In response to the development this week, a DHS spokesperson said ICE agents would not be deterred.

There is no change in policy. We will continue to arrest illegal aliens at immigration courts following their proceedings, an agency spokesperson said in a statement to The News. It is commonsense to take them into custody following the completion of their removal proceedings.

Nothing prohibits arresting a lawbreaker where you find them.

Many of those taken into custody after immigration court hearings in lower Manhattan, as the Daily News observed last year, were not positioned at the completion of removal proceedings. They were targeted seconds after appearing with asylum applications before judges who gave them dates to return to court, appearing to indicate they were not at imminent risk of deportation.

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DHS did not respond to The Newss follow-up inquiries about what authorizes ICE to target people in immigration court as they pursue claims.

While saying its arguments on one of the lawsuits claims would need to be re-submitted, the DOJ in its Tuesday filing said the error had no bearing on its legal positions on ICEs right to arrest people in other courthouses. In New Yorks state courts, people are protected from being detained by ICE under New Yorks sanctuary policies, which the Trump administration has sought to punish New York over by interfering with billions in federal funding for critical infrastructure projects.

Judges and prosecutors in immigration court are part of the executive branch, answerable to the Trump-appointed heads of the Justice Department  unlike in the federal court system, in which judges work for the judicial branch.

Cutler said that Tuesdays bombshell would further erode the Trump administrations credibility in the courtroom. Judges across America have in recent months taken it to task, like Minnesota Judge Michael Davis, who in January said the administration had stretched the legal process to its breaking point in an attempt to deny noncitizens their due process rights.

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This is not business as usual. Our courts and our court system is not functioning as it normally has in the past. I mean, this is an attack on our democracy and an attack on all of our institutions, our entire rule of law, Cutler said.

ICEs actions, the governments actions, these material misrepresentations, are undermining the trust and credibility, not just in immigration court, but our entire judicial system. And I think federal judges are starting to see this, and this is only going to be further proof of that, and it can help support our work.
An Idaho Department of Fish and Game commissioner has been charged with multiple game violations after alleged involvement in illegally killing two bull elk in the region he represents, according to court records.

Upper Snake Region Commissioner Brody Harshbarger was charged March 6 with seven misdemeanor violations: three counts of unlawful taking of game animals, one count of hunting without an appropriate tag, one count of hunting from a motorized vehicle, one count of shooting across a public highway and one count of trespassing on private property to hunt.

Each charge carries a penalty of up to six months in jail and up to a $1,000 fine. Several of the charges also carry possible $750 civil penalties and hunting license revocations of one to three years.

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Harshbarger has pleaded not guilty to all charges. He did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday, but the governors office provided the Idaho Statesman with a letter indicating that Harshbarger has decided to voluntarily postpone his commissioner duties.

According to a probable cause affidavit, Idaho Fish and Game Conservation Officer Bryce Fogleman said in a deposition that he and another conservation officer responded to a Citizens Against Poaching call about a group of individuals shooting at elk near Spring Hollow boat ramp in Fremont County on Dec. 20, 2025. A Fremont County sheriffs deputy also responded, the affidavit said.

Idaho Department of Fish and Game Upper Snake Commissioner Brody Harshbarger (IDFG)

Fogleman said the person who called Citizens Against Poaching reported a dead six-point bull elk on their property across from where the shooting was.

The conservation officer said Harshbarger and another man were shooting at elk and killed the six-point bull on private property and an antlerless bull on nearby Bureau of Reclamation property. The other man faces the same charges as Harshbarger except for the count of hunting from a motorized vehicle.

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The court document said Harshbarger fired across Spring Hollow Road from the drivers seat of his vehicle.

According to Foglemans deposition, Harshbarger had filled his elk tag the previous weekend and did not have a valid tag. The other man had a tag that was not valid for the public Bureau of Reclamation property, and neither man had permission to shoot onto the private property, which prompted the trespassing charges.

The probable cause affidavit said there were deep hoof marks in the private landowners field that were consistent with the bull elk being hit and beginning to run after the bullet impact. Blood was also found on the property.

Fogleman said in his deposition that neither man contacted the landowner to get permission to retrieve the elk from the private property, in violation of Idaho law that requires hunters to make a reasonable effort to retrieve harvested game.

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Its unclear from court documents which man is suspected of killing the animals. The Fremont County Prosecutors Office did not respond to a request for more information on Friday.

Foglemans deposition said Harshbarger advised the other man of where he could and could not shoot and aided in the harvest of the animals. The criminal complaint against the commissioner says he unlawfully took a big game animal and/or aided another in doing so.

The Fish and Game Commission consists of seven commissioners from each region who are appointed to four-year terms by the governor and confirmed by the Idaho Senate. Harshbarger, whose term ends in June 2027, represents a region that covers a portion of eastern Idaho and is headquartered in Idaho Falls.

The commission establishes hunting and fishing regulations, sets seasons and budgets and oversees other administrative duties for the department.

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Idaho Department of Fish and Game spokesperson Roger Phillips told the Statesman in a text that the department has no comment because its an active case and the commissioner is not an employee of the agency. Hes an appointee of the governor.

A letter from Gov. Brad Littles Chief of Staff Zach Hauge to Harshbarger dated March 10 thanked Harshbarger for speaking with the governors office and informing us of your willingness to voluntarily postpone the performance of your commission duties until the charges recently filed against you are resolved. A spokesperson for the governors office provided the letter to the Statesman on Friday in response to a request for comment.

The letter also said the governors office would revisit Harshbargers commissioner status when the case is concluded. A pretrial conference is scheduled for April 29.

Its not the first time a high-ranking Fish and Game official has been accused of wrongdoing. In 2010, former Fish and Game Director Cal Groen was cited for trespassing while hunting near Elk City. And in 2018, Southwest Region Commissioner Blake Fischer resigned over intense criticism following a hunting trip to Africa where he took photos with a family of baboons he shot there.
LEWISBURG  An immigration attorney will discuss whats changed in immigration enforcement and the courts during an event Monday in Lewisburg.

The event is sponsored by the SUN Immigrant Community Support at the Beaver Memorial United Methodist Church, 40 South Third St., Lewisburg, at 7 p.m. Monday. Michelle Payne, a Bucknell University graduate, will be the guest speaker.

Many hardworking law-abiding folks have been taken from their homes and workplaces, locked up and deported, Janice Butler, a local volunteer with SUN-ICS, said. Some of these people are awaiting asylum proceedings, and some have had the rug pulled out from under them as the federal administration has changed policies on work visas, temporary protected status, and vetted refugees.

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SUN-ICS was formed recently and primarily works with families impacted by ICE activity.

The discussion will also include how federal policies are affecting the work of Pennsylvanias immigration attorneys, advocates and the immigrants they represent. Payne daily observes the impact of federal rule changes and will offer a briefing on recent policy shifts, civil rights, and how communities can respond, Butler said.

This is happening in rural areas and small towns like ours, as well as big cities, and it is traumatizing for families as well as having an economic impact on our communities, Butler said.

The majority of immigrants currently being held in immigrant detention facilities have not been convicted of a crime, according to government data.

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Our hope is that someone who is in immigration court on a regular basis, defending the rights of residents who came to our country seeking a better life, can share her experiences and help us all better understand the current situation when it comes to civil rights for those born abroad, Butler said.

Payne completed her bachelors degree in psychology at Bucknell University in 2002 and earned her J.D. in 2009 from Drexel Universitys Thomas R. Kline School of Law. A former Assistant Defender handling childrens appeals cases and working in the Child Advocacy Unit of the Defender Association, Payne also worked as a Child Welfare Policy Fellow at Children First in Philadelphia.

In addition to serving as a grant writer, Payne was a judicial law clerk for the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and the Court of Common Pleas, Family Division.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday slammed the Assam government, saying that there has been no administration in the last decade, further emphasising that the people of Assam are looking for a change because of the increasing corruption in the State. Speaking to the media, Shivakumar said that he will be visiting poll-bound Assam and Kerala to campaign for the Congress party. "Of course, I am going to Assam. I will be there. I have to go to Assam and Kerala. I have to look after Karnataka. We have to look after all states and do campaigning. I am sure there will be a big change in Assam. People of Assam want a change because there is rampant corruption there," he said. He criticised the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) in Assam, saying that it has not fulfilled the promises made during the last election, and the Ministers have only looted the State. "Administration has collapsed. People are suffering, and the common man is not getting justice. All ministers have looted the state. There has been no administration for the last 10 years. There is no protection for the common man. Whatever they assured in the last election on the caste issue, on the land issue has not been sorted out. So, I think, after the candidate list of the BJP, none of them is happy. They are thinking that there is no opportunity for all of them at this party. So, even the BJP members and workers have decided to help the Congress party," he added. Moreover, speaking on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's remark stating that only Bangladeshi infiltrators will vote for Congress, Shivakumar refuted that there have been no Bangladeshis in the State and Sarma is trying to polarise Assam. "He is always speaking about Bangladeshis. He is trying to polarise. He is speaking on my Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president (Gaurav Gogoi). His father was a CM, and he is a sitting MP. He (CM Sarma) is afraid of my PCC president. So, he is using my PCC president's name. No Bangladeshis are there. In order to polarise, he is creating all these issues," DK Shivakumar said. Earlier on Thursday, Sarma said that the Congress-led opposition alliance have no agenda, because in the last 60 years, what they have provided the people have seen. "We have completely turned around Assam. Today, people are seeing a new Assam, based on our strong culture and heritage. People are completely with the BJP, except Bangladeshi infiltrators. No local indigenous Indian people will vote for Congress," Sarma said. Polling for all 126 constituencies in Assam will be held on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4, as announced by the Election Commission of India (ECI). 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. (ANI)
Iran has agreed to allow additional Pakistani-flagged vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, Pakistan's foreign minister said on Saturday.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said in a post on X that "the government of Iran has agreed to allow 20 more ships under the Pakistani flag to pass through the Strait of Hormuz."

"Two ships will cross the strait daily," he added.

Dar welcomed the decision as "a harbinger of peace" that "will help usher in stability in the region."

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"Dialogue, diplomacy, and such confidence-building measures are the only way forward," the minister, who also serves as deputy prime minister, said.

Pakistan shares an around 900-kilometre-long border with Iran and has emerged as a mediator amid rising fears that the US-Israeli war with Iran could continue to spread to the wider region.

The announcement came hours ahead of a planned meeting of top diplomats from Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt scheduled to take place in Islamabad on Sunday and Monday.

The foreign ministers of Egypt and Turkey arrived in the Pakistani capital on Saturday.

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Meanwhile, Dar said he had held a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, during which he emphasized the need for de-escalation, stressing that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path to lasting peace.

"Pakistan remains committed to supporting all efforts aimed at restoring regional peace and stability," the minister said.
A missile was fired at Israel from Yemen on Saturday for the second time since the start of the war in Iran one month ago, the Israeli military said late on Saturday.

A drone was spotted over the southern Israeli city of Eilat, and a cruise missile was intercepted before it reached Israeli territory, the Times of Israel reported, citing the military.

On Saturday morning, the Yemeni militia had fired a missile at Israel for the first time since the start of the war with Iran a month ago.

This missile was also neutralized by Israeli air defences.

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The Houthi militia confirmed the evening's attack in a statement.

Their second military operation of the day consisted of "a barrage of cruise missiles and drones" and was directed against a number of strategic and military targets in southern Israel, their command in Sanaa announced.

Early in the war - which began with US-Israeli attacks on Iran in late February - the Iran-backed Houthi militia pledged its "full and unwavering solidarity" with Tehran. Recently, fears had grown that the Islamist militia would intervene from Yemen.

The Houthis have repeatedly attacked merchant ships in the past in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

The waterways form a key link between the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean, and are considered among the world's most important trade routes.
The Israeli military has said that Irans weapons production capabilities will be largely destroyed "within a few days."

Over the coming days, the military aims to "complete their attacks on all key components of the [Iranian] military industry," army spokesman Effie Defrin told journalists on Saturday evening.

"This means that we will have destroyed most military production capabilities," he added.

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"It will take the regime a long time to rebuild them."

Since Israel and the US began to attack Iran four weeks ago, the Israeli Air Force has been carrying out heavy strikes on Iran's military industry.

The Israeli military estimates that it has already struck around 90% of the key facilities in the Iranian arms industry, according to the Times of Israel.

Israeli fighter jets also bombed military production facilities in Iran overnight, including the headquarters of the Marine Industries Organization which is responsible for the development and construction of warships and submarines.
By Nazih Osseiran

BEIRUT, March 28 (Reuters) - Israeli forces killed three Lebanese journalists in southern Lebanon on Saturday in an airstrike that Israel's military said had targeted one of the reporters, with a followup strike on the rescue workers sent to assist them also causing fatalities.

Lebanon's health ministry said medics were directly targeted en route to the scene of an earlier strike on journalists.

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More than 50 medical workers have been killed in Lebanon, including nine in the last day alone, in what the ministry described as an "escalating pace" of Israeli attacks on healthcare workers and facilities.

The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment. It has accused Hezbollah of using medical facilities for military purposes and warned it would attack hospitals if the group does not change course.

WHO CONDEMNS ATTACKS ON HEALTH WORKERS

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on X in response to the killings that health workers were protected under international humanitarian law and "should never be targeted", without mentioning Israel.

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Israeli strikes killed two soldier in the Lebanese army in the south on Saturday, the Lebanese military said in separate statements on X.

The Israeli military said on Saturday that the Air Force had struck more than 100 targets in Lebanon since Friday.

Saturday's strike is the first time Israel has acknowledged killing a journalist in Lebanon.

Lebanese television news channel Al Manar said its reporter Ali Shaib and reporter Fatima Ftouni, from Lebanese pan-Arab broadcaster Al Mayadeen, were killed when their vehicle was hit. Lebanon's information minister, Paul Morcos, later said Ftouni's brother, Mohammed, a cameraman, had also been killed.

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Israel's military said in a statement it had killed Shaib, whom it called a "terrorist", in a targeted strike, accusing him of being part of a Hezbollah intelligence unit, and said he had reported on locations of Israeli soldiers in Lebanon.

The statement, which also accused Shaib of "incitement" against Israeli soldiers and civilians, did not mention the other journalists or provide evidence to support its assertion that Shaib was a member of a Hezbollah intelligence unit.

Hezbollah, which controls Al Manar, denied Shaib was part of one of its intelligence units.

"The enemys false claims are nothing but an expression of its weakness and fragility, and a desperate attempt to evade responsibility for this crime," it said in a statement.

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Lebanese President Joseph Aoun described the journalists as "civilians doing their professional duty."

"It is a brazen crime that violates all treaties and norms through which journalists enjoy international protection in war," he said in a statement on X.

More than 1,180 people have been killed in Lebanon since U.S. and Israel attacked Iran, according to the country's authorities, who do not otherwise distinguish between civilians and militants.

'GROWING RISKS TO JOURNALISTS'

Al Manar described Shaib as an "icon of resistance reporting." Al Mayadeen, which is widely perceived as editorially aligned with Hezbollah, and Iran's allies and supporters in the region, said Fatima Ftouni had been distinguished by her brave and objective reporting.

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In response to the killings, Reporters Without Borders said it had been raising the alarm for weeks about the growing risks facing media professionals.

The killings followed the death of Hussain Hamood, a Lebanese freelance journalist working for Al Manar who the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said on X was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Wednesday.

At least three other reporters in Lebanon, Iran and Gaza have been killed in Israeli or joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes since the Iran war began on February 28, CPJ said on Thursday. The U.S. military did not immediately respond to a request for comment, nor did the Israeli military.

An Israeli strike in October 2024 hit a collection of guesthouses housing only reporters in the southern Lebanese town of Hasbaya, killing two journalists from Al Mayadeen and one from Al Manar, prompting global condemnation.

(Additional reporting by Jaidaa Taha, Maya Gebeily and Alexander Cornwell; Editing by Joe Bavier, Timothy Heritage and Louise Heavens)
The West Tennessee community is mourning after the loss of two Clarksville-Montgomery County School System students, following a bus crash in Carroll County that was en route to Jackson for a field trip.

The crash occurred in the area of Highway 70 and Cedar Grove at approximately 12 p.m. on March 27.

Lieutenant Bill Miller starts the press conference concerning a Clarksville-Montgomery County bus crash at Lake Halford in Huntingdon, Tenn., on Friday, Mar. 27, 2026. Major Travis Plotzer speaks during a Tennessee Highway Patrol press conference concerning a Clarksville-Montgomery County bus crash at Lake Halford in Huntingdon, Tenn., on Friday, Mar. 27, 2026. West Tennessee Director of Operations for Baptist Priority Ambulance Andrew Hoard speaks during a Tennessee Highway Patrol press conference concerning a Clarksville-Montgomery County bus crash at Lake Halford in Huntingdon, Tenn., on Friday, Mar. 27, 2026. Carroll County Sheriff Andy Dickson speaks during a Tennessee Highway Patrol press conference concerning a Clarksville-Montgomery County bus crash at Lake Halford in Huntingdon, Tenn., on Friday, Mar. 27, 2026. Major Travis Plotzer speaks during a Tennessee Highway Patrol press conference concerning a Clarksville-Montgomery County bus crash at Lake Halford in Huntingdon, Tenn., on Friday, Mar. 27, 2026. A photo of the outside of First Baptist Church in Huntingdon, Tenn., which is acting as a reunification point for students affected by a Clarksville-Montgomery County bus crash that took place on Highway 70 on Friday, Mar. 27, 2026. A photo of the outside of First Baptist Church in Huntingdon, Tenn., which is acting as a reunification point for students affected by a Clarksville-Montgomery County bus crash that took place on Highway 70 on Friday, Mar. 27, 2026. A photo of the outside of First Baptist Church in Huntingdon, Tenn., which is acting as a reunification point for students affected by a Clarksville-Montgomery County bus crash that took place on Highway 70 on Friday, Mar. 27, 2026. Carroll Co., TN officials react as tragic bus crash grieves community 1 of 8 Lieutenant Bill Miller starts the press conference concerning a Clarksville-Montgomery County bus crash at Lake Halford in Huntingdon, Tenn., on Friday, Mar. 27, 2026.

The crash involved a CMCSS school bus carrying 25 students and five adults, a Tennessee Department of Transportation dump truck with two individuals, and a Chevrolet Trailblazer with one individual.

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During a press conference on the afternoon of March 27, Maj. Travis Plotzer with the Tennessee Highway Patrol said details regarding the crash are limited as the agency continues its investigation.

He noted that at this time, it doesn't appear that TDOT contributed to the crash.

Students from Kenwood Middle School were scheduled to participate in the Toyota Hub City Grand Prix Greenpower USA race on March 28.

Marlon King, Jackson Madison County School System Superintendent, posted the following statement on Facebook concerning the incident.

It is with a profound sense of sadness and a heavy heart that I reach out to you today. Most of you may not be aware of the tragic bus incident involving students from Kenwood Middle School within the Clarksville-Montgomery County School District. These students were traveling to our community to participate in the Toyota Hub City Grand Prix Greenpower USA race, King said. As both a parent and your superintendent, I am completely devastated by this news. This tragedy occurred in neighboring Carroll County, only a few miles from our own district. While we are still receiving updates, we know that there have been several fatalities, and the impact of this loss is immeasurable.King added that he reached out to CMCSS Superintendent Jean Luna-Vedder to extend support and prayers.He confirmed the Grand Prix event is still scheduled to be held in the morning, beginning at 8:45 a.m. at Rockabilly Stadium in Jackson, but will represent a time of reflection and unity.

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Grief counselors will be on site, and the stadium will have a private location for those needing a safe space to express their grief.

Sarah Best is a reporter for the Jackson Sun. To support local journalism, subscribe to the Daily Briefing at jacksonsun.com.

This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: Jackson superintendent mourns loss of students in Carroll County bus crash
Theres been a major reduction in Miami Beachs homeless population over the last few years  and the city has been using increasingly aggressive tactics to help make it happen.

Police ratcheted up enforcement of a ban on outdoor sleeping, making around 800 arrests in 2025.

City workers installed concrete bumps on walls to make them more difficult to sit or sleep on.

Officers even began flying drones to find homeless people hidden in the dunes along the beach, launching more than 40 drone flights last year that led to eight people being arrested.

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Now, city officials are celebrating their success  despite criticism from advocates who say Miami Beach is simply pushing the homeless population into jails, shelters and the street in other parts of the county.

At his State of the City address last month, Mayor Steven Meiner revealed that an overnight census in January had identified just 93 homeless people in Miami Beach  the citys lowest figure since the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust began conducting counts in 1997.

The same census showed increases in the homeless population in the city of Miami and countywide.

The new push began in 2023, when Miami Beach commissioners revised the citys camping ordinance so that police no longer had to issue a warning before making an arrest.

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Enforcement was sporadic at first. It picked up in 2024. Then, last year, arrests more than tripled compared to the year before, according to data obtained by the Miami Herald through a public records request. Since the ordinance was changed, officers have made more than 1,100 camping arrests.

Last year, almost half of all arrests in the city  45%  were of people who are homeless.

Beyond camping arrests, Miami Beach has gone to great lengths to make it harder for people to live outdoors.

Police drone flights over dune areas have discovered 80 homeless encampments, according to city officials. The police department proactively surveils the dunes to aerially discover any encampments or illicit behavior, a city memo says.

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Miami Beach has also installed whats known as hostile architecture to prevent people from comfortably sitting and lying down in certain areas, adding bumps along a low wall near volleyball courts in North Beach and to a wall on the boardwalk near Lincoln Road, a tourist hotspot.

In response to detailed questions from the Herald, city spokesperson Melissa Berthier said the decrease in Miami Beachs homeless population is encouraging and attributed the trend to more than just arrests.

While there may be a perceived correlation with increased enforcement following the updated camping ordinance, the Citys approach is far more comprehensive and service-driven than enforcement alone, Berthier said. Our primary focus continues to be on connecting individuals experiencing homelessness with meaningful services, support, and pathways to stability.

The city brought more than 500 people to shelters and reunited 239 people with their families or helped them relocate in the last fiscal year, Berthier said.

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The decline in homelessness has been noticeable, said Eugene Gino Gordon, who is homeless in the city and was arrested for camping in 2024.

Its very unfriendly right now, he said.

Gordon, 47, said he has found ways to navigate the camping ban, including training himself to wake up to the sound of a police ATV approaching if he falls asleep on the beach. He has faced other low-level charges but hasnt been arrested for camping again.

But he often goes days with only a few hours of sleep, he said. Sometimes, he asks people for permission to sleep near their businesses or homes, and they agree not to call the cops.

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I have some people that are rooting for me, Gordon said. I have a little bit of comfort to know that I may be able to sleep through the night.

Mitch Novick, the longtime owner of the Sherbrooke Hotel in South Beach, said he sees fewer homeless people than he did in the past when he runs and rollerblades through the neighborhood each morning. Thats a positive step, he said, though the problem still persists.

Previously, Novick said he saw the same homeless people each day  and got to know many of them. Thats no longer the case.

Now, if anything, its more transient than ever, Novick said.

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The city has been under pressure from some Miami Beach residents to take action.

In a June 2024 Facebook post, Commissioner David Suarez noted that residents had been demanding action on the homeless problem and said enforcement was picking up.

One resident commented that he moved to Miami Beach from California precisely because we were sick and tired of the absurdity of the homeless policy there . . . What Miami Beach is doing is the only possible way to preserve the integrity of our city.

Miami Beach officials stress that the camping ban requires that homeless people be offered a shelter bed before they can be arrested. And they point to millions of dollars that the city spends each year on services for the homeless population.

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Miami Beach is a compassionate city that leads with services first, Meiner wrote in a March 5 email to residents.

Our dedicated homeless outreach teams are active every day, and shelter placements and reunification efforts are also making a real difference, the mayor said. At the same time, we continue to enforce our anti-camping laws to protect neighborhoods, parks, and public spaces. It is truly a balanced approach. And our strategy is working in a big way!

Camping arrests lead to jail time

People arrested for public camping are frequently spending time behind bars, according to data from the citys municipal prosecution team, which handles city ordinance violations in state court.

City prosecutors have regularly asked judges to require bonds in camping cases. The defendants, facing bonds in the range of $150, can rarely pay their way out. Some have spent more than two months in jail on camping charges, records show. Often, they plead guilty and are released with credit for time served.

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When a client is homeless, theres no way theyll be able to afford a bond, said Carlos Martinez, the Miami-Dade County public defender.

More recently, city prosecutors have agreed to let people go free if they dont have any violent felony convictions in the past 10 years. Those people must also agree to report to the citys homeless outreach office within 24 hours of their bond hearing.

For many, the camping ordinance has meant a revolving door between the street and a jail cell. The Herald reviewed police data and identified 187 people who have been arrested under the ordinance more than once. One man has been arrested for camping a dozen times.

Ron Book, who leads the countys Homeless Trust and has sparred with Miami Beach leaders, said he wasnt surprised to see the citys homeless population going down, something that belies county trends.

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Across Miami-Dade, the Homeless Trust identified 1,184 people living on the street in its January survey, the countys highest number since 2008. The count found 605 such people in the city of Miami, an 11% increase from a year before.

Miami Beach officials are exporting their homeless problem, Book told the Herald.

All the evidence suggests that after those people served their short-term jail stints, they were simply released back into homelessness elsewhere in the County, he said in an email.

Using the criminal justice system to combat homelessness is costly and does not result in improved outcomes, Book added. The Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department estimates that it costs taxpayers $294 a day to keep someone behind bars.

No other city in Miami-Dade is mimicking Miami Beachs camping crackdown, despite a state law  which Gov. Ron DeSantis signed in Miami Beach alongside Meiner in 2024  that subjects cities and counties to lawsuits for allowing people to sleep in public.

But Berthier said the city strongly disagrees with Books characterization that the city is exporting its homeless population.

The data and day-to-day operations of our Homeless Outreach Services Team reflect a comprehensive, service-driven approach focused on engagement, stabilization, and long-term outcomes for individuals experiencing homelessness  both within our City and across the broader County system, she said.

Offers of shelter beds often go rejected

There are no shelter beds in Miami Beach. But the city has contracts that allow it to use more than 90 beds in mainland Miami, officials said. The city also has a walk-in center for homeless people near City Hall and contracts with a nonprofit, New Hope CORPS, to provide overnight outreach services.

Miami Beach Commissioner Alex Fernandez, who supported the camping ordinance change in 2023, said part of the goal was to protect homeless people from becoming victims of crime. Whether they accept shelter or face arrest, Fernandez said, the hope is that they will end up in a safer, cleaner place than sleeping on the streets.

Still, when police offer shelter in lieu of arrest, people usually say no, city records show. From January 2024 through February 2026, police sent 189 people to shelters. During the same period, officers made six times as many camping arrests, the Heralds analysis found.

People decline emergency shelter for various reasons, including dangerous shelter conditions, strict rules, and limits on how much they can bring into the facility. Beds are typically only available for 24 hours at the Salvation Army in Miami, meaning people may return to the street the next day  without all of their stuff.

There can be completely understandable reasons why somebody might turn down shelter, said Stephen Schnably, a University of Miami law professor who studies homelessness. That one night can be very costly.

David Peery, who founded the nonprofit Miami Coalition to Advance Racial Equity and was a plaintiff in a landmark case on homelessness in the city of Miami, said a 24-hour shelter bed is basically a glorified holding cell.

It simply recycles you back onto the streets again, said Peery, who himself was homeless for years.

Berthier said that, after people are placed in a 24-hour bed, city workers meet with them at the shelter to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment. From there, they may be able to remain in a shelter if a bed is available, get placed into a specialized program, or be reunited with family or relocated when a verified support system is available.

While the initial placement is typically short-term and immediate, it is designed as an entry point into a broader continuum of care  supported by both City outreach teams and specialized providers  that can lead to longer-term stabilization and housing solutions, Berthier said.

Remove the homeless

Bobby Hernandez, who leads the Miami Beach police union, said officers were initially hesitant to enforce the camping ordinance out of fear that they might be accused of violating peoples civil rights. But amid questions from elected officials in May 2024 about a lack of enforcement, Police Chief Wayne Jones encouraged officers to make use of the ordinance, Hernandez said.

In an email to police leadership that month, Maj. Ian Robinson framed camping arrests as a form of broken windows theory policing  addressing smaller issues to get bad actors out of our city and possibly prevent a worse incident from occurring later on.

The camping ordinance is a bit unique in that it still gets homeless people shelter out of our city (if they accept) thereby accomplishing the same goal as an arrest if no other charges apply, Robinson wrote.

The number of camping arrests began to tick up around that time, records show. Now, Hernandez said, Everybodys enforcing it.

Fernandez, the city commissioner, said elected officials have sought accountability from police and city staff. He asked the city manager to provide weekly memos on initiatives related to homelessness, including data on camping arrests and shelter placements.

The memos track the percentage of people arrested for all offenses citywide who are homeless: 45% last year, up from about a quarter of arrests in 2021.

Residents are often on the front lines of enforcement, contacting elected officials to complain and share photos of those who appear to be homeless. The officials then pass the messages along to the city manager and police chief.

In August, someone emailed Meiner a series of photos showing people sleeping outside  on a wall near the boardwalk, on the beach sand, atop a lifeguard stand. This is dangerous. Its also horrible for business, the person wrote.

I agree that this is not acceptable, Meiner responded, copying the city manager and police chief.

In December, another resident emailed Meiner: Could you please , send a police @ night and remove the homeless from 917 Alton road. Garbage side. I have someone camping there behind the garbage.

Meiner forwarded the message to the police chief and city manager, who replied: Mr. Mayor, We are on this.

At a City Commission meeting last week, Meiner said he doesnt receive as many complaints as he once did about the homeless population  an apparent result of the citys ramped-up efforts.

I used to get complaints all the time about homeless individuals, Meiner said. Now, its much more rare.
Mar. 28JAMESTOWN  Vision and hunger are two primary causes that the Jamestown Lions Club focuses on, says Kevin Sortland, president of the club.

"Vision is probably the top priority," Sortland said. "We have a program with the optometrists in town. If they'll do the exam, we'll help pay for the glasses for people who can't afford to pay for them otherwise."

The club also collects old eyeglasses, said Kathy Boe, treasurer of the club. The club has a drop box for them near Professional Eyecare Centers in Jamestown. It is yellow in color and has the Lions logo on it, she said. People can drop off their old glasses there, and the Lions Club will repurpose them, Boe said.

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"They might go to somebody in Mexico, they might go to somebody in Illinois, but they can be used by somebody else," she said.

Boe said many pairs of eyeglasses are donated. They have to be read and labeled first before they can be given to the right people.

"We're very unique to most Lions clubs in the fact that we have a partnership with the prison (James River Correctional Center)," she said.

At the James River Correctional Center, an inmate chosen by the prison uses equipment to read the prescriptions of the eyeglasses and labels them, Boe said. Jamestown Lions members transport the eyeglasses to a facility in Mandan, which handles the shipping to where they are needed, Boe said.

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Jamestown used to have two Lions Clubs, the Buffalo City Lions Club and Jamestown Lions Club, Sortland said. The clubs merged into the Jamestown Lions Club 10 years ago, he said.

The Jamestown Lions Club meets at 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at the Gladstone Inn and Suites. Dues are $100 a year plus meals. There are currently 26 members, Boe said.

"We serve a supper, and we usually have someone from the community come and speak about something new going on in the community, or we have a Lions project we talk about, and then the business that we have to discuss," Boe said of the meetings.

The club doesn't meet in June, July or August, but has some projects, Sortland said, such as cleaning at the Stutsman County Fairgrounds during the Stutsman County Fair.

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"Every morning we go up and pick up all the trash that's left laying around on the ground, and we make sure that it looks good for the people to come," Boe said.

Boe, who has previously served as a Lions district governor, said the Jamestown Lions Club is a member of Lions Clubs International. Lions Clubs International is an international organization with eight global causes, she said.

The eight global causes are childhood cancer, diabetes, disaster relief, environment, humanitarian, hunger, vision and youth. Individual clubs can determine what global causes to focus on, whether that's one or all eight, Boe said. The Jamestown Lions Club focuses on vision and hunger.

The Lions motto is "We Serve," Boe said. "And every club serves in the capacity that they are able."

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In addition to the club's eyeglass project, members donate their time to help when Great Plains Food Bank's mobile food pantry stops in Jamestown, Sortland said. The club also has several routes for Meals on Wheels that it delivers once a month, Boe said.

Lions members have helped with tree plantings around the city, Boe added, and there is a Lions Tree Park near Jamestown Reservoir. The club planted the trees there some time ago, and there is a sign at the site, she said. They maintain that as well.

Lions members help during the Volunteer Day at Frontier Village, preparing the site for the tourism season. They sponsor a blood drive annually and ring the bell for the Salvation Army during the Red Kettle Campaign at Christmas.

"There's a saying in Lions," Boe said. "It's called, 'If there's a need, there's a Lion.' So if the community would need us for whatever, if we were able to help their cause, we would be there to help out."

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Boe said the Jamestown Lions Club has a fundraising raffle each year. In addition to giving out prizes, the raffle supports causes in the community and the Lions eyeglass program. The club has supported organizations for Giving Hearts Day and holds a sweet corn fundraiser, selling corn that a farmer planted and donated, she said.

Sortland said club members enjoy spending time together, whether they are volunteering or just spending time together.

"A lot of the activities we do, I think we have fun together," he said.

In 2029, the Jamestown Lions Club will celebrate 100 years of existence, Boe said, and the club plans to commemorate that anniversary in some way.

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Lions Clubs International has been around since 1917, and there are 1.4 million Lions members in the world in 200 countries, Boe added. Its initiative at this time is "Mission 1.5," to increase membership to 1.5 million, she said.

Anyone interested in membership may contact Sortland, Boe or any Lions member. They are also welcome to attend a meeting to learn more about the organization.
Two reporters and a cameraman were killed in an Israeli attack in southern Lebanon on Saturday, according to two television stations affiliated with Iran-backed militia Hezbollah.

The Hezbollah-run Al Manar station reported that its long-time correspondent Ali Shouyaeb died after a strike targeted a vehicle near the town of Jezzine.

In the same attack, Fatima Ftouni, a correspondent for new channel Al Mayadeen, and her brother Mohamed, a cameraman, were also killed, according to the broadcasters.

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"Our colleague, correspondent Fatima Fatouni, was martyred in a treacherous Israeli attack," Al Mayadeen said.

The three media workers were reportedly inside a car when it was struck during an Israeli attack in the area. No further details were immediately available.

Lebanese Information Minister Paul Morcos denounced the killing of journalists.

"Once again, we are shocked by the martyrdom of journalists. We condemn and denounce in the strongest terms Israel's repeated and deliberate targeting of journalists," he said in a statement.

The Israeli army confirmed that it targeted Ali Shouyaeb and that he had been killed in the strike. The military described him as "a terrorist in the intelligence unit of Hezbollahs Radwan Force."

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The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) alleged that Shouyaeb had "operated within the Hezbollah terrorist organization under the guise of a journalist for the Al-Manar network, while operating systematically to expose the locations of IDF soldiers operating in southern Lebanon and along the border."

Shouyaeb was widely known as one of Al-Manars war correspondents, known for his close-up coverage from frontline areas along the Lebanon-Israel border.

Fatouni was also known for her reporting from war-ravaged southern Lebanon.

The killings come amid ongoing cross-border hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, which flared up again following the start of the Iran war.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Gujarat on Tuesday, March 31, for a one-day tour of the state. During the visit, he is scheduled to inaugurate and dedicate several railway projects. According to the Gujarat Chief Minister's Office, PM Modi will also flag off a new train service designed to strengthen connectivity, boost economic activity, and enhance passenger convenience. Collectively valued at Rs 891 crore, these projects mark a significant step towards modernising rail infrastructure and accelerating regional development in Gujarat. It will be inaugurated virtually from Vav Tharad during the Prime Minister's visit on March 31. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will be present during the launch. During his visit, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the Himmatnagar-Khed Brahma 55 km new line, constructed for Rs 482 crore. This project will substantially improve connectivity in the Sabarkantha district by enabling faster and more affordable travel, while directly linking the region with Ahmedabad and Udaipur. It is expected to enhance access to essential services such as healthcare and education, while also creating new livelihood opportunities for local communities. In addition, the Prime Minister will dedicate to the Nation the Kanalus-Jamnagar doubling project (27 km), built for Rs 257 crore, and the Gandhidham-Adipur multitracking project (11 km), constructed for Rs 152 crore. These capacity augmentation initiatives will facilitate smoother and faster train operations, significantly improve freight handling efficiency, and strengthen connectivity to key industrial hubs and ports, including Deendayal Port. They are expected to reduce transit time, lower logistics costs, boost tourism in the region, and support farmers and industries by improving market access. The Prime Minister will also flag off a new train service from Khedbrahma to Ahmedabad via Himmatnagar, providing direct rail connectivity to the region and making daily commuting more convenient, affordable, and efficient. The service is expected to stimulate local economic activity and tourism. These projects are aligned with the Prime Minister's vision of transforming Indian Railways into a modern, efficient, and growth-oriented engine of the Indian economy. By strengthening last-mile connectivity, enhancing freight efficiency, and improving passenger experience, these initiatives will play a vital role in driving inclusive development and improving the quality of life for citizens across Gujarat. (ANI)
Two reporters and a cameraman were killed in an Israeli attack in southern Lebanon on Saturday, according to two television stations affiliated with Iran-backed militia Hezbollah.

The Hezbollah-run Al Manar station reported that its long-time correspondent Ali Shouyaeb died after a strike targeted a vehicle near the town of Jezzine.

In the same attack, Fatima Ftouni, a correspondent for news channel Al Mayadeen, and her brother Mohamed, a cameraman, were also killed, according to the broadcasters.

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The three media workers were reportedly inside a car when it was struck during an Israeli attack in the area. No further details were immediately available.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the killings, accusing Israel of "once again [violating] the most basic rules of international law, international humanitarian law, and the laws of war by targeting media correspondents who are civilians carrying out their professional duty."

Lebanese Information Minister Paul Morcos also denounced the killing of journalists.

"Once again, we are shocked by the martyrdom of journalists. We condemn and denounce in the strongest terms Israel's repeated and deliberate targeting of journalists," he said in a statement.

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The Israeli army confirmed that it had targeted Ali Shouyaeb and that he had been killed in the strike, but described him as "a terrorist in the intelligence unit of Hezbollahs Radwan Force."

The military did not initially comment on the fate of Ftouni.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) alleged that Shouyaeb had "operated within the Hezbollah terrorist organization under the guise of a journalist for the Al-Manar network, while operating systematically to expose the locations of IDF soldiers operating in southern Lebanon and along the border."

It was not possible to independently verify the claims.

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Shouyaeb was widely known as one of Al-Manars war correspondents, known for his close-up coverage from frontline areas along the Lebanon-Israel border.

Fatouni was also known for her reporting from war-ravaged southern Lebanon.

The killings come amid ongoing cross-border hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, which flared up again following the start of the Iran war.

During the Gaza war, the Israeli military killed journalists on several occasions. The US-based Committee to Protect Journalists has accused Israel of pursuing a "long-standing practice of labeling journalists as terrorists or engaging in militant activity, without providing sufficient and reliable evidence to support these claims".
Welcome back, Deadline: Legal Newsletter readers. This week, the Supreme Court heard a Republican appeal to block mail-in ballots that arrive after Election Day. Mondays argument suggested that the effort has the support of several GOP-appointed justices. We should learn by early July whether a majority of the court will deliver another victory for the GOP ahead of the midterm elections. Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett may hold pivotal votes in the case, called Watson v. RNC.

The hearing is a reminder of the simple, yet important, math on a court with six GOP appointees and three Democratic appointees. In politically consequential disputes at the nine-justice court, Republicans can afford to lose a vote and still win 5-4. Put another way, in cases with clear party lines  voting cases are a good example  two GOP appointees must defect for a Democratic win.

That math was also on display on Mondays order list, a routine document that contains the latest action on pending appeals, mostly consisting of the court declining to review cases without comment. Because the court wields great power over its docket  which cases it chooses to consider, which to reject  the list provides a snapshot of the courts priorities.

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Those priorities were clear as ever on Mondays list, with Justice Sonia Sotomayor authoring three dissents. One of them came in a qualified immunity case, in which the majority summarily sided with a law enforcement officer over Sotomayors dissent for the three Democratic appointees. The minority accused the GOP appointees of giving officers license to inflict gratuitous pain on a nonviolent protestor even where there is no threat to officer safety or any other reason to do so.

The Obama appointee also led the trio in dissent from the courts refusal to consider Rodney Reeds appeal from Texas death row. The denial means the state likely will execute him without the world ever knowing whether Reeds or another persons DNA is on the murder weapon, even though a simple DNA test could reveal that information, Sotomayor wrote, joined by Justices Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson.

Sotomayor was alone in a third dissent on the list, stemming from the courts denial of a qualified immunity appeal from a citizen journalist, who alleged she was arrested in retaliation for reporting on law enforcements activities. In her solo dissent, Sotomayor called the courts denial of Priscilla Villarreals petition a grave error, writing that the court leaves standing a clear attack on the First Amendments role in protecting our democracy.

It takes four justices to grant review. That leaves the Democratic appointees powerless to shape the docket on their own. Certainly, one justice cant do so alone.

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Well be looking at the next order list on Monday to see whether the court acts on Steve Bannons petition. In that one, the Justice Department is supporting the Trump allys bid to upend his contempt conviction, with the DOJ pressing the justices to send his case back to the lower court so that it can be dismissed. Friday marks the third time that the justices considered Bannons petition at one of their private conferences. They have no deadline to act, so all we know is that the court could decide on his petition soon  perhaps as soon as Monday  but theres no guarantee that it will do so.

Another Trump-related petition thats taking an uncertain route is the presidents appeal to reverse one of the civil verdicts won against him by writer E. Jean Carroll. This is the case in which Carroll obtained a $5 million verdict against him in 2023 for sexual abuse and defamation. That one is further ahead in the appellate process than Trumps separate ongoing challenge to Carrolls $83.3 million defamation award. In the $5 million case, the court keeps rescheduling the presidents petition before it can be considered at one of the justices private conferences. Such a rescheduling happened again this week. So unlike Bannons petition thats ripe for decision, we wont hear anything on the Carroll appeal until after the justices officially consider whether to review it at one of their upcoming closed-door meetings.

On top of the latest order list coming on Monday morning, the court will close out its latest two-week hearing session with a series of important arguments. Among them will be a hearing Tuesday in a capital case from Mississippi involving race, jury selection and an infamous prosecutor. On Wednesday, the court will hear arguments in the crucial birthright citizenship case, in which the president is singlehandedly trying to redefine what it means to be an American  the Constitution and more than 100 years of precedent notwithstanding.

Meanwhile, Trump said this week that two of his appointees, Barrett and Neil Gorsuch, sicken him, because they joined last months ruling against his illegal tariffs. Well check back in next week to see how the president might have reason to feel about his quest to kill birthright citizenship after Wednesdays hearing.

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LOUISVILLE  Thousands rallied across Kentucky on Saturday in No Kings protests against the administration of President Donald Trump.

Cindy Campbell of Louisville led a march around downtown from her wheelchair  along with her son and granddaughter  holding a sign that said No Kings in America since 1776.

We feel very strongly that this country is on such a wrong track, said Campbell, 68. We just see whats happened to this country and how it used to be. And theres not much we can do, but this  and this is why we came out.

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Campbell was one of at least 1,000 who rallied in downtown Louisville. Politicians and community organizers spoke from the steps of Metro Hall above a sign that asked: Who Would Jesus Deport?

Cindy Campbell, 68, leads the No Kings march in downtown Louisville on March 28, 2026. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Sarah Ladd)

Before the No Kings movement emerged in President Donald Trumps second term in the White House, it had been years since Campbell protested anything. (She recalls having posters in her room against the war in Vietnam decades ago).

Its just very frustrating when (Trump) just does anything he wants to do, and it doesnt matter if its against the law or not supposed to be done. He just does it anyway, she said.

She takes issue, in particular, with library books being removed from some libraries over content labeled as DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) and over rhetoric attacking woke people. She said her family includes people of different races and sexual orientations.

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To me that (woke) is just: You care about other people and making sure everybody has a spot at the table, she said.

Halfway through the rally, which was scheduled from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, the crowd marched around downtown and returned to Metro Hall without incident. Along the march, several Louisville Metro Police Officers rode bikes on the sidewalk, around the outskirts of the march. There were no visible counter-protesters along the route.

Anti-Trump protesters turn out in Morehead, March 28, 2026. (Photo submitted)

At least 38 No Kings protests were scheduled around Kentucky, from Prestonsburg to Ashland to Paducah.

In Morehead, 250 people gathered Saturday morning, encouraged by passersby who honked horns and gave thumbs-up signs, said Capp Yess, one of the organizers. Speakers included former Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Janet Stumbo, on behalf of her husband Ned Pillersdorf, a Democrat running this year in hopes of unseating Republican U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers. Also speaking were Democrats Eva Markicevic-Daley, running for the Kentucky House, and Logan Forsyth, running for the U.S. Senate.

Louisville: A push to vote as an act of dissent

Louisville Metro Councilman JP Lyninger, center, said democracy is at stake right now. March 28, 2026. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Sarah Ladd)

Elected officials, politicians running for office and community organizers emphasized the need to vote to the crowd gathered in Louisville, criticized Trumps war in Iran, recent actions from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and more.

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Were at a moment in our lives, in the history of our country, where we have to decide who we are as a city, as a state, as a nation, as a people, said immigration attorney and state Rep. Nima Kulkarni, D-Louisville. What does it mean to be American?

She also criticized actions from ICE: Do they care who theyre picking up? Do they care if that person is a criminal? Do they care if theyre here legally? Do they care if theyre citizens? Do they care if they hurt citizens? Do they care when they kill citizens on the streets of our country? We have got to fight back.

Kulkarni, herself an immigrant, said the current climate around immigration is causing fear.

People that look like me have been carrying around their passports, their birth certificates, she said. They are afraid to go out of their houses to work, to school.

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Kulkarni also pushed the importance of voting.

Its not lost on any of us here how important the midterm elections are, and I want you to think about two things when you vote, she said. I want you to think about accountability, and I want you to think about your vote as an act of dissent.

Rep. Lisa Willner, D-Louisville, was also at the rally but did not speak. U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey, a Louisville Democrat, was also at the Louisville protest.

Jefferson County Clerk David Yates, left, attending the March 28, 2026 No Kings rally. Yates has intervened in a federal lawsuit in hopes of blocking the U.S. Department of Justice from gaining access to Kentuckians sensitive voter data. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Sarah Ladd)

Jefferson County Clerk David Yates, a former Democratic state senator who in March intervened in a federal lawsuit in hopes of blocking the U.S. Department of Justice from gaining access to Kentuckians sensitive voter data, told the crowd: I will not be bullied; I will not be intimidated.

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We have a president whos willing to lie, cheat and fraud their way and take away your rights, Yates said. A president that would try to use a nationalized election to play partisan games, to try to keep women, certain Americans, certain groups, legalized citizens  to try to put roadblocks in the way to voting.

Shameka Parish-Wright, a Louisville councilwoman and mayoral candidate, said the country, as it prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, needs to reckon with its past.

We need movements that dont back down, because this moment right now is about deciding what kind of country we are going to be, she said.

Hugh Trimble of Bowling Green performs during a No Kings protest on Saturday in Bowling Green, Ky. ( Kentucky Lantern photo by Austin Anthony)

Louisville Metro Councilman JP Lyninger said democracy is at stake and the country is under attack by fascists in Washington who want to take away our freedoms.

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Is our government legitimate? he asked. Thats a question that is at stake here. Where is the line? Where do we decide that the government that represents us in Washington is no longer legitimate? I am really worried about that, and you should be worried about that too.

Lexington: My dad is an immigrant.

In Lexington, thousands also turned out to listen to speakers and musicians before marching through downtown.

From left, Ren Mancayo, Elizabeth Johannides and Cam Fisher. They are students at Henry Clay High School in Lexington. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Jamie Lucke)

The overflow crowd in the Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza included Ren Mancayo, 17, who was there with friends who, like him, are students at Henry Clay High School.

My dad is an immigrant so this is a little personal, he said.

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Cam Fisher, 16, said he was there because I have a lot of friends who are in marginalized communities and hes disappointed that the Trump administration is going backwards in time on human rights. ICE is unethical. They have to go. Theyre kidnapping kids. I dont want the country to become a dangerous place for kids, he said.



With the group was Martha Johannides, mother of 14-year-old Elizabeth. Im very proud of these guys learning to use their voice young, she said, adding that there was a lot of competition for families time in Lexington on Saturday, including many school plays and Comic Con.

Crystal ODell, of Georgetown, said she had multiple reasons for turning out to protest Trump. Im a female. I have a daughter. Shes 11. Im concerned about the country shes growing up in. Im a nurse. Im concerned about my community. I think this war in Iran is a distraction  from Epstein, ICE, the economy.

The Lexington-based group Gathering for Democracy, which last year organized a town hall attended by almost 1,000 people, staffed a tent where people could write their Dreams for Democracy on colorful streamers that blew in the March wind and will become part of an art installation. Victoria Meyer wrote, Love One Another.

Kim Edwards of Lexington staffed Gathering for Democracys tent in the Courthouse Plaza during Lexingtons No Kings rally. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Jamie Lucke)

Kim Edwards, a novelist and a founder of Gathering for Democracy, said shes devoting much of her time and energy to organizing against Trump because this is a crucial moment  our democracy being eroded by this administration. They seem to have given up on the ideals on which our country was founded  that all our voices matter and that we the people, not a wealthy elite, are the source of power.

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Dr. Craig Blair, a Lexington veterinarian and a leader of Peaceful Bluegrass Resistance, said that since February 2025, the Lexington-based group has staged more than 400 protests  some very small, some very large, he said.

Weve developed a great coalition in Lexington of local groups and chapters of national groups.

Jonna Hendrichs, of Lexington, standing on a corner raising a sign that said Imagine hating immigrants more than pedophiles, said she has participated in all three No Kings protests in Lexington. I want my kids to know how important it is to stand up for what you believe.

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Two Los Angeles County residents face felony charges for allegedly attempting to scam an elderly Ventura County man out of $75,000.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said that 40-year-old Yanwen Gu of Rosemead, and 39-year-old Shaohua Sun of Monterey Park, initially tricked the senior citizen into giving them $25,000 in cash on March 18.

A local senior citizen received a text message instructing him to confirm an alleged $350 Apple Store purchase using his credit, the Ventura County DAs office said in a news release. This text message included a phone number directing the senior to call immediately.

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When the victim called the number, the person on the phone lied, saying that the victims bank account was used to purchase child pornography in Canada, the DAs office said. The victim was then told to call another number for the Ventura County Credit Union Fraud Department.

Suspects Yanwen Gu of Rosemead (left) and Shaohua Sun of Monterey Park (right) face felony charges for their roles in an alleged elder-fraud scheme.

The caller, identifying herself as Jade, instructed the victim to immediately withdraw $25,000 in cash and meet a purported undercover police officer in the City of Ventura to surrender the funds as evidence, the DAs office said. During this phone call, the elder victim was provided a code phrase to recite to the alleged undercover officer at the meeting prior to handing over the $25,000 in cash.

The man met with a co-conspirator in the case and allegedly provided the code word before handing over $25,000. After the exchange, the victim became suspicious of the interaction and contacted the Ventura Police Department. The next day, the victim was being interviewed by police when a suspect scammer contacted him again by phone, this time demanding $50,000 in cash.

VPD detectives immediately coordinated a law enforcement operation wherein multiple phone calls with fraudsters, believed to be operating outside the United States, were monitored by police, the DAs office said. Ultimately, a second meeting was scheduled with the fraudsters in the City of Ventura where they expected to receive $50,000 in cash from the elder victim by means of the same fraud scheme.

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On March 19, Gu approached the victim in Ventura, expecting him to provide another code phrase and hand over $50,000. Immediately after Gu accepted what she thought was $50,000, police moved in and arrested her, the DAs office said. Sun was allegedly acting as her lookout and he was also arrested during the sting.

Gu and Sun were charged with multiple felonies, including conspiracy to commit grand theft and attempted grand theft for their alleged involvement in the elder-fraud scheme. Gu and Sun were arraigned on March 23. They pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Gu and Sun remain in custody on $500,000 bail. The court has granted a motion to examine any source of bail money provided by the defendants to ensure that the funds are not from any of their alleged victims.

The Ventura County District Attorneys Office provided the following list of tips from the FBI for avoiding these types of scams:

Be wary of unsolicited phone calls, texts, emails, or mailings directing one to act quickly, scan a QR code and or call a phone number listed on the solicitation.

Recognize scam attempts and immediately end all communication(s) with the perpetrator.

Resist the pressure to act quickly. Scammers often create a false sense of urgency to produce fear in their victim(s) and lure them into immediate action.

Immediately call the police if you feel in danger or suspect potential fraud.

Never give personal identifying information (PIN) over the phone, by text message, or email.

Utilize current anti-virus software and malware protections on all electronic devices.

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A lawmaker has requested the Pennsylvania attorney general to review incidents of alleged misconduct by staff members at a local high school.

State Rep. Charity Grimm Krupa (R-District 51) announced her formal request over social media on Thursday, days after two Laurel Highlands School District staff members were accused separately of inappropriate conduct with students.

Krupa said the incidents raise serious questions about whether allegations were properly handled, and whether more misconduct remains hidden.

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"When multiple cases emerge within the same district over time, it is no longer sufficient to view them in isolation," Krupa said. These circumstances raise legitimate questions about whether there is a broader pattern and whether existing safeguards and reporting requirements were consistently followed."

Krupa said shes requested the attorney general review compliance with mandatory reporting law and examine the existence of any additional incidents.

On Tuesday, school community members packed a Laurel Highlands School District board meeting, during which the board voted to fire teacher Martin Gatti and suspend JROTC instructor Daniel Cervone pending further review.

Police said Gatti called a female student into his classroom and asked her to kiss him.

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Investigators said Cervone admitted to having a sexual relationship with a student in 2020.

The same day Krupa announced her request to the AGs office, Laurel Highlands Superintendent Jesse T. Wallace III issued a letter to students, parents and staff.

When you entrust your children to our schools, we do so under a bond of protection and safety, Wallace said in the letter. To see that bond broken by individuals is unacceptable. While we cannot change the actions of those individuals, please know that we are holding those staff members accountable for their actions. Laurel Highlands School District has amazing educators, and they will continue to protect and educate your children.

Additionally, Wallace said the district is engaging in full cooperation with law enforcement, conducting personnel review, enhancing training and keeping supportive services available.

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The legal battle between the Riverside County sheriff and the state's top law officer continues as Sheriff Chad Bianco seized hundreds of additional boxes of ballots this week.

Bianco has now retrieved roughly a thousand boxes from the Riverside County Registrar of Voters, according to court records, after executing three search warrants as part of his investigation into an alleged vote discrepancy in the county stemming from last year's special election for Prop 50.

His latest tranche of boxes comes after California Attorney General Rob Bonta directed him to pause his probe.

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A citizens' group says Riverside County claimed handwritten logs showed that just over 611,000 votes were cast in November, where a machine count showed more than 657,000 ballots were counted.

At a recent Riverside County Board of Supervisors meeting, Registrar Art Tinoco stood by the machine count of the ballots, saying the handwritten logs reviewed by the citizen group were reference guides prone to human error.

The roughly 45,000 vote discrepancy would not change the result of the election, but Bianco is pursuing a recount.

"The Riverside County Sheriff's Office is conducting an investigation based on evidence obtained from the ROV. The investigation simply sought to determine the validity of the allegations of election fraud. The exact same way every investigation is conducted," Sheriff Bianco said in a statement Friday.

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Bonta has demanded Bianco halt his effort, issuing directives to the sheriff while they work to understand the basis for the investigation. Bonta's office said Bianco flagrantly ignored those directives.

"The Sheriff has not identified any particular crime that may have been committed by anyone - a necessary predicate to obtain a criminal search warrant. In his own words, this investigation is 'just as much to prove the election is accurate as it is to show otherwise,'" said a spokesperson for the AG's office.

This week, an appellate court struck down Bonta's petition asking the court to get involved and order Bianco to pause, noting that Bonta filed his petition in the wrong court.

Bonta then filed another petition, this time in Riverside County Superior Court, asking a judge there to intervene and require Bianco to comply with his orders.

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A hearing was supposed to take place on Friday in Riverside, however it was reset for Monday morning.

Bonta alleges Bianco's actions could sow distrust and jeopardize public confidence in the upcoming primary election, an election Bianco himself is part of as a leading Republican candidate for governor.

The UCLA Voting Rights Project has launched its own legal effort to halt Bianco's efforts, asking the California Supreme Court to rule that the ballots must be returned to the Registrar of Voters.

"The attorney general's office has taken massive steps, at taxpayers' expense, to prevent a lawful investigation from occurring. The only question that should be asked is why anyone would not want an investigation to occur," Bianco said in a statement.
A man has been arrested in connection to a womans murder inside a beauty salon in Central Falls, Rhode Island.

According to police, the victim, identified as 50-year-old Putali Kunwar, was found deceased as a result of an apparent act of violence yesterday inside Sues Salon on Hunt Street in Central Falls.

Through canvassing and area surveillance footage, detectives were able to identify as suspect as well as a vehicle used to arrive and flee the scene.

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Through Flock camera technology, investigators identified a license plate associated with the vehicle and were able to track down the operator.

66-year-old Lawrence Beauvais was arrested at a motel in North Attleboro, and he will be extradited back to Rhode Island, where he will face charges of First-Degree Murder and First-Degree Robbery.

This has been a heartbreaking 24 hours for Central Falls. A woman losther life, and we are holding her family, loved ones, and the entire Sues Salon community-a small business so many in our city know and care about-in our hearts, said Mayor Maria Rivera.

I want to thank the Central Falls Police Department for their impressive work, our citys emergency responders, and our state and regional law enforcement partners. Because of their coordination, a suspect was quickly identified, tracked, and taken into custody. Im also grateful to our neighbors who stepped forward to help, and for the camera technology that played an important role in this investigation. Violence has no place here. We will continue doing everything we can to keep our community safe, she said.

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This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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A woman has been arrested in connection to a deadly stabbing on Friday evening.

At about 5:52 p.m., Boston police responded to a radio call for a person stabbed at 258 Old Colony Ave in South Boston.

When officers arrived, they located an adult male suffering from a stab wound inside an apartment.

EMS responded and transported the victim to a local hospital, where the victim was pronounced dead on Saturday.

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24-year-old Gisselle Pascual of South Boston was originally charged with assault and battery with dangerous weapon, but the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office has now upgraded the charges to manslaughter. She will be arraigned in South Boston District Court.

Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact the Homicide Unit at (617) 343-4470.

The incident is under investigation.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Loved ones gathered in Azusa on Friday night to remember the life of a man who was found dead in an unusual location.

Eric Valencia, 37, was found dead early Thursday morning in the back of an out-of-service patrol car parked in front of the Azusa police station.

Police said he was not in custody, and they were not aware that he had entered the car.

The police department said the car was due for maintenance and was not in active use by the department. An independent investigation conducted by an outside firm is underway to determine how it was left unlocked.

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"It is not uncommon for vehicles to be out of service and parked for days and/or weeks at a time, as we have a large fleet of emergency vehicles," Chief of Police Rocky Wenrick wrote in a statement. "The vehicle had been left unlocked, and it should have been secured."

Wenrick confirmed that Valencia was arrested the Friday before he was found dead on suspicion of driving under the influence and child endangerment. He was released from custody on Monday.

After he was found dead, police reportedly found camera footage that shows the man entering the backseat of the unlocked police car.

Valencia's cause of death has not been released.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Lieutenant Steve Sears at 626-812-3200.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for slashing excise duty on petrol and diesel. Addressing the inauguration ceremony of Phase I of the Noida International Airport in Jewar, CM Yogi acknowledged the global fuel crisis and noted that the prices of petroleum products in India have remained stable. He said, "Today is an occasion to express gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On the occasion of Ram Navami, there was enthusiasm across the nation. There is currently chaos and tensions across the globe, and prices of petroleum products are skyrocketing. However, with his far-sightedness and the nation-first attitude, we are witnessing the results of the work done in the last 11-12 years. Prices of petroleum products in India are stable, and the supply is smooth. Even developed nations like the US are witnessing high petroleum prices, and India's neighbouring countries are experiencing a shortage of fuel and chaos. But, I thank PM Modi, for the historic decision of cutting excise duties." The Union Finance Ministry had announced that the duty on petrol has been cut from Rs 13 to Rs 3 per litre, while diesel duty has been reduced from Rs 10 to zero. Further, the UP CM slammed the Congress and Samajwadi Party, accusing the previous state governments of halting Uttar Pradesh to a "bottleneck" in development. He said, "We can witness the steps taken for Viksit Bharat in every sector. Noida International Airport is part of the same. The Congress and Samajwadi Party, through their sheer incompetence, had left this state and indeed the nation, facing developmental bottlenecks, plunging Uttar Pradesh into a state of anarchy. However, under the guidance of the Prime Minister, a breakthrough has been achieved over the last 12 years at the national level and over the last nine years in Uttar Pradesh, forging a new identity for the region from bottleneck to breakthrough." Lauding the "double-engine" government for the Noida Airport, the Chief Minister added, "On November 25, 2021, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of the airport and today Phase I will be inaugurated. This serves as a clear testament to the double-engine pace of development, wherein the very projects for which the foundation stone was laid have now been successfully inaugurated." Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Phase I of the Noida International Airport, developed at a total investment of around Rs 11,200 crore under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu highlighted an idea of both development and heritage. Describing the airport, the Union Minister said, "I heartily congratulate all of you on the inauguration of the magnificent and prestigious Jewar Airport by our PM Narendra Modi. Not only Jewar, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi NCR, but all of India is excited about this achievement. Because Delhi, the capital, the heartbeat of the country, has today found a second heartbeat." "This magnificent airport, Jewar Airport, spread over more than 3000 acres at a cost of Rs 11,200 crore, with its four-kilometre-long runway, is fully capable of international air travel. The most important aspect of the Jewar Terminal is that when you come here, you will experience the pride and identity of Uttar Pradesh. This is our Prime Minister's vision, the idea of both development and heritage," Ram Mohan Naidu added. According to the PMO, 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 is among the largest greenfield airport projects in India. 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, the press release by the PMO stated. (ANI)
The gunman accused of fatally shooting a 21-year-old man in the head as they stepped off a Bronx bus callously continued to shoot his victim as he lay on the ground bleeding to death, prosecutors said as they hit the shooter with murder charges.

The grisly details of the Thursday execution rattled victim Assam Alshaifs heartbroken family, who dont know why their beloved relative was targeted.

We dont know anything about what happened, Alshaifs sister, who wished not to be named, told the Daily News as she wiped tears from her eyes. We were so shocked.

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Suspected shooter Jadore Reid sprinted off after pumping three shots into Alshaif and ditched his gun, but was quickly caught by police after he ran up to an aboveground subway station at the corner of Jerome and Bainbridge Aves. in the Norwood section of the Bronx.

With the cops hot on his heels, Reid ran back down from the station and tried to get onto another bus before he was taken into custody, police and prosecutors said.

Reid followed Alshaif off the BX16 bus and shot him from behind around 9:45 a.m., cops said.

(He) followed the victim off a New York City bus, pulled out a gun and shot the victim, prosecutors said at Reids arraignment in Bronx Criminal Court Friday. The victim fell to the ground and the defendant stood over the victim and fired numerous times, striking the victim in the head.

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The entire incident was caught on area surveillance cameras.

Police officers were a short distance away and heard the gunshots, prosecutors said. They then saw the defendant running with the gun.

EMS rushed Alshaif to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he died.

Cops charged Reid with murder, manslaughter and weapons possession. Judge Scott Krompinger ordered him held without bail.

The teens defense attorney declined to speak to reporters after the brief hearing.

The killing was Reids first arrest, an NYPD spokesman said Saturday.

A motive behind the shooting was not immediately disclosed.

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Alshaif lives in Wakefield and is the oldest of four siblings, relatives said. He was killed about two miles from his home.

His family overheard him talking to someone on the phone the morning he died. He agreed to meet someone on a bus, which was a departure from his normal routine.

Before he left, he was on the phone with his friends. He was laughing and he was saying, OK, guys, Im going to the bus right now, his sister, 20, said. He always takes Ubers, Lyfts. He never takes public transportation, ever. So when we heard (that, we thought), Why was he taking the bus? He never takes the bus at all.

Hes such a sweet guy. Hes a very hardworking person, too, she said. He never gets into problems, so thats why were confused.
An Athens judge ruled this week that a man, who is the object of a nearly three-year-long manhunt, owes a family $56.5 million.

Clarke County State Court Judge Charles E. Auslander issued an order on March 25 that Cesar Raudales Macias is civilly liable for the death of Beth Buchanan, a doctoral student at the University of Georgia who was killed Feb. 13, 2023, in a head-on collision.

The crash occurred about 3 a.m. on Georgia Highway 316 near Winder when authorities said Macias, traveling the wrong way, slammed head on in Buchanans car, killing her on impact. Buchanan was driving her mother, Julie Olson-Buchanan, to an airport in Atlanta for a flight back home in California. Her mother was critically injured.

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In the days after the crash, Macias, who is in his 20s, and his mother disappeared. Barrow County sheriffs investigators charged him with felony vehicular homicide and drunk driving. The sheriffs office turned the manhunt over to the U.S. Marshals Southeastern Regional Fugitive Task Force.

Cold Case: Man arrested 40 years after series of sexual assaults in Georgia

Buchanan's mother and father, Tim Buchanan, filed a wrongful death lawsuit last year that went before Auslander in a February hearing. The judge heard testimony from the parents and others regarding the value of the young womans life.

The parents acknowledge after the ruling it is unlikely that Macias will ever make good on the judgment.

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We are absolutely devastated by the tragic loss of Beth," they noted. "This award is largely symbolic, and we do not want it to be mistaken for compensation. No amount of money could ever account for the loss of our daughter or fill the void she left behind. For us, the judgment is about formal legal acknowledgment of the beautiful life that was stolen from her and all those who loved her.

The parents attorney, Rob Snyder of Decatur, confirmed the parents' feelings in an interview on Friday.

I know the family would want me to say that was never their focus, he said. The number was big, but it was a reflection of who Beth was. Theyd tear up a billion-dollar check for another minute with her.

The parents also said they hoped the renewed attention would help bring the person to justice. Snyder said there have been no solid leads on Macias.

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Auslander, in a detailed comment, reported that the testimony he heard showed the extraordinary impact Buchanan had on the people around her.

Nearly every person who spoke about her described the way she brightened the lives of those around her," he wrote. He added how rare it is to hear of a person with her warmth, brilliance, and kindness.

Buchanan was an academically advanced student from elementary school to college, earning degrees at Rice University, then seeking her doctorate in industrial-organizational psychology at UGA, a place she chose because of the faculty and where she felt she could do meaningful work, according to the order.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Manhunt suspect owes $56.5 million for UGA student's death
A great hammerhead shark that was found dead Thursday on Naples Beach, Fla., has been collected by scientists so a necropsy can be performed.

The accompanying footage, captured by Christian Hernandez, shows the estimated 300-pound shark being placed via heavy machinery onto the bed of a transport truck.

Crane reveals size of hammerhead shark.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will conduct the necropsy in the hope of determining the cause of death.

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ALSO: Can you spot the rattlesnake in neatly kept Arizona garage?

The sight of the massive shark  on the beach and being lifted by the crane  generated lots of excitement.

Naples resident Frederick Pulice told the Gulf Coast News: Ive been living here in Florida ever since the 60s Ive seen sharks but noting the size of that.

Great Hammerhead sharks, which can measure to nearly 20 feet, are globally listed as critically endangered.

Theyre protected in Florida waters, but are caught in federal waters and throughout and their tropical range via commercial fishing methods.

Earlier in March, a smaller great hammerhead shark, measuring 12 feet, was found dead near Juno Beach Pier in Palm Beach County. The shark had apparently been killed for its fins and an investigation is ongoing.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Great hammerhead shark removed by crane from Florida beach
A four-legged crimefighter officially joined Fort Worths fight against child exploitation last week, earning his badge as the departments newest specialized K-9.

K-9 Copper, who joined the force in December, now serves as an Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) dog with the North Texas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.

The pup is trained to sniff out hidden electronic devices that can hold evidence in these cases.

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Fort Worth Police Chief Eddie Garcia personally pinned the badge on Copper during a ceremony on Friday, marking the service-certified dogs growing role on the team and his specialized training.

Were so very proud of you, Garcia told Copper, giving him affectionate head and chin scritches. You keep helping us take these bad guys off the street, OK?

Fort Worth police announced the milestone on the social media platform X.

Copper assists with child exploitation cases, where he can sniff out electronic devices that can store Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), as well as being a certified service animal! the post read. Congratulations, Copper!

Back in December, K-9 Copper joined the Fort Worth Police Department and today he finally received his badge! Chief Garcia pinned our newest member himself! Copper is an Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) K9 as part of the North Texas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task pic.twitter.com/FYiEPbxfpR  Fort Worth Police (@fortworthpd) March 25, 2026

U.S. First Responders Association commented on the post, noting that there are less than 150 ESD K9s in the U.S.  its just amazing what they can find and do.

Thank you to the Fort Worth Police Department and the entire ICAC Task Force for your dedication, and to K-9 Copper for stepping into such an important role (and looking sharp with that new badge!), commented Creekside Critters Pet Sitters.
The four-person crew of Artemis II is at Kennedy Space Center in Florida preparing to lift off and travel to the moon as early as Wednesday  and getting ready for any hurdles space may throw at them.

The astronauts' round-trip space journey will cover nearly half a million miles over nine days. They will reach the moon, loop around its far side, and return to Earth. It will be the first crewed moonshot since 1972.

But space is inherently risky  and this is a test flight.

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NASA plans for every scenario, and a global team of Air Force rescuers is on standby ready to come to the aid of the Artemis II crew if circumstances require it. The Air Force's Detachment 3 has coordinated contingency planning and astronaut rescues for NASA since 1959. Members of the unit train hard for a moment that they hope to never see.

"We absolutely never want it to happen," said Lt. Colonel Kevin Pieper, who oversees the unit.

"CBS Saturday Morning" watched unit members conduct a simulation to retrieve astronauts after a mid-launch abort. Here's what the simulation looks like: A C-17 military aircraft hauling 15,000 pounds of rescue equipment heads to the splashdown site. The plane airdrops jet skis, inflatable boats and medical supplies, and a team of pararescue jumpers, or PJs, heads into the water.

Detachment 3 simulates a NASA emergency. / Credit: CBS Saturday Morning

The PJs gather the equipment, then bring it to the capsule itself and begin extricating the crew onto the life raft, which holds food, water, survival gear and medical equipment.

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Jason Dykstra, a member of the rescue team, said jumpers have little idea what they'll find with the capsule or crew, so they have to prepare for every scenario and for days aboard the life raft.

"We have enough supplies to sustain those astronauts, medically speaking, until help arrives, until we can get them out of there and get them to a higher level of care," Dykstra said. "We are set up to survive in that environment for about 72 to 96 hours."

Multiple teams will be on standby when the Artemis II crew finally launches. Unit leader Pieper said there are several unknowns to prepare for, so every rehearsal helps. Backing up the crew of Artemis II is a "huge responsibility," he said.

"We are here to make sure that they get home safely, if, God forbid, something like this were to happen," Pieper said. "Everyone understands just how important what we're doing is, for not only for the safety of the crew, but for the mission."

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Former Fox News host Megyn Kelly ripped into some of the most vocal supporters of President Donald Trumps war in Iran, listing the names of people she said pushed him into the conflict.

Stop with that its President Trumps decision. Im aware, but someone talked him into it, and those people should be held to account, Kelly said on Fridays episode of her show. As this thing goes south, we need to know exactly who talked him into it, and what representations were made to convince the president that this was a good idea. Who? Who, specifically?

Like this article? Keep independent journalism alive. Support HuffPost.

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The podcaster is one of a few conservative personalities, including Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens, who have publicly opposed Trumps war. An NBC News poll from earlier this month revealed that 90% of self-identified MAGA-aligned Republican voters support the war, while a majority of voters overall oppose it.

Kelly named Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, then Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), saying the two were equally to blame for convincing Trump to go to war.

Politics: 'Asinine BS': RFK Jr. Blasted Over This 'Genuinely Crazy' Trump Claim

We know from the Wall Street Journal report that Marc Thiessen of Fox News and General Jack Keane were major advocates of the war, Kelly continued. OK, like those guys, but they appear to have been very wrong that this was a good idea, and we could keep going.

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She went on to name Fox News host Mark Levin, saying, We know he pushed him for this. (On his radio show earlier this week, Levin claimed that he never lobbied the president.)

Kelly also named conservative podcaster Ben Shapiro, claiming he was out on his show every day pushing this war.

Like, there were very prominent activists on the right who were practically frothing at the mouth for this thing, Kelly said. And now that its not only going poorly, but the presidents poll numbers are in a precipitous freefall, wed love to see some accountability. Who? Who promised him what?

Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
"Trust in the European Union will be undermined" if it does not prevent Russia's participation inthe 61st Venice Biennale, and the EU's top leadership should take "urgent and decisive steps" in this regard.

These were the words MEPs addressed to the head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, the Foreign Ministry of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU, the European Commission's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and a number of other high-ranking officials in a letter that has come into the possession of Euronews.

In it, the MEPs condemned the decision by the biennale's organisers to welcome Russia back in the fold while "Ukrainian cities are bombed, civilians are killed and Ukrainian cultural heritage is systematically destroyed".

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"Under no circumstances should Russia - a state under extensive European Union sanctions - be allowed to participate in an event funded by European taxpayers," the text reads.

According to the signatories, the opening of the Russian pavilion would "raise the prestige and give legitimacy" to a country that "has lost it through its actions (in Ukraine)".

In comments to Euronews, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry speaker Heorhii Tykhiy thanked the MEPs for their moral clarity and principled stance.

"We are not saying that we are in favour of banning any culture or art," the speaker of Ukraine's foreign ministry stressed. He noted that it is about the inconsistent position of the very organisers of the international exhibition in Venice.

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He recalled that in 2022, when Russia launched a full-scale military aggression in Ukraine, which became the largest war on the European continent since the Second World War, the Venice Biennale organisers limited Russia's participation.

"And they clearly explained their reasons. They condemned Russian aggression against Ukraine and stressed that the exhibition is a platform for dialogue, not war and aggression," said Heorhii Tykhiy.

"And now a simple question arises: in March 2026, aggression continues, terror continues, strikes continue, what has changed? For what reasons have the organisers changed their position?"

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"Russia rejects all proposals to end the war, rejects the dialogue that the organizers claim," the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry speaker added. "Against the background of increasing Russian attacks against the cultural and historical heritage of Ukraine, it is immoral to invite Russia to participate in international events of this level."

"We are talking about a country that systematically destroys an entire culture on the European continent. And this certainly didn't start in 2022, Ukraine has suffered from the imperialist approach of Russia, which has been trying to erase Ukraine's identity and culture for centuries. It's just that now it has taken a brutal, barbaric form in a full-scale war," Tykhiy said in his comments to Euronews.

"We are also aware of the close ties between some Russian organisers and the Russian military-industrial complex, so there is no neutrality here," added Tykhiy. "It is very important to emphasise that in Russia, culture and authoritarian regime are not separate, they are interconnected, and the Russian authorities use culture as a way to whitewash their war crimes and try to influence governments and societies in the country of peace by soft power. And, of course, the Russian pavilion in Venice is part of the propaganda that is linked to the waging of war."

Earlier, the head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Andrii Sybiha addressed the organising committee of the show, recalling the Russian Armed Forces' strike on the historic centre of Lviv on Tuesday. As a result, dozens of people were injured and the ensemble of the Bernardine Monastery from the UNESCO World Heritage List was damaged. "This is the ugly face of barbaric Russia - a destroyed UNESCO World Heritage site in the centre of Lviv. This is the barbarism you want to normalise at the biennale ," the minister wrote.

"Withdraw grants and impose sanctions."

The lawmakers called on Brussels to immediately suspend funding for the biennale from EU funds if Russia is not removed from the list of participants.

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They also demanded the introduction of "restrictive measures against any persons or organisations" involved in the preparation of the Russian pavilion, pointing to the latter's ties to state corporation Rostec, which is considered a key supplier of weapons to the Russian army. It's believed the Russian pavilion is overseen by the daughter of the company's deputy head Nikolai Volobuev, while one of the projects is overseen by the daughter of Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

"Culture is not a defence against responsibility" (...) "The Ukrainian people, who fight and die for the values on which the EU was built, deserve better than ambiguity," the authors of the letter conclude.

Related

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News or Russia's participation in Venice, one of the art world's biggest events, emerged earlier this month. A press release from the organising committee said that the Venice Biennale is an "open organisation" and it "rejects any form of censorship in culture and art".

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry immediately called for the decision to be reconsidered, recalling that in the war with Russia "346 Ukrainian artists have died, 1707 cultural heritage monuments and 2503 objects of cultural infrastructure have been destroyed".

Kyiv also estimates more than 35,000 museum exhibits have been stolen by Russia from Ukraine. Direct damage to Ukraine's cultural heritage thought to be around 4 billion, while the cost of indirect damage is thought to be much higher .

Under a barrage of criticism

Already on 10 March, the European Commission condemned the decision, threatening to deprive the Biennale Foundation (Fondazione Biennale) of a grant of 2 million euros for three years.

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At the same time, the culture and foreign affairs ministers of 22 European countries sent an appeal to the director of the show, Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, demanding that Russia be suspended.

A similar appeal to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was made by members of the Russian opposition platform at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).

The Italian Ministry of Culture also opposed the decision, explaining that the Foundation's management made the decision "completely independently, despite opposition from the Italian government".

Russia plans to present an exposition called **"**Tree Rooted in the Sky" with the participation of about 40 artists and musicians.

The 2026 Venice Biennale will be held from 9 May to 22 November.
By Raul Cortes and Adriana Barrera

MEXICO CITY, March 26 (Reuters) - An oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico was caused by both natural causes and a petroleum tanker that authorities are still trying to identify, Mexican officials said on Thursday.

Raymundo Morales, the head of the Mexican navy, said satellite images showed a slick off the coast, and noted that any one of 13 vessels that had passed through the area could potentially be responsible for the discharge.

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Four of the vessels are still sailing in Mexican waters and were being inspected by the navy, Morales said. Mexico has requested international cooperation to inspect the remaining nine, which are now in international waters.

Morales added that two spots of natural submarine oil seepage have also contributed to petroleum products being washed up on Mexican shores.

One source of the submarine leak from seabed is ongoing, Morales said, and is believed to be the greatest contributor. At the other spot, seepage has been intermittent and is currently contained.

"We need to assess what is happening, whether the natural seepage has increased or if there is a structural failure on one of the platforms," Morales said.

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In coordination with Mexico's state energy company Pemex, authorities are deploying marine barriers to prevent the spill from further damaging wildlife and beaches in the affected areas, Morales said.

Pemex is also conducting underwater checks to rule out structural failure of oil rigs, Morales said.

The spill has affected marine life and stained beaches in the southern states of Tabasco, Veracruz and Tamaulipas, although environment minister Alicia Barcena said at the press conference that the damage is not "severe."

The issue appeared around the same time as an incident March 17 in which five people died outside Mexico's Olmeca oil refinery after "oily waters" around the perimeter caught fire.

(Reporting by Raul Cortes and Adriana Barrera, Writing by Natalia Siniawski and Inigo Alexander, Editing by Daina Beth Solomon)
By Dave Sherwood and Lizbeth Diaz

HAVANA, March 28 (Reuters) - Two sailboats carrying humanitarian aid from Mexico arrived safely in Havana on Saturday, the Mexican Navy said, concluding a journey in which the vessels were delayed by bad weather and briefly reported missing.

The navy confirmed the sailboats docked safely in the Cuban capital after authorities monitored their final approach to the port.

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After being reported missing on Thursday, a maritime surveillance aircraft spotted the sailboats on Friday, approximately 80 nautical miles (148 km) northwest of Cuba, the Mexican Navy said earlier on Saturday. The crews reported they were in good health but had been slowed by unfavorable weather, particularly winds.

The two boats are part of a convoy seeking to deliver food, medicine, baby formula and other supplies to the Caribbean's largest island, amid a U.S. blockade on shipments of oil and other supplies that has worsened power outages and led the state to ration services.

"The vessels are continuing their journey to Havana," a spokesperson for the Nuestra America Convoy said. "The convoy remains on track to complete its mission  delivering urgently needed humanitarian aid to the Cuban people."

The sailboats went missing after leaving Mexico's Isla Mujeres last Saturday and had been expected to arrive in Havana between March 24 and 25.

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The U.S. Coast Guard initially told French press agency AFP on Friday that the boats had been found but later recanted its statement, saying a search was still under way, prompting confusion.

The Nuestra America - "Our America" in Spanish - coalition includes nearly 300 organizations from more than 30 countries, among them non-governmental groups, unions, political parties and lawmakers.

The group has delivered approximately 20 tons of aid by air and sea to Cuba, including food, medicine, solar panels and bicycles.

(Reporting by Dave Sherwood and Lizbeth Diaz in Mexico City; Additional reporting by Natalia Siniawski, Editing by Joe Bavier, Alistair Bell, Rod Nickel)
Milwaukee was among dozens of Wisconsin cities that joined the third wave of "No Kings" protests on March 28 in a nationwide demonstration against President Donald Trump's agenda.

More than a thousand people attended the protests in Washington Park on Saturday, marching in support of immigrant rights and protecting democracy, and denouncing many of Trump's policies, including the war in Iran.

Nobody asked for it, said Debra Klepp, 72, said of the war.

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Its happening without permission of the citizens of this country," she said. "We have a person in office who thinks they can do whatever they want. Its just so wrong.

A new poll by Marquette University Law School found Trump's net favorability at record low in Wisconsin, reaching negative 14. Previously, Trump had never dipped below negative 12 throughout polling across his two terms.

Since Trump resumed his post as president 15 months ago, he has fired thousands of federal workers, cracked down on immigration, moved to eliminate diversity programs from government and schools, froze billions of dollars in research funding and introduced tariffs on dozens of trading partners.

Most recently, he launched a war with Iran, targeting its missile infrastructure and leadership in Tehran, the capital. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had led the country since 1989, was killed in the first wave of strikes.

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About 61% of Wisconsin voters disapprove of the war in Iran compared to 39% who support the U.S. strikes, the Marquette Law school poll found. Three-fourths of Republicans, however, approve of the war in Iran.

The Iran war was top of mind for many protesters.

Sending our young men and women to a war nobody believes in, Marsha Sehler, 83, said as she shook her head. Nobody wants this war.

Scott Ford said he is pained by Americas role in international affairs under Trump, such as the strike of a school in Iran that Iranian officials said killed at least 175 people, most of them children.

Theres no restraint, he said. I dont want to pay for that.

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Many protesters held signs condemning Trump's immigration policies and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The president has brought illegal border crossings to a record low. He has also restricted legal immigration by stalling citizenship interviews, oath ceremonies, green card decisions and work permit renewals for people already living in the U.S. legally.

Matthias Smith had participated in a school walkout in support of immigrant rights but this was his first No Kings protest.

Ive talked to Mexican people and heard their accounts of fear about ICE threatening them, Smith said. I just felt like I needed to go out and do something.

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Smith, who just turned 18, said he is looking forward to voting in his first election.

Desiree Pointer Mace of the Milwaukee Justice Singers, center, leads individuals in song as they participate in a third wave of No Kings protests against President Donald Trumps administration at the Washington Park Bandshell on Saturday March 28, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Alan Chavoya delivers remarks as individuals participate in a third wave of No Kings protests against President Donald Trumps administration at the Washington Park Bandshell on Saturday March 28, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Individuals participate in a third wave of No Kings protests against President Donald Trumps administration at the Washington Park Bandshell on Saturday March 28, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Signs are seen on the ground as individuals participate in a third wave of No Kings protests against President Donald Trumps administration at the Washington Park Bandshell on Saturday March 28, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Liz Irwin Moore participates in a third wave of No Kings protests against President Donald Trumps administration at the Washington Park Bandshell on Saturday March 28, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Scott Ford dressed as a bald eagle participates in a third wave of No Kings protests against President Donald Trumps administration at the Washington Park Bandshell on Saturday March 28, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Individuals participate in a third wave of No Kings protests against President Donald Trumps administration at the Washington Park Bandshell on Saturday March 28, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Individuals participate in a third wave of No Kings protests against President Donald Trumps administration at the Washington Park Bandshell on Saturday March 28, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Individuals participate in a third wave of No Kings protests against President Donald Trumps administration at the Washington Park Bandshell on Saturday March 28, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Individuals participate in a third wave of No Kings protests against President Donald Trumps administration at the Washington Park Bandshell on Saturday March 28, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Individuals participate in a third wave of No Kings protests against President Donald Trumps administration at the Washington Park Bandshell on Saturday March 28, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Debra Klepp of the Milwaukee Justice Singers sings as they participate in a third wave of No Kings protests against President Donald Trumps administration at the Washington Park Bandshell on Saturday March 28, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Individuals participate in a third wave of No Kings protests against President Donald Trumps administration at the Washington Park Bandshell on Saturday March 28, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Individuals participate in a third wave of No Kings protests against President Donald Trumps administration at the Washington Park Bandshell on Saturday March 28, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Ben Dombrowski, the event director of No Kings Milwaukee, delivers remarks as individuals participate in a third wave of No Kings protests against President Donald Trumps administration at the Washington Park Bandshell on Saturday March 28, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Protesters gather at Washington Park for No Kings rally 1 of 15 Desiree Pointer Mace of the Milwaukee Justice Singers, center, leads individuals in song as they participate in a third wave of No Kings protests against President Donald Trumps administration at the Washington Park Bandshell on Saturday March 28, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

White House and Wisconsin Republicans criticize protest

The event drew criticism from both the White House and Wisconsin Republicans.

In a statement, a White House spokeswoman characterized the protests as "Trump Derangement Therapy Sessions."

The state Republican party said Gov. Tony Evers was the "only wannabe king in Wisconsin" because of his tax policies and consolidation of power in the executive branch.

Evers used his powerful partial veto authority in the 2023-25 state budget to extend for 400 years an annual $325 per pupil funding increase for school districts by adding to state-imposed revenue limits.

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While these protesters cry wolf, Republicans are delivering real results for every Wisconsinite, state Republican party spokeswoman Anika Rickard wrote in an email.

But protesters said their actions are having an effect.

The numbers show how many people are against him, said Barbara Pfarr, 75. This type of event helps us be energized to keep doing this work.

That work, she said, includes making calls to Congress members, monitoring elections and attending candidate forums. But it can come at a cost.

Just ask Alex Pretti, she said, referring to the Green Bay high school graduate who was fatally shot by a Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis in January.

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Steve Schutz, 69, said the rallies demonstrate the widespread public dissension with the countrys direction.

Thats our democracy at work right now, he said. Just wait til Election Day.

More than 60 'No Kings' protests scheduled in Wisconsin

More than 60 "No Kings" protests were scheduled throughout the state, including in Appleton, Brown Deer, West Bend, Greenfield, Brookfield, Waukesha and Muskego.

In Oshkosh, local organizer Deb Martin told a crowd of hundreds that they were the guardrails of democracy.

In Madison, organizers said more than 10,000 people marched to the state Capitol.

In Green Bay, 1,500 demonstrators made their voices heard.

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We are all united behind what we can do to take this dictator down from office," protest organizer Gloria De Grave said.

The "No Kings" phrase is a nod to the democratic principles America was founded on, which protesters say Trump has ignored.

March 28 marked the third round of No Kings protests nationally. Organizers estimated more than five million attended the first event last June, including 10,000 in Milwaukee. They said the second event in October drew more than seven million people.

This protest does matter: Theres a question about the effectiveness of what No Kings does, said Ben Dombrowski, the event director of No Kings Milwaukee, a coalition of more than 30 local groups.

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If we really believe that the power is in us, we need to get to work," he said.

Justin Marville and Jesse Lin of the USA TODAY-NETWORK Wisconsin contributed to this article.

This story has been updated to include new information, video and photo galleries.

Kelly Meyerhofer has covered higher education in Wisconsin since 2018. Contact her at kmeyerhofer@gannett.com or 414-223-5168. Follow her on X (Twitter) at @KellyMeyerhofer.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Dozens of Wisconsin cities hold 'No Kings' protests against Trump
An official of the District Information Office in Kannur has been suspended after a controversial press release related to a complaint by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Azhikode was issued during the election period. The action followed the release of details of a complaint in which the LDF alleged that its candidate, KV Sumesh, was being subjected to character assassination by the United Democratic Front (UDF). The note also stated that LDF constituency secretary M Prakashan had sought action against the UDF. The move drew sharp criticism from Congress, which accused the Public Relations Department (PRD) of engaging in political propaganda. Martin George, president of the District Congress Committee (DCC), alleged that the department had violated norms by issuing a politically loaded communication and said the party would approach the Election Commission. Following the controversy, the Kannur District Collector Arun K. Vijayan, who is also the District Election Officer, initiated action against the official responsible for the release. In an official statement, the officer said that a complaint related to the Kerala Legislative Assembly Election 2026, which had been forwarded for enquiry, was 'prematurely released to the media through the District Information Office, Kannur, without authorisation and before completion of the enquiry process." It added that the official's action constituted a breach of duty under Section 134 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and violated the Election Commission of India's instructions on maintaining the neutrality of official machinery. Kerala legislative assembly elections will be held in a single phase on April 9, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4. The tenure of the current assembly is set to conclude on May 23. In the 2021 Assembly elections, the LDF retained power with 99 seats, marking a historic consecutive victory. The UDF secured 41 seats, while the NDA failed to win a single seat despite an 11.4 per cent vote share. The CPI(M) emerged as the single largest party with 62 seats, while the Congress won 21 seats. (ANI)
SUNBURY  Two out-of-state individuals facing charges of releasing 683 mink from a Northumberland County fur farm in 2024 will head to jury selection on May 11, with the trial to begin the next day.

In December, President Judge Paige Rosini dismissed one of the two felony eco-terrorism charges against engaged Massachusetts couple Christopher Legere, 25, who goes by Celeste, and co-defendant Cara Mitrano.

State police say Legere and Mitrano are responsible for the release at the Richard H. Stahl and Sons Fur Farm in 2024.

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The first release took place in 2023 at the farm, but no one was charged in that incident.

Fur farm officials say both releases cost the business $164,000.

Mitrano is also represented by Harrisburg attorney Natalie Burston and Legere is represented by Sunbury attorney Jim Best.

Both defendants are out on bail.

The case is being presided over by Paige Rosini.

Jury selection is set for May 11 with the trial to begin on May 12.

Farm co-owner Mark Stahl previously testified he received an alert on Oct. 19, 2024, that an alarm went off on the property. He said he went to the property with his brother, John Stahl, and saw the cages to the mink on the farm had been opened and mink were released.

Mark Stahl said the next day the farm discovered 683 mink missing and that over the course of several days, 602 of them had been recovered. He said 33 males and 177 females were saved, and the rest had to be euthanized because of the release.
NEED TO KNOW

A 30-year-old mom and her toddler were attacked by their family dog

The mom said that she had owned the pit bull mix since it was 6 weeks old, and that it had never shown any signs of aggression before the incident

He was just covered in blood, the woman said when describing her son's condition in the moments after the attack

A Texas woman and her toddler were attacked by their family dog, leaving the child severely injured.

The incident occurred on March 22 at the Pecan Acres Mobile Park in Midlothian, according to WFAA and CBS News.

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The mother, 30-year-old Kelsey Marie Welch, said that the dog, a pit bull mix, suddenly ran into her son Julius room, jumped on his bed and began biting him, according to WFAA.

It pounced on the bed and started attacking my son, she said while speaking to the outlet, adding that the dog bit Julius multiple times.

I was trying to get the dog to open his mouth because he immediately went for the back of [Julius] head, she added.

Kelsey said the dog, which she owned with her boyfriend, then latched onto her leg, but she was ultimately able to lock it inside the room, safely away from her and Julius.

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He was just covered in blood, she said while recalling her son's condition in the moments after the attack.

I still close my eyes and I see that image of my son  I cant even see his head  and a dog shaking [him], she said.

Kelsey, who has two other children, said that Julius is now recovering.

EMT (stock image)

Credit: getty

We took the breathing tube out about two days ago, and he opened his eyes fully today, she said.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Kelsey told WFAA that the family got the dog when it was 6 weeks old, and said it had been raised around children and had never shown any signs of aggression before that moment.

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The Midlothian Police Department (MPD) said the dog was ultimately euthanized, and no charges have been filed in connection with the incident, per WFAA and CBS News.

The MPD did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment on the incident.

A GoFundMe has since been established by Lakin Farver, a family friend, to help support Julius and his family as he heals.

Ambulance (stock image)

Credit: getty

On the fundraising page, Lakin shared that Julius was airlifted to Cook Childrens Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas, where he underwent a nine-hour surgery and received a blood transfusion.

I created this to help with medical costs, cleanup of the trailer they live in, and any other costs that may come about while transporting back and forth between the hospital and home. Kelsey has two other children at home, so anything helps, Lakin said.

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Please take your time to read and share this story. If you can donate, great; if not, we understand this economy is hard enough. Your thoughts and prayers are enough, Lakin added.

Read the original article on People
State regulators won't reconsider power contracts for a planned hyperscale data center campus in Saline Township, stating groups opposed to the facility's construction lacked standing to challenge the previously approved agreement between DTE Energy and the data center's developer.

The Michigan Public Service Commission voted 3-0 on March 27 to deny requests from Attorney General Dana Nessel's office and other groups to reconsider DTE's agreement to provide an initial 1.4 gigawatts of energy for the data center campus. Developers Oracle and Related Digital are behind the project, which aims to power OpenAI's "Stargate" initiative for generative artificial intelligence development.

The MPSC approved agreements between DTE and the developers in December over objections from Nessel's office, environmental advocacy groups and local residents. In January, Nessel's office filed a petition for rehearing, which commissioners denied during their March 27 meeting, which was livestreamed.

Land in Saline Township where a proposed data center campus will be built is pictured Friday, Nov. 21, 2025.

The order denying the petition states the groups lacked standing to intervene in the case. Nessel's office didn't return a request for comment March 27, but issued a statement blasting the MPSC decision.

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The Michigan Public Service Commission continues to perform a grave disservice to the state of Michigan and the utility customers of this state, to the only apparent benefit of the utility corporations and their new billion-dollar AI customers, Nessel said in a statement.

Groups opposed to the data center voiced concerns about the impact to local residential electric rates the facility would have, among other issues. For reference, 1.4 gigawatts of energy could power over a million homes. Nessel's office argued the MPSC should have opened a contested case for the power agreement where DTE would have to prove residential rates wouldn't be affected.

More: City Council urges Mayor Sheffield to enact moratorium on data centers

More: Google reveals it is behind big 'Project Cannoli' data center project

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The MPSC granted ex parte approval to DTE's agreement, meaning the contracts did not have to go through a contested case where intervening groups could file expert witness testimony and seek evidence through discovery over the course of the proceeding, which typically takes about a year. Regulators and DTE officials say the agreement states developers have to foot the bill for all energy costs. Additionally, DTE officials have argued powering the planned data center could actually lead to lower rates because of excess energy storage being added to the company's portfolio.

At its March 27 hearing, the MPSC also approved battery storage contracts for six DTE projects  three of which are intended to provide power for the Saline Township campus.

You can reach Arpan Lobo at alobo@freepress.com

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: MPSC won't reconsider DTE agreement to power massive data center
A new study of craters on asteroid 16 Psyche  one of the most mysterious and potentially valuable objects in the solar system  could help reveal whether the asteroid is the exposed core of a failed planet or a jumbled mix of rock and metal.

Discovered more than 200 years ago, Psyche is the largest known metallic asteroid, measuring about 140 miles (225 kilometers) across, making it the tenth-most massive object in the asteroid belt, between Mars and Jupiter.

Its unusual composition has intrigued astronomers for decades, not only for what it reveals about how planets form, but also for its metal content. Its said to be worth around $10,000 quadrillion  though that was a back-of-the-envelope estimate by Lindy Elkins-Tanton, principal investigator of NASAs Psyche mission, in 2017.

Mission To A Metallic World

NASA launched the Psyche mission on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket on Oct. 13, 2023, from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission, now on a six-year journey, will see Psyche approach Mars in May and is expected to arrive at the asteroid in 2029. The first mission specifically designed to explore a metal-rich asteroid will enter orbit and map it in 3D.

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Is Psyche a remnant planetary core or a leftover building block of an early planet? Either way, it will offer a unique glimpse into the interiors of early worlds that no longer exist.

A SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket with the Psyche spacecraft onboard is launched from Launch Complex 39A, October 13, 2023 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. (Photo by Aubrey Gemignani/NASA via Getty Images) NASA via Getty Images

Craters On Psyche

A recent study led by the University of Arizona, published in JGR Planets, examines how Psyches large craters can serve as clues to its internal structure. By simulating impacts on Psyche by asteroids, scientists are making predictions that can be tested in 2029 when the spacecraft arrives.

Large impact basins or craters excavate deep into the asteroid, which gives clues about what its interior is made of, said Namya Baijal, a doctoral candidate at the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory and lead author of the study. By simulating the formation of one of its largest craters, we were able to make testable predictions for Psyches overall composition when the spacecraft arrives.

Violent Collision Vs. Catastrophic Impact

Scientists have long debated how Psyche formed. One theory suggests it is the metallic core of a once-larger planetary body that lost its outer layers in violent collisions. Another proposes that it formed as a mixed blend of metal and rock through repeated impacts.

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We tested two main interior structures for Psyche, said Baijal. One is a layered structure with a metallic core and a thin, rocky mantle, which likely formed if a violent collision stripped away the outer layers. The other is a uniform mixture of metal and silicate, created by a more catastrophic impact that mixed everything together, like some metal-rich meteorites found on Earth. Their simulations showed that both scenarios could produce a crater consistent with observations, meaning further data will be required to distinguish between them.

However, one of the studys most important findings revolves around the empty space within the asteroid. One of our main findings was that the porosity  the amount of empty space inside the asteroid  plays a significant role in how these craters form, said Baijal. Porosity is often ignored because its difficult to include in models, but our simulations show it can strongly affect the impact process and shape of craters left behind.

Artist's concept of the Psyche spacecraft, which will conduct a direct exploration of an asteroid thought to be a stripped planetary core. NASA/JPL-Caltech

Forget The $10,000 Quadrillion

Researchers say the work will help scientists interpret data once the spacecraft reaches Psyche. When the spacecraft arrives at Psyche in a few years, the geochemists, geologists and modelers on the team will all be looking at the same object and trying to interpret what we see, said Erik Asphaug, a professor at the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory and co-author of the study. This work gives us a head start.

If Psyche is confirmed to be an exposed planetary core, it could help scientists better understand how planets like Earth formed. However, since Psyche cannot be mined or towed back into Earth orbit, its theoretical value of $10,000 quadrillion will never be realized.

Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
For the first time in more than 50 years, NASA is preparing to launch astronauts around the moon.

On Wednesday, the agency will attempt to send four crew members  NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch and Victor Glover and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen  on a 10-day journey in which theyll first orbit Earth then circle the moon. The mission, known as Artemis II, will be the first time NASAs Space Launch System rocket and Orion capsule carry humans into space.

If successful, the flight will be a major step toward NASAs goal of establishing a long-term presence on the lunar surface.

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NASAs efforts to return to the moon have been decades in the making  a process the agency has documented in images at every stage.

Follow live coverage of the Artemis II launch

NASA's Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft at Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., on Tuesday. (Gregg Newton / AFP; Getty Images) (Gregg Newton)

The Artemis program was born out of a directive that President Donald Trump signed in 2017, during his first term. It tasked NASA with focusing on the return of humans to the Moon for long-term exploration and utilization, followed by human missions to Mars and other destinations.

In a speech in 2019, Vice President Mike Pence directed NASA to put bootprints on the moon again by 2024.

That landing, however, is now delayed until at least 2028.

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But NASA began development of the technology being used for the Artemis missions far earlier. Work on the Orion spacecraft that will carry the Artemis II astronauts, for instance, began in 2006. And Congress in 2010 authorized NASAs Space Launch System rocket, designed to be more powerful than the Saturn V booster used in the Apollo program of the 1960s and 1970s.

Left: The interior of a mock-up of the Orion capsule at Johnson Space Center in Houston in 2016. Right: The interior of Orion in 2024. (NASA) (NASA)

Reid Wiseman participates in water survival training in 2024. (Josh Valcarcel / NASA) (Josh Valcarcel)

Members of the media set up remote cameras to photograph the rollout of NASAs Artemis II rocket on Jan. 16. (Joel Kowsky / NASA) (Joel Kowsky)

NASAs Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft inside the Vehicle Assembly Building on Jan. 16. (Joel Kowsky / NASA) (Joel Kowsky)

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Development of the rocket and spacecraft fell years behind schedule, and the Artemis program has been plagued with major budget overruns.

But at long last, NASA aims to launch the Artemis II mission at 6:24 p.m. ET on Wednesday.

Left: A turtle crosses the road near Kennedy Space Center on Jan. 17. Right: The Space Launch System rocket and Orion capsule on their way to the launchpad. (Aubrey Gemignani / NASA) (Aubrey Gemignani)

The Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft on Jan. 17. (Keegan Barber / NASA) (Keegan Barber)

Media members photograph the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft at the Kennedy Space Center on March 20. (Paul Hennesy / Anadolu via Getty Images) (Paul Hennesy)

The Space Launch System rocket is on the launchpad at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, following a painstakingly slow, 4-mile rollout from its hangar on March 20 involving a huge moving platform known as a crawler-transporter. It was the second such journey for the rocket, which was first rolled to the launchpad in January, then transported back for repairs to address hydrogen leaks and a blockage in the flow of helium.

The Space Launch System stands at a towering 322 feet tall when fully stacked with the Orion capsule. That makes it taller than the Statue of Liberty though smaller than the 365-foot-tall Saturn V rocket that took the Apollo program astronauts to the moon.

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The rocket was designed to reuse components from NASAs retired space shuttle program. The space shuttle main engines were upgraded into the Space Launch Systems RS-25 core stage engines, and the rocket was built in large part by longtime NASA partners and space shuttle contractors.

The gumdrop-shaped Orion spacecraft can carry up to four passengers. At 16.5 feet wide, it has a habitable volume of around 330 cubic feet. So the crew members have been training to sleep, eat, exercise, use the bathroom and communicate with ground controllers in very tight quarters.

The Orion capsule includes a space toilet (with a door for privacy) that uses a vacuum system to vent urine into space. All other waste is stored for disposal at the end of the mission.

After launch, the astronauts will be able to remove and stow two seats until landing day to give them more room to move. The astronauts will do 30-minute workouts every day, according to the Canadian Space Agency. The capsule has a small device, known as a flywheel, that can be used for squats, deadlifts and other activities.

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NASA aims to reuse parts of Orion for the subsequent Artemis III flight, which is slated to launch in mid-2027 and demonstrate key docking and landing technologies in low-Earth orbit. After that, a moon landing is planned for the Artemis IV mission in 2028.

NASAs Wiseman will command the Artemis II mission, with Glover serving as the pilot. NASAs Koch and Canadas Hansen will be mission specialists. The crew arrived at the Kennedy Space Center on Friday ahead of their planned launch.

From left: Artemis II backup crew members Andre Douglas and Jenni Gibbons and crew members Victor Glover, Reid Wiseman, Jeremy Hansen and Christina Koch on Jan. 17. (Joel Kowsky / NASA ) (Joel Kowsky)

Wiseman, Glover and Koch are spaceflight veterans. Wiseman spent six months aboard the International Space Station in 2014. Koch spent 328 days there in 2019, when she helped perform NASAs first all-female spacewalk.

Reid Wiseman and Christina Koch. (Joel Kowsky / NASA) (Joel Kowsky)

Victor Glover and Reid Wiseman alongside the Orion Crew Survival System spacesuits on Jan. 17. (Joel Kowsky / NASA) (Joel Kowsky)

Victor Glover inside a mock-up of the Orion spacecraft during training in Houston on Jan. 30, 2025. (Mark Sawa / NASA) (Mark Sawa)

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Artemis II crew members wear their spacesuits for training inside the Orion mock-up. (James Blair / NASA) (James Blair)

Glover, meanwhile, was on the first operational flight of SpaceXs Crew Dragon capsule to the space station in 2020.

Hansen is the only member of the Artemis II mission making his spaceflight debut. He will become the first Canadian to venture to the moon.

Artemis II will be just the second outing for the Space Launch System rocket and Orion capsule. The first was the uncrewed Artemis I flight around the moon in 2022.

The Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft on the launchpad ahead of the uncrewed Artemis I mission around the moon in 2022. (Ben Smegelsky / NASA) (Ben Smegelsky)

Visitors to Kennedy Space Center on Aug. 28, 2022, ahead of the Artemis I mission. (Joe Burbank / TNS via Getty Images) (Joe Burbank)

During that 26-day mission, Orion beamed back photos and videos of the lunar surface, along with dramatic selfies showing the spacecraft and the moon with Earth visible in the background. As it circled the moon, the capsule flew over several Apollo landing sites, including the spots where Apollo 12 and Apollo 14 astronauts touched down.

During the Artemis I mission, the Orion capsule reached its maximum distance from Earth when it was 268,563 miles away from our home planet. Orion has traveled farther than any other spacecraft built for humans.

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The Artemis I mission lifts off at 1:47 a.m. ET on Nov. 16, 2022. (Joel Kowsky / NASA) (Joel Kowsky)

The Orion capsule splashes down off San Diego at the end of the Artemis I mission on Dec. 11, 2022. (Josh Valcarcel / NASA) (Josh Valcarcel)

NASA loaded the Orion capsule with mannequins equipped with sensors to gather data about radiation exposure and other conditions of deep-space travel.

After the Artemis I mission concluded with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, NASA found unexpected damage to the Orion capsules heat shield. That critical layer of thermal protection at the bottom of the spacecraft protects astronauts as they re-enter Earths atmosphere.

A NASA investigation found that improper venting in the heat shields outer material caused gases to build up. As a result, parts of the material cracked, causing some charred material to break off.

To avoid those risks on the Artemis II flight, mission managers will alter the capsules re-entry path. The spacecraft is expected to take a steeper angle on its final descent, plowing through the atmosphere faster to minimize the time the heat shield is exposed to the most extreme temperatures.

If we stick to the new re-entry path that NASA has planned, then this heat shield will be safe to fly, Wiseman said last year.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Surveillance video captured thieves pocketing merchandise inside a Home Depot in California  part of a group investigators say is linked to more than $10 million in stolen merchandise.

That includes arrests made right here metro Atlanta, Channel 2s Michael Seiden reports.

Investigators say this operation stretched across the country with millions in stolen goods.

The man caught on surveillance stuffed his jacket with electrical breakers, each one worth about $100. During the same visit, he used a long pole to pull down boxes of electrical equipment from high shelves.

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When those items are locked up, authorities say he just climbs the racks to get to them.

Investigators say this wasnt just one brazen theft. They believe this was part of the largest organized retail theft operation targeting Home Depot in the companys history.

Right now, four suspects are all behind bars in Cobb County after police say they hit more than two dozen stores.

The arrests began last spring when authorities in California busted the alleged head of the operation, a store owner.

Sheriff Jim Fryhoff, Ventura County, Calif., said his crews of thieves, known as boosters, would steal merchandise from Home Depot stores.

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He would then sell those items at a reduced price to contractors and other electrical businesses, the sheriff said.

Criminologists who study organize retail theft rings say its not uncommon for these types of theft rings to expand into new areas.

Youre going to exhaust some of the ones around you. You may not want to steal from the stores that are closest to you because people might recognize you, said Dr. Read Hayes, University of Florida criminologist.

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PORTLAND, Maine (AP)  Hundreds of employees at one of the U.S. Navys biggest shipbuilding contractors voted Saturday to approve a contract deal with Bath Iron Works, ending a weeklong strike.

Members of the Bath Marine Draftsmens Association ratified a new four-year collective bargaining agreement that goes into effect immediately, the shipyard said. That followed an hourslong union meeting at a high school.

We look forward to working together once again to deliver the Navys ships on time to protect our nation and our families, Bath Iron Works, known for the slogan Bath built is best built, said in a statement.

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The shipyard and the union negotiated for three weeks without resolving differences before the strike began last Monday, Bath Iron Works spokesperson David Hench said.

He said previously that the shipyard, which has built ships for the Navy for more than a century, proposed a number of historic wage and benefit options to bring the union and the company closer together.

The Bath Marine Draftsmens Association is affiliated with the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, which is commonly known as the UAW and is one of the countrys largest unions. The BMDA members at Bath Iron Works are employed as designers, nondestructive test technicians, technical clerks, laboratory technicians and associate engineers, the union said.

Representatives of the Maine AFL-CIO confirmed the ratification vote via text messages to The Associated Press.

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The union local said that while not all of its goals were reached, the deal includes improvements that are a win for workers. It did not give specifics of the agreement.

Establishing not only a better contract foundation for the next negotiation but also developing an engaged and motivated membership; that now has this experience to bring to bear in any future negotiation or organizing activity, it said in a statement.

The strike began several weeks after a morale-boosting appearance in which U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth touted the need to boost defense manufacturing. It also took place during the U.S. war effort in Iran.

Bath Iron Works is a major shipbuilder for the Navy and was awarded a multiyear contract to make several Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers in 2023. Navy officials call the Arleigh Burke the backbone of the Navys surface fleet and last year exercised an option last year to add an additional destroyer to the contract.

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The company did not respond to questions about whether the strike slowed production.

The Navy accepted delivery of the future Arleigh Burke-class USS Harvey C. Barnum, Jr., last year, and it is due to be commissioned next month, Hench said.

The shipyard had said on its website that salaried personnel, subcontractors and other employees who elected to come to work could be used to continue business operations during the strike. The shipyards total workforce is about 6,800 people, Hench said.

___

Associated Press writers Julie Carr Smyth in Columbus, Ohio, and Amy Taxin in Santa Ana, Calif. contributed.
Nearly 10 Fort Bend County employees, including two elected officials, requested to attend a weeklong convention in Hawaii with taxpayer money.

'Too much': Fort Bend County neighbors sound off on proposed trip

On Thursday, it wasn't recently convicted Fort Bend County Judge KP George that drew anger during public comment at the commissioners' court meeting. The frustration from speakers focused on a proposed trip.

"To get to go to Maui? Give me a break," Fort Bend County resident Linda Mixon said. "And take how many employees?"

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On the agenda were plans to send eight county employees to the National Organization of Black County Officials weeklong economic conference in Maui, Hawaii in May. One of those looking to go was Commissioner Grady Prestage.

"At some point, you have stop spending money," Fort Bend County resident Evelyn Montoval said. "Maybe you should get some housewives in here that run a really tight ship on a shoestring budget and show you where to cut."

According to the agenda, Prestage wanted to bring four of his precinct two staffers. He wasn't the only elected official looking to go.

County Tax Assessor-Collector Carmen Turner asked to go too, and bring one of her employees. There was another county worker on the agenda requesting to go.

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There was no vote on the proposed trip. It was pulled before the meeting started.

What we know about the potential taxpayer cost

The agenda, or attachments, don't show how much the trip would've cost taxpayers. We were able to get an idea of some of the costs from the conference's website.

It shows registration fees for the event for non-members is $1,250. The host hotel's website shows full price rooms during the timeframe of the conference are about $630 per night.

The organization's website said cheaper rooms are available, but they have to be booked by March 31st.

The agenda shows the county employees planned to spend six nights in Maui. For eight people, just registration fees and hotel costs could total more than $40,000.

Election officials refuse to answer ABC13's questions

After Thursday's meeting, ABC13 contacted Prestage's office. On Friday, ABC13 also reached out to Turner.

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Eyewitness News wanted to know how much the trip would cost taxpayers, the benefits, and if they planned to bring the item back to a future agenda.

Turner did not immediately respond. Prestage's office got back to ABC13 on Friday, saying he wouldn't provide a comment.

Commissioners will meet again on April 9th.

For updates on this story, follow Nick Natario on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Across Maine on Saturday, thousands gathered on street corners and in parks, some playing music, many waving signs and banners as part of the third national No Kings day of protest against the administration of Donald Trump.

Check out States Newsrooms live feed of No Kings actions across the country

Many attendees expressed anger at Trumps ongoing war on Iran, and his deportation efforts  which became much more real for many in Maine during the weeks-long surge in January  as well as the lack of action from Congress to deter him.

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I think the people are finally waking up, and we are fed up, said Deborah Napier of Portland, who came out to oppose the war in Iran. We are recognizing that minute by minute, we are losing our rights, and this is serious.

Napier was among more than a thousand people gathered in downtown Portland, with other demonstrations planned in more than 30 locations from Castine to Saco.

In Monument Square, speakers urged attendees to be politically active, vote and continue to hold politicians accountable before the tide of people marched through the Old Port, chanting and holding signs.

I was naive enough to think Congress would be a check and balance to a certain extent, but the amount of damage thats been done in the last year is insane, said Kennebunk resident Lynette Tozier, who attended with her brother. Theyve just been complicit, and theyve allowed the administration to do whatever.

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Many who attended on Saturday have been to previous No Kings rallies, and said they keep showing up to speak out against what they described as an attack on democracy.

Jake Dionne and Gage Thompson stood at the edge of the protest on Congress Street. Dionne held a fishing pole with a boot on the end of it which said, Fishing 4 Fascists.

I decided to come out today mainly because were seeing policies that dont reflect what people on the ground are experiencing, and it seems like there is a clear disconnect between the political ruling class and those who are on the ground in the working class, Thompson said, noting how energy costs have increased since the U.S. first bombed Iran in late February.

I know that this Constitution has lasted us 250 years, but it feels like its on the verge of really not holding up anymore, Dionne added.

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Some attendees dressed up as symbols of resistance. Recently retired law professor Jennifer Wriggins wore a green robe and Statue of Liberty crown and she marched through the Old Port holding an I Love Democracy sign.

From Trumps actions on immigration to foreign policy, Wriggins said, we cannot meet what this administration is doing with silence.

We have to fight for our country and for justice, she added.

No ICE! No Kings! No War! was among the chants heard along Route 112 in Saco Saturday morning, where several hundred lined the road.

David Timmerman, a Vietnam-era veteran who lives in Saco, said hes never been a fan of Trump. Fifteen thousand of my brothers died while he sat in freaking luxury with his bone spurs. Now he thinks war is just great.

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Pointing to the war in Iran and people getting picked off the street by federal agents, he said he never believed a thing that came out of his mouth anyways, but this certainly wasnt what was saying.

Maddie Andreozzi spoke to the crowd in Waterville, and said that for a long time, U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, seemed like a distant nightmare, until the agents were spotted in central Maine.

I am 15 years old, I should be worrying about doing my chemistry homework or what dress Im going to wear to the dance tonight, she said. But instead I am worried about my friends or myself being kidnapped off the street. The more I think about what America has done for children like me, the more enraged it makes me feel.

Waterville protesters met in smaller groups across the city before marching to join together at Head of Falls for the rally. The Anti-Fa La Las played music as the crowd grew to roughly one thousand people.

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Things are going from bad to worse, and I just reached a point where I couldnt just sit still and not raise my voice anymore, said Jason Weller, who had not previously attended a protest but joined the Waterville rally.

They can ignore the polls, they can ignore the election, even, but when they see this number of people turning out all over the country, I think they cant help but register theres significant opposition, Weller said. Hopefully, it makes a difference.

They can ignore the polls, they can ignore the election, even, but when they see this number of people turning out all over the country, I think they cant help but register theres significant opposition. Hopefully, it makes a difference.

 Jason Weller, who attended the No Kings rally in Waterville

In Augusta, roughly 1,500 protesters gathered outside the State House and the Cross Building before splitting into four groups to march to several locations across the city.

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Organizer Jodi OConnor said the unique strategy was meant to maximize the protests visibility and impact.

Among them, Augusta resident Liza Odell said she was undeterred by the frigid weather. Theres no way I wouldnt come out, whether it was below zero or raining or sleeting or snowing, whatever it was going on, I would be here, she said.

Jason Brown said he appreciated the turnout in Maines capital city, especially because he has friends and family that support the Trump administrations actions.

What Im reporting to them is either fake news, or they believe in it, they support it, he said. You cant talk sense into them, Ive tried. And Ive given up.

As OConnor spoke to the crowd, she described herself as a regular, average nobody from Maine, and said she wanted people to leave feeling empowered.

They are trying to wear us down, to get us to give up hope and to walk away, she said. In the face of these tactics, it is more important than ever to keep showing up. At protests, rallies and marches we keep showing up. In their voicemail, on their desktop, in their email, we keep showing up. And most importantly in the voting booth, we keep showing up.
NEW BEDFORD  No Kings 3 in New Bedford at Buttonwood Park on Rockdale Avenue seemed to surpass 1 and 2s attendance - and thats not counting a visibility from the Route 18 overpass and a late afternoon march on Kempton Street.

Round 2, also at Buttonwood, attracted more than an estimated 1,000 people last October while the first No Kings at Hazelwood Park last June attracted more than 400.

Number 3 attracted an estimated 1,400 or so.

Sending out an SOS.

But it was also very much like the first two, sort of a celebration of collective dismay at President Trump and the Trump Administration.

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Signs, mostly homemade, derided the administration and called for something better. Many motorists honked in support as they drove by. There was music, including live musicians, and occasional chants, including Hey, hey. Ho, ho. Donald Trump has got to go.

Diana Arruda of Fairhaven, said, I just hope we make our 250th birthday.

What brought the participants out on a sunny but chilly day to join in the No Kings national day of protest?

Dave Sullivan said, Weve got to get out here and show the people in power theyre reporting to us, not the other way around.

Diana Arruda of Fairhaven, said, What brings us out? The horrible president of the United States is what brings us out and a war that is not our war. Hes the worst thing to ever happen to this country. I just hope we make our 250th birthday.

Dave Sullivan of New Bedford, wearing a hoodie that said Justice Matters, said, Weve got to get out here and show the people in power theyre reporting to us, not the other way around.

Abby Rosario, 23, and Messiah Ramos, 19, were among the well more than 1,000 people on Rockdale Avenue.

Messiah Ramos, 19, of New Bedford, said, Im young and people of my generation are complacent with whats going on in the government. We need to make a stand right now before it gets any worse.

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Abby Rosario, 23, of New Bedford, said, If you dont like the way the world is you can only put yourself in a situation to make things change, not just be sad behind the phone,

Meredith Kilpatrick and Debbie Barracca display their signs.

Debbie Barracca, a New Bedford artist, said, Enough is enough. Weve had it. Get him out of there.

Taylor Patterson said, "Its hard times but as long as we stick together with responses like this it makes us feel that were not alone.

Meredith Kilpatrick of New Bedford, who is in sales, said, Were more alike than were different and this is a way to show how connected we are. We are good people. We are a nation of immigrants. We need to stand together against war, against poverty. We just need people to stand up and stand together when things arent right.

Tristan Henry said, "The corruption is constant.

Tristan Henry, 30, a financial analyst from New Bedford, said he was just showing support against Trump and kings. Its endless legal actions. The corruption is constant.

Richard Connor said, The people who went on about Hunter Biden are ignoring the billions of dollars that are being raked in by Trump and his family.

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Richard Connor, 66, of New Bedford, said, The disasters that are running our country now. Their motto is Make America Great Again and theyre basically flushing us down the toilet in every single way. This insane war and his pathological lying. The war will cost an enormous amount and could crash the world economy. The corruption is just astonishing. The people who went on about Hunter Biden are ignoring the billions of dollars that are being raked in by Trump and his family.

What brought her out? Michelle Roy said simply, Everything.

Michelle Roy, 62, of New Bedford, said simply, Everything.

Judy Cromwell, a New Bedford social worker, said, Im out here for Democracy. Im not happy with what the Trump Administration is doing, and I want to voice my opinion.

Judy Cromwell gets her message across.

Pamela Sales, who is from Rhode Island, said, Everything thats going on with the Epstein files. Everything this administration is doing is just wrong and we need to stop them somehow. If being out here is a way to help get the message out, then thats what we should be doing.

Pamela Sales said, "Everything this administration is doing is just wrong and we need to stop them somehow. If being out here is a way to help get the message out, then thats what we should be doing.

Taylor Patterson of New Bedford, who is a teacher and a bartender, said, We just want to come together and make it known that no ones alone. Its hard times but as long as we stick together with responses like this it makes us feel that were not alone.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: New Bedford takes part in No Kings 3
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday said that the United Democratic Front (UDF) is resorting to blatant lies regarding the Social Democratic Party of India's (SDPI) support in Malappuram to divert attention from their pro-corporate and globalist policies. "The LDF remains a government of action that delivers on its promises, earning a historic second term based on tangible developmental changes that the public recognises. However, the UDF led by figures like Ramesh Chennithala and VD Satheesan is now resorting to a desperate campaign of blatant lies and baseless allegations regarding SDPI support in Malappuram to distract from their own pro-corporate, globalist policies. While the opposition competes to spread misinformation and attempts to paint the LDF's strategy of fielding independent candidates in a negative light, the reality remains that while they point fingers, it was RSS leadership that explicitly called for supporting UDF votes," he said in a press conference. The Kerala CM exuded confidence in the LDF, saying that the general public can easily see through the political propaganda and which party prioritises a pro-people stance. "Ultimately, the LDF refuses to be drawn into every manufactured controversy because the people see through these agendas and prioritise the government's genuine, pro-people stance over political propaganda," he added. Earlier on Friday, Kerala CPI(M) secretary MV Govindan said that his party had been the primary force opposing the BJP in the state. He also criticised Congress leader VD Satheesan for spreading "lies". Speaking to the reporters here, Govindan said, "The people of Kerala know that the CPI(M) is the force that strongly opposes the RSS, whereas the UDF is the party that maintains a relationship with them. If you examine the voting statistics, it becomes clear who actually helped the BJP win; it was the CPI(M) that successfully closed the BJP's account in Nemom. This is the only Opposition that has taken a stand against development in this election." "VD Satheesan's primary job is to wake up and spread lies; while he claims to be against communalism, he hasn't uttered a single word regarding Jamaat-e-Islami's public declaration of support for the UDF. Furthermore, KM Shaji is the very hallmark of communalism; wherever he contests, he speaks nothing but communal politics," he said. Kerala legislative assembly elections will be held in a single phase on April 9, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4. The tenure of the current assembly is set to conclude on May 23. (ANI)
Editors note: The above video was recorded October 17, 2025.

AUSTIN (KXAN)  No Kings Central Texas and Indivisible have organized rallies across the country Saturday, March 28, with millions expected to flood the streets of major cities. In Downtown Austin, organizers hope upwards of 50,000 Travis County residents attend.

No Kings organizers say the rally is aimed at opposing unconstitutional executive overreach, cruel ICE enforcement tactics, and the erosion of rights and freedoms for all Americans. Organizers emphasized the rally is a national day of nonviolent protest.

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Millions expected at No Kings rallies across the country March 28

The march to Auditorium Shores leaves from Austin City Hall at noon, according to the organizers. In addition to the march, No Kings Central Texas said more than 80 civil rights and mutual aid organizations will be on-hand with activities and free merchandise. There will also be art and opportunities to co-create.

No Kings protestors at Auditorium Shores Oct. 18, 2025. (KXAN Photo/Frank Martinez)

Speakers and performers will include Brigitte Bandit, Jo Ellis, Dan Weber, Justice, Jeff Dazey, Dumancas-Brouse JazzCallForFreedom, Los Kurados, Stefanie Fix, Singing Resistance Austin, Sophia Mirto, Yasmine Smith, Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, Melody Tremallo, Valerie De Bill, and Julie Ann Nitsch. More information is available at https://www.handsoffcentraltx.org/events/nokings3.

Saturdays rally marks the third in a series of country-wide events by Indivisible, No Kings Central Texas and Hands Off Central Texas.

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The organizations said they hope to draw more than 3.5% of Travis Countys population to the downtown area for a peaceful gathering Saturday, March 28. That would be around 50,000 residents.

An estimated 20,000-40,000 residents attended previous events, according to No Kings Central Texas, which said that no arrests or violence were associated with the gatherings. However, previous reporting shows that following a No Kings event in Austin in June 2025, Austin Police made three arrests, three officers were injured, and three instances of officers using force.

No Kings Central Texas said it brings together organizers for racial justice, immigration rights, LGTBQ equity, reproductive freedom, environmental activism and more, with the collective goal of a stronger democracy.

The Austin organizers believe in empowered resistance through community connection, music, learning, and joy, organizers said in a press release.

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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 KXAN Austin.
Bill Bien, a lymphoma survivor who said NIH-funded breakthroughs saved his life, spoke to demonstrators on Saturday in Bethesda, Maryland. Photograph: Melody Schreiber/The Guardian

As tens of thousands of people assembled across the US and around the world for No Kings protests, about a thousand people gathered outside the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland, on Saturday morning to protest cuts to medical research and the Trumps administrations policies on health.

The rally follows a tumultuous year for the research agency, with devastating cuts to multi-year funding and outright terminations of grants, especially to research related to gender and race. The White House is now poised to cut the NIHs budget by 20%, according to reporting by Roll Call on Friday, nearly one year after mass layoffs at health agencies.

A year ago, Bill Bien woke up sick, with a sore throat and shortness of breath. He was soon diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma.

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It was like trying to climb a mountain, and I couldnt breathe, he told the crowd. But I made it, and so will you.

Ten years ago, his diagnosis wouldve been a death sentence, he said. That was before breakthroughs in research to treat lymphoma, after 25 years of research at places such as the National Cancer Institute, he said. You create fundamental shifts, and now lymphomas are cured.

After a year of treatments and recovery, including sometimes life-threatening infections, Biens cancer is now gone. NIH researchers are national treasures, he said. You guys should be cherished, not diminished. He urged the government to continue funding long-term science done by interdisciplinary teams.

You must persevere, Bien said. It means so much to so many people youll never meet. It will save their lives.

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Speakers words were underscored by honking cars along the road. Chilly winds blew cherry-blossom petals like snowflakes.

No kings, just vaccines! protesters shouted as speakers decried harsh immigration crackdowns, limitations on transgender healthcare, the war in Iran and blockade in Cuba, and a radically reshaped public health environment. The event was also a food drive to support unpaid employees with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and others affected by the partial shutdown.

Speaking into a microphone, its new to me, said Nina Friedman, a doctoral candidate at University of Maryland whose research has been supported by the NIH. But Im realizing that if we dont take the microphone, RFK Jr and Jay Bhattacharya will have the airwaves.

Robert F Kennedy Jr, the secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and Bhattacharya, the head of the NIH, have overseen the gutting of one of the worlds premier research institutions.

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In August 2024, Michael Green was thrilled to receive an early-career fellowship from the NIH for his work on discrimination in healthcare. But in 2025, that research was terminated in the sweeping cuts enacted over the past year  part of the purge of research on diversity, equity and inclusion, which are key parts of public health research.

I study trust for a living  Trust is not found by going on a podcast, Green said, a reference to Bhattacharyas frequent appearances on rightwing podcasts and conferences. What I see is one person trying to run science like a king, deciding which research is acceptable based on political ideology rather than scientific merit, he said.

Conducting public health research has required a very, very visible lifetime commitment to championing equity, diversity and inclusion, said Jeanne Marrazzo, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and current CEO of the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

Leaders of NIH institutes such as Marrazzo resisted the cuts imposed by leadership. We were never explicitly told why we were placed on administrative leave almost exactly a year ago, Marrazzo said. I was never explicitly told why I was ultimately fired six months later. But its very hard to imagine that our resistance did not play a role.

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But she said shes still fighting to support vital research in the US. I am ready for this. I am all in, she said. She referenced the name of the rally, No (Shadow) Kings, and said: It can be dimmed or redirected by political will or malign intent  but eventually the light reaches where it needs to go.

Anna Culbertson, co-founder of 27 UNIHTED, a non-profit of former NIH workers, led the crowd in the oath of office that all government employees take: I will support and defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, she said, and the crowd, repeating after her, shouted the last part.
Bundled up against an unseasonably chilly spring morning on March 28, hundreds, many holding anti-Trump signs, gathered in Morristown in front of town hall for the third round of nationwide No Kings rallies.

"Stop the Trump War Machine" and "Let's deport the worst of the worst, Donald Trump" were some of the messages seen as music played in the background early in the event, which began at 11 a.m.

Story continues below photo gallery.

Neil Cooperman, 78, sits with a protest sign during a No Kings protest in front of the Municipal Building on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Morristown. Protesters hold up signs during a No Kings protest in front of the Municipal Building on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Morristown. Protesters of all ages gather with signs during a No Kings protest in front of the Municipal Building on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Morristown. Morristown Mayor Timothy Dougherty stands in attendance during a No Kings protest in front of the Municipal Building on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Morristown. Protesters gather with signs during a No Kings protest in front of the Municipal Building on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Morristown. Diane Bates, of Morristown, follows a political hopscotch during a No Kings protest in front of the Municipal Building on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Morristown. A protester dressed in a frog costume dances during a No Kings protest in front of the Municipal Building on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Morristown. A protester dressed in a frog costume dances during a No Kings protest in front of the Municipal Building on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Morristown. Morristown Mayor Timothy Dougherty speaks to hundreds of people during a No Kings protest in front of the Municipal Building on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Morristown. See crowds, signs at Morristown No Kings anti-Trump march 1 of 9 Neil Cooperman, 78, sits with a protest sign during a No Kings protest in front of the Municipal Building on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Morristown.

Patricia and Mark Ruiz, a husband and wife from Morristown, were at the rally with handwritten cardboard signs saying "Our best hope, Trump gets medical advice from RFK Jr." and "Democracy for our kids." Mark Ruiz said they have "been intensely dismayed by what is going on in Washington, DC, and the scariest leadership we have ever seen." He said it's "not about us anymore, it's about our children and grandchildren. We want them to at least have the same kind of life we had, and the rights we had, especially our granddaughters."

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"These are not normal times," said Erik Cruz Morales, director of democracy at the League of Women Voters of New Jersey, addressing the crowd. "The administration is even trying to stop the League of Women Voters from helping register people to vote ... Democracy is not lost all at once, but stripped away piece by piece." The league, founded to support women's voting rights, works on supporting fair elections through local candidate forums and volunteering.

Morristown police advised motorists to avoid South Street in the area from Madison Avenue to Elm Street, which was closed for the rally, from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

John McGuire, 76, of Basking Ridge, wears a chicken costume during a No Kings protest in front of the Municipal Building on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Morristown.

This was the third round of rallies that stem from a movement that grew from citizens protesting what they said were authoritarian actions taken by the Trump administration. This has now become an official platform, with organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union and local mutual aid groups joining in virtual rallies and streaming on gaming platforms like Twitch for wider reach.

Organizers behind the effort include the groups 50501, Indivisible and Women's March.

A protester holds up a sign during a No Kings protest in front of the Municipal Building on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Morristown.

Speakers included Morristown Mayor Timothy Dougherty, students from Drew University, and representatives of the League of Women Voters, the ACLU and Wind of the Spirit, a labor and undocumented immigrant advocacy group. The Vera Millea Band of students from Mendham High School played as the crowd, which spanned two blocks, drifted toward the front of the town hall, holding signs, many of them handmade, and many with darkly humorous jokes about the Trump administration. By noon, the crowd spread across South Street. A small police drone monitored it from several feet above the ground.

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The crowd chanted "Fired up! Ready to go! No Kings! No Kings! No Kings!" and "Say it loud, say it clear, immigrants are welcome here."

Mar 28, 2026; Newark, NJ, USA; No Kings march on Market Street in Newark. Mar 28, 2026; Newark, NJ, USA; No Kings march on Market Street in Newark. Mar 28, 2026; Newark, NJ, USA; No Kings march on Market Street in Newark. Mar 28, 2026; Newark, NJ, USA; No Kings march on Market Street in Newark. Mar 28, 2026; Newark, NJ, USA; No Kings march on Broad Street in Newark. Mar 28, 2026; Newark, NJ, USA; No Kings march on Broad Street in Newark. Mar 28, 2026; Newark, NJ, USA; No Kings march on Broad Street in Newark. Mar 28, 2026; Newark, NJ, USA; No Kings march on Broad Street in Newark. Mar 28, 2026; Newark, NJ, USA; No Kings march on Broad Street in Newark. Mar 28, 2026; Newark, NJ, USA; No Kings march on Broad Street in Newark. Mar 28, 2026; Newark, NJ, USA; No Kings march on Broad Street in Newark. Mar 28, 2026; Newark, NJ, USA; No Kings march on Market Street in Newark. Mar 28, 2026; Newark, NJ, USA; No Kings march on Market Street in Newark. Mar 28, 2026; Newark, NJ, USA; No Kings march on Market Street in Newark. Mar 28, 2026; Newark, NJ, USA; No Kings march on Market Street in Newark. Mar 28, 2026; Newark, NJ, USA; No Kings march on Market Street in Newark. Mar 28, 2026; Newark, NJ, USA; No Kings march on Market Street in Newark. Mar 28, 2026; Newark, NJ, USA; People gather near the Historic Courthouse in Newark before the start of a No Kings march. Mar 28, 2026; Newark, NJ, USA; No Kings march on Market Street in Newark. Mar 28, 2026; Newark, NJ, USA; Nello Ramsey holds a sign as he and others gather near the Historic Courthouse in Newark before the start of a No Kings march. Mar 28, 2026; Newark, NJ, USA; People gather near the Historic Courthouse in Newark before the start of a No Kings march. Mar 28, 2026; Newark, NJ, USA; People gather near the Historic Courthouse in Newark before the start of a No Kings march. See the marchers at Newark No Kings protest 1 of 22 Mar 28, 2026; Newark, NJ, USA; No Kings march on Market Street in Newark.

Millions of protesters were expected to attend No Kings protests in New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Denver, Seattle, San Francisco, New Orleans, Kansas City and Atlanta, possibly surpassing the 7 million who flocked to 2,500 protests in October 2025. The third No Kings anti-Trump protest comes with no end in sight to the Department of Homeland Security shutdown, with Trump signing an order on March 27 to pay Transportation Security Administration agents.

The war against Iran is the latest issue that is provoking protests. The No Kings rallies began after President Donald Trump sent Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents into Minneapolis, leading to the deaths of American citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Rally organizers said Trump's agenda on detention and deportation of individuals who entered the country illegally is also a reason they protest.

The rallies oppose the government's threatening of free speech and press freedoms, "filing baseless charges against their opposition, limiting due process rights, detaining persons without cause, sending the military and National Guard to police cities over local government objections, entering military action without congressional approval and delaying the release of the Epstein files," said local organizer Pamela Krause.

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The No Kings movement was spawned after Trump posted a picture on White House social media captioned "Long Live the King." The post read: CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD  LONG LIVE THE KING! referring to the end of New York City's effort to charge vehicles a $9 toll during peak hours.

Protesters of all ages gather with signs during a No Kings protest in front of the Municipal Building on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Morristown.

Millions of Americans have participated in the rallies.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Morristown NJ 'No Kings' rally draws large crowd on March 28, 2026
Another "No Kings" protest against President Donald Trump and his administration drew huge crowds to downtown Nashville on Saturday, March 28.

The protest was one of thousands happening across the nation, with around 40 in Tennessee alone.

Under a sunny sky and chilly wind, a massive crowd of protesters gathered at Wasioto Park, on the edge of the Cumberland River near downtown, and marched across the John Siegenthaler Pedestrian Bridge onto Broadway.

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Signs decrying the war in Iran, the Epstein files, the administration's heavy immigration enforcement and cuts to education funding dominated the demonstration.

Demonstrators gather at Wasioto Park during a No Kings protest on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The protest was one of hundreds nationwide opposing President Donald Trump and his administration. Mike Ward holds a sign as he demonstrates at Wasioto Park during a No Kings protest on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The protest was one of hundreds nationwide opposing President Donald Trump and his administration. Demonstrators gather at Wasioto Park during a No Kings protest on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The protest was one of hundreds nationwide opposing President Donald Trump and his administration. Demonstrators gather at Wasioto Park during a No Kings protest on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The protest was one of hundreds nationwide opposing President Donald Trump and his administration. Demonstrators shout as they gather at Wasioto Park during a No Kings protest on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The protest was one of hundreds nationwide opposing President Donald Trump and his administration. Demonstrators holds signs as they protest at Wasioto Park during a No Kings protest on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The protest was one of hundreds nationwide opposing President Donald Trump and his administration. Demonstrators chant during a No Kings protest protest at Wasioto Park on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The protest was one of hundreds nationwide opposing President Donald Trump and his administration. A demonstrator holds a sign during a No Kings protest at Wasioto Park on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The protest was one of hundreds nationwide opposing President Donald Trump and his administration. A demonstrator holds a sign during a No Kings protest at Wasioto Park on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The protest was one of hundreds nationwide opposing President Donald Trump and his administration. Demonstrators gather at Wasioto Park during a No Kings protest on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The protest was one of hundreds nationwide opposing President Donald Trump and his administration. No Kings demonstrators gather in Nashville to oppose Trump policies 1 of 10 Demonstrators gather at Wasioto Park during a No Kings protest on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The protest was one of hundreds nationwide opposing President Donald Trump and his administration.

Ian Montgomery, an organizer with the event, said the protest was organized because the group believes the country is "on the wrong trajectory."

"We're here to oppose the authoritarian posturing of this administration, which has very clearly at several instances signaled that they believe they have the right to do whatever they would like to do," he said. "And we're here to protest their series of constitutional abuses, like ICE on our streets, abducting people with no identification, no just cause. And they're actively breaking the law at every moment they do not release the Epstein files related to elites in a pedophile ring."

Montgomery stood at the helm of a long line of women in red capes, mimicking the dystopian cape made famous by the novel "The Handmaid's Tale," each bearing a sign with a name of a political leader or "cultural elite" who is named in the plethora of documents left behind by convicted sex offender and disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

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More: About 40 'No Kings' protests planned across Tennessee. See when and where

Gigi Paige, a Clarksville native, drove to Nashville early Saturday morning to attend the protest, brandishing two signs calling for the revocation of the entire Trump administration.

"We've never had it so bad in our government before," she said. "We've seen the folly of where our democracy has so many holes. We need a reformation. And we need it to go to the people. The holes must be filled."

Paige has been to many protests in her life, "in every corner of the country," she said.

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"I've been to a great many," she said. "It's never been more important."

It's not the first time a No Kings protest has taken place in Music City. Thousands gathered for protests at the Bicentennial Mall in June 2025 on the same day as Trump's birthday and a massive military parade in Washington, D.C. There was also a No Kings protest that drew a large crowd to the Tennessee Capitol in October.

The USA TODAY Network - The South region's coverage of First Amendment issues is funded through a collaboration between the Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners.

Have a story to tell? Reach Angele Latham by email at alatham@gannett.com, or follow her on X at @angele_latham

The Tennessean's Rachel Wegner contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville 'No Kings' protest against Trump draws huge crowds
Across thousands of cities nationwide, including dozens in Pennsylvania, millions of Americans rallied against the Trump administration Saturday in the third No Kings protests since President Donald Trump returned to office.

Outside of massive demonstrations in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, commonwealth residents assembled in smaller municipalities like Reading, located in Berks County, where U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is planning to establish a 1,500-bed detention facility.

Cousins Jackie and Jennifer Arteaga, of Mexican descent, said they worried about family members who didnt have documentation as immigration enforcement ramps up in the area. (Photo by Whitney Downard/Pennsylvania Capital-Star)

Cousins Jennifer and Jackie Arteaga, of Mexican descent, said current events seemed almost surreal, keeping the American dream out of reach. They said they feared for family members who dont have documentation.

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It feels like our country is a joke  with a government thats so unjust, said Jennifer Arteaga, 25, who attended with her 3-year-old son. Its his future were talking about.

Jackie Arteaga, 20, lives 20 minutes from the proposed detention facility, and said she worries about seeing ICE agents in her community.

Its a scary feeling to know that I might be seeing them at the Wawa by my house, said Jackie Arteaga. What do I do?

Jennifer Arteaga criticized the use of the empty warehouse for ICE, saying that resources could be used to house homeless people in the area instead. Jackie Arteaga also worried about the impact of the facility on her areas water and sewage system  which state officials cited as barriers in administrative orders earlier this month.

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The two werent the only protesters motivated by their opposition to ICEs actions to attend the rally. Many of the signs along the busy intersection criticized the agency, and event organizers with the Berks County Democratic Committee handed out No ICE pins and paper crowns.

Organizers with the Berks County Democratic Committee pass out No Kings and anti-ICE buttons on March 28, 2026. (Photo by Whitney Downard/Pennsylvania Capital-Star)

Im against it. Period, said Patti Rose, wearing a No ICE in Berks County pin. She said she opposed and protested a previous detention center in the county designed to house families.

Its not about criminals, its about rounding people up randomly, said Rose, 67. We have a lot of empty warehouses in Pennsylvania, were a prime target for their campaign  its barbaric.

Repeat protests

Lined up a quarter mile or more on each side of the intersecting roadways, a few hundred people chanted and cheered against a backdrop of near-constant honking from drive-by supporters and several live music performers. Some protesters marched with cowbells and tambourines, others sang choral music and at least one person played punk music from a portable speaker.

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Aside from ICE, other popular protest topics included frustration with Democratic U.S. Sen. John Fetterman for recent votes aligned with the Republican party, outrage over the lack of action  or arrests  from the Epstein files and opposition to the war in Iran.

Berks County attendees line up at a busy intersection in Reading, Pennsylvania for a No Kings protest on March 28, 2026. (Photo by Whitney Downard/Pennsylvania Capital-Star)

For two friends from nearby Temple, the nonstop news seemed to be a ploy to keep people occupied and divide their attention.

Its only been 14 months and the amount of damage hes done  people become almost numb to it, said Elaine Shoemacker.

Theres so much that when you make a poster you think, What do I pick? Brenda Reedy quipped.

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Donna Bailey, of Reading, who was at her third No Kings protest, said she keeps coming to No Kings rallies for her grandchildren.

And the fear of losing democracy, of going backwards said Bailey. Fear of my grandchildren not being able to afford life  its just getting worse.

Eventually its got to stop or hit a tipping point, but every time you think its a low point its not low enough.
Months after millions of Americans took to the streets in protest of the Trump Administration, the organizers of the "No Kings" protests are back.

The next "No Kings" event, the third of its kind, is taking place today, with marches and gatherings planned in cities and towns across the country.

Tensions are rising nationally as the military operation in Iran continues and ICE officers appear in airports. Many states have entered their midterm primary season, which will act as a referendum on the current administration.

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Here's what to know for the 'No Kings' protests on March 28.

What are 'No Kings' protests?

The "No Kings" movement originated as a counter-protest to the U.S. Army 250th Anniversary Parade held in Washington, D.C. on June 14th, 2025. The event coincided with President Trump's 79th birthday.

Tanks, soldiers and veterans participated in the parade, but while that event was happening in the nation's capital, an estimated 5 million people across 2,100 rallies protested the Trump Administration and his actions deemed more like a king than a president. The organization referred to the army parade as an attempted "coronation."

"Four months later, that movement roared back even stronger. On October 18, over seven million Americans joined 2,700+ events in all 50 states  a nationwide uprising 14 times larger than both of Trump's inaugurations combined," the organization said on their website. "Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger. 'No Kings' is more than just a slogan; it is the foundation our nation was built upon."

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The organization cites ICE operations, election interference, environmental protections, healthcare, education and cost of living as key issues in this weekend's protests.

In Georgia, the protests come just days after ICE officers were deployed at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and cities like Oakwood and Social Circle clash with the federal government over ICE detention facilities being built in their districts.

Where are 'No Kings' events in Atlanta today?

There will be five protests organized inside the perimeter of I-285 in Atlanta on Saturday.

No Kings Atlanta: 10 a.m - 1 p.m., Memorial Dr Greenway, Atlanta, GA 30312

No Kings North Highland Avenue: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

No Kings - Atlanta: 3 p.m. - 5 p.m., Viridion Towers, Atlanta GA 30329

No Kings Clairmont Lake: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

No Kings (Cumberland): 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., US 41/Cobb Parkway between Cumberland Mall and The Galleria Cobb County

Are there other 'No Kings' events in the metro?

There are many 'No Kings' events in the greater Atlanta metro area.

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No Kings Smyrna: 3 p.m. - 5 p.m., Village Green, Smyrna, GA 30080

No Kings Marietta Square: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m., Marietta Square, Marietta, GA 30060

No Kings Marietta-East Cobb: 12 p.m. - 2 p.m., Johnson Ferry Road and Roswell Road, Marietta (East Cobb), GA 30062

No Kings Roswell: 12 p.m. - 2 p.m., Corner of Holcomb Bridge and Alpharetta Highway in front of Chick-Fil-A, Roswell, GA 30075

No Kings Peachtree Corners and Sandy Springs: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m., Corner of Spalding Dr and Holcomb Bridge Road, Norcross, GA 30092

No Kings Forsyth City/Johns Creek: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m., McDonald's, Suwanee, GA 30024

No Kings Gwinnett: 3 p.m. - 6 p.m., Town Center Park, Suwanee, GA 30024

No Kings Tucker: 3 p.m. - 6 p.m., location listed as "private," but you can sign up for more details on the No Kings website

No Kings Indivisible Gwinnett: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Snellville City Hall, Snellville, GA, 30078

Irene Wright is the Atlanta Connect reporter with USA TODAY's Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at ismith@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Where are 'No Kings' protests in Atlanta today? See the list
LINCOLN  Hundreds of Nebraskans protested against the Trump administration Saturday along Nebraska Parkway in Lincoln, and thousands protested near Northwest Radial Highway in Omaha as part of No Kings demonstrations statewide.

The third iteration of No Kings protests organized border to border gatherings to vent displeasure at President Donald Trump and his administrations policy decisions. The Lincoln protest was held on the Helen Boosalis Trail between South 27th Street and South 56th Street.

I dont like whats going on  I know its not the world I want to live in, said Ford Kloepper, a 17-year-old Lincoln resident.

Protesters along Nebraska Parkway in Lincoln on March 28, 2026. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)

Kloepper said people his age are going to take the brunt of Trumps mistakes. He pointed to the recent U.S. conflict in Iran as a motivator to protest for him, as he doesnt want to get drafted into a war in the Middle East for no reason at all.

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Many of the protesters, much like previous demonstrations, held anti-Trump signs with slogans like, Trump lies and Stop Trump, save democracy. Others held American flags and wore costumes. Volunteers from different groups gathered signatures for ballot initiatives and at least one candidate. One of the petitions sought to let voters decide on a state constitutional amendment requiring larger majorities to repeal or change any law passed by voters. Volunteers for nonpartisan U.S. Senate candidate Dan Osborn collected signatures to get him on the November ballot.

Organizers planned 18 protests across Nebraska. In Omaha, the rally was held at Gallagher Park, with thousands of protesters filling the sidewalks and grassy areas near the intersection of Maple Street and the Northwest Radial.

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Organizers said the spot let protesters draw attention to historic Benson and all of the restaurants, galleries and coffee shops that have made the neighborhood a cultural destination since 1887. Among the crowd filled with a variety of ages and races was Lorin and Elwin Moseman, waving signs that said, End Wars Before Wars End Us and No Kings No ICE.

Lorin and Elwin Moseman of Omaha were among the thousands of protesters who participated in the Omaha demonstration on Saturday. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)

It was the Mosemans third anti-Kings rally, and despite the chill of the day, they said they wouldnt have missed it.

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It could have been an ice storm, said Elwin, who was motivated in particular by the Epstein files and Trump being in them, this stupid war weve got involved with Iran.

His wife, Lorin, said she came to stand up for democracy.

I want to show up, stand up and speak out about our country, she said, decrying leadership incompetency from the very beginning.

She said the nation needs a presidential job description and interview, and she was not short on words to describe her disgust and disappointment about current leadership: Shameful, disgusting, exhausting.

Were in a broken world, she said.

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Nearby, a bundled up woman in a wheelchair held onto a sign that said, Im mad about everything.

Sara Peterson led buses carrying about 75 protesters from First United Methodist Church of Omaha. She said people felt a sense of unity and joy seeing the chanting crowd, which she said reflected her groups makeup  diverse in age, ethnicity and political party.

Were not alone, she said Its an exciting day to be a part of.

Peterson called the rally a tangible sign of people coming together  for democracy. Her group included church members and their friends  some of whom never participated in such a protest or rally before but felt the urge and were nudged out of their comfort zone to take back our country and democracy.

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Since the return of Trump for a second term, the anti-Trump group has organized national protests. Nebraska, much like the rest of the nation, saw multiple demonstrations throughout 2025.

The group also bought ads in local newspapers ahead of the Saturday protests. Nebraska Republican Party chair Mary Jane Truemper had no immediate comment on the protests.

People gather at the Omaha No Kings protest. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)

As Election Day gets closer, political observers have wondered how organizers might harness the political energy, whether the demonstrations might signal a coming wave of change at the polls, or whether momentum will fizzle after the crowds go home. Some have argued Democrats and progressives are good at mobilizing people for large-scale protests but have lagged conservatives in building local infrastructure to affect sweeping policy changes.

Back in Lincoln, Erik Betts, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln student, said the political winds are in Democrats favor, and he feels the possibilities are endless, even in a reliably red state. He said he thinks Osborn could beat Republican U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, and he hopes the blue wave might be large enough to beat Nebraska 1st Congressional District Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Flood, a former speaker of the Legislature.

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We need to really show up this time Weve got to take this motivation  and make a difference, Betts said.

Betts said events like these help him stay hopeful because it reminds him that he is not alone.

When you are in your own house and just scrolling on social media, its easy to feel just defeated, Betts said. So I come out as much to show support for everyone else, to feel that maybe a bunch of people agree with [me] and things can change.

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Thousands of people gathered in downtown Los Angeles and across Southern California on Saturday for marches and rallies as part of nationwide "No Kings" protests of immigration enforcement and other Trump administration policies. After the event's conclusion, a group of demonstrators began clashing with police near the Federal Building.

The event scheduled at Gloria Molina Grand Park, across from City Hall, was one of several thousand planned in communities across the country. The downtown L.A. rally begin at 2 p.m., followed by a march at 3 p.m.

In anticipation of the crowds, Caltrans crews Friday placed security gates along on- and off-ramps to the 101 Freeway in the downtown area. During previous "No Kings" protests in downtown L.A., some participants moved onto freeway lanes, temporarily blocking traffic.

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According to the "No Kings" organizers, at least 8 million people gathered at more than 3,300 events across all 50 states and almost every continent, breaking the record for the "largest single-day nonviolent protest in modern American history."

Police fire tear gas at a protestor outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles during a "No Kings" rally Saturday, March 28, 2026. AP Photo/Jill Connelly

Chaotic scene unfolds after rally in downtown L.A.

After Saturday's rally, Los Angeles police began to issue dispersal orders on Alameda Street between Aliso Street and Temple Street, near the Federal Building.

According to LAPD, protesters were attempting to tear down a chain-link fence blocking the Federal Building. The area has been the site of multiple clashes with law enforcement since last summer.

Community Advisory



Multiple demonstrators failed to disperse in the allotted time and are now being arrested on Alameda between Aliso and Temple.  LAPD Central Division (@LAPDCentral) March 29, 2026

A Tactical Alert was issued for the city as officers worked to get the scene under control. Federal authorities deployed tear gas as demonstrators allegedly threw objects over the fence.

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Eventually, a skirmish line was established and law enforcement began arresting individuals violating the dispersal order.

Community Advisory



Alameda between Aliso and Temple.



Federal Authorities have deployed more tear gas due to demonstrators throwing large concrete blocks, bottles and other objects over the fence.  LAPD Central Division (@LAPDCentral) March 29, 2026

Saturday's preparations came ahead of what organizers expected to be one of the largest demonstrations in the region.

"As unconstitutional deportations and inhumane treatment of immigrants and asylum seekers continue across the United States, and as illegal and unauthorized wars are perpetrated around the globe, Los Angeles unites in solidarity with a peaceful march and rally," organizers said in a statement.

Scheduled speakers included actress Jodie Sweetin and Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association.

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"A lot of people want to help, they just don't know where to start," Emily Williams, a lead organizer for 50501 SoCal, said in a statement. "No Kings is that starting point. It's about community, about showing up for each other, and about turning concern into real action you can be part of."

Dozens of "No Kings" protests will be held across Southern California this weekend to demonstrate against the Trump administration.

The organizers called for the impeachment and removal of the Trump administration and the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

"The president thinks his rule is absolute," according to the No Kings website. "But in America, we don't have kings -- and we won't back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty. Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger. No Kings' is more than just a slogan; it is the foundation our nation was built upon."

GOP officials dismissive of protests

White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson characterized the protests as the product of "leftist funding networks" with little real public support.

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The "only people who care about these Trump Derangement Therapy Sessions are the reporters who are paid to cover them," Jackson said in a statement.

The National Republican Congressional Committee was also sharply critical.

"These Hate America Rallies are where the far-left's most violent, deranged fantasies get a microphone," NRCC spokesperson Maureen O'Toole said.

Protesters have a long list of causes

The Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement, particularly in Minnesota, were just one item on a long list of protester grievances that also included the war in Iran and the rollback of transgender rights.

In Washington, hundreds marched past the Lincoln Memorial and into the National Mall, holding signs that read "Put down the crown, clown" and "Regime change begins at home." Demonstrators rang bells, played drums and chanted "No kings."

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Bill Jarcho was there from Seattle, joined by six people dressed as insects wearing tactical vests that said, "LICE," spoofing ICE as part of what he called a "mock and awe" tour.

"What we provide is mockery to the king," Jarcho said. "It's about taking authoritarianism and making fun of it, which they hate."

About 40,000 people marched in a "No Kings" event in San Diego, police there said.

City News Service and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
Thousands of people marched and rallied in Greater Cincinnati on March 28 in what organizers hope was the biggest No Kings demonstration yet.

Roughly a dozen local protests were part of the third No Kings event, planned throughout the country, on March 28. The demonstrations were designed to show opposition to President Donald Trump, his policies, and his administration.

No Kings protesters march through Downtown Cincinnati

An afternoon protest at Cincinnati City Hall  where people made speeches about the economy, worker rights and voting access  kicked off Downtown Cincinnati's No Kings event at 1 p.m.

Protestors gather at City Hall for a 'No Kings' protest, Saturday, March 28, 2026, in downtown Cincinnati. Protestors gather at City Hall for a 'No Kings' protest, Saturday, March 28, 2026, in downtown Cincinnati. Tom Capizzi parades a head modeled after President Donald Trump during a 'No Kings' protest, Saturday, March 28, 2026, at City Hall in downtown Cincinnati. Protestors gather at City Hall for a 'No Kings' protest, Saturday, March 28, 2026, in downtown Cincinnati. Protestors gather at City Hall for a 'No Kings' protest, Saturday, March 28, 2026, in downtown Cincinnati. Protestors gather at City Hall for a 'No Kings' protest, Saturday, March 28, 2026, in downtown Cincinnati. Gwen McFarlin chants during a 'No Kings' protest, Saturday, March 28, 2026, at City Hall in downtown Cincinnati. Protestors gather at City Hall for a 'No Kings' protest, Saturday, March 28, 2026, in downtown Cincinnati. Protestors gather at City Hall for a 'No Kings' protest, Saturday, March 28, 2026, in downtown Cincinnati. Protestors gather at City Hall for a 'No Kings' protest, Saturday, March 28, 2026, in downtown Cincinnati. A group of children look through a pile of signs during a No Kings protest, Saturday, March 28, 2026, at City Hall in downtown Cincinnati. Protesters begin to march the streets during a 'No Kings' protest, Saturday, March 28, 2026, at City Hall in downtown Cincinnati. Protestors march throughout downtown Cincinnati during a 'No Kings' protest, Saturday, March 28, 2026. Protestors march throughout downtown Cincinnati during a 'No Kings' protest, Saturday, March 28, 2026. The Cincinnati Police Department patrol the streets as protestors march throughout downtown Cincinnati during a 'No Kings' protest, Saturday, March 28, 2026. Protestors march down downtown Cincinnati during a 'No Kings' protest, Saturday, March 28, 2026. Protestors stop at The Banks during a march throughout downtown Cincinnati during a 'No Kings' protest, Saturday, March 28, 2026. Terry Vincent, 48, chants out in support of protestors during a 'No Kings' protest, Saturday, March 28, 2026, in downtown Cincinnati. Protestors march throughout downtown Cincinnati during a 'No Kings' protest, Saturday, March 28, 2026. Protestors march throughout downtown Cincinnati during a 'No Kings' protest, Saturday, March 28, 2026. Protestors march throughout Downtown for 'No Kings' protest. See photos 1 of 20 Protestors gather at City Hall for a 'No Kings' protest, Saturday, March 28, 2026, in downtown Cincinnati.

Saturday was Kentrell Gaulden's first No Kings protest.

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"I believe everybody deserves freedom and I feel like Trump is doing a lot of wrong," the 25-year-old said. "I feel as if this road continues to happen, bigger problems will happen."

Lata Patel, who lives in Walnut Hills, said she was there to defend the U.S. Constitution.

After speeches from people with local political groups, thousands of protesters marched together toward The Banks.

Protesters argue with Trump supporters

At The Banks, some protesters clashed with Trump-supporting baseball fans who had gathered there ahead of the Cincinnati Reds evening game.

The fans chanted "USA!" and "Trump!" in response to protesters shouting, "No fear, no hate, no ICE in our state!"

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Legal observers dressed in high-visibility vests de-escalated an argument between a protester and a Trump supporter at The Banks.

In Covington, a rally near an earlier clash

At a morning protest in Covington, hundreds attended a No Kings protest where they waved signs, danced, and cheered at honking cars.

Protesters gathered at the base of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge where 15 people were arrested last summer while protesting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainments in the area.

"We wanted to reclaim this space for peace," protest organizer Anne Mitchell, a Covington resident, said. "We wanted to make sure that we came back and had another peaceful event to show that we love this space and we'll never abandon it to bad feelings."

More than 500 people attended the No Kings protest March 28 at the base of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge in Covington. More than 500 people attended the No Kings protest March 28 at the base of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge in Covington. More than 500 people attended the No Kings protest March 28 at the base of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge in Covington. More than 500 people attended the No Kings protest March 28 at the base of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge in Covington. More than 500 people attended the No Kings protest March 28 at the base of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge in Covington. More than 500 people attended the No Kings protest March 28 at the base of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge in Covington. More than 500 people attended the No Kings protest March 28 at the base of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge in Covington. More than 500 people attended the No Kings protest March 28 at the base of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge in Covington. More than 500 people attended the No Kings protest March 28 at the base of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge in Covington. More than 500 people attended the No Kings protest March 28 at the base of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge in Covington. More than 500 people attended the No Kings protest March 28 at the base of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge in Covington. More than 500 people attended the No Kings protest March 28 at the base of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge in Covington. More than 500 people attended the No Kings protest March 28 at the base of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge in Covington. More than 500 people attended the No Kings protest March 28 at the base of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge in Covington. More than 500 people attended the No Kings protest March 28 at the base of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge in Covington. More than 500 people attended the No Kings protest March 28 at the base of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge in Covington. More than 500 people attended the No Kings protest March 28 at the base of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge in Covington. More than 500 people attended the No Kings protest March 28 at the base of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge in Covington. Hundreds attend No Kings protest in Covington 1 of 18 More than 500 people attended the No Kings protest March 28 at the base of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge in Covington.

'Really joyful camaraderi'

Throughout the event, people blew bubbles, played music and embraced the almost-festival-like atmosphere.

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"There's a way to get our voice heard in peace and really joyful camaraderie," Covington resident Michelle Kersting said. "There are so many like minds here."

Just before 1 p.m., many protesters crossed the bridge to head to the event in Cincinnati.

For a complete list of demonstration details, read The Enquirer's previous coverage or the No Kings website.

What the White House said about No Kings

"The only people who care about these Trump Derangement Therapy Sessions are the reporters who are paid to cover them, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said in a statement.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Thousands attend No Kings protests across Cincinnati to oppose Trump
This story was originally published on mynorthwest.com.

Several No Kings rallies took place Saturday throughout Washington, including an estimated 75,000 to 100,000 people who marched through downtown Seattle.

The protest tied up traffic on 4th and 5th Avenues until 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Traffic was also slowed along Pine Street.

Images from Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) cameras showed huge crowds waving signs and moving through downtown streets on their way to the Seattle Center.

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The No Kings rallies are a series of nonviolent protests occurring simultaneously across the country organized to oppose the perceived authoritarian actions and executive overreach of President Donald Trump and his administration.

Masked secret police terrorizing our communities. An illegal, catastrophic war putting us in danger and driving up our costs. Attacks on our freedom of speech, our civil rights, our freedom to vote. Costs pushing families to the brink, the No Kings coalition stated. Trump wants to rule over us as a tyrant. But this is America, and power belongs to the people  not to wannabe kings or their billionaire cronies.

The Seattle rally started at Cal Anderson Park at 12 p.m. Saturday, with the participants marching to Seattle Center at 1:15 p.m. The rally lasted until 4 p.m. Washington Attorney General Nick Brown was in attendance and spoke after marching concluded.

Bellevue, Bremerton, Everett, Federal Way, Issaquah, Kirkland, Olympia, and Tacoma also held rallies Saturday in conjunction with Seattle.

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The No Kings website identifies local events and rallies via an interactive map.

Smaller rallies in other Seattle neighborhoods

As many as 500 people gathered along Market Street in Seattles Ballard neighborhood, waving signs and chanting, while cars honked in support as they drove past.

Participants hold signs during a smaller rally in Seattles Ballard neighborhood. (Photo: Frank Sumrall, MyNorthwest)

Even smaller cities, like La Conner, pictured below, participated in the nationwide movement.

Participants hold signs during a No Kings rally in La Conner. (Photo: Justin Barnes, Seattle Sports)

History of No Kings rally in Seattle

This is the third major national day of action led by the No Kings movement. No Kings organizers claimed that more than 3,000 nonviolent protests are expected to occur nationwide. If this number holds true, Saturday could turn into one of the largest single-day protest actions in recent U.S. history.

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The demonstrations mark the third major national day of action in the No Kings movement. The last No Kings rally held in Seattle drew approximately 90,000 people last October. Roughly 70,000 people marched in the first No Kings rally in June 2025.

Seattle police create strategy for No Kings rally

The Seattle Police Department (SPD) said its been working on a plan for Saturdays event for the past several weeks. Seattle Police Assistant Chief Tyron Brown said the department will be ready for any contingency.

Were going to have some extra personnel available to us, for sure. So, we appreciate those officers coming in and volunteering to help, Brown said. We may also do some manipulation of our shifts. We have a comprehensive plan that should cover us through the course of the day.

Traffic is expected to be extremely heavy in Seattle on Saturday. Along with the Rally, the Mariners are at home, and there is at least one other big event downtown. SPD encourages everyone to use mass transit. It will be faster and easier, and attendees wont have to pay for parking.

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We really want to have very little imprint on that event, but what we can ask them to do is really just be lawful, and be considerate to people in the crowd, Brown said. There are a lot of things people are going to be passionate about, and I think the challenge for us is just getting people to keep that passion but do so in a way that is safe.

There were no reports of daytime property damage in the last No Kings rally held in Seattle, according to police. Officers were present, but did not intervene.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of using the "victim card" in politics while releasing the BJP's chargesheet against the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) government. He accused Mamata Banerjee of pretending to be a victim during elections, adding that the people of Bengal have now understood her tactics. The state will conduct elections in two phases, on April 23 and April 29, with counting of votes for both phases scheduled for May 4. Addressing the press conference in Kolkata, Shah said, "Mamata Banerjee has always played the politics of the victim card. At times, she gets her leg broken; at other times, she has her head bandaged; sometimes she falls ill; and then again, she stands before the Election Commission feigning helplessness while hurling abuses at the institution. But I have come to tell her that the people of Bengal have now thoroughly understood this politics of the victim card..." Further, Shah pointed out that only in Bengal were judicial officers deployed during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), a situation not seen anywhere else in the country. He said that the BJP would not only remove infiltrators from the voter list but also expel them from the country. "SIR is happening across the entire country, yet nowhere else did judicial officers have to be deployed--only in Bengal. What is the reason for this?... Mamata Banerjee should answer this to the people of Bengal... She is levelling allegations against SIR; however, today I wish to ask the people of Bengal: should those infiltrators who have been kept here be allowed to decide the future of Bengal?... I want to make it clear on behalf of the BJP that we are resolved to identify and expel every single infiltrator from the country, not merely from the voter lists but from across the entire nation, and this is my party's agenda," he said. "On May 6, the BJP government will be formed in West Bengal, and within 45 days, the land required for fencing the border will be provided by the Bengal BJP government to the Government of India, and we will stop infiltration," he further said. Shah criticised West Bengal Chief Minister for including 77 communities in the OBC category, claiming that 75 of them were Muslim communities. He questioned whether OBC status should now be determined based on religion. "The people of Bengal should know that Mamata Banerjee included 77 communities in the OBC category, out of which 75 are Muslim communities. Are there no other communities left? Will OBC now be decided on the basis of religion? This will not continue for long," he said. Shah said that after the BJP comes to power, it will provide a 5-year age relaxation for young people whose age limits had expired due to recruitment scams. He also assured that these individuals would be given an opportunity in SSC recruitments, with a focus on ensuring a transparent recruitment process. "In the numerous recruitment scams that have occurred, the age limit for many young people has already expired. We will provide a 5-year relaxation in this, and for those young people whose age limit for recruitment has expired, we will also give them an opportunity in SSC recruitments, along with ensuring a transparent recruitment process," he said. (ANI)
To sum up what brought her out to Lincolns Main Street for the No Kings protest on Saturday, Karen Cote just pointed to her granddaughter.

Doesnt that say it all? said the Ellsworth resident, fighting emotion.

Reminder, read her hand-painted sign referencing the Jeffrey Epstein files, they were little girls.

Another grandmother, Janet Adams, a former middle school science teacher from Woodstock, said she was also present because of concern for the young people in her life. At 74, she said, this was her first rally. But she was frustrated with what she saw as a lack of progress, and cited the Iran war and hate in national politics as part of what made her concerned for the futures of her 10 grandchildren.

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You want to leave a better world for them, she said.

In Lincoln and other New Hampshire towns from the North Country to the Seacoast, rallies took shape throughout the day on Saturday. Protesters joined others across the country, where more than 3,000 events were planned, according to organizers of the national No Kings movement.

The protests come one year and two months into President Donald Trumps second term. At several demonstrations in New Hampshire, protesters cited Trumps immigration agenda, including aggressive and deadly tactics used by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agents; high health care costs; the presidents ties to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein; the war in Iran; and concern for the environment among the reasons they said they were demonstrating.

The foothills of the White Mountains rise behind a group of demonstrators gathered in Lincoln for a honk-and-wave protest on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Asked who he was trying to reach with the protest, organizer John Lenhoff said: Its the people in the middle that are like, I cant stand this government, I dont know what to do. We want to encourage them to come on board. If they dont want to stand on the street with a sign, they can call their representative. They can write postcards. (Photo by Molly Rains/New Hampshire Bulletin)

Lincoln demonstrators call for peace, safety net

In downtown Lincoln, where the foothills of the White Mountains are visible just past Main Street, Ellen Broderick kept an eye on the crowd and waved to passing cars as a volunteer marshal.

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The vast majority of responses are like this, she said, turning to wave at a car whose driver was leaning on the horn. Broderick said she saw injustice and violence from the federal government and hoped more people would begin to take action.

Grace Garvey, a founding member of Central New Hampshire Indivisible, waves an American flag at passers-by on Saturday. (Photo by Molly Rains/New Hampshire Bulletin)

When you start to shoot innocent people and take children away from their families, or parents away from their children, for really no good reason, I think people have said, thats enough,' she said.

Pat Parker, who attended with her daughter, also said she felt the federal government had overstepped its authority.

With ICE too, going in and killing people, like, what the hells going on here? she said.  People need to wake up because its very scary, whats going on. Its very insidious.

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While cars honked and the demonstration stretched out along Main Street, a few dissenters passed through, too  including a pair of individuals who carried a Confederate flag onto the roof of a nearby home and began to wave it.

But Grace Garvey, an event coordinator and founding member of Central New Hampshire Indivisible, which helped organize the event, said she was encouraged by the events attendance and the attitudes of the No Kings demonstrators.

Its getting scary to live here: Protesters gather in Nashua

In Nashua, hundreds of people showed up at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument and surrounding streets for the third No Kings protest. As protesters with signs on crowded streets, dozens of cars drove by and honked in support of the cause.

Despite colder temperatures than the last protest, organizers believed at least 2,000 people were in attendance. U.S. Rep. Maggie Goodlander, as well as New Hampshire state legislators for Nashua, also made an appearance.

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Jennifer Leone, of Litchfield, and friends sat in lawn chairs for the protest. When asked why she came, Leone said: [Trump] is an absolutely despicable human being.  Hes just absolutely, in every regard, unacceptable.

Marcella Dube donned a frog suit to stay warm and be disarming. As a resident of Amherst and member of Moms Demand Action, Dube said she protests to support others who do, too.

Its getting scary to live here, and I think the more people that come out, the more we do this, it makes a difference, she said.

John Cote of Hollis held up an upside-down American flag. He said it is to show that the United States is in distress.

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I respect the flag, people fought for it, but our country needs help, he said.

Jennifer Leone and friends holding signs at the No Kings protest in Nashua. (Photo by Maya Mitchell/ New Hampshire Bulletin)

Seacoast: Alarmed, frightened, and embarrassed

On the Seacoast, hundreds lined the streets surrounding Portsmouths Market Square.

Katie Jarvis, a retired teacher from Rye, said shes been to every protest in the area since Trump was inaugurated.

I am alarmed, frightened, and embarrassed right now to be an American citizen, she said. I think the way rights, the rule of law has been tossed out, whether its an immigrant or a citizen, that the administration is trying to intimidate people.

She said shes concerned about how many law firms, universities, and others have caved to Trumps demands, as well as the rise of Christian nationalism, pushback against DEI efforts, and potential loss of womens rights.

Kevin Corson, a mason from Concord, stands in front of his work truck, which bears the message Build homes not bombs. Corson was one of the early arrivals to the State House in downtown Concord on Saturday. (Photo by Dana Wormald/New Hampshire Bulletin)

I believe that Im on the front lines

Downtown Concord, with the State House lawn serving as a natural meeting point, is often the epicenter of protest activities in New Hampshire.

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Saturdays crowd began to form about an hour before the official noon start to the rally. By early afternoon, protesters filled State House plaza and stretched along both sides of North Main Street. As The Good Trouble Band played anthems from an earlier era, capped by Barry McGuires Eve of Destruction, the sound of blaring car horns swelled steadily with the throng.

Among the early arrivals was Kevin Corson, a mason from Concord whose work truck bears the message Build homes not bombs. Corsons presence downtown on Saturday morning was in part to show support for Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Karishma Manzur but also reflects what he considers a deeper obligation.

Im a Muslim, but Im American also, right? So I was born and raised here in America, and I dont just represent Muslims but I represent Americans. And so I believe that Im on the front lines, like, its my responsibility and obligation as an American to try to change the system that we have.

As sign after sign, chant after chant, cheer after cheer attested  from Concord to Lincoln, Nashua to Portsmouth, and beyond  hes not alone.
Saturday saw the return of protests under the "No Kings" banner, demonstrating against the Trump administration.

Rallies were held across the country, including in the Triangle. The left-leaning organizers said more than 3,100 events have been registered in all 50 states, with more than 9 million people expected to participate.

Demonstrators filled streets as large "No Kings" protests drew crowds for the third time in less than a year, with attendees calling attention to issues such as immigration enforcement and federal funding cuts.

Chopper 11 flies over a "No Kings" rally in Raleigh on Saturday.

Participants in Raleigh gathered near the Capitol as some drivers honked in support, while in Durham, marchers moved from CCB Plaza to Central Park. Many described their presence as an act of civic engagement.

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"This is democracy in action. Protesting, using our rights, exercising them, and making our voices heard in a way that cannot be ignored," attendee Deb Furphy said.

For some, the demonstrations marked their first major protest in decades.

"Last protest I was in was against the Vietnam War in 1970," attendee Richard Huggins said.

Immigration enforcement drew significant attention from marchers, including concerns about actions by federal agents.

"No Kings" protesters demonstrate in Cary on Saturday.

"I think the violence of ICE is really scary and we have to figure out a way to stop that and do what is right and safe for our communities," attendee Niha Wunnava said. "But I think the deaths that we saw (in Minnesota) are really questionable and egregious and we have to make sure that doesn't continue to happen."

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Others criticized U.S. involvement in the ongoing war in Iran and expressed concerns about federal staffing and budget cuts.

"The gutting of USAID, it's a horrible impact on our relations overseas because that fund provides all sorts of humanitarian and food aid," attendee Mike Gallagher said.

First-generation American Bobby Wunnava said he and his wife chose to display the American flag as a symbol of their values and connection to the country.

"I grew up learning about the American dream, learning about becoming better, learning what America means. It's the beacon, it's the light for the world," he said. "I served in the military as well. I've served in government institutions as well. For me, it's like a reclaiming of the American experience, the American flag. The patriotism is actually doing what's right for your country, interpreting the Constitution and the Bill of Rights and doing what's right and not what's easy."

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Cary Police said that the demonstration in the town was peaceful, and no arrests were made. A total of 66 Cary police officers and fire department personnel were on hand.

GOP officials called the events "Hate America Rallies." The White House dismissed the rallies. Spokesperson Abigail Jackson described the protests as the product of "leftist funding networks" with little real public support.

Jackson said in a statement that the "only people who care about these Trump Derangement Therapy Sessions are the reporters who are paid to cover them."

In a statement, Matt Mercer, Communications Director for the NCGOP wrote: "Democrats continue to show hating President Trump is a higher priority for them than supporting our military as they bravely defend our national security against the Iranian regime or funding DHS to secure our own country."

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Organizers told reporters in an online news conference Thursday that they expect Saturday's protests to be larger than the first two rounds of No Kings rallies, which they estimate drew more than 5 million people in June and more than 7 million in October.

National organizers of Saturday's rallies across the country predicted that the protests could add up to one of the largest demonstrations in U.S. history.

Demonstrators from the No Kings protest and Cherry Blossom Kite Festival attendees mix on the National Mall in Washington on Saturday. Tom Brenner

In Washington, hundreds of marchers moved through the streets, past the Lincoln Memorial and into the National Mall, holding signs that read "Put down the crown, clown" and "Regime change begins at home." Demonstrators rang bells, played drums and chanted "No kings."

In New York City, Donna Lieberman, executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union, described Trump as the nation's "Bully in Chief" and said Minneapolis residents "forced the wannabe king to withdraw his shock troops."

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"They want us all to be afraid to protest," she said during a news conference. "They want us to be afraid that there's nothing we can do to stop them. But you know what? They are wrong - dead wrong."

The National Republican Congressional Committee also fired back at the protests.

"These Hate America Rallies are where the far-left's most violent, deranged fantasies get a microphone," said Maureen O'Toole, spokesperson for the NRCC.

- The Associated Press contributed.

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A Texas man is accused of killing his wife less than a month after their wedding, allegedly telling police he was obligated to do it.

Francisco Mendez-Marin, 23, is now facing charges of murder after Carrollton Police discovered Karla Rangel dead at an apartment in the 1700 block of Metrocrest Drive on March 18, according to an affidavit obtained by Oxygen.com.

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Police were called to the home around 4:40 a.m. after receiving a call about a disturbance at the property.

A caller into 911 stated that he could hear someone yell for help, according to the affidavit, and could hear what sounded like wood breaking inside the apartment.

When they arrived, police found Rangel in a pool of blood not breathing with an injury to her throat, per the affidavit.

Officers located Mendez-Marin, who was covered in blood and had scratches on his arms, throat and chest, walking down the stairs after leaving the apartment, authorities said. A second male was found inside the apartment.

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Mendez-Marin was carrying a bloody pocketknife and razor blade in the pocket of his pants, according to the court records. He was arrested at the scene and taken to the Dallas County jail, where hes currently being held without bond, according to jail records reviewed by Oxygen.com.

Body camera footage allegedly captured Mendez-Marin at the scene telling the officers in Spanish, I was obligated to do it and insisting that, per an affidavit obtained by the news outlet, he didnt do anything bad.

Police believe Mendez-Marin killed his new bride during a domestic dispute that turned deadly, according to the affidavit.

Investigators also found a marriage license inside the home, which showed the couple had been married on Feb. 26, per the affidavit.

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RELATED: Florida Man Allegedly Killed Wife and Her Lover in Parking Lot Then Walked Fully Clothed Into Ocean

The Dallas County Medical Examiners Office has listed the 20-year-olds death as a homicide, according to records reviewed by Oxygen.com.

Oxygen.com reached to the Carrollton Police for additional comment, but did not receive an immediate reply.

The Dallas County District Attorneys Office declined to comment on the case to Oxygen.com. Oxygen.com also reached out to Mendez-Marins attorney Alexandria Cazares Perez, but did not receive an immediate response.
Pennsylvania court officials are warning that scammers are mimicking court phone numbers.

The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts warns that during these spoof calls, scammers tell targets they have missed jury service, have a warrant out for their arrest, and have unpaid court fines and outstanding fees.

The scammer then threatens to send police to place the target under arrest unless they immediately pay the court fines and fees. The target is also made to think they cant report the call to authorities, because the scammer says theres a gag order attached to the warrant.

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Pennsylvania Courts want people to know that theyll never place calls soliciting payments via credit card, gift card or any other means of electronic funds transfer.

Anyone who gets a call from someone claiming to be involved with or calling from Pennsylvania Courts is urged to contact state or local police and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Consumer Protection at (800) 441-2555 or scams@attorneygeneral.gov.

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There's growing opposition in Person County about a new rule change for Mayo Lake.

The nearly 3,000-acre reservoir just below the border with Virginia is owned by Duke Energy.

It's a popular spot for fishing, boating, swimming and camping.

Permanent docks are not permitted on the lake, but since the 1990s, lake property owners have used converted pontoon boats to act as docks.

But now, decades later, Duke Energy says the pontoons must go.

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The utility company is asking the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to enforce the rule, which has been in place since the lake opened in 1978.

Property owners say the removal of the pontoons will affect their property values.

"We're going to start stakeholders meetings April 15 and hopefully meet every couple weeks and discuss everyone's concerns and hopefully come up with a resolution to this that Duke can feel comfortable with that they're in compliance with their obligations," said Dr. Dan Phillips, a Mayo Lake resident. "Hopefully, we can keep these floating platforms in the water. Most of them have been in the water since the late '90s, many of them."

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Person County Commissioners have passed a resolution opposing the ban and in support of a possible solution.

A town hall meeting was scheduled for Saturday morning at Florence Avenue Baptist Church in Roxboro.

Duke Energy responded with a statement to ABC11.

"Recently, there has been a need to evaluate conditions of Mayo Lake to ensure requirements of Duke Energy's permit for the lake are upheld. We are conducting constructive conversations with property owners adjoining Mayo Lake and the Person County Commission to identify solutions that preserve the unique nature of Mayo Lake while also ensuring we honor our environmental commitments."
Having been a dental nurse for more than a decade, Nikola Brindley was familiar with vaccination requirements for healthcare workers. So when she was asked to have AstraZenecas Covid jab in July 2021, she agreed without hesitation.

But within hours, Brindley was in A&E fighting for her life as an allergic reaction began to shut down multiple organ systems. I collapsed on the doorway, and pretty much lost the ability to walk, she recalls. My husband rushed me to hospital, my heart rate had soared and I couldnt speak. We were told that if Id been 10 minutes later, there would have been nothing they could have done.

Nearly five years later, the 36-year-old, who lives on the Isle of Man, remains profoundly affected. She lives with ongoing brain fog, chronic pain, headaches and gastrointestinal problems, and requires monitoring from a variety of specialists. Her worsening fatigue has left her requiring a wheelchair, while some days, she struggles to keep down food. Previously active and sporty, she is so disabled that her two children, aged eight and 11, have been certified as young carers.

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I genuinely thought that it was just going to be another vaccine, she says. Take it, get on with things. Instead, my life has been reduced to trying to manage symptoms every single day.

The dark legacy

Horrendous side effects represent the darker legacy of the Covid vaccine rollout, which, years on, remains a deeply thorny topic in public health.

On the one hand, the jabs are widely credited with ending the very worst of the pandemic, with researchers estimating that the first year of the programme prevented somewhere between 14.4 million and 19.8 million deaths worldwide.

The benefits are writ large in official government statistics  in January 2021, as the rollout was beginning, there were more than one million confirmed Covid infections in the UK and 32,049 deaths. A year later, despite the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, the monthly death toll had dropped to 8,100.

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The development and deployment of the vaccines was the important turning point in the pandemic, says Sir Munir Pirmohamed, professor of pharmacology and therapeutics at the University of Liverpool. This allowed society to open up, and had a major impact on reducing hospital admissions and deaths.

Yet while the vast majority of the 50 million people in the UK (and in other nations) who received Covid vaccines experienced few or no ill effects, there are those like Brindley, who either suffered serious harm or, most tragically of all, lost their lives.

There are no official statistics on how many people were impacted in this way. However, data from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) indicates that the numbers are not insignificant. While these reports are not proof of the Covid vaccines causing serious harm and death, in the UK, as of February 24, there had been:

 194,403 serious reports linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine (and 1,532 with a fatal outcome).

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 126,535 serious reports linked to the Pfizer vaccine (and 920 with a fatal outcome).

 31,339 serious reports associated with the Moderna vaccine (and 102 with a fatal outcome).

For all the data collected, the plight of people who suffered Covid vaccine injuries has been handled markedly differently around the world. Authorities in Japan and South Korea have officially recognised a wide range of cases of vaccine-induced harm, from heart inflammation to sudden hearing loss, and have compensated tens of thousands of people accordingly.

Meanwhile, in the US  where just 92 cases of vaccine harm have been deemed eligible for compensation, compared to more than 24,000 in South Korea  a federal work group is now calling for major changes to how Covid vaccine injuries are tracked and treated. A distinct diagnostic code has been proposed for harms linked to the jabs, which could be used for reimbursement from health insurers, along with plans for The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to develop diagnostic guidelines to recognise and manage patients suffering from long-term harm.

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However, it is a very different story in the UK, where patients like Brinkley describe a near-impossible fight to obtain any kind of financial support. Ive been trying to advocate to get help and support, not just for myself, but for others as well, she says. But despite engaging at every level [of the healthcare system] available to me, theres still no clear support pathway for those injured.

Understanding vaccine harm

So why did some people experience such serious reactions?

The most high-profile form of harm has been the cases of vaccine-induced thrombosis with thrombocytopenia (VITT), or blood clots, a side effect mostly commonly linked to AstraZenecas shot.

While very rare, it has been officially linked to dozens of fatalities and other serious incidents in the UK. The law firm, Leigh Day, is now seeking compensation from AstraZeneca for bereaved families and victims of VITT-related neurological injuries in the UK, and says it expects the case to go to trial in 2027.

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Last month, a major new study published by an international consortium of researchers provided new evidence about why some people experienced VITT. It revealed that in some people with rare genetic vulnerabilities, the vaccines delivery mechanism initiated a reaction that triggered the formation of deadly clots. At the time the vaccine was developed, it would have been difficult to predict that this reaction would occur, says Pirmohamed.

But VITT was merely one type of harm.

Cardiac issues  particularly myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the lining around the heart)  have also been linked to the vaccines, and appear to have been more common than VITT. Thousands of such cases, spanning recipients of all three Covid jabs, have been reported to the MHRA  including several hundred fatalities.

But why did this happen? The mRNA Covid vaccines worked by using the genetic sequence of the SARS-CoV-2 viruss spike protein to teach the immune system how to recognise and fight it. Some researchers have suggested that this viral fragment present in the vaccines may somehow have evaded the immune system and triggered heart inflammation, although this is still far from clear.

Devastating autoimmune reactions

Others, like Brinkley, experienced various autoimmune reactions that damaged different systems in the body. Patrick Stacey, 59, from Derby, developed a form of Guillain-Barre syndrome  a rare autoimmune condition which attacks the nerves, causing muscle weakness and numbness  after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine in April 2021.

Patrick Stacey, 59, developed a rare autoimmune condition after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine in April 2021 - Lorne Campbell

Three months earlier, Faith Burke, a 24-year-old from Wiltshire, had been working as a trainee pharmacist when she received the Pfizer vaccine. She subsequently developed joint swelling and breathing difficulties, and had to be hospitalised. Burke says she was diagnosed with reactive arthritis, an autoimmune disorder thought to have been triggered by the vaccine.

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Her case was later published by her consultant rheumatologist as a medical case study, and five years later, she still suffers from chronic joint pain, headaches and digestive problems. She also requires ongoing medication for thyroid damage caused by her severe immune reaction.

While researchers now understand why the vaccines caused VITT, it remains a mystery why people like Burke, Brinkley and Stacey experienced autoimmune reactions which have left them chronically unwell. A small collection of researchers in the US is now attempting to understand more about such cases, describing lasting ailments of this kind as forms of post-Covid vaccination syndrome (PCVS).

The research remains in its infancy, and funding is hard to come by, but there are suggestions that women are more vulnerable to PCVS. Some 70 per cent of the adverse events reported to the MHRA occurred in women  a notable gender skew that is also present in long Covid and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, although the reasons for this disparity are still unclear.

We think some of the same biological mechanisms operate for both PCVS and long Covid, says Linda Simoni-Wastila, an associate research professor at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy.

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Researchers also note that the exact cause of PCVS is likely to vary significantly between individuals. Akiko Iwasaki, professor of immunobiology at Yale University School of Medicine, is open to the idea that a persistent viral fragment from the vaccine lingering in the body of a recipient may be what triggers PCVS symptoms, although she cautions that this theory is very much unproven.

According to Iwasaki, another plausible cause of lingering symptoms like persistent pain, brain fog and headaches is the Epstein-Barr virus. Its possible that an autoimmune reaction to the vaccines could have enabled this pathogen, which typically lingers in the body in a dormant state (up to 95 per cent of all adults worldwide are thought to have been infected with it), only to spring to life in some and burrow into the central nervous system, causing problems. But once again, far more evidence is needed.

Living in limbo

While researchers ponder the underlying cause of PCVS and possible treatments, those living with post-vaccine harm in the UK describe being left in limbo, often with neither acknowledgement nor compensation for their ordeals.

Many have lost jobs due to their disabilities. Brindley was dismissed from her dental role within months, while Burke was forced to abandon her dream of a career in pharmacy because she was no longer able to cope with the strain of the job. She now works part-time in her familys gift shop.

Upon receiving the Pfizer vaccine, Faith Burke, 24, developed joint swelling and breathing difficulties, and had to be hospitalised - Jay Williams

Yet Brindley says that when she applied to the UKs Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS), she was informed that while decision-makers agreed she had suffered vaccine harm, she wasnt considered sufficiently disabled to qualify for compensation. Even though this has been completely life-changing, theyve got this fixed scale where you have to be classed as at least 60 per cent disabled, and Im apparently not regarded as disabled enough, which is quite poor really, she says.

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According to UKCVFamily, a charity supporting 2,660 vaccine-injured individuals and families, this story is all too common. Indeed, VDPS data indicates that 98 per cent of claims relating to Covid vaccine harm have been rejected. With few available avenues for seeking help, the charity said that 73 per cent of their members have admitted to feeling suicidal, with two people subsequently dying by suicide.

Lessons need to be learned

Burke says she is concerned by the lack of research in the UK into why she and others experienced such severe allergic reactions  something which may have significant public health ramifications in the years to come. Surveys have indicated that despite the overall success of the Covid vaccine campaigns, vaccine confidence across the UK has waned significantly since 2019.

Pirmohamed agrees that lessons need to be learned from cases of adverse events when it comes to the design of future vaccines. If you are vaccinating millions of people, rare adverse events will occur, such as VITT, he says. We need to learn from these types of adverse events, and heed the lessons for future vaccine development, so that we can pre-empt, predict and prevent.

But for Brindley, this is scant consolation. We were told that taking the vaccine was the right thing to do, she says. When people are harmed, they deserve to be acknowledged, supported and not left behind. Nobody should be left navigating disability alone. In my case, weve lost everything. We should get some help and support at the end of the day.

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A spokesperson for Pfizer said: Patient safety is paramount and we take any reports of adverse events very seriously. Adverse event reports do not imply causality, and in the context of vaccination, such events may be unrelated to administration of the vaccine. To date, five billion doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine have been distributed globally, and the benefit-risk profile of the vaccine remains positive for all authorised indications and age groups.

As with every medicine and vaccine, including the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine, Pfizer has robust processes to meet its regulatory responsibilities to closely monitor, report and analyse all adverse events, and collect relevant information to assess any new potential safety risks that may be associated with the Covid-19 vaccine. In addition to our pharmacovigilance efforts and compliance with regulatory requirements related to quality and safety, we also work with regulatory authorities around the world as they independently monitor the safety profile of our vaccine.

A spokesperson for AstraZeneca said: Our sympathy goes out to anyone who has lost loved ones or reported health problems. Patient safety is our highest priority. From the body of evidence in clinical trials and real-world data, the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine has continuously been shown to have an acceptable safety profile, and regulators around the world consistently state that the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks of extremely rare potential side effects.

Moderna was approached for comment.

If you have suffered life-changing harm or loss as a result of the Covid vaccines, you can reach out to the UK Covid Vaccine Injured and Bereaved Charity (UKCVFamily)

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The post This Overlooked Predator Is Running Out of TimeWhy Conservationists Are Racing to Save the Striped Hyena appeared first on A-Z Animals.

Quick Take

Only 5,000 to 9,999 striped hyenas remain worldwide, with populations declining drastically across much of their range.

The Wildlife Conservation Society is urging global leaders to list the species under the Convention on Migratory Species for stronger protections .

Habitat loss, human conflict, and illegal killing are driving these hyenas into isolated, vulnerable populations.

If adopted, a proposed dual CMS listing could enforce stricter protections and improve the prospects for isolated, vulnerable populations.

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is sounding the alarm for one of the worlds most overlooked carnivores: the striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena). Once widespread across parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, this adaptable scavenger is now slipping into a quiet decline, with fewer than 10,000 mature individuals estimated to remain in the wild.

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At the CMS CoP15 (15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties), WCS is urging governments to grant the striped hyena dual protection under the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). Although the species is currently listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, that broad classification masks severe regional collapses and gives a false impression of security. A formal CMS listing, if adopted, would replace this ambiguity with stronger legal safeguards and much-needed international coordination.

Across a range that stretches from Lebanon to Tajikistan and Nepal, striped hyenas are being pushed into smaller, fragmented pockets of habitat. With population data still patchy and declining trends accelerating, conservationists argue that waiting for certainty is no longer an option. Without coordinated, cross-border protections, this highly mobile predator could quietly disappear across the majority of its historical territory.

An Overlooked Ecosystem Engineer

The striped hyena is the smallest  and perhaps the least understood  of the hyena species. Weighing roughly 77 pounds, it lacks the massive build and complex social drama of the famous spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta). Instead, it leads a low-profile life, often solitary or paired in monogamous couples. It is most active under the cover of night and notoriously elusive across its range.

Striped hyena pups nurse for at least a year. Vladislav T. Jirousek/Shutterstock.com (Vladislav T. Jirousek/Shutterstock.com)

Although primarily scavengers, striped hyenas are also capable hunters when the situation demands it. Their opportunistic adaptability allows them to thrive in some of the harshest landscapes on Earth. Unfortunately, this quiet persistence also means they are often overlooked in favor of more charismatic predators like lions or leopards.

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Despite its modest reputation, the striped hyena provides a vital service to its environment. By consuming carcasses and organic waste, they prevent the spread of disease and pathogens that linger in rotting remains. They also break down waste and return essential nutrients back into the soil. In many arid regions, they are the primary scavengers, quietly maintaining the health of the entire habitat and protecting the ecological balance.

A New Legal Shield

Because striped hyenas can travel over 7 miles daily and disperse across distances of nearly 50 miles, they routinely cross national borders. As a result, isolated national protections are no longer enough. To address this, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, with support from WCS, have proposed placing the species under dual international protection: Appendix I and Appendix II of CMS.

The proposed dual listing would establish two pillars of protection:

Appendix I (Strict Protection): Mandates that member states prohibit the killing or capture of the species and prioritize the restoration of critical habitats.

Appendix II (International Coordination): Compels range countries to collaborate on shared conservation strategies, ensuring that protection remains seamless across political borders.

When threatened, striped hyenas raise the hair along their backs to look much larger than they actually are. Dr. Meet Poddar/Shutterstock.com (Dr. Meet Poddar/Shutterstock.com)

While the Near Threatened label suggests a safety net, the reality is a continuous decline. In Tajikistan, the striped hyena is already Critically Endangered, with an exceptionally small and fragile population. WCS argues that acting now  rather than waiting for a global uplisting  is the only way to prevent irreversible extinction.

A Species Under Pressure

Striped hyenas face consistent human-driven threats across their diverse range. At the core of these challenges are human-wildlife conflict and habitat loss.

Human-Wildlife Conflict and Cultural Stigma

Retaliatory killing remains perhaps the most immediate threat to the species. Driven by real or perceived risks to livestock, hyenas are frequently poisoned, shot, or driven from their dens. In Tajikistan, they are often branded as agricultural pests and targeted with widespread poisoning. Poisoned bait in Nepal has become the leading cause of mortality in human-dominated landscapes. In Lebanon, the compounding pressures of economic instability and active conflict have eroded local tolerance for predators like hyenas, leading to a surge in retaliatory strikes.

Habitat Fragmentation and Empty Forests

Rapidly expanding infrastructure, agriculture, and border defenses are rapidly shrinking viable habitats and migratory routes. In Lebanon, warfare has devastated the olive groves and pastures that once supported a healthy ecosystem, stripping scavengers of their food sources. Similarly, in Tajikistans Khatlon region, extreme habitat loss has trapped a tiny population into disconnected pockets of wilderness.

The striped hyena is the national animal of Lebanon. Stu Porter/Shutterstock.com (Stu Porter/Shutterstock.com)

Illegal Trade and Food Scarcity

Beyond physical displacement, striped hyenas are also targeted for their body parts for use in traditional practices, even where legal protections exist. A collapse in natural prey further compounds the issue. As habitats are destroyed and degraded, hyenas are forced closer to human settlements in search of food  a desperate move that only intensifies the conflict.

Local Solutions with Global Implications

To save striped hyenas, conservationists are shifting toward community-based models that protect dwindling populations through local empowerment. A primary example of this is in Tajikistan, where the species was rediscovered in 2016 after being presumed locally extinct for decades.

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In the Khatlon regions, NABU and the Tajikistan Nature Foundation have moved beyond simple monitoring to launch active recovery projects. Recruiting mountain dwellers into Local Information Teams fosters a sense of stewardship over the fewer than 30 hyenas left in the area. Grassroots efforts also include school programs that debunk harmful cultural myths and a food restoration strategy involving Russian olive trees. Planting these trees provides a natural food source, steering hyenas away from human settlements and melon crops.

Striped hyenas have distinctly striped coats and long manes along their backs. Katoosha/Shutterstock.com (Katoosha/Shutterstock.com)

Why National Parks Arent Enough for Striped Hyenas

Over two decades of research in Nepal shows that traditional National Parks are no longer sufficient on their own. Although populations remain relatively stable within the safety of the park boundaries, hyenas living in unprotected areas are rapidly disappearing. Experts are pushing for functional connectivity to protect wild corridors. This allows isolated groups to travel, meet, and breed across fragmented landscapes. This modern approach necessitates a shift toward conservation models that actively partner with the local communities living alongside these predators. Dedicated national action plans could finally bring the striped hyena the same funding and attention granted to more charismatic species like tigers.

CITES currently lists the striped hyena in Appendix III for the Botswana population, but there have not been new, stricter global restrictions on international trade of hyena body parts as of March 2026.

Connectivity as the Key to Survival

Although striped hyenas mainly scavenge carrion, they also eat insects, fruits, and small animals. RealityImages/Shutterstock.com (RealityImages/Shutterstock.com)

The future of the striped hyena depends on a fundamental shift toward global cooperation rather than relying on isolated local laws. Because these predators frequently cross national borders, individual country policies are no longer enough to protect them. Formally listing the species under CMS Appendix I and II would enforce strict legal protections, restore vital habitats, and mandate international data sharing.

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Although the striped hyena has survived for centuries, its legendary resilience is finally reaching a breaking point. From the disappearing olive groves of Lebanon to the shrinking wilderness of Nepal and Central Asia, the warning signs of their collapse are clear. Without an immediate, united rescue effort, this often-overlooked species faces a quiet slide toward extinction.

The post This Overlooked Predator Is Running Out of TimeWhy Conservationists Are Racing to Save the Striped Hyena appeared first on A-Z Animals.
A teacher being investigated for allegedly abusing a minor died by suicide on Wednesday as Phoenix police attempted to take him into custody, officials said.

The Phoenix Police Department responded to a call on March 23 for a report of sexual abuse of a juvenile. When they arrived, they made contact with an adult woman who disclosed that when she was 16, she had a sexual relationship with a staff member of the Paradise Valley Unified School District that lasted approximately three years.

Phoenix detectives investigated the allegations and were able to establish probable cause to arrest 65-year-old Steven Charles Mitten.

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On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, detectives located Mitten in his car and used a grappler to stop the vehicle. They attempted to take him into custody. Police said Mitten refused commands and was armed with a firearm.

During the encounter, he ultimately turned the weapon on himself. He was transported to a nearby hospital by the Phoenix Fire Department, but later died from his injuries.

The Phoenix Police Department has been working closely with the Paradise Valley Unified School District on the investigation.

"This case reflects the unwavering dedication of our detectives, who work tirelessly on behalf of survivors, especially in cases involving crimes against children," Phoenix police wrote in a statement.

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The Paradise Valley Unified School District said in a statement Thursday that Mitten was a teacher at Shadow Mountain High School at the time the investigation was conducted.

Upon being notified of the police investigation, school officials said Mitten was placed on administrative leave.

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PARMA, Ohio (WJW)  The deployment of school board member Ashley McTaggart, an Air Force veteran and active reservist, was the focus of a board meeting on Thursday with her counterparts trying to determine if she can legally attend the board meetings virtually or if her position on the board can be declared vacant.

During a special meeting on Thursday, McTaggart was already travelling in preparation for a deployment, details of which she is not entitled to share for operational security.

During the meeting, at which members of the public were not entitled to comment, board members consulted with their legal counsel to discuss whether or not any board member who could not make meetings was able to attend virtually.

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Mama Catenas delivers meals, gift cards to TSA agents

While on a deployment last April, McTaggart was permitted to do that but David Rose, the boards attorney, told them on Thursday that Ohio law no longer permits it and there are apparently no exceptions for deployed service members.

As you remember during the COVID days, there was a big push in Ohio, and other states as well, to ensure that the public was being kept up with the business of public bodies, said Rose.

A lot of that legislation that went on House Bill 197 was passed, which allowed for public bodies like school boards to conduct meetings virtually for a period of approximately two years until 2022, when most, if not all, of that special legislation regarding public meetings being held virtually essentially terminated, he added.

Photo courtesy Ashley McTaggart

Due to that, the current state in Ohio is that A, a school board cannot meet virtually and B, no member of a public school board can attend a meeting virtually, he concluded.

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With McTaggart absent on Thursday, board members also discussed what they can do about a vacancy on the board, essentially deciding if they can declare her seat vacant and appoint someone else to fill her term.

In the Parma School Board bylaws there are defined reasons for when a position on the panel can be vacated. They include death, non residence, resignation and absence of meetings from the board for a period of 90 days.

If the SAVE Act passes, heres what Ohioans will need to vote

So for a board member to miss a meeting, absenteeism in and of itself is not a reason that a seat would become vacant, however, if those absences occurred for a period of 90 days, plus 30 that could be possible absenteeism, said Rose.

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I think we kind of all know what we are talking about here and I dont see military service listed under any of these reasons would that fall under any of these categories? said board member Nick Reyes.

Reyes on Friday also released a statement thanking Taggart for her service to both her community and to her country adding:

It is also my position that her seat on this board should remain secure while she is deployed. Military service should never place an individual at risk of losing their role in public service at home.

In his statement Reyes also pointed out that his remarks represent his individual perspective and do not necessarily reflect the views of the board as a whole or his fellow members.

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Among the concerns raised Thursday evening was that if McTaggart is not able to attend meetings, even virtually, and is not able to cast a vote on school district matters the five member panel is more likely to have ties, which Rose said do not pass.

I dont think at any point is anyone condemning any type of military service no way no how, the reality of the situation though is that there are legal and there are practical and operational considerations that need to be addressed for the remaining board members and so the board wouldnt be doing its job if it didnt address these issues up front and transparently, said Rose.

The issue will likely be raised again at Parma School Boards next scheduled meeting on April 9.

Among those who are rallying support for McTaggart is Hilary Jackson, the Cuyahoga County Chapter Chairperson for Moms for Liberty, who says McTaggart, who was elected in 2023, is the only board member who was selected by voters.

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Ashley McTaggart is not just an incredible school board member she is an incredible person. She is very loyal very kind willing to listen and work with absolutely anybody. She has demonstrated that on the board quite a bit where she has had a lot of dissenting opinions but she is not afraid to speak her mind. said Jackson.

Jackson has turned to social media and others hoping to rally support for Mctaggert to, at the very least, not lose her place on the school board because of her service to her country.

They absolutely should be writing statements, emailing the board, said Jackson But definitely if you feel a way you need to say it, because thats what Ashley has done for everybody in Parma and we need to do the same for her. She deserves it

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 8 Cleveland WJW.
A Paso Robles winery is slated to pay millions to settle an equal employment lawsuit that alleged recurring, frequent and offensive sexual harassment against female employees.

According to a Friday news release, the Paso Robles-based Justin Vineyards and Winery  alongside The Wonderful Company, a Los Angeles-based food and beverage company that represents Justin  will pay $1.49 million to settle a 2022 federal lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

The lawsuit alleged that female employees had been subject to sexual harassment, including forcible kissing, biting and nonconsensual touching of their buttocks and breasts, by male managers, coworkers and customers, on a daily basis since at least 2017.

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The alleged harassment included recurring, frequent and offensive sex-based remarks, advances and unwelcome touching, Fridays release said.

According to the lawsuit, the companies also did not properly handle complaints made by the victims, leaving employees vulnerable to ongoing harassment, the release said.

Employees who complained were also subject to retaliation or forced out of their jobs, the lawsuit alleged.

The lawsuit claimed that employees who complained about the sexual harassment would be retaliated against by being assigned extra or double shifts, having their customer allergy requests disregarded, being accused of wrongdoing, and being investigated, The Tribune previously reported.

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Supervisors would also yell, verbally berate (reporting employees), laugh at them and slam doors, the lawsuit alleged.

The unlawful employment practices were intentional and done with malice or with reckless indifference to the federally protected rights of aggrieved employees, the lawsuit said.

According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the behaviors alleged amounted to a violation of the Civil Rights Act, leading the agency to file the suit.

Justin and The Wonderful Company previously disputed the allegations brought forward in the lawsuit.

Justin and its parent company later filed a motion to dismiss the sexual harassment case, arguing that the allegations detailed in the lawsuit werent specific enough and needed to specify the date and time of the incidents, in addition to the location and identity of the accusers  but a judge denied that motion in 2023.

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Now, the companies will pay a large chunk to settle the case.

We commend Justin Vineyards & Winery LLC and The Wonderful Company LLC for reaching a resolution of this matter that will benefit all employees, said Beatriz Andre, acting regional attorney for the EEOCs Los Angeles District Office, in the release. The policy changes and reporting to which the companies agreed are important steps in ensuring a workplace free of discrimination.

Christine Park-Gonzalez, director of the EEOCs Los Angeles District Office, said in the release that sexual harassment in the food service industry is a widespread problem the EEOC seeks to address.

We commend employees for speaking up about mistreatment in the workplace, Park-Gonzalez added.

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In a written statement to The Tribune, a spokesperson from Justin Vineyards and Winery said the company looks forward to moving past the years-old allegations.

The company has also gotten new leadership in recent years, with the appointment of Steve Myers as president of wine businesses, and Alysha Lee as vice president of hospitality for its wine portfolio.

We take nothing more seriously than maintaining the most respectful and positive work culture for every one of our colleagues, and were proud that our policies and standards foster that, the spokesperson said. This matter dates back many years and was dealt with immediately and decisively the moment we became aware of any allegations of conduct that did not align with what is appropriate in the workplace.

With this agreement reached, we look forward to putting this chapter fully behind us and continuing to focus on the incredibly talented team we have in place today.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to chair the first meeting of the informal Group of Ministers on the West Asia crisis on Saturday evening. The meeting comes amid multiple meetings held by the Centre on the ongoing conflict and assuring people that there is no shortage of fuel. The Ministry of External Affairs is keeping a close watch on the developments and is in constantly looking to provide any assistance to Indian nationals currently in West Asia. Earlier on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually chaired a meeting with Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors of States and UTs on Friday. The meeting reviewed the preparedness of the states in light of the recent developments in West Asia and its potential impact on the country. According to the Prime Minister's office, the Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for the valuable suggestions shared by all Chief Ministers, noting that these inputs would be instrumental in effectively managing the evolving situation. He emphasised the need for vigilance, preparedness, and coordinated action to address the challenges ahead. Referring to the ongoing situation in West Asia, the Prime Minister said India has prior experience in dealing with similar global disruptions. He recalled the collective response during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the Centre and States worked together as "Team India" to mitigate the impact on supply chains, trade, and daily life. He underscored that the same spirit of cooperation and coordination remains India's greatest strength in navigating the present circumstances. The Prime Minister highlighted that the situation remains dynamic, necessitating continuous monitoring and adaptive strategies. He said that an Inter-Ministerial Group has been operational since March 3, reviewing the situation on a daily basis and taking timely decisions. He stressed that the Government's priorities are to maintain economic and trade stability, ensure energy security, safeguard the interests of citizens, and strengthen industry and supply chains. Emphasising the critical role of States, the Prime Minister noted that effective implementation of decisions takes place at the State level. He called for constant communication and coordination between the Centre and States, along with timely sharing of information and joint decision-making, so that responses are swift and well-aligned. During the meeting, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted that the government has been working actively under the leadership of the Prime Minister to tackle this crisis and is taking positive steps such as ensuring the timely availability of LPG and reducing the excise duties on petrol and diesel. He further highlighted the need for collective action from all states, UTs and the centre to tackle the ongoing situation. Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan gave a presentation on the current situation and enumerated steps and recommendations for States to tackle the situation. Chief Ministers appreciated the steps taken by the central government under the leadership of the Prime Minister to tackle the situation. They also praised the diplomatic outreach of the Prime Minister to different countries amidst this crisis to ensure the well-being of Indian citizens abroad. Chief Ministers across states expressed confidence that the situation remains stable, with adequate availability of petrol, diesel, and LPG, and continuous monitoring mechanisms in place to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump also held a telephonic conversation to discuss the ongoing conflict. They widely welcomed the decision to reduce excise duty on fuel, noting that it will provide significant relief to citizens amid global uncertainties. Chief Ministers also welcomed the decision to increase commercial LPG allocation to states and union territories to 70% of pre-crisis levels, up from 50%. They reaffirmed their commitment to work in close coordination with the Centre to effectively manage the evolving situation and safeguard the interests of citizens. (ANI)
PEKIN  East Court Village shopping center began its existence in the 1970s as the greater Peoria areas first enclosed indoor mall.

More than 50 years later, the former Pekin Mall, reincarnated as an outdoor shopping hub, is the recipient of the 2026 CoStar Redevelopment of the Year Award for the Chicago region.

The CoStar Group is a leading provider of commercial real estate information, analytics and online marketplaces. Its annual CoStar Impact Awards honor exemplary projects and transactions that have significantly influenced local markets across the United States.

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The East Court Village project stood out among nominees for its role in advancing economic development, enhancing the Court Street corridor and contributing to Pekins long-term growth strategy, CoStar said.

This recognition is a significant achievement for the City of Pekin and underscores the progress we are making in revitalizing key areas of our community, Mayor Mary Burress said in a statement Wednesday when CoStar presented the award at a ceremony at the revamped shopping center. The East Court Village project reflects our commitment to thoughtful redevelopment and strategic investment. We appreciate the dedication of our staff, partners, and stakeholders who helped bring this vision to fruition. We further thank (Cullinan Properties chairperson Diane Cullinan Oberhelman) and Cullinan Properties for their belief in Pekin and their never-ending support.

Cullinan Properties founder and chairperson Diane Cullinan Oberhelman (left) and Pekin Mayor Mary Burress admire the 2026 CoStar Redevelopment of the Year Award that the developer and the city won for their transformation of East Court Village shopping center.

The development firm created a plan to preserve three primary structures and reuse elements such as exterior walls, foundations and roof structures to reduce the projects cost and timeline. The $18 million public-private project was selected by a panel of real estate professionals, CoStar said.

Located at 3500 Court Street, East Court Village has undergone more than two decades of extensive changes to become an open-air shopping center. In the most recent overhaul, developer Cullinan Properties signed leases with national retailers Marshalls, Ross Dress for Less and Five Below.

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The company worked with city officials to reconfigure the center in an effort to reverse the trend of Pekin residents spending their money in nearby municipalities.

"We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition alongside the City of Pekin," Oberhelman said. "East Court Village is a great example of what can happen when strong community leadership, vision and partnership come together around a shared goal. Mayor Burress and the city have been outstanding partners throughout this process, and their commitment to Pekins future has helped create real momentum not only at East Court Village, but throughout the community. We are honored to celebrate this achievement with them.

More: Readers vote for Peoria and Pekin tattoo shops as best in the area

The CoStar awards recognize excellence across multiple categories, including Lease of the Year, Commercial Development of the Year, Multifamily Development of the Year, Redevelopment of the Year and Sale/Acquisition of the Year. Winners receive national recognition through CoStars platform and marketing channels, further elevating visibility for their communities and projects.

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The Redevelopment of the Year Award highlights projects that demonstrate innovation, community impact and successful reinvestment in existing properties.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Revamped Pekin shopping center recognized for 'significant achievement'
The Phoenix Police Department has a new, 27-story home in the heart of downtown Phoenix.

The move was years in the making, following the city's purchase of the former Wells Fargo Plaza near First Avenue and Washington Street for $47 million in 2021. The building was renovated to replace the department's declining, 50-year-old headquarters, which is less than half a mile west.

Police Chief Matt Giordano, who spent over two decades with the department, said he was in awe when he walked through the new headquarters ahead of becoming chief in 2025.

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"I was with two other individuals from out of state," he said at the March 27 grand opening ceremony. "And we toured this building, they just walked around like it was a normal building and thought, 'This is nice.' But they had no idea where we were coming from."

The department's former headquarters off Seventh Avenue and Washington Street was showing its age. Dispatchers working out of the basement had complained of poor working conditions, including leaky pipes and mold.

Renovating that building would have cost $50 million and building a brand new headquarters from the ground up would have cost over $300 million, according to past statements from city officials.

Acquiring and renovating the Wells Fargo property was a cost-saving measure and saved the city and taxpayers an "incredible amount of money," said City Manager Ed Zuercher.

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Assistant City Manager Lori Bays said the new headquarters brings together multiple police facilities into a central, downtown location next to City Hall, the Municipal Court, city parking and the light rail. It's designed to support the Police Department's growth over the coming years, she said.

Phoenix police's investigations unit, employment services and public records and services unit will be situated within the new, over 500,000-square-foot space, according to the department. It also houses the 911 call center and dispatch operations, which relocated to the building in August.

It has a crime-watch technology hub, known as a Real Time Crime Center, to help officers respond to situations more quickly while maintaining community safety, according to the department.

Wellness was also embedded in the facility to support employees emotionally and physically. There are quiet rooms, access to therapy dogs, nursing rooms, open-air spaces and a fitness center, according to staff.

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Councilmember Kevin Robinson, a former Phoenix assistant police chief, said it was important to take care of law enforcement staff, many of whom have to deal with "at times, the worst things that you can imagine."

Mayor Kate Gallego said the new headquarters would help law enforcement make the city safer and produce more successful, healthier employees. The former building off Seventh Avenue and Washington Street wasn't cutting it anymore, she said.

"Our older headquarters could no longer function and was really making (it) much more difficult for us to serve our community effectively," she said at the ceremony.

Gallego, alongside Giordano, other councilmembers and city staff, cut the ribbon  which was police crime scene tape.

Could the new space help make Phoenix safer?

Shortly after the city purchased the Wells Fargo building in 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice under the Biden administration launched a civil rights investigation into Phoenix after a series of high-profile shootings by police and aggressive treatment of protesters that drew national scrutiny.

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The three-year investigation concluded with a June 2024 report that said officers routinely engaged in unlawful brutality and discrimination and violated the rights of protesters and unhoused people.

The DOJ under President Donald Trump rescinded the investigation and its findings in May, giving many Phoenix leaders what they wanted  the ability to reform the Police Department without help.

Phoenix leaders, including Giordano, have said they were committed to improving the department. When Giordano became chief in August, he said the information from the DOJ report didn't go away, and it was on the department to continue holding itself accountable.

The Police Department had the most police shootings compared with every other agency in the Valley by far, with 17 shootings. When Giordano took over in the fall, there was a string of police shootings that forced him to order the reinforcement of de-escalation strategies and "less lethal options" when appropriate.

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But since then, there have been a cluster of shootings, some of which were controversial.

In January, a Phoenix police officer mistakenly shot and killed Christian Diaz Rendon in his own home, for which Giordano issued an apology. This month, the department had four police shootings.

It was also announced in March that the Phoenix police officers who were involved in a controversial case where protesters were arrested and wrongly charged as gang members in 2020, a key concern for the DOJ probe, would not be criminally charged for their actions.

The new space is expected to strengthen the department's ability to recruit and retain the best employees, according to Phoenix police. It represents a commitment to public safety and those who provide it, according to the department.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Police Department gets new headquarters downtown
JOHNSTOWN, Pa.  The Vietnam War era was a transformative and tumultuous period in the nations history that is being commemorated this year with America250, marking the anniversary of when the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776.

Assassinations of prominent leaders, cultural divides, Cold War tensions, Civil Rights struggles and political conflicts all took place.

And there were young Americans fighting and dying in Vietnam. Many of them were often vilified, instead of honored, when they returned home.

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PHOTO GALLERY | Vietnam Era Veterans Recognition Day

Some local veterans from that era, officially recognized as lasting from Nov. 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, along with their supporters, gathered Friday for the ninth annual Vietnam Era Veterans Recognition Day ceremony.

As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States, we are reminded that our nations freedom has never been guaranteed, said the event's keynote speaker, Brig. Gen. Frank McGovern, the Pennsylvania Army National Guard assistant adjutant general.

It has been secured and preserved by generations willing to sacrifice. The men and women who fought in Vietnam are part of that unbroken chain of service. Their courage, resilience and devotion to duty are among the reasons we stand here today in a free nation preparing to celebrate 250 years of liberty.

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It has been said freedom is never handed down. It is protected by those willing to stand in harms way for others. That truth is embodied in every Vietnam veteran.

The gathering was sponsored by Veteran Community Initiatives, Conemaugh Valley Veterans, Laurel Highlands Chapter 364 of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 2, and Daughters of the American Revolution Joseph Schantz Chapter.

It was relocated for the year to Johnstowns Masonic Event & Conference Center due to its usual host site, 1st Summit Arena @ Cambria County War Memorial, not being available.

There was talk of cancelling this when we had to do a venue change, said Josh Hauser, VCIs operations director and general manager. I really felt that, no, we cant cancel the event. Vietnam veterans are our largest demographic of veterans. Time marches on. Not to be grim, but we only have so much time to honor our Vietnam vets, so we dont want to miss a year.

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There was a ceremony, live music from the Three Of Hearts Band and members of the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, information booths, lunch, and the reading of names of all those from Cambria and Somerset counties who died in military service during the Vietnam era.

VCI President and CEO Tom Caulfield, a Vietnam War veteran, described the get-together as a reflection on the community, what they have and how they celebrate.

Its so essential to give recognition to all those that have undergone a difficult time in their life and now to get out and be recognized, Caulfield said. Its been amazing, the turnaround since 50 years ago.

The Rev. Stephen Moore said this is a time to heal the wounds of body and soul.

Heavenly father, on this solemn day, we pause to honor our Vietnam veterans, Moore prayed. We thank you for their courage and dedication to duty. We offer our heartfelt welcome home to those who did not receive it, and we ask for healing the wounds, both seen and unseen, that they have carried for so long.




The wall that once featured the face of national civil rights leader Cesar Chavez, greeting those entering East Austin for roughly 46 years, now sits blank.

The owners of the building, which houses the architecture firm A Parallel Architecture, said they decided to paint over the mural after a New York Times investigation detailed allegations that Chavez groomed girls and sexually abused women, including his longtime organizing partner and United Farm Workers co-founder, Dolores Huerta.

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Eric Barth, a co-owner of the building, said, "We felt like it was no longer something that we wanted to be associated with the business."

Barth added that the decision was made after discussions with community and neighborhood leaders.

Before and after photos of Cesar Chavez mural in Austin

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Roughly three years ago, Arte Texas, a mural restoration group, worked with local artists to revitalize the Chavez portrait after years of vandalism.

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"I've been here 46 years, and we've always seen that mural," Bertha Rendon Ortiz told KUT News. "He was our hero; he gave us hope."

Cesar Chavez Day events canceled, renaming efforts continue

In light of the reports, organizers and elected officials across Texas have called for the removal of Chavez's name from roadways and schools, the cancellation of celebrations in his honor and more.

Austin's annual Cesar Chavez parade and celebration, scheduled for Saturday, was canceled, and Austin city council members are exploring renaming Cesar Chavez Street.

Gov. Greg Abbott instructed all Texas agencies not to observe Cesar Chavez Day, which falls on March 31, and the Texas Education Agency has directed schools across the state to do the same.
A Pierce County man is behind bars, accused of taking his toddler with him during a drive-by shooting that targeted other family members.

Investigators say the suspect drove up to his sisters apartment in Parkland around 3 p.m. Wednesday and fired shots, one hitting his sisters SUV.

Body cam video shows Pierce County Sheriffs deputies arresting 29-year-old Sergio Reyes Cuevas outside his Parkland apartment.

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On the video, cries are heard in the background from Cuevas one-year-old daughter.

A sense of urgency  now we have a one-year-old child involved in a very traumatic domestic violence situation that can turn sour at any point, said Deputy Carly Cappetto with the Pierce County Sheriffs Office.

According to court documents, Cuevas made previous threats to kill family members before he went to his sisters and her husbands apartment and fired shots.

No one was hurt.

The couple called 911 and told deputies that Cuevas may have had a drug relapse, and they could find him at his nearby apartment on Pacific Avenue.

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Cappetto says Cuevas slammed the door on deputies as they urged him to surrender.

He does finally come to the door and opens it, holding the child in front of him, using the child as a shield to prevent deputies from using any force against him, said Cappetto. One of the deputies immediately kind of rushes into place his foot in the door.

After several minutes of negotiating, Cuevas surrendered.

Investigators say they found bullet casings and holes all over the apartment, including the childs bedroom.

A neighbor told KIRO 7 that Cuevas was showing erratic behavior days earlier, and she heard shots coming from the next-door unit.

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A shot went off. I was upstairs playing video games with my daughter. I barricaded the girls  kinda hunkered down for a while, said the neighbor.

Investigators say the suspects daughter was not hurt and she is now safe with her mother.

Cuevas, a five-time convicted felon, faces several more felony charges.

Hes being held on $200,000 bail, and his next court date is set for April 23.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A local man is calling for change after he says he was held at gunpoint on a routine scooter ride.

You might know Eddy Nunez as datguy_eddy on social media. Hes known for his beautiful drone videos that capture both the beauty and history of the Rose City. Now, hes on the mend after he was pistol-whipped and robbed on Thursday night.

Hes also been known to help with the popular drone shows over Pioneer Courthouse Square, working with Travel Portland and other local organizations.

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I like to be behind the cameras. I just like to help others, Nunez said.

Eddy Nunez is a social media influencer in Portland. March 27, 2026 (KOIN). Eddy Nunez was robbed at gun point and had his scooter stolen. March 27, 2026 (KOIN). Eddy Nunez has marks on his helmet after he said he was pistol whipped and robbed at gunpoint. March 27, 2026 (courtesy datguy_eddy on Instagram).

Now, in rare fashion, hes sharing his story, being on the other side of the camera in light of a terrifying ordeal that happened Thursday at 9:30 p.m.

I was going to the waterfront. I usually take that route. You know, on Burnside because its always lit up. And I went to go check to see if they saw the purple lights, at the cherry blossoms, Nunez described. I just felt like a thump on the back of my head I turned around and I saw the barrel of a gun.

He said he didnt know the man pointing the gun at him. His directions? Plain and simple.

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Give me everything. Get up. Get off the scooter. Im like, Oh, like, here. Take everything. I dont care,' Nunez said.

Weekend incubator gives creative boost to businesses

The man took Nunezs scooter, his only form of transportation, leaving him with his phone, house keys, and some nasty damage to his helmet. Whats worse, he recalls, is how truly helpless he felt, despite being in a crowded place.

I looked around to see if people were going to help, and people were just recording on their phones. I went home and, I just, I was processing all of it, and I, I, I was probably crying the whole night because, I honestly dont I dont know how to think or what to do, he said.

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Nunez filed a report with Portland police immediately after; they confirmed with KOIN 6 News that they are investigating.

On Friday night, Nunez told KOIN 6 News that police found his scooter in Clackamas County. But they still havent found the person who attacked him.

According to PPBs open crime data, overall crime in the downtown core has been declining for the last few years. But with more people out and about enjoying what Portland has to offer during springtime, Eddy hopes the city might be able to do something to keep the area safer.

Eddy Nunez shares images on Instagram that highlights the beauty of Portland. March 27, 2026 (courtesy datguy_eddy on Instagram) Eddy Nunez helps with elaborate drone shows as part of his social media account datguy_eddy. March 27, 2026 (Courtesy datguy_eddy on Instagram).

Its bad for business. Bad for business, and its bad for the city. And I would love it if they can just put more boots on the ground, he said.

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As he heals, and as police investigate, Nunez does have one ask for the community.

Im not the one to always ask people for help. I always love to help people. But just watch out for one another, he said.

Nunez said he hopes his scooter is found but he doesnt mind working to buy another, he is just thankful to be alive.

In the meantime, he says hes taking a short break from social media as he takes some time to heal. We reached out to the city of Portland about the potential for beefed up security, we will update you when we hear back.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Novi  Michigan Republican Party delegates endorsed Eaton County Prosecutor Doug Lloyd on Saturday to be the GOP's nominee for attorney general.

Citing his experience in elected office, 63% of the GOP delegates picked Lloyd over lawyer and political newcomer Kevin Kijewski of Birmingham, who got 37% during a convention inside Novi's Vibe Credit Union Showplace, according to the preliminary results.

Lloyd described the outcome as a "blessing."

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"I've been elected," Lloyd said. "I've actually done the job. I'm walking into that job day one, able to move forward."

More: Macomb Co. Clerk Anthony Forlini to be GOP secretary of state nominee

Doug Lloyd, right, who is a candidate for state attorney general, talks with supporters during the 2026 Michigan Republican Party Endorsement Convention, Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Novi, Mich.

Michigan GOP officials announced the initial tallies at about 3 p.m. Saturday. The convention started at 10 a.m. It was a relatively calm gathering compared to past GOP conventions, which saw intense clashes among delegates.

Jim Runestad, chairman of the Michigan Republican Party, said Republicans were focused this year on winning in November.

"There was a hyper focus on 'we want to win the cycle," Runestad said. "And that's more than I've heard in the last couple of conventions."

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Republican Chris Arndt, an Eaton County commissioner and an alternate delegate, promoted Lloyd during the convention as someone who wouldn't act as a partisan if he became the attorney general.

"He wouldn't take a weird cause or a party line as a guide star," Arndt said as delegates voted Saturday.

Since 2013, Lloyd has been the prosecutor in Eaton County, a hotly contested political area in bedroom communities west of Lansing.

His supporters contended that he gave the party its best chance of winning the attorney general's office in November. The current attorney general, Democrat Dana Nessel, can't run for reelection this fall because of term limits.

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In a statement Saturday, Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel blasted Lloyd, saying Lloyd will back President Donald Trumps "dangerous, cost-raising agenda over the needs of working families every single time."

"Our next attorney general must continue fighting for our rights and working to keep communities safe, but Doug Lloyd would drag Michigan backwards and wont take on big corporations or special interests," Hertel said.

About 2,100 delegates participated in the Republican convention.

Kijewski, who primarily has worked on family-related and divorce cases, gained the political spotlight among Republicans by defending one of the GOP electors who signed a certificate falsely claiming Trump won the state's 2020 election against forgery charges.

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In 2023, Nessel's office charged the electors with forgery. But a judge threw out the charges last year.

Kenneth Thompson, one of the Trump electors, was among the Republicans backing Kijewski for attorney general on Saturday.

"It's there to protect Michigan, not use as a weaponization," Thompson said of the Attorney General's office.

The details of a 2020 domestic violence charge against Kijewski, which was eventually dismissed by prosecutors in Wayne County, loomed over Kijewski's campaign

Kijewski previously said the incident was an old matter that occurred during a difficult time for his ex-wife.

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cmauger@detroitnews.com

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This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Doug Lloyd picked as Michigan Republican attorney general candidate
Protestors of all ages, races and genders showed up with signs decrying President Donald Trump's administration and declaring that "Democracy is not for sale" and "Respecting everyone hurts no one" on March 28 for the No Kings protest in Springfield.

Groups of protesters stretched along Battlefield Road from Kansas Expressway to Glenstone Avenue. Walking from from Campbell Avenue to Glenstone, a News-Leader reporter counted approximately 1,600 participants from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; based on that number, the total including those to the west easily exceeded 2,000 and may have neared 3,000. Traffic moved slowly along Battlefield during the afternoon, due in part to the popularity of the recently opened Hawaiian Bros restaurant.

Many of the protesters held signs supporting democracy or opposing the policies of President Donald Trump during the No Kings rally in Springfield on March 28, 2026. Protesters take part in the No Kings rally that ran along Battlefield Road from Glenstone Avenue west to Kansas Expressway in Springfield on March 28, 2026. Janet Engen of Nixa said she hadn't participated in a protest since the 1960s before taking part in the No Kings rally in Springfield on March 28, 2026. Protesters take part in the No Kings rally that ran along Battlefield Road from Glenstone Avenue west to Kansas Expressway in Springfield on March 28, 2026. Protesters lined both sides of Battlefield Road near Battlefield Mall during the No Kings rally in Springfield on March 28, 2026. Protesters take part in the No Kings rally that ran along Battlefield Road from Glenstone Avenue west to Kansas Expressway in Springfield on March 28, 2026. Protesters take part in the No Kings rally that ran along Battlefield Road from Glenstone Avenue west to Kansas Expressway in Springfield on March 28, 2026. Protesters displayed signs and joined in chants and songs during the No Kings rally that ran along Battlefield Road from Glenstone Avenue west to Kansas Expressway in Springfield on March 28, 2026. Some cars displayed signs or honked to indicate support while passing by the No Kings rally along Battlefield Road in Springfield on March 28, 2026. Protesters take part in the No Kings rally that ran along Battlefield Road from Glenstone Avenue west to Kansas Expressway in Springfield on March 28, 2026. Protesters take part in the No Kings rally that ran along Battlefield Road from Glenstone Avenue west to Kansas Expressway in Springfield on March 28, 2026. Protesters take part in the No Kings rally that ran along Battlefield Road from Glenstone Avenue west to Kansas Expressway in Springfield on March 28, 2026. Protesters take part in the No Kings rally that ran along Battlefield Road from Glenstone Avenue west to Kansas Expressway in Springfield on March 28, 2026. Protesters take part in the No Kings rally that ran along Battlefield Road from Glenstone Avenue west to Kansas Expressway in Springfield on March 28, 2026. Protesters take part in the No Kings rally that ran along Battlefield Road from Glenstone Avenue west to Kansas Expressway in Springfield on March 28, 2026. Protesters take part in the No Kings rally that ran along Battlefield Road from Glenstone Avenue west to Kansas Expressway in Springfield on March 28, 2026. Protesters take part in the No Kings rally that ran along Battlefield Road from Glenstone Avenue west to Kansas Expressway in Springfield on March 28, 2026. Protesters take part in the No Kings rally that ran along Battlefield Road from Glenstone Avenue west to Kansas Expressway in Springfield on March 28, 2026. Protesters take part in the No Kings rally that ran along Battlefield Road from Glenstone Avenue west to Kansas Expressway in Springfield on March 28, 2026. Protesters take part in the No Kings rally that ran along Battlefield Road from Glenstone Avenue west to Kansas Expressway in Springfield on March 28, 2026. Protesters take part in the No Kings rally that ran along Battlefield Road from Glenstone Avenue west to Kansas Expressway in Springfield on March 28, 2026. Protesters take part in the No Kings rally that ran along Battlefield Road from Glenstone Avenue west to Kansas Expressway in Springfield on March 28, 2026. Protesters take part in the No Kings rally that ran along Battlefield Road from Glenstone Avenue west to Kansas Expressway in Springfield on March 28, 2026. Protesters take part in the No Kings rally that ran along Battlefield Road from Glenstone Avenue west to Kansas Expressway in Springfield on March 28, 2026. Many of the protesters held signs supporting democracy or opposing the policies of President Donald Trump during the No Kings rally in Springfield on March 28, 2026. Springfield No Kings protesters line Battlefield Road on March 28 1 of 25 Many of the protesters held signs supporting democracy or opposing the policies of President Donald Trump during the No Kings rally in Springfield on March 28, 2026.

People blew whistles, chanted, shook tambourines and played music amid honks from passing cars.

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Not all of the passing cars offered support. During the News-Leader's time at the protest, there were at least five cars with signs or flags in support of Trump. In one instance witnessed by a News-Leader reporter, a protestor stepped off the curb into the street to argue with the occupant of a pickup truck flying flags in support of Trump.

Janet Engen of Nixa said she hadn't participated in a protest since the 1960s before taking part in the No Kings rally in Springfield on March 28, 2026.

A passenger reached out of the car window and attempted to rip the sign out of the protester's hands. The driver exited the vehicle and argued with protesters while event organizers encouraged protesters to stay on the sidewalk. After a couple minutes, the driver got back in his truck and drove away.

Despite confrontations like the one witnessed by the News-Leader, Springfield police officers on the scene said they mostly had to intervene to keep people out of the road or to encourage stopped vehicles to continue moving.

The protest's safety coordinator Daniel, who asked to only be identified by his first name, confirmed the police department's assessment.

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"What made this protest different was that there were practically no counter-protesters this time around," he said. "There was much more positive support, there were far fewer counter-protesters, far fewer agitators."

Protesters take part in the No Kings rally that ran along Battlefield Road from Glenstone Avenue west to Kansas Expressway in Springfield on March 28, 2026.

"Everybody feels like it's gaining momentum, it's gaining popularity," Daniel said. "People are really coming around to No Kings."

During the protest, multiple protest "marshals" in high visibility vests were present and assisted people in crossing streets, provided first aid and handed out water bottles. Multiple organizations came together to plan and execute the protest.

Protesters take part in the No Kings rally that ran along Battlefield Road from Glenstone Avenue west to Kansas Expressway in Springfield on March 28, 2026.

In addition to rendering aid to people, organizers also took video while driving along Battlefield Road in an effort to get an estimate of attendance. The safety coordinator said they are still analyzing that footage and should have their own estimate by the end of the weekend.

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While the protest is over, Daniel encouraged people to stay involved.

"The work doesn't stop when the protest ends," he said. "Mobilizing for a big event like this is important, but what is 10 times more important than this is that we are regularly meeting in our communities and talking about the issues that affect us and organizing to find our own solutions and our own ways to move forward."

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: 'No Kings' protesters line Battlefield Road in Springfield
The Pune City Police on Saturday arrested a self-styled godman, identified as Rishikesh Vaidya, from the Pimpri-Chinchwad area in connection with a sexual assault case. The arrest comes even as a similar case involving Nashik-based self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, accused of exploiting women, continues to draw attention in the state. According to police officials, the accused allegedly sexually assaulted a woman after establishing contact with her through social media in October 2023. Vaidya, a resident of Vasai in Maharashtra, is accused of luring the victim and assaulting her on multiple occasions. Police said that Vaidya met the woman in Pune in 2023, where he allegedly administered an intoxicating substance and assaulted her. He later allegedly called her to Vasai, where he assaulted her again. Following developments in the Nashik case, the victim confided in her husband and subsequently approached the police. A case was initially registered at Manikpur Police Station in Vasai under the Mira-Bhayandar Vasai-Virar Police Commissionerate and was later transferred to Manjari Police Station in Pune district. After the FIR was registered, the accused went absconding. Acting on a tip-off about his presence in Pimpri, Pune City Police apprehended him and produced him before a magistrate's court in Pune. The court remanded him to police custody till April 6 for further investigation. Meanwhile, the defence lawyer denied all charges, stating that the allegations made by the victim are false and that relevant evidence will be presented before the court in the coming days. Earlier, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the alleged rape case involving astrologer Ashok Kharat is under close monitoring, with an SIT and Nashik Police leading the probe. He urged victims to come forward and warned against politicisation. Fadnavis stressed strict action against the accused, asserting no one will be spared. Kharat is accused of sexually assaulting a woman over the years under the guise of spiritual guidance and is in police custody. (ANI)
As the days and weeks have piled up with TSA agents not getting paid, a small office near the escalators in the Daytona Beach International Airport have seen some unusual activity.

Donations have been rolling in, as evidenced by a simple "TSA Donations" sign taped to the desk in the office. More donations came in on March 27, as PETA representatives brought two suitcases and a rolling cart full of vegan food and supplies for animals.

"We're hoping that these foods will provide the much-needed help during this time," said Marnie Chambless, a tour campaign specialist with PETA.

Others have been helping, too.

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"People try to pitch in and give you gift cards," said Donna Fallon, a TSA worker at the Daytona Beach International Airport. "DBIA been so nice. The airlines have been helping us out, giving us gift cards and passengers giving us some gift cards. Still you've got bills to pay, you know."

Fallon, like other TSA workers, hasn't gotten a paycheck in weeks. That has meant pinching pennies and trying to get by as best as she can.

Despite the lack of pay, she keeps showing up because she needs the health insurance and the job, she said.

As for the government funding issues at the Department of Homeland Security, she said "Congress needs to get their act together on both sides."

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"If we don't get paid, they shouldn't get paid," Fallon said.

Trump signs emergency order to pay TSA agents

Members of a Central Florida Sikh organization drop off food and gift cards for TSA workers at the Daytona Beach International Airport.

Relief could be in sight for TSA agents. President Donald Trump signed an order on March 27 to pay them, declaring it an "unprecedented emergency situation." The funds, which will "have a reasonable and logical nexus to TSA operations," will be used for TSA employees' compensation and benefits, according to the decree.

TSA employees should expect to get paid again as soon as March 30. Even as pay resumes, however, some airports could still see effects from the shutdown, as many TSA workers have left their jobs.

Public sought to help Daytona Beach airport TSA

Marnie Chambless, left, and Shannon Blair and her children, Evan LaFevre, 15, and Saige, 3, deliver food to TSA workers on March 27 at the Daytona Beach International Airport.

The airport recently has been getting calls about how to donate to TSA workers, said Joanne Magley, airport spokeswoman. So the airport put out a call for help on social media to arrange donations.

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The response was big from the public

As of March 27, $3,600 in gift cards had been donated as well as about 20 large suitcases full of non-perishable food. Airport officials arranged to quickly get the donations to TSA officers.

"Every day we've been getting lots of donations," Magley said.

The airport provided a couple of free lunches to TSA officers recently, and the concessions restaurant at the airport has been giving TSA officers a free meal and drink each day, she said.

TSA operations normal at Daytona Beach International Airport, officials say

The airport has 54 TSA officers.

"We have not seen any issues with people not coming to work or leaving," Magley said.

Wait times to get through TSA at DBIA have been normal, according to officials. Other operations have been normal, aside from the occasional issue related to weather or issues at a connecting airport, she said.

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TSA doesn't accept donations under normal circumstances. With pay resuming, donations won't be taken.

Magley said airport officials have been "very touched" by the community's efforts to support the TSA workers.

"They do a phenomenal job here," she said of the agents.

 USA TODAY Contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Daytona Beach airport sees outpouring from public to support TSA
The University of Dayton is implementing new security protocols this weekend as students gather for a late St. Patricks Day celebration.

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These changes follow a series of incidents near campus over the past year.

TRENDING STORIES:

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University officials are using the new security measures to prevent violence and manage crowds that have previously spilled into neighboring business districts.

Physical measures include barricades to block off roads and signs posted throughout the campus warning that non-students will be towed if they enter restricted zones.

To gain access to areas inside the barricades, students are required to wear university-issued wristbands.

>>RELATED: UD unveils new safety protocols ahead of St. Patricks Day

The heightened security follows two major incidents involving campus parties over the last year.

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During the previous St. Patricks Day celebration, crowds spilled onto Brown Street, which forced police to close the road and send participants home.

On Halloween, a student was shot in the ankle during an on-campus party.

Local businesses are also preparing for the weekend crowds.

Brooke Durning, a manager at Milanos restaurant on Brown Street, said the staff is ready for the influx of students.

Its their time to get loose, at Milanos, we are ready for it, Durning said.

While acknowledging the tradition, Durning said she hopes the security changes ensure a safer environment than in previous years.

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Durning said she expects a significant law enforcement presence throughout the weekend.

Theyve always had their presence, but I think the added security, hopefully, it helps a little bit, Durning said. We want everyone to be safe, everyone to have a fun, safe weekend.

Dayton police officials said they are bringing in additional officers to assist university police with the event. Patrols are scheduled to begin in the early morning hours.

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Mar. 28Editor's note: This story and accompanying photo are advertorial content in the 2026 Progress Edition of The Jamestown Sun.

JAMESTOWN  The rebrand from Central Sales Inc. to Bison Machinery better describes the business in the marketplace and what it sells, according to Jeff Romsdal, president and owner.

Romsdal said he and his father talked for years about the Central Sales name.

"Central Sales didn't really at all define who we are and define who we are as business, but define us also where we stand in the industry," he said.

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He said bison are fierce and resilient mammals that face adversity by heading into the storm. He said bison face and head into a storm to get to the other side.

Romsdal said Bison Machinery is an underdog when compared to its "giant" competitors. He said Bison Machinery is a locally owned family business going three generations strong.

"We're resilient. We face adversity," Romsdal said. "We challenge ourselves to be that type of business in the environment that we're in where we will face the adversity head on and challenge ourselves to have the strength to charge through the tough times and get through to the other side and be better and stronger as a business and individually as we put forth that effort every day in our business."

Bison Machinery carries products from three core suppliers  Agco, Bobcat and Versatile.

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Under the Agco line, Bison Machinery sells Massey Ferguson tractors, Massey Ferguson Planters, Gleaner combines, Sunflower tillage and Hesston by Massey Ferguson hay equipment.

Romsdal said Bison Machinery is a top 20 dealership in North America for selling Bobcat products.

"They have high regards for us, and there's a lot of boxes you've got to check to reach that tier, but we are a fairly large Bobcat dealer with a full product line for Bobcat," Romsdal said.

Under the Versatile line, the dealership sells articulated four-wheel drive tractors and Fury vertical high-speed tillage and has access to sell its row-crop and loader tractors.

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"We carry many short lines," Romsdal said, including Grasshopper mowers, Woods mowers and Edney Distributing products, among others.

Romsdal said he is working on designing and rebranding the website. He said Bison Machinery will also work to revise its radio jingle, but will use the Central Sales one with its new branding to let customers know about its transition.

The official rebrand comes after staff moved into the new location in January. Bison Machinery is located at 1700 20th St. SW, east of the new Anne Carlsen Center location and just south of Interstate 94.

The new building is 36,000 square feet and includes overhead cranes in the shop, innovation garage, vertical parts storage machine, power wash wands in each bay, showroom and meeting rooms.

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Romsdal said the innovation garage has been used for meetings. He said the space can be separated from the rest of the business.

He said the innovation garage also includes a large training room and two stalls to bring machines in to train people on different machinery.

"We look forward to hosting other events in that space," he said. "If anyone in the community wants to potentially use that space, they can certainly get a hold of us."

The new location also features North Dakota's tallest flagpole at 150 feet, which displays a 30-by-60-foot American flag. He said his friend, Jack McGregor, repairs the flags for free.

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"Hats off to Jack McGregor," he said.

Romsdal said more signage will be installed at the new location, and landscaping needs to be completed.

He said Bison Machinery is looking for new employees in all departments. He said the dealership has a budget for about 20 employees, including a couple of part-time employees.

"We need more people to complete our team for sure," he said. "But we've got a lot of long-term and solid staff and good people with good personalities that are very well skilled."

Romsdal said he has a great leadership team that includes Shane Roemmich, general manager and sales manager; Sarah Huebner, accounting manager, and Corey Hofmann, lead service technician with 34 years of experience.

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"All long-term employees, and that's the key in the core of our business," he said, referring to the leadership team.

Romsdal said the new location makes his business more visible to traffic on I-94. He said the location gets more than five times as much traffic as the old location, which was about 3 miles south of Jamestown.

"There's a lot of people that don't travel south of town," he said. "All of our competitors are along the interstate."

Romsdal said the building at the old location was expanded three times. He said the overland drainage also made it difficult to make the lot desirable to park machinery.

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"The building just being added on to so many times (was) a little bit inadequate as far as the efficiencies are concerned to run our type of business," he said. "I got a lot of ideas from other dealers all around North America. I put it into what I thought was a good concept and a very attractive concept to a farm equipment dealership for the future."

Romsdal said final business plans are in the works for a Precision Planting dealership and spray drone business where he will be a 50-50 partner at the old location.

Bison Machinery also has a location in Casselton, North Dakota. Romsdal said the building in Casselton was remodeled in 2014.

"Our core still is 60 miles from Jamestown," Romsdal said.

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He said Bison Machinery employees still know their customers and have generated and maintained those relationships. He said Bison Machinery has generational relationships where customers previously did business with his grandpa and father.

"The generational relationships are something that we cherish, and we hold close to home and really admire," Romsdal said. "We look forward to those next generations that are coming along and hopefully doing business with those folks."
Littering

Kristin Irene Samuelson, 45, of Seaside was arraigned Wednesday on charges of offensive littering, criminal mischief and resisting arrest.

Burglary

Lindy Rain Edwards, 47, of Torrence, Calif., was arraigned Thursday on charges of burglary in the second degree, criminal trespass in the second degree and criminal mischief in the third degree.

Burglary

Tampatha Poulson Tyler, 55, of Seaside, was arraigned Thursday on charges of burglary in the second degree, theft in the third degree and theft in the second degree.
Editors note: To see the full report, watch the video in the player above.

ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)  Dr. Keely Boyer did not always see herself working in education. Now, she leads Ector County ISD.

Boyer is in her 24th year in education and has spent the last year as superintendent, after working her way up through the classroom and into leadership roles across the district.

She said her connection to education did not come until high school.

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I was not an outstanding student, Boyer said. I went to school because I was an athlete and wanted to be with my friends.

But that changed in 11th grade, when a history teacher gave her the chance to lead in class.

He saw something in me that other teachers didnt see, she said. From that point on, I just really felt the responsibility to do the same for other kids.

Now, more than a decade later, Boyer leads the district she once might not have felt connected to. She also made history when she stepped into the role, becoming the first woman to lead ECISD in more than 100 years.

For over 100 years, this district was only led by men, Boyer said. I dont take it lightly.

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Boyer said she felt welcomed by the community when she took on the role, describing the support as both overwhelming and encouraging, and now, she said, her focus is on students.

I want to be remembered as a superintendent that put students at the center of every decision, Boyer said. She said success, for her, is measured by what happens after students leave school, whether they are prepared for college, a career or whatever comes next.

Even now, Boyer said one of her favorite parts of the job is still being in the classroom.

Im still a teacher at heart, she said.

Boyer said she hopes ECISD continues to grow and improve, with the goal of becoming one of the top districts in the state.

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She also said she is proud to be part of a community of women making an impact across the Permian Basin.

Im one of many, Boyer said.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin.
As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, its population is larger and significantly older, more racially and ethnically diverse and likelier to be foreign-born than it was at the time of the nation's bicentennial, according to a report compiled by the Pew Research Center.

The U.S. population has grown to 340 million over the past 50 years, an increase of more than 120 million people, the center said. Much of that growth, it said, has been driven by immigrants, longer life spans, and an increase in Asian and Hispanic Americans.

As the 1970s got underway, the Baby Boom generation was still between 6 and 24 years old, noted Ken Johnson, a professor of sociology at the University of New Hampshire, not connected to the report.

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It was the first generation where many women went to college, Johnson said. Older generations were relatively small, having been born during the war and the Great Depression. And immigration was picking up, but it had been modest for decades before.

The Baby Boom generation was the first to have many women with higher education, Johnson said. The resulting opportunities led many women to marry later and have fewer children, patterns that would endure in later generations.

That bears out in the Pew analysis of U.S. Census data, which shows Americans today are less likely to be married and women are more likely to have college degrees.

However, economic gaps have widened, the center said, despite many people being better off financially than they were a half-century ago.

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With the Baby Boom cohort now ranging from 62 to 80 years old, the share of Americans ages 65 or older has nearly doubled from 10% to 18%, the center said. While the nations median age has risen across racial and ethnic groups, the increase is sharpest among White Americans (from 30 to 45 years old) and Black Americans (from 21 to 36 years old).

Immigrants carve out a niche

Since 1970, the center said, non-Hispanic White Americans have formed an increasingly smaller share of the U.S. population, falling from 83.5% to 56.3%. Meanwhile, Asian Americans have climbed from less than 1% to 6% today, while Hispanics, just 4.4% of the population in 1970, now comprise 20%.

The share of foreign-born people in the United States has more than tripled since 1970, rising from an all-time low of 4.7% to 14.8% in 2024, the center said. The numbers are highest among Asian and Hispanic Americans and most concentrated in the West and Northeast United States.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - John Amer (2nd-L), from Pakistan, holds a flag while posing with his son, Uzziah Amer, daughter, Hosanna Amer, and wife, Sajeela Amer, following his naturalization ceremony to become a U.S. citizen at Seattle Center on July 4, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. The annual event drew hundreds of participants from approximately 80 countries.

Johnson noted that White Americans are largely older and no longer having children, while many immigrants are of younger, childbearing age with above-average fertility rates.

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The diversity of the U.S. population is greatest for young children and least for the oldest part of the population, he said.

Census Bureau data released on March 26 shows immigration has slowed throughout the country, with nine out of 10 U.S. counties experiencing lower immigration levels between July 2024 and July 2025 compared to the year before.

Meanwhile, the Pew Center analysis found Americas population has shifted geographically as well, moving toward Southern and Western states.

In 1970, it said, less than half of the U.S. population lived in the American South (31%) and the West (17%). Today, more than 6 in 10 people live in the Sunbelt, with White Americans comprising about half or less of the population there.

Division over diversitys benefits

The center said Americans largely view the nations racial and ethnic diversity, and efforts to promote it in the workplace, as positive. However, it found Americans divided along racial, ethnic and party lines about its impact on American culture and about diversity, equity and inclusion efforts on a fair society.

New members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus pose for a photo at the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) on November 18, 2022 in Washington, DC.

The Pew Center gauged those sentiments late last year and released the survey results in conjunction with its half-century analysis.

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Three-quarters of U.S. adults  including 86% of Democrats and 66% of Republicans  view racial and ethnic diversity as good for the country, the center said.

While 62% of the nearly 14,000 respondents surveyed in late 2025 said diversity positively impacts American culture, they were sharply divided along party lines: Just 45% of Republicans said diversity had a positive impact, compared to 82% of Democrats.

Nearly two-thirds said it was very or somewhat important for U.S. companies and organizations to promote diversity, down from 75% in a Pew survey conducted in 2019. With the share of Democrats edging up a point to 87%, the decline was mostly among Republicans: Just 40% of Republicans said such efforts were important, compared to 61% in 2019.

Likewise, Americans were divided on whether such efforts lead to a fairer society: While 65% of Democrats say diversity efforts have made society fairer, just 18% of Republicans felt the same.

Rev. Al Sharpton speaks during the March on Wall Street on Aug. 28, 2025, in New York City. Rev. Al Sharpton and National Action Network (NAN) lead a protest march on Wall Street, which began at Foley Square, to urge corporate America to resist the Trump administration's campaign to roll back diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The march comes on the anniversary of the Civil Rights-era March on Washington in 1963.

Respondents broke along racial and ethnic lines as well. Only 38% of White adults said diversity efforts in workplaces and schools have made society fairer, compared to 53% of Black adults, 48% of Asian adults and 46% of Hispanic adults.

America's altered households

The American family has changed substantially in the last half-century, the center said. Americans now marry and have children later in life than they once did, and while U.S. women averaged about three children in 1970, the number has hovered closer to two over the last several decades.

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About half of American adults are married today, down from 69% in 1970, with the decline steeper for adults without a four-year college degree. While the portion of adults aged 50 and older who have never been married has risen from 7% to 10%, the share has tripled for Black adults, from 7% to 21%.

Children in the United States are much less likely to live with two married parents than they were a half-century ago, the center said, with the share falling from 82% to 63%. The decline has taken place across racial and ethnic groups  except for households headed by Asian adults, which fell only slightly from 87% to 83%.

Mercedes Lopez speaks with son Rafael, 7, at a recent scholarship award ceremony hosted by the Oklahoma Single Parent Scholarship Program.

Meanwhile, 22% of Americans now live in multigenerational households, the center said, compared to 13% in 1970. The increase has been highest among Black, Hispanic and Asian Americans, climbing to 30% for those groups compared to 16% for White Americans.

A lot of Asian Americans still live in high-cost housing markets, said Melany de la Cruz-Viesca, deputy director of the Asian American Studies Center at the University of California, Los Angeles. If they live in California or New York, its more likely they feel comfortable living together. Theres a lot of stigma around risky spending, and a belief that its better to save and not be in debt than to be on your own.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Report card on America at its 250th birthday: How have we changed?
Iran has agreed to allow Thai oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul was quoted as saying by the Bangkok Post on Saturday.

Thailand has negotiated a deal with Iran to secure safe passage for the vessels, Anutin said, adding that the move would help to ease concerns over fuel imports, without providing further details.

Thailand is one of many Asian countries particularly hard hit by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman that is key for some 20% of global oil supplies.

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Shipping through the strait has come to a near standstill after Iran threatened to attack any ships deemed hostile, leaving hundreds of tankers and cargo ships stranded in the region since the US and Israel began attacking Iran last month.

Anutin also apologized to Thais for the "chaos caused by the management of the fuel situation," explaining that the disruption to oil supplies was lasting longer than expected.

During the first three weeks of the Iran war launched on February 28, the government had capped fuel prices through financial injections.

When the subsidies were withdrawn, a major price shock hit Thailands petrol stations on Wednesday evening and prices have continued to rise since then.

Anutin said an early end to the conflict was unlikely, which led the government to change its strategy.

He also called on citizens to save oil and keep calm, according to the Khaosod news site.




Jackie Fielder, one of the most progressive members of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, is in the hospital and reportedly intends to resign after more than 14 months in elected office.

Fielder did not immediately return requests for comment from the Chronicle, but Mission Local reported that Fielder told the outlet in a brief phone interview Friday that she was unwell and planning to quit. Since January 2025, Fielder has served as the city supervisor for District 9, which includes the Mission, Bernal Heights and the Portola.

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"Jackie Fielder is going through an acute personal health crisis right now and we are not at liberty to share details, but we appreciate the support people have given us and are proud of her for taking care of herself," one of Fielder's aides said in a Friday statement to the Chronicle.

The San Francisco Standard was first to report on Fielder's condition Friday.

It's unclear exactly why Fielder was hospitalized. As of late Friday afternoon, she had not submitted her resignation, according to city officials.

Should Fielder follow through on her reported intention to step down, she would become the second San Francisco supervisor to do so in less than half a year. In November, former Supervisor Beya Alcaraz resigned just one week after she was appointed by Mayor Daniel Lurie.

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Fielder's potential exit would likely have a major impact on the political direction of the board, which shifted in a more moderate direction in the 2024 election. Lurie, a moderate who Fielder has criticized at times, would be responsible for appointing her replacement.

"I am sending Supervisor Fielder my best wishes for a speedy recovery," Lurie said in a statement. "She is a dedicated advocate for her community. I am encouraging everyone to give her the time and space to get better so she can do that work fully, and I'm wishing her strength and all the best for her health."

Fielder's personal crisis comes after a period of absences at City Hall and some staff turnover in her office. She told the board clerk in a March 17 memo that she would miss the supervisors' meeting that day and on March 24; she did not state a reason for her absences. One of her aides also recently departed due to personal reasons, the former staffer previously told the Chronicle.

On the board, Fielder has represented a staunchly progressive perspective, often voting against the moderate majority and resisting key parts of Lurie's legislative agenda, including his plan to rezone the west and north sides of the city to allow for more housing development. In February, Fielder announced that she would put forward a ballot measure that fund a public bank by taxing corporations. Fielder had also recently called for an audit of the San Francisco Sheriff's Office amid "troubling incidents."

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Fielder's colleagues expressed concern for her on Friday but did not have details about why she was in the hospital.

"It breaks my heart," Supervisor Myrna Melgar said in a text message.

Supervisor Matt Dorsey said his message to Fielder was "take as much time as you need and we're all pulling for you."

"What matters to me above all else is the well being of a colleague who is a good person and a dedicated public servant," Dorsey said.

Supervisor Alan Wong said all supervisors were "hoping she's able to take the time she needs to rest and recover."

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Former Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who was a longtime progressive member of the board, also said he hopes Fielder "gets whatever help she needs." He didn't have any information about her condition, but he expressed sympathy for her situation, in light of his well publicized struggle with alcohol use that prompted him to enter recovery in 2021.

"I say that as somebody who went through difficult times," Peskin said. "This is a time to set aside political differences and for people to take care of one another. This is a time for people to let somebody get the healing that they need."

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

This article originally published at S.F. Supervisor Jackie Fielder reportedly plans to resign amid acute personal health crisis'.
Former Nepalese prime minister KP Sharma Oli was arrested in connection with the deadly protests in September, local media reported on Saturday, one day after new Prime Minister Balendra Shah was formally appointed.

Media reports, citing Home Minister Sudan Gurung and police, said former home minister Ramesh Lekhak had also been arrested.

Both men were taken into custody early in the morning, according to the reports.

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"PROMISE IS A PROMISE: No one is above the law," Gurung posted on social media, according to The Himalayan Times. He said this was only the beginning of justice and that he believed the country was now heading in a new direction.

In September, the Himalayan country was rocked by serious unrest after a ban on social media platforms drove tens of thousands of mostly young protesters onto the streets. They denounced widespread corruption and nepotism. More than 70 people lost their lives in the unrest.

Oli, who was prime minister at the time, later resigned and parliament was dissolved.

He ran again in the election in early March for the Communist Party of Nepal - Unified MarxistLeninist, but the centrist Rastriya Swatantra (National Independence) Party, led by rapper-turned-politician Shah, won the parliamentary vote by a landslide.
North Dakota Republican delegates endorsed Deven Styczynski on Saturday for a six-year term on the states Public Service Commission.

Styczynski, of Enderlin, will take on Republican incumbent Sheri Haugen-Hoffart during the June 9 primary. Haugen-Hoffart is among state officials who opted to skip the state endorsing convention in favor of submitting signatures to gain access to the primary ballot.

During his speech at the NDGOP state convention, Styczynski said he wants to have stronger scrutiny of utility rate increases at the PSC to prevent an undue burden on consumers.

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No more insider deals. No more class warfare disguised as policy. Just hard work, straight talk and a Public Service Commission that puts North Dakota families first, said Styczynski, a former Wisconsin dairy farmer who has made North Dakota his home.

Styczynski was nominated by Doug Sharbono of Fargo, who told delegates he was happy Styczynski was able to attend because of all the weddings being held this weekend, an apparent criticism of Gov. Kelly Armstrong who is missing the state convention to participate in a friends wedding.

Deven would make a great commissioner for the PSC, Sharbono said. The PSC has failed me, and they have failed a number of other citizens.

In 2022, Styczynski ran for school board in Fargo Public Schools, but failed to finish in the top five candidates to win a spot on the board.

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Haugen-Hoffart was appointed to the PSC in February 2022 and won the election for the seat the same year. She did not face a Republican challenger in the 2022 primary, and she defeated Democrat Trygve Hammer with 70% of voter support.

Haugen-Hoffart has said maintaining reliable and affordable energy for consumers is a priority.

She is the manager of the consumer affairs portfolio for the commission.

I am committed to continuing the fight for fiscal responsibility, protecting families, and securing our energy future, so North Dakota remains strong for generations to come, Haugen-Hoffart said in announcing her run for another six-year term.

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Haugen-Hoffart defended the PSC approval of an electricity rate increase for Xcel Energy earlier this year, saying it was the companys first request to raise rates in four years.

On the national level, she was appointed to the board of directors of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners and is vice president of the Mid-America Regulatory Conference.

Chris Olson, a Republican candidate for a two-year term on the Public Service Commission, speaks to delegates at the NDGOP state convention at the State Fairgrounds in Minot on March 28, 2026. He was ineligible to receive the partys endorsement but was gathering signatures at the convention. (Photo by Jacob Orledge/North Dakota Monitor)

Chris Olson, a farmer and rancher who also works at a Stanton-area power plant, said he is gathering signatures to challenge Jill Kringstad in the Republican primary for the two-year term opening on the Public Service Commission. Olson, son of Republican Rep. SuAnn Olson, did not meet a deadline to seek the state party endorsement.

Clint Feland of Bismarck made a motion from the convention floor to offer a letter of recommendation to Olson for the 2026 primary election, but after debate about changing the rules of the party and convention, the motion failed on a standing vote by the delegates.

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Olson, of Baldwin, said his property was affected by the first plan for the Summit Carbon Solutions carbon dioxide pipeline project before the project was rerouted north of his property, which inspired him to get more involved with landowner rights and to run for the PSC.

It is an industrial waste pipeline, Olson said during an interview. Make no bones about it. Why does it need to be here?

Kringstad, who was appointed to the position in January 2025, is running for a two-year term and submitted signatures to appear on the ballot. Kringstad worked as the commissions director of business operations before becoming a commissioner.

She needed an opponent, SuAnn Olson said. Shes never been elected.

The Democratic-NPL Party endorsed John Pederson for the six-year PSC race during its state convention in Bismarck on March 7.

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The deadline for candidates to submit paperwork to run for office is April 6.

No candidates met the deadline to seek the Republican Party endorsement for attorney general, secretary of state, agriculture commissioner or tax commissioner. Attorney General Drew Wrigley, Secretary of State Michael Howe, Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus, all Republicans, plan to submit signatures and run in the June primary.

No candidates are listed to seek a letter of support from the Republican Party for the nonpartisan position of superintendent of public instruction. Levi Bachmeier, a Republican who was appointed to the position, is running for election but also plans to submit signatures.

The party is scheduled to endorse a U.S. House candidate on Sunday. The only candidate seeking the partys endorsement is Alex Balazs. Rep. Julie Fedorchak is among candidates who are skipping the convention.

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North Dakota Monitor reporter Michael Achterling can be reached at machterling@northdakotamonitor.com.

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Leader of Opposition and former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Saturday raised concern over the activities of a Bangladeshi national, who has been moving around religious places in Shimla and allegedly soliciting money from devotees while impersonating as a transgender individual. Thakur called it a matter of serious concern and termed it an "intelligence failure." Speaking to reporters and later to ANI, Thakur said the individual is believed to be a resident of Bangladesh and may be associated with a particular community, adding that he had been visiting temples and other locations while earning a livelihood "He is a resident of Bangladesh and reportedly came here on a visa. It appears that he has been visiting different places, including temples, and sustaining himself through such activities," Thakur said. Calling it an intelligence failure, the Leader of Opposition said arriving on a student visa and then visiting religious places to exploit people's sentiments was a matter of serious concern. He added that such individuals may also be gathering information while moving across locations. "There is a possibility that such methods were used to earn money while visiting religious places. This is a matter of concern and needs to be examined seriously," he said. Raising questions over the legality of such activities, Thakur stressed that conducting any form of business activity in such a manner was not permissible under the law and called for strict surveillance and verification of such cases. "According to the law, such activities should not be allowed. Intelligence agencies must remain alert. Surveillance and verification of such cases is essential," he said. Thakur emphasised that similar instances have been reported in the past as well, and authorities must ensure strict monitoring. Thakur said, "This is not just about one individual, but a broader concern. Intelligence inputs and vigilance are necessary to safeguard public interest". (ANI)
An 18-year-old man is accused of taking out a loaded gun inside a commuter train Thursday after he was asked to throw away the alcohol he was drinking.

Prosecutors charged the man with first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, minor exhibiting effects of having consumed liquor, unlawful transit conduct and unlawful possession of a controlled substance, according to court records.

The man appeared for an arraignment at the Pierce County Superior Court on Friday afternoon where a plea of not guilty was entered on his behalf. Court Commissioner Barbara McInvaille set bail at $5,000, court documents show.

Details of the incident from charging documents

Officers were dispatched to the Sounder Transit station in the 200 block of West Stewart Avenue for a report that a man with a face tattoo pulled out a gun on the train, cocked it and put it in his pocket. People were alarmed, and the train stopped at the station.

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The man complied to officers demands to get on the ground, documents show. He was detained, and a pistol was found in his clothing. A live round was ejected from the chamber of the pistol. Officers also found a 10-round magazine in the pistol with eight more live rounds.

Documents show officers smelled a distinct odor of intoxicants coming from the mans breath. He allegedly was slurring his words and appeared uneasy on his feet.

A security officer with Sound Transit told police he was patrolling the train, which was travelling from Tacoma to Seattle. He saw the man acting erratically and drinking alcohol. The officer told the man he was not allowed to drink alcohol on the train and asked him to get rid of it, according to court documents.

The officer told police the man threw the drink away and sat back down before he got up to walk around the train. He suddenly took out the pistol from his pants, documents show. The security officer got all the riders on the train to get off before he called 911 out of security concerns

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Documents show officers found a white substance in the mans pocket after he alleged he had molly. A test later showed the substance tested positive for MDMA, also known as ecstasy.

The man was arrested and booked into the Pierce County Jail.

Prosecutors say the man has three felony convictions, including second-degree assault and drive-by shooting.
Mar. 27ROLETTE COUNTY, N.D.  When the 911 call came in, the caller was frantic  his girlfriend was having a baby.

Alex Henry, a Rolette County emergency dispatcher for two years, said his training kicked in immediately. After receiving the call just after 4:40 p.m. March 4, Henry dispatched an ambulance right away, and talked the crying woman through the birth. By the time the ambulance arrived just three minutes later, the child had already been born. According to the county staff's most recent information, both mom and baby are doing just fine.

For Henry, the experience was surreal.

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"It was a pretty hectic call," he said. "I've never received a call like that."

It was the first time in at least 20 years  likely even longer  that a Rolette County dispatcher helped deliver a baby over a 911 call. To honor Henry's actions, Sheriff Nathan Gustafson presented Henry with the "Stork Award" at work on Monday. It's a national recognition, Gustafson said, that individual Public Safety Answering Points are able to bestow.

Rolette County is staffed by a single-person PSAP, where a single dispatcher is on duty for each shift. In the rural, sparsely populated county in far north-central North Dakota, "everyone knows if you feel anything funny, you need to get to the hospital," County 911 Coordinator Ryan Hiatt said.

On March 4, that wasn't possible for the callers. When they called 911, the baby was already well on its way into the world.

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"She said she was in labor at the time," Henry said. "I asked how she knew. She said she could see the head coming out."

Hiatt happened to be stepping into the dispatch center just after Henry dispatched the ambulance, and stuck with him for the remainder of the call. Henry handled it like a pro, Hiatt said.

"He was very calm, under the circumstances," Hiatt said. "Very calm, got everyone where they needed to go."

County Director of Emergency Management Cody Mattson echoed that praise.

"Alex was able to talk with the mother over the phone when she called 911, bring that calmness and reassure her that, hey, you're going to get through this," Mattson said. "That's really what makes this significant."

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The mother experienced some complications in the beginning, Hiatt said, and at first it wasn't clear if the child was breathing. Typically, after the ambulance arrives on scene, paramedics take over and the dispatcher disconnects, so for weeks, Henry didn't know what ultimately happened to the new mother and her baby.

There was a collective sigh of relief in the dispatch center last week when they found out both were OK, Hiatt said.

Hiatt emphasized the rarity of this happening, especially in Rolette County. He recalled a sheriff's deputy who helped a woman give birth in a field before paramedics arrived a number of years ago, but in his 22-year law enforcement career, he can't recall a time when a dispatcher took on that role.

"In my career, I've never got the opportunity to do this or see it, and now I'm in the opportune spot to present this award to the sheriff, who then presented it to the dispatcher  it was a great deal," he said. "The sheriff was very excited about this, knowing the history about it. It doesn't happen very often."

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In a statement, Sheriff Nathan Gustafson said Henry's actions highlight the critical role dispatchers play in emergency response.

"His calm presence and ability to provide clear instructions during such an important moment made a real difference," Gustafson said in the statement. "We are extremely proud of his service and this well-deserved recognition."

For Henry, the recognition is nice  he says he'll probably frame his certificate to display it somewhere  but for the father of four, knowing everyone is OK is the greatest reward.

"As long as the baby's healthy," Henry said. "That's all I care about."
LONDON (AP)  Russia is sending a shipment of drones to Iran including upgraded versions of the drone technology that Tehran originally supplied to Moscow after its invasion of Ukraine, U.S. and European officials told The Associated Press this week.

Iran has been firing drone barrages at Israel, its Gulf neighbors and U.S. bases across the Middle East for more than a month following the U.S. and Israeli attack on the country. While Iran has its own stocks of Shahed drones, Russia has made improvements to the design during the war in Ukraine, including adding better navigation capabilities.

Russian and Iranian officials have had very active discussions this month regarding transferring drones from Russia to Iran, the European intelligence official told AP. A U.S. defense official said it is unclear if the shipment is a one-time delivery or part of a series. Neither official could say how significant the delivery is or how many drones were sent. Another European official said a small number of drones would not have a major impact on the outcome of the war. All the officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.

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The U.S. defense official said Moscows motivation in giving Tehran more advanced drones is also unclear given that every munition sent to Tehran is one Russia is not able to launch at Ukraine.

White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales told AP that nothing provided to Iran by any other country is affecting our operational success." She said the U.S. military has struck more than 10,000 targets and destroyed more than 140 Iranian naval vessels leading to Iran's missile attacks and drone attacks decreasing by 90%. The Pentagon did not respond to a request for comment.

The European official said their intelligence suggests a drone shipment is on its way, but that they could not confirm exactly how the drones are being transported. Two convoys of trucks carrying what Russia has described as humanitarian aid have traveled to Iran from Russia via Azerbaijan and it's possible they could contain drones, the European official said.

The Russian Embassy in the Azerbaijani capital Baku said that seven trucks with 150 tons of food and other aid crossed to Astara in northern Iran on Friday while Russia's Emergency Ministry said 313 tons of medicine also was delivered to Astara by rail, the Interfax news agency reported.

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A second European official said their country hasnt been able to confirm Russian drone transfers to Iran, but said if drones are being transported by truck, their numbers are likely small and could be a largely symbolic gesture to maintain Moscows relations with Tehran. Moscow is helping Iran with targeting, the official added.

Russia and Iran are sharing intelligence

The U.K.s latest defense intelligence assessment says Russia almost certainly provided training and intelligence, including on types of drones and electronic warfare, with Iran ahead of the war in the Middle East. Iran is also sharing information with Russia quite generously, the European intelligence official said, adding that Russian officials knew that Ali Larijani  a top Iranian security official  was dead before the rest of the world.

But Russia's relationship with Iran has been rocky, the European official said, adding that Iranian officials felt deeply disappointed after Russia did not help Iran during its 2025 conflict with Israel which led to Trump ordering an attack on three key Iranian nuclear sites.

Asked on Thursday about reports in the Financial Times that Russia was supplying drones to Iran, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described them as false news stories."

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Russia and Iran signed a $1.7 billion deal for Iran's Shahed drone technology after President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine in 2022 and Moscow began using the Iranian imports in battle later that year.

The Iranian drones were first shipped disassembled to Russia but a production line was later opened at the Alabuga plant in Russia's central Tatarstan region. The plant has since rapidly expanded and recruited more workers including African women who say they were tricked into making drones.

Russia produced more advanced versions of Iran's drones

Russian specialists have adapted and refined the Shahed drone by creating decoys with no explosives that are designed to overwhelm air defenses. They also have variously added jet engines, cameras, advanced anti-jammers, radio links, AI computing platforms or Starlink internet devices.

Drone debris found in Ukraine also indicates further cooperation between Iran and Russia on war technology, including exchanges in advanced anti-jamming systems and jet-powered engines that also are used to power Iran's cruise missiles.

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The U.S. official said it is not clear which version or versions of the drone Moscow is shipping to Iran.

Earlier this year, Ukrainian officials said Russian troops lost access to their Starlink satellite internet terminals on the front line after Ukraine asked Elon Musks SpaceX to help deny Russia use of the service in Ukraine. Russian forces consequently lost command-and-control capabilities and navigation for Starlink-capable drones.

Moscow may be giving its Starlink-capable drones to Iran because it has become more difficult for Russian forces to use them in Ukraine, the U.S. official said. Or Moscow might be providing Iran with other Shahed variants that are jet-propelled, use AI to pilot the drone even without a signal or that are equipped with cameras for reconnaissance, the U.S. official said.

More advanced drones create problems for the U.S and its allies

The delivery of advanced Russian drones to Iran could challenge the ability of the U.S. and its allies to intercept incoming drones, depending on how many Russian drones are sent or what Iran does with the more advanced Russian technology, the official said.

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Jet propelled drones are faster and therefore significantly harder for the U.S's anti-drone system currently in the Middle East to take down without relying on limited stocks of expensive high-end weapons.

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AP Diplomatic Writer Matt Lee in Paris and White House correspondent Aamer Madhani in Washington D.C. contributed to this report.
March 27 (Reuters) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday discussed the possibility of a diplomatic settlement in the Iran war with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araqchi, Lavrov's ministry said.

"The ministers discussed in detail the most difficult military-political crisis in the Middle East, which erupted as a result of unprovoked American-Israeli aggression against Iran," the statement on the ministry website said.

"There was an exchange of views on the prospects of shifting the conflict into a channel for a political-diplomatic settlement based on international law and taking into account the legitimate interests of all countries in the region."

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The statement also said Lavrov outlined details of Russia's most recent shipment of humanitarian assistance to Iran.

Russia and Iran have signed a strategic partnership agreement covering political, economic, military, and energy cooperation, but it does not include a mutual defence accord.

Russia has been using Iranian-designed drones in its four-year-old conflict with Ukraine.

European foreign ministers on Friday used a G7 meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to press the case that Russia was helping Iran target U.S. forces in the Middle East war.

Two Western security sources and a regional official close to Tehran told Reuters that Moscow has been providing satellite imagery to Tehran and also helped Iran upgrade its drones to emulate the equivalent versions used by Russia against Ukraine.

(Reporting by Reuters, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
COLUMBIA  More than 1,000 people showed up to the Statehouse for the No Kings rally Saturday. They needed to do more than that if they wanted to see real change, activists and organizers said.

The rally, which ran most of the day Saturday, was the third major event held across the country generally protesting President Donald Trump. Similar protests took place across South Carolina and in every state in the country.

At the top of protesters minds Saturday were the war in Iran, the files released detailing the activities of Jeffrey Epstein, who died in jail while awaiting trial for sex trafficking charges, and voting rights, especially with the proposal of the SAVE Act, which would create photo ID requirements nationwide for voters. (South Carolina already has a photo ID law similar to the proposal rejected by the U.S. Senate on Thursday.)

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Those added onto repeated grievances, including the rising cost of health care, racism and homophobia, and opposition to mass deportation of immigrants.

Jace Woodrum, director of the South Carolina chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, urges the crowd to get more involved outside the South Carolina Statehouse in Columbia, S.C., during a No Kings rally on Saturday, March 28, 2026. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette)

Although most of the protesters came to speak against Trump and other federal officials for nationwide issues, organizers and activists urged them to take a more local look at the problems.

You dont have to go to Washington, D.C., to protect democracy, said Jace Woodrum, head of the state chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. You can do it right here.

That might mean signing up to volunteer with a local organization, running for office or remembering and encouraging others to vote in upcoming elections, said Woodrum and other speakers.

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Dont leave here today without making a commitment about what youre going to do tomorrow, Woodrum told the hundreds gathered on the Statehouse grounds.

Two dozen booths offered help in registering to vote, email lists of volunteer opportunities and information on candidates for upcoming elections. Among them were the South Carolina Progressive Network, the Young Democrats of the Central Midlands, the Alliance for Retired Americans and the Lexington County Democratic Party.

South Carolinas Moultrie Flag , used during the Revolutionary War, flies in front of a palmetto tree on the Statehouse grounds in Columbia, S.C., during a No Kings rally on Saturday, March 28, 2026. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette)

If the October No Kings event, when thousands marched down Main Street to the Governors Mansion, was meant to show that people were unhappy, Saturday was meant to focus on what they could do about it, said Sam Gibbons, who helped organize the event with national group 50501.

I dont just want to see you here, Gibbons told the crowd. I want to see you in the streets or with the ACLU or volunteering.

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Some candidates made appearances Saturday. More than two dozen Democratic and independent candidates for Congress, the state Legislature, local offices and statewide races made their case to a crowd of fluctuating size.

Candidates can file to run for office until noon Monday. A statewide primary election will take place June 9, ahead of the general election in November.

Simon Joseph, an Army veteran and father of two from Lexington, came to the Statehouse on Saturday, March 28, 2026, for the No Kings rally to show his daughters the impact of showing up. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette)

Simon Joseph, a retired Army sergeant, said he doesnt have the time to volunteer for the causes he supports, but he believes the most important thing a person can do to make a change is vote and encourage people they know to vote.

All I can do is just make sure that I vote in the next election, the 65-year-old said.

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He brought his two daughters, who are 11 and 13, from their home in Lexington to show them they can make a difference by showing up, he said. After spending six years in the Army, health care costs and the Iran war both weigh on Joseph, he said.

Right now, its not the America I want to live in, Joseph said.

Molly Westberry, Marcus Massoud and Marisa Rodriguez, all freshmen at the University of South Carolina, saw the event on social media and decided to show up to show their anger about the war in Iran, the Epstein files and a general culture of hatred.

The rally was the first protest any of the three had attended. As drivers honked their horns at protesters on the way past, they hoped the scale of the event would show not everyone is happy with the current administration, Massoud said.

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Its hard to ignore past a certain point, Massoud, a business major, said of the crowd.

Wendi McIntyre, a 67-year-old retiree from Pawleys Island, came to the Statehouse in Columbia, S.C., on Saturday, March 28, 2026, to be around likeminded people who also disliked President Donald Trump, she said. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette)

For Wendi McIntyre, the rally was more about building a sense of camaraderie. After attending the October march, McIntyre knew gathering in the streets wouldnt necessarily create major change on its own.

Politicians may change their stance a little bit, but seeing whats happening, these really, to me, are about helping me to have hope and know that Im not alone, said the 67-year-old retiree from Pawleys Island.

In the Upstate

At Clemson University, about 50 students and a few older members of the community participated in the first No Kings protest on campus.

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They marched near the main entrance in the shadow of Tillman Hall, a building that has sparked previous and unrelated protests at Clemson. The building is named after Ben Tillman, an avowed white supremacist as governor (1890-94) and U.S. senator (1895-1918), who helped found the college. Students and faculty often refer to the building as Old Main, a reference to its pre-1946 name, Main Building.

Students are here because theyre concerned about a lot of things, about aggressive immigration enforcement, the war in Iran, and meanwhile the economy is still getting worse, said Allison Curl, a biosystems engineering student at Clemson who organized the Clemson protest.

The concerns vary among students, she said. Some graduate students are concerned about cuts in science research funding. Others are concerned about aggressive ICE enforcement or the war.

Emma Harrington, a bioengineering graduate student at Clemson, said she attended the event to protest cuts to federal research funding.

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Students had a number of other concerns, she said, including the number of prominent people named in the Epstein files who seem to be escaping accountability.

The evidence is coming out that so many people in power, not just Trump, were involved with Epstein, Harrington said. Many were there on the island. The thing that really upsets me is that theyre not going to get investigated or punished.

People gather in Pendleton, South Carolina, for the No Kings rally on Saturday, March 28, 2026. (Photo by Paul Hyde/Special to the SC Daily Gazette)

Meanwhile, the war in Iran also is much on the minds of students, Harrington said.

The war is not only unnecessary, she said. It was poorly planned. They hit an elementary school on the very first day. Were wasting the lives of our soldiers, and civilians over there are getting hurt as well.

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Shortly before the No Kings protest started in the small Anderson County town of Pendleton, organizer Erin Goss spoke about the wide range of issues on the minds of the hundreds of people who had already gathered on the town square, known as the Village Green.

There are many things on peoples minds, said Goss, an associate professor of English at Clemson University. Those include, she said, the overstepping of ICE into our neighbors lives and the war in Iran. But its Trumps mass deportation efforts she most opposes, she said.

Goss also called the protest a celebration of a like-minded community.

I think a lot of us for a long time thought that we were alone in the way we felt about the direction of the country, Goss said. So, a gathering like this is a reminder that were not alone and were working very hard to try to build a community that lasts when this regime is done.

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Paul Hyde contributed to this report from Clemson and Pendleton.

The Singing Resistance, a group formed based on similar organizations across the country, performs protest song "Gather Your Courage" at the Statehouse in Columbia, S.C., on Saturday, March 28, 2026. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette)

Simon Joseph, wearing an upside down crown, speaks to his wife during a No Kings rally at the Statehouse in Columbia, S.C., on Saturday, March 28, 2026. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette)

Lynn Teague, head of the South Carolina chapter of the League of Women Voters, speaks to a crowd of hundreds carrying signs at the Statehouse in Columbia, S.C., on Saturday, March 28, 2026. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette)

Protesters hold signs outside the Statehouse in Columbia, S.C., during a No Kings rally on Saturday, March 28, 2026. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette)

Protesters hold signs outside the Statehouse in Columbia, S.C., during a No Kings rally on Saturday, March 28, 2026. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette)

Rep. Jermaine Johnson, a Democratic candidate for governor, asks hundreds gathered to vote for him during a No Kings rally at the Statehouse in Columbia, S.C., on Saturday, March 28, 2026. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette)

Sam Gibbons, event organizer and liaison with national group 50501, asks a crowd of hundreds to do more to organize outside of No Kings rallies at the Statehouse in Columbia, S.C., on Saturday, March 28, 2026. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette)

Protesters gather outside the South Carolina Statehouse in Columbia, S.C., on March 28, 2026, for the third nationwide No Kings rally. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette)

Karen Flynn, a 72-year-old from Columbia, came to the Statehouse in Columbia, S.C., on Saturday, March 28, 2026, to protest what she saw as the destruction of democracy through the erosion of voter rights and the war in Iran. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette)

Protesters gather outside the South Carolina Statehouse in Columbia, S.C., on March 28, 2026, for the third nationwide No Kings rally. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette)

Annie Andrews, a Democrat running to attempt to unseat Republican U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, poses for a photograph with a person in an inflatable raccoon costume during a No Kings rally at the Statehouse in Columbia, S.C., on Saturday, March 28, 2026. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette)

A sign for no kings sits outside the Statehouse in Columbia, S.C., during a No Kings rally on Saturday, March 28, 2026. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette)

Protesters gather outside the South Carolina Statehouse in Columbia, S.C., on March 28, 2026, for the third nationwide No Kings rally. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette)

A scene of the No Kings rally in Greenville, South Carolina, on Saturday, March 28, 2026. (Photo by Paul Hyde/Special to the SC Daily Gazette)

Erin Goss, an associate professor of English at Clemson University, organized the No Kings rally in Pendleton, South Carolina, on Saturday, March 28, 2026. (Photo by Paul Hyde/Special to the SC Daily Gazette)

Emma Harrington, a bioengineering graduate student at Clemson, said she attended the No Kings rally on campus Saturday, March 28, 2026, to protest cuts to federal research funding. (Photo by Paul Hyde/Special to the SC Daily Gazette)

Allison Curl, a biosystems engineering student at Clemson University, organized the No Kings rally Saturday, March 28, 2026, which was a first for the Upstate campus. (Photo by Paul Hyde, Special to the SC Daily Gazette)
Across the half century or so that seafarers and scientists have spent studying the habits of sperm whales, some of the most elemental parts of these creatures lives have eluded human observation. That includes their births. The worlds oceans are vast in breadth and depth, and sperm whales frequent their furthest reaches. For decades, there was just one published scientific report of a sperm whale birth, observed after the fact and from a distance.

But now the long-unseen full picture of a sperm whale birth is coming into view, offering remarkable new insights into how these whales communicate and cooperate.

In July 2023, Shane Gero was on a sailboat off the coast of Dominica when he and his colleagues stumbled upon a whale in labor. The group was led by David Gruber, a National Geographic Explorer and the founder of Project CETI, a scientific initiative to decipher sperm whale communication. That day in the Caribbean, the researchers were equipped with cameras and hydrophones to capture the fortuitous moment. All the biologists on the boat were losing their minds, said Gero, who is also a National Geographic Explorer and Project CETI's Biology Lead.

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The event they recorded, described in a pair of scientific studies published today, gives an exceptionally detailed picture of a sperm whale familys collaborative effort to care for a mother and infantand provides the first quantifiable evidence of an animal species other than primates assisting during the birth process. For a human family, a birth is a moment of great social and emotional significance. The portrait of this sperm whale birth seems to show something no less meaningful.

On that July morning, Gero and the Project CETI team were observing a group of whales they know well called Unit A. Sperm whales live in families made up of adult females and calves. Unit A contains two distinct genetic linesone descending from a matriarch named Lady Oracle and another descending from a matriarch called Fruit Salad.

Looking into the water, the Project CETI team noticed that the whales were acting strangely. Normally the 11 members of Unit A would be spaced out to forage, but on this morning they were grouped together, all facing a female named Rounder. The scientists watched as Rounder released a dark gush of blood. When she started to push out the furled tip of a small tail, they realized they were witnessing something extraordinary.

Over the next five and a half hours, during the birth and its aftermath, the Project CETI team used a hydrophone and two aerial drones to record the activity of all 11 members of Unit A. The data would offer an unprecedented view of a critical event, the analysis of which marks the latest breakthrough from Project CETI, whose research has already transformed our understanding of how sperm whales live and communicate with each other. Ultimately, the team hopes its work will encourage a broader movement to protect the species.

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For a mammal, giving birth underwater is a dangerous enterprise. Sperm whale calves are born tail first, lest they drown coming out. Newborns cannot swim immediately after birth, so they must be lifted to the surface to take their first breaths. As soon as Rounder gave birth, the family members in Unit A clustered together to collectively raise the calf up to the surface so the young whale could breathe. For the next three hours, they traded off supporting the infant. They also kept other animalsa pod of curious pilot whales and a large group of Frasers dolphinsat bay during the birth. Pilot whales can be aggressive toward sperm whales, and the adults in Unit A maneuvered to shield the newborn from the interlopers until they left. Eventually, as the afternoon went on, the members of Unit A drifted away to resume foraging, leaving mother and calf together.

Later, to untangle the roles that each whale played before, during, and after the birth, Project CETI fed drone footage of the event into a machine learning program. The model analyzed and identified patterns within a range of data, including the orientation of the whales bodies in the water, how often each whale interacted with each of the other whales, and how coordinated their movements were. While the software was able to separate the movements of individual animals from images of 11 whales thrashing and splashing in the water together, the task of identifying which whales were Rounder, Lady Oracle, or Fruit Salad required hand annotations from Gero. We needed a village of scientists to be able to make sense out of this event, said Gruber.

The teams analysis of the extensive video data, published today in the journal Science, reveals a surprisingly intricate set of interactions. Project CETIs network analysis team, led by mathematician Giovanni Petri, was able to track how often whales that were not genetically related to the calf participated in protecting it and Rounder. (Quite often, it turns out.) Measuring the orientation of the whales helped the researchers identify a shift of the groups attention from the mother to the newborn calf after delivery, which suggests an ability to address immediate needs as they arise.

Additionally, the team discovered that the whales social positions within the group may have dictated their roles in the birth and post-birth care. Normally, when male sperm whales reach adulthood, they leave their families and venture out into the ocean as solitary nomads. Allan, a juvenile male and the calfs uncle, had been spending time alone in the months before the birth. This day, he stayed with the group and even tried to approach the calf after the birthbut the groups older females squeezed him out and relegated him to the outskirts of the circle. The most closely related female whales to Rounder stayed nearest to her and her calf.

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During the births most eventful moments, researchers noticed that the sperm whales changed their vocalizations, which resemble patterns of clicks. At the time of the birth, and during the pilot whales approach, the sperm whales both clicked more frequently and changed the style of their clicksa response not unlike the collective noise of a group reacting to something exciting going on in front of them.

The most frequent vocalization Unit A made was the 1+1+3 coda, which consists of two clicks followed by three sharp clicks in rapid succession: click-click-clickclickclick. Researchers believe the call to be an identity marker of the whale clan they belong to and suspect it reinforces social belonging.

In order for animals to work together in this way, with a common goal in mind, Gero notes that they must have very advanced cognitive and communication abilities. Their brain is doing a lot more work than just youre my brother, or you smell like me, or you spend a lot of time with me,  he said. The teams analysis of the calls, highlighted in a Scientific Reports study, indicates that communication may build strong and trusting relationships between group members that enable cooperative behavior.

While mothers of other whale species have been observed lifting their infants to the surface, only toothed whales, a classification to which sperm whales belong, have been seen doing this as a group. The behavior, the study suggests, may be ancient and even date back some 36 million years, to the emergence of the first toothed whales.

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Almost all the whales in Unit A took turns supporting the calf directly after the delivery, signaling an intentional, coordinated effort to ensure the calf stayed aloft. Still, some bore the lions share of the work. A core group of whales kept closest to the calf the whole time, including its mother, Rounder, its aunt, Aurora, and its grandmother, Lady Oracle. Curiously, a juvenile named Ariel who was not related to the calf also stayed closeperhaps, the paper speculates, to practice mothering skills.

From an evolutionary perspective, it makes sense for animals to help the young of their own genetic line survive. In the case of Unit A, with both kin and nonkin assisting at birth, the incentives are more complex. Gero said that though it has long been thought the cooperative care of calves might act as a social currency that contributes to sperm whales collective societies, measurable evidence of these relationships was hard to get. This joint effort, Gero said, speaks to the strength of that social contract between Fruit Salads family and Lady Oracles family.

For humans, nonkin helping out in a birth is standard practice. While it was once thought to be among the social behaviors unique to humans, recent research on bonobos and other primates has revealed evidence to the contrary. Ethnologist Elisa Demuru observed female bonobos stretching their hands out under the birthing mother as if to catch the baby, waving away flies, chasing away males, and huddling around the mother as a protective shield. In this moment in which one female is very vulnerable, they are there to help, said Demuru, who reported the findings in a 2018 study in Evolution and Human Behavior. Bonobos, she noted, live in female-dominated, strongly bonded social groups. This is also true of sperm whales.

The importance of these animals social networks, Gruber explained, opens up even more questions about how deep and complex their worlds are. The next step for Project CETI is to match the audio they captured to their visual data of the whales so that the scientists can link the whales codas to what they were doing at the time. That will bring CETI closer to comprehending what the codas might mean. The ultimate goal, Gero said, is to understand the things that matter to beings who are fundamentally different from us."

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As for the calf, it was spotted a year later, alive and well, its birth a day no more remarkable than any other.

This story has been revised to provide additional context and clarity.
Mar. 27POLK COUNTY, Minn.  A settlement has been reached in a federal lawsuit against two Polk County sheriff's deputies who entered a man's garage without permission after receiving a report of suspected impaired driving.

The county settled the case with plaintiff Shawn Theis for $22,500, according to Dane DeKrey, a Moorhead-based attorney.

DeKrey represented Theis throughout the civil process, as well as in his criminal case, which was dismissed.

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"This has become a little bit of a passion project for me  to begin to file these small lawsuits all around North Dakota and rural Minnesota, to try to vindicate the rights of criminal defenses in these types of cases," DeKrey said.

Theis' case arose after he and a friend went fishing June 18, 2023, according to court documents. When they got off the water, the person who checks boats for invasive species noticed some beer cans. He called law enforcement and said two men drove off in their respective vehicles after, presumably, drinking beer.

Theis' friend was pulled over on his way home and got charged with a DUI. Theis meanwhile, who told his attorney he drank three beers throughout the day, made it home. He parked his pickup in the driveway and went inside to start filleting the fish he'd caught, DeKrey said.

Deputies Ethan Nagel and Dylan Van Der Stad arrived at Theis' home and walked into his garage through an open door, without a warrant, permission or special exemption such as an immediate safety concern, according to court documents and DeKrey's statements.

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They knocked on a door in the garage and spoke with Theis; he said he only had a few beers, had made it home and didn't understand why they were there.

Theis refused to take a breathalyzer test  which is required by law  and got charged with refusal to submit to testing. This conversation was suppressed from evidence during the criminal case, because the judge agreed the deputies should not have entered the garage. The case was dismissed.

At the federal level, DeKrey said the defendants argued the door being open was an invitation; deputies needed to ensure Theis would not continue drunk driving that day as alleged; and even if they did violate his rights by entering the garage, they had qualified immunity. A motion to rule in their favor on these grounds was denied in August.

As the case progressed, the defendants argued they had an implied license because Theis had doorbells on the doors inside his garage, making them like front doors, DeKrey said.

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"You can't even see those doorbells from where you were standing, and Sean has a pretty clear front door on the other side of the house that you should go to first," he said.

Before the federal judge ruled on this argument, the county agreed to settle the case, according to the court docket. DeKrey said the agreement was $7,500 less than his client's initial request. Joshua Phillip Devaney, one of the attorneys representing the defendants, who confirmed a settlement was reached but did not comment further.

DeKrey said he anticipates it will take a few weeks for the settlement to be filed in court. Polk County Sheriff James Tadman did not respond to a request for comment in time for the Grand Forks Herald's publication deadline.

DeKrey said he agreed to represent Theis for free, and one-third of the payout will go to himself and his co-counsel. He said it's less about money, and more about standing up to small violations in small counties before they escalate.

"Just because you violated the law, doesn't mean that your constitutional rights don't matter," he said.
NEED TO KNOW

Anna Hemstalk alleges SkyWest Airlines retaliated after she reported a coworker who appeared intoxicated during a flight

Hemstalk claims she was placed on unpaid leave, denied benefits and repeatedly threatened with her job, according to a civil complaint obtained by PEOPLE

The lawsuit asserts eight separate claims against the company including disability discrimination, retaliation and wrongful termination

A SkyWest Airlines flight attendant is now suing her former employer, claiming the company retaliated against her for reporting a "visibly intoxicated coworker.

In a civil complaint filed in the U.S. District Court of Northern California and obtained by PEOPLE, Anna Hemstalk alleges she was placed on unpaid leave, stripped of health benefits, denied medical treatment, and repeatedly threatened with the loss of her job, after reporting the coworker, who she claims was drunk.

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The lawsuit stems from an incident that allegedly occurred on Nov. 18, 2024. Hemstalk, a newly hired flight attendant, claims she was assigned to work on a United Express flight between San Francisco International Airport and Sacramento International Airport alongside a lead flight attendant/instructor and another trainee.

A United Express flight operated by SkyWest Airlines

Credit: Kevin Carter/Getty

However, during the flight, the instructor appeared impaired and failed to follow required procedures, the complaint alleges. [She] boarded passengers without coordination, left bins unsecured, mishandled door-arming protocols and neglected a disabled passenger in first class.

Hemstalk further claims that she smelled a strong odor of alcohol and additional signs such as slurred speech, bloodshot eyes and unstable movement.

In between assignments, Hemstalk says in her complaint that she shared her concerns to the pilot in command, who she alleges also smelled the alcohol. Despite this, Hemstalk alleges that the flight attendant was allowed to continue working on the flight.

A flight attendant speaks to passengers.

Credit: Getty

Hemstalk claims she filed two Irregular Operations Reports with her observations and contacted Inflight Support upon arrival in San Francisco to ensure the employee would be removed from her duties. Additionally, she says she reported her concerns to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

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Following the reported incident, Hemstalk claims in her complaint that she began to receive inconsistent internal responses from SkyWest. In the days following, Inflight Support allegedly confirmed the instructor would be released from duty. However, she claims an employee relations manager informed her on Dec. 5, 2024, the investigation was closed and she remained employed. To this day, Hemstalk's complaint alleges that the employee is still working for the airline.

After making the report, Hemstalk claims she began experiencing acute stress, anxiety and related medical conditions. Her physician prescribed medication and a note excusing her from work until Dec. 22, 2024.

Hemstalk says this furthered inconsistent and coercive treatment regarding her employment status and workers compensation rights. She claims she was told by SkyWest employees that she had involved too many people and was not being viewed as a reliable employee," according to the complaint.

On Dec. 4, 2024, Hemstalk says she was placed on an unpaid leave of absence. By December 19, she claims she made repeated calls regarding treatment and medical benefits that were supposed to have taken effect on Dec. 1. The complaint claims the company told her the benefits would not be provided to her.

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Taken together, [SkyWests] actions reflect a pattern of retaliation and coercion, the complaint alleges. After [Hemstalk] reported that a visibly impaired instructor was allowed to operate passenger flights, [SkyWest] responded by misleading her about the instructors status, berating her for using proper reporting channels, pressuring her to ignore medical restrictions, cutting off her benefits, and ultimately forcing her out of her position.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The lawsuit asserts eight separate claims against SkyWest, including disability discrimination, retaliation and wrongful termination in violation of public policy. Hemstalk is demanding a trial by jury and is seeking damages in an amount to be determined in court.

PEOPLE has reached out to Hemstalks attorneys and SkyWest Airlines for comment.

An FAA spokesperson tells PEOPLE the agency does not comment on litigation.

Read the original article on People
Stellantis told employees in January to come back to work after years of allowing them to work mostly from home. When they did, some weren't expecting to find tickets on their parked vehicles.

Stellantis employees who drive non-Stellantis vehicles  meaning anything that is not a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Maserati or, in a peculiar circumstance, one of the brands' European vehicles  are learning to be wary about where they park. That's because the company is enforcing a rule that only Stellantis vehicles can take convenient parking spaces on the automaker's sprawling Auburn Hills campus.

The Stellantis headquarters is a massive complex of about 500 acres with multiple parking garages and flat lots. The spots closest to the building are reserved for vehicles bearing the company's brands  everyone else had better wear walking shoes.

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The rule is not new, nor is it unusual for an American automaker. Ford Motor Co. and General Motors have similar parking policies, but the rule at Stellantis is garnering new attention as thousands of employees return to work on orders of the company.

Some returning employees have taken to social media to complain about the rule, posting to online forums about the tickets they found on their windshields.

Farley's payday: Ford CEO Jim Farley receives careerhigh $27.5M compensation in 2025

Bonus blowback: Salaried Stellantis staff to get bonuses while UAW misses out

Stellantis spokesperson Jodi Tinson, in an emailed statement to the Detroit Free Press, said a rule is a rule.

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"Preferred parking is reserved for company-branded vehicles. Employees must adhere to posted signage and communications to ensure company policies are followed," Tinson said.

The tickets are not from a law enforcement agency but rather Stellantis security agents who issue the slips, which are essentially warnings. There are no fines for parking a competitor's vehicle in the wrong spot on campus. However, the Wall Street Journal, which first reported the story, did say that drivers who repeatedly park in the wrong spot may have a boot put on their car, requiring a call to a manager to have it removed.

Liam Rappleye covers Stellantis and the UAW for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him: LRappleye@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Stellantis issues 'tickets' for parking competitors' vehicles at work
Shah's roadshow witnessed enthusiastic participation, with supporters lining the streets to catch a glimpse. Shah also showered flower petals on the crowd, acknowledging the support and energising party workers.

The vibrant show of strength comes as political campaigning gains momentum in the northeastern state.

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.

The BJP government, led by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa 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.

Earlier in the day, Shah addressed a press conference in Kolkata, where he launched a sharp attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee while unveiling the BJP's chargesheet against the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) government.

Accusing Banerjee of resorting to "victim card" politics, Shah said, "Mamata Banerjee has always played the politics of the victim card... But the people of Bengal have now thoroughly understood this tactic." He alleged that such strategies were repeatedly used during elections to gain public sympathy.

West Bengal will go to the polls in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with results for both Assam and Bengal set to be declared on May 4. (ANI)
NEED TO KNOW

A Cold War submarine that sank in 1989 is still leaking radioactive material into the water off of Norway

The Soviet Komsomolets was carrying nuclear fuel when it went down amid a fire, killing dozens

Years later and studies continue to show that radioactivity is higher than normal around the vessel

A sunken Cold War nuclear submarine continues to leak radioactive material into the Norwegian Sea, a new study has found, though researchers believe "there is little evidence" it is building up in the water.

The Soviet Komsomolets went below the waves during a fire in April 1989; 42 people died.

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In the decades since, both Russian and outside officials have continued to monitor the vessel because of its store of nuclear fuel.

And while the vessel is still leaking radiation, research published earlier this month in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences did not show significant cause for alarm.

"It was confirmed that releases from the reactor were still occurring, but not continuously," the study's authors wrote.

They added: "Despite that releases from the reactor ... there is little evidence of any accumulation of radionuclides in the near environment around the submarine as the released radionuclides appear to be rapidly diluted in the surrounding seawater."

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"No evidence was found of any plutonium in the near environment around the damaged forward section of the submarine from the nuclear warheads," the study's authors wrote.

That echoes what experts have previously determined: that the radiation, while notable, dilutes quickly in the water not far from the submarine.

A co-author of the new study, marine radioecologist Justin Gwynn, of the Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, said that much of the sub is still intact under the water.

Apart from the very obvious damage to the forward section and in particular the torpedo compartment, the submarine looks like it sank the same day (as we were looking at it) rather than 30 years ago, Gwynn told Gizmodo via email. Its just sitting upright on the seafloor.

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During the Cold War era, the Soviets believed it would be too costly and much too risky to fully remove the submarine from the water and dispose of it, Gwynn told Gizmodo.

Any potential release to the atmosphere during any salvage operation could result in contamination deposited on land that would likely have far greater and longer-term impact, he said.

The new study also found that "the nuclear fuel in the reactor is corroding."

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The study's authors recommend further monitoring and investigation as the leaks continue.

Read the original article on People
Thousands of Hoosiers marched to the Indiana Statehouse Saturday afternoon for the third No Kings rally in opposition to President Donald Trump  an event punctuated by drum circles, car honking, signs and creative costumes.

The rally reflected an upbeat vibe as protesters met at the south steps to listen to live renditions of famous anti-war songs by the Beatles and the Cranberries.

Speakers rallied the crowd in laughter and joyful resistance, while other protesters circled the building to chant for passersby, carrying signs comparing the president to a monarch, dictator and fascist.

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This is about community, said Monique Rust, one of the event organizers. This is about collective effervescence.  Fear wears you down faster than anything. We want to be uplifting and joyful, because joy itself is an act of resistance.

The Statehouse event was one of more than 60 held around the state and thousands around the nation Saturday.

Protesters decry unprecedented times

The rally attracted life-long Democrats, former Republicans and independent voters who are disaffected with both parties.

Im not a fan of the two-party system, said Ean Parson, who called himself an independent. I find it very polarizing. We need more options. We need better options. I shouldnt be given an ultimatum for an election.

Hoosiers gather around the Statehouse on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Indianapolis. (Photo by Niki Kelly/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

This is Parsons third No Kings rally. The Indianapolis native is new to political activism, inspired by what he describes as unprecedented times.

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He sat outside the Statehouse Saturday holding a hand-drawn sign depicting Donald Trump and infamous financier Jeffrey Epstein in flames.

We have a pedophile in public office, Parson said. The president of the U.S. is in the Epstein files, and I think we need to do something about that. No more wars, no more pedos, no more tech billionaires, no more oligarchs. Thats how I feel.

The second Trump presidency inspired Tom Harnishfeger, a former Republican-turned Democrat, to protest for the first time since 1962.

Republicans in Congress wont do anything to stop this craziness, Harnishfeger said. To think one man could do all this  its beyond my comprehension.

Protesters want Dems to be more vocal

Harnishfeger and other protesters spoke of their desire for elected Democrats to be more vocal in their opposition to Trump.

A protester wears a costume reminiscent of The Handmaids Tale on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Indiana Statehouse (Photo by Mackenzi Klemann/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

They ought to be out every day, he said. Im just out here one day, but they need to be out here every day.

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They have nothing to lose, said Rebecca Williams, who traveled to Saturdays rally at the Statehouse from Carmel. In the state of Indiana, theres no reason why they cant be vocal because, quite frankly, in a lot of counties and districts, Democrats cant get elected anyway. They might as well speak out. I think they might be surprised by what happens.

Some candidates had booths or tables and many election signs dotted the lawn.

More Dem candidates on ballot

While several protesters who spoke to the Capital Chronicle said they dont expect Democrats to carry many of those seats, they expressed optimism about the record number of Democratic candidates on the ballot this year.

The Indiana Democratic Party says at least one Democratic candidate is running in all 25 State Senate seats on the ballot this year, as well as 91 out of 100 State House districts  a record for the party.

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Hopefully we can get some enthusiasm and pick up a few more seats to break the supermajority, said Bryan Dodd, an Indianapolis resident who attended Saturdays protest.

Anti-ICE sentiment prevalent

Anger at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was apparent Saturday as protesters chanted and carried signs proclaiming their disdain for the agency.

Rally-goers hang by an Indiana Statehouse monument during the March 28, 2026, No Kings event. (Photo by Mackenzi Klemann/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Several activists even roamed the Statehouse grounds Saturday distributing literature urging protesters to email agencies like the Indiana Department of Correction to shut down ICE detention centers and domestic detainee flights.

I want to be able to say in the history books when Im older that I actually did something, said Abby Morgan, an organizer with the Indy Action Coalition, who likened modern-day America to Nazi Germany.

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Thats why Im here, she said. Thats why Im involved in activism. I cannot just yell at my TV out of rage. I have to go out and do something.

Like other protesters, Morgan expressed disappointment with elected Democrats for not being more active.

Shes now considering a vote for George Hornedo, who is challenging 7th District U.S. Rep. Andre Carson for the Democratic nomination, after Carson did not attend an event hosted by the Indy Action Coalition this month, Morgan said.

We need somebody whos a bit more involved locally and gets out to meet with folks, Morgan said.

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Necolle Winstead is an advocate and community resource. Her advocacy was built through experience and life's lessons.

One of those lessons came at only 17 years old when she found herself in a violent relationship.

"You're never fully over it. You learn how to cope with it," Winstead said.

She said the violence escalated quickly.

"The first time he put his hands on me. It was more so I apologized after. And then I was like, Well, he's sorry. Which we know that's a typical response, right? And then it just carried on," she said.

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She eventually fled the Washington, D.C. area, moving twice to get away.

"I actually had to move to Texas first before I even came here just to get out of the D.C. area, because I could have lost my life. and I mean this is like, being kidnapped at gunpoint," she said.

Winstead now runs Neco Niche, a business she created to support women. She said her phone "doesn't stop ringing."

ALSO SEE | Domestic disturbance between off-duty law enforcement officers leaves 1 shot dead in Hope Mills

"We're receiving calls where women are trying to flee," she said.

Her organization also hosts an annual women's tea. Winstead said the urgency of the work has only intensified.

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"We don't have time to waste. We don't have time to wait a week because she may be in danger," she said.

Data from the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence shows 12 domestic violence homicides have occurred in the state this year.

Nationally, the FBI reports 1.1 million domestic violence victims since the COVID-19 pandemic, including 11,000 deadly assaults.

"The numbers are actually at an epidemic level," said Deanna Manley with InterAct.

Manley said economic pressures are contributing to rising cases.

"When gas prices go up, and clothing prices and food prices go up, it makes it more difficult for people to maintain their financial stability. And so that causes tension in the home. And with that increased tension, we're going to see more domestic violence," she said.

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Financial instability can also trap victims, she added.

"If you're not economically able to get out of a relationship, then it makes it even harder to try to get out," Manley said.

Winstead said she wants women to know help is available.

"I would like for women to understand they're not alone. It may feel like a very isolated place, but you're definitely not alone," she said.

She plans to continue spreading that message at her next Woman to Woman Tea Talk scheduled for May 3 at Traine in Seaboard Station.

"Having a community full of other women and other people that believe that your well-being and your mental wellness is important is an important thing," she said.
The Texas Supreme Court on Friday ended lawsuits against power generators from tens of thousands of Texas residents and small businesses who lost electricity during a devastating 2021 winter storm that resulted in billions of dollars in damages and hundreds of deaths.

The state Supreme Court provided no insight into why it ended the five separate appeals representing yearslong efforts from those affected during the freeze that plunged Texas into single-digit temperatures for days. In the years after the storm, thousands of people sought to recoup damages to businesses or seek accountability for themselves or loved ones who were injured or died during the storm. More than 240 people died during the freeze, and some estimates placed the damages at more than $300 billion.

The ruling is a major win for the power generators that were sued, including large regional energy companies Centerpoint Energy and NRG Texas Power, who claimed the record-breaking storm was to blame for the damages, not deficiencies in their own actions.

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But Sandie Haverlah, president of the Texas Consumer Association, said Friday that the 2021 storm likely will not be the only extreme weather event of that caliber. She pointed to the state Legislatures efforts to better prepare power generation companies for extreme weather as an acknowledgement of that  and of energy providers own culpability in the fallout.

If the Legislature thought this was a one-time thing, they wouldnt have done anything, she said.

Implementing those changes have also increased energy costs for consumers, Haverlah said, but still may not translate to generators future responsibility for potential failures during extreme weather without further legislative action.

Four of the courts nine justices did not participate in the ruling, according to the courts website. The appeals sought to challenge a ruling from the states First Court of Appeals that dismissed the cases for having no basis in law or fact.

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The courts Friday decision is not the first time it has ruled against plaintiffs seeking damages in the wake of the winter storm.

In 2023, the states highest court ruled that the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which manages the power supply for most of Texas, could not be sued because it could claim sovereign immunity. The immunity, which largely shields government agencies from civil lawsuits, was provided because it provides an essential governmental service, according to the ruling.

Disclosure: CenterPoint Energy has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribunes journalism. Find a complete list of them here.
Thousands of people gathered at the Washington state capitol on Saturday for the No Kings protest, a nationwide demonstration against President Donald Trump.

Saturday marked the third wave of the No Kings protests with similar demonstrations unfolding in over 3,000 locations across the country.

Lets get loud, lets get organized and lets remind everyone clearly and unmistakably, in the United States of America, we have no kings, said Justin Stang, emcee of the rally.

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The march in Olympia kicked off at 11:30 a.m. with attendees starting from Percival Landing Park and heading southbound toward the state capitol.

Many attendees waved signs touting a number of criticisms against the Trump administration: unlawful immigration enforcement, the war with Iran, the presidents appearance in the Epstein files, the death of Renee Good and Alex Pretti at the hands of immigration agents and anti-trans legislation.

Several attendees wore costumes and several others brought their dogs  one Border Collie sported a sign duct-taped to its harness reading, Sheepdogs Against Trump.

At its peak, 4,500 people were in attendance, according to the Department of Enterprise Services. At the last No Kings protest in October, an estimated 4,000 attended, and at the first one in June, an estimated 5,000 people attended.

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At the marchs end, protesters met near the Tivoli Fountain on the capitol campus. Community organizations lined the diagonal streets, musical groups performed and speakers took the stage, urging attendees to remain peaceful.

Michele Storms, executive director of the Washington state American Civil Liberties Union, speaks to a crowd during the No Kings protest on Saturday March 28, 2026. (Aspen Ford/Washington State Standard)

In the face of oppression and authoritarianism, the people fight back, executive director of Washington state American Civil Liberties Union Michele Storms said to the crowd. When this administration grabs power for itself and destroys the values of justice for all, what do the people do?

The people fight back! yelled the crowd.

On the West side of capitol street, attendees waved signs and danced as cars drove by, often honking in support.

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On the east side, a smaller counterprotest broke out.

Held by the Washington state Republican Party, the counterprotest criticized Gov. Bob Ferguson for supporting an income tax on earnings over $1 million. Fewer than 100 people attended.

The main event, organized by Olympia Indivisible and Evergreen Resistance, remained peaceful. By 3 p.m., most attendees had left campus.
Thousands of people lined the streets of South Florida on Saturday to protest the Trump administration as part of a third wave of No Kings protests across the United States.

They filled several blocks leading to Boca Ratons City Hall, crowded behind the barricades along Fort Lauderdales freedom corner and gathered at Hollywoods Young Circle among other locations, including Boynton Beach, Lake Worth Beach and Coral Springs. A separate group also had plans to march to Mar-a-Lago later in the evening.

The latest wave of protests comes amid a war in Iran that has cost the U.S. billions of dollars and driven up gas prices, scrutiny over Trumps ties to Jeffrey Epstein and an ongoing ICE crackdown that has targeted areas with large immigrant communities such as Palm Beach County. Many of those same issues  among several others  drove protesters out of their homes and onto the sidewalks Saturday.

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The economy, the corruption, the war, what is there to like? said Adam Levesque, 59, who said going to protests is totally against my nature but felt compelled to join in Saturday. Theres no way we should be bombing women and children in Iran. No reason for us to do it. It puts the men and women in our military in danger for no reason.

Levesque was among approximately 2,000 people who gathered along the sidewalk by Boca Raton City Hall on Saturday morning, carrying signs reading Health care, not war and Iran away from the Epstein files as cars honked in support. The crowd skewed older, though some young adults and families with young children also joined in.

Paula Bloom, 72, a veteran who served in the Air Force, said her biggest worries were immigration, womens issues and veterans rights.

Theyre taking away veterans rights, theyre taking away our benefits, Bloom said. One of the things that was promised to us when we enlisted was we would be taken care of. And fortunately for me, I still am. But every time I go to a clinic, Im like, Im glad youre still here.'

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Friends Jackie Teneyck, 33, Alec Solaski, 31, and Alex Sarria, 32, came together from other parts of South Florida to attend the Boca Raton protest. Among their concerns: the war in Iran, womens rights and fascism.

Its just more lies from Trump, Solaski said of the Iran war. The president of peace, obviously not. It really complicates our relationship with Israel. Whos pulling the strings on that one and how much are we in Israels pocket? Why are we even there? Whats the point of even being there?

Many of the protesters adorned themselves in the patriotic colors and iconography of MAGA, but with a twist. They waved giant American flags, dressed as the Statue of Liberty and wore U.S.A.-themed T-shirts and shorts. In Fort Lauderdale, some donned red caps that resembled MAGA hats but with white text that read, Hes on the list.

Nothing that this man is doing right now is appropriate as president of the United States of America, said Lydia Norris, 65, who attended the Boca Raton protest with her 26-year-old son, Jack, 24-year-old daughter, Shelby, and Shelbys close friend, 24-year-old Naomi Nichols. From his demeanor to his grift, its all embarrassing and not presidential at all. Id like to say its anti-American.

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Nichols said her biggest concern was immigration. The no-due process, the unlawfulness, all of that, she said. The torture, imprisonment, the kidnapping.

Jack Norris joined several other protesters in criticizing the growing divide between the rich and poor and the role of money in politics, citing lucrative online bets tied to the war in Iran as an example.

All the billionaires have way too much money, Norris said. Its really a billionaire problem.

Another few thousand protesters lined up behind the barricades along Fort Lauderdales freedom corner at East Oakland Park Boulevard and North Federal Highway on Saturday morning amid a cacophony of car horns and protesters blowing whistles. One woman dressed as Statue of Liberty walked down the sidewalk silently with duct tape over her mouth.

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People need to rise up, and I think more and more people are waking up, said Robin Paneque, a New Jersey resident who attended the protest while on vacation in South Florida. Paneque said she saw ICE agents in the Newark airport while flying out on Thursday.

Their presence is almost a middle finger to the TSA people who are working so hard without pay while theyre standing around doing nothing and getting paid, she said.

Several protesters of all ages said they were personally worried about the cost of living, especially with the cost of gas going up.

Gas has gone up, and everything will follow because everything is dependent on the price of gas, said Ron Miller, 62, a veteran who lives in Fort Lauderdale. Groceries, clothes, housing, and even if it changes, its not gonna change right away.

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Cass Zangwill, 24, of Coral Springs, attended the protest with her partner, Orchid Zangwill. It marked the day of their four-year anniversary. But she and her partner worry they may be forced out of South Florida, where they are both from, due to the cost of rent.

We feel like we have no future, she said.

A beachy scene unfolded in the hot afternoon sun on the sidewalk along Fort Lauderdale beach near the intersection of Sunrise Boulevard and Jimmy Buffet Memorial Highway, where another couple thousand protesters listened to Get Up, Stand Up by Bob Marley and waved signs.

The protests were largely peaceful by mid-afternoon, save for a few heckling counterprotesters. At one point, four people on a golf cart stopped beside the protesters in traffic. One of the occupants gave them a thumbs down while a woman shouted what kind of drugs are you on?

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Nearby, Mitshuca Parent sat under an umbrella to escape the sun with her husband, Kesny. She moved to the U.S. from Haiti in 1983 when she was 11 years old, she said. Kesny Parent, also an immigrant, said he previously worked for the Department of Defense while Mitschuca said she has worked in education in Broward for two decades.

This country has given so much to me, and Ive given so much to this country, said Mitshuca Parent, adding, everyone in this country is an immigrant. Were what makes this country great.

But she questions whether the public knows the actual impact Trumps immigration crackdown will have on jobs and the numbers of children attending school.

I think we dont know how much were hurting the country right now, she said.
Thousands of people attended No Kings rallies across Massachusetts today.

The rally in Boston is organized by the ACLU of Massachusetts, Indivisible Mass Coalition, and Mass 50501.

Organizers say they are fighting against corruption, cruelty, and chaos created by the Trump administration.

In Boston, the Dropkick Murphys are expected to perform.

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Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, Senator Elizabeth Warren, and Senator Ed Markey are also expected to attend and speak.

Marcelo Gomes Da Silva, a Milford High School Student who was taken into custody by ICE on his way to volleyball practice last year, is also expected to attend and speak.

The only people who care about these Trump Derangement Therapy Sessions are the reporters who are paid to cover them. said Abigail Jackson, a White House spokeswoman.

Engagement in hyperbolic language will not help Massachusetts families put food on their tables and heat their homes, said Mass GOP Chair, Amy Carnevale.

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The Governors discussion about possible pre-election violence only serves as an attempt to distract voters from the Healey-Driscoll Administrations failure to make Massachusetts more affordable for families and businesses.

HAPPENING NOW: Thousands of people gather on the Boston Common ahead of the No Kings rally. https://t.co/pOQXpwZ4PC pic.twitter.com/w2Z9ve5QEv  Boston 25 News (@boston25) March 28, 2026

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Thousands gathered in cities across New Jersey on a cold Saturday morning for the third wave of No Kings protests.

In Morristown, protestors joined with others in more than 60 towns and cities across the state to voice their displeasure with President Donald Trumps policies during his second term.

More than 3,000 local-level demonstrations occurred nationwide, according to reports.

During the demonstration surrounding the aptly named Kings Food Market in Morristown, protestors held signs high that read, Democracy doesnt fear protestors, dictators do and ITS NOT TOO LATE TO STOP HATE.

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Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty joined hundreds of demonstrators, including local musicians, students, and pro-democracy activists, outside the town hall at 11:30 a.m., when wind chill temperatures hovered around 29 degrees.

Throughout history, people have risen, not just out of resistance, but out of a deeper calling to justice, to fairness and to something greater than themselves, Dougherty told the crowd. That is the same calling that is here with us now.

'No Kings' protest in Morristown

Among the topics addressed during the hour-long demonstration were the proposed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in Roxbury, upcoming midterm elections and ongoing deportations of undocumented immigrants across the nation.

We will go to Trenton and demand accountability, said Erik Cruz Morales, Director of Democracy at the League of Women Voters of New Jersey. We will go to Washington and defend a democracy that is inclusive, multiracial and truly for all of us.

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Brian Lozano of the Morristown-based Wind of the Spirit Immigrant Resource Center called on Gov. Mikie Sherrill to push for the passage of the John R. Lewis Empowerment Voting Act, which has reached the state Senate after a 53-20 Assembly vote this past Tuesday. The bill would codify current federal voting rights protections into state law.

'No Kings' rally in Jersey City, Hoboken

Meanwhile, in Jersey City, several hundred protesters rallied at Newport Green Park early Saturday, then marched to the Hoboken waterfront as part of the No Kings demonstrations. The gathering was attended by people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds.

The crowd, holding colorful signs, and some with guitars and small drums in tow, marched to the Hoboken Pier, where local politicians and community organizers delivered impassioned speeches about fighting for democracy.

'No Kings' rally in Jersey City, Hoboken

Im proud to see Jersey City and Hoboken together fighting the fascists in Washington, D.C., Jersey City mayor James Solomon said, addressing the protestors.

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Were not here because we hate America; were here because we love America! another speaker added as the crowd cheered.

On loudspeakers, songs from the rock band Rage Against the Machine and New Jersey singer Bruce Springsteen  a frequent critic of Trump and his policies  blared. Several live music acts took the stage in between speeches.

Im here today because I cant just do nothing, said Amaya Trautweiler, a Stevens Institute of Technology student.

Now is the time where you either do something or you just have to submit to (whats going on), she added. So, its really important that everyone comes out, no matter your age  to unite in this fight against Trump and against ICE.

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The 19-year-old, who attended the protest with four classmates, held a sign that read, ICE agents are stinky losers.

'No Kings' rally in Jersey City, Hoboken

Luz Villamil-Bayona, a 75-year-old Hoboken resident, said she attended Saturdays event to fight for the future of our country and to stand up for the rights of her granddaughters.

Im totally against what the current so-called president of this country is doing, said Villamil-Bayona, a native of Colombia.

Trump, she added, doesnt have the right to destroy this beautiful country, take away our democracy and step all over our rights.

Dennis Murphy, 40, of Jersey City, was at the protest with his lively 3-year-old son, Lucas.

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Lucas held a sign he drew the night before  a small, colorful poster emblazoned with the words No Kings Allowed. He cheered when the slogan was chanted.

Its important for me that my son knows what democracy stands for, Murphy said. And its important for me to show him what community means.

No Kings protest

At the same time, a No Kings rally at Essex Countys Brookdale Park on the Montclair-Bloomfield border drew a large and speakers including former Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way.

We will not bend a knee to any King! Way told the crowd. As a people we understand that we choose liberty over fear, that we understand that our nation, our government, is for and by the people, and not a wealthy and powerful and loud and orange individual.

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A pair of Essex County Sheriffs officers at the rally estimated the crowd at 6,000 as of about 1:30 p.m.

'No Kings' rally in Brookdale Park

The first No Kings day demonstration in June 2025 coincided with Trumps 79th birthday and the presidents military parade in Washington, D.C., marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army. Around 4,000 protestors gathered in Morristown that day, according to the Morristown Democratic Committee.

The attendance in Morristown doubled to 8,000 during the second wave of No Kings protests in October 2025, during the longest government shutdown in history.

The demonstration hit an emotional peak when the content creator and co-founder/director of College Access for Non-Citizens, Sheila Cruz-Morales, told the anonymous story of an immigrant from El Salvador and their perilous journey to the border seeking asylum.

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Cruz-Moraless voice became shaky as she grew more emotional, chronicling the persons journey of losing their mother and finding their father in the U.S.

The community organizer ended with a poignant message.

I ask you to stand up and show up for your neighbors, for those who are afraid, for those who are being targeted, Cruz-Morales said. Lastly, I ask you to love your neighbors. Be compassionate, supportive and protect one another.

'No Kings' protest in Morristown.

Local music artist and Rutgers University student Sam Tunkel gave a spirited performance of Bob Dylans 1963 anti-war song Masters of War, along with closing out with a song he had written the night before.

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Morristown has been a community thats found itself on the receiving end of Trumps immigration policies. In January, 10 people were taken into custody as ICE agents raided a laundromat and other local businesses, including a high school senior. The student was released from an Elizabeth detention center after a judge deemed his arrest unlawful.

The protests come as Trump faces criticism over several policy decisions and a record-low approval rating, including military action in the Middle East, the state of the economy, and the fallout due to the partial government shutdown affecting the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Recent polling shows that the ongoing military exercises in Iran are the most unpopular in U.S. history, with a 41% approval rating among Americans.

Airports around the country, including Newark Liberty International (EWR), have seen extremes, from severe staffing shortages to hours-long security lines, as Transportation Security Administration workers go without pay.

NJ.com staff writer Steve Strunsky contributed to this report.

No Kings protest

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OKLAHOMA CITY  Thousands of Oklahomans across the state rallied at No Kings demonstrations, pushing back against what they view as an attempt by President Donald Trump to expand his power.

Some Oklahoma protests in outlying cities drew only a few dozen participants while the one in Oklahomas capital city near Oklahoma City Hall drew over 1,000.

Oklahomas No Kings demonstrations were among over 3,000 expected nationwide, according to national organizers. The flagship protest in Minnesotas capital, St. Paul, drew tens of thousands of demonstrators. Minnesota has recently seen over 3,000 federal immigration officers dispatched there, which lead to the deaths of two U.S. citizens.

In Oklahoma, protesters carried signs that read Nobody elected billionaires and No war. No ICE, and This is not a left or right movement. Its a right or wrong movement.

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Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming Assam polls on Saturday, announcing that the people of the northeastern state are eager to bring the BJP government to power once again and that the party will get a thumping majority of more than 90 seats. Speaking to reporters after attending the roadshow in Guwahati, the Union Minister declared that the BJP will form the government in the state with more than 90 seats. "We are going to form the government in Assam once again with a thumping majority for the third time...The people of Assam are eager to form the Bharatiya Janata Party and the NDA government. We will form the government with more than 90 seats," said Shah. Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah today held a massive roadshow in Guwahati, drawing huge crowds as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) intensified its campaign ahead of the upcoming Assam Assembly elections. Shah's roadshow witnessed enthusiastic participation, with supporters lining the streets to catch a glimpse. Shah also showered flower petals on the crowd, acknowledging the support and energising party workers. The vibrant show of strength comes as political campaigning gains momentum in the northeastern state. The polling for all 126 Assembly constituencies will be held in a single phase on April 9. According to the Election Commission of India, the counting of votes will take place on May 4. Assam will witness a fight between the incumbent BJP-led NDA government and Congress for the 126-seat assembly. The BJP government, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa 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. (ANI)
Thousands protested across the Treasure Coast March 28, joining millions across the nation in the latest "No Kings" rallies.

National organizers predicted the rallies  protesting the policies of President Donald Trump  would be the largest protest in U.S. history.

Behind it all, backers said, was that "In America, we have NO KINGS, and power still belongs to the people."

Five No Kings protests  in Fort Pierce, Sebastian, Stuart and Vero Beach  were organized across the Treasure Coast.

Stuart

"No Kings" protestors lined sidewalks in all directions surrounding the intersection of South Kanner Highway and Southeast Federal Highway in Stuart. More than 2,000 people were there with about an hour left, and organizers said they hoped the total would reach 3,000. "No Kings" protestors lined sidewalks in all directions surrounding the intersection of South Kanner Highway and Southeast Federal Highway in Stuart. More than 2,000 people were there with about an hour left, and organizers said they hoped the total would reach 3,000. "No Kings" protestors lined sidewalks in all directions surrounding the intersection of South Kanner Highway and Southeast Federal Highway in Stuart. More than 2,000 people were there with about an hour left, and organizers said they hoped the total would reach 3,000. Lisa Hough holds a sign at the "No Kings" protest near the intersection of South Kanner Highway and Southeast Federal Highway. More than 2,000 people were there with about an hour left in the event, and organizers said they hoped the total would reach 3,000. "No Kings" protestors lined sidewalks in all directions surrounding the intersection of South Kanner Highway and Southeast Federal Highway in Stuart. More than 2,000 people were there with about an hour left, and organizers said they hoped the total would reach 3,000. "No Kings" protestors lined sidewalks in all directions surrounding the intersection of South Kanner Highway and Southeast Federal Highway in Stuart. More than 2,000 people were there with about an hour left, and organizers said they hoped the total would reach 3,000. "No Kings" protestors lined sidewalks in all directions surrounding the intersection of South Kanner Highway and Southeast Federal Highway in Stuart. More than 2,000 people were there with about an hour left, and organizers said they hoped the total would reach 3,000. "No Kings" protestors lined sidewalks in all directions surrounding the intersection of South Kanner Highway and Southeast Federal Highway in Stuart. More than 2,000 people were there with about an hour left, and organizers said they hoped the total would reach 3,000. "No Kings" protestors lined sidewalks in all directions surrounding the intersection of South Kanner Highway and Southeast Federal Highway in Stuart. More than 2,000 people were there with about an hour left, and organizers said they hoped the total would reach 3,000. Lisa Edevold holds a sign at the "No Kings" protest near the intersection of South Kanner Highway and Southeast Federal Highway. More than 2,000 people were there with about an hour left in the event, and organizers said they hoped the total would reach 3,000. "No Kings" protestors lined sidewalks in all directions surrounding the intersection of South Kanner Highway and Southeast Federal Highway in Stuart. More than 2,000 people were there with about an hour left, and organizers said they hoped the total would reach 3,000. "No Kings" protestors lined sidewalks in all directions surrounding the intersection of South Kanner Highway and Southeast Federal Highway in Stuart. More than 2,000 people were there with about an hour left, and organizers said they hoped the total would reach 3,000. Stuart "No Kings" protest draws thousands, passing cars vary in reaction 1 of 12 "No Kings" protestors lined sidewalks in all directions surrounding the intersection of South Kanner Highway and Southeast Federal Highway in Stuart. More than 2,000 people were there with about an hour left, and organizers said they hoped the total would reach 3,000.

In Stuart, at South Kanner Highway and Southeast Federal Highway, more than 2,000 people held signs, chanted anti-Trump slogans and encouraged passing cars to honk their horns.

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Organizers, representing Martin County Democrats, said a definitive count was difficult to get as people were coming and going, but they hoped a total of at least 3,000 would participate during the event, from noon to 2 p.m.

The crowd, which lined the sidewalks around the busy intersection in all directions, was met with both support and mockery from passing cars. Many drivers and passengers held their arms out the window with their hands forming thumbs-ups and two-fingered peace signs. Some flashed other, less-kind gestures.

Martin County is traditionally a Republican county. Trump has carried the county with more than 61% of the vote in each of his three presidential races.

With that history in mind, Sam Hay, one of the Martin County Democrats organizers  identified by their bright yellow safety vests  said the turnout and support from passing cars were encouraging.

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"I had hoped for something like this. Maybe the dam is breaking. People are finally becoming conscious of what's going on and the threats that we are facing as a nation," Hay said.

Fort Pierce

Demonstrators attend a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump administration's policies, March 28, 2026, at the corner of U.S. 1 and Orange Avenue in downtown Fort Pierce, Florida. Andi Poli, St. Lucie County Democrats Chair, counted at least 2,000 people were standing in protest by 3 p.m. Deborah Whetsel, of Okeechobee, participates in the "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump administration's policies, March 28, 2026, at the corner of U.S. 1 and Orange Avenue in downtown Fort Pierce, Florida. Andi Poli, St. Lucie County Democrats Chair, counted at least 2,000 people were standing in protest by 3 p.m. Demonstrators attend a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump administration's policies, March 28, 2026, at the corner of U.S. 1 and Orange Avenue in downtown Fort Pierce, Florida. Andi Poli, St. Lucie County Democrats Chair, counted at least 2,000 people were standing in protest by 3 p.m. A Trump supporter flexes his muscle to a demonstrator attending a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump administration's policies, March 28, 2026, at the corner of U.S. 1 and Orange Avenue in downtown Fort Pierce, Florida. Andi Poli, St. Lucie County Democrats Chair, counted at least 2,000 people were standing in protest by 3 p.m. Demonstrators attend a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump administration's policies, March 28, 2026, at the corner of U.S. 1 and Orange Avenue in downtown Fort Pierce, Florida. Andi Poli, St. Lucie County Democrats Chair, counted at least 2,000 people were standing in protest by 3 p.m. Demonstrators attend a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump administration's policies, March 28, 2026, at the corner of U.S. 1 and Orange Avenue in downtown Fort Pierce, Florida. Andi Poli, St. Lucie County Democrats Chair, counted at least 2,000 people were standing in protest by 3 p.m. Demonstrators attend a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump administration's policies, March 28, 2026, at the corner of U.S. 1 and Orange Avenue in downtown Fort Pierce, Florida. Andi Poli, St. Lucie County Democrats Chair, counted at least 2,000 people were standing in protest by 3 p.m. Demonstrators attend a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump administration's policies, March 28, 2026, at the corner of U.S. 1 and Orange Avenue in downtown Fort Pierce, Florida. Andi Poli, St. Lucie County Democrats Chair, counted at least 2,000 people were standing in protest by 3 p.m. Demonstrators attend a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump administration's policies, March 28, 2026, at the corner of U.S. 1 and Orange Avenue in downtown Fort Pierce, Florida. Andi Poli, St. Lucie County Democrats Chair, counted at least 2,000 people were standing in protest by 3 p.m. Demonstrators attend a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump administration's policies, March 28, 2026, at the corner of U.S. 1 and Orange Avenue in downtown Fort Pierce, Florida. Andi Poli, St. Lucie County Democrats Chair, counted at least 2,000 people were standing in protest by 3 p.m. Demonstrators attend a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump administration's policies, March 28, 2026, at the corner of U.S. 1 and Orange Avenue in downtown Fort Pierce, Florida. Andi Poli, St. Lucie County Democrats Chair, counted at least 2,000 people were standing in protest by 3 p.m. Demonstrators attend a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump administration's policies, March 28, 2026, at the corner of U.S. 1 and Orange Avenue in downtown Fort Pierce, Florida. Andi Poli, St. Lucie County Democrats Chair, counted at least 2,000 people were standing in protest by 3 p.m. Nicole McCarthy, a seasonal resident of Fort Pierce, wears a No Kings crown while attending a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump administration's policies, March 28, 2026, at the corner of U.S. 1 and Orange Avenue in downtown Fort Pierce, Florida. Andi Poli, St. Lucie County Democrats Chair, counted at least 2,000 people were standing in protest by 3 p.m. Demonstrators attend a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump administration's policies, March 28, 2026, at the corner of U.S. 1 and Orange Avenue in downtown Fort Pierce, Florida. Andi Poli, St. Lucie County Democrats Chair, counted at least 2,000 people were standing in protest by 3 p.m. Demonstrators attend a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump administration's policies, March 28, 2026, at the corner of U.S. 1 and Orange Avenue in downtown Fort Pierce, Florida. Andi Poli, St. Lucie County Democrats Chair, counted at least 2,000 people were standing in protest by 3 p.m. Demonstrators attend a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump administration's policies, March 28, 2026, at the corner of U.S. 1 and Orange Avenue in downtown Fort Pierce, Florida. Andi Poli, St. Lucie County Democrats Chair, counted at least 2,000 people were standing in protest by 3 p.m. Demonstrators attend a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump administration's policies, March 28, 2026, at the corner of U.S. 1 and Orange Avenue in downtown Fort Pierce, Florida. Andi Poli, St. Lucie County Democrats Chair, counted at least 2,000 people were standing in protest by 3 p.m. Demonstrators attend a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump administration's policies, March 28, 2026, at the corner of U.S. 1 and Orange Avenue in downtown Fort Pierce, Florida. Andi Poli, St. Lucie County Democrats Chair, counted at least 2,000 people were standing in protest by 3 p.m. Demonstrators attend a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump administration's policies, March 28, 2026, at the corner of U.S. 1 and Orange Avenue in downtown Fort Pierce, Florida. Andi Poli, St. Lucie County Democrats Chair, counted at least 2,000 people were standing in protest by 3 p.m. Demonstrators attend a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump administration's policies, March 28, 2026, at the corner of U.S. 1 and Orange Avenue in downtown Fort Pierce, Florida. Andi Poli, St. Lucie County Democrats Chair, counted at least 2,000 people were standing in protest by 3 p.m. Demonstrators attend a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump administration's policies, March 28, 2026, at the corner of U.S. 1 and Orange Avenue in downtown Fort Pierce, Florida. Andi Poli, St. Lucie County Democrats Chair, counted at least 2,000 people were standing in protest by 3 p.m. Demonstrators attend a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump administration's policies, March 28, 2026, at the corner of U.S. 1 and Orange Avenue in downtown Fort Pierce, Florida. Andi Poli, St. Lucie County Democrats Chair, counted at least 2,000 people were standing in protest by 3 p.m. Demonstrators attend a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump administration's policies, March 28, 2026, at the corner of U.S. 1 and Orange Avenue in downtown Fort Pierce, Florida. Andi Poli, St. Lucie County Democrats Chair, counted at least 2,000 people were standing in protest by 3 p.m. Demonstrators attend a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump administration's policies, March 28, 2026, at the corner of U.S. 1 and Orange Avenue in downtown Fort Pierce, Florida. Andi Poli, St. Lucie County Democrats Chair, counted at least 2,000 people were standing in protest by 3 p.m. Demonstrators attend a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump administration's policies, March 28, 2026, at the corner of U.S. 1 and Orange Avenue in downtown Fort Pierce, Florida. Andi Poli, St. Lucie County Democrats Chair, counted at least 2,000 people were standing in protest by 3 p.m. Demonstrators attend a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump administration's policies, March 28, 2026, at the corner of U.S. 1 and Orange Avenue in downtown Fort Pierce, Florida. Andi Poli, St. Lucie County Democrats Chair, counted at least 2,000 people were standing in protest by 3 p.m. Demonstrators attend a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump administration's policies, March 28, 2026, at the corner of U.S. 1 and Orange Avenue in downtown Fort Pierce, Florida. Andi Poli, St. Lucie County Democrats Chair, counted at least 2,000 people were standing in protest by 3 p.m. Demonstrators attend a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump administration's policies, March 28, 2026, at the corner of U.S. 1 and Orange Avenue in downtown Fort Pierce, Florida. Demonstrators attend a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump administration's policies, March 28, 2026, at the corner of U.S. 1 and Orange Avenue in downtown Fort Pierce, Florida. Andi Poli, St. Lucie County Democrats Chair, counted at least 2,000 people were standing in protest by 3 p.m. Demonstrators attend a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump administration's policies, March 28, 2026, at the corner of U.S. 1 and Orange Avenue in downtown Fort Pierce, Florida. Andi Poli, St. Lucie County Democrats Chair, counted at least 2,000 people were standing in protest by 3 p.m. March 2026 in photos: 'No Kings', county fairs, breaking news 1 of 30 Demonstrators attend a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump administration's policies, March 28, 2026, at the corner of U.S. 1 and Orange Avenue in downtown Fort Pierce, Florida. Andi Poli, St. Lucie County Democrats Chair, counted at least 2,000 people were standing in protest by 3 p.m.

Thousands of protesters descended on U.S. 1 and Orange Avenue here, in front of City Hall with signs, horns, chants and music.

Andi Poli, St. Lucie County Democrats Chair, estimated at least 2,000 people were standing in protest by 3 p.m.

Attendees came dressed as handmaids from the TV series The Handmaid's Tale and as peacocks, bald eagles and dinosaurs. Protesters carried signs criticizing Trump's immigration policy and the war in Iran.

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"I feel that democracy is under threat," said Nicole McCarthy, seasonal resident of Fort Pierce. "Our Constitution is eroding with his leadership or lack of leadership. The Republicans are in control and not doing their job."

First organized in June 2025, No Kings marches are built on the philosophy that "people-powered movements are how we end authoritarianism," organizers say.

Vero Beach

Over 2,000 people gather for a No Kings protest, that began at 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach, March 28, 2026. "No Kings" protesters gathered from coast-to-coast with signs, chants and costumes on Saturday, part of the third such coordinated demonstration against President Donald Trump's actions and policies since he took office for his second term. More than 3,000 events are expected throughout the nation. Betty Rohman holds a sign during a 'No Kings' protest, that began at 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach, March 28, 2026. "No Kings" protesters gathered from coast-to-coast with signs, chants and costumes on Saturday, part of the third such coordinated demonstration against President Donald Trump's actions and policies since he took office for his second term. More than 3,000 events are expected throughout the nation. Over 2,000 people gather for a No Kings protest, that began at 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach, March 28, 2026. "No Kings" protesters gathered from coast-to-coast with signs, chants and costumes on Saturday, part of the third such coordinated demonstration against President Donald Trump's actions and policies since he took office for his second term. More than 3,000 events are expected throughout the nation. Margaret Murray, of Vero Beach, stands as her friends sing her happy birthday during a No Kings protest, that began at 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach, March 28, 2026. "No Kings" protesters gathered from coast-to-coast with signs, chants and costumes on Saturday, part of the third such coordinated demonstration against President Donald Trump's actions and policies since he took office for his second term. More than 3,000 events are expected throughout the nation. Over 2,000 people gather for a No Kings protest, that began at 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach, March 28, 2026. "No Kings" protesters gathered from coast-to-coast with signs, chants and costumes on Saturday, part of the third such coordinated demonstration against President Donald Trump's actions and policies since he took office for his second term. More than 3,000 events are expected throughout the nation. Over 2,000 people gather for a No Kings protest, that began at 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach, March 28, 2026. "No Kings" protesters gathered from coast-to-coast with signs, chants and costumes on Saturday, part of the third such coordinated demonstration against President Donald Trump's actions and policies since he took office for his second term. More than 3,000 events are expected throughout the nation. Over 2,000 people gather for a No Kings protest, that began at 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach, March 28, 2026. "No Kings" protesters gathered from coast-to-coast with signs, chants and costumes on Saturday, part of the third such coordinated demonstration against President Donald Trump's actions and policies since he took office for his second term. More than 3,000 events are expected throughout the nation. Over 2,000 people gather for a No Kings protest, that began at 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach, March 28, 2026. "No Kings" protesters gathered from coast-to-coast with signs, chants and costumes on Saturday, part of the third such coordinated demonstration against President Donald Trump's actions and policies since he took office for his second term. More than 3,000 events are expected throughout the nation. Over 2,000 people gather for a No Kings protest, that began at 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach, March 28, 2026. "No Kings" protesters gathered from coast-to-coast with signs, chants and costumes on Saturday, part of the third such coordinated demonstration against President Donald Trump's actions and policies since he took office for his second term. More than 3,000 events are expected throughout the nation. Over 2,000 people gather for a No Kings protest, that began at 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach, March 28, 2026. "No Kings" protesters gathered from coast-to-coast with signs, chants and costumes on Saturday, part of the third such coordinated demonstration against President Donald Trump's actions and policies since he took office for his second term. More than 3,000 events are expected throughout the nation. Over 2,000 people gather for a No Kings protest, that began at 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach, March 28, 2026. "No Kings" protesters gathered from coast-to-coast with signs, chants and costumes on Saturday, part of the third such coordinated demonstration against President Donald Trump's actions and policies since he took office for his second term. More than 3,000 events are expected throughout the nation. Over 2,000 people gather for a No Kings protest, that began at 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach, March 28, 2026. "No Kings" protesters gathered from coast-to-coast with signs, chants and costumes on Saturday, part of the third such coordinated demonstration against President Donald Trump's actions and policies since he took office for his second term. More than 3,000 events are expected throughout the nation. Over 2,000 people gather for a No Kings protest, that began at 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach, March 28, 2026. "No Kings" protesters gathered from coast-to-coast with signs, chants and costumes on Saturday, part of the third such coordinated demonstration against President Donald Trump's actions and policies since he took office for his second term. More than 3,000 events are expected throughout the nation. Over 2,000 people gather for a No Kings protest, that began at 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach, March 28, 2026. "No Kings" protesters gathered from coast-to-coast with signs, chants and costumes on Saturday, part of the third such coordinated demonstration against President Donald Trump's actions and policies since he took office for his second term. More than 3,000 events are expected throughout the nation. Over 2,000 people gather for a No Kings protest, that began at 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach, March 28, 2026. "No Kings" protesters gathered from coast-to-coast with signs, chants and costumes on Saturday, part of the third such coordinated demonstration against President Donald Trump's actions and policies since he took office for his second term. More than 3,000 events are expected throughout the nation. Over 2,000 people gather for a No Kings protest, that began at 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach, March 28, 2026. "No Kings" protesters gathered from coast-to-coast with signs, chants and costumes on Saturday, part of the third such coordinated demonstration against President Donald Trump's actions and policies since he took office for his second term. More than 3,000 events are expected throughout the nation. Over 2,000 people gather for a No Kings protest, that began at 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach, March 28, 2026. "No Kings" protesters gathered from coast-to-coast with signs, chants and costumes on Saturday, part of the third such coordinated demonstration against President Donald Trump's actions and policies since he took office for his second term. More than 3,000 events are expected throughout the nation. Over 2,000 people gather for a No Kings protest, that began at 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach, March 28, 2026. "No Kings" protesters gathered from coast-to-coast with signs, chants and costumes on Saturday, part of the third such coordinated demonstration against President Donald Trump's actions and policies since he took office for his second term. More than 3,000 events are expected throughout the nation. Over 2,000 people gather for a No Kings protest, that began at 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach, March 28, 2026. "No Kings" protesters gathered from coast-to-coast with signs, chants and costumes on Saturday, part of the third such coordinated demonstration against President Donald Trump's actions and policies since he took office for his second term. More than 3,000 events are expected throughout the nation. Over 2,000 people gather for a No Kings protest, that began at 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach, March 28, 2026. "No Kings" protesters gathered from coast-to-coast with signs, chants and costumes on Saturday, part of the third such coordinated demonstration against President Donald Trump's actions and policies since he took office for his second term. More than 3,000 events are expected throughout the nation. Over 2,000 people gather for a No Kings protest, that began at 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach, March 28, 2026. "No Kings" protesters gathered from coast-to-coast with signs, chants and costumes on Saturday, part of the third such coordinated demonstration against President Donald Trump's actions and policies since he took office for his second term. More than 3,000 events are expected throughout the nation. Over 2,000 people gather for a No Kings protest, that began at 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach, March 28, 2026. "No Kings" protesters gathered from coast-to-coast with signs, chants and costumes on Saturday, part of the third such coordinated demonstration against President Donald Trump's actions and policies since he took office for his second term. More than 3,000 events are expected throughout the nation. Over 2,000 people gather for a No Kings protest, that began at 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach, March 28, 2026. "No Kings" protesters gathered from coast-to-coast with signs, chants and costumes on Saturday, part of the third such coordinated demonstration against President Donald Trump's actions and policies since he took office for his second term. More than 3,000 events are expected throughout the nation. Over 2,000 people gather for a No Kings protest, that began at 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach, March 28, 2026. "No Kings" protesters gathered from coast-to-coast with signs, chants and costumes on Saturday, part of the third such coordinated demonstration against President Donald Trump's actions and policies since he took office for his second term. More than 3,000 events are expected throughout the nation. Over 2,000 people gather for a No Kings protest, that began at 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach, March 28, 2026. "No Kings" protesters gathered from coast-to-coast with signs, chants and costumes on Saturday, part of the third such coordinated demonstration against President Donald Trump's actions and policies since he took office for his second term. More than 3,000 events are expected throughout the nation. Over 2,000 people gather for a No Kings protest, that began at 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach, March 28, 2026. "No Kings" protesters gathered from coast-to-coast with signs, chants and costumes on Saturday, part of the third such coordinated demonstration against President Donald Trump's actions and policies since he took office for his second term. More than 3,000 events are expected throughout the nation. Over 2,000 people gather for a No Kings protest, that began at 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach, March 28, 2026. "No Kings" protesters gathered from coast-to-coast with signs, chants and costumes on Saturday, part of the third such coordinated demonstration against President Donald Trump's actions and policies since he took office for his second term. More than 3,000 events are expected throughout the nation. Over 2,000 people gather for a No Kings protest, that began at 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach, March 28, 2026. "No Kings" protesters gathered from coast-to-coast with signs, chants and costumes on Saturday, part of the third such coordinated demonstration against President Donald Trump's actions and policies since he took office for his second term. More than 3,000 events are expected throughout the nation. Over 2,000 people gather for a No Kings protest, that began at 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach, March 28, 2026. "No Kings" protesters gathered from coast-to-coast with signs, chants and costumes on Saturday, part of the third such coordinated demonstration against President Donald Trump's actions and policies since he took office for his second term. More than 3,000 events are expected throughout the nation. Over 2,000 people gather for a No Kings protest, that began at 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach, March 28, 2026. "No Kings" protesters gathered from coast-to-coast with signs, chants and costumes on Saturday, part of the third such coordinated demonstration against President Donald Trump's actions and policies since he took office for his second term. More than 3,000 events are expected throughout the nation. Over 2,000 people gather for a No Kings protest, that began at 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach, March 28, 2026. "No Kings" protesters gathered from coast-to-coast with signs, chants and costumes on Saturday, part of the third such coordinated demonstration against President Donald Trump's actions and policies since he took office for his second term. More than 3,000 events are expected throughout the nation. Over 2,000 people gather for a No Kings protest, that began at 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach, March 28, 2026. "No Kings" protesters gathered from coast-to-coast with signs, chants and costumes on Saturday, part of the third such coordinated demonstration against President Donald Trump's actions and policies since he took office for his second term. More than 3,000 events are expected throughout the nation. Over 2,000 people gather for a No Kings protest, that began at 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach, March 28, 2026. "No Kings" protesters gathered from coast-to-coast with signs, chants and costumes on Saturday, part of the third such coordinated demonstration against President Donald Trump's actions and policies since he took office for his second term. More than 3,000 events are expected throughout the nation. Over 2,000 people gather for a No Kings protest, that began at 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach, March 28, 2026. "No Kings" protesters gathered from coast-to-coast with signs, chants and costumes on Saturday, part of the third such coordinated demonstration against President Donald Trump's actions and policies since he took office for his second term. More than 3,000 events are expected throughout the nation. Over 2,000 people gather for a No Kings protest, that began at 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach, March 28, 2026. "No Kings" protesters gathered from coast-to-coast with signs, chants and costumes on Saturday, part of the third such coordinated demonstration against President Donald Trump's actions and policies since he took office for his second term. More than 3,000 events are expected throughout the nation. Over 2,000 people gather for a No Kings protest, that began at 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach, March 28, 2026. "No Kings" protesters gathered from coast-to-coast with signs, chants and costumes on Saturday, part of the third such coordinated demonstration against President Donald Trump's actions and policies since he took office for his second term. More than 3,000 events are expected throughout the nation. Over 2,000 people gather for a No Kings protest, that began at 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach, March 28, 2026. "No Kings" protesters gathered from coast-to-coast with signs, chants and costumes on Saturday, part of the third such coordinated demonstration against President Donald Trump's actions and policies since he took office for his second term. More than 3,000 events are expected throughout the nation. Over 2,000 people gather for a No Kings protest, that began at 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach, March 28, 2026. "No Kings" protesters gathered from coast-to-coast with signs, chants and costumes on Saturday, part of the third such coordinated demonstration against President Donald Trump's actions and policies since he took office for his second term. More than 3,000 events are expected throughout the nation. No Kings protest draws thousands in Vero Beach, Florida March 28 1 of 38 Over 2,000 people gather for a No Kings protest, that began at 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach, March 28, 2026. "No Kings" protesters gathered from coast-to-coast with signs, chants and costumes on Saturday, part of the third such coordinated demonstration against President Donald Trump's actions and policies since he took office for his second term. More than 3,000 events are expected throughout the nation.

Over 2,000 people gathered for a No Kings protest, that began at 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 60 and 58th Avenue in Indian River County just west of Vero Beach.

Protesters held signs that read "Impeach, Remove, Convict," "Stop Trump, Save Democracy," and "No Kings since 1776".

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Our federal government demands the attention of all voters to stand up to the lunacy of the current administration and demand responsible government, Democrats of Indian River Vice Chair of Operations Michael Walther said in a press release.

This story will be updated.

Kaila Jones is a TCPalm visual journalist. You can reach her at Kaila.Jones@TCPalm.com.

Wicker Perlis is TCPalm's Watchdog Reporter for St. Lucie County. You can reach him at Wicker.Perlis@TCPalm.com.

Crystal Vander Weit is a TCPalm visual journalist. You can reach her at Crystal.Vanderweit@TCPalm.com.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Stuart, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, Sebastian join "No Kings" protests
Thousands of Iowans gathered for a No Kings demonstration at the Iowa Capitol Saturday, protesting against President Donald Trump, his administration and Iowa Republicans for issues like the war in Iran, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement action and discrimination against transgender Americans.

The Saturday gathering was the third No Kings protest in Des Moines, part of the national movement of rallies across the country aimed at showing peaceful resistance to Trumps actions in power. In Des Moines, some protesters started at the Pappajohn Sculpture Park and marched through downtown to the Capitol, chanting and blowing whistles associated with other protests against ICE.

Dalton Roberts of Des Moines, who marched with the crowd, said it was his first time coming to one of the demonstrations. Im being tired sitting around just complaining about it to myself and friends, he said.

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Roberts said he was frustrated by the lack of accountability and checks and balances reining in Trumps actions on the federal level, and said the peaceful protest was a way to ensure those in power understand that many Americans do not agree with Trumps actions and want to push back.

Protesters who marched down Locust Street in Des Moines from the Pappajohn Sculpture Park with signs including a display saying declare war on the Epstein class made it to the steps of the steps of the Iowa State Capitol as part of the No Kings demonstration March 28, 2026. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

The closest comparison I can think of is kind of like in the military  theres a reason why everyone gets into the formation, gets into the those rows and everything, Roberts, a veteran, said. Its kind of a show of power, or at the very least, its supposed to show some amount of agreement (that) whats going on is wrong.

I feel like its important to also show up, obviously, because if no ones saying anything, then no one can complain, he said. They have reason to be like, well, no one complained about it while it was happening. So showing that vehement disagreement with whats going on is important.

At the Capitol, thousands held signs and participated in chants and songs led by event organizers who rallied both against Trump and the actions of Iowa Republicans at the state level.

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Iowa Rep. Rob Johnson, D-Des Moines, referenced disputes he has had with Republican lawmakers on measures being passed by the GOP trifecta. He said one Republican legislator, who he did not name, made comments that disrespect Iowas communities of color, and told Johnson they could talk later about the issue.

Rep. Rob Johnson, D-Des Moines, spoke at the No Kings rally on the steps of the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines March 28, 2026. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

We dont need to wait till later to watch you disrespect our communities, Johnson said. We dont need to wait till later to watch you spill hate into our communities. We are here today to tell you that your time is up and that the time is now. And if you want to talk, then you can come and we can talk right now.

Johnson called on those at the rally to visit tents of Democratic and progressive organizations set up at the event to register people to vote and get signed up for Democratic causes.

Mike Draper, the owner of the Des Moines-based business Raygun, also called for Iowans to rally against the Republicans elected at the state and federal levels, saying Republicans are supporting policies that support the wealthy, not people in the state.

Mike Draper, the owner of the Des Moines-based business Raygun, spoke at the No Kings protest on the steps of the Iowa Capitol March 28, 2026. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

I cannot be the only one that believes that this state is capable of more, Draper said. But our elected officials dont even believe in us. Our national elected officials support billionaires in the S&P 500. Now, even if you think that thats morally wrong, I should point out that of the thousand billionaires in America, zero live in Iowa. Of the (S&P 500) companies, one is in Iowa. So when our national elected officials work to build that system, they are not working for this state.

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Jacqui Tesson, a combat veteran, said many of the national issues being discussed also have a direct impact on Iowa. She said as she learned about the start of military action against Iran, she was scared for the life of her best friends husband, who was deployed in Kuwait. Two Iowa soldiers were killed in an Iranian strike on a Kuwait facility on March 1.

I think that were at a boiling point, and nobody is ready to be the broth that goes over the lip, Tesson said.

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The enforcer of the violent motorcycle gang arrested as part of a federal organized crime investigation has learned his punishment.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

John Smith, known as Chaos in the Thug Riders motorcycle gang, was sentenced to 9 years in federal prison on Wednesday, according to U.S. District Court Southern District of Ohio records.

Smith will also have three years of supervised release.

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>>RELATED: Here are the 14 members of Thug Riders Motorcycle Club facing organized crime charges

In November 2025, Smith pleaded guilty to forming an illicit enterprise that engaged in certain racketeering activity, conspiracy to engage in racketeering, assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury in aid of racketeering activity, records state.

As previously reported by News Center 7, Smith is one of 14 members of the Thug Riders motorcycle gang arrested as part of a federal organized crime investigation.

TRENDING STORIES:

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Investigators claim the members and their associates engaged in crimes like murder, arson, assault, extortion, and identity fraud.

A federal sentencing memorandum indicates that Smith joined the club in late 2019 to early 2020 and eventually worked his way up to become an enforcer.

In this role, Smith was responsible for enforcing club rules, internal discipline of its members and associates, and acting as security at events and for high-ranking members of the TRMC, the documents read.

Smith was involved in two of the more violent criminal acts carried out by the motorcycle gang in 2021.

The documents claim this includes the bombing of a former members truck and a deadly shooting in Harrison Township.

At least six other members of the Thug Riders have learned their punishment for their roles.

News Center 7 will continue to follow this story.

Michael Henry, aka Brutal, 40, of Xenia; Photo Courtesy of Butler County Jail Records

Juan Robles, AKA Juan the Man, 45, of Phoenix, Arizona. Photo Courtesy of US DOJ presentation/John Bedell/Staff

Cody Hughes, AKA Tater, 28, from Columbus; Photo Courtesy of US DOJ presentation/John Bedell/Staff

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Justin Baker, AKA Wild Boy, 29, of Columbus. Photo Courtesy of US DOJ presentation/John Bedell/Staff

Joey Marshall, AKA King Joe or Diesel, 44, of Xenia. Photo Courtesy of US DOJ presentation/John Bedell/Staff

Michael Reese, AKA Butcher, 44 of Miamisburg. Photo Courtesy of Butler County Jail records

John Smith, AKA Chaos, 37, of Dayton. Photo Courtesy of US DOJ presentation/John Bedell/Staff

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Brandon Fisher, AKA Road Runner, 26 of Piqua. Photo Courtesy of Montgomery County Jail records

Matthew Hawkins, AKA Hawk, 32, of Pequea, Pennsylvania. Photo Courtesy of US DOJ presentation/John Bedell/Staff

Joseph Rader, AKA Delta, 32, of Richmond, Kentucky. Photo Courtesy of US DOJ presentation/John Bedell/Staff

Jared Peters, AKA Savage, 37, of Dayton. Photo Courtesy of US DOJ presentation/John Bedell/Staff

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Norman Beach, AKA Stormin' Normin', 49 of Dayton. Photo Courtesy of Butler County Jail Records

Brent Egleston, AKA Be Easy, 36, of Xenia. Photo Courtesy of Butler County Jail Records

Daniel Hutton, AKA Havok, 39, of Fairborn. Photo Courtesy of US DOJ presentation/John Bedell/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

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Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

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Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

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Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

Photo from: Xavier Hershovitz/Staff

[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
President Donald Trump is toying with renaming one of the worlds most critical shipping routes afterwho elsehimself.

Speaking at an investor forum in Miami on Friday night, Trump casually referred to the Strait of Hormuz as the Strait of Trump, before quickly correcting himself, then insisting it wasnt a slip.

Excuse me, Im so sorry. Such a terrible mistake, he told the crowd.

Speaking at an investor forum in Miami on Friday, Trump broached the topic of sex. / YouTube/The White House

The Fake News will say, He accidentally said. No, theres no accidents with me.

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The remark drew laughs in the room, but behind the scenes, its not entirely a joke.

Trump has reportedly privately floated renaming the waterway the Strait of America, or even after himself, if the U.S. succeeds in wresting control of it from Iran, according to The New York Post.

One administration official reportedly told the Post that the U.S. is taking the Strait back and suggested that if America ends up policing it, why should we call it Hormuz?

Its a big if.

The narrow passage, through which roughly 20 percent of the worlds oil supply travels, has become a flashpoint in Trumps escalating conflict with Iran.

A 3D-printed miniature model depicting U.S. President Donald Trump and map showing the Strait of Hormuz. / Dado Ruvic / REUTERS

Tehran has managed to disrupt shipping, sending gas and oil prices soaring and leaving the White House scrambling for options.

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Trump has repeatedly expressed his frustration with allies who have balked at joining a U.S.-led naval push to reopen the route, while ramping up threats and insisting Iran is begging for a deal.

Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media, and others, they are going very well, Trump posted on Truth Social.

At the same time, his fixation on naming rights is raising eyebrows, even among his own allies.

Its getting tiresome and tacky, a former administration official told the Post, warning it risks tarnishing his legacy ahead of the fall midterms.

Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media, and others, they are going very well, Trump posted on Truth Social. / Truth Social

Still, the idea tracks with Trumps long-running instinct to slap his name on anything within reach.

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He previously pushed to rebrand the Gulf of Mexico and backed efforts to attach his name to Washingtons Kennedy Center, both moves that critics derided as vanity projects.

This leaves the world in the awkward position of watching a volatile geopolitical standoff play out alongside a potential naming exercise. Because in Trumps orbit, even a global freight chokepoint might double as prime branding real estate.

The White House did not immediately respond to the Daily Beasts request for comment.
President Donald Trump went into stunning detail about the advice he has gotten not to use the word war to describe the war in Iran hes been calling a war for nearly a month.

An early feature of the war in Iran was Trump allies insisting it wasnt a war while Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth kept calling it a war.

But this week, the president has slowly been rolling out a rebranding in which he progressively says more of the quiet part out loud. It started Tuesday with the revelation that People dont like me using the word war, so I wont. But the Democrats call it a war.

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By the end of the week, he was letting it all out. He began by telling the crowd at the National Republican Congressional Committees 2026 Annual Fundraising Dinner that I wont use the word war because they say if you use the word war, thats maybe not a good thing to do. 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.

On Friday evening, the president gave the keynote address for the Future Investment Initiative Priority Summit at the Faena Hotel and Forum in Miami Beach.

During that speech, Trump repeatedly went into even more detail about why he wont use the word war  which he was still using at the beginning of the speech:

PRESIDENT TRUMP: Were achieving each and every one of the military objectives I laid out less than four weeks ago, and were doing it really well. I guess were two weeks ahead of schedule. Were not into it very long. We knew it was going to be easy. We call it a military operation. We dont call it a war. We call it a military operation.  So you get into a war  of course, they call it a war. I call it a military conflict. But theres a legal reason for that. But you get into a war or a military operation, a conflict  and then they say my base is eroding.  And we had a deal  I was going there and I didnt want to go during the war. I said, Look, you know, we have a thing called a war, or as they would rather say, a military operation. Its for legal reasons. I say military because its a military operation. I dont need any approvals  as a war, youre supposed to get approval from Congress, something like that. So I call it a military operation.

Watch above via White House press pool.

The post Trump Goes On Stunning New Riff About Not Saying War In Speech To Investors first appeared on Mediaite.
Sorrow punctuated the opening of the Toyota Hub City Grand Prix race in Jackson, Tennessee, the morning of March 28.

The day before, a school bus carrying students and staff from Kenwood Middle School crashed while on its way from Clarksville to the student competition, which is hosted by Greenpower USA. Two students were pronounced dead at the scene and several more were airlifted to hospitals across the region, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

Officials said the crash also involved a Tennessee Department of Transportation dump truck and Chevrolet Trailblazer.

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The opening ceremony of the Grand Prix event included a moment silence, prayer and acknowledgments of the two lives lost.

Attendees bow their heads in a moment of silence for the two Kenwood Middle students that passed from a bus crash the day before during the GreenPowerUSA Toyota Hub City Grand Prix at Rockabillys Stadium in Jackson, Tenn., on. Saturday, Mar. 28, 2026.

"Today feels a little different, but know that my family and the city has been praying for you all, for those that we lost yesterday," Jackson Mayor Scott Conger told dozens of coaches, parents, students and staff gathered in the parking lot of the Jackson Rockabillys Stadium. "I want you to have a clear head, do well ... we welcome you to our city."

Around 120 miles northeast in Clarksville, mourners began to place flowers at the entrance of Kenwood Middle School. One affixed a teddy bear to the handles of the front doors with black and gold ribbons around its neck, representing the school colors.

In a March 28 Facebook post, Clarksville-Montgomery School System Director Jean Luna-Vedder encouraged students and staff across the district to wear black and gold on Monday, March 30 as a sign of unity. She also asked school leaders to determine an appropriate place and time to gather and reflect on the tragedy.

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Luna-Vedder said she spent the night of March 27 visiting hospitals to check on students and their families.

"I was overwhelmed by the selfless and compassionate moments I observed," part of her post read. "Even amid an unimaginable tragedy and the profound distress each person was experiencing, the love and compassion everyone has shown for one another have been a breathtaking reminder of the power of community and humanity."

Mourners gather for vigil at Kenwood Middle School

Students cry as they are comforted by parents at a makeshift memorial during a candlelight vigil Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Clarksville, Tenn., for two Kenwood Middle School students killed and several others severely injured in a school bus crash. The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System bus was carrying 25 students and five staff members from Kenwood Middle School on a field trip Friday to compete in the Toyota Hub City Grand Prix race when it crashed just outside of Jackson, Tenn. Students and parents cry and console one another during a candlelight vigil Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Clarksville, Tenn., for two Kenwood Middle School students killed and several others severely injured in a school bus crash. The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System bus was carrying 25 students and five staff members from Kenwood Middle School on a field trip Friday to compete in the Toyota Hub City Grand Prix race when it crashed just outside of Jackson, Tenn. Mourners gather during a candlelight vigil Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Clarksville, Tenn., for two Kenwood Middle School students killed and several others severely injured in a school bus crash. Parents and students pray during a candlelight vigil Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Clarksville, Tenn., for two Kenwood Middle School students killed and several others severely injured in a school bus crash. The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System bus was carrying 25 students and five staff members from Kenwood Middle School on a field trip Friday to compete in the Toyota Hub City Grand Prix race when it crashed just outside of Jackson, Tenn. Parents and student stand near a makeshift memorial at the entrance of the school during a candlelight vigil Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Clarksville, Tenn., for two Kenwood Middle School students killed and several others severely injured in a school bus crash. Students grieve during a candlelight vigil Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Clarksville, Tenn., for two Kenwood Middle School students killed and several others severely injured in a school bus crash. Jessica Davis cries and she speaks about her daughter, Zoe Davis, who was killed in a school bus crash, during a candlelight vigil Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Clarksville, Tenn., Two Kenwood Middle School students were killed and several others were severely injured in a crash. Students grieve during a candlelight vigil Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Clarksville, Tenn., for two Kenwood Middle School students killed and several others severely injured in a school bus crash. The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System bus was carrying 25 students and five staff members from Kenwood Middle School on a field trip Friday to compete in the Toyota Hub City Grand Prix race when it crashed just outside of Jackson, Tenn. Two girls carry yellow flowers to place at a makeshift memorial by the entrance of the school during a candlelight vigil Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Clarksville, Tenn., for two Kenwood Middle School students killed and several others severely injured in a school bus crash. The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System bus was carrying 25 students and five staff members from Kenwood Middle School on a field trip Friday to compete in the Toyota Hub City Grand Prix race when it crashed just outside of Jackson, Tenn. A mother comforts her daughter during a candlelight vigil Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Clarksville, Tenn., for two Kenwood Middle School students killed and several others severely injured in a school bus crash. Parents and students mourn during a candlelight vigil Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Clarksville, Tenn., for two Kenwood Middle School students killed and several others severely injured in a school bus crash. The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System bus was carrying 25 students and five staff members from Kenwood Middle School on a field trip Friday to compete in the Toyota Hub City Grand Prix race when it crashed just outside of Jackson, Tenn. Parents and students gather during a candlelight vigil Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Clarksville, Tenn., for two Kenwood Middle School students killed and several others severely injured in a school bus crash. The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System bus was carrying 25 students and five staff members from Kenwood Middle School on a field trip Friday to compete in the Toyota Hub City Grand Prix race when it crashed just outside of Jackson, Tenn. Mourners gather during a candlelight vigil Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Clarksville, Tenn., for two Kenwood Middle School students killed and several others severely injured in a school bus crash. The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System bus was carrying 25 students and five staff members from Kenwood Middle School on a field trip Friday to compete in the Toyota Hub City Grand Prix race when it crashed just outside of Jackson, Tenn. Students gather around a makeshift memorial at the entrance of the school during a candlelight vigil Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Clarksville, Tenn., for two Kenwood Middle School students killed and several others severely injured in a school bus crash. Mourners pray during a candlelight vigil Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Clarksville, Tenn., for two Kenwood Middle School students killed and several others severely injured in a school bus crash. Students and friends comfort each other during a candlelight vigil Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Clarksville, Tenn., for two Kenwood Middle School students killed and several others severely injured in a school bus crash. A student places flowers at a makeshift memorial during a candlelight vigil Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Clarksville, Tenn., for two Kenwood Middle School students killed and several others severely injured in a school bus crash. The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System bus was carrying 25 students and five staff members from Kenwood Middle School on a field trip Friday to compete in the Toyota Hub City Grand Prix race when it crashed just outside of Jackson, Tenn. Students gather in a circle to comfort each other during a candlelight vigil Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Clarksville, Tenn., for two Kenwood Middle School students killed and several others severely injured in a school bus crash. The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System bus was carrying 25 students and five staff members from Kenwood Middle School on a field trip Friday to compete in the Toyota Hub City Grand Prix race when it crashed just outside of Jackson, Tenn. Community mourns at vigil for Kenwood Middle School students 1 of 18 Students cry as they are comforted by parents at a makeshift memorial during a candlelight vigil Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Clarksville, Tenn., for two Kenwood Middle School students killed and several others severely injured in a school bus crash. The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System bus was carrying 25 students and five staff members from Kenwood Middle School on a field trip Friday to compete in the Toyota Hub City Grand Prix race when it crashed just outside of Jackson, Tenn.

The evening of March 28, hundreds of mourners gathered for a vigil outside Kenwood Middle School. Grieving parents, students, elected officials and community members remembered the students lost while the sun set for only a second time since the day of the crash.

"We are Clarksville strong," Pastor Dewayne Carter, who helped organize the event, said. "Everyone stands together as one."

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Still shaken, middle school students stood arm-in-arm, hugging and weeping as candles were lit in memory of their lost classmates. Parents stood close by among the silent crowd to console and support.

Carter told the crowd to rely on faith during the healing process.

"Prayer is always a need in the community especially under these circumstances," he said. "But we are trusting and believing in God to heal your heart. We are trusting and believing in God to guide you along this journey."

More: Clarksville vigil draws community together to mourn students killed in bus crash

'Our hearts are shattered'

Flowers and a teddy bear rest against the doors of Kenwood Middle School on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Clarksville, Tenn. A March 27, 2026, school bus wreck left two Kenwood Middle students dead and several injured.

The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System bus was carrying 25 students and five staff members from Kenwood Middle School, according to THP. It crashed around noon on March 27 on Highway 70 near Cedar Grove in Carroll County, which is about 20 minutes outside Jackson. The identities of those killed, details on injuries and the cause of the wreck had not been disclosed as of March 28.

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THP spokesperson Lt. Bill Miller said the agency is working closely with local, state and federal law enforcement officials to investigate.

"A crash of this magnitude is going to take time ... to thoroughly investigate," Miller told The Tennessean on March 28.

The wreck triggered a massive multi-agency response. Officials said seven air ambulances took patients to various hospitals across the region. Families were reunited at a church in nearby Huntingdon.

"Our hearts are shattered at the tragic loss of two young lives," a March 27 Facebook post from the school district said. "Please continue to keep these families in your hearts. We continue to pray for the students and employees injured and everyone who was affected by todays accident. The Kenwood Middle community will need our continued support, and we will share opportunities to assist families as details are confirmed."

Counselors will be available to the school and district community for as long as needed, the post said. It also included a statement from Kenwood Middle School Principal Karen Miller.

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"Our school community experienced an unimaginable tragedy this morning," Miller said. "As we process this loss together, please know that the well-being of our students, staff and families remains our top priority."

Miller asked for prayers and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support as news of the wreck spread. She said the school is relying on families to decide how and when to communicate what happened to their children at home and that counselors will be available at the school starting on Monday, March 30.

"We recognize that many children may struggle with grief or uncertainty when learning about a loss," Miller said. "We encourage you to be attentive to your child's emotional needs and to create space for them to express their thoughts or feelings. Our school counseling team are ready to assist and can also connect families with additional community resources if needed."

Student racers honor Kenwood Middle School

At the Grand Prix event in Jackson on March 28, some teams taped numbers 52 and 72 on the hoods of the go-karts they built ahead of their races for the day. Those numbers would have been on the Kenwood Middle cars.

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"We're thinking about the Kenwood Middle community," Greenpower USA Executive Director Drew Sparks said. "I've been talking with the teacher of that school off and on for the past several hours, and it's just absolutely heartbreaking."

Teams make last minute adjustments at the starting line during the GreenPowerUSA Toyota Hub City Grand Prix at Rockabillys Stadium in Jackson, Tennessee, on March 28, 2026.

More: TN school bus crash victims honored at go-kart race they were to attend

Organizers made space under a tent for the community to write condolences, prayers and words of kindness on a large sheet of paper, which will be delivered to the school.

Danielle Hastings was among those who signed. She said her daughter is in the seventh grade at Jackson Academic STEAM Academy and was part of the school's Greenpower team that day. The day felt bittersweet to her on the heels of the tragedy.

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"I know if I was in their place, it would really warm my heart to know that even though the show is going on, people are kind of muddling through and trying their best to show up for our kids in honor of them," she said.

State, local leaders react to fatal Tennessee school bus crash

Gov. Bill Lee asked his fellow Tennesseans to join him and his wife, Maria, in prayer for all those impacted by the deadly wreck in a post on X the evening of March 27.

"We are heartbroken over the loss of life and ask for Gods healing over the injured," Lee said. "As authorities continue to investigate, we are deeply grateful to every first responder supporting these Tennesseans in their most difficult time."

Maj. Travis Plotzer, who serves with THP, paused before delivering an update during a news briefing on March 27.

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"I want to speak directly to the families of the students that we lost today: There are no adequate words we can use to ease the pain that you're feeling right now," Plotzer said. "This is a parent's worst nightmare."

Major Travis Plotzer speaks during a Tennessee Highway Patrol press conference concerning a Clarksville-Montgomery County bus crash at Lake Halford in Huntingdon, Tenn., on Friday, Mar. 27, 2026.

Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts released a lengthy statement the morning of March 28 about the wreck.

"The depth of our sadness hasn't been felt yet, since the days to come will be difficult. Our city grieves at the loss of these children, who were much too young with their whole lives in front of them," Pitts said. "They were on their way to an event that this group of bright, talented, students had prepared for during the school year. Those that were injured will heal physically, but the emotional toll will be difficult to overcome for years."

He encouraged community members to rally together.

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"Be wary of any finger pointing or speculation," he said. "That serves no purpose. Instead, let's show our love and support for the students and families."

Several Tennessee lawmakers, including Rep. Ronnie Glynn, D-Clarksville; Sen. Bill Powers, R-Clarksville; Rep. Aron Maberry, R-Clarksville; and Rep. Brock Martin, R-Huntingdon, extended their condolences and offered support in the aftermath of the wreck. U.S. Rep. Matt Van Epps, whose district includes Clarksville, also offered his solidarity and prayers. Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden echoed that call for prayer in a Facebook post.

This is a bad day in Montgomery County," part of his March 27 post read. "Prayer is absolutely needed right now."

First Baptist Church in Clarksville announced a gathering planned for 8:15 a.m. on Sunday, March 29.

"As our hearts are heavy with yesterday's tragedy, we invite you to join us ... as we gather for a special time of prayer focusing on students, families, school leaders, first responders, community leaders, area churches, and counselors," the post read.

The prayer time will be held in the Grace Worship Center on the church's campus at 499 Commerce Street.

Rachel Wegner covers education and children's issues for The Tennessean. Got a story you think she should hear? Reach her via email at RAwegner@tennessean.com. You can also find her on X or Bluesky under the handle RachelAnnWegner.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Community mourns two TN students killed in school bus crash
KYIV/CAIRO, March 28 (Reuters) - Ukraine on Saturday agreed to cooperate on defence with the United Arab Emirates and Qatar as President Volodymyr Zelenskiy travelled to both countries amid escalating tensions in the region.

Qatar's defence ministry said in a statement on Saturday that Doha and Kyiv have signed a defence cooperation agreement which includes the exchange of expertise in countering missiles and unmanned aerial systems.

"We are talking about a 10-year partnership. We have already signed the agreement with Saudi Arabia, and we have just signed a similar 10-year agreement with Qatar," Zelenskiy told reporters during an online briefing.

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"We will also sign a 10-year agreement with the UAE. It will happen within the next several days."

Zelenskiy had earlier been to the UAE and met President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as the two countries agreed to cooperate in the fields of security and defence.

The U.S.-Israeli war on Iran has killed more than 2,000 people, upended global markets and effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz.

KYIV OFFERS DRONE TECHNOLOGY, EXPERTISE

Ukraine has offered its air-defence expertise and drone technology to countries in the region.

Zelenskiy hopes to draw support from the Gulf nations in Ukraine's war against Russia, which is now in its fifth year, as Western military aid faces new uncertainty and Kyiv scrambles for cash to cover its budget deficit and fund domestic weapon production.

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More than 200 Ukrainian military and security experts have been dispatched to advise Middle East countries on how to intercept drone attacks that have wreaked havoc on energy infrastructure across the region.

Zelenskiy said that during his visits, he sought to build strategic relationships with the Gulf region and raise funds to invest in weapons production in Ukraine.

The talks focused on weapons co-production, exchanging experiences, and also on securing energy and fuel supplies to Ukraine, Zelenskiy said.

Zelenskiy agreed on diesel supplies for a year to Ukraine but provided no other details. Diesel is key for the Ukrainian armed forces and for the country's agricultural sector.

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Ukraine needed about 700,000 liters of diesel a month, Zelenskiy said, adding that the army was fully supplied.

Earlier this week, Zelenskiy visited Saudi Arabia where the two countries also signed an agreement on defence cooperation.

(Reporting by Olena Harmash and Jaidaa Taha; Editing by Jan Harvey)
LOS ANGELES, March 27 (Reuters) - The U.S. on Friday issued new, Venezuela-related general licenses for critical mineral investment and operations, according to the U.S. Treasury Department.

The licenses authorize "the supply of certain items and services for minerals operations" and "negotiations of and entry into contingent contracts for certain investment in Venezuela's minerals sector," according to the Treasury Department website.

In a statement posted on X, the department said the licenses were part of efforts "to bring the Venezuelan economy back online and reorient investment to benefit Americans and Venezuelans."

(Reporting by Ismail Shakil, Writing by Christian Martinez, Editing by Chris Reese)
Construction to expand Utah Transit Authoritys streetcar service is set to begin this spring, after Utahs capital city reached an agreement allowing for the project to move forward.

Members of the Salt Lake City Community Reinvestment Agency board of directors, who are all members of the City Council, signed off on an interlocal agreement with UTA on Tuesday. It marks one of the last formalities before ground breaks in May, according to city officials.

This extension may seem short, but its impact is huge and part of a long-term effort making it easier to choose transit, reduce traffic and support local businesses at the heart of Sugar House, said Salt Lake City Councilwoman Sarah Young, whose district covers Sugar House, in a statement after voting to support the agreement. This project reflects years of community vision, and Im excited to see it come to life.

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UTA and Salt Lake City have eyed an expansion of the S-Line for years, but the expansion grew from when the Utah Legislature first allocated money to it in 2021.

The line is now set to expand from its eastern terminus at Fairmont Station, 2216 S. McClelland Street, to the western end of the Sugar House Shopping Center. That will add approximately a quarter-mile of line, helping extend it past Highland Drive via 1100 East and Simpson Drive. Its new terminus would be located south of the Cinemark, located at 2227 S. Highland Drive.

Its really good spacing for a streetcar, said Lynn Jacobs, a transportation engineer for the city.

It took a few years to determine the final extension terminus, which delayed the project timeline and raised its final cost. Utah lawmakers first allocated $12 million toward it, and the project received $18.9 million from a transit transportation investment fund allocation last year.

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Over $12 million in local matches account for the rest, but only a little more than $1.2 million comes from city or Reinvestment Agency funds. A chunk of that comes from the city donating $5.1 million worth of property for the project, while UTA also supplied over $6.2 million in funding from various sources.

The interlocal agreement doesnt add any new money to the nearly $43.6 million project. It only allows UTA to operate on the street and outlines maintenance responsibilities shared between the two entities, Jacobs explained.

The project also calls for the redevelopment of Reinvestment Agency land located between Simpson Avenue and the Parleys Trails at Highland Drive, as well as new traffic signals along the S-Line at McLelland Street, 1100 East and Highland Drive. Those will likely solve some of the pedestrian concerns at some of those crossings, Jacobs said.

Construction is expected to last about 13 months, until the summer of 2027. The next service is on track to be available in August 2027, following UTA service tests.

Salt Lake City Council members said theyre excited for the expansion but also urged city transportation officials to keep residents and business owners informed about any potential road closures as they arise. That comes after the years of construction along 2100 South and 1100 East/Highland Drive sparked tension between the businesses and the city, before the last of the projects ended last year.
The vessel, MT Jag Vasant, is set to transfer its cargo to another ship at anchorage through a Ship-to-Ship (STS) operation, maintaining resilience and reliability for un-interrupted energy supply chain.

Speaking to ANI, Sushil Kumar Singh, Chairman of Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), said the vessel, MT Jag Vasant, arrived last night, and its daughter vessel, Rose Gas, arrived in Vadinar this morning.

"A vessel, MT Jag Vasant, carrying 47,180 metric tons of LPG, arrived in Vadinar last night. Its daughter vessel, Rose Gas, arrived in Vadinar at 7:30 this morning. A ship-to-ship transfer will take place from it," said Singh.

He further added that the ship-to-ship transfer operation will take approximately 15 hours and will be completed by tomorrow morning.

"Of the 47,180 metric tons, 17,100 metric tons will be loaded onto the daughter vessel. Rose Gas will arrive at Kandla Port, and the mother vessel, Jag Vasant, will carry the remaining quantity to Mumbai Port and New Mangalore Port. The operation will take approximately 15 hours. This ship-to-ship transfer will be completed by tomorrow morning," Singh added.

Earlier, speaking at a joint inter-ministerial briefing, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Rajesh Kumar Sinha said authorities are closely monitoring the situation and maintaining coordination with various stakeholders.

"In the Gulf region, there has been no information in the last 24 hours regarding any incident involving Indian-flagged ships or Indian seafarers. All are safe," Sinha said.

He added that Indian ships operating in the Persian Gulf are also safe.

"In the Persian Gulf, there are 20 ships sailing under the Indian flag, with around 540 Indians onboard, and they are also safe," he said. (ANI)
A Yakima County man has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for shooting an unarmed man and threatening a woman with a pistol.

According to court documents, on May 30, 2024, then-24-year-old Jeffrey Lucei threatened a woman with a pistol at a home in White Swan, Washington, on the Yakama Nation. Fearing for her life, the woman hid somewhere inside the residence.

Lucei then shot an unarmed man in the back in the same house as the victim tried to escape, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.

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The victim ended up with a bullet lodged in his neck and suffered two fractured ribs, two fractured vertebrae, and a fractured jaw, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.

Mr. Luceis senseless, unprovoked, cowardly act of violence, shooting an unarmed man in the back, both severely injured the victim and traumatized another he had threatened at gunpoint, said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. This case is an example of the FBIs commitment to combatting violent crime with our partners on tribal lands as we do in communities across the state.

Lucei pled guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault with a dangerous weapon in December.

He must also pay $10,000 in restitution for medical bills.

Luceis prison sentence will be followed by three years of supervised release.
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On Episode 203 of This Week In Space, Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik are joined by Dr. Namrata Goswami of Johns Hopkins University to examine the potential threats to American leadership in space.

Many suggest there is a new space race afoot, this time between the US and China. We've also know that America seems to be at its best in innovation and achievement when challenged by some external force. Will the Chinese human lunar program light the fuse of American innovation and accomplishment when it comes to our lagging lunar program and other spaceflight initiatives?

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Who will be first to land astronauts on the moon? Does it really matter? Who controls what regions of the moon? Will cislunar space be contested between major space powers? This and much more in this episode of This Week in Space.

Download or subscribe to this show at: https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.



Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Space news of the week

Model Falcon 9!

TOP TELESCOPE PICK:

A Celestron telescope on a white background

Looking for a telescope to see planets and comets? We recommend the Celestron Astro Fi 102 as the top pick in our best beginner's telescope guide.

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Finally, did you know you can launch your own SpaceX rocket? Model rocket maker Estes' stunning scale model of a Falcon 9 rocket that you can pick up now. The launchable model is a detailed recreation of the Falcon 9 and retails for $149.99. You can save 10% by using the code IN-COLLECTSPACE at checkout, courtesy of our partners collectSPACE.com.

About This Week In Space

This Week in Space covers the new space age. Every Friday we take a deep dive into a fascinating topic. What's happening with the new race to the moon and other planets? When will SpaceX really send people to Mars?

Join Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik from Space.com as they tackle those questions and more each week on Friday afternoons. You can subscribe today on your favorite podcatcher.
John F. Kennedy Jr., his wife, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, and her sister Lauren Bessette, died July 16, 1999, after a plane he was piloting crashed near Marthas Vineyard.

The crash and the aftermath were covered in the March 26 finale of FXs Love Story, which depicts the relationship between JFK Jr. and Bessette Kennedy.

Navy divers recovered the bodies of Kennedy, Bessette Kennedy and Bessette on July 21.

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According to a report from the National Transportation Safety Board, the probable cause of the accident was "the pilots 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, the NTSB continued in the report.

The flight took off from New Jerseys Essex County Airport and was scheduled stop in Marthas Vineyard before its ultimate destination of Hyannis, Massachusetts, where Kennedy and his wife were going to attend the wedding of his cousin, Rory Kennedy. That wedding would be postposed and she would ultimately get married in August 1999 in Athens.

A certified flight instructor (CFI) who flew with JFK Jr. between May 1998 and July 1999 said, per the report, he would not have felt comfortable with the accident pilot conducting night flight operations on a route similar to the one flown on, and in weather conditions similar to those that existed on, the night of the accident.

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The CFI also spoke with Kennedy the day of the crash and shared his final sentiment.

The CFI further stated that he had talked to the pilot on the day of the accident and offered to fly with him on the accident flight. He stated that the accident pilot replied that he wanted to do it alone.

Kennedy, who passed his private pilot flight test on April 22, 1998, had flown about 72 hours without a CFI onboard, and had spent roughly 36 hours flying the Piper Saratoga  the plane that crashed that he also owned  with more than nine of those hours taking place at night. Three hours were without a CFI.

Kennedy had also flown 35 flight legs from the New Jersey airport to the Marthas Vineyard/Hyannis area, 17 of those occurring without a CFI accompanying him.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
A humpback whale stranded for days off Germany's Baltic coast has gotten stuck on another sandbank, a Greenpeace spokeswoman said on Saturday.

The unlucky animal had garnered media attention for days, after it got stranded on a sandbank off Germany's Timmendorfer Strand resort, near the city of Lubeck, early on Monday.

Days of efforts to free the 12- to 15-metre whale proved unsuccessful until rescuers dug out a channel in the sand around the animal using a floating excavator on Thursday, allowing the whale to swim free the following night.

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However, environmentalists and marine experts had feared that the animal could potentially get stuck again, as it was spotted heading back towards shallower water following its release.

Those fears became reality on Saturday, with the whale spotted stranded on a sandbank in the Bay of Wismar, some 40 kilometres to the east of Timmendorfer Strand, according to Greenpeace.

Large whales such as humpback whales are not native to the Baltic Sea. They may follow schools of fish in search of food and end up in the Baltic Sea.

According to experts, underwater noise could also play a role.
A humpback whale stranded for days off Germany's Baltic coast has gotten stuck on another sandbank, a Greenpeace spokeswoman told dpa on Saturday.

The unlucky animal has garnered massive media attention since it ran aground on a sandbank early on Monday off Germany's Timmendorfer Strand resort, near the city of Lubeck.

Days of efforts to free the 12- to 15-metre whale proved unsuccessful until rescuers dug out a channel in the surrounding sand using a floating excavator on Thursday, allowing the whale to swim free the following night.

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However, environmentalists and marine experts had feared that the whale could potentially get stuck again, as it was spotted heading back towards shallower water following its release.

Those fears became reality on Saturday, with the whale spotted stranded on a sandbank in the Bay of Wismar, some 40 kilometres to the east of Timmendorfer Strand, according to Greenpeace.

Incidentally, it was found beached off the unpopulated island of Walfisch, which translates as whale in English.

"After managing to free itself from its [earlier] predicament, the whale was spotted again at midday today in the Bay of Wismar near the island," said a spokesman for the Environment Ministry of the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

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Following initial sightings on Saturday, a plethora of concerned officials, scientists and activists had headed to the Bay of Wismar in case the creature needed assistance again.

Besides Greenpeace activists, water police from the cities of Wismar and Rostock, staff from the German Oceanographic Museum and the Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW) were on hand both at sea and on land and are assessing the situation, according to the ministry.

Large whales such as humpback whales are not native to the Baltic Sea but occasionally end up there after following schools of fish in search of food, for example.

According to experts, underwater noise could also play a role in this whale's presence in the Baltic Sea.

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Biologists had been hoping the whale would make its way back west towards the North Sea, which would have allowed it to reach the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Following its initial release, conservation groups used dinghies to form a kind of blockade to prevent it from entering shallow water again, trying to guide it further into the deeper waters of the Baltic Sea.

However, the whale was soon spotted further east, off the coast of the Mecklenburg district.

According to the ITAW's Stephanie Gross, it was impossible to attach a tracking device to the whale because its skin is too diseased.
A humpback whale stranded for days off Germany's Baltic coast has gotten stuck on another sandbank, a Greenpeace spokeswoman told dpa on Saturday.

The unlucky animal has garnered massive media attention since it ran aground on a sandbank early on Monday off Germany's Timmendorfer Strand resort, near the city of Lubeck.

Days of efforts to free the 12- to 15-metre whale proved unsuccessful until rescuers dug out a channel in the surrounding sand using a floating excavator on Thursday, allowing the whale to swim free the following night.

Advertisement Advertisement

However, environmentalists and marine experts had feared that the whale could potentially get stuck again, as it was spotted heading back towards shallower water following its release.

Whale might free itself

Those concerns became reality on Saturday, with the whale spotted stranded on a sandbank in the Bay of Wismar, some 40 kilometres to the east of Timmendorfer Strand, according to Greenpeace.

Incidentally, it was found beached off the unpopulated island of Walfisch, which translates as whale in English.

"After managing to free itself from its [earlier] predicament, the whale was spotted again at midday today in the Bay of Wismar near the island," said a spokesman for the Environment Ministry of the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

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Thilo Maack, a marine biologist with Greenpeace, told dpa that there were no plans to launch another rescue operation on Saturday.

"We want to give the whale the chance to free itself," he said.

State Environment Minister Till Backhaus said that experts would attempt "to gently nudge" the whale and "guide it towards deeper water" on Sunday if the animal has not managed to swim free by then.

Backhaus noted that there was a deeper channel close to the whale, which might allow it to free itself.

"The whale is still showing signs of trying to swim away," said Maack, after observing the stranded animal from a dinghy earlier on Saturday. "We therefore hope that it will free itself."

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"The best thing now is to leave the whale completely alone."

It was currently difficult to assess how the animal was faring, he added, as this depended on the availability of food and how stressed it was.

Water police is to remain on site overnight to keep an eye on the whale, according to Maack, with marine experts scheduled to return to the bay on Sunday.

Continued great interest

Following initial sightings on Saturday, a plethora of concerned officials, scientists and activists had headed to the Bay of Wismar in case the creature needed assistance again.

Large whales such as humpback whales are not native to the Baltic Sea but occasionally end up there after following schools of fish in search of food, for example.

Advertisement Advertisement

According to experts, underwater noise could also play a role in this whale's presence in the Baltic Sea.

Biologists had been hoping the whale would make its way back west towards the North Sea, which would have allowed it to reach the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Following its initial release, conservation groups used dinghies to form a kind of blockade to prevent it from entering shallow water again, trying to guide it further into the deeper waters of the Baltic Sea.

However, the whale was soon spotted further east, off the coast of the Mecklenburg district.

According to the Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, it was impossible to attach a tracking device to the whale because its skin is too diseased.

The "Uecker" (R), a boat belonging to the Water Police, is sailing along the Baltic Sea coast off Boltenhagen. A humpback whale stranded for days off Germany's Baltic coast has gotten stuck on another sandbank, a Greenpeace spokeswoman says. Philip Dulian/dpa
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Las Vegas is about to lose two locations of a beloved Castle-shaped fast food chain.

A spokesperson for White Castle confirmed to 8 News Now that two White Castle locations in the Las Vegas valley will be closing.

>>Download the 8 News Now Vegas streaming app

The closure stems from an acquisition by the company from the local licensee. As part of that deal, White Castle is buying three of the five Southern Nevada locations.

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Those locations include four in the Las Vegas valley and one in Jean, Nevada.

While the company is buying three locations, the other two will close: the restaurant at Casino Royale, and the one located on Marks Street in Henderson.

The three other locations, one on Las Vegas Boulevard across the street from the Hard Rock Las Vegas Hotel and Casino, one on Paradise Road and Harmon Avenue, and the location in Jean, will remain open.

White Castles Chief Marketing Officer Jamie Richardson said employees who work at the two closing locations were offered the opportunity to continue working at White Castle.

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White Castle is buying three of the five existing White Castle locations from its local Las Vegas licensee, Richardsons full statement read. Two of the locations will close. All employees at the Castles that are closing have been offered the opportunity to continue working with White Castle. White Castle is thankful for a great partnership with the local licensee and excited to be the new owner of three locations in Vegas.

White Castle is an American restaurant chain that specializes in small, square burgers sold by the sack. Founded in 1921, it is credited as the worlds first fast food hamburger chain.

It was not immediately made clear when the two locations would close.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections, the BJP candidate for the Alappuzha constituency, C Krishnakumar, claimed that Prime Minister Modi's upcoming visit to the state will provide a significant boost to the party's campaign. The BJP Candidate further declared that the BJP workers are very enthusiastic about PM Modi's visit to Kerala. "Definitely, the arrival of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will create a very big boom in our election campaigning. The workers are very enthusiastic," said Krishnakumar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Palakkad tomorrow, where he will address a major public gathering at the Palakkad Kota Maidanam. In a post on X, BJP4Kerala stated that Prime Minister Modi's visit to the town will herald a new era of growth for the state. "Palakkad is all set to welcome the architect of New India! On March 29, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive to transform the vision of '#VikasitaPalakkad' into reality. This historic visit "#MattathinteKaattuModikkoppam" heralds a new era of growth and global standards for Keralam. Guided by Modi's Guarantee, let us move beyond the politics of appeasement and embrace inclusive development for all," said BJP4Kerala. Earlier, Congress MP and AICC General Secretary Organisation KC Venugopal slammed the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kerala, asserting that neither party will win any seats in the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections. Speaking to ANI, Venugopal lashed out at the LDF and BJP, alleging an "unholy alliance" between the two political parties. Venugopal emphasised that the Congress and United Democratic Front (UDF) are poised for victory, with the people of Kerala seeking a change in government after a decade under Pinarayi Vijayan's leadership. "They think they can win one or two -three seats but it's not going to happen that can be a dream for them winning a seat in Kerela Assembly, they are not going to open a Account in Kerala Assembly Elections even though they are trying hard with the unholy alliance of CPM and BJP because People of Kerala are not going to accept it, thier Chief Ministers are Coming They have money Power but Kerala is a different state," he said. Kerala legislative assembly elections will be held in a single phase on April 9, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4. The tenure of the current assembly is set to conclude on May 23. (ANI)
Why your dog suddenly refuses to move in the middle of a walk

George is not budging. A neighbor has stopped by to let him outside, but he refuses to move. We wont go so far as to call George stubborn, but he is never going to get off this couch. Ever.

This golden retriever gets it  hes at the beach and sees no reason to leave, so hes not moving either.

And when this beagle plopped down and refused to finish her hike, she got her own personal Uber.

Every pet parent has experienced it: Youre having a perfectly lovely time, then suddenly your dog just  stops. If you have a five-pound Yorkie, its easy enough to scoop them up. But when you live with a great Dane, youve got to get to the bottom of things.

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Kinship spoke to three experts to answer the question: Why do some dogs just absolutely refuse to move?

Is it normal for dogs to go stiff as stone and insist on staying put?

This behavior is not uncommon, explains Dr. Andrew Findlaytor, a veterinarian and editorial advisory board member at dvm360, who regularly sees clients who are reluctant to get going. I have seen them sit and refuse to walk, even lie down and play dead when they didn't want to walk any further, he says.

Tatiana Yastremski, a certified trainer and behavior consultant, knows the feeling: Shes seen many dogs put on the brakes. One day, she was out walking with her own pup, Mena, when Mena suddenly stopped just as they entered the park.

Its a place shes been to many times before, but for some reason on that day, the moment she stepped paws in the park, she quickly turned around and started to pull me back home, says Yastremski, who works with dogs at St. Huberts Dog Training and Behavior Center in Madison, New Jersey.

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While it was unusual, shes hesitant to call Mena or any dog stubborn when they get stuck. In fact, any time pet parents start to call their dogs stubborn, Yastremski suggests they reassess the situation. In fact, she says, it may be totally normal for your dog to suddenly freeze  and its a sign you need to pay attention to the reason why this is happening.

There are times that I hear from dog parents that their dogs doing x, y, and z is because they are stubborn, she says. Listen up, dog parents: Your dogs are not stubborn.

In fact, they may be trying to communicate something. Learning dog body language and knowing your dog is super important, as these two things could help you better understand the reason behind your dog becoming stuck, she says.

Why do dogs refuse to budge?

If youve seen this viral video of the golden retriever who was having a very fine day and did not understand why he had to get back in the car  and therefore decided to lie down in the middle of a parking lot  you might have a sense of why some dogs plant themselves and refuse to budge.

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But its not always so clear-cut.

It is difficult to know what is going on in a dogs head without understanding their previous learning experiences and what was going on in the environment right before these behaviors started, says Dr. Kristin Kuntz, a board certified veterinary behaviorist at Insight Animal Behavior Services in Chicago.

However, Dr. Kuntz notes that there are a few common reasons dogs might be reluctant to move:

They are highly motivated to stay put (they think they will get more attention or theyre just comfortable).

Theyre frightened of something in their environment (a loud noise, fast-moving vehicles, or other animals or people).

Theyre in pain or have another form of discomfort (think an injury or arthritis).

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Yastremski agrees: They could be tired, not feel well, they could have possibly stepped on something and hurt their paw, they may be older and dont want to walk too far, or they perceive something stressful or threatening, she says.

How can you best decode your pups mood?

Dr. Kuntz says that dogs who are annoyed, bored, stressed, or uncomfortable will use their body language to communicate.

For example, panting or limping may be signs of pain. Tucking their tail, licking their lips, or avoiding eye contact may mean theyre frightened by something. Study up on dog body language to get an idea of what your pup is trying to say.

The dog may be communicating fear, stress, discomfort, and/or frustration, Yastremski says. Its important for pet parents to understand what the purpose of the behaviors is, especially if those behaviors never existed before.

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But if the reason is murky  or its just new behavior  its best to pay a visit to your veterinarian to decode whats going on. From there, you can work on a plan to help your pup feel better. It is important to understand the why behind the lack of movement, Dr. Kuntz says. If the dog is [in pain], then activity restriction, pain management, and any other indicated treatment should be pursued.

And if its a trigger thats frightening your dog, that can also be managed. Then the pet parent should work with their veterinarian and a positive-reinforcement trainer to create a treatment plan to help the dog become more confident around the scary trigger, Dr. Kuntz notes.

How can you ask your dog to move (in the nicest way possible)?

But sometimes, its fairly clear that our dogs are just having an amazing time  and dont want to miss out. So, how do you convince them to go home?

As for what we can do about it, our dogs are clever, Dr. Findlaytor says. If you know that your dog is frustrated about leaving the park  even though its been two hours  its OK to humor them a little. Getting frustrated isn't the solution, although sometimes laughing is absolutely the solution, he says.

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But eventually everyone must leave the party  what then? You should be thinking about this before it even happens. Good training ahead of time can help you in that moment.

Figure out what motivates your dog, advises Dr. Kuntz, noting that it could be food, pets, or praise. Use that as a reward for performing the desired behavior, she says. For example, when the dog is walking next to their pet parent, it is important for the pet parent to reward that good behavior.

Then, when you do get stuck, use those motivators to encourage your dog.

Yastremski suggests:

Encouraging your dog verbally using a happy and excited voice

Using treats to lure them forward

Trying to get them to do tricks they already know

Seeing if theyll follow a dog whos already walking ahead

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As for Yastremski, when her dog Mena refused to move in the park that day, she encouraged her with kind words and treats, but Mena wouldnt move an inch.

So, Yastremski carefully read Menas cues: Her ears were back and pretty much plastered to her head, which can be a sign of worry and caution, she says. She was moving very quickly and kept turning around repeatedly to check in with me. The pupils in her eyes were mildly dilated. All I could think of is that she was perceiving a threat.

Yastremski realized that there was a good reason Mena had decided not to take her usual route. She could have picked up the scent of a wild animal passing through, and since there are bears and coyotes where I live, there was a high probability of that, she says. Once we entered our neighborhood, Mena was back to her old self again, walking calmly, sniffing, and checking in with me while at my side.

This story was produced by Kinship and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
The pyramids in Egypt have long been a fixation for conspiracy theorists, who like to claim they were constructed by ancient astronauts that visited the Earth thousands of years ago to construct the epic monuments.

So it shouldnt come to much surprise that a pyramid-like shape on the surface of Mars is whipping the alien truther community into a frenzy.

In a post, self-proclaimed Mars disclosure journalist Brian Dobbs showed off what appears to be a fairly symmetrical three-sided pyramid the size of the Great Pyramid in Egypt.

On Mars, there is a three-sided pyramid the size of the Great Pyramid in Egypt.



Discovered by Keith Laney. pic.twitter.com/TyDG4cHVRQ  Brian Cory Dobbs (@BrianCoryDobbs) March 16, 2026

The subject quickly drew the attention of tabloids, which published stories about mysterious and bizarre pyramids sparking alien civilization theories and purportedly bewildering scientists.

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Dobbs pointed to satellite images taken by NASAs Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft in 2001. The sight is certainly striking, a major geological feature jutting out in the landscape with three even ridges connecting in a sharp peak. Its located in the Candor Chasma, one of the largest canyons in Valles Marineris, the largest canyon system in the entire solar system.

However, thats where the resemblance to the Great Pyramids ends. For one thing, the actual pyramids in Egypt have four sides  or technically eight  but certainly not three.

Researchers have since thrown cold water on the conspiracists eyebrow-raising conclusions, arguing that the mound is nothing particularly unusual when considering the surrounding canyon system.

Nothing to me screams anything close to alien civilization here when I see that, Mars Institute chairman and SETI Institute planetary scientist Pascal Lee told NewsNation last week. This is not an alien archeological site.

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Instead, Lee argued that the pyramid was likely shaped by wind.

If you look more closely, there are rock layers that are very typical of the rock layers in this region that are sticking out of one side of this hill, he told NewsNation.

One doesnt have to go as far as Mars to discover pyramids in nature, as there are plenty of seemingly natural pyramidal formations found on Earth as well. For instance, the Cerro Tusa mountain in Colombia reaches out 1,500 feet above the surrounding terrain in a strikingly pyramidal shape.

As one skeptical reader quickly pointed out to Dobbs on X, there are also the natural pyramids found in Chinas Guizhou Province, a series of striking pyramid-like mountains and hills.

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A massive natural and snow-covered pyramid in Antarctica, which features four equal sides, also sparked alien conspiracy theories last year.

Satellite imagery of the surface of Mars has revealed plenty of other fantastical formations that have allowed imaginations to run wild, from the strange and spiderweb-like formations currently being explored by NASAs Mars Curiosity rover to a plateau that looks like a face and what many claimed to be a doorway cut into the side of a cliff.

In short, while researchers still have plenty to learn about how wind, water, and possibly seismic activity shaped the rugged landscapes like the Candor Chasma canyon, its pretty safe to assume that the three-sided pyramid wasnt the product of an ancient alien civilization.

More on pyramids: Scientists Detect Anomaly Underground Near Great Pyramid
A man in his 30s was critically injured after an early morning stabbing on the citys south side, according to the San Antonio Police Department.

Police said officers were dispatched just before 4 a.m. Saturday to a home in the 700 block of Peabody Avenue.

According to SAPD, the stabbing occurred during an altercation inside the residence between the victim and his girlfriend. Police said the woman stabbed the man multiple times before fleeing the scene on foot.

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About 40 minutes later, police said the woman returned to the location and turned herself in to officers. She was detained at the scene.

The victim was transported to a hospital in critical condition with multiple stab wounds, according to police.

This is a developing story.
HOLLY SPRINGS, Miss.  The mother of three who was brutally attacked by dogs in Mississippi earlier this month died while in the hospital on Friday morning, according to the police department and the coroners office.

On March 3, Lakesha Newsom was attacked by dogs while walking on Highway 178 in Holly Springs, Mississippi. Due to the severity of her injuries, she had to have an arm and a leg amputated while in the hospital.

Newsom had been fighting for her life at Regional One Health in Memphis for three weeks. Her mother says that they were trying to make her comfortable.

35-year-old LaKesha Renea Newsom before the attack (Courtesy: Myesha Martin) Lakesha Newsom after amputation of arm and leg (Rosie Young) Lakesha Newsom after amputation of arm and leg (Rosie Young)

Sandra Harris, 54, the owner of the dogs, has been charged with aggravated assault, manifesting extreme indifference to Human Life.

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MS dog attack victim loses limbs, family seeks justice

Rosie Young says hearing the news her daughter died shocked the entire family.

Were still trying to find the words to process this, she said.

Newsoms family says the dogs are still alive and have not been put down.

To have these dogs still alive how fair is that? asked Rosie Young, Newsoms mother. Why are they keeping these dogs from being put down? We lost Kesha.

Family says last time they saw Newsom she was in good spirits, talking and laughing with the family. But after receiving the news of her death, they want to know whats next from city and county leaders.

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Through tears of pain and confusion, Lakeshas mother, who has been by her daughters bedside since it happened, says it brings her peace knowing her daughter is no longer in pain, but through the grief and staying strong for her grandchildren, there are questions that linger.

First time seeing myself Dog attack victim seeks justice

Before she died, Lakesha Newsom was able to speak with WREG.

This my first time seeing myself. Im in a lot of pain, she said.

Newsom recalled, At one point they did stop attacking me, I guess they thought I was dead.  And I was trying to land back on my feet, trying to get away from them, and once they noticed that, thats when they started back attacking me again.

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That attack left the 35-year-old at Regional One for weeks. Her arm and leg were amputated.

They took chunks and chunks of meat, buttock, they took chunks out of my daughter to where you could see the bone, Young said. God is still good and still in control, and thats all we have. It was hard to deliver that news and theyre still taking it pretty hard, but thats all we could do.

Mom wants dogs put down after daughter loses arm and leg in mauling

Trying to fight back tears, the family says their frustration lies with the police chief and other leaders not taking the proper steps to bring the family closure.

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According to the Holly Springs Police Department, they have called the District Attorneys office to see if the charges will be upgraded; we are waiting to hear back.

According to the criminal affidavit, Harris is accused of purposely, knowingly, and feloniously causing serious bodily injury to the victim, Newsom, by negligently allowing her dogs to run at large, resulting in the dogs mauling and causing severe bodily injuries to Newsom, against the peace and dignity of the state of Mississippi.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
CAIRO, March 28 (Reuters) - Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis confirmed on Saturday that they had launched an attack on Israel for the first time during the current Israeli-U.S. war against Iran, marking their entry to the conflict and raising the prospects of a broader regional confrontation.

Israel earlier said it was working to intercept a missile from Yemen.

The group said the attack with a barrage of missiles came after continued targeting of infrastructure in Iran, Lebanon, Iraq and the Palestinian territories, adding that their operations would continue until the "aggression" on all fronts ends.

(Reporting by Jaidaa Taha and Ahmed Tolba; Editing by Jan Harvey)
By Menna AlaaElDin, Nayera Abdallah and Humeyra Pamuk

CAIRO/DUBAI, March 28 (Reuters) - The risk of an expanded Iran war grew on Saturday as Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis launched their first attacks on Israel since the start of the conflict, even as additional U.S. forces reached the Middle East.

Speaking before the strike, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States expected to conclude military operations within weeks, although a new deployment of U.S. Marines started arriving in the region. The Houthis said they would continue their operations until the "aggression" on all fronts ended.

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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian spoke to Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose government hosts a meeting with the Turkish and Saudi foreign ministers on Sunday to seek to ease regional tensions.

But there is no sign of an immediate diplomatic breakthrough and the war, launched with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, has spread across the Middle East, killing thousands and hitting the world economy with the biggest-ever disruption to global energy supplies.

On Saturday, Israel said it had carried out a wave of attacks on Tehran, targeting what the military said were infrastructure sites belonging to Iran's government.

LEBANESE JOURNALISTS, RESCUE WORKERS HIT

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It also hit targets in Lebanon, where it has resumed its war against Iran-backed Hezbollah, killing three Lebanese journalists in a strike on a media vehicle, Lebanon's Al Manar TV reported, as well as a Lebanese soldier. A followup strike on the rescue workers sent to assist them also caused fatalities.

Israel's military said it had targeted one of the journalists, whom it called a "terrorist", accusing him of being part of a Hezbollah intelligence unit, and saying he had reported on locations of Israeli soldiers.

Iran kept up attacks on Israel and several Gulf states after hitting an air base in Saudi Arabia on Friday and wounding 12 U.S. military personnel, two of them seriously, in one of the most serious breaches of U.S. air defences so far.

Washington has dispatched two contingents of thousands of Marines to the Middle East, the first of which arrived on Friday on an amphibious assault ship, the U.S. military said on Saturday.

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The U.S. could achieve its aims without ground troops, Rubio said on Friday, but acknowledged it was deploying some to the region so Trump would have "maximum" flexibility to adjust strategy as needed.

The Pentagon is also expected to deploy thousands of soldiers from its 82nd Airborne Division.

HOUTHIS CAN STRIKE TARGETS FAR FROM YEMEN

Israel, which regularly faced missile attacks from the Houthis before the war, confirmed a missile had been fired at it from Yemen. There were no reports of casualties or damage.

The attack pointed to a potential new threat to global shipping, already hit by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the conduit for about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.

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Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree later said the group carried out a second attack on Israel in less than 24 hours using missiles and drones, and vowed to continue military operations in the coming days.

The Houthis have shown an ability to strike targets far beyond Yemen and disrupt shipping lanes around the Arabian Peninsula and the Red Sea, as they did in support of Hamas in the Gaza war.

On Friday, they said they were prepared to act if what they called an escalation against Iran and the "Axis of Resistance" continued in the war.

If the Houthis open a new front in the conflict, one target could be the Bab al-Mandab Strait off the coast of Yemen, a chokepoint for sea traffic towards the Suez Canal.

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With midterm elections due in November, the increasingly unpopular war has weighed on President Donald Trump's Republican Party and he has appeared eager to end it soon, while also threatening escalation.

Demonstrators took to city streets across the U.S. on Saturday in anti-Trump rallies described by organizers as a call to action against the war on Iran.

MORE STRIKES WHILE TRUMP SPEAKS OF NEGOTIATIONS

Financial markets have reacted with alarm to signs the war may drag on. The Brent crude oil benchmark is up more than 50% since the war began.

Trump has threatened to hit Iranian power stations and other energy infrastructure if Iran does not open the Strait of Hormuz. But he has extended a deadline he had imposed for this week, giving Iran another 10 days to respond.

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Iranian threats to attack ships in the strait have kept most oil tankers from attempting the waterway. A few vessels have traversed the strait without issue, including ships under the flags of Pakistan and India, after Iranian assurances of safe passage.

Iran has agreed to allow an additional 20 Pakistani-flagged vessels to pass through the strait, with two ships permitted to transit daily, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said.

Israel has targeted Iran's nuclear infrastructure, and the head of Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom, which has evacuated staff from the Bushehr nuclear power plant on the Gulf coast, said the attacks threatened nuclear safety.

Pezeshkian said Iran would "retaliate strongly if our infrastructure or economic centers are targeted".

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Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey have relayed messages between the warring sides although Tehran has said it has not been negotiating with Washington. Two people familiar with the back-channel efforts expressed doubt that direct talks would happen soon.

Iranian attacks were reported in multiple areas across the Gulf, including Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Oman. An Iranian airstrike hit the Israeli village of Eshtaol, near Jerusalem. Seven people were hospitalized, Israels ambulance service said.

In Iran, media said at least five people were killed in a U.S.-Israeli attack on a residential unit in the northwestern city of Zanjan and in Tehran, the Iran University of Science and Technology was struck.

(Reporting by Reuters bureaux; Writing by Lincoln Feast and James Mackenzie; Editing by William Mallard, Edwina Gibbs, Keith Weir, Timothy Heritage, Sergio Non, Rod Nickel)
Congress leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir on Saturday said that the party will release its list of candidates for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections today, after the party's Central Election Committee (CEC) deliberated on the candidates. Speaking after a key CEC meeting held in Delhi to finalise candidates, Mir said the Congress is fully prepared to contest all 294 seats in the state independently. "The list will be released today," he said, emphasising that the selection process was carried out after extensive consultations and screening. "Elections have already begun in five places, including West Bengal, where polling will be held in two phases. The Congress Party has already decided that we will field our candidates in all 294 seats and contest the elections independently," Mir stated. He added that the party had received around 2,500 applications for the 294 constituencies. "Around 2500 applications had come in for the 294 seats... After screening, a meeting of the CEC took place today at the highest forum where this was discussed... As per the wishes of our workers and the people, our candidates will contest on all 294 seats, and we will participate in the West Bengal elections with full strength," he said. The announcement comes as political activity intensifies ahead of the Assembly polls, scheduled to be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting of votes on May 4. Meanwhile, the political atmosphere in West Bengal remains charged following recent clashes during Ram Navami celebrations in Murshidabad's Raghunathganj area. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused transferred police officials of instigating unrest, while asserting that her government has been unfairly blamed. Security has been tightened in the affected areas, with additional forces deployed and investigations underway to identify those involved in the violence. Authorities have said strict action will be taken against the culprits as normalcy gradually returns. (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday slammed Mamata Banerjee over her statement about the clash in Raghunathganj on Ram Navami, and said the Chief Minister must answer on the concrete issues as she gains sympathy by playing the victim card. Earlier, West Bengal Chief Minister Banerjee asked the Opposition "not to blame her" for the clash in Raghunathganj area in Murshidabad during the Ram Navami procession on Friday, stating that the Election Commission had snatched her "rights" by transferring the police officers. Responding to ANI's question on Banerjee's statement, Shah said that Mamata Banerjee is playing the victim card. "The Election Commission intervenes with the transfer posting of the officers whose record is doubtful, and this happens across India. But Mamata Banerjee thinks that she can gain sympathy by playing the victim card, but she is wrong, and she must answer on the concrete issues... In all the states where BJP is in power, we have brought them out of the worst law and order situation. West Bengal's public can trust us... We will maintain our track record of taking the states toward good governance," said Shah Addressing a public rally in Paschim Bardhaman, Banerjee blamed the Election Commission, and accused the BJP of instigating riots. She said, "Do not blame me. All my rights have been snatched away. All officers have been transferred. BJP's people have been sent here. But they do not know that it is we who will win. Riots were instigated in Raghunathganj. They (BJP) should be ashamed. They (officers) have been transferred here so that they (BJP people) can instigate riots. Shops were vandalised in Raghunathganj. Who gave you the right to vandalise someone's house? Who gave you the right to instigate riots in Raghunathganj? All of this will be accounted for." A clash erupted in Raghunathganj, Murshidabad, at three separate locations, between two communities, during a Ram Navami procession. Shops and establishments were looted and set on fire, and several people also sustained injuries. Meanwhile, polling for the West Bengal Assembly elections will be conducted in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting of votes on May 4. (ANI)
Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, VD Satheesan, slammed the ruling LDF government led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan over the Sabarimala gold theft case, alleging that the Kerala government is providing full protection to the accused. The Kerala Assembly LoP claimed that LDF leaders were involved in the theft of Swami Ayyappa's gold. He further claimed that the accused were able to secure bail only because the charge sheet was not filed on time. "Why is the party (CPIM) not taking action against the accused in the Sabarimala gold smuggling case? It has been found that party leaders stole even Ayyappa's gold. The accused were able to come out only because the charge sheet was not filed. For whom is the CPM protecting them? A major accused is still a District Committee member of CPIM. Is the party afraid that the names of Ministers will be revealed? The government and the party are providing full protection to the accused; the Chief Minister must answer..." said Satheesan. Satheesan's remarks regarding the Sabarimala gold theft case came ahead of the Kerala Assembly election. With elections around the corner, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, while giving a clarion call for the United Democratic Front's (UDF) campaign for the polls, targeted the Left Democratic Front (LDF) over the Sabrimala gold theft case, saying that the Left has "not even spared God." Addressing a public rally in Kozhikode on March 25, Kharge said, "The LDF government did not even spare God. They stole gold from the Sabarimala temple. What can one expect from such a government and such a party? This government has completely failed to arrest people, and the CM is not caring that the Sabarimala gold has been stolen. They should be punished. Instead of punishing, he is giving them a chance to come out of jail," said the Congress leader. Earlier on March 4, the Kollam Vigilance Court granted bail to Former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) President A Padmakumar in the Sabrimala Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) sculptures theft case. Additionally, in January, the Kollam Vigilance Court granted statutory bail to former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) administrative officer Murari Babu. The court granted bail after 90 days had elapsed since his arrest, and the Special Investigation Team (SIT) failed to file charge sheets within the stipulated period. Murari Babu was the second accused in the case concerning the alleged loss of gold from the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idol plates, and the sixth accused in the case related to the alleged loss of gold from the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) doorframes. Unnikrishnan Potti, a former helper and the sponsor of gold-plating works at the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple, was also granted bail in the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols case. He was the main accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case. Meanwhile, the Sabarimala gold theft controversy traces its origins to a 1998 donation by industrialist Vijay Mallya, who gifted 30.3 kilograms of gold and 1,900 kilograms of copper for the temple's gold plating and cladding work. Subsequent inspections and court-monitored inquiries revealed discrepancies between the donated quantity and the amount actually used. These discrepancies allegedly occurred in 2019 under the pretext of refinishing and re-gold-plating the temple structures. (ANI)
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale asserted that India is not merely a military state but a "civilizational nation" rooted in culture and spirituality, even as he reflected on ongoing global conflicts, stressing the need for a value-based global outlook. Hosabale made the comments while speaking as the keynote speaker at a programme organised by the Panchnad Research Institute at the NITTTR Auditorium, Sector-26. The lecture, themed "Indian Discourse in a Global Perspective," focused on examining India's ideological framework and its relevance in the contemporary global context, according to an official statement. Addressing the gathering on Friday, Hosabale said, "India is not merely a military state; it is a civilizational nation - a country deeply rooted in culture and inspired by spirituality. Our endeavour is to establish and affirm this identity on the global stage." He emphasised that such an effort must begin within the country itself, at both societal and familial levels. Reflecting on global conflicts, he noted that while war narratives may appear romantic, the reality is far from it. "The story of war may sound romantic, but witnessing its reality is never pleasant. It is also a phenomenon observed in today's world that the very entity that initiates a war is often the one that subsequently speaks of bringing it to an end," he remarked. Hosabale also highlighted the enduring relevance of Indian epics, particularly the Ramayana, stating that the world can learn from its emphasis on purity of thought and conduct. "The entire world can learn the virtues of purity of thought and purity of conduct from the Ramayana. The essence of Dharma (righteousness) does not reside merely within books; rather, it is manifested through one's conduct. It is intrinsically embedded within India's culture and civilisation," he said. Despite possessing immense strength, India has never, at any point in history, launched an invasion against another nation. He further underlined that despite its historical strength, India has never pursued an expansionist agenda. "Despite possessing immense strength, India has never, at any point in history, launched an invasion against another nation," he added, stressing the country's commitment to ethical and value-based traditions. The event was presided over by Jagbir Singh, Chancellor of the Central University of Punjab, while Braj Kishore Kuthiyala, President of the Panchnad Research Institute, was also present. (ANI)
With just two weeks left for the Kerala Assembly elections, Palakkad is set to witness three rivals, the United Democratic Front (UDF), Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) converge in the city with Congress leader Shashi Tharoor saying on Saturday that he is 'happy to welcome' Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan despite all three of them being in different constituencences for their programs. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Kerala on Sunday, noting that multiple political leaders, including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and he himself, will be present in Palakkad, albeit in different constituencies, as campaigning intensifies ahead of the Assembly elections. Speaking to ANI, Tharoor said on Saturday, "I'm also in Palakkad, but not in the same district, not in the same constituency. In fact, the Chief Minister is also going to be in Palakkad. So we are all three converging in Palakkad tomorrow, but in different parts of Palakkad. It's important, frankly, that everyone gets their message across." Extending a cordial welcome, Tharoor said, "I am happy to welcome the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister, everybody else." He reiterated that the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is focused on delivering a message of change and future-oriented governance. "Our message is one of change, hope, and thinking about the future. One of our slogans is 'Think tomorrow, vote UDF,'" he said. Highlighting the campaign momentum, Tharoor expressed optimism about the UDF's prospects in the April 9 polls. "Look at the phenomenal energy and positive messaging we are receiving wherever we go. This is the 24th candidate I've campaigned for, and everywhere I see encouraging signs. The wave for the UDF is gathering momentum, and we are going to be winning," he asserted. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met Congress MP from Kannur, K Sudhakaran, and his family on Saturday, along with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and MP K.C. Venugopal, ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections scheduled for April 9. In a post shared on X, Rahul Gandhi praised K. Sudhakaran for his longstanding dedication to the people of Kerala, stating, "K. Sudhakaran ji has spent a lifetime fighting for the people of Kerala - through every storm, every challenge, every test. He has the strength and loyalty of a true Congress soldier." Kerala will go to the polls on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4. (ANI)
The Gwalior Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court has stayed the suspension of a government primary school teacher who allegedly posted an offending video on social media discussing the LPG shortage. A single bench of Justice Ashish Shroti further directed the District Education Officer (DEO) to take a decision based on relevant facts, noting that the suspension order was passed in haste and allegedly under the "dictates" of an MLA. The case pertains to a primary teacher posted at Government Primary School in Shivpuri district, who was suspended after allegedly posting a video on his social media on March 12 discussing the shortage of LPG. Following which, he was placed under suspension for posting an "objectionable" video with an intent to cause "disturbance" in society, thereby "damaging" the image of the department. Challenging the order, counsel for the petitioner argued that the video does not contain any objectionable material which could cause disturbance in society, but merely stated about the shortage of LPG due to the Israel-Iran war. Thecounsel further argued that the entire action has been taken at the dictates of an MLA from the constituency. The MLA wrote a letter to DEO, and immediately, the order of suspension was passed. Hearing the matter, the court stated, "...it is seen that on March 12, at about 6 PM, the alleged offending video was uploaded by the petitioner. On March 13, respondent no.4 (MLA from the constituency) wrote a letter to respondent no 3 (DEO) seeking action against the petitioner, alleging that in the video the petitioner had mimicked a popular political leader. On the very same day, the impugned order came to be passed. It is thus evident that respondent no.3 did not consider the justifiability or desirability of placing the petitioner under suspension. Also, the impugned order does not contemplate any inquiry." The court further added that the respondent no 3 failed to consider the instructions issued by the Government vide circular, wherein it is provided that a Government servant should be placed under suspension only when a major penalty is likely to be imposed. "Thus, the impugned order is found to have been passed in haste, allegedly under the dictates of respondent no.4, and in a routine manner. Therefore, respondent no.3 is required to reconsider the matter by applying his mind to the facts and circumstances of the case. Accordingly, instead of keeping the matter pending, it is remitted to respondent no.3 for reconsideration and for passing a fresh order," the court said. "Prima facie, the impugned order dated March 13, is found to have been passed without consideration of relevant circumstances, its operation shall remain stayed, till passing of a fresh order by respondent no 3," the court added. (ANI)
Ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday released the BJP's "chargesheet" against the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in Kolkata, calling the upcoming polls a decisive choice between "fear and trust." The move triggered sharp reactions from TMC leaders, who countered with their own "chargesheet", escalating the political confrontation in the poll-bound state. Addressing a press conference alongside Leader of Opposition Suvende Adhikari and BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya, Shah alleged that West Bengal under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has witnessed 15 years of "fear, corruption and violence." He said, "In the coming elections, Bengal has to choose between fear and trust. For the last 15 years, the politics of fear and corruption have been going on. Mamata Banerjee has created a new way of politics by using lies and violence to move her politics forward." Calling the document a "people's chargesheet," Shah added, "This chargesheet is a compilation of the dark deeds of the TMC government over 15 years. The basis of TMC coming to power is lies, fear and violence. Since 2011, BJP has been fighting against this, and I believe this time BJP will form the government in Bengal." He also flagged issues of infiltration and national security, stating, "This election in Bengal is also very important for national security... Now only one route remains from where infiltrators enter the entire country, and that is Bengal." Shah praised Adhikari's outreach, saying he had taken issues of "disorder, anarchy, economic distress and infiltration" to the people. The BJP leader further accused the TMC of failing to deliver on its promise of "Sonar Bangla," alleging that the state had become "a laboratory for corruption" and "a graveyard for industry." In response, TMC leaders launched a blistering counterattack. TMC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee said, "Today, a tainted "tadipar" jailbird flew into Bengal to present a chargesheet against the state, essentially branding every Bengali as criminal. As if repeatedly calling Bengalis "ghuspaithya" and our language "Bangladeshi" wasn't enough. Just wait till 4th May. On that day, the real chargesheet will be presented, not by any Bohiragoto, but by the people of Bengal themselves." "A chargesheet against the Bangla-Birodhi Delhi Zamindars. A chargesheet against the deliberate withholding of Bengal's rightful funds. A chargesheet against the insult of Bengal's luminaries. A chargesheet against the skyrocketing prices of essential commodities. A chargesheet against their criminal conspiracy to disenfranchise Bengal's voters through SIR. A chargesheet against the communal poison they are trying to inject into Bengal's veins," Banerjee said. Calling the elections results the ultimate chargesheet Banerjee said, "A chargesheet against years of NEGLECT, DISCRIMINATION, DIVISION, DEPRIVATION and HUMILIATION inflicted on our Maa, Mati, Manush. The massive outpouring of love, warmth and affection I witnessed in Labpur, Birbhum has filled me with confidence. I call upon the people of Labpur to vote for Shri Abhijit Sinha (Rana), and send a message that Bengal does not accept chargesheets from outsiders. Bengal issues them. And on 4th May, Bengal will present the mother of all chargesheets against BJP." TMC MP Mahua Moitra accused Shah of insulting Bengalis, saying, "You have declared every Bengali as a criminal... first you insult us, then you deprive us, then you criminalise us, and then you harass us." She also questioned the functioning of central agencies, alleging, "The ED has filed nearly 6,000 cases, 98% against opposition leaders... conviction rate is just 0.42%." "Bengalis are a very proud race. We led the war for independence against the British. Who were the Gujaratis?... 68% of the names of the people who were killed and incarcerated in Kala Pani were Bengalis, followed by Punjabis. Can you name me one Gujarati who was there, apart from your big hero, Veer Savarkar, who only wanted to sit and write apology letters? Please let us know," Moitra remarked. Senior TMC leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay expressed confidence in the Party's prospects, stating, "The position that Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress have from the last three years, they will retain the first position again." Furthermore, the TMC accused the BJP of targeting Bengal itself, stating that the party "labels every Bengali as 'Bangladeshi' or 'Ghuspaithiya'" and is "withholding Bengal's rightful dues." "@BJP4India does not merely oppose Bengal's elected government. It opposes Bengal itself. Every Bengali, in the eyes of this party, is a suspect, labelled "Bangladeshi" or "Ghuspaithiya" to strip an entire people of their dignity and belonging. Bengali migrant workers are attacked in BJP-ruled states for no crime other than speaking their mother tongue. Bengal's rightful financial dues are systematically withheld, starving the state's development to settle political scores. And now @AmitShah arrives in Bengal with a "chargesheet", a man once jailed, once branded a "tadipar" by the courts, standing in moral judgement of an entire state. Is this the party that dares to speak of law, order, and the dignity of Bengal?" the party wrote on X. On the other hand, BJP leaders defended the chargesheet. BJP MP Ghulam Ali Khatana said, "If intruders consume the resources of this country, where will the citizens of this country go? This is a very unfortunate situation. SIR, it was a very good step by the Election Commission, and this should happen... The citizens of the country have the right only over the resources of the country." Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar said the TMC's counter-chargesheet reflected "panic," adding, "If the TMC releases a chargesheet after ours, it means there is panic among them regarding the truth in our chargesheet." Majumdar also targeted Banerjee over law and order, stating, "The Election Commission has transferred almost 70 officers... Mamata Banerjee used to manage a lot of things through these officers. She is scared." He asserted that the BJP would form the next government in the state. Meanwhile, election authorities are stepping up monitoring mechanisms. Special Electoral Roll Observer Subrata Gupta said, "There will be complete webcasting in all 80,000 plus booths... each booth will be covered by one webcam inside and one outside, ensuring full transparency." The high-decibel exchange comes as West Bengal prepares for elections in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4. (ANI)
Karnataka government has constructed a massive, state-of-the-art 450-bed children's hospital at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health to provide advanced care and treatment for children, said Sharanprakash R Patil, Minister for Medical Education. Speaking after inaugurating the new hospital, Patil emphasised that a government-run super speciality hospital of this scale and capacity is a first-of-its-kind in the entire country. According to a press release, patients arriving from other states will receive the same quality of treatment here. The Minister urged the public to take full advantage of the facility, noting that 100% quality healthcare is available only in government hospitals. The institution currently operates 450 beds and annually treats approximately 1,78,000 outpatients and 21,000 inpatients, while performing around 5,000 surgeries. As per the release, the Siddaramaiah-led government is establishing medical colleges in all districts of the state. About 90% of this target has already been achieved, with only four or five districts remaining - all of which will be completed very soon, the Minister said. Patil reaffirmed the government's commitment to providing quality healthcare to all citizens by setting up super speciality hospitals, cancer hospitals, and trauma care centres in every district. On the lines of the Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, NIMHANS-model institutes and Endocrinology Centres will be established in Mysuru and Kalaburagi, said the release. A dedicated children's hospital will also be built in Kalaburagi at a cost of Rs 100 crore, modelled on the Indira Gandhi Children's Hospital, the Minister announced. Sharanprakash Patil stated that tertiary care treatment is available only in government hospitals and nowhere else, and that "Universal Health Care for All" is the guiding mission of the government. The state has the largest number of medical seats and colleges, along with 800 nursing colleges, he added. Patil also felicitated Dr KS Sanjay, Director of the Institute, on stage, as he retires at the end of this month after years of dedicated service. The event was attended by legislators Uday Garudachar and TA Saravana, Additional Chief Secretary Mohammed Mohsin, Director Dr BL Sujatha Rathod, Dr KS Sanjay, and several other officials. (ANI)
Speaking to reporters, Balangir Additional Superintendent of Police Himanshu Bhushan Behera stated that the relevant gun had been seized and disciplinary action had been taken against the Personal Security Officer involved in the incident.

"We have started an investigation in the Titilagarh case. A case has been registered. And the investigation is going on involving all the said persons. We have seized the relevant gun. Disciplinary action has been taken against the entire PSO. And we will provide all the information after further investigation," he said.

The incident took place earlier in the day at a public event. Further details are awaited as the investigation continues.

In a separate incident on Friday, Chandigarh Police, along with the Anti-Gangster Task Force, Punjab, and Punjab Police, apprehended the main accused in the recent firing incident at Panjab University in a joint operation from Fatehgarh Sahib.

The accused has been identified as Jaspreet Singh, also known as Jass Panaich, a resident of Village Kheri Noudh Singh in Khamano tehsil of Fatehgarh Sahib district.

He is alleged to have been involved in the firing incident targeting a student leader of SOPU at Panjab University on March 17.

Police said the accused was traced to Village Nurpur under Amloh Police Station in the Fatehgarh Sahib district during the joint operation. When police teams moved in to arrest him, the suspect allegedly opened fire on the police party.

In retaliatory firing by the police, the accused sustained injuries and was immediately shifted to a hospital for treatment.

During the operation, police recovered a .32 bore pistol, two live cartridges, four empty cartridges, and a Hyundai Creta.

Police said further investigation into the case is underway. (ANI)
Sharjeel Imam, an accused in the "larger conspiracy" case related to the Delhi riots of 2020, attended his younger brother, Muzzammil Imam's wedding on Saturday, for which a Delhi court granted him a 10-day interim bail. Sharjeel had reached his ancestral village, Kako, last week after six years to attend his younger brother's wedding and spend time with his ailing mother. Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai of the Karkardooma Court on March 9 allowed Imam to be released on interim bail from March 20 to March 30, 2026, upon furnishing a personal bond of Rs 50,000 along with two sureties of the like amount, subject to certain conditions. The court directed that during the interim bail period, Imam shall not contact any witness or person connected with the case, shall provide his mobile number to the investigating officer and keep it active, and shall not interact with the media or use social media. He has also been directed to meet only family members and remain at his residence or the venues of the marriage ceremonies. The court further directed that after the expiry of the interim bail period, Imam must surrender before the jail superintendent on the evening of March 30, and a compliance report shall be submitted to the court. Sharjeel, who describes himself as a "political prisoner and student activist", has remained in continuous judicial custody for nearly six years and has never been released on bail, even temporarily, before today. He was pursuing a PhD at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) at the time of his arrest. Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid, and 16 others were arrested in January 2020 under the stringent provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in the Delhi riots case. The riots that erupted in northeast Delhi in February 2020 left over 50 people dead and more than 700 injured. According to the Delhi Police, the riots were the result of a "pre-planned and well-designed" conspiracy in the background of protests against the then-proposed Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC). (ANI)
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasised that China and India share far more common interests than differences as he met with outgoing Indian Ambassador to China Pradeep Kumar Rawat in Beijing. During their meeting on Thursday, both sides highlighted the commitment to strengthening bilateral ties amid a shifting global landscape. According to a statement issued by the Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs, in remarks during the farewell call, Wang commended Rawat's efforts and contributions to the development of China-India relations during his tenure. He noted that under the strategic guidance of the leadership in both nations, the relationship has "embarked on the right track of improvement and development". Wang reiterated Beijing's readiness to work with New Delhi to implement key understandings reached by the two countries' leaders. Against the backdrop of a complex international environment, he said China is committed to viewing India as a development opportunity rather than a threat and as a cooperative partner rather than a competitor. "As two major neighboring countries and two major emerging economies, China and India share far more common interests than differences. Without modernization of China and India, there will be no global modernization. In the face of a changing and turbulent international landscape, China stands ready to work with India to implement the important common understandings reached by the two leaders, and stay committed to seeing each other as development opportunities rather than threats, and regarding each other as cooperative partners rather than competitors," the statement read. "The two sides need to expand mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, uphold the common interests of the Global South, strengthen multilateral coordination within mechanisms such as BRICS, and consolidate the hard-won positive momentum in China-India relations," it added. Rawat, whose term as India's ambassador to China ends this month, thanked China for its support during his tenure and said that as two ancient civilisations and major powers, both nations benefit significantly from stable and steady bilateral relations -- a foundation he described as being of global significance. Rawat reaffirmed India's willingness to enhance high-level exchanges, deepen cooperation, advance multilateral coordination and work jointly with China to uphold world peace, stability and development. Pradeep Kumar Rawat has served as India's Ambassador to China since March 2022 and is set to be succeeded by Vikram Doraiswami, who is currently serving as the Indian High Commissioner to the UK. (ANI)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently met military experts from Ukraine who have been stationed in Saudi Arabia for more than a week. The meeting focused on their work and early findings on improving air defence systems. Zelenskyy said the experts presented their first results and shared both operational and broader conclusions on strengthening protection against Iranian "Shaheds" and missile threats. "The main task of our air defence experts in this region is to identify challenges and determine what changes are needed to strengthen the protection of people and lives from Iranian 'shaheds' and missiles," Zelenskyy said in a post on X. https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/2037441018832756856?s=20 He thanked the team for their quick and detailed work, adding that their efforts have already led to concrete steps to improve defence capabilities in the region. Despite the short time available, the Ukrainian experts shared their experience and explained how Ukraine protects its citizens and critical infrastructure during ongoing attacks. Zelenskyy said Ukraine's experience in air defence has gained global attention. "Ukraine's expertise is unique, and recognized as such, and that is why everyone is so interested in our technologies and experience," he said. The discussions in Saudi Arabia focused on improving air defence systems, with special attention on countering drone threats. The talks also looked at ways to adapt Ukraine's battlefield experience to strengthen defence in other regions. Zelenskyy said Ukraine is ready to continue long-term cooperation with Saudi Arabia. "We are ready for long-term and mutually beneficial cooperation," he said, adding that he is proud of the country's people and their resilience. (ANI)
Former Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has been arrested by Nepal Police from his residence in Bhaktapur, in connection with an alleged culpable-homicide-related case linked to the alleged suppression of the September 2025 Gen Z-led anti-corruption protests. Nepali Congress leader and former home minister Ramesh Lekhak was also arrested earlier from his residence. The arrests follow a formal complaint filed by the Home Ministry, which triggered an investigation and led to the issuance of arrest warrants. According to a report in the Kathmandu Post, police officials said the action is being carried out to implement recommendations made by a commission led by former Special Court judge Gauri Bahadur Karki. The commission recommended that Oli, Lekhak and then Inspector General of Police Chandra Kuber Khapung be charged under Sections 181 and 182 of the National Penal Code for criminal negligence, with a proposed prison sentence of up to 10 years. The report also recommends action against then-home secretary Gokarna Mani Dawadi, Armed Police Force chief Raju Aryal, former head of the National Investigation Department Hutaraj Thapa, and then-chief district officer of Kathmandu Chhabi Rijal, suggesting prosecution under Section 182 of the code. It further recommends that other officials found responsible be dealt with under the respective laws governing their organisations. The report attributes the crackdown to criminal negligence and recklessness, citing failure to act on prior intelligence about possible escalation that led to multiple deaths. During the Gen Z protests in Nepal in September 2025, a total of 77 people were killed, while government and private property worth billions were destroyed. A Cabinet meeting led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Friday decided to implement the commission's report, paving the way for legal action against those named. The first Cabinet meeting also decided to form a study committee to look into matters related to security personnel, based on the recommendations of the Karki Commission. The Cabinet decided to form a separate investigation committee to examine the role of security agencies, and it will be implemented immediately in cases involving political leaders and others. The newly formed government has publicised the decisions taken at its first Cabinet meeting held on Friday.Apart from that, the first meeting of rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah also took four major decisions, including the implementation of the report of the commission formed to investigate the suppression of the Gen-Z movement. The Cabinet decided to express respect and pay tribute to all known and unknown martyrs of the Gen-Z movement on September 8 and 9, 2025, as well as to the martyrs of earlier movements. It also appointed Sasmit Pokharel, Minister for Education, Science and Technology, as the official spokesperson of the Government of Nepal. (ANI)
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense detected the presence of 13 sorties of Chinese military aircraft, seven naval vessels and two official ships operating around its territorial waters as of 6am (local time) on Saturday. Of the 13, nine crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern and eastern part ADIZ. In a post on X, MND said, "13 sorties of PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels and 2 official ships operating around Taiwan detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 9 out of 13 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern and eastern part ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/2037696171486196178?s=20 Earlier on Friday, Taiwan detected six sorties of Chinese aircraft, 10 naval vessels and two official ships around itself. Of the six, four crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern and eastern part ADIZ. In a post on X, MND said, "6 sorties of PLA aircraft, 10 PLAN vessels and 2 official ships operating around Taiwan detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 4 out of 6 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern and eastern part ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/2037334325067423745?s=20 China's claim over Taiwan is a complex issue rooted in historical, political, and legal arguments. Beijing asserts that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China, a viewpoint embedded in national policy and upheld by domestic laws and international statements. Taiwan, however, maintains a distinct identity, functioning independently with its own government, military, and economy. Taiwan's status remains a significant point of international debate, testing the principles of sovereignty, self-determination, and non-interference in international law, as per the United Service Institution of India. China's claim to Taiwan originates from the Qing Dynasty's annexation of the island in 1683 after defeating Ming loyalist Koxinga. However, Taiwan remained a peripheral region under limited Qing control. The key shift came in 1895, when the Qing ceded Taiwan to Japan after the First Sino-Japanese War, marking Taiwan as a Japanese colony for 50 years. After Japan's defeat in World War II, Taiwan was returned to Chinese control, but the sovereignty transfer was not formalised. In 1949, the Chinese Civil War resulted in the establishment of the People's Republic of China (PRC) on the mainland, while the Republic of China (ROC) retreated to Taiwan, asserting its claim to govern all of China. This led to dual sovereignty claims: the PRC over the mainland and the ROC over Taiwan. Taiwan has operated as a de facto independent state but has avoided declaring formal independence to prevent military conflict with the PRC, United Service Institution of India. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) sharply criticised NATO, calling its lack of response during the Iran conflict a "tremendous mistake" and questioning the future of US commitment to the alliance. Addressing the Future Investment Initiative Priority Summit in Florida, Trump said, "I think that NATO made a terrible mistake when they wouldn't send a small amount of military armament, when they wouldn't send just even acknowledge what we were doing for the world and taking on Iran." He added, "I never considered it very risky, but war's always risky, you know, a lot of strange things happen in war that are very bad, but I didn't consider it. I know how great we have the greatest military by far anywhere in the world. There is nobody close." Trump said he "didn't think there was a big risk" related to the conflict but admitted that there are "always surprises with war". He also reflected on the uncertain outcomes of the conflict. "War's a loss that should be won. Many wars are lost. You think a country's going to wipe somebody out, and they end up getting wiped out themselves. So it's always risky," Trump said. Reiterating his criticism, Trump said NATO's absence during the conflict could have long-term implications. "But I think a tremendous mistake was when NATO just wasn't there. They just weren't there," he said. Highlighting the financial burden on Washington, he added, "It's going to make a lot of money for the United States because we spend hundreds of billions of dollars a year on NATO, hundreds of protecting them." Trump further questioned whether the US should continue its traditional role within the alliance. "And we would've always been there for them. But now, based on their actions, I guess we don't have to be, do we?" he said. He added, "Why would we be there for them if they're not there for us? They weren't there for us." Earlier on Thursday (local time), Trump 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." (ANI)
US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor held talks with the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in France for the G7 Ministerial Meetings. In a post on X, he said, "Glad to have joined US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in France for the G7 Ministerial Meetings. Productive discussions with our allies and partners." https://x.com/USAmbIndia/status/2037728879989674141?s=20 Gor also met Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Taranjit Singh Sandhu. In a post on X, Sandhu said, "A pleasure to meet my friend, and US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor." https://x.com/SandhuTaranjitS/status/2037352894090072183?s=20 Meanwhile, the US Embassy in India on Friday shared a quote by President Trump who praised PM Modi. It said. "Our amazing relationship with India will be even stronger going forward. Prime Minister Modi and I are two people that get things done, something that cannot be said for most. - President Donald J. Trump" https://x.com/USAndIndia/status/2037368883795939763?s=20 Earlier, on March 11, US Envoy to India, Sergio Gor, congratulated Taranjit Singh Sandhu on being sworn in as Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, succeeding Vinai Kumar Saxena. Gor recalled Sandhu's stint as the former Ambassador of India to the United States, saying he has worked hard to promote US-India ties. A seasoned diplomat with over three decades of experience, Sandhu has played a key role in strengthening India-US ties, serving as India's Ambassador to the United States from 2020 to 2024. New Delhi and Washington continue with their consistent high-level interactions. Recently, US Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby concluded his visit to India, where he met with senior officials to progress on the key elements of the 2026 National Defence Strategy. His visit saw discussions aimed at advancing the framework for the India-US defence partnership. During his visit to India, Colby met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. He also co-chaired the US-India Defence Policy Group meeting with Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The discussions advanced the Framework for the India-US Major Defence Partnership that Secretary of War Pete Hegseth signed with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in October 2025. (ANI)
Spokesperson for the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, Ebrahim Rezaei, claimed on Saturday that the "life has returned to normal in Kharg" island, as quoted by Iranian state media Fars News Agency. According to the news agency, Rezaei said that the Khrag Island is in "complete security". He also said that the armed forces of Iran are in "full readiness" and any kind of "aggression" against the island will be met with a "decisive" and "irreversible" response. "Kharg Island is in complete security. The armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran are in full readiness, and any aggression against Kharg Island will be met with a decisive and irreversible response for the aggressors," he said as quoted by Fars News Agency. According to an earlier 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. Meanwhile, 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." (ANI)
At the sidelines of the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, sons of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Kasim Khan and Sulaiman Khan, delivered an emotional and strongly worded statement highlighting what they described as "unjust and inhumane" conditions of their father's detention in Pakistan. Addressing the gathering, Sulaiman Khan stated that his father has been incarcerated for nearly 1,000 days, alleging that his detention has been termed "arbitrary" by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. He further cited concerns raised by the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, who indicated that the conditions of detention could amount to torture. The brothers appealed for immediate intervention, demanding access to legal counsel, family visits, and independent medical care for their father. In a detailed account, they claimed that Imran Khan is being held in a small, solitary confinement cell under constant surveillance, with poor living conditions, including insect infestation. According to them, he has endured these circumstances for over two and a half years. Kasim Khan alleged that the former Prime Minister is being targeted for challenging the Pakistani military's influence over political affairs. He further revealed that the family has had minimal contact with their father, with months passing without communication. Their last interaction, he said, was a brief phone call that was abruptly cut off. The brothers also accused Pakistani authorities of denying them visas, preventing them from visiting their father. They termed this "collective punishment," asserting that such actions violate basic human rights. Highlighting broader concerns, they emphasised that Imran Khan's case is not isolated but reflects a broader pattern of repression in Pakistan since 2022. They alleged that thousands of political workers remain detained, civilians are being tried in military courts, and journalists face intimidation, abduction, or exile. The statement also questioned the credibility of Pakistan's February 2024 general elections, alleging that they were manipulated to prevent Imran Khan's party from coming to power. Referring to international commitments, the brothers pointed out that, under the GSP-plus framework, Pakistan is bound to uphold key human rights treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention Against Torture. They argued that the continued detention, denial of medical care, restricted family access, and use of military courts for civilians constitute violations of these obligations. Concluding their address, Kasim and Sulaiman Khan said they were compelled to speak out despite not being politically inclined, stressing that their father's deteriorating health and prolonged isolation left them with no choice. They urged the international community to take cognisance of the situation and ensure accountability, stating that they are determined to continue their efforts until their father is released. (ANI)
At a side event during the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Dr Sumran Razak Sabreena of the Pakistan World Alliance raised serious concerns over Pakistan's human rights record, urging the European Union to reconsider Islamabad's preferential trade status under the GSP+ framework. Addressing the gathering, Sabreena emphasised that Pakistan has failed to uphold the human rights obligations tied to the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), which allows tariff-free access to European markets for certain products. She called on the European Parliament to campaign for the potential suspension of Pakistan's GSP+ status until meaningful reforms are implemented. A key demand raised during her statement was the release of the European Union's report on Pakistan's February 2024 general elections. She noted that concerns over electoral integrity surfaced after a Commonwealth observer report was leaked, allegedly revealing instances of rigging. According to her, it was only after this revelation that the Commonwealth initiated steps to review Pakistan's compliance with democratic and human rights standards. Sabreena painted a grim picture of the current situation in Pakistan, alleging a lack of fundamental freedoms, including freedom of speech, movement, and assembly. She also highlighted the continued detention of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, claiming he has been held in solitary confinement for over two years without adequate medical care. She further alleged severe deterioration in his health, including significant vision loss in one eye. Sharing a personal account, Sabreena spoke about her father, a human rights defender whom she described as an expert on enforced disappearances, recognised by Amnesty International. She alleged that he was abducted in November 2019 and remained missing for over a year before authorities acknowledged his custody. She claimed he was subjected to torture, denied medical treatment, and later sentenced to 14 years in prison following a secret military trial. According to her, her father continues to suffer from multiple health conditions in prison, often being denied access to medicines, hospital visits, and even communication with family. She said he has missed significant family moments, including birthdays, funerals, and graduations, leaving the family in a state of distress. Expanding the scope of her concerns, Sabreena also raised issues related to migration flows from Pakistan to Europe via Turkey, arguing that such factors should be considered by the European Union while reviewing Pakistan's GSP+ status. She further alleged that Pakistan has failed to meet key obligations under the GSP+ framework, particularly in protecting minority rights and addressing controversial blasphemy laws. "Pakistan has not made any progress," she asserted, calling for stronger international pressure. Despite the criticism, Sabreena clarified that the intent is not to punish Pakistan but to encourage systemic transformation. She urged the European Union to use the leverage of GSP+ status to push for reforms, ensuring that human rights are upheld and political freedoms are restored. (ANI)
Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (South) Neena Malhotra called on Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti during her visit to Tunisia for the 6th Foreign Office Consultations. Nafti called for greater academic partnership, cooperation in S&T, and new and renewable energy. In a post on X, Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal said, "Secretary (South) Dr. Neena Malhotra called on Foreign Minister Mr. Mohamed Ali Nafti during her visit to Tunisia for the 6th Foreign Office Consultations. Foreign Minister called for greater academic partnership, cooperation in S&T and new & renewable energy. Discussions reaffirmed the shared commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/2037534864761913805?s=20 "Secretary (South) Dr. Neena Malhotra co-chaired the 6th India - Tunisia Foreign Office Consultations with Secretary of State Mr. Mohamed Ben Ayed. Both sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral ties, including political engagement, high-level visits, trade and economic cooperation, capacity building, cultural exchanges and people-to-people cooperation," Jaiswal said. https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/2037537831040807088?s=20 The 6th India-Tunisia Foreign Office Consultations was held in Tunis on 27 March 2026, co-chaired by Neena Malhotra, Secretary (South), Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India and Mohamed Ben Ayed, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad of the Republic of Tunisia. Secretary (South) also paid a courtesy call on Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad of Tunisia Mohamed Ali Nafti, a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs said. The consultations took place in a warm and constructive atmosphere, reaffirming the strong and historic bilateral relationship between India and Tunisia, deeply rooted in shared democratic values, mutual respect, and longstanding friendship. During the consultations, both sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral ties, including political engagement, high-level visits, trade and economic cooperation, capacity building, cultural exchanges and people-to-people cooperation. (ANI)
Former Indian Diplomat, Veena Sikri said that the world over, there's a great regard and respect for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sikri, while talking to ANI about the situation in Middle East, said that Prime Minister Modi has an ability to talk to all the people on all sides of the political spectrum and to get their support. She said, "Even in the midst of this Iran, Israel, USA conflict, Prime Minister Modi has been speaking to all the people in the conflict. He's been speaking to the President of Iran, he's been speaking to the President of the UAE, and he has spoken with President Trump. The world over, there's a great regard and respect for Prime Minister Modi and his ability to talk to all the people on all sides of the political spectrum and to get their support." "US President Donald Trump said that Iran is begging to make a deal, not them. Well, I think that is a totally different question. I think Iran is always saying that there are no talks between Iran and the USA. But of course, everybody is speculating that messages are being passed by Pakistan. Pakistan is not a mediator in any way. But they are passing messages that President Trump has sent his 15-point plan... Iran has rejected that plan, as they have their own plan," she said. Foreign Affairs Expert Robinder Sachdev said that US President Donald Trump respects strength, quick decision-making, and leaders who follow through. He said, "Trump respects strength, quick decision-making, and leaders who follow through. He sees similar qualities in Prime Minister Modi, who takes firm decisions and ensures they are executed. Trump's remarks came after a phone call with Modi about global issues and the Gulf conflict. He has clear expectations: in trade, he wants the best deal for the US once the current interim tariff expires. In energy, he wants India to buy more American crude oil and LNG, while also diversifying with Russian supplies." Meanwhile, a shipment of 47,000 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) arrived at the Vadinar Terminal of DPA Kandla in Jamnagar, Gujarat, on Saturday. (ANI)
Following the arrest of former Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, dozens of CPN-UML cadres took to the streets, burning tyres to protest the detention of their party chair. The protesters also set fire to the report of the High-Level Investigation Commission, which was formed to investigate atrocities committed during last year's September protest, commonly known as the Gen-Z protest. Oli was arrested by Nepal Police at his residence in Bhaktapur in connection with an alleged culpable-homicide case linked to the suppression of the September 2025 Gen-Z-led anti-corruption protests. During the Gen Z protests in Nepal in September 2025, a total of 77 people were killed, while government and private property worth billions were destroyed. Former PM Oli, who was arrested on Saturday morning, has been admitted to the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) in Maharajgunj, Kathmandu. The protest comes in line with the decision taken at the central secretariat meeting held at the party headquarters in Lalitpur, which also directed the mass organisations to lead the protests on behalf of the party. "We will avenge till death. This is totally a political move," a cadre of CPN-UML said as he stood beside a burning tyre set on fire in Kathmandu. For Sunday, the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) has called a large-scale demonstration at 12 noon, organised by district party committees, during which protest letters will be submitted to Chief District Officer (CDO) offices. The party's secretariat meeting has also decided to launch legal and political protests against the arrest of party chair Oli. The key decisions made by the UML includes, "launching strong legal and political protests with the support of the general public and civil society; organizing protests at district headquarters today at 3 pm through mass organizations; holding widespread demonstrations in all districts tomorrow, March 28, at 12 pm, followed by submitting protest letters to the Chief District Officer (CDO) offices under the supervision of district party committees; Engaging in dialogue and cooperation with all parties supporting democracy and the rule of law, as well as working with civil society and the general public." The newly formed government under Balen Shah decided on Friday to immediately implement the recommendations of the investigation commission, led by former Justice Gauribahadur Karki, which probed the Gen-Z Movement incident, paving the way for legal action against those named. Police arrested Oli this morning from his residence in Gundu, Bhaktapur, for investigation in a case related to an offence involving loss of life. (ANI)
Former diplomat Vidya Bhushan Soni on Friday said that Iran is unlikely to accept conditions imposed by the United States, calling recent remarks by US President Donald Trump contradictory and part of a broader negotiating strategy. Reacting to Trump's statement that Iran is "begging for a deal," Soni said, "I think it's amazing. I also watched the meeting with the cabinet, which President Trump held yesterday. And was quite amazed how the same president can contradict himself in the same statement. On the one hand, he is asking Iran to come to the negotiating table; otherwise, they will be destroyed. On the other hand, they are saying they are great negotiators, if you had seen the statement which he made. And then he's putting his own conditions." He added, "So as far as the conditions are concerned, I don't think America can impose those conditions. Iran will come to the negotiating table on their own terms. They can bear the loss, they can keep on bombarding their facilities, they can keep on destroying their things which they have. But they will not barter away their self-pride because Iran is a proud nation. It has a whole history and culture, and civilisation behind it." Soni emphasised that both sides are currently positioning themselves ahead of any formal talks. "So you can put your conditions, yes, but to that, there are counter conditions which Iran has put," he said. Explaining the dynamics of negotiations, he said, "This is the purpose of negotiators. You have two situations, all diametrically opposite to each other. How can we narrow them down to an issue where it is acceptable to both sides? Which means there is give and take. Give and take will be by both sides," he said. He further described the process as a phased exchange of positions before formal dialogue begins. "At the present moment, therefore, the two sides are putting their front position, the first position which they want. And once they know each other, they will do their own homework, and they will consider maybe discuss with the concerned authorities to decide to what extent they can give in and how they can ask for a counter to that," Soni said. According to him, actual negotiations would only begin once both sides establish basic rules and identify a "common denominator" acceptable to each. "But that's a negotiating ploy. When the actual hard negotiations start, things will be much different, the approach will be very much different, there has to be a give and take by both sides, which is minimally accepted to what is called the common denominator factor," he added. (ANI)
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday warned Gulf countries against backing the US-Israel to wage war against Tehran. Pezeshkian advised countries not to allow the US-Israel to use their lands to strike Iran if they want to ensure development and security in their nation. He reiterated that Iran will strongly retaliate against the US-Israel if the infrastructure or economic centres of Tehran are targeted. "We have said many times that Iran doesn't carry out preemptive attacks, but we will retaliate strongly if our infrastructure or economic centres are targeted," Pezeshkian said in a post on X. "To the countries of the region: If you want development and security, don't let our enemies run the war from your lands," he added. https://x.com/drpezeshkian/status/2037828579879244196?s=20 Meanwhile, Iran claimed that it had struck two US Army "hideouts" in Dubai as the conflict in West Asia continues, Iranian state media Fars News Agency reported. According to the news agency, a spokesperson for the Central Headquarters of Hazrat Khatam al-Anbiya claimed US army personnel had moved to these hideouts after Iran's strikes on their bases in the region. The spokesperson claimed that more than 500 US Army personnel were in these hideouts, around 400 in the first and 100 in the second hideout. The IRGC identified these locations and carried out precise missiles and drone strikes and inflicted heavy casualties, as per the spokesperson's claims reported by the Fars News Agency. The spokesperson added, "Trump and the commanders of the US Army must have fully understood that the region will turn into a graveyard for American soldiers, and they will have no choice but to surrender to the divine will of the heroic people and the brave warriors of Islam." Meanwhile, the Pentagon is expected to deploy troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, according to a CBS report. 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. Meanwhile, Iranians have started laying mines and moved additional forces to the Island. (ANI)
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Secretary (West) Sibi George met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malta, Ian Borg, on Saturday to discuss ways of further enhancing cooperation between India and Malta. The discussions also covered expanding the scope of bilateral engagement between the two countries. In a post on X, Ambassador Sibi George shared, "Secretary (West) @AmbSibiGeorge called on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malta, Dr. Ian Borg. They discussed ways to strengthen the ongoing cooperation between India and Malta while also broadening the scope of bilateral engagement. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of interest." The meeting also included a conversation with Brigadier Clinton J. O'Neill, Commander of the Armed Forces of Malta, where both sides focused on increasing defence and security cooperation between India and Malta. The relationship between India and Malta has been marked by a history of friendly and cordial ties. India was among the first countries to recognise Malta's independence in 1964, and both countries established diplomatic relations in 1965. India's High Commission was reopened in Malta in January 2017, with the Indian High Commissioner taking charge in 2018. Malta opened its High Commission in New Delhi in 2007 and maintains Honorary Consuls in Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai. The bilateral relations have been strengthened through a series of high-level visits from both sides. Notable visits include President R Venkataraman's trip to Malta in 1990, then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's visit in 2015, and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu's visit in 2018. During the Vice President's visit, three memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed in areas such as maritime cooperation, tourism cooperation, and mutual cooperation between India's Foreign Service Institute and the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies in Malta. Earlier, India and Serbia held the 9th Round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Belgrade, Serbia, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Wednesday. The FOC was chaired by Sibi George, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, from the Indian side and Damjan Jovic, State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, from the Serbian side. Secretary (West) also called on Marko Djuric, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia. They discussed ways to intensify the existing cooperation between India and Serbia and also expand the scope of bilateral cooperation. (ANI)
Amid escalating tensions following recent attacks by Pakistan's military in parts of Afghanistan, officials said that the process of delivering aid to residents of affected areas is ongoing, TOLO News reported. Nooruddin Turabi, head of the National Disaster Management Authority, stated that aid distribution to residents displaced by the attacks is being carried out on the orders of the Prime Minister. He noted that the displaced population requires urgent and expanded support, and efforts are ongoing to address their needs. "Anyone who has been displaced is being provided assistance based on our capacity. In coordination with other institutions, it has been decided that the eastern provinces will be assigned to the disaster management authority for aid delivery, while the southern provinces will be handled by Sermeyasht," Turabi said. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that military operations in Afghanistan would continue without a specific timeline, underscoring that there is no doubt about their continuation. Political analyst Roman Shirzad criticised Pakistan, saying it has historically taken advantage of Afghanistan's vulnerabilities. He urged Afghan institutions, including defence, interior, and intelligence bodies, to remain vigilant and prevent external influence, TOLO news reported. Experts have warned that continued tensions between Kabul and Islamabad could have serious implications for regional stability. They noted that the ongoing conflict risks worsening security conditions and increasing broader instability in the region. Another political analyst, Jannat Fahim Chakari, said the prolonged conflict could have severe political and economic consequences for both countries, TOLO News reported. The developments come after Maulana Fazlur Rahman, leader of Pakistan's Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam party, said at a press conference that Islamabad's attempts to control the Afghan government have been a mistake, adding that a stable and independent Afghanistan would serve Pakistan's interests. (ANI)
The United Arab Emirates on Saturday said that its air defence systems successfully intercepted multiple aerial threats, including 20 ballistic missiles and 37 unmanned aerial vehicles, launched from Iran. According to an official statement shared by UAE Ministry of Defence, "The UAE air defences systems on 28th March 2026 engaged 20 ballistic missiles and 37 UAVs launched from Iran." The interception comes amid what authorities described as continued hostile actions targeting the country. Providing a broader operational update, the Ministry stated, "Since the start of the blatant Iranian attacks, UAE air defences have engaged 398 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,872 UAVs." The figures underline the scale and persistence of the aerial threats faced by the UAE in recent weeks. The Ministry confirmed, "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." In addition to the fatalities, a significant number of individuals sustained injuries. "A total of 178 people were also injured, with injuries ranging from minor to moderate and severe," the statement said. The injured included nationals from a wide range of countries, reflecting the diverse expatriate population residing in the UAE. Among those affected were citizens of the UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, Turkey, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia, Sweden and Tunisia. The Ministry of Defence reiterated its readiness to respond to any future threats, emphasising its commitment to safeguarding national security. "The Ministry of Defence affirmed 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," the statement added. The latest developments come amid heightened tensions in the region, with the UAE maintaining a high state of alert and continuing to strengthen its defensive measures against evolving aerial threats. (ANI)
The US Central Command has dismissed Iranian forces' claims that they have struck two "hideouts" of the US Army, hosting more than 500 soldiers in Dubai. "No US personnel have been attacked in Dubai. The Iranian regime is manufacturing lies on social media to hide the reality that their military capabilities are undeniably overwhelmed and degraded," US Central Command said in a post on X. https://x.com/CENTCOM/status/2037905283125485648?s=20 Additionally, US Central Command on Saturday released the footage of its airstrikes on the Iranian naval vessels amid the heightened tensions in West Asia. In a post on X, the US Central Command said, "For decades, Iranian naval vessels have threatened and harassed global shipping in regional waters, but those days are over." Earlier, Iran had claimed that the US had suffered "heavy casualties" in the strikes on two US Army "hideouts" in Dubai According to a Iranian news agency, a spokesperson for the Central Headquarters of Hazrat Khatam al-Anbiya said that more than 500 US Army personnel were in these "hideouts", around 400 in the first and 100 in the second "hideout". The IRGC identified these locations and carried out precise missiles and drone strikes and inflicted heavy casualties, as per the spokesperson's claims reported by the Tasnim News Agency. The spokesperson claimed that the ambulances in Dubai were busy for hours transferring the dead and wounded Americans The spokesperson added, "Trump and the commanders of the US Army must have fully understood that the region will turn into a graveyard for American soldiers, and they will have no choice but to surrender to the divine will of the heroic people and the brave warriors of Islam." Meanwhile, United Arab Emirates on Saturday said that its air defence systems successfully intercepted multiple aerial threats, including 20 ballistic missiles and 37 unmanned aerial vehicles, launched from Iran. According to an official statement shared by UAE Ministry of Defence, "The UAE air defences systems on 28th March 2026 engaged 20 ballistic missiles and 37 UAVs launched from Iran." The interception comes amid what authorities described as continued hostile actions targeting the country. Providing a broader operational update, the Ministry stated, "Since the start of the blatant Iranian attacks, UAE air defences have engaged 398 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,872 UAVs." The figures underline the scale and persistence of the aerial threats faced by the UAE in recent weeks. The Ministry confirmed, "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." In addition to the fatalities, a significant number of individuals sustained injuries. "A total of 178 people were also injured, with injuries ranging from minor to moderate and severe," the statement said. The injured included nationals from a wide range of countries, reflecting the diverse expatriate population residing in the UAE. Among those affected were citizens of the UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, Turkey, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia, Sweden and Tunisia. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned Gulf countries against backing the US-Israel to wage war against Tehran. Pezeshkian advised countries not to allow the US-Israel to use their lands to strike Iran if they want to ensure development and security in their nation. He reiterated that Iran will strongly retaliate against the US-Israel if the infrastructure or economic centres of Tehran are targeted. "We have said many times that Iran doesn't carry out preemptive attacks, but we will retaliate strongly if our infrastructure or economic centres are targeted," Pezeshkian said in a post on X. "To the countries of the region: If you want development and security, don't let our enemies run the war from your lands," he added. The latest developments come amid heightened tensions in the region, with the UAE maintaining a high state of alert and continuing to strengthen its defensive measures against evolving aerial threats. (ANI)
TOKYO, Mar 28 (News On Japan) - Fuel prices have surged to levels that could begin to impact transportation infrastructure, as industry groups warn of worsening supply constraints and mounting financial pressure.

Three major transport industry organizations held an emergency rally at the Liberal Democratic Party headquarters on March 28th, urging the government to take action amid growing concern over fuel price increases.

At logistics sites across the country, industry leaders say unthinkable situations are already unfolding.

Yoichi Teraoka, chairman of the All Japan Trucking Association: "(Since around early this month) we have been unable to secure sufficient diesel fuel. Notices have been issued calling for cuts of 30% to 50% in supply."

The situation amounts to what the industry describes as hoarding, with restrictions being placed on diesel purchases.

Operators also say they are unable to pass on the sharp rise in fuel costs to customers, leaving many businesses facing a severe management crisis.

Takayuki Kobayashi, policy chief of the Liberal Democratic Party: "We will do everything possible to ensure a stable supply of energy, including diesel fuel."

The groups adopted a resolution calling for measures to secure a stable diesel supply and improve the surrounding business environment, and later visited the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to present the proposal to Minister Tetsuo Kaneko.

As concerns grow over potential disruptions to transportation infrastructure, debate is also emerging within the ruling party over how best to respond.

Some lawmakers argue that the government should reconsider continuing subsidies aimed at suppressing fuel prices.

Taro Kono, former digital minister: "Rather than lowering overall gasoline prices, we should provide direct support to sectors most affected or with the highest priority."

Kono also emphasized the need to promote conservation efforts going forward.

Kono: "We should ask people to switch to public transportation or move work online where possible. I think it is important to encourage everyone to do what they can."

Source: TBS
TOKYO, Mar 28 (News On Japan) - Chinas Foreign Ministry said on March 26 via social media that public safety conditions in Japan are unstable, claiming that crimes targeting Chinese nationals have been occurring frequently, as tensions rise following an incident involving a member of Japans Ground Self-Defense Force.

Citing the intrusion of a Ground Self-Defense Force member into the Chinese Embassy, the ministry described the act as a serious threat to the safety of Chinese diplomats and diplomatic facilities, adding that both its nature and impact were extremely severe. It also issued a renewed warning urging Chinese citizens to refrain from traveling to Japan for the time being.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Communist Party-affiliated Global Times published an editorial criticizing the Japanese governments response, stating that it had failed to offer even a minimal apology and had limited its reaction to a statement expressing deep regret.

The editorial further argued that Japan was attempting to attribute the incident solely to the actions of an individual, asserting that such efforts to evade responsibility or separate the issue from broader accountability were unjustifiable, and called on the Japanese government to issue a formal apology.

Source: TBS
TOKYO, Mar 28 (News On Japan) - A hunter who had his firearm license revoked over a controversial shooting during a brown bear culling operation won a reversal in Japan's Supreme Court on March 27th, bringing an end to a seven-year legal battle and clearing the way for him to resume hunting.

The case centered on a 2018 incident in Hokkaido involving the culling of a brown bear, an issue that has taken on renewed urgency as sightings were already reported as early as March 22nd this year, raising concerns over further wildlife-related damage in 2026.

Osao Ikegami, the hunter involved, had responded to a request from the city of Sunagawa at the time and shot a bear with a hunting rifle in the presence of police officers. However, his firearm license was revoked the following year on the grounds that the bullet could have reached nearby buildings.

Ikegami filed a lawsuit against the Hokkaido government seeking to overturn the administrative action, arguing that the shooting had been conducted safely and outside of densely populated residential areas.

Ikegami said, "If hunters are asked to act and then later told they should not have fired, it raises the question of what we are supposed to trust."

In the first trial, the court ruled in Ikegamis favor, stating that the bullet had remained inside the bears body and that the shooting could not be deemed inappropriate, thereby finding the revocation illegal.

However, the second instance court overturned that decision, arguing that a bullet passing through the bear could have struck obstacles and changed trajectory, and that there were no structures present to block its path, ultimately rejecting Ikegamis claims.

The ruling sparked concern among hunters in Hokkaido, who warned it could discourage necessary wildlife control efforts.

Rito Takasaki, head of the Mikasa branch of the Hokkaido Hunters Association, said, "The shift from a favorable ruling to a loss was a major shock. It has effectively restricted field operations, and many hunters may hesitate, fearing their licenses could be revoked if they act."

On March 27th, the Supreme Court overturned the second-instance ruling and sided with Ikegami, delivering a final judgment in his favor.

Ikegami welcomed the decision, saying, "It affirmed what is common sense for hunters. It felt as though the presiding judge showed understanding not only for Hokkaido but for hunters across the country."

With the ruling, Ikegamis long legal fight has come to an end, and he is now expected to resume bear culling operations using a hunting rifle for the first time in seven years.

Reflecting on the outcome, Ikegami said, "It feels like a long battle has finally ended. With bear-related damage occurring in many areas, this ruling should provide reassurance. It was a long fight, but in a way, it was a meaningful one."

Source: YOMIURI
TOKYO, Mar 28 (News On Japan) - BS TV Tokyo and BS Fuji announced plans to end their BS4K broadcasting services, marking a shift away from satellite-based ultra-high-definition programming.

While the two broadcasters will discontinue BS4K transmissions, they said production of 4K content will continue, with programs to be made available for free on WOWOW On Demand, a streaming service scheduled to launch around autumn this year.

BS4K broadcasting, known for its high-resolution picture quality, began in 2018. However, BS TV Tokyo said it has faced ongoing difficulties in securing sufficient advertising revenue, prompting the decision to terminate the service.

The BS4K broadcasts are set to end on January 23rd, 2027.

Source: BIZ
Moroccos fertilizer exports to the European Union reached an all-time high in 2025, with the bloc importing 1.55 billion euros worth of Moroccan fertilizers over the year  surpassing the previous peak of 1.42 billion euros set in 2022 and more than doubling the levels recorded in 2017. The figures reflect both a recovery in volumes and a structural repricing of fertilizer products on global markets, positioning Morocco as Europes most critical alternative supplier.

The trajectory since 2020 tells a story of disruption and rapid adaptation. After volumes peaked at 4.26 million tonnes in 2020, the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in early 2022 caused a sharp contraction: volumes plunged by nearly 47% to 1.95 million tonnes that year, even as the total value hit 1.42 billion euros due to an explosion in unit prices. The energy crisis and supply chain disruptions drove fertilizer prices to record highs, with the average price per tonne reaching more than 700 euros in 2022.

The rebound was swift. In 2023, volumes recovered by over 20% to reach 2.34 million tonnes, while prices began to normalize, bringing the total value down slightly to 1.15 billion euros. The following year saw an even more dramatic surge: volumes jumped 47% in 2024 to 3.45 million tonnes, and the total value climbed 26% to 1.45 billion euros. In 2025, volumes stabilized at 3.53 million tonnes  a modest 2.2% increase  but unit prices firmed back up to an average of 439 euros per tonne, pushing the annual value to its new record.

The structural driver behind this shift is Europes deliberate strategy to diversify away from Russian and Belarusian fertilizer supplies following the imposition of sanctions in 2022. Both countries had historically been among the EUs largest fertilizer suppliers. Morocco, holding around 70% of the worlds known phosphate reserves and home to OCP Group  the worlds leading phosphate exporter  was ideally positioned to fill the gap. Geographic proximity, industrial scale, and strong trade agreements with the EU made the transition seamless.

Early 2026 data suggests the momentum is holding. January and February combined generated 138.4 million euros in fertilizer exports to the EU, at an average price of 363 euros per tonne. Analysts expect volumes to strengthen through the spring agricultural season, with Moroccos role as a pillar of European food supply chain security now firmly institutionalized.
Moroccos tourism sector has maintained its upward momentum into 2026, recording more than 1.3 million arrivals in January  a 3% increase over the same month in 2025, according to the Directorate of Studies and Financial Forecasts. The figures confirm that the record-breaking trajectory of recent years is carrying through into the new year, supported by a broadening mix of source markets and continued infrastructure investment.

Growth was led by strong performances from France, with 370,000 French tourists arriving in January alone, up 14%. Other notable gains came from the United States (+15%), Poland (+40%), Canada (+10%), Belgium (+5%), and Italy (+6%). A total of 1,037,000 tourists entered Morocco by air in January, underlining the centrality of aviation to the destinations growth strategy. The performance is all the more significant given declines recorded from Spain (-16%), the United Kingdom (-6%), and Germany (-4%).

Overnight stays in classified accommodation establishments rose by 12% year-on-year, buoyed in part by the residual effect of the Africa Cup of Nations, which Morocco hosted from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. The tournament generated a surge in hospitality demand across the country, with particularly strong gains recorded in Rabat (+42%), Casablanca (+36%), Tangier (+31%), Ouarzazate (+35%), and Errachidia (+29%). More established leisure destinations also posted solid results, including Agadir (+11%), Fez (+10%), Marrakech (+7%), and Essaouira (+7%).

Travel revenues reached 11.7 billion dirhams in January 2026, a sharp 19.3% increase from the 9.8 billion dirhams reported in January 2025. This financial performance underscores the quality and spending power of the visitors Morocco is attracting, not merely their number. Air passenger traffic across national airports rose 14.7% to exceed 3.1 million travelers, with particularly strong gains on routes connecting Morocco with Africa (+28.9%), the Americas (+30.7%), and the Middle and Far East (+15.9%).

The January figures form part of a broader success story. Morocco welcomed 19.8 million tourists in 2025  approaching the symbolic threshold of 20 million for the first time  and generated 124 billion dirhams in tourism receipts through November of that year. The Kingdoms 20232026 tourism roadmap has already met or exceeded several of its key targets ahead of schedule, with the government now setting its sights on 26 million visitors annually by 2030.
Morocco reaffirmed, on Saturday in Malabo, its unwavering commitment to renewed South-South cooperation, based on partnership and concrete solidarity, in line with the vision of King Mohammed VI.

This came in the address made by Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, before the 11th summit the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), where Morocco is Guest of Honor.

Bourita emphasized that under the enlightened leadership of King Mohammed VI Morocco has made the strategic, consistent, and irreversible choice to anchor itself in Africa and in South-South cooperation.

This choice is not a slogan, but a doctrine that prioritizes partnership over aid; that extends beyond exclusive bilateral frameworks toward a diversified, integrated, and dynamic vision of partnerships; and that establishes economic partnership as a lever of sovereignty, he said.

He also highlighted the philosophy guiding the Kingdoms actions, quoting the Sovereigns remarks at the 28th African Union Summit in 2017: My vision of South-South cooperation is clear and constant: my country shares what it has, without ostentation.

In this connection, Bourita assessed Moroccos cooperation with its sisterly countries in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific and recalled that since 1999, the Kingdom has concluded more than 1,607 cooperation agreements, many of which were signed during the 52 Royal Visits to Africa.

Regarding the training of students, the official said that thousands of scholarships are granted by the Kingdom to students from these sister nations, pointing out that some 19,400 students from these countries are currently holding scholarships or undergoing training in Morocco, and that the Kingdom has trained, to date, over 40,220 graduates from OACPS member countries.

Concerning food security, a crucial challenge for these nations, Bourita emphasized that the Kingdoms cooperation provides Caribbean countries with fertilizers. Meanwhile, in 2022 alone, nearly 200,000 tons were donated and 364,000 tons were supplied at preferential rates to African countries.

Reflecting on the context of the Organizations 50th anniversary, the official stated that the paradigm that guided the creation of the ACP Group has run its course, explaining that the world it was born into has changed, and emphasizing that the Samoa Agreements have already taken this into account.

In this context, Bourita praised the transformation undertaken by the OACPS, affirming that the modern organization is notand never has beena geopolitical ghetto, but rather quite the opposite, one of the most successful institutional forms of South-South cooperation.

He also highlighted the transformative initiatives launched by the Monarch, such as the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline project, described as a vital artery connecting thirteen African countries, from the West to the North, creating a space of shared prosperity. He also mentioned the Royal Initiative to provide Sahel countries with access to the Atlantic Ocean, emphasizing that these Royal Initiatives transform geographical constraints into economic opportunities, which reaffirms that our development is built on interdependence and not on isolation.

Bourita outlined further the three pillars of Moroccos approach to South-South cooperation: harnessing endogenous potential; moving beyond one-size-fits-all approaches in favor of tailored partnerships; and prioritizing human impact and sustainability.

In view of the profound changes in the global order, Bourita urged the OACPS to become the collective voice advocating for a new, more secure economic order, climate governance that does not sacrifice development, and peace based on mutual respect and concrete cooperation.

He added that the Samoa Agreement must be implemented not merely as a mechanism for transferring resources, but as a strategic framework in which the OACPS asserts its decision-making autonomy and its ability to negotiate on equal terms with its long-standing partners.

Bourita reaffirmed the Kingdoms full readiness to work alongside its partners. True to the commitment of HM King Mohammed VI, Morocco is ready. Ready to share its experience; ready to mobilize its expertise; and ready to join forces with you to build an active multipolar world, where the South carries all its demographic, economic, and strategic weight, he said.

The Summits opening ceremony was marked by the handover of the presidency from Angola to Equatorial Guinea, in the presence of several Heads of State and Government, as well as representatives of international organizations and the OACPS strategic partners.
Europe has sleepwalked into yet another energy crisis watching energy prices spike across the continent for the second time in four years due to instability in global politics and energy trade. Four years after the Russian invasion of Ukraine sent global energy markets reeling, Europe has made significant progress weaning itself off of Russian oil and gas imports and building up its own energy supply chains. But the European Union still relies on imports for more than half of its energy needs, leaving it achingly vulnerable to the current energy crisis stemming from the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz and the war that the United States and Israel are waging in Iran.

But while most of Europes major economies are scrambling to mitigate the damage of skyrocketing energy prices, one nation is feeling pretty good about its prospects. Spain could be sitting pretty thanks to its enormous investment in solar energy in recent years  but as much as Spain is turning into a role model for autonomy and resilience through clean energy, it may not be a formula for success in other European nations.

Spain can demonstrate examples of how investing in renewable energy helps our households experience a lower impact from gas price increases, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of Spain said in Brussels, the seat of the European Commission, on Thursday. At present, renewables represent almost 60 percent of Spains energy mix.

Last Saturday, the price per megawatt-hour of electricity in Spain was 14, while in Italy, Germany and France, consumers were paying over 100, Sanchez went on to say. That difference in price was not the result of random luck, but rather because this government has spent the last eight years working to be at the forefront of renewable energy deployment.

But Spains apparent buffer from energy market shocks may not be so simple to replicate in the rest of Europe  nor is it as simple and bulletproof as Sanchez would make it seem. While its true that Spains share of renewables is about 10 percent higher than the average in Europe, its relatively low energy prices are also thanks to the nations nuclear energy program, which keeps the nations energy markets stable in times of significant variability in solar and wind output.

Other nations in Europe have also gone all in on renewables, but relying on variable energy sources can be economically and logistically dangerous. Rapid renewable expansion has led to extreme price volatility and record numbers of hours of sub-zero prices in 2025. While this is great news for consumers, who are paying the price of the war in Iran, its not sustainable for the continent's energy sector. Moreover, while Spain is currently enjoying the spotlight for its renewable-heavy grid, its gotten bad press for it in the past  such as in April, 2025, when more than 50 million people across Spain and Portugal lost electricity in the most severe and unprecedented blackout that had occurred in Europe in the past 20 years.

And while Spain is faring better than many countries, it is not immune from the energy crisis sending shockwaves across the planet. Just this week, the Spanish government earmarked $5.8 billion in funding to help counter the wars impact on local energy prices.

All told, while Spain is an important case study for renewable transitions and their interactions with energy insecurity, its case is complex and unique. Spain is in a fundamentally different structural position compared to most of its European neighbours. Since 2019, it has doubled its wind and solar capacity  adding more new renewable capacity than any other EU country except Germany, whose power market is twice the size, Jan Rosenow, professor of energy and climate policy at Oxford University, recently told Politico.

By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com

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In the face of ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the resulting energy shortages, the International Energy Agency (IEA) is recommending that consumers reduce their energy consumption. This is expected to help people tackle their rising energy bills. Meanwhile, several governments are putting energy restrictions in place to mitigate the risk of shortages, with greater uncertainty around how long the conflict might last.

The U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East have caused the biggest oil disruption in history, according to an analysis by consulting firm Rapidan Energy. A significant proportion of the worlds oil supply has been disrupted for weeks on end due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz  a key trade corridor connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

With the ongoing trade restrictions between Europe and Asia expected to continue until the U.S. and Israel can come to an agreement with Iran, there are fears about how long global energy shortages could last. There are also major concerns around rising energy bills for consumers who have already seen significant increases over the past year. Therefore, the IEA is making several recommendations to governments and consumers to help them reduce their energy consumption and restrict spending on energy.

This week, the IEA advised member countries, including Australia, the U.K., and the U.S., to take emergency measures to reduce oil demand. The agency explained, Demand restraint is one of the emergency response measures that all IEA member countries are required to have ready as a contingency  and that they can use to contribute to an IEA collective action in the event of an emergency like this current disruption.

The recommendations include:

Work from home where possible to save petrol. Reduce highway speed limits by at least 10km/h to reduce fuel usage. Encourage public transport to reduce oil demand. Limit car access to roads in large cities through a number-plate rotation scheme. Increase car sharing. Encourage efficient driving for commercial vehicles through load optimisation and vehicle maintenance. Divert LPG use from transport to preserve it for essential needs like cooking. Avoid air travel where possible. Encourage electric cooking and other options to reduce reliance on LPG. Help industrial facilities switch between different petrochemical feedstocks to free up LPG.

IEA executive director, Fatih Birol, suggested that the recommendations provide a menu of immediate and concrete measures that can be taken on the demand side by governments, businesses and households to shelter consumers from the impacts of this crisis.

The IEA has already taken action to mitigate the risk of energy shortages by ordering the largest release of government oil reserves in its history to help subdue prices. The oil releases address the supply issue, while the new recommendations are aimed at reducing demand to help ease the impact of the disruption, particularly as there is no way of knowing how long it will last.

Various political figures worldwide have stated concerns around the Trump administrations ability to exit the conflict while ensuring a stable resumption of trade, including oil trade, through the Iranian-controlled Strait of Hormuz. Even if Washington can achieve this, recent attacks on energy infrastructure across the Middle East have spurred worries about shortages unrelated to the waterway.

In Southeast Asia, several governments have already introduced measures aimed at reducing energy use to mitigate the effects of the shortages. In Thailand, people have been encouraged to reduce their use of air conditioning, while in the Philippines, many government workers are now only working four days a week, and in Vietnam, employers have been encouraged to allow staff to work from home. Much of Asia depends heavily on the Middle East for its oil, a lot of which passes through the Strait of Hormuz. The Philippines, for example, depends on the Gulf for 90 percent of its oil needs.

In the U.K., consumers have been told they Should go around and buy their fuel, just like they always would, by the CEO of Centrica, Chris OShea. If the situation were to change, then the government would look at what was required in that circumstance, OShea explained. However, the CEO also said that a rise in energy bills may be inescapable if the war in the Middle East stays as it is.

Meanwhile, in New Zealand, the government has aligned its fuel standards with those of Australia to allow for shipments to arrive from a broader array of suppliers to alleviate fears of shortages. New Zealand relies entirely on imported oil products, making it highly vulnerable to disruptions. The changes could remain in place for up to one year, according to officials.

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

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Elderly farmer missing four days in deep jungle found by firewood collectors

Jose Maria Morelos, Q.R.  An elderly man missing four days after becoming lost in deep jungle has been found. Friends and relatives assisted local authorities in the four day search that finally paid off.

He was found alive but weak late Friday morning. March 27, 2026.

A search and rescue crew found Fulgencio Cohuo May, approximately 80, alive but weak Friday. The local farmer was reported missing Monday at which time a group of people began looking for him.

After four days, a social media post was sent on the family page that yielded a result. People collecting firewood reported seeing the elderly man sitting in a cleared area on a neighboring property.

Luis Ariel Carrillo Batun, who heads the Jose Maria Morelos Civil Protection unit, said after receiving the tip, they were able to locate the missing man. He was found sitting in a clearing on private property approximately 400 meters into the woods.

Rescuers carried him out of the woods to the road where he was met by medical personnel. After an initial evaluation, he was transferred to hospital.

Rescuers from Civil Protection carried him out of the woods. March 27, 2026.

Mr. May had gone missing Saturday at Kilometer 50 in the municipality of Jose Maria Morelos. The search for him was not started until Monday. He was found late Friday morning by residents out scavenging for firewood.
New Costa Maya port owners announce solid waste management facility for Mahahual

Mahahual, Q.R.  Royal Caribbean has announced a new solid waste management facility for the town of Mahahual. The company, who now owns the Port of Costa Maya, says it will be state-of-the-art and technology driven.

Once constructed, it will be the first of its kind in southern Quintana Roo. The facility is being built by Maritime Procurement Services (MPS) based out of Mexico City. Royal Caribbean says MPS will serve as the official operating partner of the finished facility.

The project will mark the first facility of its kind in southern Quintana Roo, setting a new benchmark for responsible waste management that will significantly strengthen local waste infrastructure in Mahahual, they said.

The facility will also help to implement a circular economy model, transforming waste into valuable resources, and driving environmental stewardship in the Mexican Caribbean.

A new solid waste facility for Mahahual has been announced.

Ari Adler, President, Royal Caribbean Group Mexico said partnering with a trusted, local operator such as MPS ensures that this facility will deliver lasting benefits to the region.

Together, we are taking concrete action to protect the ecosystems and communities that make the Mexican Caribbean so special.

The new solid waste facility will incorporate advanced sorting technologies, closed-loop processing systems, high-efficiency material recovery solutions and best-in-class environmental controls.

These will enable more efficient waste handling, resource recovery and reduced reliance on landfills.

The project is expected to generate local jobs, expand regional circular economy opportunities and support Mahahuals sustainable growth by reducing environmental impact and supporting the long-term health of surrounding ecosystems and communities.

We are proud to be part of this transformational project, said Alejandro Trillo Menchelli, CEO of MPS.

At MPS, we have built a strong foundation in circular economy operations across 13 ports in Mexico. Today, we take a decisive step forward by integrating cutting-edge technology with a model that transforms waste into value.

Mahahual will become a benchmark for how sustainability can scale with real impact, aligning industry, community and the environment.

As the operating partner, MPS will oversee daily facility management, community integration, workforce development and alignment with local and federal environmental standards to ensure that everything is carried out with the highest environmental standards and without impact on the ecosystem.

As a recognized leader in circular economy solutions, Maritime Procurement Services (MPS) operates across strategic ports in Mexico, bringing proven expertise in waste valorization, environmental compliance, and sustainable infrastructure development.

The Royal Caribbean company, who now owns the cruise ship port at Mahahual, did not say when construction of the new facility would start or how much is would cost.
Police investigate death of worker found inside Puerto Morelos warehouse

Puerto Morelos, Q.R.  Police in Puerto Morelos were at the scene of a possible suicide Thursday morning. Authorities were called to a highway business after a man was found suspended inside inside a warehouse.

A coworker found the man suspended inside the warehouse Thursday March 26, 2026.

The man, who has not been named, was found hanging at the neck by a rope inside the company building by a coworker.

Emergency services were called. Paramedics confirmed the mans death.

Police are treating the death as a suicide. The man is reported to have been an employee of the company. The incident happened at a commercial plaza along the federal highway in Puerto Morelos.

Elements of the State Attorney Generals Office (FGE) cordoned off the area and removed the body.
Leading from the jump, Ardens Ace N, trained and driven by the red-hot LeWayne Miller, claimed the $30,137 Open Handicap Pace on Friday, March 27 at Harrahs Hoosier Park.

Riding the wind out of the gate in post seven, Ardens Ace N and Miller swiftly moved past Yourwishisgranted (Atlee Bender) to reach the quarter first in :26.4. The field of eight raced single file with Ardens Ace N maintaining his position in front on the backstretch to the half in :56.1. Entering the final turn, favourite Golden Bay N (Trace Tetrick) went on the offensive first-over from fourth, gliding past Yourwishisgranted to challenge the leader at three-quarters in 1:24.4 with Downbytheocean (Jordan Ross) in tow second-over.

Fending off Golden Bay N, Ardens Ace N found another gear powering down the homestretch in :26.3 to breach the wire two lengths clear in 1:51.2. Golden Bay N settled for second with Downbytheocean rallying for third over Yourwishisgranted.

Ardens Ace N, a nine-year-old Art Major-Venus Serena gelding, followed four runner-up finishes to record his second win in seven starts this year since arriving in North America for the ownership group of Kap Singh Racing Stable of Yorktown Heights, New York, Earl Hill Jr. of Ohsweken, Ont., Stephen Klunowski of North York, Ont., and Donald MacRae, Vernon Bridge, P.E.I.

Ardens Ace N paid 9.60 to win.

The win in the ninth race feature was the second of five on the night for Miller, who dominated the second half of the 14-race program. Miller had wins driving two more of his own trainees, K Lyn ($4.80) and Nighthawk Zette ($3). He also steered home Tellmeaboutit ($11.20) for trainer Alvin Miller and Er Rambo ($4) for trainer Don Eash.

Beginning in April, Hoosier Park will add Wednesdays to its live racing calendar with a 5:30 p.m. post time. Meanwhile, the Indiana oval will continue to host racing on Thursdays and Fridays as scheduled alongside the inclusion of Wednesday nights.

(With files from Hoosier Park)
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Credit: Skyrover

As an American drone pilot, Im faced with a future of a decreasing number of high-tech drones available in the US, thanks to a ban on all foreign-made drones. But consumer drone maker SkyRover has issued a new promise to not only remain in the US, but to explore US-based manufacturing and supply chain.

Skyrover is a relatively new drone brand that appeared so quietly and suddenly that many speculated that the brand was actually an offshoot of the popular drone maker DJI and that the new company was a spinoff to keep DJI drones available in the US amid a threatened DJI drone ban set to happen in December 2025.

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But the expected December 2025 DJI ban came with a surprise: the Federal Communications Commission didnt just ban DJI but all foreign-made drones. The ban doesnt affect existing products, but prevents future launches from receiving the proper FCC approval to be legally sold in the US. Skyrover, like DJI, is based in China.

The problem? While there are a few US-based drone companies, those brands make enterprise business drones and military drones, not consumer drones for photography and videography. The move effectively prevents US drone pilots like myself from accessing the latest tech until a consumer drone-maker can establish US-based manufacturing  and the even tougher challenge of sourcing most parts and materials from the US.

But four months after the drone ban, we finally have a consumer drone band that has publicly shared that it is exploring US-based manufacturing. The news comes from an official statement from Skrover, telling US customers that were here to stay.

The announcement shares the brands long-term plan for keeping drones in the US. Within the next year, the company says it plans to maintain full FCC compliance across all products. It didnt detail exactly how it plans to do so. The law that brought the ban does allow companies to apply for an FCC exemption, but so far, it hasnt been clear how easy such an exemption would be to obtain.

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Within the next 2-3 years, SkyRover wants to build a stronger local team in the US and enhance partnerships with retailers.

But the companys long-term, 5-year plan says that the company will explore US-based manufacturing and a localized supply chain. Now, explore just means that the company is looking into manufacturing and those plans arent solid yet, but it is a sign of hope for American drone photographers.

Over the next five years, we will continue to invest in research and development, bringing new products to consumers every year, SkyRover wrote. Continuous innovation is our way of communicating with customers  letting technology inspire exploration and the joy of discovering the world.

SkyRovers statement isnt my only sign of hope as a US drone pilot. DJI has filed a lawsuit, claiming that the drone ban is unconstitutional and violates the right to due process by enacting the ban without any evidence of a threat to national security.

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Some SkyRover drones are discounted in spring sales right now, including $359 for the SkyRover S1 bundle with extra batteries and $599 for the SkyRover X1 for $599. Several DJI drones are discounted right now, including $500 off a DJI Mini 5 Pro bundle, $340 off the DJI Avata 2, and a DJI beginner drone for $209.

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Browse the best drones for photographers, or the best drones for kids.
If you're headed to the airport, you're probably carrying your phone, loaded with personal information. Your boarding pass, flight information, hotel reservations, all of it is there right alongside other details like your social media, emails, photos, and more. That's why handing it over to a strangerespecially while traveling internationallycan be scary. These days, phone searches at the US border are more common than ever, and not for security-related reasons.

Remember that the 4th Amendment of the US Constitution prevents unreasonable searches and seizures of personal property. That said, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has special authority to search devices entering or leaving the US by air, land, or sea. According to the CBP, in 2024, electronic device searches affected .01% of travelers at US ports of entry. Of those subjected to searches, more than 36,000 were not US citizens. Combined with ICE presence at airports and understaffed TSA checkpoints, you can see the problem.

With that in mind, I'll address some frequently asked questions about device searches and provide a practical pre-travel checklist to help protect your information.

Will US Customs Agents Search Your Phone?

Before I give advice to travelers, lets talk about why border security searches happen. Heres what CBP has to say: Border searches of electronic devices are often integral to determining an individuals intentions upon entry to the United States and thus provide additional information relevant to admissibility of foreign nationals under US immigration laws.

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The statement above is pretty non-specific and quite broad, right? Thats why its important to take these searches seriously. There arent hard rules for what constitutes benign or malicious intentions. Its entirely up to the border protection officer.

Do You Have to Let US Customs Agents Search Your Phone?

To answer the question above: It depends. Are you a US citizen? US citizens must be let back into the country, so if you refuse a search, agents can let you go home while keeping your phone. Foreign travelers can be turned away at the border if they refuse to comply.

CBP says that if you are chosen for a device inspection and your phone is protected by a passcode or another form of security, that device may be subject to exclusion, detention, or other appropriate action or disposition. Additionally, the traveler may face longer processing times to allow for CBP to access the contents of the device.

What Are CBP Agents Looking for?

According to CBP, a basic electronic device search involves manually searching your phone. An agent can look through your device for just about any reason, but if they feel you or your data may be a national security concern, theyll ramp up the search.

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The next level calls for an advanced search, during which agents may connect other devices to your phone to view the data or make copies of it. You can read more about such investigations on the agencys website.

Border security officers cannot access your live cloud data, so its smart to back up your devices to the cloud before crossing the border. More on that later.

What Should I Do if My Phone Is Seized?

I checked with the Electronic Frontier Foundations guidelines for this answer, and I highly recommend reading the organizations border search report and printing out their pocket guide for crossing the US border.

If a CBP agent seizes your device, the EFF advises people to request Form 6051D, which is a custody receipt, to claim their device later. Again, US citizens do not have to comply with electronic device searches to enter the country, but foreign travelers do.

Assess Your Privacy Risks While Traveling

With a little preparation before you leave, you may be able to avoid hassle at the border. First, determine what you need to take with you. Do you really require multiple internet-connected devices on your trip? Depending on the nature of your travels, you may be able to get away with taking a burner phone with you instead of a smartphone packed with private data. A freshly wiped Chromebook or a tablet may also be a reasonable swap for a laptop in some circumstances.

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Next, perform a personal risk assessment. Do you have a clean criminal record? Are you a US citizen? If you can answer yes to both questions, remember that the likelihood of a device search is pretty low. If you answered no to either of those queries, you may be picked for a search at the border, so be prepared.

Now that weve discussed who you are, lets talk about what you do. Are you an activist, journalist, lawyer, politician, or anyone else who is at high risk for surveillance due to your job or online posts? If so, I highly recommend taking the steps listed below to secure your devices before you leave.

For more, check out this story from our sister site, CNET: No, Your iPhone Isn't Listening to You. Here's What's Really Happening

Before Crossing the Border, Do This

In the spirit of staying prepared, here are some suggestions for things to do to your devices before you travel into or out of the US:

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Log Out of Your Accounts : If you plan to keep apps on your devices, log out of them first. Border officers may be able to search your devices, but they must be in airplane mode, as per the CBP's rules. That means the agents cant access your data stored in the cloud.

Back Up Your Computer and Phone : If you have a cloud storage account, back up your data to the cloud. That way, you have copies of everything youre about to delete. Its wise to make sure your device has the latest security updates, too, since those protections may make it harder for an officer to search the device thoroughly.

Deep Clean Your Devices : Remove any apps that you dont want a border agent to ask you about. Its a good idea to clear your browsing history, delete chat logs, and remove any sensitive contact information that you wouldnt want someone else to find. Make sure to clear your Recently Deleted or Trash folders after youve removed the apps or files from your device.

Clear Your Messages : If you use a secure messaging app like Signal, remove yourself from group chats and turn on the disappearing texts feature.

Disguise Your Apps : Signal, WhatsApp, and other messaging services have very distinctive logos that may draw an officers attention. To combat this, you could change the look of the apps logo on your devices home screens. For example, on my personal phone, Signal is represented by a picture of the Hamburglar. On iOS, the best way to change your icons is via the Shortcuts app. Android users will need to download an icon-changing app from the Google Play Store.

Disable Biometric Unlocks : Visit your phones Settings menu and disable face and fingerprint scanning, since officers can use those to force access to your device without much effort. This can be achieved by holding the phone up to a detainee's face to open the device or by physically placing a person's finger on the device reader to obtain a fingerprint scan. Keep in mind that though an officer cannot compel you to enter your passcode or PIN, if they seize your device, they have tools that may be able to eventually crack the lock.

Familiarize Yourself With Device Data Protection Modes : Android and iOS have built-in remote-wiping features, so its easy to disable or delete all data from a confiscated phone remotely. Get to know these features in your devices Settings menu. Also, create a shortcut on your home screen to quickly wipe the device if necessary. This allows you to simply tap the shortcut and disable or completely wipe your device, depending on your preferences. You can find powerful data protection offerings on Android and iOS within your phones settings menu. Look for Advanced Protection mode on Android devices, and Advanced Data Protection mode within your iCloud settings on iOS devices. Its a good idea to turn these modes on and keep them active throughout your trip (and maybe forever). These settings enable end-to-end encryption for your cloud accounts, so even Apple or Google cannot access most of the data stored there.

Tell Someone Where Youre Going: Its a good idea to let family, friends, or even coworkers know that youre traveling internationally. Make sure that someone will check to find out where you are if things go wrong during a border crossing. If you arent a US citizen, I recommend writing down contact information for an attorney who specializes in immigration or border security cases and keeping that information with you at all times.

Stay Safe While Traveling Overseas

A device search at the US border is not guaranteed, but we know its happening more often than it has in the past, so its always wise to take a few precautions to protect your privacy. Check out our other relevant guides, including how to prepare for a protest, turn off location services on your devices, and set up secret phone numbers. For more information about keeping your data to yourself, read our guide to completely disappearing online.

PCMag and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.
The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, soaring 2,050 feet above the Beipan River in Guizhou's mountainous terrain, is the world's highest bridge. It was named one of Time's 'greatest places of 2026.' - Xinhua/Shutterstock

Chinas robot restaurant, the challenges of African airspace, plus TIMEs pick of the best places to visit in 2026. Heres whats happening in Travel.

TIMEs greatest places

A heap of shiny new parks, museums, cruises, hotels and attractions have made it into TIME magazines 100 greatest places of 2026, providing a great excuse to freshen up your bucket list.

Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, which opened in September 2025, is the worlds tallest bridge, rising some 2,050 feet above the Beipan River in southeast China. As well as cutting commuters travel time over the canyon from two hours to two minutes, its a tourist attraction, too, with a glass walkway, panoramic cafe and bungee jumping among the emerging treats.

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The Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza is the worlds largest museum dedicated to a single civilization. It was two decades in the making, and its budget ballooned to more than $1 billion, but it finally opened in November 2025. The array of treasures on display is a huge leap forward for Egyptology.

Check out CNNs stories on some of the other selected destinations: Surf Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabis Zayed National Museum, Reefline Miami, Universal Epic Universe in Orlando, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab in Dubai, Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives and the MSC World America cruise ship. The full TIME list is here.

Destination inspiration

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in Busan, South Korea is a hidden gem. - Sean3810/iStockphoto/Getty Images

Samurai treasures, a hidden-gem temple and the worlds youngest Communist capital: here are three CNN Travel picks of where to travel in Asia.

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple has become one of the most recognizable temples in Busan, South Korea, but beyond its beauty, theres a deep and surprising history.

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Japans stunning Seto Inland Sea is an excellent destination for island-hopping around the Geiyo archipelago. The six islands are connected by a 43-mile highway and bicycle path, making it both convenient and accessible.

Landlocked Laos gets far fewer tourists than its beach-blessed neighbors Thailand and Vietnam. However, Vientiane, which just marked 50 years as the capital of the Lao Peoples Republic, is an easy-going, manageable city with thriving street food and independent music scenes.

Spotlight on Africa

The Great Rift Valley is an epic series of valleys and mountains carving its way 3,000 miles through East Africa and beyond. South African photographer Shem Compion has spent 20 years documenting its landscape, people and wildlife, and gathered it all in a new book, The Rift: Scar of Africa.

In Angola in southern Africa, the National Museum of Slavery in Luanda is working to reconnect descendants of enslaved people with their family history and to preserve its collection for future generations.

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A digitized version of the archives is in the works, says museum director Jose Antonio Fazenda. We want people who are here and want to learn more to have a place where they can, he says.

African tourism is hampered by lack of connectivity in the continents aviation sector, which is in need of more investment in infrastructure, safety oversight and a regional hub. The potential, however, is huge, and unlocking Africas airspace could be a multi-billion dollar opportunity.

Robots at the restaurant

Robots chop, stir, and cook more than 100 dishes in this experimental restaurant in China, with noodles ready in just three minutes  and no humans running the kitchen.

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For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Part of being at a protest like Reid Park's, she said, "is to be around other people who are pissed off and to not feel like you're alone in the world. It feels good to be around other people who also feel the same thing and are fighting for the same things.

Nicols said she hopes Trump will eventually be impeached. But for now, she hopes Saturday's protests and the community activists who attended will inform the general public about what people can do to fight back.

What really needs to happen is like a full on, actual strike. If there was a general strike, that is what would get attention. And I don't know that that is going to happen, but that is what needs to happen. The hard part is that there's a lot of people who can't do that. If you're working two or three jobs ... you need to provide for yourself, provide for your family. Honestly, it's rich people who need to ----ing cough up," Nicols said.

Tucson Democratic U.S. Rep. Adelita Grijalva told the crowd she got off a plane Saturday and headed straight to Reid Park because what we are doing today is fighting fascism. Were fighting an authoritarian regime.

Grijalva spoke of La Abuela, asylum seeker Julia Benitez, the 79-year-old Cuban grandmother with dementia who was released from ICE custody following an Arizona Daily Star investigation last month. While Benitez was able to return to Florida to live with family after nine months in ICE custody in Eloy, it breaks my heart to think about how many thousands of other people are in that same situation," Grijalva said. "And it begs the question, how many others like them are going to remain behind bars, silenced by an uncaring system?"
Returning: The Assembly

S3 guests are Andy Lee, Claudia Karvan, Jimmy Barnes, Dave Hughes, Jessica Mauboy and Ian Thorpe.

Season three of the highly-acclaimed factual series The Assembly returns to ABC next month with guests Andy Lee, Claudia Karvan, Jimmy Barnes, Dave Hughes, Jessica Mauboy and Ian Thorpe.

In its third season, The Assembly evolves into a deeper, more ambitious series, with Autistic journalism students from previous seasons returning to question some of Australias most recognisable personalities for revealing, in-depth interviews that go beyond their public image.

Taking the next step in their media training under the continued mentorship of award-winning journalist Leigh Sales, the graduate students share their personal success stories from their first foray into the media. For the first time, Leigh takes the students on field trips, to sharpen their research and interviewing skills while uncovering the real stories behind the featured guests.

Under Leighs guidance, the students visit locations that played host to career defining moments for the interviewees, meeting with close supporters and friends to tap into the origin stories of these famous Australians in a way that weve never seen before.

Dynamic, inspiring, and heartfelt, The Assembly continues to redefine media training, inclusive employment and storytelling, celebrating neuro-diverse voices and empowering the next generation of journalists.

Produced by Helium, The Assembly is made with comprehensive support for the student journalists, through a partnership with Aspect (Australias largest service provider for people on the autism spectrum), Dr Helen Wolfenden, Senior Lecturer at Macquarie University (delivering tailored journalism training), and Bus Stop Films (Australias leading inclusive filmmaking organisation). Together, these partners help create a production environment that is inclusive and empowers storytelling.

Production Credit: The Assembly is produced by Helium Pictures for ABC. The Assembly is an inclusive production proudly supported by Aspect (Austism Spectrum Australia) and Bus Stop Films. Executive produced and directed by showrunner Melissa Maclean, executive produced by Therese Hegarty, Heliums Mark Fennessy and ABC Commissioning Editor, Factual Julie Hanna. ABC Head of Documentary & Specialist, Susie Jones. Helium has developed The Assembly for an Australian audience from a format created by Eric Toledano and Olivier Nakache, originally produced by Kiosco.TV & Quad+Ten, and distributed by Cant Stop Media.

7:30pm Sunday, 26 April at 7.30pm on ABC (all episodes on ABC iview).
The issuance of the documents of the 14th National Party Congress marks a profound shift in both perception and state management of belief and religion.

Building on the achievements of the 13th Party Congress, the Communist Party of Vietnam has introduced adjustments that are both breakthrough in nature and closely aligned with reality, meeting the demands of a new era of national development.

Drawing from years of practical experience in the field, the new document offers orientations that are both strategic and directly address existing bottlenecks in religious affairs. These updates are clearly reflected across five core dimensions.

A major step forward in theoretical awareness and freedom of belief

With the attention of Kon Tum Province (now Quang Ngai Province), religious facilities have been built in a more spacious and well-equipped manner, creating favorable conditions for followers to participate in religious activities.







At the 13th Congress, theoretical understanding focused primarily on consistently ensuring the right to freedom of belief and religion, while promoting the positive cultural and moral values of religions as resources for national development.

Religion was acknowledged as a spiritual need of a segment of the population, one that exists and will continue to exist alongside the nation - reflecting a deep respect for spiritual life.

However, the 14th Congress marks a significant evolution in this awareness. For the first time, the Party more clearly and profoundly affirms this perspective, while also introducing a progressive addition of international significance: respect for the right not to follow any belief or religion.

At the same time, the identification of religious unity as a key requirement in building a socialist rule-of-law state elevates religious affairs to a central pillar in strengthening national unity.

A candid assessment of reality and state management

One of the most striking aspects of the 14th Congress document is its strong spirit of self-criticism.

While the 13th Congress largely assessed the religious situation as stable - with most dignitaries and followers trusting the leadership of the Party and State - the new document takes a more realistic stance.

It frankly acknowledges existing limitations, pointing out that the management of certain cultural, religious and belief-related activities remains inadequate and, in some cases, loosely controlled.

This candid approach provides a crucial foundation for state agencies at all levels to tighten discipline, improve legal frameworks and avoid superficial governance in religious affairs.

Formalizing and prioritizing religious security

Venerable Thich Nhuan Hien, abbot of Hue Chieu Pagoda in Quang Ngai Province, speaks with Buddhist followers from ethnic minority communities.







The increasingly complex global and regional landscape requires a sharper security perspective.

The 13th Congress emphasized handling religious issues harmoniously, preventing hotspots, and firmly addressing those who exploit religion to undermine national unity.

Building on this, the 14th Congress takes a significant step forward by formally emphasizing the concept of religious security.

The document calls for ensuring increasingly robust religious security in key and strategic areas, preventing the emergence of hotspots and proactively addressing complex security and social order issues.

This reflects a preventive mindset - addressing risks early and from afar, rather than reacting after problems arise.

Renewing leadership methods and strengthening core forces

In terms of leadership and mobilization, the 13th Congress focused on uniting and encouraging religious organizations, dignitaries and followers to live good lives and beautiful faith.

The 14th Congress raises this requirement further by calling for renewed approaches to leadership, mobilization and engagement.

A key highlight is the emphasis on building core forces - individuals with credibility within religious communities. In practice, gaining the trust and support of respected religious figures is essential for effective public engagement.

The document also calls for specific and effective mechanisms to monitor and synthesize religious developments, paving the way for modern governance tools, including data-driven analysis.

Party development in religious communities

Building Party organizations in religious areas has long been a complex challenge.

At the 13th Congress, this issue was not addressed in depth, appearing mainly within broader orientations on strengthening national unity.

By contrast, the 14th Congress recognizes a breakthrough achievement: the near elimination of areas without Party members in villages and hamlets with religious populations.

The proportion of Party members who are religious followers is also increasing, reflecting the Partys growing credibility among believers.

At the same time, the document candidly acknowledges ongoing shortcomings in Party organization building and member management in religious areas, while continuing to emphasize the need to develop Party membership in these communities.

Towards a more inclusive and disciplined approach

Overall, a comparison between the 13th and 14th Congress documents shows that the Partys thinking on religious affairs is becoming more comprehensive, inclusive and grounded in reality, while also more disciplined.

From respecting the spiritual needs of the people to strengthening state management, emphasizing religious security and renewing engagement methods, all efforts converge on a shared goal: to maximize the contributions of religions while reinforcing the great national unity bloc for a prosperous and happy Vietnam.

Nguyen Duc Toan (Deputy Head of General Affairs Division, Government Committee for Religious Affairs)
Since December 13, 2025, the intelligent traffic control centre operated by the Traffic Police Division under Hanoi Police has processed more than 19,300 traffic violations using an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled camera system.



Beyond the headline figure, officials say the technology is reshaping urban management, not merely identifying breaches.



For years, traffic control in the capital relied heavily on manpower and on-the-spot judgement, often reacting to congestion rather than anticipating it. The new system marks a move away from that model.



With 1,837 AI cameras integrated into traffic signals at 195 key intersections, Hanoi now operates a citywide network capable of monitoring and regulating traffic in real time. Authorities say this allows data to be shared continuously, supporting faster and more consistent decision-making.



The approach represents a shift towards more proactive management. Instead of waiting for congestion to build, the system enables earlier intervention by adjusting signal cycles, coordinating traffic flows and maintaining stability across multiple routes simultaneously.



A similar transition is underway in enforcement procedures.



From January 1, Hanoi Police began piloting a fully digital sanctioning process via the iHanoi application, with 7,810 cases already processed through the system. The initiative replaces traditional administrative procedures with a streamlined digital process.



Residents can check violations, confirm details and pay fines online without visiting police offices, while authorities say the system helps reduce administrative workload, improve transparency and limit direct contact.



Public response has been broadly positive, although some say adaptation will take time.



The system makes enforcement feel more consistent, but people still need time to get used to it, said Le Van Hung, a motorbike driver in Vinh Hung ward.



Others have raised concerns about awareness and the pace of adaptation.



Not everyone is familiar with using apps to handle fines yet, especially older people, said Nguyen Thi Yen, a retiree. There should be more guidance to help people adapt.



At a broader level, the shift reflects a governance approach that prioritises efficiency and accessibility.



One of its most significant aspects is the focus on behaviour. Congestion in Hanoi has long been linked not only to infrastructure constraints but also to inconsistent compliance with traffic rules.



The system automatically detects and fines common offences such as running red lights, illegal stopping or parking and encroaching on pavements, allowing authorities to address violations at their source. Enforcement becomes more consistent and visible, encouraging behavioural change rather than serving as an occasional response.



At the same time, data generated by the system is being used to refine traffic organisation.



Authorities have adjusted operations at 188 intersections and established 22 green wave corridors along key routes such as Pho Hue  Hang Bai, Tran Hung Dao and Vo Chi Cong. Hundreds of signal recalibrations and technical interventions have helped ensure stable and continuous operation.



Initial results suggest the approach is having an impact. Traffic flow through intersections has improved by between 4% and more than 18%, including at some of the capitals most congested junctions. While incremental, these gains point to the cumulative effect of a more coordinated and data-driven system.



Hanoi is moving away from a model defined by manual control and fragmented processes towards one built on integration, real-time data and digital platforms.



The intelligent traffic control centre, in this sense, represents more than an operational upgrade. It forms part of a broader effort to build digital government and a smarter urban environment, where technology underpins not only infrastructure but also decision-making.



More consistent enforcement is also influencing behaviour on the streets.



People are more careful now, especially at red lights and no-parking zones. You know the cameras are always there, Hung said.



However, some caution that lasting change will depend on public awareness.



Technology helps, but improving traffic culture still requires long-term education, Yen said.



A new model of urban management is taking shape, more proactive, better connected and increasingly aligned with the demands of a growing city./. VNA
In the context of tense supply as military conflicts in the Middle East escalate, accelerating the use of E10 gasoline is seen as a solution to significantly replace mineral gasoline. Furthermore, implementing the roadmap for nationwide E10 use early also contributes to cooling down gasoline prices, as environmental protection and luxury taxes on biofuel are currently lower than mineral gasoline.

Moreover, one of the greatest benefits of E10 gasoline is the ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Ethanol burns cleaner than fossil gasoline thanks to the oxygen atoms in its molecules, helping to reduce CO2, hydrocarbons (HC), and other pollutants by up to 20-30 percent compared to regular gasoline.

According to Associate Prof Dr Le Hai Hung, former lecturer at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, E10 gasoline is a fuel blend of 90 percent RON95 gasoline with 10 percent ethanol (E100) - a type of biofuel typically produced from corn, cassava, sugarcane, or other agricultural by-products.

The chemical formula of ethanol is C2H6O or C2 H5(OH), while the general formula for gasoline is CnH2n+ 2.

Unlike regular unleaded gasoline, ethanol is considered somewhat carbon-neutral because, during the growth process, crops absorb more CO than the amount emitted during fuel production and combustion. This helps offset a portion of the generated greenhouse gases; however, the level of effectiveness remains a subject of debate.

In Vietnam, ethanol comes from domestic production plants and imports.

In all cases, using biofuel is an inevitable trend and is particularly suitable for a country with an agricultural economy like Vietnam. Therefore, by using E10 gasoline, consumers directly contribute to protecting the environment and developing the nation's agricultural economy, Hung emphasized.

Many countries have used biofuel with different blending ratios. Leading in biofuel usage is Brazil, with common fuels being E27 and notably the use of E100 (100 percent ethanol). Most ethanol in Brazil originates from sugarcane with low carbon emission intensity, supported by stable infrastructure and policies.

Meanwhile, in Sweden, E85 is used for taxis and buses in Stockholm. In the US, E10 is the national standard, while E15 and E85 are common for flex-fuel vehicles.

Currently, E10, E20, and E85 gasolines are commonly used in Thailand. The government supports the cultivation of sugarcane and cassava to produce ethanol.

In Vietnam, since 2017, the Government has encouraged the use of E5 biofuel (blended with 5 percent ethanol), but encountered obstacles regarding supply and public awareness.

Meanwhile, E10 gasoline has been introduced for pilot sales at many stations in HCMC, Hanoi, and Hai Phong since August 2025. According to the roadmap set by Circular 50, from June 1, 2026, unleaded gasoline (according to current national technical regulations) must be blended and formulated into E10 gasoline for use in gasoline engines nationwide. Additionally, the blending and formulation of E5 RON92 gasoline will continue for use in gasoline engines until the end of December 31, 2030.

However, facing challenges of energy security and energy market fluctuations worldwide, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has been tasked with promoting the use of biofuel (E10), reviewing conditions to early implement the transition roadmap to E10 gasoline in April 2026, contributing to a 10 percent reduction in mineral gasoline consumption.

Many domestic enterprises are accelerating ethanol production and imports to serve the transition from mineral gasoline to biofuel. Petroleum companies are also ramping up blending activities, preparing to fully deploy E10 nationwide to replace mineral gasoline.

Ho Ngoc Linh from Petrolimex said the company has piloted E5 and E10 gasoline sales in HCMC since August 2025.

Currently, Petrolimex has seven blending depots ready to deploy E10 nationwide, along with a network of more than 2,800 fuel stations. The company is also speeding up E10 distribution ahead of the schedule set in Circular 50.

In terms of supply, ethanol demand for E10 blending within the Petrolimex system alone is estimated at 45,00050,000 cubic meters per month.

Meanwhile, Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical Joint Stock Company (BSR), the operator of Dung Quat Refinery, has proactively developed operational scenarios to ensure biofuel supply for the domestic market.

BSR said that from late March 2026, Dung Quat Refinery is expected to receive about 60,000 tons of biofuel (E100) from the Central Biofuel JSC for blending E10 gasoline. This supply is expected to help increase domestic fuel output as imports face difficulties due to export restrictions from some countries.

Tam An
The study surveyed 1,714 technical specialists from enterprises with more than 500 employees across 16 countries, highlighting how cyber threats linked to supply chains and trusted relationships have become among the most pressing challenges in todays security landscape.

Supply chain attacks typically involve hackers exploiting vulnerabilities in third-party software or service providers to infiltrate target organizations. Over the past 12 months, one in three organizations globally has been affected by this type of attack.

In the Asia-Pacific region, Vietnam recorded particularly high exposure levels, with 34% of businesses reporting supply chain attacks and 27% affected by trust-based attacks. These figures place Vietnam among the most at-risk markets in the region, second only to China.

Workforce shortages and operational strain

The report identifies the lack of qualified cybersecurity personnel as the primary obstacle to mitigating third-party risks. Across the region, the shortage ranges from 34% in Singapore to a peak of 57% in Vietnam.

This shortfall is forcing security teams to juggle multiple priorities at once. In Vietnam, 48% of surveyed organizations said that balancing competing cybersecurity demands increases the likelihood that supply chain risks may be overlooked.

Despite these challenges, 21% of Vietnamese businesses expressed confidence in their current security measures - a higher proportion than in markets such as Singapore (14%) and India (11%). This suggests a divergence in how organizations assess their own defensive capabilities.

Rising complexity demands coordinated response

As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, experts stress the need for structured and consistent risk management frameworks.

Adrian Hia, Managing Director for Asia-Pacific at Kaspersky, noted that supply chain security should be managed with the same discipline as internal operations, including consistent verification of partners security standards.

Key recommendations from the report include adopting cybersecurity services - including outsourcing where internal resources are limited - investing in workforce training, conducting thorough assessments of vendors before engagement, embedding cybersecurity clauses in contracts and strengthening collaboration with partners on security practices.

Establishing strategic partnerships and implementing coordinated safeguards across the organization are seen as critical steps to enhancing business resilience against evolving cyber risks.

Du Lam
A wider-screen version of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wire is expected to closely resemble the iPhone Fold. Photo: Android Headlines.







Fresh high-quality renders have surfaced, offering a compelling glimpse into what could be Samsungs most unconventional foldable smartphone to date - a device widely referred to as the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide, expected to debut in the summer of 2026.

The images, reportedly based on factory CAD data, suggest a design direction that departs significantly from previous Galaxy Fold models. While the official name remains unconfirmed, the leak is considered highly credible, though minor details such as bezel thickness may still change before launch.

A direct response to Apples foldable ambitions

Rumors indicate that Apple is preparing to unveil its first foldable iPhone - often dubbed the iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra - with a form factor resembling a compact tablet like the iPad mini, expected alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series this September.

Samsung appears unwilling to concede ground. Following its early move with the ultra-thin Galaxy S25 Edge ahead of Apples rumored iPhone Air, the company is now preparing a book-style foldable that closely aligns with Apples anticipated design language.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide is rumored to feature a 7.6-inch main display with a shorter, wider aspect ratio, paired with a 5.4-inch outer screen - noticeably smaller than the 8-inch inner and 6.5-inch outer displays on the Galaxy Z Fold 7, and also below expectations for the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8.

A new aspect ratio, a different experience

The most striking shift lies in the display proportions. Reports suggest the inner screen adopts a near 4:3 ratio, offering a more tablet-like experience that enhances video playback and multitasking. This change positions the device somewhere between a traditional smartphone and a compact tablet.

However, trade-offs are evident. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide is expected to include only two rear cameras, compared to a likely triple-camera setup on the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8. This could put the Wide variant at a disadvantage in photography.

That said, the iPhone Fold is also rumored to feature a dual-camera system, potentially leveling the playing field.

Battery capacity may favor Apple, with expectations of up to 5,500 mAh, compared to around 5,000 mAh for Samsungs device. In contrast, Samsung could maintain an edge in charging speed, with support for 45W fast charging - a notable figure in the foldable segment.

Physically, the device is said to measure 123.9 x 161.4 x 4.9 mm when unfolded, and 123.9 x 82.2 x 9.8 mm when folded - relatively compact dimensions that could appeal to users if hinge durability is well optimized.

Pricing may determine its fate

Ultimately, pricing could prove decisive.

Samsungs earlier Galaxy S25 Edge launched at US$1,100, and many analysts believe a lower price might have broadened its appeal. That lesson could weigh heavily on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 lineup.

With the standard Fold 8 likely offering stronger hardware - such as an additional camera or larger battery - Samsung may need to carefully differentiate pricing between the two variants.

Meanwhile, the price of Apples foldable remains unknown. However, analysts expect it to sell in large volumes regardless, driven by the companys strong brand appeal.

For Samsung, positioning the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide at a more accessible price point may be the most viable strategy to attract users in an increasingly competitive foldable smartphone market.

Hai Phong
Under the current roadmap, from June 1, 2026, all gasoline must be blended into E10 for use in petrol engines nationwide. E5 RON92 will continue to be available until the end of 2030.

However, amid growing concerns over energy security and global fuel market volatility, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has been tasked with accelerating the rollout. The goal is to cut consumption of conventional fossil-based petrol by 10%.

According to Deputy Minister Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan, expanding the use of biofuels such as E5 and E10 will not only reduce emissions compared to traditional gasoline but also support environmental protection, boost the biofuel industry, and create stable demand for agricultural products while reducing reliance on imported fuels.

Key considerations for vehicle owners

Despite concerns among motorists about potential impacts on engines, experts and manufacturers have largely affirmed that E10 is safe.

During the drafting of Circular 50, the ministry consulted major automakers such as Toyota, Honda and Ford, along with technical bodies including the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). All confirmed that E5 and E10 do not harm engines. In fact, E10s higher octane rating can improve combustion efficiency and reduce knocking.

However, practical usage still requires attention.

Lo Hai Nam, head of the technical board at the Vietnam Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (VAMM), noted that biofuels tend to absorb moisture. Vehicles left unused for extended periods may become harder to start compared to when using conventional petrol.

Biofuel also has a cleaning effect. In fuel systems with metal tanks, long-standing deposits can be loosened and broken into small particles, potentially leading to clogging or minor disruptions in fuel flow. Regular inspection and maintenance of the fuel system are therefore essential.

Associate Professor Dam Hoang Phuc from Hanoi University of Science and Technology emphasized that most modern cars are already compatible with higher ethanol blends, even up to E20 in some cases.

The bigger risk, he said, lies not in E10 itself but in using fuel that does not meet the vehicles standard. Drivers should check whether their vehicles comply with Euro 3, Euro 4 or Euro 5 standards and refer to markings on the fuel cap. Labels such as Euro 5 E20 indicate compatibility.

For older vehicles - especially those more than 20 years old without E markings - more thorough inspection of the entire fuel system is necessary. This is essential regardless of whether E10 is used, as components naturally degrade over time.

Ethanols cleaning properties can accelerate the dissolution of existing deposits, allowing them to flow into the engine. In newer vehicles, improved fuel systems largely eliminate this issue. Older motorcycles, however, may still face such risks and require extra caution.

E10 does not create deposits. It simply speeds up the process of dissolving what is already there, Phuc stressed.

Another factor is ethanols tendency to absorb water, which can affect combustion, particularly in vehicles using carburetors. Ensuring proper fuel circulation and avoiding long storage times can help minimize these risks.

For consumers, filling only the amount of fuel needed for short-term use is a practical way to reduce potential issues.

Performance and efficiency impact

Research comparing RON95, E5-RON95 and E10-RON95 fuels, conducted in collaboration with Toyota, shows that engine power may slightly decrease due to ethanols lower energy content. However, the higher octane rating improves combustion efficiency.

Overall, engine performance remains within a fluctuation range of about 5%. Fuel consumption may increase by around 1-3% depending on driving conditions.

As Vietnam moves toward a broader adoption of biofuels, the transition to E10 signals a significant shift in both energy policy and everyday driving habits - one that millions of vehicle owners will need to adapt to in the months ahead.

Tam An
A female professor with three youngest-ever records

Professor Nguyen Thi Lan: The youngest female director and Party Secretary in the history of the Vietnam National University of Agriculture in 2016; the youngest female professor at the Vietnam National University of Agriculture; the youngest professor to receive the Kovalevskaia Award.







Born in 1974, Prof. Nguyen Thi Lan is currently a member of the National Assemblys Committee for Science, Technology and Environment. She also serves as Party Secretary and Director of the Vietnam National University of Agriculture. In addition, she leads the Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology (Faculty of Veterinary Medicine) and heads the Academys Center for Excellence and Innovation.

Her scientific journey began in 1997 when she became a lecturer at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agriculture I (now the Vietnam National University of Agriculture). She later pursued advanced research and became a doctoral candidate at Miyazaki University in Japan from 2002 to 2007.

Upon returning to Vietnam, she held various key academic and managerial roles, including Deputy Head of Department, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and Director of the Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology.

In 2014, she was appointed Vice Director of the Vietnam National University of Agriculture, before becoming Party Secretary in 2015 and officially assuming the role of Director in January 2016, a position she has held ever since.

Throughout her career in management and scientific research, Prof. Nguyen Thi Lan achieved two notable milestones: becoming the youngest female Director and Party Secretary in the history of the Vietnam National University of Agriculture in 2016.

In 2018, she was awarded the title of professor, becoming the youngest female professor at the institution.

That same year, she received the Kovalevskaia Award - one of the most prestigious honors for female scientists - making her among the youngest professors to receive this distinction.

Beyond academia and educational management, Prof. Nguyen Thi Lan has actively participated in legislative activities. She was elected to the 14th and 15th National Assembly terms and has continued to gain voters trust in subsequent terms, becoming one of the few female professors to serve three consecutive terms: the 14th, 15th and 16th.

Significant contributions to agriculture

Professor Nguyen Thi Lan has made significant contributions to agriculture, veterinary medicine, and biotechnology.
Amid heightened volatility in the global rice market caused by geopolitical tensions, expanding global supply, and intensifying competition, Vietnams rice sector is under growing pressure to recalibrate its development strategy towards broader market diversification, improved quality, and greater value addition.

According to the Plant Production and Protection Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the 20252026 WinterSpring crop in the Mekong Delta is expected to produce nearly 11 million tonnes of paddy, with March accounting for about 5.5 million tonnes. Total exportable paddy output in 2026 is projected at roughly 15.46 million tonnes, equivalent to 7.73 million tonnes of rice, creating significant pressure on consumption and exports amid unstable market conditions.

In the first months of 2026, Vietnams rice exports recorded growth in volume but a decline in value. Nguyen Anh Son, Director General of the Agency of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), said exports had reached around 1.74 million tonnes worth more than 826 million USD by mid-March, up 2.3% in volume but down 8.7% in value year-on-year. The average export price dropped 10.7% to 477.6 USD per tonne, underscoring rising competitive pressures in global markets.

Export markets have also shown clear divergence. The Philippines remained Vietnams largest buyer, accounting for over 55% of total shipments and maintaining steady growth. Exports to China, Malaysia, and Australia increased, while several African markets saw notable declines.

Do Ha Nam, Chairman of the Vietnam Food Association (VFA), said global rice demand remains strong but uneven across regions. To capitalise on opportunities, the sector must further diversify markets, enhance product quality, strengthen trade promotion, and apply more flexible export management policies.

China has emerged as a bright spot in Asias rice trade. Vietnam is now Chinas second-largest supplier, exporting roughly 700,000 tonnes, more than double the previous years level.

Beyond traditional markets, Japan and the Republic of Korea are emerging as promising destinations for Vietnams premium rice products. Initial shipments branded as low-emission green Vietnamese rice have successfully entered the Japanese market, marking progress in brand development and penetration of high-end segments.

Africa is also viewed as a key pillar in Vietnams export diversification strategy. According to the Vietnam Trade Office in Algeria, which also oversees Senegal, the country imports about 1 million tonnes of rice annually, mainly low-priced broken rice. In 2025, Vietnams rice exports to Senegal surpassed 168,000 tonnes worth 52.57 million USD, nearly 30 times higher than the previous year.

During National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Mans official visit to Senegal in July last year, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on rice trade, under which Vietnam aims to export around 100,000 tonnes annually. The agreement contributes to Senegals food security while opening new opportunities to expand Vietnams footprint in African markets.

Looking ahead, rice export prospects for 2026 are expected to face stronger headwinds as global supply recovers. The VFA forecasts export volumes will likely remain around 7 million tonnes rather than achieving rapid growth as seen in previous years.

The MoIT has directed relevant agencies and Vietnams overseas trade offices to closely monitor supplydemand trends, price movements, and import policies in key markets, while providing timely information, risk alerts, and support to businesses in addressing emerging trade challenges.

Meanwhile, the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency is stepping up international promotion of Vietnamese rice through diversified programmes combining both in-person and online activities to widen market access.

Effective utilisation of free trade agreements (FTAs) has also been identified as a key solution to expand export markets. Authorities are incorporating rice into support roadmaps helping enterprises maximise FTA benefits while accelerating negotiations to expand tariff quotas with partners such as the EU and the UK.

Nguyen Quoc Manh, Deputy Director General of the Plant Production and Protection Department, recommended that localities adopt flexible cropping calendars and proactively manage water resources to mitigate saltwater intrusion and climate risks. He also called for continued restructuring towards higher proportions of high-quality, fragrant, and specialty rice varieties, which now account for about 75% of total cultivation.

At the same time, the implementation of the one-million-hectare high-quality, low-emission rice programme linked to green growth is helping raise the value of Vietnamese rice through lower production costs, higher farmer profits, and compliance with international sustainability standards./. VNA
On March 26, Vietnam Electricity (EVN) and Hiep Phuoc Power Co., Ltd. signed the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) and held a groundbreaking ceremony for the plant in Hiep Phuoc Commune, Ho Chi Minh City.

This is the second PPA in the liquified natural gas (LNG) power sector in Vietnam, following the Nhon Trach 3 and 4 projects. It is also the first LNG PPA implemented under Decree No.56/2025/ND-CP, as amended by Decree No.100/2025/ND-CP, which establishes preferential mechanisms for imported LNG power plant development. The event marks a step forward in completing the legal framework and promoting LNG power projects in Vietnam.

The Hiep Phuoc LNG Power Plant  Phase I is a key national project developed under the build-operate-own model, with an investment of around VND18.9 trillion ($892 million) and an installed capacity of 1,200 MW. It utilises advanced gas turbine technology supplied by Siemens, delivering high efficiency with optimised operations and lower emissions.

At the event, officials said the signing of the PPA and the groundbreaking demonstrate a strong commitment to developing cleaner and more flexible power sources, contributing to national energy security amid rising power demand.

Once operational, Hiep Phuoc will supply more than seven billion kWh of electricity annually to the national grid, supporting stable power supply for the country's socioeconomic development.

Bac Lieu LNG plant signs grid deal, targets 2030 commercial operation A grid connection agreement has been signed for the 3,200 MW Bac Lieu LNG-to-power plant, moving the project closer to delivering electricity into Vietnam's national grid.

Nghe An establishes task force to help implement LNG thermal power plant Nghe An Peoples Committee has created a task force to direct and supervise the $2.3 billion Quynh Lap Liquefied Natural Gas thermal power project.
The proposal was approved at the 44th GCF Board Meeting on March 26. It marks the fourth venture to be implemented by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA ) with funding from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), contributing to the mobilisation of diverse finance as outlined in Japan's Development Cooperation Charter.

The project aims to address drivers of deforestation and forest degradation while promoting sustainable forest management and improving local livelihoods. It utilises results-based payments for emission reductions achieved under Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+)  a UN-backed mechanism that provides financial incentives to developing countries for forest conservation and carbon stock enhancement  during the 2014 reference period in Vietnam.

The initiative reflects the Vietnamese government's sustained efforts and JICA's long-standing cooperation, which has included support for REDD+ policy formulation, development of forest monitoring systems, and calculation of emission reductions and removals.

The scheme is expected to further boost forest conservation and climate change mitigation, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals 13 (Climate Action) and 15 (Life on Land), while also supporting the objectives of the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Moving forward, JICA will continue to cooperate in forest and nature conservation efforts, contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation.

The GCF, established under UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, supports developing countries in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change impacts.

JICA, ECOM boost sustainable coffee farming The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has expanded its role in global food security with its first exclusive working capital loan.

JICA stands alongside Vietnams four-pillar charge Over the past decades, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Vietnam have been cementing bilateral cooperation, with the former supporting Vietnam in implementing a wide range of projects covering different sectors.
As the two-tier local government model comes into operation, the task is not only to reorganise the administrative apparatus, but also to ensure that budget flows  particularly those earmarked for national target programmes  are managed smoothly and effectively.

To speed up disbursement and maximise the socioeconomic benefits of these funds at local level, the MoF has urged provincial and municipal peoples committees to direct their departments, agencies, and commune-level authorities to promptly review objectives, identify needs, and fully prepare investment dossiers and procedures.

This is a critical step to ensure that projects are ready for immediate implementation once funding is allocated, thereby minimising delays caused by procedural obstacles.

National target programmes are regarded as a lever driving socioeconomic development

At the same time, the MoF has called on localities to prepare the necessary conditions to fully disburse national target programme funds in 2026, ensuring both timely progress and improved efficiency in the use of capital, and swiftly translating budgetary resources into real-world outcomes.

Notably, the MoF has clarified the mechanism for extending the implementation and disbursement period for unspent funds from 2025.

Accordingly, all state budget funds under national target programmes that remain undisbursed in 2025 may be carried over into 2026 and utilised through December 31.

Local authorities are then required to work closely with the State Treasury to carry out fund transfers, expenditure control, and disbursement in accordance with regulations. At the same time, they must focus on ensuring the effective use of carried-over funds to complete tasks under the 2021-2025 period.

Practical experience in many localities shows that, by closely following the MoFs guidance, reviewing plans, and maintaining flexibility in implementation, national target programme funds have been disbursed effectively, forging noticeable improvements in peoples livelihoods.

In the northern highland province of Lao Cai, following the MoFs guidance, Lao Cai Peoples Committee has directed departments and agencies to review the entire project portfolio, particularly ongoing projects, while focusing on removing obstructions.

For livelihood development projects, Lao Cai has stepped up decentralisation to the commune level to ensure funds reach the intended beneficiaries, especially ethnic minority communities.

As a result, many essential infrastructure projects have been implemented on schedule, while community-based tourism models and value chain-linked agricultural production continue to deliver positive results, contributing to higher incomes for residents.

In the central province of Quang Nam, the implementation of national target programmes has been closely linked to investment preparation.

Project owners are required to complete procedures from the outset, minimising delays caused by incomplete documentation.

At the same time, the province has strengthened coordination with the State Treasury in capital payments to ensure smooth disbursement processes.

For funds carried over from 2025 to 2026, priority is given to ongoing projects that can be completed quickly, avoiding the fragmentation of resources. As a result, many rural infrastructure projects have been completed, helping transform rural landscapes and bolster peoples living standards.

Meanwhile, in the Mekong delta province of Soc Trang, authorities have focused on reviewing and categorising tasks in line with official guidance.

Completed projects have been promptly finalised, while those no longer suitable have been adjusted or halted, allowing resources to be concentrated on more effective initiatives.

Notably, Soc Trang has promoted the integration of funding sources to provide comprehensive support for residents, from housing and clean water to livelihoods.

Decentralisation, coupled with strengthened oversight, has helped ensure transparency and improve the efficiency of capital use. As a result, the living standards of many ethnic minority households have remarkably improved.

It is evident that the MoFs guidance is not only aimed at resolving technical impediments in disbursement, but at achieving the broader goal of enhancing efficiency of capital.

The implementation of projects under national target programmes has generated substantial on-site employment for rural workers, particularly low-skilled labourers and ethnic minorities.

Beyond increasing incomes, these initiatives have facilitated a gradual shift in production methods, enabling people to participate in more effective economic models such as value chain-based production, community tourism, and rural services.

This, in turn, forms a critical foundation for sustainable livelihoods, advancing multidimensional poverty reduction and narrowing development gaps across regions.

Private sector encouraged to join major national programmes, projects It must fully unleash the productive capacity and resources of the country through the private sector; mobilise all private resources for national development.

Finance ministry urges SOEs to lead tech drive for growth Chairing a conference on March 19 to outline priorities for the months ahead, Minister Nguyen Van Thang underscored the pivotal role of state-owned enterprises under the Ministry of Finances purview.
An elderly man says he feels extremely frightened about his health after being discharged from a North Wales hospital.

Dr David Birch, from Ceunant, says he has been living with an enlarged prostate, urine retention, and serious balance problems.

The 77-year-old says he can only walk with a Zimmer frame, and fears he could suffer from a catastrophic fall while at home.

He questioned the decision by medics at Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor to declare him fit for discharge.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board said their policy is to ensure all patients are discharged safely when they are medically fit.

They said this is to ensure other patients can be treated in a more timely manner.

Dr Birch said he began experiencing mobility problems and dizziness before being admitted to Ysbyty Gwynedd some weeks ago.

Dr Birch said his wife is currently living in London helping her daughter with her baby, meaning he has to return to his small cottage on his own.

The retired science teacher claimed he was told by medical staff at the hospital on Wednesday that he must leave his bed and return home alone. He said this was despite him struggling to walk without help.

I can get around on a smooth surface using a Zimmer frame, he said. But when the physiotherapist assessed me in hospital, it was walking along the ward, but it was a safe, smooth surface with walls on both sides, so you could use the walls if you felt like you were going to slip. But I also had a big strong guy by my side.

So in his opinion, I was fit for the big, bad world. As far as Im concerned, Im extremely scared being home alone because I have two artificial hips, and if I were to fall, I could have a dislocation, which would be catastrophic for me and very expensive for Ysbyty Gwynedd.

I live in a small cottage, and it is very difficult to get around. I cannot use my Zimmer frame in the cottage. I have to do what is called furniture walking and go from one piece of furniture I can use as a handhold to another.

I absolutely did not feel ready to go home because I have suffered for seven months with this condition. In seven months, Ive only been out of my cottage three times. I didnt have a hot meal.

I was existing on what I could buy online, biscuits and other rubbish like that. I didnt have a shower in those seven months for the simple reason I felt dizzy, and when I stand up, I have to support myself.

Dr Birch said returning home alone has left him anxious. I have no balance and am unable to use my legs. I am in a cold house on my own, he said.

I feel extremely nervous, and I feel extremely frightened.

He also criticised the hospitals discharge process. The latest craziness is this: if one is taken home by ambulance, only one bag per person. The other bags are transported later by taxi. Who pays? You and me in our taxes. Yes, I got my other bags two hours after I had arrived home. It is a farce.

Tehmeena Ajmal, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Boards Chief Operating Officer, said: Our policy is to ensure all patients are discharged safely into the community, when they are medically fit to leave hospital.

This is assessed by our clinicians in conjunction with our patients, whose cooperation we appreciate. If any community support is needed, this will form part of an ongoing care plan.

It is vital beds are relinquished when patients are medically fit for discharge and all discharge criteria have been met. This helps to create flow through our hospitals and allows other patients to be treated in a more timely manner.

She added: We would encourage anyone who feels their care has been below the standard expected, to contact our PALS team. They can be contacted on: 03000 851 234 or via email at: BCU.PALS@wales.nhs.uk.

By Richard Evans  BBC Local Democracy Reporter

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Coleg Cambria delivered a record-breaking performance at Skills Competition Wales, securing an impressive 19 medals and 49 accolades in a landmark year for the college.

Based in Wrexham, Northop, Deeside and Llysfasi, learners achieved five gold, five silver and nine bronze medals, alongside 28 highly commended recognitions and two Best in Region titles.

The ceremony took place at Rhyl Pavilion Theatre following a series of skills contests held across the country throughout February.

The 2026 programme featured 65 disciplines spanning engineering, construction, digital technologies, hospitality and health, all part of the Welsh Government-funded Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales initiative.

A total of 132 Coleg Cambria learners took part, showcasing exceptional technical ability, professionalism and determination against some of the nations top emerging talent.

Gold medallists were Aiden Hendry (Aeronautical Engineering), Joseph Shone (CNC Milling), Dylan Morris (Enterprise), Matthew Bolland (Construction Metalwork) and Evie McManus (Beauty Therapy Practitioner  Body).

Robert Jones, Skills Competition Wales Lead at Coleg Cambria, said: We are incredibly proud of all our learners who took part this year. Achieving results like this is a testament to their dedication, resilience and willingness to push themselves.

These events require not only technical excellence but the confidence to perform under pressure, and our learners continue to rise to that challenge.

He added: Skills Competition Wales provides an important platform for developing industry-ready talent. It allows learners to test themselves against the best while building the confidence and employability skills needed for their future careers.

Competitors were supported by dedicated staff: Viktoriya Hughes, Jamie Mapp-Jones, Technical Training Officer Caleb Maxfield, Adam Youens, Ruth Payton, Antony Commins, Ryan Redshaw, Tim Morris, Jamie Elder, Sarah Capper, Martyn Pearson, Michelle Jones, Steve Pearson, Paul Phillips Jenkins, Sian Parry, Stacey Goodall, Donna Jones and Ross Blakemore, whose expertise and guidance played a key role in preparing learners.

This success follows a major aerospace engineering pressure test event at the colleges Deeside site, designed to mirror real-world industry conditions. Led by Caleb Maxfield, Jamie Mapp-Jones and Jamie Cartwright, around 100 aeronautical engineering apprentices  many employed by Airbus in Broughton  took part in high-pressure, skills-based challenges.

The initiative, endorsed by WorldSkills UK, included sheet metal fabrication, electrical loom builds and a team-based aircraft inspection on an Airbus A319 wing, all completed against the clock and to industry standards.

Caleb added: Experiences like the aerospace pressure test are invaluable in sharpening learners abilities. They ensure our students are not only ready for the workplace but fully prepared to succeed on national and international stages.

Top-performing learners may now progress to the WorldSkills UK National Finals, with the opportunity to represent Wales at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.

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Trail hunting is to be banned in England and Wales, the UK Government has announced.

The practice sees hounds follow a pre-laid trail made from an animal-based scent across the countryside, mimicking traditional hunting.

It became common after the Hunting Act 2004 came into force as an alternative to fox hunting, which the act banned.

The government says the nature of trail hunting makes it difficult to ensure wild animals are not placed in danger when dogs pick up their scent rather than the intended laid trail.

Wild animals including foxes and hares, as well as household pets, can be injured or killed as a result.

Senior police figures have also raised concerns that trail hunting is being used as cover for illegal hunting with dogs.

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman, who leads on hunting for the National Police Chiefs Council, has previously said trail hunting gives people the opportunity to carry on hunting  as they always said they would when the ban came in 20 years ago.

Animal Welfare Minister Baroness Sue Hayman said the government would act on its manifesto commitment.

The nature of trail hunting makes it difficult to ensure wild and domestic animals are not put at risk of being killed or injured  that is clearly unacceptable, she said.

The government says it wants drag hunting and clean-boot hunting, which use non-animal scents instead of animal-based trails, to continue.

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said the ban was the right decision.

In 2004 traditional fox hunting was banned and this is the latest step to ensure we have the highest standards for animal welfare, she said.

The announcement follows the governments Animal Welfare Strategy, which set out reforms across a range of animal welfare issues.

A public consultation is open until 18 June.

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A couple who met at a village dance have celebrated 60 years of marriage with a surprise tea party at a Wrexham care home.

John Hughes, 88, and his wife, Barbara, 79, first met at Wrexham Memorial Hall when he asked for a dance  the start of a lifelong romance.

Now, six decades on, staff at Pendine Parks Gwern Alyn Care Home  where John now lives following a stroke 18 months ago  organised a special afternoon tea to mark their diamond wedding anniversary.

To mark the special day the team at Gwern Alyn made a cake for the pair  who also received a bouquet of anniversary flowers.

Barbara, from Gresford, described the unexpected celebrationwas like getting married all over again.

We met at a dance at Gresford Memorial Hall when John was in the RAF. He spotted me and came over to ask me to dance, explained Barbara.

I was so surprised that at first he I thought he was asking someone else. But I soon said yes when I realised he was speaking to me. It was the beginning of a lifelong romance. Weve been so very happy together.

After his National Service John enlisted in the RAF, including serving three years in Germany.

Before joining up he had completed an apprenticeship as an electrician and on eventually leaving the RAF he went on to work as an electrical contractor while Barbara worked as a make-up consultant.

Away from work they enjoyed travelling and following Formula 1 motor racing.

John has settled in well here. Gwern Alyn is lovely and welcoming, everyone is so friendly and considerate, said Barbara, who visits John everyday.

Today was always going to be a special day for as we celebrated so many years together, but we never expected anything like this wonderful tea party.

John was pleased that the day was made even more special by the fact that the spring sunshine had come out just as it did on their wedding day all those years ago.

The couples two daughters, Katie Adamson and Sally Boles, had managed to keep the celebration a secret from the couple.

Katie said: We cannot thank everyone enough for the trouble they have gone to. Mum and dad are thrilled, there are so many flowers, it is just superb.

John and Barbara were also looking forward to seeing their wider family at a second celebration to follow the anniversary day. They have five young grandchildren.

Katie and her husband, Nick, have three children, Phoebe, Tom and Louis; Sally and her husband Garry, have two children, Max and Ollie.

The couple were presented with a 60th anniversary card hand-made by Pendine Park creative arts consultant Jason Bennion, who heads up arts workshops for residents at Gwern Alyn.

Barbara said: I am so touched and cant say thank-you enough. This brings back so many memories of happy times weve shared.

Our love is as strong as ever and Im so proud that both our wonderful grown up daughters are here to share this magical day with us.

Gwern Alyn manager, Cindy Clutton and care practitioner Vicky Garbutt, said it was an honour to be a part of such a remarkable milestone in the couples lives.

Cindy said: Their love still sparkles brightly and after so many years together they deserve a first-class celebration. It is a pleasure for us to help make this anniversary day as special as possible for them.

Spotted something? Got a story? email us at Got a story? email us at news@wrexham.com
Healing from trauma demands patient, structured efforts that honor the body's natural recovery rhythms. People navigating trauma therapy, PTSD recovery, and emotional trauma healing discover that clear steps build resilience and open doors to joy. This guide outlines practical paths forward, grounded in established practices.

Understanding Trauma Types

Trauma disrupts life in subtle and profound ways, often lingering beyond the initial event. Acute trauma arises from a single incident, like a car accident or assault, sparking immediate shock and fear. Chronic or complex trauma, however, stems from repeated exposurethink childhood neglect or ongoing abuseembedding patterns that affect self-worth and relationships.

Emotional trauma healing begins by naming these experiences without judgment. The brain's amygdala, wired for survival, overreacts long after danger passes, leading to fight, flight, or freeze responses in everyday situations. Recognizing whether trauma feels "big T" (life-threatening) or "little t" (cumulative emotional wounds) helps tailor approaches.

This distinction matters in PTSD recovery, where symptoms vary by trauma type. Studies from the National Institute of Mental Health highlight how complex trauma often involves dissociation, unlike the flashbacks common in acute cases. Individuals benefit from self-reflection tools, like journaling prompts: "What events still tighten my chest?" Such awareness sets the stage for targeted trauma therapy.

Recognizing PTSD Symptoms

Spotting PTSD symptoms early transforms overwhelm into actionable insight.

Intrusive thoughts replay events unbidden, such as flashbacks or nightmares.

Avoidance behaviors steer clear of people, places, or conversations linked to the trauma.

Hyperarousal manifests as irritability, sleep disturbances, or constant scanning for threats.

Negative mood changes include persistent guilt, shame, or emotional numbness.

Detachment from family and friends, plus loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities.

Memory gaps around the event, alongside difficulty feeling positive emotions.

In emotional trauma healing, these signs signal the nervous system's protective mode, not personal weakness. The DSM-5 outlines four symptom clusters: intrusion, avoidance, negative mood changes, and arousalall persisting beyond a month to warrant PTSD diagnosis. Daily checklists help track patternsrate anxiety from 1-10 after triggers or note nightmare frequency. This data empowers discussions with professionals during PTSD recovery. Bessel van der Kolk's book "The Body Keeps the Score" underscores how trauma lives in sensations, not just memories, urging attention to physical cues like tension or fatigue.

Building a Safety Foundation

Safety anchors every step of trauma therapy, creating a stable base before diving deeper. The nervous system, stuck in high alert, needs reassurance through predictable routines. Start with physical safety: lock doors, choose quiet spaces, surround yourself with trusted objects like a weighted blanket.

Grounding exercises pull focus to the nowname five things you see, four you touch, three you hear, two you smell, one you taste. This 5-4-3-2-1 method interrupts dissociation, a common PTSD hurdle. Breathwork follows: inhale for four counts, hold four, exhale six, repeating until calm settles.

Emotional safety involves boundaries, like limiting news intake or saying no to draining interactions. In emotional trauma healing, this foundation prevents re-traumatization. Pete Walker's work on complex PTSD emphasizes "inner safety" through self-compassion phrases: "This feeling will pass; I am safe now." Consistent practice rewires threat detection, freeing energy for growth.

Effective Trauma Therapy Options

Trauma therapy offers proven tools to process pain without reliving it fully.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) pairs bilateral stimulationside-to-side eye movements or tapswith memory recall, reducing emotional charge. Sessions typically span eight phases, from history-taking to closure, yielding relief in 6-12 meetings for many. Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) challenges stuck beliefs, like "The world is always dangerous," through written accounts and Socratic dialogue. Somatic Experiencing tracks body sensations to discharge pent-up energy, preventing symptom buildup. Prolonged Exposure gradually faces fears in safe doses, shrinking avoidance's grip during PTSD recovery.

Therapists select based on needsEMDR for vivid flashbacks, somatic for physical symptoms. Group formats add validation, hearing others' stories normalize isolation. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) outlines these as gold standards, noting 60-80% symptom reduction rates. Matching modality to lifestyle ensures adherence.

Practicing Daily Self-Care

Self-care sustains emotional trauma healing, bridging therapy sessions with everyday empowerment. Mindfulness meditation, even five minutes daily, observes thoughts like passing clouds, lessening their power. Apps guide beginners, focusing on body scans to reconnect with numb areas.

Movement heals silentlyyoga poses like a child's pose release stored trauma from hips and shoulders. Walking in nature boosts serotonin, countering depression's fog. Nutrition plays a role: omega-3s from fish or walnuts support brain repair, while stable blood sugar curbs mood swings.

Journaling captures wins, like "Today, I laughed at a meme," rebuilding joy pathways. Sleep hygienedim lights pre-bed, no screensrepairs neural circuits frayed by PTSD. Hydration and herbal teas soothe the vagus nerve, promoting calm. These habits compound, turning survival into thriving over months.

Stages of PTSD Recovery

PTSD recovery progresses through distinct stages, each building on the last.

Impact Stage: Emergency response hits, with shock, denial, and survival mode dominating right after the event. Stabilization (or Immediate Recovery): Safety tools and symptom management take priority, often with professional intervention. Intermediate Recovery: Functioning improves; work or school resumes with coping skills and new relationships forming. Integration (or Transition): Full reconnection happens, weaving trauma into a meaningful narrative with renewed purpose and joy.

Recovery pace differs for everyonesome feel steadier within a year, others take more time amid ups and downs. Noticeable changes include full nights of sleep or handling crowds without panic. Setbacks happen; treat them as signals to adjust, not proof of failure.

Finding Professional Support

The right therapist can make PTSD recovery feel less isolating, like having a steady guide. Search directories such as Psychology Today for those trained in trauma work. In the first meeting, ask straight up: "What's your experience with cases like mine?"

Join NAMI support groups or online communities for real stories from others in the thick of itno pressure to share. A psychiatrist might suggest SSRIs if anxiety tags along. Check EAP benefits through work or local low-cost clinics to keep costs down.

For specifics, look at EMDRIA certification if EMDR interests you, or your state's licensing board. Online sessions work well if travel's tough, keeping progress steady from home.

Practices for Lasting PTSD Recovery

Trauma therapy, PTSD recovery, and emotional trauma healing converge in daily commitment. Experiment with outlined steps, adjusting for personal rhythms. Consult experts like those citing van der Kolk or SAMHSA for tailored paths. Progress unfolds uniquely, revealing joy's quiet return through persistence.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the first step in PTSD recovery?

Safety comes firstbuild a stable foundation with grounding techniques and routines to calm the nervous system before deeper emotional work.

2. How long does emotional trauma healing take?

Timelines vary widely; some notice shifts in months with consistent trauma therapy, while complex cases span years, depending on support and practices.

3. Can I heal from trauma without therapy?

Self-care like journaling and mindfulness helps, but professional trauma therapy accelerates PTSD recovery and prevents setbacks for most people.
Wrexhams bid to host City of Culture celebrates the countys growing cultural confidence, creativity and ambition.

That is the view of Joe Yates, Strategic Executive Officer at Wrexham University and Trustee of the Wrexham Community and Culture Trust (WCCT), who has reaffirmed the institutions support for the bid.

Wrexham is one of nine places across the UK still in the running  and the only Welsh city competing for the title.

The bid has been described as a sign of the citys growing cultural confidence, creativity and ambition.

The university said the bid aligns with its wider plans to support the citys development, including its Wrexham 2030 strategy, which focuses on growth, culture and education.

Being long-listed for UK City of Culture 2029 is a fantastic achievement for Wrexham and a testament to the energy, creativity and ambition of our city, said Joe Yates.

Wrexham is defined by its innovation, resilience and strong sense of community. At Wrexham University, we are committed to helping shape a modern civic city that is globally connected and culturally confident. Progressing in this bid would accelerate that vision  creating new opportunities for our students, strengthening our cultural sector, and further raising Wrexhams profile on the world stage.

He added: The bid represents the very best of Wrexhamits people, its creativity and its ambition. As a trustee of WCCT, I see first-hand the passion driving this work forward, and as a university, we are proud that our Wrexham 2030 strategy places culture and community at its heart. We are fully committed to supporting the next stage of this journey.

Wrexham will now compete against eight other locations  Blackpool, Inverness-Highland, Ipswich, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes, Portsmouth, Sheffield and Swindon  to reach the next stage of the process.

Culture Bid Director, Amanda Evans, said: We are incredibly grateful to Wrexham University for its continued support and leadership as a key partner in our bid for UK City of Culture 2029.

Reaching the longlist stage is a significant moment for Wrexham, and the Universitys commitment to creativity, collaboration and civic ambition is central to our story.

Together, we are showcasing a place that is investing in its people, its talent and its future. We look forward to building on this momentum as we move into the next phase of the bid.

Spotted something? Got a story? email us at Got a story? email us at news@wrexham.com
The Nevada Gaming Control Board released new guidelines for businesses that face penny shortages after its discontinuation.

The board says licensees may choose to either round up to the nearest five-cent increment or round up and down as necessary.

The board says they're not allowed to only round down.

Licensees must also provide a property notice to patrons about their policy, where it's easily visible.
The opioid epidemic has changed how patients and doctors think about pain, prescription painkillers, and addiction treatment. Once seen as a straightforward solution for moderate to severe pain, opioids have contributed to widespread dependence, overdose, and longterm publichealth challenges. Understanding their risksand the safer alternativeshelps people make informed choices without unnecessary fear or stigma.

The Opioid Epidemic in Plain Terms

The term "opioid epidemic" describes the rapid rise in opioidrelated overdoses, deaths, and addiction cases over the last two decades. It began with the overprescribing of prescription painkillers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and other opioidbased medications for conditions that might have been managed with nonopioid options. As prescriptions increased, many patients developed tolerance, dependence, and eventually addiction, with some turning to heroin or synthetic opioids like fentanyl when legal access tightened.

This crisis affects people from all backgrounds, including rural and urban communities, young adults, and older adults. Guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights how the opioid epidemic is not just about illicit drugs but also about how prescription painkillers were introduced and monitored in medical practice. The CDC's opioidprescribing guidelines and surveillance reports have helped reshape how doctors approach pain management today.

How Prescription Painkillers Can Lead to Addiction

Prescription painkillers work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing the perception of pain and often producing feelings of relaxation or euphoria. In shortterm usefor example, after surgery or a serious injurythese effects can be helpful. However, repeated or longterm exposure can "rewire" the brain to expect opioids, increasing the risk of dependence and addiction.

Several factors make prescription painkillers more dangerous when misused:

Taking higher doses than prescribed

Using them for longer than recommended

Combining opioids with alcohol, benzodiazepines (like Xanax or Valium), or other sedatives

Having a history of substance misuse or mentalhealth conditions such as depression or anxiety

Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)explains how tolerance and withdrawal drive people toward continued use, even when they want to cut back. Their work on opioiduse disorder underscores why early education and monitoring are so important in preventing addiction.

Spotting the Signs of Opioid Addiction

Recognizing opioid addiction early can make it easier to enter addiction treatment before serious health or social problems occur. Behavioral changes may include:

"Doctorshopping" to obtain multiple prescriptions

Hiding pill bottles or lying about medication use

Withdrawing from family and friends or showing sudden mood or priority shifts

Physical signs of opioid addiction can include:

Drowsiness or "nodding off" during the day

Slowed or shallow breathing

Constipation, nausea, and sweating

Pinpoint pupils

Flulike withdrawal symptoms when doses are reduced or missed

These signs point to the need for a medical evaluation and, in many cases, formal addiction treatment. Professional guidance from organizations such as the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)helps clinicians identify opioiduse disorder and connect patients with appropriate care, including medicationassisted treatment and counseling.

Overdose Risks and the Role of Naloxone

Opioid misuse can be lifethreatening because of respiratory depression: opioids suppress the brain's drive to breathe, which can slow or stop breathing entirely. This risk is especially high when opioids are combined with alcohol or other sedatives, which further depress the central nervous system. Overdoses can lead to coma, brain damage, or death if not addressed quickly.

Naloxone (often sold as Narcan) is a medication that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose by blocking opioid receptors and restoring normal breathing. Training community members and family members to recognize overdose signs and use naloxone has become a key part of publichealth efforts tied to the opioid epidemic. Programs supported by the CDC and NIDA emphasize that naloxone saves lives, but it addresses only the immediate crisis; longterm recovery usually requires ongoing addiction treatment and support.

Why Safer Pain Management Matters

The opioid epidemic has pushed many clinicians and patients to rethink how pain is managed. Instead of defaulting to longterm prescription painkillers, the focus has shifted to "opioidsparing" strategies that minimize or avoid opioid exposure while still providing relief. These approaches help reduce the risk of addiction, dependence, and the broader social harms of the opioid epidemic.

Guidelines from the CDC and professional organizations like ASAM stress starting with nonopioid options and reserving opioids for situations where they are clearly necessary and closely monitored. By carefully weighing the risks and benefits, healthcare providers can help patients build more sustainable, longterm coping strategies that don't rely on prescription painkillers.

NonOpioid Options for Pain Relief

Several nonopioid options can manage pain without the addiction risks tied to prescription painkillers. These include:

Overthecounter medications Acetaminophen and NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen or naproxen) can relieve many types of pain.

They must be used carefully to avoid liver or gastrointestinal problems, especially at high doses or over long periods. Topical treatments Creams, gels, and patches containing analgesics or capsaicin can target localized pain (like arthritis or muscle soreness) with fewer systemic side effects. Physical therapies Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and targeted exercise programs can strengthen muscles, improve mobility, and reduce chronic pain.

These therapies often include education about posture, movement, and lifestyle changes, supporting longterm pain control.

MindBody Techniques and Interventional Approaches

Mindbody techniques can also help reduce pain and the emotional distress that often drives opioid use. Examples include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps patients change negative thought patterns and behaviors around pain

Mindfulness meditation and relaxation techniques that reduce anxiety and stress

Biofeedback, which teaches patients to control bodily functions such as muscle tension and heart rate

For more severe or persistent pain, interventional treatments performed by painmanagement specialists may be appropriate. These can include:

Nerve blocks, which temporarily numb specific nerves causing pain

Radiofrequency ablation, which uses heat to disrupt pain signals

Spinalcord stimulation, which uses electrical impulses to modulate pain signals

These options can reduce reliance on prescription painkillers and lower exposure to the opioid epidemic's worst outcomes, especially when used as part of a broader painmanagement plan.

Safer Use of Prescription Painkillers

There are situations where prescription painkillers remain necessary, such as after major surgery or in certain advancedstage illnesses. In these cases, the goal is safer prescribing rather than elimination. Key strategies include:

Starting with the lowest effective dose

Limiting prescriptions to shortterm use whenever possible

Using prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) to track a patient's history and prevent "doctorshopping"

Regular followups to reassess pain levels, side effects, and signs of misuse

Guidance from the CDC and other publichealth organizations stresses that opioid prescribing should always be accompanied by clear discussions about risks, alternatives, and safe storage or disposal of unused pills. Community drugtakeback programs and secure disposal methods help prevent prescription painkillers from falling into the wrong hands.

Addiction Treatment Options for Opioid Use Disorder

Addiction treatment for opioid use disorder is most effective when it combines medical, behavioral, and social support. Evidencebased approaches include:

Medicationassisted treatment (MAT) Medications such as buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone can stabilize brain chemistry, reduce cravings, and lower the risk of relapse. Counseling and behavioral therapies Individual and group therapy help patients understand their triggers, build coping skills, and address underlying mentalhealth issues. Structured programs and support groups Inpatient rehab, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), and peersupport groups such as Narcotics Anonymous provide ongoing support for recovery.

Reports from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and standards from the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) reinforce that opioiduse disorder is a treatable medical condition, and that combining medication, therapy, and social support offers the best chance for longterm recovery.

How to Move Forward with Safer Pain and Addiction Treatment

Navigating pain management in the age of the opioid epidemic requires thoughtful choices. Patients should ask about nonopioid options, discuss personal risk factors for addiction, and pursue evidencebased addiction treatment if prescription painkillers become a problem. Healthcare providers can refine prescribing habits, expand access to safer alternatives, and prioritize early intervention for opioid use disorder.

Guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and the American Society of Addiction Medicine all emphasize that while prescription painkillers can still play a role in care, they must be used cautiously and always alongside broader strategies for safer pain relief and longterm recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the opioid epidemic?

The opioid epidemic refers to the sharp rise in opioidrelated overdoses, deaths, and addiction cases over the past two decades, driven in part by the overuse and misuse of prescription painkillers and illicit opioids.

2. How do prescription painkillers lead to addiction?

Prescription painkillers affect the brain's opioid receptors, reducing pain and sometimes creating feelings of euphoria. With repeated or longterm use, the brain can become dependent, increasing the risk of addiction, especially when doses are too high or used longer than prescribed.

3. What are the signs of opioid addiction?

Common signs include hiding or lying about pill use, "doctorshopping" for multiple prescriptions, mood swings, withdrawal from family and friends, and physical symptoms such as drowsiness, slowed breathing, constipation, and flulike withdrawal when doses are reduced.
Hong Kong's high-octane revenge thriller. A father and a journalist unleash fury to save their families. Summer 2026's most intense action film.

AceShowbiz - The trailer for The Furious has arrived, promising to deliver one of 2026s most intense and violent revenge thrillers. This high-energy martial arts film, originating from Hong Kong, made a strong impression when it premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last year. Now, it is set to launch worldwide as the kickoff to the summer blockbuster season.

The Furious centers on Wang Wei, played by Xie Miao (known for The God of Gamblers Returns), a modest tradesman whose quiet life is shattered when his beloved daughter is abducted by a shadowy criminal syndicate. With corrupt police and countless enemies standing in their way, Wang Wei teams up with journalist Navin, portrayed by Joe Taslim (The Raid: Redemption), who is also searching desperately for his missing wife. Together, they face overwhelming odds, relying on their sheer, unrelenting fury to fight back.

The trailer showcases a relentless barrage of fight sequences involving fists, feet, and an arsenal of weapons. Among the standout moments is a bone-crushing scene featuring a sledgehammer, and a particularly brutal scene involving the use of teeth, underlining the film's commitment to raw, visceral action. The question driving the story is whether Wang Wei and Navin can rescue their loved ones and if anyone who opposes them will survive their wrath.

The Furious will open in theaters nationwide on May 29, 2026, inviting audiences to brace themselves for a cinematic experience marked by intense combat and emotional stakes.

Director Kenji Tanigaki, known for his work on SPL, revealed in an interview at TIFF with Colliders Steve Weintraub that the film was shot in a notably efficient 60-day schedule. Impressively, 18 of those days were dedicated to a single, massive action sequence set in a police station. The production minimized stunt doubles, with most actors performing their own stunts, contributing to the authentic and visceral feel of the film.

The original cut of the movie was an ambitious four hours long but was skillfully trimmed to a lean and impactful 1 hour and 52 minutes of nonstop action. This tight runtime promises an intense viewing experience without any unnecessary padding.

Alongside Xie Miao and Joe Taslim, the cast includes Yang Enyou (Lighting Up the Stars), Brian Le (Everything Everywhere All at Once), and Joey Iwanaga (Alice in Borderland), assembling a talented ensemble that delivers both martial arts prowess and dramatic depth.

The screenplay was crafted by Mak Tin Shu, Lei Zhilong, Shum Kwan Sin, and Frank Hui, while production was overseen by Bill Kong, Shan Tam, and Frank Hui. Lionsgate will handle the North American release, adding The Furious to its portfolio of action-heavy films, a niche it has notably cultivated with franchises like John Wick.

Fans of adrenaline-fueled martial arts cinema should mark their calendars for May 29, 2026, when The Furious storms into theaters. With its combination of gritty revenge narrative, high-stakes action, and committed performances, the film is poised to become a standout in the genre this year.

Stay tuned for further updates and exclusive coverage on The Furious as its release date approaches.
A practical breakdown of home EV charging costs, from your electric bill to installation. Learn how to calculate your savings and avoid surprise expenses.

The Plug-In Promise: More Than Just Gas Savings

You've probably heard the biggest selling point for electric vehicles: they're cheaper to "fuel" than gas cars. It's a compelling idea, especially when you see gas prices spike. But the real question isn't just about being cheaperit's about understanding what that actually looks like on your monthly budget and your home's electrical system.

Moving from a gas pump to a home outlet shifts your energy costs from a volatile, public commodity to a predictable, private utility. This change gives you far more control, but it also introduces new variables. Your driving habits, your local electricity rates, and even the time of day you plug in become the new factors in your transportation budget.

Let's move beyond the vague promise of savings and get specific. We'll break down the true costs of charging at home, from the kilowatt-hours on your bill to the potential upfront investment in equipment. This isn't just theory; it's about giving you the numbers to make an informed decision and potentially save thousands over the life of your car.

Decoding Your Electric Bill: The Price Per Mile

To understand charging costs, you first need to speak the language of your utility bill. Electricity is sold by the kilowatt-hour (kWh). Think of it like buying gallons of milk, but for power. The national average cost is about 16 cents per kWh, but this varies wildly, from under 10 cents in some states to over 30 cents in others. Your first actionable step is to find your latest bill and note your exact rate.

Next, you need to know your car's efficiency, which is measured in kWh per 100 miles. Unlike gas MPG, a lower number here is better. A very efficient EV, like a Hyundai Ioniq 6, might use around 24 kWh to go 100 miles. A larger electric SUV, like a Ford Mustang Mach-E, might use closer to 33 kWh for the same distance.

Here's the simple math. Let's say you drive 1,000 miles in a month. With an efficient car (24 kWh/100mi) and average electricity (16 cents/kWh), your charging cost is: (1,000 mi / 100) * 24 kWh * $0.16 = $38.40. Compare that to a gas car getting 30 MPG with gas at $3.50/gallon: (1,000 mi / 30 MPG) * $3.50 = $116.67. The monthly savings are substantial, but your exact figures depend entirely on your local rates and your vehicle.

Practical Tip: Use the formula (Miles Driven / 100) * (Your Car's kWh/100mi) * (Your Electricity Rate) = Your Monthly Cost. Plug in your numbers for a personalized estimate.

The Time-of-Use Game Changer

Many utility companies offer Time-of-Use (TOU) rate plans, which can dramatically alter your charging math. Instead of a flat rate, you pay more for electricity during "peak" hours (often 4-9 pm on weekdays) and much less during "off-peak" hours (nights and weekends).

For example, a Southern California TOU plan might charge 45 cents/kWh during peak but only 15 cents/khoW during super off-peak overnight. Charging your car during that expensive peak window could erase your savings. The solution is simple: schedule your charging sessions to start after 9 PM. Most EVs and smart chargers have this functionality built-in.

This shift requires a slight change in habitplugging in when you get home but letting the car wait to startbut the payoff is huge. You could cut your charging costs by 50% or more just by timing it right. Contact your utility to see if they offer EV-specific TOU plans, which often have even lower overnight rates.

The Hardware Investment: Charger Types & Installation

You can plug any EV into a standard 120-volt household outlet, a method called Level 1 charging. It's slow, adding only about 3-5 miles of range per hour. For many drivers, especially those with shorter commutes, this can be perfectly sufficient if they plug in every night. The cost is essentially zero for equipment.

For faster, more convenient charging, most homeowners install a Level 2 charger. This 240-volt system, similar to what powers an electric dryer, can add 25-40 miles of range per hour. This is where the upfront costs come in. The charger unit itself typically costs between $400 and $800 for a high-quality, smart-enabled model.

The bigger variable is installation. If your electrical panel is in the garage and has spare capacity, a licensed electrician might install a new 240V outlet for $500-$1,000. However, if your panel is far away, full, or needs an upgrade, costs can soar to $2,000-$4,000. You must get at least two itemized quotes from qualified electriciansthis is non-negotiable for safety and accurate budgeting.

Practical Tip: Before you buy a charger, get the installation quotes. The hardware cost is predictable; the "site work" is where surprises happen. An electrician can tell you if your panel can support the load or needs an upgrade.

Unlocking Rebates and Incentives

Here's the good news that can significantly offset your upfront costs: a patchwork of financial incentives exists. The federal government offers a tax credit for 30% of the cost of buying and installing a home charger, up to $1,000. This is a direct reduction of your tax bill, not just a deduction.

On top of that, many states, utilities, and even local air districts offer their own rebates. For instance, a utility might offer a $500 rebate for installing a specific, "grid-friendly" smart charger. California's Clean Fuel Reward program historically offered point-of-sale rebates. These incentives change frequently, but they are worth aggressive research.

Your action plan should be to check three places: the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE), your local utility's website, and your state's energy commission website. Stacking a federal tax credit with a state rebate and a utility incentive can sometimes cut the total project cost in half, accelerating your payback period on the investment.

Treat this like a treasure hunt. The money is often available, but it won't find you. Set aside an hour to research, make a few calls, and you could save over a thousand dollars on your setup.

The Long-Term Math: Total Cost of Ownership

Viewing home charging costs in isolation misses the bigger, more impactful picture. The true value is in the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) comparison with a gasoline vehicle. This includes purchase price, financing, insurance, maintenance, fuel, and depreciation over, say, 5 years.

While an EV often has a higher sticker price, the savings on "fuel" and maintenance are relentless. There are no oil changes, fewer brake jobs (thanks to regenerative braking), and no complex transmission services. The Department of Energy estimates maintenance costs for a light-duty EV are about 40% less than for a gas-powered car.

Let's run a simplified 5-year scenario. Assume a $3,000 upfront investment for a Level 2 charger is offset by $1,500 in incentives. Your net cost is $1,500. If you save $80 per month on "fuel" compared to gas, you recoup that in under 19 months. Every month of savings after that is money back in your pocket, potentially totaling thousands over five years.

This long-term lens is crucial. The initial charger installation feels like a cost, but framed against years of lower operating expenses, it's an investment that pays a steady return in the form of a lower monthly cost of driving.

Smart Charging: How to Be a Power-Savvy User

Once you're set up, you can optimize further. A "smart" Level 2 charger is a Wi-Fi-connected device that allows you to schedule charging, track energy use, and sometimes integrate with your utility. This is the key to maximizing those low off-peak rates automatically.

Beyond scheduling, some utilities have "demand response" programs. They might give you an additional rebate for allowing them to briefly pause your charging during periods of extreme grid stress (like a heatwave). You set your parameters (e.g., "My car must be 80% charged by 7 AM"), and the utility manages the rest. You get paid for providing grid flexibility.

Finally, consider pairing your EV with solar panels if that's a future possibility. Charging your car with sunshine effectively locks in your "fuel" cost at zero for the life of the system. Even without solar, being mindful of your habitscharging overnight, avoiding peak timesmakes you a more efficient energy consumer.

Practical Tip: Invest in a smart charger. The ability to schedule and monitor your charging from your phone isn't just a gadget; it's the tool that guarantees you always charge at the cheapest rate and can prove your savings with detailed reports.

Avoiding the Pitfalls: Common Cost Surprises

With all this planning, you can still encounter surprises if you're not careful. The first is underestimating the impact on your electric bill. While your charging cost may be $50, moving into a higher overall usage tier on a tiered rate plan can increase the cost of *all* your home's electricity. A TOU plan almost always prevents this.

Second, never skip the permit. Your municipality will likely require an electrical permit for the charger installation. A reputable electrician will handle this. It ensures the work is inspected and safe, protecting your home and satisfying insurance requirements. The permit fee (usually $50-$150) is a necessary cost, not a nuisance.

Finally, think about future-proofing. If you might add another EV in a few years, or your panel is nearly full, discuss a panel upgrade with your electrician now. It's more expensive upfront, but doing it once is far cheaper than paying for two separate service calls and installations down the line. A little foresight can save major money and hassle.

Charging at home transforms the EV experience from a logistical task into a background convenience. By understanding the costsboth upfront and ongoingyou move from hoping you'll save money to knowing exactly how you will. You gain predictability, control, and the quiet satisfaction of bypassing the gas station for good, all from the comfort of your own driveway.
Antonio Banderas overcame Hollywood's Hispanic villain typecasting to play iconic heroes like Zorro, defying ethnic stereotypes in his acclaimed career.

AceShowbiz - Antonio Banderas has spoken openly about the ethnic typecasting he faced early in his career, where he was frequently told he could only portray villains due to his Hispanic background. Despite this, the Oscar-nominated actor has managed to break through such limitations with memorable roles that defy these stereotypes.

In a recent interview with The Times, Banderas reflected on the challenges he encountered, recalling that industry insiders once told him, you are here, like the blacks and the Hispanics, to play the bad guys. However, he pointed out the irony of his later roles where he donned a mask, hat, sword, and cape, playing characters that were far from the typical bad guy mold.

One notable example is his portrayal in the Zorro franchise, where the character he embodied was a heroic figure, often called Captain Love, who contrasted the villain stereotype by being blond and blue-eyed. Moreover, Banderas highlighted the significance of his role as Puss in Boots in the Shrek series, emphasizing its impact on young audiences. The characters distinct Spanish, specifically Andalusian, accent and charming personality present a positive image of Hispanic culture to children.

This shift in the types of characters he has portrayed marks a meaningful departure from the confines of ethnic stereotyping, showcasing his versatility and the broader potential for actors of diverse backgrounds in mainstream roles. Antonio Banderas continues to be proud of breaking these boundaries and offering nuanced, heroic portrayals that resonate with a wide audience.
Glasgow Film Festival honors BAFTA-winning director Lynne Ramsay. Join her for an In Conversation event on her unique approach to film adaptation.

AceShowbiz - Lynne Ramsay, the acclaimed BAFTA-winning writer and director from Glasgow, is set to be honored with the prestigious Cinema City Honorary Award at the upcoming Glasgow Film Festival (GFF).

The award ceremony will take place on March 6 during a special In Conversation event titled From Page to Pulse. This event will be hosted by Glasgow filmmaker Adura Onashile, known for the film Girl, and is part of the festivals annual Industry Focus program. Organizers explained that during this session, Ramsay will explore her unique and deeply personal approach to film adaptation, offering an insightful look at her creative process.

Ramsay first gained significant attention with her feature debut Ratcatcher in 1999, a film shot in Glasgow that earned her the BAFTA for Outstanding Debut. Over the last thirty years, she has established herself as a filmmaker with a distinctive visual style and powerful storytelling abilities. Her filmography includes notable Hollywood productions such as We Need to Talk About Kevin, Die My Love, and You Were Never Really Here, further cementing her reputation in international cinema.

The Cinema City Honorary Award was launched in 2024 to recognize filmmakers who have made an exceptional contribution to the art of cinema. The name of the award pays homage to Glasgows rich cinematic history, as the city was known in the 1930s for having the highest number of cinemas per capita in the United Kingdom, earning it the nickname "Cinema City."

Previous recipients of this honor include renowned actor Viggo Mortensen and Glasgow-born Hollywood star James McAvoy. Paul Gallagher, Head of Program at the Glasgow Film Festival, praised Ramsay, saying, "She is one of a very small number of filmmakers who have the seemingly miraculous power of taking a unique vision in their minds and creating it onscreen exactly as they imagined." Gallagher added that her work has significantly influenced the way cinema is perceived and what it is capable of achieving.

Samantha Bennett, GFFs Industry Manager, expressed enthusiasm about welcoming Ramsay to the Industry Focus program, calling it a "true honor to feature a homegrown talent of her calibre."

The 2026 edition of the Glasgow Film Festival, running from February 25 to March 8, will showcase a variety of esteemed guests and filmmakers. Among the highlights, James McAvoy will attend the festivals closing gala to present the U.K. premiere of his directorial debut California Schemin'. The films red carpet will also feature cast members including Samuel Bottomley, Seamus McLean Ross, and Lucy Halliday.

Additionally, Glasgow-based director Felipe Bustos Sierra, known for Nae Pasaran, will return to open the festival with the screening of Everybody to Kenmure Street, a film that recently won an award at Sundance.

The festival will also host other prominent filmmakers such as Alice Winocour, Mark Jenkin, Polly Findlay, Marc Evans, Iain Forsyth, Jane Pollard, and Edinburghs Sean Dunn, who will present the U.K. premiere of his black comedy The Fall of Sir Douglas Weatherford.

The 22nd Glasgow Film Festival promises a rich program with Ramsays honorary award serving as one of its key highlights, celebrating both her remarkable career and her ongoing impact on cinema.
Nicolas Winding Refn's first film since The Neon Demon. Her Private Hell, a Tokyo thriller with a stellar cast, coming soon to Mubi.

AceShowbiz - Mubi has acquired the rights to Her Private Hell, the eagerly awaited new film from acclaimed director Nicolas Winding Refn. The streaming service secured distribution rights across the U.K., Ireland, Italy, Spain, and Latin America, with release plans to be announced soon.

This marks Refns first feature film since his 2016 project The Neon Demon. Set in Tokyo, Her Private Hell is described as a thriller, though plot details remain closely guarded. The films cast includes a notable ensemble of actors such as Sophie Thatcher (Yellowjackets), Charles Melton (May December), Havana Rose Liu (Hal & Harper), Kristine Froseth (The First Lady), Diego Calva (Babylon), Shioli Kutsuna (Deadpool and Wolverine), Aoi Yamada (Perfect Days), and Hidetoshi Nishijima (Drive My Car).

Prior to its premiere, which is rumored to be at the Cannes Film Festival this year, Neon has already pre-purchased the North American rights for Her Private Hell. This continues the strong festival presence of Refn, who has previously premiered films such as The Neon Demon, Only God Forgives (2013), and Drive (2011) at Cannes. Notably, he won the Best Director award at Cannes for Drive.

Over the last decade, Refn has ventured into television, creating projects like the Amazon crime drama Too Old to Die Young (2019), starring Miles Teller, and the dark Danish series Copenhagen Cowboy for Netflix. In an unexpected move, he also produced the children's series The Famous Five (2023) for the BBC and German broadcaster ZDF.

Mubis current and upcoming lineup includes several critically acclaimed titles from last years Cannes selections, such as Joachim Trier's Oscar-winning Sentimental Value, Kleber de Mendonca Filhos The Secret Agent, Jafar Panahis It Was Just an Accident, and Akinola Davies My Father's Shadow. The global streamer also recently acquired multiple territories for Markus Schleinzers black-and-white period drama Rose, which premiered in Berlin and earned star Sandra Huller the best actress award.

Fans of Nicolas Winding Refn can look forward to the official release details of Her Private Hell as Mubi prepares to bring this Tokyo-set thriller to audiences across Europe and Latin America later this year.
Stephen Amell joins the Baywatch reboot as Hobie Buchannon. He discusses chasing the role, intense preparation, and competing with younger actors.

AceShowbiz - Stephen Amell recently attended the open casting call for the highly anticipated Fox and Fremantle reboot of Baywatch, held at the Marina Del Rey Marriott in California. Even for a seasoned actor like Amell, landing a part meant actively pursuing the opportunity.

Just a week after his casting was announced, Amell is preparing for a fast-paced production schedule set to begin in March. Under the guidance of showrunner Matt Nix and executive producer/director McG, Amell will play Hobie Buchannon, the son of the original series Mitch Buchannon.

Amell spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about his motivation for chasing the role, and his mental and physical preparation. He acknowledged the challenges of competing with younger actors, saying, "No matter how hard I work, we are going to cast someone in their early 20s on this show and they'll be able to roll out of bed with an eight-pack and there's not a thing I can do about it. I'll focus on having other strengths. I'm the veteran, the old guy."

Reflecting on the significance of the day, Amell explained, "This is where the rubber hits the road in terms of it being real. You chase a job for a long time  I think someone told me about this in November  and here we are in mid-February. Once you actually get the job, you have a moment where you go, 'What am I going to do now?' All of this stuff kind of helps. No pun intended, but I'm now dipping my toes in the water, so to speak."

He confirmed that pursuing the role was an active choice. When asked why he went after it, Amell credited the reputation of Matt Nix as a primary motivator, calling the showrunner relationship crucial in his television work. After submitting a tape in December, Amell made the cut, marking the beginning of his involvement.

Discussing the physical demands of the role, Amell emphasized a focus on sustainability rather than extreme transformations. He highlighted nutrition and consistent gym work as key elements in his preparation. He reiterated his awareness of competing with younger actors physiques and intends to leverage his experience and presence instead.

On the topic of aging, Amell noted, "Time waits for no man." This realism shapes his approach to the role and the industry.

After his casting was revealed, Amell posted a heartfelt message about the significance of filming in Los Angeles. He expressed pride that the show will employ many people locally during a time when production opportunities in California are especially meaningful. Amell explained, "A show that honors first responders in California, a show that is going to employ a lot of people in California. I think that I could go the rest of my career and probably not experience a day like today where you have thousands of people coming out to audition for a show that hasn't shot a day yet, just because they like the property."

He also touched on the importance of authenticity in location shooting, remarking that sometimes productions are set in places that dont feel genuine on screen. For Baywatch, shooting in California is integral to the shows identity and atmosphere.

Reflecting on the vast crowd of auditionees, Amell recalled his own early days in the business. The actor expressed optimism about the aspiring talents at the casting call, believing that many of them will have bright futures in television or film, whether on this project or others. "This opportunity will be a catalyst," he said, envisioning some standing where he is now in years to come.

Regarding his familiarity with the original series, Amell admitted he has only recently started watching clips, prompted by the Baywatch Instagram account following him after his casting. However, he remains cautious about diving too deep into the original shows episodes before the reboot begins production.

With a production start looming in March and a spotlight on one of televisions most enduring franchises, Stephen Amell is ready to bring new energy and experience to the role of Hobie Buchannon.
A wedding horror series from the creators of Stranger Things. Explore prenuptial paranoia and relationship fears in this chilling new Netflix thriller.

AceShowbiz - The Netflix series Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen is quickly becoming a must-watch for fans of horror and thriller dramas. This wedding-themed horror show, created by Haley Z. Boston, offers a fresh and unsettling take on the anxieties surrounding relationships and commitment.

Inspired by Bostons own fears of marrying the wrong person, the eight-episode series dives into the complexities of romance through a genre-bending narrative. The story stars Camila Morrone and Adam DiMarco as an engaged couple confronting deep-seated doubts and eerie events that reflect the creators prenuptial paranoia.

Boston, known for her work on Brand New Cherry Flavor, channels her personal experiences into this chilling tale, which also marks the first production effort for Matt and Ross Duffer outside of their acclaimed Stranger Things universe. The Duffers serve as executive producers, lending their support and horror expertise to the project.

In a recent interview, Boston shared insights into how the idea for the show took shape. The concept grew from her reflections on her parents longstanding and loving marriage, which set an ideal she found difficult to measure up to. At 27, witnessing many friends marry, she questioned the existence of soulmates and what truly defines the right partner.

Boston explained that her creative vision naturally leaned towards horror because she tends to view the world through a darker lens, making the genre a fitting medium to explore romantic fears. This personal lens shaped the storys atmosphere and emotional depth, blending intimate relationship drama with supernatural dread.

When asked about her own romantic status, Boston revealed she is currently in a relationship and has overcome her fear of commitment. She humorously noted that her partner has only seen the pilot episode, so the series full narrative remains a surprise to them. Interestingly, Boston identifies more with the character Nicky, portrayed by Adam DiMarco, rather than Rachel, played by Camila Morrone. She relates to Rachels paranoia but finds a deeper connection with Nickys backstory, which reflects her own family dynamics.

Bostons writing room was composed mostly of married individuals, with two writers being a married couple themselves. This environment brought varied perspectives on marriage and relationships, enriching the show's thematic exploration of wedding traditions and the influence of family history on romantic expectations.

The involvement of the Duffers came after Boston pitched the pilot script to several producers. They were impressed by the concept and eager to support her as a first-time showrunner. Their guidance emphasized the importance of Boston standing firmly behind her creative choices, ensuring the story remains authentic and focused.

The show pays homage to classic horror influences such as Carrie and Rosemary's Baby, both of which use supernatural elements to explore significant life events. Additionally, Boston drew inspiration from intense character-driven dramas like Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and The Celebration, aiming to create a grounded emotional connection alongside the horror.

This balance between character development and genre thrills was a priority, especially given the commitment required from viewers to engage with an eight-episode arc. The Duffers experience with intertwining emotional depth and supernatural suspense in Stranger Things proved invaluable in this regard.

Casting the leads proved to be a key focus. Adam DiMarco was an early favorite due to his natural charm and suitability for the role of Nicky. He signed on before the full arc of his character was revealed, expressing good-natured frustration as his characters journey unfolded. Boston describes herself as a Nicky apologist, believing his decisions, though flawed, come from a place of trying to do whats right.

Finding the actress to portray Rachel was more challenging, as the role demands a nuanced performance to carry much of the series emotional weight. Camila Morrone was ultimately cast, bringing authenticity and depth to the character. Boston noted that Morrones portrayal softened the originally colder, more sardonic version of Rachel, making her more relatable and engaging for viewers.

Overall, Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen blends psychological horror with intimate relationship drama, creating a unique series that explores the fears tied to love, commitment, and the unknown future of marriage. Its critical acclaim highlights the successful collaboration between Boston, the Duffers, and the talented cast, promising an eerie yet emotionally resonant viewing experience.
Halle Berry stars as a housewife who reinvents herself as a Parisian dominatrix in 'Fleur'. A story of power, identity, and transformation.

AceShowbiz - Fleur has officially begun filming in Paris this week, with an impressive cast including Halle Berry, Matthias Schoenaerts, Marton Csokas, and Makita Samba. The film centers on a New York housewife who escapes her thirty-year marriage to reinvent herself in Paris as an upscale escort and dominatrix named Fleur.

Halle Berry leads the story as the protagonist, whose journey explores themes of power, identity, and transformation. Her characters new life in Paris is challenged by the resurfacing of her past, raising the question of whether she will return to her former existence or fully embrace her reinvention.

The role of her husband, a man she leaves behind in the U.S., is portrayed by Marton Csokas. Joining them are Matthias Schoenaerts, known for his work in Rust and Bone, and Makita Samba, recognized from Paris, 13th District, adding depth to the films ensemble.

Ellie Foumbi, a Cameroonian American filmmaker and novelist, wrote the screenplay and directs the project. This marks her second feature film following the France-set thriller Our Father, the Devil, which premiered at Venice in 2021.

The production promises a compelling narrative set against the backdrop of Paris, with a focus on complex character dynamics and personal empowerment. As filming progresses, anticipation builds around how Fleur will portray the leads transformation and the conflicts that arise from her dual existence.
An influencer has shared her experience of being checked in by robot dinosaurs at a Japanese hotel. Describing the encounter as both terrifying and unexpectedly efficient, Anna Lynne, 27, posted a video on Instagram documenting her stay at the Henn na Resort and Spa Kansai Airport, a hotel known for using robotic staff in place of human receptionists.

An influencer has shared her experience of being checked in by robot dinosaurs at a Japanese hotel

In the clip, Anna arrives at the ocean-themed lobby late in the evening after travelling from the airport, where she is greeted by multilingual animatronic dinosaurs operating the check-in desk.

The hotel, part of the wider Henn na brand, markets itself as one of the first to be staffed primarily by robots, offering guests a novelty experience alongside standard hospitality services such as spa facilities, themed rooms and on-site dining.

Anna said: Booked this stay not knowing Id be checked in by dinosaurs and low-key, I was terrified.

She added: It was 8pm, I was exhausted after a flight, and I had to walk from the train station in pitch dark just to get here. Then these prehistoric receptionists welcome me and I was like uhhh the f***.

Anna continued about the bots: But real talk they were somehow more polite than some humans I know. The check-in was smooth, and this place is super clean and quirky in the best way.

The hotel features a range of amenities including indoor and open-air baths overlooking the bay, a mineral mist sauna and a dry sauna. Its restaurant, Seian Aoi-an, serves Japanese cuisine using locally sourced ingredients under the supervision of a Michelin one-star chef.

Guests can also choose from themed accommodation options, including Ninja and Pirate rooms, as well as collaborations with aviation brand Peach Aviation.

Located near Kansai International Airport, the hotel has become known for its distinctive approach to hospitality, with robotic dinosaurs acting as receptionists in its lobby.

The concept has attracted significant attention online, with Annas video receiving more than 811,000 likes.

Viewers responded to the footage in the comments.

One wrote: Wait this is so epic.

Another said: My introverted self would prefer the awkward robot dinosaurs.

Others highlighted potential drawbacks, with one commenting: Lol, this would send me over the edge of laughter and despair, while another added: Imagine trying to complain about room service and staying serious.

The hotels automated systems have been widely praised for their novelty and efficiency, though some guests have noted that human assistance may still be required in certain situations, particularly during check-in.
Two decades later, V for Vendetta's warning against tyranny remains chillingly relevant. Explore its timeless political commentary and enduring legacy.

AceShowbiz - V for Vendetta, directed by James McTeigue, remains strikingly relevant two decades after its release. Although set in a dystopian near-future United Kingdom, the films themes echo through history and current events, proving the notion that "history repeats itself" is ever true.

The story centers on the efforts of Evey Hammond, portrayed by Natalie Portman, and the enigmatic masked vigilante known only as V, played by Hugo Weaving. They strive to overthrow a brutal totalitarian regime. While the film debuted in 2006 and was inspired by Alan Moore and David Lloyds 1980s graphic novel, its political commentary remains relevant across decades, transcending the specific political environment of the early 2000s Bush-Cheney era when it was made.

McTeigue, a filmmaker with a deep interest in political cycles, explains that the films timeless quality derives from recurring historical patterns. He told The Hollywood Reporter, "We just keep falling into the same political cycles, and that's what makes the film timeless in a way. People can just look around and see that the parallels in the film are always present in different forms."

Before directing V for Vendetta, McTeigue was the first assistant director on the Wachowskis' acclaimed Matrix trilogy. When the Wachowskis took a break from directing, they entrusted McTeigue with their updated screenplay for V for Vendetta. He personally championed Portman for the lead role, having worked with her previously on Star Wars: Attack of the Clones.

One memorable production moment was Portmans decision to shave her head on camera for the role. McTeigue ensured her own hairstylist was on set to handle the clippers, facilitating this bold transformation. The timing was notable: Revenge of the Sith premiered at Cannes in 2005, right after Portmans head-shaving scene was filmed. This unexpected move generated significant free publicity for V for Vendetta, with many asking, What movie are you working on?

Despite the films success, the notoriously private and skeptical Alan Moore has never endorsed any screen adaptations of his work, including V for Vendetta. McTeigue explained that during pre-production, Moore was frank about his negative perception of Hollywood adaptations. "He was very forthright about how he thought Hollywood stinks and that we'd make a terrible adaptation of his graphic novel," McTeigue recalled. He suggested Moore should regain control of his material but acknowledged Moores frustration stems from previous poor adaptations. Moore has also expressed displeasure with V for Vendetta itself because it is not a direct, page-by-page interpretation of his graphic novel.

Reflecting on the films 20th anniversary, McTeigue shared that the first day of filming remains vivid in his memoryparticularly the scene where Evey, taken by V to the shadow gallery, emerges disoriented and unsure of her surroundings. This moment set the tone for the films exploration of awakening and resistance.

When asked if time has altered his perception of the film, McTeigue said it has not. Instead, he emphasized the persistence of the political themes present in the movie. The original graphic novel was created during the Thatcher era in the UK (19791990), the film was shot during the Bush administration (20012009), and yet these cycles continue to repeat. As a result, audiences can find parallels in the film no matter what political era they live through.

The films relevance extends beyond its initial release in 2006 and continues into 2026 and beyond. McTeigue rejects the idea that the film is uniquely prescient, instead describing it as a recontextualization of ongoing historical trends and political behavior.

One subplot in V for Vendetta that resonates strongly today is the role of the talk show host and comedian, who becomes an early target of authoritarian control. McTeigue explained that authoritarian regimes historically target comedians first because they hold up a mirror to society and challenge the official narrative. This tactic was employed by dictators like Hitler and Mussolini, and remains relevant as modern-day political powers attempt to control the media and public discourse.

McTeigue referenced contemporary figures like Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert, who use humor to comment on political events, highlighting how this dynamic mirrors the films depiction of government censorship and control. He emphasized that fear of immigration, suspicion of otherness, and conflict with the press are recurring themes in oppressive regimes throughout history.

The directors journey from assistant director to helming his own feature film was facilitated by the Wachowskis, who recognized his creative input during their work on the Matrix series. After years of intense shooting schedules, they offered McTeigue the opportunity to direct V for Vendetta, a project they had been developing. The studio, led by producer Joel Silver, supported the film despite its politically charged content, understanding its economic potential following the success of the Matrix trilogy.

McTeigues prior collaboration with Portman on Attack of the Clones undoubtedly helped during casting. He believed she was the perfect fit for Evey Hammond and advocated strongly on her behalf. Their established working relationship made the casting process smoother and more confident.

Ultimately, V for Vendetta endures because it taps into universal themes of resistance, oppression, and the cyclical nature of politics. Its story, inspired by a graphic novel from the 1980s, has proven to be a powerful reflection of multiple political erasfrom the Thatcher years, through the Bush administration, and into the present day. McTeigues debut feature remains a significant cultural touchstone that continues to provoke thought and discussion about the nature of power and freedom.

As audiences revisit V for Vendetta on its 20th anniversary, they are reminded that the fight against authoritarianism, the role of dissenting voices, and the resilience of hope are as urgent now as ever. The films message, embodied by the masked rebel V and the courageous Evey Hammond, continues to inspire those who seek justice and truth in turbulent political times.
From Rapper to PM: Balen Shah Scripts Historic Rise as Nepals Youngest Leader 2

Nepals new Prime Minister Balen Shah, a rapper-turned-politician and structural engineer, has created history by becoming the youngest democratically elected leader of the Himalayan nation at 35. Sworn in on Friday, Shah marks a generational shift in Nepals political landscape.

He is also the first leader from the Madhes region to assume the post, becoming the countrys 47th prime minister. Known for his strong connect with the youth, particularly Gen Z, Shahs rise comes on the back of a wave of public sentiment that had earlier fuelled protests against the K.P. Sharma Oli-led government last year.

Shah secured a decisive victory over four-time prime minister K.P. Sharma Oli, the chairman of CPN-UML, by a margin of around 50,000 votes in the Jhapa-5 constituency.

His journey into politics has been anything but conventional. Before entering public life, Shah gained popularity as a rapper known for his socially conscious and satirical songs that highlighted corruption, governance failures, and societal issues. His influence among young voters became a crucial factor in his political success.

Shah first rose to prominence as the Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, where he earned recognition for pushing governance reforms, improving urban infrastructure, and prioritising civic issues such as sanitation, clean drinking water, and heritage preservation. His work during the post-earthquake recovery phase also drew widespread attention.

His political appeal was further strengthened by his advocacy against restrictions on social media and his focus on transparency and accountability in governance. In January, he joined the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), led by Ravi Lamichhane, and was soon declared its prime ministerial candidate.

Born in Kathmandu to a family originally from Madhes, Shah pursued a degree in Civil Engineering before completing his Masters in Structural Engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University in Karnataka. Alongside his academic career, he built a strong following through music, with his YouTube channel attracting nearly a million subscribers.

As mayor, Shah introduced several initiatives, including dismantling illegal structures, expanding healthcare access, promoting education reforms, and launching vocational training programmes that benefited tens of thousands of youths.

However, his tenure was not without criticism. He faced backlash over demolition drives in Kathmandu and allegations regarding his handling of law-and-order situations during protests.

Known for his distinctive style, often seen in dark goggles and a black blazer, Shah also used symbolic gestures, such as carrying a bell representing his party, during campaign rallies.

His political messaging has centred on delivering governance through digital platforms, ensuring transparency, and building a professional, non-partisan administrative system. With his rise, Shah represents a new political narrative in Nepalone driven by youth engagement, reform-oriented governance, and a break from traditional power structures.
Nepal Ex-PM KP Sharma Oli Arrested Over Deadly Gen Z Protest Crackdown 2

Nepals former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli was arrested on Saturday in connection with last years violent crackdown on Gen Z protests, a day after the newly formed government led by Balendra Shah moved to implement the findings of a probe commission.

Oli, who also serves as the chairman of the CPN-UML, was taken into custody early Saturday morning from the Gundu area in Bhaktapur district, about 12 km east of Kathmandu, police confirmed.

Former Home Minister and Nepali Congress leader Ramesh Lekhak was also arrested from his residence in Katunje, Suryabinayak Municipality, in the same district.

Both leaders face charges related to their alleged role in suppressing the Gen Z protests held on September 8 and 9 last year, during which 76 people, including several youths, were killed. The probe commission that investigated the incident recommended criminal action against Oli, Lekhak, and others.

Acting swiftly, the Balendra Shah-led government approved the commissions recommendations during its first cabinet meeting on Friday, paving the way for the arrests.

Home Minister Sudhan Gurung defended the move, stating that the action was part of a legal process and not driven by political vendetta. Nobody is above the law. This is not revenge, but the beginning of justice, he said in a social media post, adding that the country would now move in a new direction.

Police said both Oli and Lekhak have been lodged at the Kathmandu District Police Circle in Bhadrakali. They are expected to be produced before the Kathmandu District Court on Sunday, following which formal investigation proceedings will begin.

A senior police official indicated that the probe commission has recommended a prison term ranging from three to ten years if the  are proven.

Shortly after his detention, Oli was taken to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital for a routine medical examination, officials said, describing the arrest as part of due legal procedure.

Meanwhile, the CPN-UML has convened an emergency meeting of its secretariat at its central office in Lalitpur to deliberate on the unfolding developments.
A form of torture I endure for my research is reading the New York Times morning emails. The phrase alternate universe aptly describes its sly, misleading story titles, which demonstrate a built-in bias even before the report itself begins. A good example was a heading marked Territorial Adventurism used the other day in reference to Trumps geopolitical strategy in Iran and elsewhere.

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Adventurism is defined as Involvement in risky enterprises, especially in foreign affairs, while disregarding established principles or adverse consequences. How rich is it when one of the most liberal newspapers in the entire world delivers the news, as opinions, in a manner designed to predispose readers views of stories in a negative context? What hubris that pundits, and that is what they are, deign to tell you how and what to think!

Almost by definition, someone who tells you, Heres an important subject and how to think about it, is likely a bad actor. We are overrun by too many of those bad actors in our country, and they play a starring role in our current crisis of conscience. Yet, there seems to be no way to get rid of these people who, like ticks and fleas, burrow into our collective conscience, leaving us sick, confused, and angry; many have lost hope for a better tomorrow.

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When it comes to the written word, heres our dirty dozen purveyors of yellow journalism:

The New York TimesNational daily with investigative reporting and a liberal editorial stance; large national readership and influence.

The Washington PostMajor national paper with investigative focus and a mostly liberal editorial voice.

VoxExplanatory journalism that often frames policy debates from progressive perspectives.

HuffPostDigital news and opinion site known for progressive commentary and a broad audience.

The Nationprogressive politics, culture, and a long history of left-leaning advocacy.

Mother Jonesinvestigative reporting on social justice, corporate power, and the environment.

ProPublicaleft-leaning nonprofit investigative journalism focused on exposing abuses and prompting reform.

The Interceptinvestigative reporting with a civil-liberties and anti-establishment perspective.

Jacobinsocialist and left-wing analysis and reporting.

The Marshall Projectnonprofit journalism focused on criminal-justice reporting and reforms.

InsideClimate Newsanother left-leaning nonprofit investigative reporting on climate, energy, and environment.

Center for Public Integrityleft-leaning nonprofit investigative reporting on corruption, money in politics, and accountability.

And again, thats just the written word. Across the broader media landscape, progressive and left-leaning voices are distributed through an ecosystemfrom legacy national newspapers and public broadcasters to high-traffic digital influencers, nonprofit investigative newsrooms, and starkly activist platformsgiving the left multiple redundant and mutually supportive channels to reach audiences with different news-consumption preferences. Often, the reports are coordinated.

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Meanwhile, conservatisms reach is concentrated in smaller outlets. Fox stands out as the single dominant right-of-center broadcast brand, although NewsMax has a growing audience. This means the left often achieves broad cumulative reach through many specialized outlets that together are self-referencing and mutually supportive.

These tactics from progressives, socialists, and communists have evolved over the decades. Still, they would be starkly visible, understandable, and familiar to the likes of Ayn Rand and George Orwell as nothing more than old tricks dressed up as modern trickery for weak, low-information audiences.

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Ayn Rand would frame contemporary media slant primarily as a moral and epistemic failure rooted in collectivist values, institutional incentives, and the abandonment of objective standards. She would argue that many outlets prioritize coordinated agendas, identity or policy advocacy, and moral signaling over the pursuit of facts and individual judgment, producing journalism that reads as persuasion dressed up as reporting rather than as disinterested inquiry. Rands Objectivist critique emphasizes the primacy of reason, individual responsibility, and the danger of subordinating truth to political ends, anathema to progressives.

George Orwell would approach the same landscape through the lens of propaganda mechanics and language control. He would point to practices that echo his warnings about repetitive slogans, historical revisionism, selective omission, and doublethinktechniques that make contradictory narratives seem reasonable and acceptable, while allowing institutions to rewrite or obscure inconvenient facts. Orwells concern would be about how concentrated power (state or corporate) and media ecosystems can manufacture consent by shaping the vocabulary and frameworks through which people think.

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Taken together, their readings converge on a diagnosis that modern media slant is both market-and-power driven: Rand would stress how ideological group incentives and audience-targeting reward advocacy, while Orwell would stress how repetition, framing, and institutional control turn advocacy into quasi-official reality; driving strong but false commitments to unclear standards of evidence, selective sourcing, and linguistic repetition to support spin over truth, which is de rigueur today.

Recently, Code Pink sent a battalion of influencers and their acolytes on a luxury trip to Cuba. They had several objectives. First, to attack Trump, second, to advance progressive ideals, and finally, to demonstrate that America itself is complicit in suppressing other nations, in this case, Cubas prosperity and peace. (If they could have, Code Pink would have flown to Iran to deliver much the same messaging.)

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Specifically, Code Pink and allied organizers protested U.S. sanctions, showed solidarity with the Cuban government (not its people), and publicized a humanitarian aid mission, minus the humanitarian aid! This trip combined political messaging with influencer outreach. It drew sharp criticism because participants stayed in high-end hotels with air conditioning, internet, and electricity while Cubans experienced island-wide blackouts and privations like access to clean water.

But as Paul Harvey used to say, heres the rest of the story:

Code Pink was founded in 2002 by activists including Medea Benjamin and Jodie Evans, who is married to Neville Singham, a U.S.-born, multi-multimillionaire tech entrepreneur based in Shanghai, China. Its stated focus is to support anti-war and social justice campaigns.

In recent years, the organization has also received sizable funding that investigators and some news outlets trace to donor networks associated with Singham. Reporting and congressional memoranda have shown that $278 million in Singham-linked funds flowed through various nonprofits to groups such as Code Pink, prompting questions about whether those funds are intended to destabilize U.S. policy and influence popular opinion in Chinas favor.

At another time, when most Americans were patriotic and were engaged, wed understand the necessity to confront an anti-American front organization that is a cabal of bad actors. The current social and political environment celebrates divergent views, supposedly as a strength. The visible reality of what is but one of many assaults by bad actors against the American people is ongoing and essentially unopposed.

It is a question of not if, but when the cumulative damage to our social, political, and economic systems will become obvious to the majority of citizens, leading millions of Americans to flood the streets demanding an end.

That time can come none too soon.

God Bless America!

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Author, Businessman, Thinker, and Strategist. Read more about Allan, his background, and his ideas to create a better tomorrow.
Liberals like to pretend that they are advancing civilization, moving forward, progressing. Hence the moniker progressive. But that term raises the question of exactly what liberals wish to advance toward.

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The reality is that liberals are not progressing anywhere. They are engaged in a repression of freedom and natural impulses that is inherently and inevitably authoritarian. As George Orwell understood so well, the end point of liberal thought is a police state, in which personal freedom is suppressed in the name of some greater good, whether that be social equity, globalism, or some form of ethnic or sex-based equality and reparations. Liberalism is repressive at its core: It cannot allow a free discussion of its intentions, since that discussion would quickly expose how repressive it is of the very impulses that make us human: the love of freedom, of family, of nation, of local environment, and of God.

In place of these natural human impulses, liberals instill a repression that is always on guard against those who would fall back toward being fully human. The Communist Manifesto is the most succinct statement of progressive principles, and it is the foundational document that underlies the thinking of every modern-day liberal, even those who may not have read it or deny any connection with it. In their manifesto, Marx and Engels are transparent about what natural behaviors they intend to suppress and how they will do it.

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The Communist Manifesto states explicitly that its authors intend to eliminate private property, the family, religion, national ties, and the capitalist means of production, all of which will be taken over by the centralized power of the State. In Marxs view, the entire history of human society is a matter of class struggle  in the past between the feudal class and the bourgeoisie, then at the current stage between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat. Given the fact that everything is a matter of class struggle, it follows that all aspects of private and social existence must be reclaimed and converted to communal existence controlled by centralized authority. Even children are no longer to be the property of their parents, but the property of the State, educated in Marxist principles from an early age in State schools. And given the fact that the bourgeois and proletariat are actually at war, no tactic is prohibited: By any means necessary is the slogan of modern-day Marxists and progressives (the same thing), just as it was for Marx and Engels.

The Manifesto is a work filled with hatred and envy, written by a hypocrite who attacked capitalism while he was supported indirectly by the capitalist inheritance of his friend and co-author, Frederick Engels. Not only was he a hypocrite, but he was widely regarded as having exploited the very sort of worker whom he made the object of his writings  a housemaid named Helene Demuth, with whom, evidence suggests, he carried out an adulterous relationship and had a child out of wedlock, although Marx kept the affair secret and refused to acknowledge the child.

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Not only was Marx hateful toward and envious of the system he attacked, but he was entirely willing to resort to force in changing it. In the Manifesto, Marx writes repeatedly of seizing capital and control of the means of production and of the forced transfer of agricultural land to common ownership, which is to say ownership by the State. Marxs entire system was based on the use of deadly force. How else would capitalists and landowners, and even small workshop owners, be persuaded to hand over their means of livelihood?

It goes without saying that under communism, very little innovation or entrepreneurial activity would take place. Why would venture capitalists risk their precious dollars in enterprises only to have them seized by the State? Marx himself addressed the question of whether communism would make workers lazy, but he had no convincing answer other than the whip.

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Having read the Communist Manifesto, we can understand the willingness of progressives to sacrifice human freedom  and human life  in the service of their ends. Pol Pot was the most extreme of 20th-century communists, though not the most destructive in absolute numbers. After receiving an education in Marxism in France, Pol Pot returned to Cambodia with the intention of wiping out all vestiges of traditional institutions and thought, just as Marx had proposed, and to do so, he felt it necessary to murder all educated persons  even wearing eyeglasses was grounds for elimination  and of all persons whatsoever over age thirty, since those persons were presumably tainted with anti-progressive thoughts and feelings.

Lenins genocide of the kulaks, with an estimated death toll of as many as 600,000, and Maos Cultural Revolution, with a death toll of between one and two million, were predicated on similar theories. Likewise, during Stalins Great Purge, between 700,000 and 1.2 million were executed or imprisoned and tortured. These violent acts were intended to eliminate entire classes of people whose affiliation with liberty, tradition, and capitalism made them enemies of the State. In every situation where communism has been tried  in Cuba, North Korea, Venezuela, Vietnam, Laos, and the rest  there has been the same sort of repression, though perhaps on a lesser scale.

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But what of democratic socialism? Is it at all different from communism, and does it also repress freedom and humanity? A good example of democratic socialism is the administration of Clement Attlee, whose Labor Party defeated Churchill in 1945 and remained in power until October 1951. As prime minister, Attlee nationalized basic industries and expanded government services such as those for health care and housing, though these services did not alleviate shortages and only added to crushing government debt and resultant fiscal crises. One can argue that Attlees social assistance programs alleviated immediate suffering, but they did so at great cost to the nations long-term growth and prosperity. No subsequent Labor leader served as long as Attlee, and for good reason. The British became disillusioned with democratic socialism and eventually returned to a more capitalist style of government.

Similarly, for decades, Denmark was governed as a democratic socialist country. From1961 to 2024, the Danish growth rate averaged minus 2.9%. The destruction of economic growth does not merely hit at the pocketbook level; it eliminates opportunities for personal development, choice of health care, travel, education, and satisfaction not available when one is impoverished by high taxes. Only when Denmark restored a more capitalist economy and the personal freedoms that go with it did the GDP begin to rise, as it did to 6.5% in 2021. Far from a socialist utopia, Denmark is moving closer to American-style economic policies, according to Populist Policy.

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More so than Attlee or former socialists in Denmark, Mayor Mamdani of New York City is a self-proclaimed democratic socialist, and nearly all of the points Marx and Engels make in the Manifesto are reiterated in his platform, including transfer of essential services such as grocery stores, transportation, housing, and State-run early childhood education. As for the use of force, Mamdani constantly speaks of wealth taxes and increased income taxes that would transfer capital from private individuals to the State, and of course these would do so by force (the threat of incarceration if not paid). Mamdani is a wolf in wolfs clothing, openly proclaiming his ties to Marx despite almost two centuries of failed communist experiments.

Its time to come to our senses and admit that Marxism in all its guises is destructive and evil. What Mamdani and others in America are doing may seem like Marxism light, but if allowed to continue, it might soon devolve into the nightmare of hardcore communism.

Jeffrey Folks is the author of many books and articles on American culture, most recently Heartland of the Imagination (2011).

Image: david__jones via Flickr, CC BY 2.0.
Its frustrating to watch congressional Republicans bollix up this critical moment in U.S. history. Time is running out to secure American elections, eliminate all the welfare fraud and birth tourism that operate as magnets for illegal aliens, and pass legislation that gives President Trumps executive orders the force of law. You can already see the familiar scene shaping up on Capitol Hill: professional Republicans failure theater is back for another shameless performance.

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Over 80% of Americans believe that our elections will not be secure until voters are required to show proof of citizenship and photo identification (common-sense requirements enforced in democratic nations around the world). This 80-20 split with the electorate is important to note. Safeguarding the legitimacy of elections is consistently popular in the United States. Over 80% of Americans also believe that ballots should be counted on Election Day. Similar percentages reject universal mail-in ballots. Republican voters are close to 100% in support for these election safeguards. Nevertheless, Senate Majority Leader John Thune continues to play failure theater as he finds new ways to sink President Trumps election-safeguarding SAVE America Act. Utah Senator John Curtis is already joining forces with Democrats to push for mass amnesty for illegal aliens (a recurring dream of Establishment Republicans who enjoy betraying Republican voters more than defeating Democrats plans for destroying the United States).

Republican voters have watched this deranged kabuki theater all their lives. Republican voters push for something that they want. Republican politicians promise to get it done on day one. Republican voters put those Republican politicians in office. Then victorious Republican politicians find inexplicable ways to break their promises and do nothing. Their failures in leadership hand control of Congress to the Democrats. The Democrats get whatever they want done on day oneusually with the help of at least a few so-called Republicans in Congress.

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One of the more recent infuriating examples of Republicans failure theater occurred after President Obama and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid rammed socialized medicine (aka, Obamacare) through Congress in 2010 and set us down the path toward universal, government-run healthcare.

Republican voters knew what would happen. Private medical practices would disappear. Inexpensive private insurance would disappear. Families struggling to make ends meet would be forced to pay the welfare costs of people (including illegal aliens) who had no insurance coverage of their own. Republicans knew that Obamacare would destroy the medical profession, increase consumer costs, and shove an ever-increasing number of taxpayer-funded government bureaucrats inside each examination room.

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Republicans had no power in Congress or the White House when Democrats forced Obamacare on the American people. Republican members of the House and Senate pleaded, Give us your vote, and well save you from this Obamacare monstrosity. Republican voters (including grassroots conservatives who were springing up across the country as part of the largely unorganized Tea Party Movement) went to the polls in huge numbers in the 2010 midterm elections. Republicans won sixty-three seats in the House, the largest shift since 1948, and secured the majority. Republicans picked up seven seats in the Senate but failed to take back the chamber. In a rare moment of honesty, Obama called the 2010 midterms a shellacking of the Democrat Party. How did the victorious Republicans use their new powers in the House to hinder, block, or otherwise stymie Obamas government takeover of medicine? They mumbled, Sorry, we cant do anything without control of the Senate.

So grassroots Republican voters went to work again. It took them four years, but they finally secured Republican control of the Senate in 2014. Those midterm elections were another huge Republican victory. Republicans picked up nine seats in the Senate, the largest gain by either party since 1980. Republicans won thirteen more seats in the House, giving them their largest majority since 1928. Now surely Republicans would be able to fight the Democrats government takeover of healthcare and put a stop to new Obama taxes and regulations suffocating the middle classright? Nope. Speaker of the House John Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said, Sorry, theres just nothing we can do without the White House.

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Republican voters spent four years giving Republican politicians the power to stop Obamacare in its tracks, and the politicians stabbed the voters in the back. What happened next? Two things:

First, Obamacare (with more than a little help from pretend conservative judicial hack John Roberts) became entrenched in Americas labyrinthine regulatory system that exists to extract money and personal autonomy from the American people and deposit money and control to the permanent bureaucracy. The old days of a private, professional relationship between doctor and patient are gone. Now the federal governments bureaucratic regulations combine with the insurance companies regulations and the corporate hospitals regulations to determine mandatory medical outcomes before a patient even arrives.

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Second, Republican voters learned that Republican politicians can never be trusted again.

Young Americans who are just coming of age to vote in this years midterms will have few, if any, memories of how Donald Trump successfully beat a smorgasbord of talented Republican candidates in the 2016 primaries before overcoming Democrat nominee Hillary Clintons monetary and public relations advantages to take the presidency. Although the propagandists in the corporate press will never stop blaming Hillarys embarrassing loss on the Russians (state-sanctioned disinformation that rational people now recognize as the Clinton-Obama-Intelligence-Community-invented Russia Hoax), she had more advantages in the 2016 election than any candidate in American history.

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The Clinton campaign and its network of NGOs and partisan advocacy groups spent somewhere between three and five times as much money as Donald Trump did in the run-up to the election. The corporate press (including so-called conservative institutions) almost unanimously endorsed Clinton over Trump. Hillarys team booked the Jacob K. Javits Center in Manhattan to celebrate her certain victory on election night under an enormous glass ceiling (which she was certain to break as the first woman president, get it?). Hillary was so confident of victory that she started campaigning in Texas. Two weeks before the election, Hillary even sent out a Tweet with a picture of herself as a little girl and a caption reading, Happy birthday to this future president. Hillary, the Democrats, Republican politicians, the news media, almost all of the pollsters, almost all of the pundits, the whole permanent bureaucratic Establishment running D.C., and every elite institution in the United States all predicted a Hillary Clinton victory in 2016. Newsweek even printed a special commemorative edition with Hillarys face taking up the whole cover with an emblazoned headline, MADAM PRESIDENT, and a subheading announcing, Hillary Clintons Historic Journey to the White House.

Something strange happened on the way to Hillarys coronation. The American people elected businessman Donald Trump as president of the United States. Some of those voters chose him because they liked his policies. Others voted for him simply because he ran as a Republican. Above all else, though, the American people recognized Trump as the first legitimate outsider running for high office. The Establishment hated him, and, from the American peoples perspective, that hate was a ringing endorsement for Trumps candidacy.

Ten years later, and Establishment Republicans still havent learned the lesson of the 2016 election. They think that they can weather a couple more years with Trump in office and then get back to business as usual. Theyve got another think coming.

After Republican politicians failed to save Americans from Obamacare, Republican voters learned that professional Republicans cant be trusted. Watching the Washington Establishment spend the last ten years trying to put Trump and his voters in prison have only reinforced that lesson. Voters are going to get only louder after Trumps presidency. RINO failure theater no longer works. Senator Thune must step up or step aside.

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In a letter posted on X, National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent said that Iran posed no imminent threat to the US and claimed the administration started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby. With his departure, Kent is the most high-profile figure within the Trump administration to publicly criticize the US-Israeli attack on Iran. His parting words sound more like the superficial babblings of commentators like Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens, whose so-called analyses of our policy are based more on superficial opinion than on historical realities.

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It should be noted at the outset of this article that the threat posed by Iran is an ongoing, real-time dangermore than a threat. We have experienced many real attacks by Iran. A recent document published by the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in China lists 42 attacks on Americans by Iran between November 1979 and June 2025, causing the deaths of 1,229 Americans and the wounding of hundreds more.

Although this was not a singular event like the Mexicans crossing the Nueces River in the 1840s to begin the Mexican-American War or the attack on Pearl Harbor by Japan in 1941, the sheer number of those who lost their lives and the duration in decades of these attacks should convince anyone that Iran had already been inciting and been acting offensively in a war with the USA for 47 years which we have been downplaying.

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We have been in a state of denial and, yes, fear of the Iranians for all this time. We are a superpower, and they have been beating the crap out of us.

We should have attacked Iran long before President Trump, yet we have had a paralysis of will regarding Iran. We have been attacked repeatedly by Iran, sometimes losing hundreds of American lives, but we failed to retaliate.

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I use the term failed advisedly because sometimes it is wise to walk away from a fight, but if the enemy persists and grows in influence such that we also began to be attacked by Irans proxies such as Hezbollah, the Taliban, ISIS, Al-Queda and more recently the Houthis then we are not facing mere skirmishes but are facing an unstated declaration of war from specific enemies. Each of these enemies is governed by a different epicenter of power, but the persistent and dominant leader in the Islamic war against the infidel during our period of history has been Iran.

During the first half of the 20th century, the main Islamic enemy was the Ottoman Empire. It joined Germany and Austria-Hungary in World War I as another attempt to legitimize invading Europe, which the Islamic world did and continued trying to do even after Muslims were expelled from Spain in 1492. The Islamists have been at war with the West and with Christendom since the founding of Islam in the 7th century.

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However, America, in the grip of a Rodney King mentality that wants to know why cant we all just get along? does not generally teach the long wars of Islam against the West, wars that in different forms and styles have persisted for more than fourteen hundred years. This is no small matter.

It is not a matter of Israel drawing us into a nonsensical war instigated by some small aggressions by an unimportant country. Rather, the 47 years of Irans aggression are the latest wave of aggression that has emanated from different warlike centers in the Islamic world for more than 1,400 years. The moral decline and lack of historical knowledge among our population have led some peopletoo many peopleto question our right to fight and the legitimacy of fighting. After all, dont we believe in freedom of religion?

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The correct understanding is that we believe in freedom of speech, but it does not include incitement to violence or shouting Fire!! in a crowded theater. So, wavering on our attacks or opposing our attacks on Iran as being somehow hypocritical and seeming to backslide on our ideal of freedom of religion would be a misapplication of the freedom of religion concept.

Resigning from counterterrorism, as Mr. Kent did at the very time when the greatest counterterrorism operation in history is underway, would be a collapse in realpolitik. Iran is and has been an existential threat to the West and even to parts of the Islamic world. Its fanatical obsession with the enemies of Sharia law has allowed Iran to even be bombing its Sunni Muslim neighbors as being too moderate and too willing to make deals with the Great Satan.

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Another historical thread is also at work in the resistance to our war with Iran. We have encountered losses or stalemates in so many wars since the end of World War II, wars against powers much weaker militarily than the USA, weakening our confidence.

Despite our victory in WWII, we could only come to an end of the Korean conflict by fighting to a stalemate in Korea, revealing that after WWII, we had become a paper tiger. Then we fought against Ho Chi Minh to prevent a communist takeover in Vietnam, but (helped by opposition within America) we lost that war, were driven out, and Vietnam became a communist country.

Some communist teacher colleagues of mine boasted how they vacationed or had their honeymoons in Vietnam after we left that land. After Vietnam, Iraq lost to the U.S., but the influence of barbaric Islamic ideology in that country continued to thrive. Also, Iranian Shiite ideology increased in that country.

Then, following the horror of 9/11 in New York City, Pennsylvania, and the Pentagon, President Bush declared victory over the Taliban in Afghanistan, yet 20 years later, the same Taliban regained governing control (following 20 years of generals declaring in Congressional hearings that victory would come soon).

Over the years, from the end of WWII, the USA has increasingly appeared to be an ever-weakening superpower. This is the historical context of the Obama/Biden attempts to appease the Iranians with pallets of money and flexibility regarding Irans uranium enrichment. We had become gutless wonders seeking to bribe our enemy into submission.

The above stalemates and defeats took the wind out of our sails as patriotic Americans. Trumps appeal to many of us is that he boldly sees that Iran  despite attempts by Dems and Internet pontificators to see our attack on Iran as unlawful  is an instigator for 47 years, an instigator that has been viewed through the eyes of denial and fear.

And for those of us who draw on Scripture for comfort and for courage, we remember you will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to comeAll these are the beginning of birth pains. (Matthew 24: 6,8)

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Strange days are these.

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Trump is in the White House, but traitors are everywhere.

Crime rates are allegedly down, but that claim doesnt feel right to many of us in many areas.

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There is no doubt, however, that rates of idiocy, insanity and disingenuousness are at all-time highs.

One of the two major political parties in the United States actually detests U.S. citizens and incessantly woos illegal aliens  and the other party doesnt really do much about it.

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And a country that has deep, profound -- and almost ubiquitous -- ties to Christianity seems to eschew religion in favor of an anything goes hyper-secularism, yet welcomes, tolerates, and defends Islam, a pseudo-religion that considers women as property, stones gays and adulterers, and whose bylaws state that infidels must be converted, enslaved, or exterminated. Weird, wild, wacky stuff. And deeply disturbing.

So, an Austrian Catholic diocese hosts pro-LGBT Stations of the Cross, reinterpreted stations intended to reflect the supposed experiences of queer refugees.

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Lovely.

And we learn that California Gov. Gavin Slick Newsoms wife Jennifer, in a 2022 interview, stated that traditional Christians are just pulling us back as a country to a time and a place where we dont deserve to be and were not gonna be.

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And that Canadas House of Commons just passed a bill that would criminalize quoting numerous passages of the Bible, particularly those pertaining to homosexuality and gender. This after all debate on the bill was successfully shut down by Liberal MPs while it was in committee stage. It now heads to the Canadian Senate where it is expected to pass.

Moreover, by God, an allegedly Christian school in (formerly) Great Britain allegedly encouraged its students to practice Islamic prayer. A short video, recently circulating on social media, shows rows of schoolkids neatly arranged on prayer rugs, prostrating themselves before Allah. This is not your grandfathers Christianity.

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Meanwhile, an Austrian boy, the only Christian in his class, was bullied for just that reason.

The collapse of Christendom has been rapid and dramatic. The Christian Church, at least as formerly constituted, has become virtually extinct in the Netherlands and is on life support in several other European nations.

It is no coincidence that this has corresponded to the rapid rise of Islam in the West, and the consequent explosion in the number of mosques. And it has happened because progressives have infiltrated the Church and bastardized its main themes. The now hyper-tolerant practitioners of the Christian religion are all but demanding that the stupendously intolerant practitioners of Islam replace them on the world stage  which, of course, they planned to do anyway. They are giddily incredulous that their global task has been made infinitely easier by the very infidels they seek to destroy.

And yet the West sleepwalks on, accommodating, defending -- and aiding and abetting -- the invasion that will ultimately lead to its demise.

Ironically, the U.S. will fight Islam elsewhere, but never here at home where it is capable of doing the most damage. Capable, in fact, of eventually effectively annexing the nation in a mass convert or enslave operation. Mindboggling. Everywhere Muslims gain a solid foothold, they eventually take over institutions and governments and institute Sharia law.

So, rapes are covered up because Muslim boys are already under enough police scrutiny. Really? Wonder why?

Whats more, a repeat sexual offender, labeled devious and manipulative, successfully blocked his deportation from Britain by citing his right to a 'family and private life' under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

What about the multiple victims right to family, privacy, and safety? And that of their families? Victims whose parents will never be the same?

Yet, an English immigration tribunal has ruled that an Albanian criminal should be allowed to remain in Britain in part because his son doesnt care for the chicken nuggets elsewhere. In fact, the tribunal found that it would be 'unduly harsh' for the 10-year-old boy to be forced to move back with his father given his dislike of the home countrys cuisine. Sometimes, ladies and gentlemen, you just have to shake your head and wonder what caused so many people to lose their minds.

Nonetheless, schools in northern England have been advised to ban drawing, dancing, and music that Muslims deem idolatrous and not halal. And theyll probably do just that  instead of issuing the proper rejoinder, which would be, No bleeping way. We will continue to teach the Western canon. The ungrateful invading Muslim hordes can go to hell.

Not that things are different in Sweden lately, but that countrys sheep farmers are locking their sheep inside pens and shelters at night to prevent them from being slaughtered by Muslims observing the dictates of Eid. Slaughtered or shagged? Either way, it should not be tolerated.

Strange days are these. It is indeed a wild and wooly world in which we live. Just dont slaughter the wool bearers. Or shag them.

Andpro tip!-- never tolerate those that seek to convert, enslave, or kill you.

Because they will do so. If your own government doesnt beat them to it.

Image: Galt Museum and Archives, via Wikimedia Commons, and Picryl // public domain
Signals from extraterrestrial life may have gone undetected because they are being distorted by the environments of distant star systems.

Signals from extraterrestrial life may have gone undetected because they are being distorted by the environments of distant star systems

Astronomer Vishal Gajjar from the SETI Institute led a new study examining how so-called technosignatures  radio signals potentially sent by intelligent alien life  could be altered before they reach Earth.

For decades, scientists involved in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence have focused on detecting extremely narrowband radio signals, which are unlikely to occur naturally.

However, the research suggests activity from nearby stars may broaden these signals, spreading them across multiple frequencies and making them harder to detect with existing methods.

The findings were published in The Astrophysical Journal.

Speaking about the study, Vishal said: SETI searches are often optimized for extremely narrow signals. If a signal gets broadened by its own stars environment, it can slip below our detection thresholds, even if its there, potentially helping explain some of the radio silence weve seen in technosignature searches.

A research team analysed how radio signals behave by studying transmissions from spacecraft within our own solar system.

This allowed them to model how signals might be affected by stellar conditions closer to their source, rather than solely during their journey across interstellar space  an area that has traditionally received more attention from astronomers.

Grayce C Brown, a research assistant and co-author of the study, said: By quantifying how stellar activity can reshape narrowband signals, we can design searches that are better matched to what actually arrives at Earth, not just what might be transmitted.

The findings indicate that solar activity, often referred to as space weather, could play a significant role in masking potential evidence of extraterrestrial communication.

While scientists have long accounted for distortions that occur over vast interstellar distances, the study highlights the importance of considering interference within alien star systems themselves.

Researchers developed a framework to better understand how signals become distorted, with the aim of improving future search strategies.

By refining detection methods to account for these effects, scientists hope to increase the chances of identifying technosignatures that may previously have gone unnoticed.

The study, titled ExoIPM Scattering as a Hidden Gatekeeper of Narrowband Technosignatures, forms part of ongoing efforts to refine how scientists search for evidence of life beyond Earth, as interest in extraterrestrial detection continues to grow.
Circa March, 2026, there are two primary kinds of Christian ministers: those that believe and preach the Gospel and those that wrap themselves in a thin veil of Christianity, but preach contemporary, Democrat, political dogma. So vast is the chasm between these two sorts of ministers, the split has affected entire denominations. Some have become almost entirely wholly owned subsidiaries of the Democrat Party, while others have split apart with some adhering to the Gospels and others becoming indistinguishable from Democrat political rallies.

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The gods of the ancients had very human failings. They were jealous, petty, full of anger, violent, over-sexed and frequently stupid. That was because the ancients did not see themselves as created by the One God, but as creators of their gods. By various rituals, they could compel their invented gods to respond to them.

A useful philosophical concept is that to define God is to limit Him, because our imaginations are limited. When we try to define God, we have no choice but to limit Him according to what we are, know and can imagine. This Presbyterian minister imagines God to be an abortion activist, obviously like herself:

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The Catholic Church seems confused these days. Popes profess widely differing theologies, and priests are allowed to go their own ways, branching off into Marxist Liberation Theology, and like this fellow, even advocating for all manner of LGBTQ deviations:

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One wonders where in the Bible he might find support for those deviations, but when one has decided their contemporary progressive desires take precedence over the Gospels, one can justify pretty much anything.

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Presbyterian clergy arent the only ones caught up in the sacrament of abortion. Feeding and clothing the poor and ministering to the needs of congregants seems to be on the back burner. Its hard to imagine any Christian minister involved in distributing vibrators and using that money to support Planned Parenthood rather than using it for the traditional good works of any Christian church, but these are brave, new times that apparently require brave, new initiatives like genital stimulation rather than salvation:

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This they/them seems to be a non-denominational minister. Its often said that people become psychologists because theyre crazy and want to figure out how to heal themselves. One can only imagine this leader of a profane holiness community fits right in:

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Heres yet another minister--Im not calling him shewho is sharing his psychopathology with his entire congregation. He came out as trans in November of 2025, announcing his parents disapproval of his choice:

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Did his denomination approve? Did they remove him from ministry? Not so much:

This moment is a significant step in Rev. Dr. Phaneufs journey of authenticity and faith. Bishop Hector A. Burgos-Nunez affirms her ministry and servant leadership, celebrating the gifts she continues to share with the church and wider community.



I give thanks for Rev. Dr. Phil Phaneufs courage and honesty in embracing the fullness of who God created her to be, said Bishop Burgos-Nunez. Her gifts in preaching, pastoral care, and service continue to enrich our connection. We stand together in love and prayer as she walks this path.



The United Methodist Church affirms that all people  regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity  are of sacred worth and have basic human and civil rights and condemn violence, discrimination, or exclusion based on gender identity or gender expression.

Uh-huh. And the biblical justification for this, Bishop? Bishop?

This fellow is a Presbyterian minister who is caught up in anti-ICE, pro-illegal immigrant activism. Im sure hed tell us Jesus was an illegal:

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He seems unaware that that it was the Biden Administration that lost more than 300 thousand immigrant children, most if not all sold into sex slavery, and it is the Trump AdministrationICEthat has found about half of them. Or perhaps he just doesnt care? Do ministers so oriented have time, or the desire, to minister to their congregations?

Finally, we travel to Italy, a bit closer to the Vatican, where this priest had vestments made in the colors of the Palestinian flag as he preaches the PalestinianHamas, presumablycause. Sure, theyre blood thirsty terrorists intent on the genocide of Gods chosen people, but Im sure hed tell us Jesus was a terrorist too.

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Tim OBrien at PJ Media provided these social media posts. He asks why activist preachers always go woke rather than conservative? Thats easy. Going conservative in this context means adhering to the Word of God rather than wallowing in worldly diversions.

I seem to remember something in the Gospels about false prophets

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Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor.
Not a day goes by that were not reminded just how far outside the mainstream of American thought and values, not to mention bare sanity, Democrats reside. Thats hardly surprising for people who reject objective reality and substitute their own ought to be reality. They live in a world of emotion and outrage, not fact. Perhaps the most egregious recent example concerns the alleged murder of a college girl by an illegal alien in Chicago:

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Graphic: ICE. Public Domain.

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At about 1 AM on March 19, Jose Medina-Medina, wearing a mask, approached 18-year-old Sheridan Gorman who was walking with friends and began shooting at them. Struck in the head, Sheridan was killed. Medina was arrested and charged with first degree murder. illegal possession of a firearm and multiple other felony counts, which is no surprise. Hes an illegal alien released into America during the Bidens Handlers years.

So, just another murder committed by someone who should never have been allowed to be in America in the first place, and yet another of innumerable murders committed in Chicago, one of the worlds murder capitals, where so many people are killed every week murder is as common as wind in the Windy City.

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And it wasnt as though there havent been multiple opportunities to deport Medina:

Jose Medina-Medina, the 25-year-old Venezuelan national charged with Gorman's murder, entered the U.S. illegally under the Biden administration before being apprehended and released into the country, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said Sunday. Advertisement

Medina had also previously been arrested for shoplifting in Chicago, but Chicago is a sanctuary city, so he was not turned over to ICE but put back on the street where he had the opportunity to allegedly murder Sheridan Gorman. It was only his poor marksmanship that saved the lives of her friends.

Where does Democrat insanityapart from sanctuary policycome in? One would think a Chicago Alderman, experienced in the politics of constant murder by illegals, would understand the need to at least appear to be sympathetic about innocent young women cut down by the criminals they encourage and support, but no. Gina Milan explains:

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Graphic: X Post

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I disagree only with pretty much. Hadden directly blamed Gorman for forcing Medina to kill her. She startled him, and she was in the wrong place at the wrong time. She invaded his turf, went all the way to the end of his pier, so of course he killed her. What else can we expect of people like Medina who people like Hadden go to great lengths to keep in America? Why, any self-respecting illegal, lunatic, murderous criminal would do what Medina did. Of course it was Gormans fault! If it wasnt for all these citizens foolishly intruding on the turf of illegals, the crime rate in Chicago would be a fraction of what it is.

Such is the default thinking of a modern Democrat Chicago politician. Illegals have a right to be in America, heaven and earth must be moved to keep them here, their crimes must be excused and explained away, and when they murder an American, it cant be their fault, because theyre Democrat-certified eternal victims.

True Texan provides what may be additional motivation for Hadden:

Graphic: X Post

Haddens own political biography tells us shes the first Black, queer woman elected to the Chicago City Council. Shes also a community organizer and an independent, progressive champion. She even got a plaque attesting to her champion-ness. She has a lesbian partner and checks all the necessary progressive boxes, so True Texans assertion that Hadden is a trans supporter is surely accurate.

All that support, all that compassion, all that caring about and organizing of Chicagoans, but none for 18-year-old, white college girls shot in the head by illegal aliens.

I suspect Hadden is like Barack Obama, the prototypical community organizer who admitted he was unable to tell even his closest friends what he did as a community organizer. But like Obama, Hadden knows where her sympathies lie, and theyre not with white, Normal Americans. In that character flaw, Hadden defines contemporary Democrats.

Become a subscriber and get our weekly, Friday newsletter with unique content from our editors. These essays alone are worth the cost of the subscription.

Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor.
On March 25, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth spoke at a Christian Prayer and Worship Service held at the Pentagon. He prayed for American success and for the enemys defeat, quoted directly from a WWII-era, Psalm-based prayer. The pearl-clutchers on the left were outraged. How dare an American leader ask God to smite the enemy and preserve our troops! Indeed, how dare an American leader even publicly address God!

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In fact, Hegseths prayer was entirely consistent with the prayers that political and military leaders have been making since the American Revolution. They, too, have called for God to protect and support American troops while bringing his wrath to Americas enemies.

Hegseth specifically anchored his prayer in history, reminding the audience that he was quoting what was said to the troops preparing for a brutal raid on Iwo Jima, one those men knew was likely to leave many or most of them dead:

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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

It wasnt just during WWII that troops went into battle with the Biblical God at their back. It was a constant throughout American history:

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On March 16, 1776, the Continental Congress issued a proclamation recommending a day of prayer across the colonies. In it, Congress beseeched God to give

his assistance to frustrate the cruel purposes of our unnatural enemies... But if continuing deaf to the voice of reason and humanity, and inflexibly bent on desolation and war, they constrain us to repel their hostile invasions by open resistance, it may please the Lord of Hosts, the God of Armies, to animate our Officers and Soldiers with invincible to guard and protect them in the day of battle, and to crown the Continental arms by sea and land with victory and success. Advertisement

There was nothing unusual about this. Throughout the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress issued proclamations asking God to destroy Britain and lead the Patriots to victory.

Abraham Lincoln, the American leader Democrats admire so much that they insist he was one of them, frequently turned to God, asking him to provide strength to the righteous side (which he believed was the Union side) during the Civil War.

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Franklin D. Roosevelt famously broadcast a prayer regarding D-Day that ended with these stirring words:

And, O Lord, give us Faith. Give us Faith in Thee; Faith in our sons; Faith in each other; Faith in our united crusade. Let not the keenness of our spirit ever be dulled. Let not the impacts of temporary events, of temporal matters of but fleeting moment let not these deter us in our unconquerable purpose. Advertisement With Thy blessing, we shall prevail over the unholy forces of our enemy. Help us to conquer the apostles of greed and racial arrogancies. Lead us to the saving of our country, and with our sister Nations into a world unity that will spell a sure peace a peace invulnerable to the schemings of unworthy men. And a peace that will let all of men live in freedom, reaping the just rewards of their honest toil.

While political leaders offered prayers focused on peace and justice, people closer to the battlefield prayed for the complete military subjugation of their enemies. The Iwo Jima prayer that Hegseth recited is a great example of this.

Another famous invocation occurred ahead of the Battle of the Bulge, when rain was blocking the Allied advance. General Patton asked Chaplain James H. ONeill to compose a weather prayer, which was printed on 250,000 wallet-size cards and distributed to every soldier in the U.S. Third Army. It was not an ecumenical, politically correct prayer:

Almighty and most merciful Father, we humbly beseech Thee, of Thy great goodness, to restrain these immoderate rains with which we have had to contend. Grant us fair weather for Battle. Graciously hearken to us as soldiers who call upon Thee that, armed with Thy power, we may advance from victory to victory, and crush the oppression and wickedness of our enemies and establish Thy justice among men and nations. Amen.

When the weather cleared, Patton and others believed that the power of prayer had made the difference. Patton awarded a Bronze Star to Msgr. ONeill because of the prayers efficacy (and thats true whether you believe it brought God to the battle on Americas side or because it psychologically aided the troops). No one objected.

ONeill also issued a training letter to military chaplains urging them to have troops pray for the defeat of our wicked enemy whose banner is injustice and whose good is oppression. Pray for victory.

This wasnt just a WWII phenomenon. Military prayers looking to the Psalms for powerful images of enemy defeat abounded during American Wars. Heres what Rev. Samuel Webster told New Hampshire troops during the American Revolution:

[H]edge up their way and not suffer them to proceed and prosper. But put them to flight speedily make them run fast as a wheel downward, or as fast as stubble and chaff is driven before the furious whirlwind. As the fire consumes the wood so let them be laid waste and consumed and so return to their own lands, covered with shame and confusion.

You can easily find other, similar examples.

But for Americas leftists, who hate God, hate American military victory, and desperately want to deny Americas troops the consolation of faith in battle, Hegseths prayer was a grave offense. The Guardian summarizes this attitude well, doing its own pearl-clutching about a Secretary of War daring to call for violence against a wartime enemy:

Hegseths insertion of his Christian faith into his role has drawn criticism and legal complaints. [snip] Military veterans previously told the Guardian that Hegseths use of religion in the department was causing division and could weaken the military. Were gonna see a lot of Christian nationalists join the military, Kristofer Goldsmith, an Iraq war veteran and the CEO of non-profit watchdog Task Force Butler, told the Guardian last year. Theyre not gonna perform very well, and our national security will suffer for a generation for it, because those that dont wash out will be toxic leaders. Americans United for Separation of Church and State filed lawsuits against the defense and labor departments this week to access public records about prayer services at the departments, including invited speakers, recordings of prayers and any complaints from employees about the services. The records will help the organization understand whether the departments are staying neutral on religion and respecting workers religious freedom, the group said.

American history shows that all these claims are rote leftist bull fecal matter. War and Biblically-based prayer have always been a part of America.

The usual suspects on social media made the same outraged claims. Grok assembled some of the replies to the video (above) of Hegseths prayer:

Martina Navratilova (@Martina): Hegseth is one sick man , hiding his psychopathy behind his version of Christianity. @Eva_eva_P: This is absolutely, unequivocally batshit crazy... By quoting violent imprecatory Psalms and demanding no mercy, Hegseth is framing the Iran war as a Christian Holy War against Islam. @DANKCHAINS: Call me old fashioned, but Id rather the head of my military not speak in this overtly religious and sanctimonious manner. As if our bombs are dolling out divine justice by default. @holly___xxx___: Why is there a prayer service at the Pentagon in the first place? Whatever happened to separation of church and state? @WatcherUpNorth: Jesus didnt pray for violence, he told people to love their enemies... Those who deserve no mercy is the tell. The moment you think you get to decide that, youve left faith behind in favour of power. @TheChefTrevor: Save it drunk Pete. Jesus isnt returning your calls bro! (with a meme image). @Frank_Giustra: Looks like we are sliding back to the Old Testament. No more love, just the wrath of God. Nuts. @jh336405: Pete and the Trump Administration absolutely sound no different than the Mullahs. Crazy Jihadists. Other replies called it blasphemy, insane, Goofy ass televangelist shit, or accused it of turning the military into a Christian Holy War.

Heres what these leftists dont want to acknowledge: America is and always has been a Christian nation, deeply grounded not just in the New Testament, but in the Old, as well. And the Old is very explicit about God taking a side in war.

Moreover, whether the left likes it or not, this is a religious warbecause Iran has made it a religious war. For the Secretary of War to seek Gods help against both Gods and Americas avowed and genocidal enemies is appropriate and entirely consistent with every aspect of American history.

Header image: X screen grab.
Who remembers in 1991 when President Bush nominated Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court? Well, it was a great nomination followed by a circus in the U.S. Senate. Thomas was eventually sworn in, and has been a great justice ever since.

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Well, Justice Thomas is starting to look like Cal Ripken chasing Lou Gehrigs consecutive games played streak. Ripken did it in 1995, and Thomas may be doing it in a few years. Let me explain:

Thomas reached 12,572 days on the bench34 years and 153 daysmoving past Chief Justice John Marshall, according to tenure calculations based on his October 23, 1991, commission date. Advertisement The milestone comes just months after Thomas moved into fifth place, surpassing Justice Hugo Black in November 2025, as previously reported by The Dallas Express. At that time, Thomas had logged 12,448 days and trailed only four justices in total tenure. Now ranked fourth, Thomas sits behind Justices William O. Douglas, Stephen Johnson Field, and John Paul Stevens. He will not surpass another justice for around a month and a half, but is expected to leapfrog two positions within a three-day span later this year, putting him within reach of the top spot. From there, Thomas would enter a roughly two-year stretch during which he could become the longest-serving justice in American history if he remains on the Court. Advertisement

We dont know if he will remain on the Court, but he should.

Justice Thomas has joined the majority opinion often and authored dissents, such as the one against same sex marriage in 2015. He has been a very consequential justice, and its hard to think of a Supreme Court without him.

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My favorite parts of the Thomas story are his sense of humor, his kind personality, and how he gets along with liberals. Another part of his story is the one he told in that memoir about his grandfatherthis is what he wrote:

In every way that counts, I am my grandfathers son. I even called him Daddy because that was what my mother called him. (His friends called him Mike.) He was dark, strong, proud, and determined to mold me in his image. For a time I rejected what he taught me, but even then I still yearned for his approval. He was the one hero in my life. What I am is what he made me. Advertisement

My guess is that his grandfather never imagined that his grandson would be a member of the Supreme Court. At the same time, he taught the life lessons that made him the kind of man whod serve 30-plus years in that very institution.

We dont know how much longer Justice Thomas will hang around. My hope is that he hangs around long enough to be remembered as the Cal Ripken of the Court.

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P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts, and videos.

Image: Public domain.
The modern era is just one massive hate crime against white people, and nowhere is that more obvious than the story of Noelia Castillo Ramos, the beautiful young Spanish woman put to death just yesterday, eligible because of trauma shed experienced, which made her mentally ill in the eyes of medical professionals working in concert with the state.

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After being yanked from her home as a child by the government, Noelia was placed in a state-run facility where she was violently gang-raped, probably by underaged migrants also staying in the same place. Noelias attackers were not held accountable and she received no justice, so she attempted suicide and survived, though she was paralyzed. After that she sought euthanasia, a petition that has now been fulfilled. (For more of Noelias story, see two essays by Monica Showalter, which can be found here and here.)

Now, theres a striking contrast that needs to be addressed: white victims with mental illness get death, while mental illness in violent specimens of diversity is met with calls for mercy, life, and compassion.

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Heres the tweet that needed to be expounded upon:

The man on the left is reportedly Mustafa Kokoneh, the man who went on a stabbing spree in Edinburgh earlier this month, before retreating into his taxpayer-funded housing unit to smirk at bystanders and law enforcement from a lofty balcony. Is he going to receive a death sentence like Noelia? Of course not.

What about Antoine Watson, who viciously body-slammed an 84-year-old grandfather into the ground, killing the elderly man, completely unprovoked? He was given a lenient sentence, which has now been suspended, because he had a traumatic childhood. Heres Will Tanners take:

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Apparently it is now legal to murder white people in America if you are black and dumb https://t.co/HwcopT6VR9  Will Tanner (@Will_Tanner_1) March 27, 2026

Being dumb isnt a mental illness, but it is a mental deficiency. Which brings me to Praize King. Yes, thats his real name.

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March 12. Missouri. Black 18-year-old Praize King plans and orchestrates an ambush of White 15-year-old Miles Young.



As Miles pleads for his life, King shoots him in the chest, killing him.



Another day, another Black-on-White murder that never makes national news. pic.twitter.com/sTFsPurFUx  Daniel Concannon (@TooWhiteToTweet) March 26, 2026

Will he be eligible for death? It is Missouri so hopefully, but Im skeptical.

What about Karmelo Anthony? He allegedly stabbed Austin Metcalf to death when Metcalf reportedly confronted Anthony for stealing, but the death penalty is officially off the table.

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The list of diverse criminals who deserve death but are gifted with life and humanity is truly endless. Euthanizing people who arent mentally fit and healthy would be cruel and unusual!

But somehow its perfectly fitting for precious, heartbroken souls like Noelia.

Image generated by ChatGPT.
Although I no longer live in Marin County, I still check out the local news. Thats how I learned about a mini-jihadist hate crime in Marin County. What made it interesting is that this is the same area that raised John Walker Lindh, a name you may remember. It was a reminder that middle-class enclaves have a history of giving birth to radical Islamists.

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Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a Catholic Church thats part of the Archdiocese of San Francisco. It was founded in 1893, but being in Marin.

Three days ago, the church suffered a very typical jihadist attack, albeit a small one: A young man broke into the church and smashed an antique statue of Jesus on the cross and ripped down a painting of Mary (emphasis mine):

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Officers found the suspected burglar inside and damage to the church interior. Suhail Khojah Siddiqui, 29, of Newark was booked into the Marin County Jail, where he remained Wednesday in lieu of $75,000 bail. Advertisement The Rev. Patrick Michaels, the church pastor who let police in on Tuesday night, discussed the incident Wednesday during a Mass streamed on social media. Michaels said he saw the suspect sitting in the church, apparently reading the Quran. The damaged property included a 100-year-old statue of Christ, and a portrait of Mary was face down on the floor.

This is typical. Across Europe, Muslims routinely attack churches. Sometimes, they merely destroy property, sometimes they desecrate them with fecal matter and urine, sometimes they burn them, and theyve even gone so far as to murder priests. This is jihad in action. It starts small, and then it escalates.

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Fr. Michaels, however, claimed to be perplexed. I particularly like how hes worried about the matter escalating, as if people in Marin are capable of acknowledging that jihad exists:

The police have categorized it as a hate crime, but I do not know what was in his heart. I am sad that he should have experienced such pain as to need to vent it in this way. He needs our prayers, and the beauty is that we were able to gather for Mass this morning, pray together for him and our own loss, and carry on with the life Christ has called us to live. Although I have concerns about the public escalating this into something it is not, hurting faith communities in Marin County, I am not concerned about us, as we have each other, and we have Christ who walks by our side even at the darkest of times. Advertisement

This kind of willful blindness irks me. Hes also a priest who is very much at home in Pope Leos church.

But again, its just one little church in a leftist county, and theres no indication that the perpetrator was a middle-class convert, which is the premise of this essay. So why did I write about it?

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I wrote about it because Marin County gave rise to John Walker Lindh. He grew up in a nice, middle-class Marin home, converted to Islam at 16, traveled to Yemen and Pakistan, joined a terrorist group, and participated in the 2001 uprising at Qala-i-Jangi fortress in Afghanistan, where CIA officer Johnny Mike Spann was killed.

Lindh was eventually sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, although he was released in 2019, after serving only 17 years. This was despite his continuing to express radical jihadist views in prison. His views were almost certainly no problem while he was imprisoned. As my cousin, a Presbyterian prison chaplain, once told me,

It is not a contradiction to be a Muslim and a murderer, even a mass murderer. That is one reason why criminals convert to Islam in prison. They dont convert at all; they similarly remain the angry judgmental vicious beings they always have been. They simply add religious diatribes to their personal invective. Islam does not inspire a crisis of conscience, just inspirations to outrage.

And lest you think jihadists in middle-class enclaves are anomalous, disabuse yourself of that notion. As you may recall, the 9/11 attackers were all middle-class. Indeed, going back to an earlier generation of American radicals, the leftist 1960s Weatherman radicals were all middle-class. (So were Marx and Engels.)

In other words, that middle-class yearning for something more than a life of materialism extends beyond John Walker Lindh. Just look at Calla Walsh, who came from a pretty conventional left-wing home in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where both her parents are academics, converted to Islam, and now lives in Beirut, where she hurls hatred at the U.S. and shills for Iran.

The jihad is here, and middle-class converts and Muslim vandals are the little acorns from which very destructive oaks can grow.

Image created using AI (and inspired by this video).
Im just old enough to remember watching CBS News nightly reporting on the Vietnam War, which always ended with the talking head numbering the American dead and wounded from that days fighting. Despite this depressing ending, the top reporting was always anchored in actual facts: On this day, American troops did X or Y. However, Vietnam was also the war when the leftist media discovered that negative spin worked.

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That spin is now part of the warp and woof of the medias reporting on the current war. Facts are subordinate to predictions, and the predictions are all negative. While our military is fighting the most spectacularly successful war in human history, the media have it losing a hypothetical war premised on all the grim things that experts predict might happen, either during the war itself or in its aftermath.

This is no way to report a war. It is, however, a superb way to disseminate what was once defined as treasonous propaganda during a war.

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Heres just a sampling of the type of negativity the media are churning out, not regarding whats actually happening (Irans military and political infrastructure has been wiped out in just a month), but focusing instead on all the possible future worst-case scenariosa negativity that, in turn, inevitably leads to investor concerns:

The media are especially certain that theres no way the military can reopen the Strait of Hormuz:

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And of course, there are people like Tucker Carlson and Joe Kent, whose interview went viral... in Iran.

Those are just a few examples that ChatGPT instantly found for me. The actual negative reporting, all of it predictive because the war itself is going splendidly, is endless.

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While its certainly true that things can go sour, that no plan survives first contact with the enemy, that the war will almost certainly last longer than a month, it would take a post longer than this one to list the military successes that America and Israel have racked up in 28 days: political and military leaders dead, ships sunk, weapons destroyed, weapons manufacturing wiped out, etc. By any traditional metric, the media should be drowned in headlines such as these, from WWII:

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According to ChatGPT analysis, WWII headlines showed these patterns:

Across archives, several patterns stand out: 1) Huge, declarative language SURRENDER

VICTORY

ROUT

CRUSHED 2) Certainty and finality Little hedging or speculation

Events presented as decisive turning points 3) Focus on success over uncertainty Wins highlighted immediately

Losses delayed, minimized, or reframed

And yes, absolutely, there was government pressure, even censorship, during WWII to keep the headlines optimistic. But optimistic didnt mean dishonest. Looking at the newspapers, you can see that they still reported straight news about battles lost. However, the general attitude was that morale mattered and that wars were lost at home, not just on the battlefield, when enemy propaganda left people disheartened. People were warned to keep that stiff upper lip:

Meanwhile, ChatGPT offers this summary about how the media cover the current war:

Across outlets (Reuters, Washington Post, WSJ, Fox, Business Insider, etc.), theres a clear pattern: 1) Heavy reliance on experts & models Analysts, economists, energy executives

Scenario-based forecasts (if Strait of Hormuz closes) 2) Emphasis on future risk, not present reality Oil could spike to X

War could become prolonged

Economy could enter recession 3) Narrative framing around worst-case possibilities Global economy damage

Protracted war

Market panic 4) Wide disagreement among experts Some predict catastrophe

Others say impacts will be temporary

Indeed, ChatGPT made me this offer: If you want, I can pull a side-by-side comparison of WWII headlines vs. modern headlines about the Iran warthe contrast in tone is pretty striking. I accepted, and you can see the results here.

In a war, morale matters. The enemy within knows this. Its doing its darndest to make Americans deny the truth, namely, that a war against an existential enemy (one warhead, one nuclear weapon, and one EMP exploding in our atmosphere means America is over forever) is going spectacularly well. This is shameful, and its hard to believe that even the First Amendment extends to this type of radical dishonesty.
This week, the people of Denmark went to the polls to choose their new government. The turnout was strong (80% plus) and the number of party choices available numbered twelve that ranged from single-issue parties to the two traditional parties of the left and the right. It was a real Scandinavian smorgasbord of possibilities.

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On the extreme left were: the Alternative Party that advocates for the environment and won 2.6% of the vote; the Unity List Party that has also signed on to the green agenda but also supports a leavening of wealth in the country through high taxation that won 6.3% of the vote; and the lesser-radical socialists of the Socialist Peoples Party who won 11.6% of the vote. Topping the political pyramid of the left is Denmarks largest, but classically more moderate leftist party, the Social Democrat Party which lost seats in the new parliament but still managed to hang on to their number one spot as the countrys top party with 21.9% of voter support. An outlier party is the Radical Left Party that sympathizes with those parties on the left, but unlike its name is not really a radical left party (and who won 5.8% of the vote). It is one party that is willing to be part of a new Danish government comprised of a coalition of leftist parties.

On the right of the Danish political spectrum is the Danish Peoples Party that has immigration as its principal cause wrapped up in a Denmark First agenda (it surged ahead this election winning 9.1% of the vote). Closely aligned with the Danish Peoples Party is the newly-formed (2024) Citizens Party which came out of the election with 2.1% of the vote. Then, when the political directional indicator moves towards the center, the number of parties increases to include the Liberal Alliance Party (conservative and not liberal in American terms) that won 9.4% of the vote; Denmarks Democrats Party (also conservative and represents many rural land-owners/farmers that won 5.8% of the vote) to the Conservative Peoples Party that won 7.6% of the vote. Then there is Venstre the Left Party (a direct translation of the Danish word Venstre means left but Venstre is really a conservative party). It won 10.1% of the vote. Rounding out the mix is the Moderate Party headed up by former (twice) Prime Minister, Lars Lkke Rasmussen. His partys 7.7% of voters makes it the linchpin that will probably decide which coalition governs Denmark going forward.

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Denmarks parties are really a mix of special interest organizations that have become political parties as a result of the low number of signatures required to enable the establishment of political parties in the country along with two, true ideologically based parties. The latter two are the Social Democrats (Socialdemokratiet) and the Left Party (Venstre). Venstre used to be the primary conservative/business-leaning party, but due to internal party disagreements over a fifteen-year period it split off into four parties, thereby diluting its influence.

While it is unfair to compare the Danish and American governing systems, it is fair to say that both are rooted in democratic principles, though the U.S. democracy is older than the Danes (Denmark became a democracy in 1849). While one is parliamentary-based and has seen governments formed as part of a coalition (the last time one party in Denmark had a majority and governed as such was in 1909), for the last 117 years, Denmark has had coalition governments. In those circumstances where neither U.S. political party has a clear majority in both houses of government, consensus must be found through compromise to pass legislation, and the simple truth is that finding this consensus is getting more and more difficult with each passing year.

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From a historical perspective, since 1857 in the U.S., there have been 48 instances of unified government when both houses of Congress and the presidency have been in the hands of one party: 23 times for the Democrats and 25 times for the Republicans.

Looking at one-party control of both houses but not of the White House, the numbers are quite a bit higher: 60%-70% of the time there was one-party control. The longest period of time that one party controlled the House (but not the Senate) was from 1955-1995 when Democrats were in charge.

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History has also shown us that each country has a very different approach to governing.

In Denmark, it is consensus-driven, building through compromise.

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In the United States, it is a form of power-based winner takes all politics that makes governance exceedingly difficult due to one overarching fact: the United States is still trying to find its true identity on a range of social and cultural issues and adopting an economic model that is mutually agreeable and beneficial to the population at large.

In short, the problem is substantial and fundamental to the U.S.s evolution as a society.

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Denmark, on the other hand, has been able to work through most of its larger issues over the last century such as how much is too much (taxation, income disparity, social mores, etc.) and is more concerned with refining and implementing its decisions on social programs, climate protection, energy, education, support for international organizations, military posture, etc.

Basically, because Denmark is essentially one tribe of people (with only a 12% foreign-born population) it is not experiencing substantial challenges to either its governance model or its governing ethos by ethnic or racial groups as is normal in the U.S. Neither do the Danes have major disagreements on their economic model. In short, the Danes agree on the big things but disagree at the margins or the periphery while Americans disagree on the big things and focus on them and the small things, simultaneously.

Any economist will tell you that this is a waste of human and other resources and that seeing the power pendulum swing back every four years for the presidency in the U.S. or every two years for the Congress is keeping the U.S. from finding its true identity and enabling it to chart a viable course for the future.

Changes in leadership alone will not solve Americans problems. Rather, a change of mindset about how to proceed  through compromise and consensus-building  can help break the philosophical logjam. That presupposes, however, that Americans can reach a consensus, something many sociologists, politics-watchers and everyday Americans have begun to doubt.

One of the big lessons we Americans can learn from this tiny democracy in northern Europe that must cooperate to survive and prosper is that the deliberative process is actually the most critical aspect of human interaction, especially when it comes to political congress.

Without mutual respect, there is only room for mutual skepticism, and without a mutually-agreed upon set of values, objectives, goals and methods, much energy and valuable time will be misspent. Nation-building should never be done in a cultural vacuum nor should any governments decisions that affect an entire population be taken without the consent of the governed or their active support.

The Danes must now figure out a way to turn their post-election political Humpty Dumpty into a workable coalition of the willing, and I have complete confidence that they will, not because they will ignore their differences and subordinate their beliefs but because they believe in and practice open and civil deliberation as the one true prophylactic measure that can prevent disunity. Maybe the Danes should invite all 435 members of the House and Senate and our Executive Branch over for a visit to see how the Danish political sausage is made.

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 Content License
In the mid-19th century, the river Senne, which was once the lifeblood of Brussels, had become its greatest liability. It had become polluted and it flooded frequently becoming a health hazard to the working class neighbourhoods that surrounded it. By the 1860s, the decision was made to bury much of the river beneath the city itself, transforming both the urban landscape and the health of its inhabitants. The covering of the Senne stands as one of the most dramatic examples of 19th-century urban intervention and a defining moment in the history of Brussels.



Underneath this wide Boulevard Anspach flows River Senne. Credit: Dave Ciskowski

For centuries, the Senne had been central to Brussels. It powered mills, supported trade, and provided water for daily life. But as the city grew, especially during the rapid industrial expansion of the early 1800s, the rivers condition deteriorated sharply.

Factories lined its banks, dumping waste directly into the water. Households, lacking modern sewage systems, used the Senne as an open sewer. By the 1850s, the river had effectively become a stagnant channel of filth. During dry periods, it shrank into foul-smelling pools. During heavy rains, it flooded, spreading contaminated water through densely populated neighborhoods. The results were repeated outbreaks of cholera caused as much by the river itself as by poverty, poor hygiene, and lack of clean drinking water that plagued the lower city.

The city authorities in Brussels resolved to act and invited engineers to propose solutions. Dozens of plans were submitted. Some suggested diverting large volumes of cleaner water from other rivers to dilute the Sennes pollution. Others proposed rerouting its main course into the Lesser Senne, which would be enlarged to better serve boat traffic and mills. Architect Leon Suys offered a more direct solution: to enclose the river within a system of underground channels, removing it from sight while guiding its flow beneath the city.



Map of Brussels with the Senne in 1837. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Also read: The Underground Rivers of London

Suys found an ally in Jules Anspach, who became mayor in 1863. Influenced by the sweeping urban transformations taking place in Paris under Georges-Eugene Haussmann, Anspach envisioned a modern Brussels that was clean, orderly, and worthy of a capital city.

His support for Suyss proposal was no mere endorsement of a practical solution, it was a calculated move aligned with a broader urban vision. Anspach had long sought to remake the impoverished lower city into a centre of business and commerce. By the mid-19th century, much of the middle class had abandoned the crowded, unsanitary downtown for healthier suburbs such as the Leopold Quarter and Avenue Louise, draining the city of valuable tax revenue.

The covering of the Senne offered an opportunity to reverse this decline. By eliminating the maze of narrow alleys and dead ends that characterised the lower town and replacing them with a broad, straight, open boulevard linking the citys two rapidly expanding railway stations, Anspach could address multiple concerns at once. The project promised not only to improve sanitation and traffic circulation, but also to beautify the city and draw the middle classes back to its centre.



The underground tunnels under construction. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Work began in 1867 and continued into the 1870s. The project involved straightening sections of the river, constructing vaulted tunnels to contain it, and building broad boulevards above the newly covered waterway.

The most visible result of this transformation was the creation of central thoroughfares, including the future Boulevard Anspach. These wide, elegant streets replaced overcrowded and unsanitary districts that had previously grown up along the riverbanks.

The engineering challenge was immense. The Sennes irregular flow had to be controlled, and the new underground channels needed to handle both everyday water levels and seasonal floods. Yet the project was completed with remarkable efficiency for its time, becoming a model for urban sanitation efforts elsewhere in Europe.

While the covering of the Senne improved sanitation and reduced disease, it came at a significant social cost. Entire neighbourhoods, often inhabited by the working poor, were demolished to make way for the new boulevards. Thousands of residents were displaced, and the historic fabric of parts of the city was irrevocably altered.

Today, the Senne still flows beneath Brussels, largely invisible to the people above it. Only a few sections of the river remain uncovered on the citys outskirts. What was once a central feature of urban life has been reduced to an unseen infrastructure channel.



Boulevard Anspach in 1880. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Shannen Doherty's ex-husband Kurt Iswarienko has reached an agreement with her estate over their divorce.

Shannen Doherty estate reaches agreement with Kurt Iswarienko

The late actress filed for divorce from Kurt in 2023 after 11 years of marriage and signed the settlement one day before she died in July 2024 but her estate has been battling him ever since, claiming he has not abided by the terms of the legal agreement.

However, according to court documents filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court and obtained by PEOPLE, Iswarienko, 51, has agreed to pay her estate one-half the equity of their shared Dripping Springs, Texas property.

He has agreed to return Dohertys coffee table and couch and must also produce an inventory of his photographic works that show the late actress.

He has additionally agreed to pay $25,000 to the estate for Doherty's share in a Mooney M-20 airplane .

And, Dohertys estate agreed to return Iswarienkos guitars, equipment and Garard stereo record player

Shannens legal team and Christopher Cortazzo, trustee of the Shannen Doherty Family Trust, previously alleged that her ex-husband failed to comply with several "monetary obligations" from the divorce settlement.

However, according to Us Weekly, Iswarienkos lawyer fired back, alleging that the signed divorce agreement was brought to the wrong court and went on to challenge the jurisdiction of the case.

He argued that the divorce deal should not have been filed after Dohertys death and that the court has no jurisdiction to enforce the terms of the agreement.

According to the terms of the deal, obtained by PEOPLE, Iswarienko was required to sell her $1.5 million Texas home and "equally divide the net proceeds with [her] estate but, it was alleged he refused to list the home, where he appears to be currently living.

He allegedly also "refused to return [Doherty's] items of personal property.

Additionally, Iswarienko had reportedly failed to "produce his inventory" of photographs of Doherty.

Shannen  who was 53 when she died - filed for divorce from Kurt in 2023, while battling stage four breast cancer, and insisted she has no other option.

Her publicist, Leslie Sloane told Page Six: Divorce is the last thing Shannen wanted. Unfortunately, she felt she was left with no other option.

The former Beverly Hills, 90210 star was previously wed to actor Ashley Hamilton from 1993 to 1994 and poker player Rick Salomon from 2002 to 2003.
Saturday Night Live UK has opened its second episode with a sketch of an MI5 plan that asked Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to befriend a notorious paedophile in order to make his brother look good.

Set in 1997, the sketch saw Jack Shep portray the disgraced royal during a meeting with MI5 officers  played by Celeste Dring, Ayoade Bamgboye and Hammed Animashaun  who devised a plan to increase support for King Charles by making everyone around him more unlikable.

The sketch began with one of the MI5 officers telling Andrew: No-one knows better than us how charming, capable, fiercely intelligent and morally upstanding you are.

You are a credit to princes everywhere.

The officers explained that in order to increase the likeability of the future king, they have to decrease the likeability of everyone around him.

Andrew replied: I see, well, I love my brother, I love my country, and Im willing to do whatever it takes.

He was then handed a 29-year plan to which he asked if he had to do everything in it, including the part about befriending a notorious paedophile.

He added: Before and after hes convicted?

The sketch went on to joke about the Prince of Wales and Duke of Sussex, adding that Harry will marry a woman 98% of the UK public will find impossible to have a normal conversation about.

Andrew continued: This all seems very high risk. God Im sweating.

To help him with the plan, they sent in Lord Peter Mandelson, played by Larry Dean, who was described as the most ethical politician we have.

It comes after Lord Mandelson, a political appointment rather than a career diplomat, was sacked from his Washington ambassador role in September last year over his links with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein  who died in 2019.

The sketch ended with Sarah Ferguson, portrayed by Emma Sidi, running into the meeting late, and promising to stay by Andrews side and live with him without explanation for the next 29 years.

The officers then offered Andrew a code word to help him out if he was ever in too deep, and said: Pizza Express, Woking.

Northern Irish actor Jamie Dornan, known for the Fifty Shades trilogy film adaptations, took on the hosting role for the second episode of the UK version of the US sketch comedy show, with Wolf Alice as its musical guest.

His opening monologue included a surprise appearance by comedian Chris ODowd.

The 75-minute long episode also included a sketch about The Fall, the hit series where Dornan played a serial killer, as well as a digital short making fun of British tourists who go on holiday abroad only to visit a British themed or Irish-themed pub.

The show follows on from its highly anticipated premiere last week which was hosted by comedian and US actress Tina Fey.

SNL UK returns on Sky and Now TV on April 4 with actor Riz Ahmed as the host and Kasabian as the musical guest.
As the Iran war stretches into its second month, anger is mounting among some White House officials, according to a new report.

Discontent over the Middle East conflict is concentrated among younger, more-right wing staffers, an unnamed source with knowledge of the matter told Politico.

Theyre very frustrated, the individual said. They didnt love the war to start with, and since it began, the constantly contradictory messaging from the president himself, is just brutal, brutal for staff to deal with and making their life really hard. He puts his people in a really tough position, especially people who are public-facing.

The 79yearold Republican president and other senior administration officials have offered up multiple justifications for the war, citing an imminent Iranian threat to the U.S. while also pointing to regime change as a factor. Trump has also sent mixed signals about when the conflict might end and whether or not he intends to deploy ground troops.

A White House spokesperson dismissed the Politico report, claiming that, by waging the war, the Republican president is acting on issues central to younger generations.

Anger over the Iran war is rising among 'more-right wing White House staffers,' according to a new report (Getty Images)

What matters most to the American people  including young men  is having a Commander-in-Chief who takes decisive action to eliminate threats and keep them safe, which is exactly what President Trump is doing with the ongoing successful Operation Epic Fury, White House spokesperson Davis Ingle told the outlet.

Yet, polls show a striking generational divide among Trump voters over the military conflict, which has swept across the Middle East and raised alarm over potential worldwide economic disruption.

Just 49 percent of male Trump voters under the age of 35 believe the president has a plan in Iran, compared to more than 70 percent over 35, according to a Politico survey released earlier this month. At the same time, less than half of young men who back Trump said theyre willing to sacrifice the lives of American servicemembers in the campaign, while 66 percent of older MAGA men said the same.

This generational rift was recently highlighted by conservative podcaster Jack Posobiec.

You see a big age split on this, Posobiec told The Washington Post earlier this week, adding that he observed the fault line at Turning Point USA events on college campuses, at which students were just not on board with the war.

Not in a sense that theyre anti-American military or pro-Iran or something, but just that they feel that if this war takes place, itll take precedence over their issues, Posobiec said.

While Posobiec has expressed mixed feelings about the war, a number of other prominent right-wing media personalities have explicitly come out against it. Tucker Carlson, who has a large following of young men, has decried the military offensive as absolutely disgusting and evil, while Megyn Kelly has compared it to the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

A force of about 3,500 US Marines and sailors arrived in the Middle East on Friday, US Central Command announced on Saturday (US Central Command)

Since the war was launched jointly by the U.S. and Israel on February 28, thousands of targets have been struck inside Iran. Tehran has responded by lobbing retaliatory strikes on numerous nearby nations, including Israel, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. To date, more than 3,300 Iranians have died, rights group HRANA reported this week, and 13 U.S. servicemembers have been killed, the Pentagon has said.

Trump has given no clear timeline for when the conflict will end, but recent developments indicate the U.S. may be preparing to devote more resources to the region.

On Saturday, U.S. Central Command announced that about 3,500 Marines and sailors had arrived in the Middle East, bolstering the roughly 50,000 troops already stationed there. Reports also suggest the Pentagon plans to dispatch at least 1,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division.

Multiple polls show that Americans remain broadly opposed to the conflict. According to a Pew Research Center survey published this week, 59 percent of Americans believe the U.S. made the wrong decision by using military force in Iran, while 38 percent said it made the right decision.

The Independent has contacted the White House for comment.
2903 J-6 fighter jets seen on the runway at Chinese air base

Satellite imagery shows China has assembled a fleet of attack drones converted from fighter jets a short distance from Taiwan.

At least 200 of the countrys J-6W drones have been deployed to bases across the Taiwan Strait, from where they would take minutes to reach the territory and potentially overwhelm its air defences.

Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, ordered the military to be ready to attack Taiwan by 2027, and raised the prospect that they could be used within months.

Satellite images analysed by the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies show the Chinese J-6 Farmer jets, which were developed in the 1950s with the help of the Soviet Union, stationed at six bases located near the island.

The J-6 is effectively obsolete as a fighter aircraft, but was recycled into a drone that could employ kamikaze tactics without endangering the lives of Chinese pilots.

The legacy J-6 seen at the Changchun Air Show

Researchers had suggested that they could carry air-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, runway-cratering bombs, and unguided rockets.

Capable of flying at more than 1.45 times the speed of sound, the J-6Ws would effectively function as cruise missiles, according to J. Michael Dahm, a former US naval intelligence officer.

Mr Dahm, who compiled the report using satellite images and open-source intelligence, said they would be used in the first hours of an invasion of Taiwan.

They will attack Taiwan, US or allied targets in large numbers, effectively overwhelming air defences, he said.

The converted drones would be used to exhaust Taiwans air defence systems in the first wave of an attack, a senior Taiwanese security official said.

Taiwan would be forced to use expensive missiles to prevent the drones from striking high-value targets, they added.

Chinas air force exhibited the J-6Ws at the Changchun Air Show in September, describing it as a modified version of the J-6 fighter jet.

Its cannons had been removed, and it had been equipped with automatic control systems, according to a notice. Close-up shots show the pilots seat in the cockpit taken out.

The aircraft was identified at five bases in Fujian Province, at Yixo airport, Longtian air base, Huian, Longyan airport and Jing Gang Shan airport. It was also present at Xingning Airport in Guangdong Province.

The closest of these, Longtian, is located just 135 miles from the Taiwanese capital, Taipei, and could make the journey in around seven minutes.

Longtian Air Base is just 135 miles from the Taiwanese capital, Taipei

This month, a US intelligence report claimed China had postponed its invasion plans and would instead try to seize Taiwan without the use of force.

But in December, a Pentagon report supplied to Congress said China expects to be able to fight and win a war on Taiwan by the end of 2027.

Some believe 2028 represents a more likely timeline for a Chinese invasion, however.

Peter Layton, a former Australian air force group captain who worked at the Pentagon, said China could launch a large attack wave combining aircraft, missiles flying at different trajectories, and both fast and slow drones.

There would be a lot of diverse things all coming at the same time, he told Reuters. It would be an air defence nightmare.

Eric Gomez, a research fellow with the Taiwan Security Monitor who has wargamed Chinese invasions, said the J6-Ws would likely be used as cover for more modern drones or missiles.

He added: The drones are based on very old fighter designs which should mean relatively large radar signatures.

You have these drones drawing a lot of attention or otherwise cluttering up the sensor picture for Taiwans air defenders which could soak up some air defence munitions that could not be used to intercept more advanced capabilities.

Mr Gomez said the size and weight of the converted fighter jets meant a kamikaze style attack could be very damaging to soft targets like civilian buildings, power plants and fuel storage facilities.

China often looked to the past when developing weapons for a potential attack on Taiwan.

It developed D-Day-style barges, which would be used to open up multiple fronts on the island, deploy a bridge to bypass impassable ground and send in tanks and heavy vehicles for an amphibious invasion.

Taiwanese forces had previously based defence plans on an assumption that an attack by the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) would take place at a handful of strongly defended ports.

The USs longstanding policy on Taiwan has been to deter an invasion by maintaining a military advantage over Beijing that would make an invasion too costly for its regime to countenance.

However, China is thought to have closed that gap in the arms race in recent years. While the war in Iran has drained the USs arsenal and could limit the flow of arms to Taiwan.

US depleting its arsenal

According to a report from the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi), the US is at most a month away from depleting its arsenal of THAAD air defences, and the ATACMs and PrSM ground-attack missiles.

In 16 days of war with Iran, the US has burned through 320 precision missiles, known as PrSMs, and its older counterpart, ATACMS.

PrSMs were developed to repel an invasion of Taiwan and, with a range of 300 miles, are capable of sinking Chinese warships before they start to cross the strait. They can be fired from mobile launchers, which are difficult to target and destroy.

Katherine Thompson, a former Pentagon official, told The Telegraph that the demands of the war would diminish the USs ability to deter a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

There had been a disquiet among China hawks about the stance of Donald Trumps administration. According to a report from the Pentagon published in January, China is no longer considered its top security threat.

Our goal isnot to dominate China; nor is it to strangle or humiliate them, the National Defence Strategy, which made no mention of Taiwan, said.

American law dictates that Washington should provide the territory with enough arms to defend itself against Beijing, with Congress agreeing to a $1bn package of military support at the end of last year.

The USs National Security Strategy in November declared that stopping a Taiwan conflict was a priority because of the damage it would cause to the economy and shipping disruption on the South China Sea.

However, it also said that the US would pivot away from the Middle East, having raised questions about its relevance four weeks into the Iran war.
Employees at the Department of Homeland Security celebrated after photos of ex-chief Kristi Noem were removed from the halls of the agencys headquarters, according to a new report.

Following months of controversies and a pair of scathing congressional hearings, Noem was fired by President Donald Trump on March 5 and named special envoy to The Shield of the Americas, a new and little-known security initiative. Markwayne Mullin, a former GOP senator from Oklahoma, was sworn in as her replacement on Tuesday.

Before she had even officially left office, upwards of 10 framed glamour shots of her were being taken down from the walls of her Customs and Border Protection workspace in the nations capital, sources told The Washington Examiner.

The photos were installed sometime around last January, when Noems staff swiftly moved to redecorate, taking down pictures of rankandfile federal agents and replacing them with images of the former South Dakota governor, who alarmed critics with some of her photo-ops while leading the agency.

Every single picture had a picture of Noem, and it was such a turn off, an unnamed department official told the outlet. People were snickering about it, like, Did you see the upgrade? No leader that I know would have allowed that to happen. If they walked in and saw their photo in every picture, they would say, What were you thinking?'

Department of Homeland Security staff are celebrating after 'glamour shots' of Kristi Noem that lined the halls are removed, according to a new report (Getty Images)

Among the framed photos was one of Noem standing between Border Patrol agents with a hand on each of their shoulders, while another showed her flying an aeroplane. A third depicted her driving an all-terrain vehicle while wearing a bulletproof vest and a pearl necklace, the report claims.

In another picture, the four federal employees sitting next to Noem are out of focus, while Noem is perfectly in focus, sporting an ICE ball cap with the agencys new logo, The Washington Examiner reported.

One source said that Corey Lewandowski, a former special government employee at DHS, may have orchestrated the photo gallery. Lewandowski left the department alongside Noem, Politico reports.

Noem was fired by Trump on March 5, following a string of controversies and a pair of scathing congressional hearings (Getty Images)

Another official said that Noem may have been so insulated that she was oblivious to the resentment building against her within the agency.

Some DHS employees now hope that Mullin can repair the agencys reputation, which was undermined by Noems handling of the Minnesota immigration crackdown, her $200 million ad blitz and her feuding with other departments, among other controversies.

Mullin has the opportunity to be like a prince or knight in shining armor as he comes riding over the hill and saves everybody from this freaking chaos, a senior official told the outlet. All he has to do, literally, is put things back in a normal order.

The Independent has reached out to DHS for comment.
President Donald Trump speaks about the new ballroom construction before a Medal of Honor ceremony in the East Room of the White House, Monday, March 2, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

US president Donald Trump has invoked the King's forthcoming state visit to underscore the necessity of a contentious 301 million White House ballroom. Mr Trump argued the development was essential for entertaining a large number of foreign dignitaries and world leaders.

The 90,000-square-foot project, which saw the East Wing torn down last October, has already been the subject of a legal challenge seeking to halt its construction. The White House is situated on federal parkland.

A panel reviewing the plans, headed by a senior presidential aide, is scheduled to hold a final vote on the scheme on 2 April. This follows unanimous backing for the proposal earlier this year from the US Commission of Fine Arts, whose members were appointed by Mr Trump.

There is a big dig at the White House, says the president (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP)

Speaking to a group of farmers as he overlooked the building site, the president and billionaire developer declared: I love construction.

He added: Thats a big dig. Were building a ballroom.

Every president has said can we have a ballroom please, a room where you could have a lot of people?

So when the president of China, France, when somebody comes over from the UK, including the King, we have the King coming over very shortly, King Charles, so we can have, like, a large room, because the White House is incredible, but it never had a ballroom.

Thatll be the finest ballroom anywhere in the world when its completed.

I love construction. I love building beautiful things.

Building work is under way at the presidents official residence (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP)

The now-demolished East Wing was originally built in 1902 during Theodore Roosevelts presidency and subsequently expanded in 1942 under Franklin Roosevelt.

The privately funded ballroom development, which is designed to hold 1,000 guests, is due to be completed before the end of Mr Trumps presidency in 2029.

Earlier this week, the president denied transatlantic tensions over the Iran war would affect the Kings planned trip to the US.

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.
Stone County Coroner Wayne Flurry said all five fatalities were occupants of the van (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Five people have died after a train and van collided in rural Mississippi, authorities confirmed Friday.

Stone County Coroner Wayne Flurry said all five fatalities were occupants of the van. The sole surviving van passenger, a 23-year-old woman, was airlifted to hospital, he added. No one aboard the train was reported injured.

The crash occurred at a crossing near Wiggins, approximately 45 miles (72 kilometres) north-west of Biloxi. Canadian Pacific Kansas City, the railway operator, said one of its freight trains was involved.

A map of Wiggins:

The Stone County Sheriff's Office was investigating the crash, the company said.

"Our most sincere condolences go out to the families of the victims of this tragedy," the railroad company said.

The driver of the van, Ryan C. Peterson, 26, and the front seat passenger, Kristina Carver, 45, were among those killed, Flurry said. Two of Carver's daughters also died, 22-year-old Emley Chamblee and 20-year-old Sarabeth Chamblee, as did 23-year-old Demarcus Perkins.
Thousands of U.S. servicemembers have deployed to the Middle East as the war with Iran enters its second month, underscoring the scale of the American military buildup in the region.

On Friday, roughly 3,500 Marines and sailors aboard the USS Tripoli  an amphibious assault ship  entered the U.S. Central Commands area of responsibility, the military command announced on Saturday. CENTCOM oversees U.S. operations in the Middle East.

The vessel also carries transport aircraft, tactical assets as well as strike fighter jets. Photos posted by CENTCOM show soldiers wearing helmets, goggles and combat fatigues.

Since the war broke out in late February, the U.S. has built up a massive military presence near Iran, deploying thousands of Marines and warships to supplement the roughly 50,000 U.S. troops already stationed in the region. Last week, reports also indicated the Pentagon plans to dispatch at least 1,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division.

While the U.S. has launched thousands of strikes on Iran, it remains unknown whether a ground offensive will be undertaken, with President Donald Trump sending mixed messages about the prospect.

A force of 3,500 Marines and sailors have arrived in Middle East as the Iran war stretches into its second month, US Central Command announced on Saturday (US Central Command)

On March 2, he dismissed qualms about a ground campaign, saying he doesnt have the yips and that hed dispatch U.S. servicemembers if they were necessary. On March 19, he told reporters: Im not putting troops anywhere.

If the U.S. were to land troops on Iranian soil, it would mark the first major boots-on-the-ground campaign since the 2021 pullout from Afghanistan.

Trump has offered several justifications for the war, arguing that Iran posed an imminent threat while also citing regime change as a motivating factor. Hes also given no clear timeline for when the war will end. On March 13, he told Fox News that the conflict would conclude when I feel it in my bones. One week later, he wrote on Truth Social that he is considering winding down the offensive campaign.

In recent weeks, President Donald Trump has sent mixed signals about the prospect of deploying troops in Iran (US Central Command)

The war  which began when the U.S. and Israel jointly attacked Iran on February 28  has engulfed large swaths of the Middle East in violence, with Tehran lobbing retaliatory strikes at numerous nearby nations, including Israel, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

Nearly 1,500 Iranian civilians have died, Human Rights Activists in Iran, a non-profit, said in a Friday report. Thirteen U.S. servicemembers have been killed, and over 200 have been injured, the Pentagon has said.

The deadly military campaign has also triggered fears of global economic upheaval as traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery of international trade, has ground to a halt. As a result, oil prices have shot past the $100-a-barrel milestone.

Democrats have decried the war as illegal, reckless and a direct violation of Trumps campaign promise to be the candidate of peace. Republicans, meanwhile, have largely stood in lockstep with the president, though some have privately voiced reservations.

Recent polls show that a majority of Americans are opposed to the war.
The Zionism is Racism motion could yet be voted on at a future Green Party conference - Maja Smiejkowska/PA Wire

Voting on the controversial Zionism is Racism motion has been delayed after the Green Party spring conference descended into chaos.

Technical failures, a row over misgendering, and six votes of no confidence in the party officials chairing the online event caused significant delays to the conference, leaving dozens of motions undebated and not subject to voting.

The highly contested Zionism is Racism motion  which could still pass at a future Green Party conference  was due to be voted on just days after the anti-Semitic firebombing of four Jewish ambulances, in an attack feared to be Iran-backed.

Among other things, the motion would have formally defined Zionism  the Jewish right to self-determination  as a racist ideology.

It also called for the abolition of the state of Israel and the establishment of a single democratic Palestinian state in all of historic Palestine with Jerusalem as its capital.

Those who proposed it further backed the right of the Palestinian people to resistance and liberation from Israeli occupation, domination and subjugation including by armed struggle.

Zack Polanski, the leader of the Greens, and Mothim Ali, the deputy leader, were not present for the vote. The pair were otherwise engaged in central London at the Together Alliance march, protesting against the far-Right.

Zack Polanski was at the Together Alliance march on Saturday - Maja Smiejkowska/PA Wire

The Greens are surging in popularity at present at a time when anti-Semitism in Britain on the rise. Earlier this month, four charity-owned ambulances were set on fire in north London in a suspected anti-Semitic attack.

Jewish groups have called the Greens Zionism is Racism motion disgusting and warned that if it passed it would open the door to a frightening witch-hunt against Jews.

For weeks pro-Palestine activists have been joining the Green Party en masse in an attempt to push through the proposal, prompting concerns about entryism.

The Zionism is racism motion calls for the abolition of the state of Israel - Maja Smiejkowska/PA

The long-awaited spring conference had been the source of much anticipation for many members, but the event  held on Zoom  was quickly blighted by technical failures.

The voting platform, unable to cope with the nearly 1,000 participants, crashed repeatedly, leaving members unable to cast votes for at least an hour.

Competing ideological factions spent much of the conference attempting either to expedite the Zionism is Racism motion or filibuster proceedings to prevent it from being heard.

Before the conference, members backed by the Jewish Greens submitted a motion to restrict the use of the terms Zionist and anti-Zionist in official party communications, in an effort to neutralise the proposal.

Attempts were also made during the conference to rule the Zionism is Racism motion as out of order.

Those proposing this ruling argued that the motions calling for one Palestinian state contradicted pre-existing party support for a two-state solution. This was blocked.

Our Fight, a campaign group, protested against the Green Party motion in Parliament Square, in London on Friday - Elliott Franks

Supporters of Zionism is Racism subsequently succeeded in fast-tracking the motion, which meant it would be heard much earlier than first planned.

However, as the conference reached its final stages, multiple motions of no confidence in the chair were submitted in quick succession, triggering prolonged delays.

Under the Green Partys constitution, all such motions must be debated.

Despite the conference being extended by 15 minutes, time eventually ran out, meaning that the motion and its four amendments were neither fully heard, nor debated nor voted on.

Earlier in the week, The Telegraph revealed that party activists had described Jewish people as an abomination to this planet, prompting demands for Mr Polanski to take action.

Reacting to the chaos on Saturday, David Taylor, a Labour MP, said: The Green Party is a total shambles. The conference was reportedly dominated by in-fighting and angry members rowing over identity politics and anti-Jewish motions.

They no longer seem to pay much mind to environmentalism. The party has been overrun with hard-Left activists.

Do these clowns seriously expect the British public to put their trust in them at the ballot box?

Luke Akehurst, a Labour MP, added: The infighting and anti-Semitic motions at Green Party Conference shows they have been hijacked by the same extremists who wrecked Labour in the Corbyn years.

They are unfit for public office in councils or nationally.

Many will see this as the ideal outcome for the Green Party leadership.

Polanski has yet to say whether he would back a Zionism is Racism motion - Maja Smiejkowska/PA Wire

Mr Polanski, who is Jewish, has failed to say whether he would back the Zionism is Racism motion.

Speaking on Times Radio last month, he said: I can give you some different definitions of Zionism and we can talk about whether theyre racist or not.

If were talking about the definition that this Israeli government are clearly perpetrating through a genocide in Gaza, then yes, absolutely. Thats racist.

Mr Ali, meanwhile, has more decisively thrown his weight behind the motion.

The Green Party spring conference will continue on Sunday for a training day, which will include a session on anti-Semitism, but no further motions will be voted on.
Members of the Houthis take part in a rally this week in Sanaa, Yemen. So far, the Iran-backed militia has said it will stay out of the US-Israeli war with Tehran. Photograph: Yahya Arhab/EPA (Photograph: Yahya Arhab/EPA)

Gulf countries have raised concerns over the prospect of attacks by Iran-backed militias and proxy armed groups in the region, which they fear could destabilise their regimes and escalate the war in the Middle East.

In a joint statement this week, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Jordan condemned Iranian attacks on their soil, both as strikes carried out directly from Iran and through their proxies and armed factions they support in the region.

On Wednesday, Kuwait said it had foiled a plot to kill state leaders, and arrested six suspects believed to be associated with Irans most powerful proxy group, Hezbollah.

For decades, Iran has used proxy militias as a pillar of its foreign and security policy, as a means to export its revolution, expand its regional influence and destabilise enemy countries. The most prominent examples are Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen but other brutal and influential Iran-backed militias also operate in Iraq and Syria.

On Friday, the Houthis confirmed they had launched a missile strike on Israel, the first time the group  which receives weapons from Iran  have admitted involvement in the war in Middle East.

Related: Gulf states scepticism over alleged US-Iran talks signals a distrust of Trump

While relations between Iran and countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar went through a period of growing cooperation and rapprochement in recent years, these proxy groups largely remained quiet in the Gulf, keeping out of the internal turmoil seen in neighbouring Iraq.

However, since the US and Israel began bombing Iran at the end of February, the brunt of Irans retaliation has been towards the Gulf states, which have close ties to Washington and host several American military bases.

As well as an onslaught of thousands of missiles and drones fired from Iran, there have also been a growing number of internal incidents in the region linked to armed groups and militias known as proxy groups of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, stoking fears that Iran may start activating sleeper cells as weapons of war in the Gulf.

There are growing signs of Gulf countries trying to crack down on any Iranian proxy activity. In early March, Qatar said it had arrested two cells, involving more than 10 people, linked to the Iranian regime. Bahrain then arrested several people it accused of being involved in espionage for Iran, while Kuwait said this week it had foiled a large Hezbollah-linked cell involved in plots to target national security.

In the joint statement on Thursday, the Gulf states said a number of attacks had been carried out against them by Iran-backed militias usually known to operate out of Iraq, where they have proved devastating to the countrys security.

The statement added: We call on the Iraqi government to take the necessary measures to immediately halt the attacks launched by factions, militias, and armed groups from Iraqi territory toward neighbouring countries, in order to preserve brotherly relations and avoid further escalation.

Related: Saudi Arabia urging US to ramp up Iran attacks, intelligence source confirms

The threat of these groups is seen as particularly worrying for countries such as Saudi Arabia, which has a history of the Iran-backed militia Hezbollah al-Hejaz carrying out violent attacks in the country, and Bahrain, which has long accused Iran of planting proxy cells in the country. Saudi Arabia is also still engaged in conflict with the Houthis, in Yemen.

Analysts emphasised that the presence and danger of Iranian proxy groups in the Gulf had not reached levels anything close to those during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s, when militant cells attacked Kuwait and were active in Saudi Arabia, but warned that the threat remained greater the longer the conflict with Iran dragged on.

Bilal Saab, the senior managing director of the Trends US thinktank and a former Pentagon official in the first Trump administration, said: If this war escalates, the worst-case scenario for the Gulf countries is Iran activating their sleeper cells and these Shia militia movements in the region.

We havent seen them act on the threat fully yet, but there are some signs of dormant cells becoming active and getting arrested in states like Kuwait and the UAE. We could see a whole lot more if things really escalate.

Saab said concerns over Irans Revolutionary Guards activating these networks were also a key consideration for Gulf countries as they considered whether to take a more offensive approach to Irans attacks, which would risk provoking the regime in Tehran even more. The greatest fear among leaders in the Gulf was a situation similar to Iraq, where Irans proxy groups have now become so strong and deeply embedded that they operate almost as a state within a state.

I think this is the number one existential threat for the Gulf states, said Saab. They are already dealing with the external threat of Irans missiles and drones, but things really fall apart when they also have to fight an internal foe. Then they are faced with a battle on two fronts.
As Israel prepares to occupy parts of southern Lebanon, weeks after warning it would take the territory, Palestines ambassador to the UK has warned what has happened in Gaza is only the beginning for the troubled region.

Israel says it needs to create a buffer zone in Lebanon, similar to Gaza, so it can fight Hezbollah and keep its territory safe.

Thousands of Lebanese have already been forced into tents, and UN calls for Lebanons territorial integrity to be respected appear to have fallen on deaf ears.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the Iran war, launched a month ago jointly with the US, is the fulfilment of a 40-year dream.

Husam Zomlot is the Palestinian ambassador to the UK (AFP/Getty)

But Lebanons deputy prime minister expressed fears on Thursday the territory could create a new humanitarian crisis like the war-ravaged Palestinian enclave.

The Israeli military told The Independent that the buffer zone was made in order to provide an additional layer of defense for the residents of northern Israel, to continue preventing any emerging threats, and to protect against any attempts to infiltrate into the territory of the State of Israel.

It added that it operates against the Hezbollah terrorist organization, and not against the Lebanese Armed Forces or Lebanese civilians and accused Hezbollah of using civilian infrastructure and civilians to advance terror purposes, knowingly endangering the residents of Lebanon.

In an interview with The Independent at the new Palestinian embassy in London, ambassador Husam Zomlot says the writing for this has always been on the wall.

Israel is always in search of an enemy because they dont want to deal with the biggest elephant in the room, which is the Palestinian people, he explains, when asked about the current crisis in the Middle East.

We have warned the world for years: if this can happen in Gaza, it will be done elsewhere. And here you go.

First aid responders inspect the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted a building in the southern Lebanese town of Saksakiyeh (AFP/Getty)

The United States has indicated it entered the war against Iran following Israels lead, pre-empting attacks on US military bases in retaliation for Israeli strikes  claims both countries later denied.

Regardless of the motivation, the ongoing war has nevertheless wreaked havoc across the region, upending oil markets and halting shipments across the world.

Mr Netanyahu said this week its assault on Lebanon was Israel expanding this security strip to keep the threat of anti-tank weapons away from our towns and our territory.

We are simply creating a larger buffer zone, he added. The Independent has contacted the Israeli military for comment.

With over one million people displaced in Lebanon and thousands killed and injured across the region, Mr Zomlot warns that a culture of impunity that was exercised in Gaza has now led to a flagrant disregard for diplomacy and order.

This is it, the longstanding critic of Israel and advocate for a Palestinian state says. We have said so many times: what happens in Palestine does not stay in Palestine. Whatever happens in Palestine spreads to the rest of the world.

The opening of the UK's first Palestinian embassy after the recognition of the state of Palestine (Getty)

The Palestinian embassy, formerly the UK Palestinian Mission, is in an unassuming office down a side street in Hammersmith, in the west of the capital. Previously functioning as a charity, it was upgraded to embassy status in January after the UK recognised the state of Palestine in September last year.

But reaching this point has not been an easy journey. In November 2023 staff reported multiple attacks and death threats. The Met Police said they were investigating instances as hate incidents at the time.

In November 2025, masked activists approached the entrance with British and Israeli flags and vandalised the building with stickers that read I love the IDF (Israeli Defence Force), The Guardian reported, with Mr Zomlot calling for diplomatic protection.

It all comes amid an increasingly tense climate in the UK, as the impact of the troubles in the Middle East continue to reverberate closer to home.

Since the Hamas massacre in October 2023 and the subsequent deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza, Britain has seen a rise in both anti-Muslim and antisemitic incidents, the latter including a recent attack on ambulances serving the Jewish community in London.

Mr Zomlot served as head of the Palestinian Mission to the UK until the recognition of the state of Palestine by the British government led to the embassy being established (AFP/Getty)

Mr Zomlot knows something about the personal cost of the bitter battle for Palestinian self-determination himself.

Born in 1973 in the Shaburah refugee camp in Rafah, run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, the conflict has served as the backdrop to most of his life.

He went on to study at Birzeit University, LSE and SOAS and earned a post-doctoral fellowship at Harvard. Returning to the UK in 2018 after serving as the representative for the Palestinian Mission in Washington, when the US embassy relocated to Jerusalem he was recalled and posted in London.

The politician has since gone on to become one of the regions most visible representatives in the West.

During the two-year Israeli military onslaught in Gaza, his wifes 7-year-old cousin, Sidra Hassouna, made headlines worldwide after a harrowing image of her body hanging over a wall went viral at the same time as the American Super Bowl aired in February 2024, prompting horror at the contrast.

Palestinians have been left living in the ruins of Gaza after two years of conflict (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

The diplomat has lost countless other family members to the war, saying in an October 2023 interview with the BBC: My cousin is not Hamas. These kids are not Hamas.

He believes the path to peace lies in international law and domestic policy that aligns with the UKs legal obligations if the political will is there to implement it.

The international criminal court issued an arrest warrant for Mr Netanyahu in November 2024 on accusations of war crimes, including allegations of starvation as a method of warfare.

Mr Netanyahus office called it an antisemitic decision  equivalent to the modern Dreyfus trial referring to the 1894 trial of a French Jewish artillery officer who was wrongfully convicted of treason due to antisemitism and later exonerated.

He added: Israel rejects with disgust the absurd and false actions and charges against it by the international criminal court, which is a biased and discriminatory political body.

Israeli strikes on Lebanon have intensified as Israel warns it plans to take over the territory (Getty)

The law is the law, Mr Zomlot says. We need to respect these rules. You cant be selective when it comes to issues of legality.

Yet, annexation plans and illegal settler activity and violence have proliferated in the West Bank, and the Israeli governments plan to break up the E1 territory there would further fragment plans for a Palestinian state.

The UK and the international community must take concrete steps now, the ambassador says. We are reaching the point of no return.

Concerning the establishment of illegal Israeli settlements on Palestinian territory, he refers to UN Security Council Resolution 2334 issued in December 2016 and the International Court of Justices 2024 ruling.

What Im discussing with you about the action required is not a political demand. Its a legal obligation, he says.

A woman sits on rubble across from a residential building damaged during the US-Israeli air campaign in Tehran (AP)

He believes sanctions, suspending trade talks and cancelling export licences to Israel would be first steps.

Palestine is now recognised as a state by 147 of 193 UN member states, with several nations including the UK, Canada and Australia taking formal steps last year. Mr Zomlot says its a welcome gesture, albeit one that has come very late.

From a political sense, if your policy is belief in a two-state solution, why has it taken so long to recognise the other state?

Over 72,134 people have been killed in Gaza, according to local officials, almost half of them women and children. Thousands more are missing and suspected to be under rubble.

This is not an earthquake or a tsunami that befall Gaza. This is a man-made orchestrated genocide by the occupying power that is Israel, he says.

Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted the southern Lebanese village of Dayr Seryan (AFP/Getty)

Israel has vehemently denied that it is committing a genocide in Gaza and against the Palestinians, contrary to reports by groups including the United Nations and Amnesty International.

It is very important that Gaza is rebuilt by Palestinians, the ambassador stresses. Gaza is one of the oldest continuous human communities on Earth. It has a rich and ancient history. All we ask: Israel out. Leave the rest to us.

The core issue in the region is the issue of Palestine. You solve this, and you can establish a stable regional order.

Palestine is the only issue. It is a prerequisite for peace and stability in the region. The time is now.
Josh Duhamel thinks actors should keep their political opinions to themselves.

Josh Duhamel won't share his political opinions

The 53-year-old movie star has made a conscious decision to keep his political views to himself, and Josh believes that other actors and actresses should follow suit.

During an appearance on Megyn Kellys podcast, Josh explained: "I have real strong opinions about things but I dont really talk about it because its like, Why would I alienate half my audience? Because I respect their views on things but Im not going to preach to them. They can believe what they want to believe. Im just here to, you know, make cool stuff."

Josh believes that actors and actresses who share their political views could easily alienate film fans.

He said: "If you really want to be successful in this business, why would you make half of your audience despise you by your beliefs? Maybe they dont care. I dont know.

"I mean, I look at it as a business decision, you know? Im here just to make cool movies, cool TV. Im here to make cool stuff. Im the court jester, you know? If I want to preach to you about what I believe politically, I will go run for office, which Im not [going to do]."

Last year, Jennifer Lawrence revealed that she'd decided to stop sharing her political opinions in public.

The Oscar-winning actress admitted that she was changing her approach, following the backlash she'd previously received for speaking out on social issues.

She told The Interview podcast: "I don't really know if I should [speak out].

"The first Trump administration was so wild and just how can we let this stand? I felt like I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off. But as we've learned, election after election, celebrities do not make a difference whatsoever on who people vote for. So then what am I doing? I'm just sharing my opinion on something that's going to add fuel to a fire that's ripping the country apart. We are so divided."

Jennifer explained that she wants to "protect [her] craft" rather than dwelling on political issues.

She said: "With this temperature and the way things can turn out, I don't want to start turning people off to films and to art that could change consciousness or change the world because they don't like my political opinions.

"I want to protect my craft so that you can still get lost in what I'm doing. And if I can't say something that's going to speak to some kind of peace or lowering the temperature or some sort of solution, I don't want to be a part of the problem. I don't want to make the problem worse."
In support of Iran, the Houthis have said they are prepared to blockade the Red Sea - Yahya Arhab/EPA

Israel promised the Houthis would pay the price after the Yemen-based terror group entered the Iran war.

The Houthis, an Iranian proxy group, claimed to have targeted secretive Israeli military sites with a barrage of ballistic missiles, although Israel said only two missiles had been fired and were shot down.

Along with missile strikes, the Houthis said they were prepared to blockade the Red Sea and threaten the global energy market, already crippled by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement on Saturday night, the militants said they would continue to carry out their military operations in the coming days until the criminal enemy ceases its attacks and aggression.

Former US officials told The Telegraph the attack was likely to lead to a US attack on Yemen, fuelling an expansion of the war in Iran.

Michael Rubin, a former Pentagon official, predicted a retaliatory strike would take place to ensure the safety of Red Sea shipping.

This is no longer a war against Iran, he said. This is rapidly becoming a war about energy flows and the freedom of navigation... every time there has been a challenge to freedom of navigation, its led to military action.

Alan Eyre, a diplomat who negotiated the Iran nuclear deal under Barack Obama, also said the Houthi attack would probably lead to US strikes on Yemen.

Israel said it intercepted the Houthi missile after the Yemeni terror group had warned its fingers were on the trigger - Wisam Hashlamoun/Getty

But a senior Israel Defense Forces (IDF) official told Kan News they had been prepared for a Houthi attack since the war broke out on Feb 28 with joint US and Israeli strikes against Iran.

The Houthis are a distraction. We are not confused, and we continue to attack Iran with all our might, the individual said. We will choose when and how to hit the Houthis, according to our considerations. They will pay the price.

The Houthis said the attack was in response to continued strikes by the US and Israel on infrastructure across Iran, Lebanon, Iraq and the Palestinian territories.

Until now, the terror group had refrained from joining the Gulf conflict, adding that strikes would continue until the aggression ended.

The missiles have prompted fears that the Houthis could shut down the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a busy Red Sea chokepoint that has become an alternative route for ships since Irans closure of the Strait of Hormuz caused oil prices to surge.

The closure has prompted speculation of a US ground invasion, with thousands of US marines arriving in the Middle East on Saturday onboard the USS Tripoli.

US Central Command (Centcom) confirmed on Saturday the amphibious assault ship, carrying 2,500 US marines, had arrived in the Middle East, along with transport and strike fighter aircraft.

The warship is equipped to transport F-35 fighter jets and Osprey aircraft, used for troop and cargo transport. for troop and cargo transport.

There is widespread speculation that the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) could be used in an amphibious invasion of targets such as Kharg Island, Irans major oil terminal, to pile pressure on the regime to end its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz.

The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, aboard the USS Boxer, is also expected to arrive in the Middle East in the coming days.

Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, said the US could meet its objectives without any ground troops but said the presence of US marines gave Donald Trump maximum optionality for multiple contingencies.

Former diplomats have told The Telegraph that the marines will be an important means of exerting pressure on Iran as Mr Trump claims to be holding peace talks, so that the Iranians do not run down the clock.

But now with the Red Sea also potentially under threat, the US may need to reconsider its resources to ensure safe passage through both shipping lanes.

The Houthis had previously blocked the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, known as the Gate of Tears, by attacking ships using drones and missiles.

The group attacked more than 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two vessels between November 2023 and January 2025, in response to the war in Gaza. The attacks forced ships to take the much longer route around Africa and defence analysts said the group had entered the war on Tehrans orders.

The missile launch on Saturday came after Iranian military officials had promised to create insecurity in the Red Sea.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait connects to the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal and is one of the few alternative shipping routes to the Strait of Hormuz. Around a tenth of the worlds oil flows through it.

The strait separates Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula from Djibouti and Eritrea on the Horn of Africa and is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, acting as a key link between Europe and Asia.

Brig Yahya Saree, a military spokesman for the Houthis, claimed responsibility for the missile launch towards Israel on the rebels Al-Masirah satellite television channel.

Brig Saree said on Friday that the groups fingers are on the trigger for direct military intervention if any new alliances joined the war against Iran or the Red Sea was used for hostile operations against Tehran.

Brig Gen Yahya Saree, a military spokesman for the Houthis, claimed responsibility for the missile launch towards Israel - Mohammed Huwais/AFP

Ari Heistein, research fellow at the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security, said it was possible the Houthis had joined because of external pressure from Tehran.

The Houthis were initially reluctant to rush to Irans defence due to their own domestic considerations, he said. Joining the fight risked further undermining their legitimacy among the Yemeni public and adding additional strain to an already decimated economy.

Yet they joined a month into the conflict, driven either by growing external pressure, including repeated threats in Iranian media to activate the group, or an assessment that they could manage the domestic fallout. Despite their initial caution, they may yet escalate further if they do not meet significant pushback.

Last April, the US hit more than 800 targets in Yemen, killing hundreds of fighters and destroying air defence systems and weapons factories. The US said this degraded the effectiveness of Houthi attacks, cutting missile launches by 69 per cent and drone attacks by more than half.

Menace in the Red Sea

Mr Heistein said that the group had been weakened by previous strikes on their operations but had been using the time since to rebuild.

So far, they appear to be focusing primarily on Israel because their Red Sea campaign taught them that alienating many powerful countries simultaneously can be extremely costly.

Their role as an international menace in the Red Sea helped solidify anti-Houthi coalitions and lent retaliatory actions legitimacy on the world stage, a dynamic very different from their earlier confrontation with Saudi Arabia. Kinetic strikes on the groups economic assets, sweeping sanctions, and decapitation strikes on key leadership all took a painful toll.

After nearly half a year of quiet, they have presumably used that time to rebuild ahead of the current round of fighting. This is the unfortunate reality of any pause or ceasefire with a jihadist group like the Houthis: it is exploited to rest and rearm. Even so, they are unlikely to want to expend all of their limited resources in defence of Iran.

Philip Ingram, a defence analyst and former colonel in British military intelligence, said the Houthis were effectively an extension of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

They dont do anything under their own initiative and they may have been short of or tried to protect longer-range weapons that theyve got, he said.

They were happy to attack ships and Israel when American aircraft werent around but they will have seen the US come in recently and held back.

Now the Iranians have probably asked them to do this to split the focus within the war. I think the next logical step would be for them to start attacking shipping again.

The Houthis have held Sanaa, Yemens capital, since 2014 and may have stayed on the sidelines until now as they have held a ceasefire for years with Saudi Arabia, which launched a war against the group on behalf of Yemens exiled government in 2015.

Previous Houthi attacks on ships such as the British tanker Cordelia Moon forced carriers to take the much longer route around Africa - EPA

Mr Ingram said that it was possible that Saudi Arabia wanted to enter the war, with Iranian drones and missiles attacking US bases on its soil, and that a Houthi blockade of the Red Sea could anger Riyadh.

Saudi has been making a number of noises about joining the war and if that happens weve got an escalation that is one level above, he said.

As soon as Saudi starts to directly attack Iran then we are at another level of this historical religious civil war and the whole of the Middle East could erupt because of it.

I think the Saudis want to get involved and I think the Americans are probably asking them just to take a step back at the minute. Do the Americans need them? Probably not. I dont think the Saudis would defy the Americans by joining without their consent.
Yemeni rebel group, the Houthis, have launched missile attacks on Israel for the first time since the war began as thousands of US sailors and marines arrived in the Middle East on Saturday.

Their involvement risks broadening a conflict that has entered its fifth week, with the Houthis warning their operations will continue until the aggression by the US and Israel ends on all fronts. Israel confirmed it had intercepted a missile from Yemen.

The Houthis have previously demonstrated an ability to disrupt shipping lanes around the Arabian Peninsula and the Red Sea, as they did during Israels war in Gaza in 2024.

Their involvement comes as the world faces what has been described as the worst oil market crisis in history, with trade through the Strait of Hormuz at a standstill under Iranian control.

Houthi supporters shout slogans during a rally against Israel and the United States' war in Iran, in Sanaa, Yemen (AP)

Thousands of naval troops arrived in the Middle East on Saturday as regional tensions accelerate.

According to US Central Command, the USS Tripoli arrived carrying around 3,500 American sailors and marines, along with transport and strike fighter aircraft, as well as a range of amphibious and tactical capabilities.

US Central Command said troops have arrived in its designated area of responsibility  a vast region spanning about four million square miles from South Asia through the Middle East to North Africa. Its precise location was not revealed.

They join thousands of marines deployed to the Middle East already after the outbreak of war on 28 February, in addition to the 50,000 troops stationed there.

US sailors and marines aboard the USS Tripoli (US Centcom)

Last week, reports also indicated the Pentagon plans to dispatch at least 1,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division. Thousands of elite airborne soldiers are also expected to be deployed, according to Reuters news agency.

Earlier this week, the Wall Street Journal suggested that President Donald Trump is plotting to send 10,000 troops to the region in an attempt to defeat Iran, citing sources familiar with the matter.

Secretary of state Marco Rubio insisted on Friday that the US would achieve its goals without putting boots on the ground.

The Israeli military also appeared to indicate that some of its operations could be drawing to a close, assessing that it would finish targeting all of Irans key military sites by the end of the week, according to reports.

Overnight Israel is reported to have hit two nuclear program sites including a heavy water facility linked to plutonium production and a uranium processing site.

Smoke rises from the area of the Kuwait International Airport after a reported drone strike hit a fuel depot on March 25, 2026 (AFP/Getty)

Irans president, Masoud Pezeshkian, warned that Tehran would continue fighting and vowed a decisive and crushing response to attacks on its infrastructure or economic centres.

We have said many times that Iran doesn't carry out pre-emptive attacks, but we will retaliate strongly if our infrastructure or economic centers are targeted, he wrote on X on Saturday.

To the countries of the region: If you want development and security, dont let our enemies run the war from your lands.

Pakistan, who has been involved in mediation between Iran and the US after Gulf countries found themselves embroiled in defence efforts, said that Iran demanded trust in order for talks to progress, according to Prime minister Shehbaz Sharifs office.

Reports suggested Trump is planning to send 10,000 troops to the Middle East to defeat Iran (Getty)

Countries across the Gulf have continued to intercept attacks launched from Iran, including Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

Kuwait International Airport reported significant damage to its radar system after being targeted by 15 drones, according to the countrys defence ministry but no casualties were reported. Five people were injured after a ballistic missile was intercepted in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE.

Three Lebanese journalists were killed in Israeli strikes on a media car, according to the Hezbollahs Al Manar news outlet.

Prominent broadcaster Ali Shoeib, of the Al-Manar television station, Fatima Ftouni and her brother and cameraman Mohammed Ftouni from the al-Mayadeen outlet, were killed in the strike targeting their car, according to reports. The Israeli military is yet to comment.
Kemi Badenoch is to launch a campaign calling for Britain to maximise the use of its oil and gas reserves.

The Conservatives will put a Get Britain Drilling campaign at the heart of their proposals for bringing down the spike in energy prices caused by the war in the Middle East.

Irans blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has led to a drastic rise in oil prices across the globe.

Tory leader Mrs Badenoch and her party initially called for Britain to join America and Israel in their war against Iran.

They have since turned their focus to calling for the UK to tap its oil and gas stores to beat price rises, though ministers argue the internationally set price will not be impacted by such action.

Now, Mrs Badenoch will launch a three-point plan to get Britain drilling which includes an end to the moratorium on new oil and gas licences, ditching the windfall tax on energy profits, and more financial support for the fossil fuels industry.

Launching the campaign, the Opposition leader said: Labours ban on new oil and gas drilling licences was stupid when they put it in their manifesto, in the middle of an energy crisis its completely crazy.

Drilling our own oil and gas is about energy security, its about financial security, its about national security.

Its more jobs, good for business and provides tax revenues that could be used to bring down bills.

At Prime Ministers Questions this week, Mrs Badenoch pressed Sir Keir Starmer to approve new licences for drilling in the North Sea, including at the Rosebank and Jackdaw sites.

Sir Keir insisted this is for the Energy Secretary to decide.

The Tory leader claimed the Prime Ministers reply showed he had let the cat out of the bag, adding: The real reason Labour are refusing new licences is that Ed Miliband is now running the Government.

We need to get Britain drilling.

A strong economy relies on cheap, abundant energy.

Only the Conservatives are serious about creating a stronger economy and a stronger country.

Mrs Badenoch plans to visit an oil rig off Aberdeen on Monday as she launches the campaign.

The Conservative Party plans to announce further measures in the coming week, aimed at both bringing down living costs and energy bills for businesses.

But Tessa Khan, executive director of campaign group Uplift, said the Conservatives plan would do nothing to lower bills.

Pointing to research suggesting hundreds of North Sea licences granted under the previous government had produced just 36 days worth of gas, Ms Khan said Mrs Badenoch was peddling a dangerous fantasy.

She said: Politicians who refuse to acknowledge the reality of the declining North Sea are endangering our security and economy. Not only that, they are betraying workers who need long-term, secure jobs  which will only now come from renewables, not some pipedream.

This is vapid, political game playing at the expense of ordinary people.

Energy minister Michael Shanks MP said: Kemi Badenoch wanted to plunge Britain head first into war without a seconds thought about the consequences. She has proven herself completely unfit for high office throughout this crisis.

Badenochs Conservative Party left families with rocketing energy bills  and they completely failed to deliver energy security across 14 years in power. Her own shadow energy secretary admitted that new licenses in the North Sea would not take a penny off bills.

The Conservatives and Reform want to outsource Britains energy security to fossil fuel markets over which we have no control. Meanwhile Labour is bringing down bills next week and investing in clean, homegrown power to bring bills down for good.
McGraw Media will provide rough cuts of episodes to the NYPD and will incorporate its edits into the finished version for the show, hosted by Dr. Phil (Getty Images)

New York City has ended its legal fight with Dr. Phils son, reaching a settlement Friday that clears the way for the release of a reality show hes making about the New York Police Department.

Under the agreement, the city will retain editorial control over the show, titled Behind the Badge," after accusing producer Jordan McGraw and his production company, McGraw Media, of trying to wrest it away.

McGraw Media will provide rough cuts of episodes to the NYPD and will incorporate its edits into the finished version for the show, hosted by Dr. Phil, a clinical psychologist turned TV personality.

McGraw Media agreed to remove all content from the documentary-style series that the department designates as inaccurate or confidential, that the NYPD is legally prohibited from releasing, that reveals investigatory techniques or that would otherwise compromise public safety or the public trust.

NYPD Dr. Phil's Son (AP)

It also agreed to remove any content that the NYPD flags as portraying the city or the department in a negative light.

A message seeking comment was left for a lawyer for Jordan McGraw and McGraw Media.

The lawyer, Chip Babcock, has previously said that the city's lawsuit had come as a surprise as publication of any programming was not imminent and that McGraw Media had worked with the city to address the edits requested and was willing to continue to do so.

The city sued Jordan McGraw and McGraw Media in January, accusing them of violating an agreement that had allowed them special behind-the-scenes access to the nations largest police force and risking immediate and irreparable harm to the city. The city obtained a court order blocking them from selling or disseminating any footage from "Behind the Badge.

Episode rough cuts provided to the city by McGraws company, McGraw Media, were mostly unedited footage dumps and included material not allowed under McGraws production agreement with the city, such as discussions of sensitive operations and the identities of undercover officers, crime victims and witnesses, the lawsuit said.

Among other things, the lawsuit said, the show contained footage of an officer inputting a security code at a police station entrance, discussions of encrypted police communications and the unblurred faces of people who were arrested by police but who have not yet been tried or convicted of crimes.

New York City inked a three-year contract with McGraw Media on Behind the Badge in April 2025. It called for McGraw Media to produce up to 17 episodes per year, but gave the city the right to opt out.

The city abandoned Behind the Badge late last year, hours before Mayor Zohran Mamdani took office, after saying that it had expressed concerns to McGraw about the shows quality and content. According to the lawsuit, McGraw Media indicated that it would not accept any of the citys edits and that it intended to distribute the flagged material and was looking for a buyer to air the show.

Episodes were slated to air on Phil McGraws MeritTV cable and streaming channels, where hed previously done segments featuring the police department.

A lawyer for the city had told a judge in a letter Thursday that the city and McGraw Media had agreed to a framework" to attempt to resolve the matter "through a collaborative effort to review rough cuts of nine episodes.

According to the settlement agreement, McGraw Media has already edited the first four episodes to the city's specifications. The city expects to provide feedback on the fifth and sixth episodes by next week and the last three episodes by April 16, the agreement said.
Screengrab from WXYZ-TV of student who said she was humiliated by her teacher after declining to stand for the pledge of allegiance. Photograph: AP (Photograph: AP)

A Palestinian middle school student in Michigan who was publicly admonished for refusing to stand for the pledge of allegiance as part of a personal protest against the war on Gaza has settled with her school district following a lawsuit around her first amendment free speech rights.

The teenager, identified as DK in court documents, said she faced racism from a teacher at the East middle school in Plymouth, Michigan, after she did not participate in the pledge. The teacher reportedly told DK to go back to her country, Fox 2 Detroit reported.

In a statement following the settlement, DK called the ordeal terrifying and overwhelming at times.

But it taught me the importance of speaking up for what I believe is right, said DK. I feel proud of the outcome and of being part of something that reinforces how important free speech is. Ive learned that even when it feels uncomfortable or risky, speaking out can make a difference, not just for me, but for others as well.

DK, who is 14, chose not to participate in the pledge on 10 January 2025 given the continuing war on Gaza.

I decided I wanted to sit down because I didnt feel comfortable standing because of whats happening in Palestine, said DK at a February press conference.

After the pledge, DK said that a teacher told the class that anyone that was sitting down was being very disrespectful to soldiers, to America. DK said she tried to explain her view to the instructor but was told that if she did not like the US, she should go back to her own country. DK later left the room in tears.

The Arab American Civil Rights League and the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan later filed a lawsuit in June 2025 against the Plymouth-Canton community schools district on behalf of DK.

As a part of the recent settlement, the Plymouth-Canton community schools district has pledged to provide diversity, sensitivity and first amendment training for staff. The district has also agreed not to punish DK, remove any indication from school files that suggest her protest was inappropriate and provide needed counseling.

Jacob Khalaf, DKs father, applauded his daughter for her bravery in advocating for her freedom of speech.

My daughter has shown her strong moral fiber throughout all of this, he said in a statement to Fox 2 Detroit. She had the courage to resist when a person in authority tried to make her relinquish her right to free speech, and then, with the help of the ACLU and ACRL, brought a lawsuit to make sure her first amendment rights, as well as those of others, were protected.

A representative of the district could not be reached for comment by the Guardian.

 This article was amended on 29 March 2026 to give the correct location of the school as Plymouth, Michigan.
The woman was found injured in Leeds (PA Wire)

Four people have been arrested on suspicion of murder after an unidentified woman, believed to be a teenager, was found unconscious in a street in Leeds.

Officers were called to Kennerleigh Avenue, Austhorpe, at 5.55am on Saturday to reports of a young woman being found unconscious, West Yorkshire Police said.

She suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital for medical treatment, but was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

Four people, two women aged 18, a man aged 20 and a boy aged 17, were all arrested from a nearby address on suspicion of murder, police said.

All four remain in police custody and a crime scene is in place while officers carry out further inquiries.

The victim remains unidentified and inquiries are ongoing to identify her, police said.

Detectives are also releasing details of her identity in the hope that someone will recognise her.

She is of slim build and has tanned skin. She is described as 5ft 2ins tall and believed to be in her mid to late teens, with green eyes and brown hair with darker roots and blonder ends.

She also has fixed metal braces to her upper and lower teeth.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Superintendent Marc Bowes said: This is an extremely complex investigation where a young woman has sadly lost her life.

We are treating her death as murder and have arrested four people in connection with it.

Despite carrying out extensive inquiries throughout the course of today we have not yet been able to confirm her identity.

We hope by releasing these details that someone will recognise who she is and come forward.

I am also keen to speak to anyone who was in the Kennerleigh Avenue area in the early hours of this morning, or anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity in the vicinity.

Anyone who can assist in the investigation was asked to call 101, or use the live chat options at westyorkshire.police.uk/livechat, quoting log 280 of 28 March.

Information can also be given anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
Vladimir Putins long-term goal is the subjugation of Ukraine to the Russian Empire, analysts say - Sergei Bobylyov/AFP via Getty

Nato leaders pushing against Ukraine joining their alliance are far too receptive to Vladimir Putins imperial fantasies, Kyivs ambassador has said.

Alyona Getmanchuk, the war-torn countrys ambassador to Nato, said she felt a sense of injustice about Ukraines status as a partner, but not member, of Nato.

In an article for The Telegraph, she wrote: The feeling of injustice intensifies when you realise the real reason why Ukraine is still not in the alliance.

And that reason is the painful imperial fantasies of the man in the Kremlin, which for decades have forced Allies on both sides of the Atlantic to reject the very idea of Kyivs membership in Nato  under other, of course, more noble pretexts, such as insufficient anti-corruption reforms or simply a lack of consensus.

Volodymyr Zelensky (second left) visits Donald Trump at the White House, amid a gathering of Nato leaders on Aug 18, 2025 - Win McNamee/Getty

At its annual summit in Vilnius in 2023, Nato pledged to extend an invitation to Ukraine to join when allies agree and conditions are met.

One year later, its leaders said they would include Kyiv in more internal discussions, as a bridge to membership.

But these warm words were left out of a communique agreed by Nato leaders at their most recent summit, in the Hague in June.

And Ukraines Nato hopes were suspended when Donald Trump, the US president, opened talks with Putin to end the war.

The 28-point peace plan drafted by American and Russian officials demanded that Kyiv included a pledge not to join Nato in its constitution.

A revised peace plan did not block membership but said there was no consensus amongst allies to let Ukraine join.

Despite this setback, Ukraine has been forging closer ties with Nato, with its troops frequently joining Nato military exercises.

The effective participation of Ukrainian military personnel as a red team in Nato exercises is just one small example of how Ukraine can help Nato prepare for future confrontation, Ms Getmanchuk wrote.

Ukraines troops have often gained the upper hand over their Nato counterparts in these exercises because of their combat experience, although this is rarely discussed by Ukrainian officials.

During drills in Estonia last May, Ukrainian troops successfully destroyed 17 Nato armoured vehicles as they played the opposing force.

A Ukrainian soldier in the front-line town of Orikhiv, Zaporizhzhia, on Thursday - Stringer/Reuters

Much of Ukraines vital aid comes through schemes set up inside Nato.

European donors buy American weapons, such as Patriot air defence missiles and Himars rockets, for Kyiv through the Purl scheme.

Natos security assistance and training for Ukraine programme has nearly 700 staff co-ordinating further military support to the country.

Putin often argues that Natos eastward expansion is hostile towards Russia.

But Ms Getmanchuk insisted Ukraine joining the alliance would in fact restrict her countrys ability to retaliate against its neighbour.

Ukraine in Nato would be a far better security guarantee for Russia than a Ukraine acting entirely independently in responding to threats coming from Moscow, she said.

Alyona Getmanchuk is Ukraines most senior diplomatic representative to Nato - Facebook

Ms Getmanchuk said this Russian claim was one that had too often been swallowed by Nato allies, especially Joe Biden, the former US president.

She said: The myth that Russia launched its full-scale war because Ukraine was promised Nato membership. In reality, the Biden administration was strongly against inviting Ukraine to Nato, hiding behind the contrived argument of corruption.

Russia started the war because it wanted  and still wants  to destroy Ukraine, eliminate Ukrainian statehood, and erase Ukrainian identity, not because it feared Ukraines Nato membership.
Nepal's former prime minister KP Sharma Oli (C) is escorted by police as he is brought to the hospital following his arrest in Kathmandu (AFP via Getty Images)

Nepals ex-prime minister, K P Sharma Oli, and the former home minister, Ramesh Lekhak, were arrested for allegedly being negligent in preventing dozens of deaths during anti-corruption protests in September.

The two were taken into custody on Saturday after a panel investigating violence during the protests said last week that they should be prosecuted for negligence.

Seventy-six people were killed during the Gen Z-led protests across the country, which led to Mr Olis resignation.

The arrests also come a day after rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah was sworn in as the new prime minister.

Both Mr Oli and Mr Lekhak were detained at the Kathmandu Police Office, according to Nepal police spokesperson Om Adhikari.

Mr Oli has been detained under suspicion of violating Section 182 of the Criminal Code 2017, which states that negligent killing shall not be permitted and carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison and a fine of up to thirty thousand rupees.

Meanwhile, Mr Lehkak has been accused of ordering security forces to fire on demonstrators.

"We have arrested them as per the recommendations made by the investigation commission," Mr Adhikari said.

Nepal's former prime minister KP Sharma Oli (C) is escorted by police as he is brought to the hospital following his arrest in Kathmandu (AFP via Getty Images)

Nepals current home minister, Sudan Gurung, announced the arrests on social media.

No one is above the law. We have taken former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and outgoing Home Minister Ramesh writer under control, Mr Gurung posted on Facebook.

This is not revenge against anyone, just the beginning of justice, he posted.

In a separate post, he said: You messed with the wrong generation.

Mr Oli, who has had two kidney transplants, was reportedly transferred to a hospital by the police.

"They have said it (the arrest) is for investigation. It is illegal and improper because there is no risk of him fleeing or avoiding questioning," Mr Olis lawyer, Tikaram Bhattarai, told Reuters.

Mr Oli was held responsible by the investigation panel for not taking any action to stop the hours of firing, which led to the death of at least 19 Gen Z protesters on 8 September.

While the panels report said it could not conclusively establish that an order to open fire was explicitly given, it concluded that Mr Oli and the authorities did not make any meaningful effort to stop the shootings.

Anger over the protests is thought to have fuelled the new prime minister, Mr Shah's Rastriya Swatantra Party, to a landslide win in this months general election.

Just hours after forming the new cabinet, Mr Shah immediately implemented the findings of the high-level commission.
No Kings protesters have carried an inflatable effigy of President Donald Trump defecating what appears to be flames on the US Constitution.

Demonstrations are taking place all across the country on Saturday (28 March), in protest of ICE, the Iran war, attacks on freedom of speech, and Trump's "desire to rule over us as a tyrant", according to organizers.

Over 3,100 individual protests are being held, including significant events in Los Angeles County and a mass march near Central Park in New York City.

Trump has previously dismissed the "No Kings" protests as "very small" and "very ineffective," asserting that he is not a king and works diligently to improve the country.
Southern California residents are dealing with more than just pollen and allergies this spring as tiny eye-biting flies swarm people and pets across the San Gabriel Valley foothills, leaving itchy, red welts on faces, necks and arms.

The insects, identified as a type of black fly common to the regions riverine foothills, are appearing in numbers far higher than usual for this season.

These are very tiny black flies, smaller than a mosquito, and they usually breed in running water, Anais Medina Diaz, director of communications for the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, told KTLA.

Communities including Azusa, Altadena, Glendora and San Dimas have reported daily encounters, with residents describing repeated bites throughout the day. Some have even experienced allergic reactions after prolonged exposure, according to the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, the outlet reports.

Families in the Azusa area are growing increasingly concerned about the safety of children and pets spending time outdoors due to a surge in biting flies, according to the outlet. These insects leave large, itchy welts on the skin and their attacks occur even when people use protective clothing or apply insect repellent.

While bothersome, black flies, like the ones swarming in parts of Southern California, do not transmit disease (Getty Images)

Vector control officials explain that the flies thrive in fast-moving water, such as that found in the San Gabriel River. The river provides an ideal environment for larval development, after which the adult flies emerge and spread into nearby foothill communities.

Typically, the insects appear later in the year, but unusually warm winter temperatures combined with increased river flow from early snowmelt have created favorable conditions for rapid population growth, officials said.

Medina Diaz said black fly populations have surged into the hundreds much earlier than usual, compared with only single-digit numbers at the same time last year. Luckily, Medina Diaz said, while black flies can be pesky and their bites can be painful, they do not transmit disease.

Still, experts recommend precautions when outdoors, including using DEET-based insect repellent, wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, and avoiding peak activity times such as sunrise and afternoon.

Efforts to reduce black fly populations are already underway, focusing on treatments targeting larvae along local waterways, vector control officials report, per KTLA. While these measures aim to curb future infestations, adult flies that have already emerged may remain active for several weeks, meaning residents could continue to experience bites despite ongoing control efforts.

Officials also caution homeowners to keep an eye on decorative water features such as fountains or small streams on private property. If water in these features continues to flow, it can create additional breeding sites for black flies, potentially exacerbating local populations.
Maura Higgins is in talks for a new role with Disney.

Maura Higgins' huge Disney role

The 32-year-old Love Island star impressed US viewers with her recent stint on The Traitors and is set to capitalise on her TV fame with a new Disney role.

A source told The Sun: Maura is keeping her cards close to her chest but she couldnt help but tell pals shes reading scripts for Disney.

Everyone  including Maura  is stunned at how well her career in the US is going. This is just the beginning.

This follows on from speculation that Maura could be set to be the new Bachelorette after ABC put Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Taylor Frankie Pauls season on hold due to her recent legal issues.

A source told DeuxMoi: ABC exec friend said that they are looking into getting Maura Higgins to be the new Bachelorette and do a live shooting of it.

They shut down Layla and Miranda as a dual season and are trying to steer away from the SLOMW girlies.

Meanwhile, Maura recently insisted that while she will always be grateful to Love Island for launching her career, she is happy to be finally known for other things.

She told Cosmopolitan: Obviously, Ill always love Love Island because thats where it all started. I wouldnt be where I am without it. But I think its nice to venture away from that. Ive been classed as an Islander for the last seven years. You work so hard to try and get out of that box that youre put in. Its really difficult, and it takes a lot of work and perseverance. Now that Im finally only just starting to distance myself, Im like, Oh my god, it was all worth it.

I feel like starting on Love Island is why everyones so invested in my love life and wants to know whether Im single or dating.

And, despite the interest in her love life, she doesnt miss being in a relationship after taking a year off dating.

She said: "It wasnt even a plan to be celibate. I didnt put a timeline on it. I just had terrible exes and needed a break. I wanted to focus on me, my career, and my energy. Now that its been over a year, I dont even think of men. Im not saying Im not open [to a relationship], but Im not checking my DMs to see whos in there. Im not searching for it.
The removal of both ovaries instead of one and operating on the wrong patient are among the hundreds of times NHS surgeons have made errors over the last five years, new data has revealed.

English hospitals performed 661 cases of surgery on the wrong patient or body part between 2020 and 2025, the figures show, marking a 46 per cent rise over that timeframe, with serious harm caused to patients in 7 per cent of incidents.

Wrong-site surgery is a medical error where an invasive procedure is performed on the wrong patient, body part or site on the body, with many of these incidents classified as never events by the NHS, meaning they are considered entirely preventable.

Campaigners have warned that patient safety must be prioritised amid the very concerning increase in some never events.

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was found to be responsible for the mistaken removal of two ovaries on a patient in October 2024, which was recorded as causing severe harm. This can cause immediate surgical menopause in premenopausal patients, as well as infertility and issues with estrogen levels.

At least five incidents where the wrong patient was operated on were revealed across different trusts, including a bronchoscopy, which involves a tube being inserted through the nose or mouth into the lungs, and a biopsy, the removal of a piece of tissue, cells, or fluid from the body.

NHS surgeons have made hundreds of errors over the last five years, new data has revealed (Getty/iStock)

Meanwhile, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was found to be the worst offender overall, recording 44 cases over the past five years.

The new figures, obtained by Medical Negligence Assist via freedom of information requests, saw 661 cases reported between 2020 and 2025. But the true figure is likely to be even higher, as only 72 of the 117 contacted NHS Trusts responded, and some of those that did reply declined to specify exact figures to protect patient confidentiality.

Paul Whiteing, chief executive of Action against Medical Accidents, the UKs patient safety charity, said: It is very concerning that we continue to see an increase in some never events. Behind every one of these events is a patient who will suffer harm, sometimes serious and life-changing and possibly life-threatening. It is vital that the NHS continues to invest in patient safety and gives it the priority it needs. Good care must be safe care. And if it is not then trust in the NHS will be lost.

In total, 46 cases were reported that involved the patient suffering serious harm, including the double ovary excision and an incident where the wrong anatomy was removed. Meanwhile, 236 were recorded as involving moderate harm to the patient, such as the wrong tooth being extracted, incorrect scars being removed, or botox being injected into the neck instead of the mouth. Some 292 cases were cited as causing low harm, such as biopsies or anaesthesia being erroneously applied.

Other incidents include an injection being done in the wrong eye, the wrong lobe of the thyroid gland being removed, and an incision being made in the wrong finger.

Wrong-site surgeries were recorded as happening for a number of reasons  often human error, but also when procedures and safety checklists were not followed, due to issues with communication and organisation, or as a result of environmental factors such as lighting, temperature and inadequate equipment.

Gareth Lloyd, head of department at Medical Negligence Assist, warned: The increase in the numbers demonstrates that these never events are becoming common, and is something that everyone should be concerned about as the consequences can range from the catastrophic to unnecessary scarring to avoidable pain and discomfort. These never events can be avoided and more needs to be done to tackle the issue, especially in those trusts that have seen the highest numbers.

According to the data, 27 trusts recorded 10 or more wrong-site surgeries over the past five years.

Alongside Newcastle, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust also reported a notable figure, with 22 cases  however, neither of these two trusts reported cases involving serious harm to patients.

However, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust reported 23 cases, with two of those involving serious harm to patients. There were 20 instances recorded by North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, 13 of which involved serious harm.

An NHS spokesperson said: While these kinds of incidents are very rare, they are completely unacceptable  and the NHS has robust procedures in place to ensure they are fully investigated, with effective action taken to improve care for future patients.

We recognise there is more to do and the NHS is supporting frontline teams to strengthen patient safety, including through better recording and response to incidents and rolling out a national programme of training for staff.

Dr Lucia Pareja-Cebrian, joint medical director at Newcastle Hospitals, said: We have a culture and approach where we actively encourage all staff to openly report incidents, apologise to those patients and families involved and investigate thoroughly, to ensure we learn what needs to change to prevent any future occurrence.

A spokesperson for Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: We are so very sorry for the pain and long-term impact caused following these patients surgery. We strive to provide high-quality, safe care to every patient, however unfortunately, on these occasions, clinical practice fell short of the standard we expect.

We are committed to learning from any mistakes that are made to ensure they dont happen again and have shared the findings of the investigations we have carried out, along with the actions we have taken to make our care as safe as possible, with the patients concerned.
Vivian Powers (@pawsitiveinfluenc) is an animal advocate focused on giving rescue pets in Texas the spotlight they deserve. She recently shared a video of an 11-year-old senior dog named Boregaurd, and his story is breaking our hearts.

Boregaurd was understandably stressed, afraid, and confused about the noisy place his pawrent had left him. He was so scared that he wouldn't move or accept treats. Once they were finally able to get him to explore, he spent his time looking for his pawrent. The saddest part of this whole story is the reason why he was surrendered: his human was sad that the dog was getting old.

We can't even begin to understand how people with no good reason could give up their dog! Vivian can't either and shared a heartfelt message in the caption.

"How do you even explain to him that theyre not coming back?

Leaving him at a shelter with 500 dogs is not the best idea There are rehoming websites, Nextdoor app, and Facebook groups where you can help your dog find a family who might be able to love him during his golden years.

Many of us were in tears today.

Many of us have senior dogs.

SENIOR DOG LOVERS we need you. Boregaurd is 11 years old. He needs a foster or adopter."

Related: Shelter Pit Bull Desperately Clinging to Stuffed Toy for Comfort Will Make Anyone Sob

SIGN UP to get pawsitivity delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends

Commenters Saddened by the Senior Dog's Story

Commenters were very upset after hearing this dog's story. @Irene Rodriguez shared, "I mean, how can u give up on them if they would never give up on you?" @Autumn agreed, "Im too sensitive for this." @Destiny said what we were thinking, "This just shattered my heart."

@TL said, "What is wrong with people? He is so sweet and perfectly appropriate for a loving home."

It seems that Boregaurd's story has a happy ending! Vivian shared, "UPDATE: IN FOSTER HOME!"

@Ka spoke for all of us when they said, "Heck yes! Hoping its a foster fail and hes there the rest of his days. Hes beautiful."



This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Mar 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Former mayor of Taipei and 2024 presidential candidate Ko Wen-je leaves the Taipei District Court on March 26, 2026.

A Taipei court on Thursday sentenced former mayor and presidential candidate Ko Wen-je to 17 years in prison on corruption charges , along with the deprivation of civil rights for six years, dealing a major blow to both the opposition figure and his fledgling Taiwan Peoples Party (TPP).

The ruling bars Ko from running in the 2028 presidential election, effectively derailing his ambitions to position himself as a third way alternative in Taiwans deeply polarised political landscape.

Ko, one of three front-runners in the 2024 presidential election, finishing third with 26.46 percent, was convicted on charges including bribery, misappropriation of political donations and breach of trust. Prosecutors had sought a sentence of more than 28 years, but the court handed down a combined term of 17 years .

Ko has maintained his innocence throughout the investigation and trial. Following the verdict, the ex-mayor of Taipei denounced the case as politically motivated, declaring he would never surrender.

The case

At the centre of the case is the  Core Pacific City  redevelopment project in Taipei, where prosecutors alleged that Ko accepted bribes in exchange for approving an increase in building density.

The court found him guilty on bribery charges, imposing a 13-year sentence for that count alone. Prosecutors had initially alleged over NT$17 million (460,838) in illicit payments, though the court recognised NT$2.1 million (56,927) as sufficiently substantiated.

Ko was also convicted in a separate political donations case tied to the 2024 election, involving allegations that funds were misreported or diverted through private channels, as well as the misuse of foundation funds for campaign-related expenses.

The case has unfolded over nearly two years. Ko was first named as a defendant in 2024, detained for months, and later released on bail under strict conditions, including travel restrictions and electronic monitoring.

Legal experts say the appeals process could take years, meaning the case may not be resolved before the next presidential election cycle.

Under Taiwans Presidential and Vice Presidential Election and Recall Act, candidates sentenced to 10 years or more in prison are barred from running for president  even if appeals are ongoing  effectively sidelining Ko from the 2028 race.

Political persecution or rule of law

Kos allies and party members have framed the case as political persecution by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

Read moreTaiwan tensions: China-Japan row hits trade and travel amid escalating rhetoric

The TPP has called for mass protests on Sunday, while party chairman Huang Kuo-chang condemned the ruling as a politically motivated verdict based on fabricated charges.

There are numerous irregularities, said Wu Jing-qin, professor of law at Aletheia University, pointing to how certain evidence was handled and noting that some materials relied upon by prosecutors were indirect and, in his view, insufficient to support serious corruption charges.

Wu also highlighted broader structural issues in Taiwans legal system, including prosecutorial discretion and the use of pre-trial detention, which he said raises questions about proportionality and due process in high-profile cases.

However, other observers reject claims of political interference.

It has been deliberately framed as political retaliation by the TPP, said Chang Hung-lin, executive director of Citizen Congress Watch, a parliamentary watchdog. But at its core, this is still a judicial process about whether there is sufficient evidence.

Prosecutors have also dismissed allegations of bias, maintaining that the investigation followed standard procedures and was based on evidence.

Both the prosecution and Ko plan to appeal the conviction.

Death of a party

Kos conviction raises existential questions for the TPP, widely seen as built around his personal appeal.

Watch moreTaiwanese voters reject attempt to recall China-friendly lawmakers

Without a consequential figure like Ko, the TPP will become completely dependent on the KMT (Kuomintang, Taiwan's main opposition party), said Yeh Yao-yuan, a Taiwan politics specialist at the University of St. Thomas.

He noted that Taiwans party competition tends to favour larger, established parties, making it difficult for smaller parties to maintain independent influence over time.

Chen Fang-yu, associate professor of political science at Soochow University, described the party as structurally fragile and centred around a single leader. This is a one-man party, with the entire organisation revolving around Ko  their support base will only continue to dwindle, he said.

He added that the party now has little leverage: The TPP has no bargaining chips anymore  it has no other choice but to cooperate further with the KMT.

These dynamics reflect a broader pattern in Taiwan, where smaller parties often struggle to sustain themselves without aligning with one of the two major political camps.

Return to two-party dominance

With Ko removed from the political stage, analysts say Taiwan may be drifting back toward dominance by its two main parties: the DPP and the KMT.

Kos TPP, founded in 2019, emerged as an alternative force, carving out a space between the two dominant blocs.

Taiwans political environment is structurally unfriendly to smaller parties, said Chang Chun-hao, a professor of political science at Tunghai University in Taiwan, pointing to the islands electoral system and political culture. While third parties can emerge, sustaining long-term support without aligning with one of the major camps remains difficult.

Highlighting Taiwans electoral system, Chang Hung-lin said single-member districts tend to concentrate competition among leading candidates, limiting opportunities for third parties to gain representation without coordination with larger parties.

Yeh added that voter behaviour reinforces this dynamic. Strategic voting often leads voters to support the most viable candidates rather than smaller alternatives, further entrenching the dominance of major parties.

Watch moreChina seas: A new Cold War brewing?

Combined with the high costs of campaigning and limited access to resources, these factors create persistent barriers to long-term independent growth for smaller political organisations.

Taiwanese politics has always been dominated by the two major parties, yet there remains a 30 to 40 percent segment of the electorate that supports neither, Chen said, noting that while some of TPPs supporters may switch over to voting for the DPP or the KMT, others will remain on the fence.

Cross-strait relations

Ko had long positioned himself as a pragmatic middle ground between the DPPs China-sceptic stance and the KMTs more engagement-oriented approach, appealing to voters across the political spectrum while maintaining flexibility on cross-strait issues.

His absence narrows Taiwans centrist space and reinforces a political environment increasingly dominated by the two major parties. Yeh noted that as smaller parties lose influence, the space for centrist positions on cross-strait issues is likely to shrink.

These shifts in Taiwans internal political balance carry implications beyond domestic competition. Beijing has long taken an active interest in Taiwans political landscape , viewing it as a key factor in shaping cross-strait relations and advancing its strategic objectives.

Read moreWhy China is bringing out the big guns for military drills around Taiwan

Despite not being a part of it, China has always played a role in Taiwanese politics, Chang Hung-lin said, noting Beijings influence in past elections .

From Beijings perspective, Chang Chun-hao suggested Kos sentencing may be seen as favourable to its Taiwan policy, arguing that this means that the KMT can now lead the dance in its alliance with the TPP.

Still, analysts say Beijings broader approach is unlikely to change significantly. Chen said, If one proxy fails, they will find another.
People hold signs and flags as they march during the No Kings national day of protest in Chicago. Photograph: Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP/Getty Images (Photograph: Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP/Getty Images)

More than 8 million people protested against the Trump administration at more than 3,300 No Kings events across the US and in more than a dozen countries on Saturday, according to organizers. Its the greatest number of protests in a single day in US history, said Britt Jacovich, the deputy communications director for Move On, one of the organizers behind No Kings.

Saturdays protest was the third No Kings, organized by a coalition that also includes anti-authoritarian groups Indivisible and 50501, labor unions and other grassroots organizations. The last one in October drew 7 million people nationwide.

A multiplicity of stressors drew protesters across issues, from ICE raids to the war in Iran to voting rights threats. Since the last No Kings, were seeing higher gas prices and groceries, all while theres an illegal war in Iran, said Sarah Parker, the executive director of Voices of Florida and a national coordinator for the 50501 movement. The people of America are pissed.

At the flagship event in Minnesotas Twin Cities, Minneapolis and St Paul, organizers estimate around 200,000 people filled the streets around the state capitol to commiserate, mourn and speak out against the Trump administration.

Bernie Sanders, the independent Vermont senator, riled up the crowd with remarks about the role of the ultra-rich in politics. Bruce Springsteen sang his song about the death and destruction brought by ICE to the state, Streets of Minneapolis, leading the crowd in chants of Ice out now!

Related: What to know about the third No Kings protests happening in March

The states governor, Tim Walz, commended the states people for standing up for each other and for immigrants when Trump sent in thousands of federal agents, who killed Minneapolis residents Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Their names were featured heavily in No Kings protest signs in the city. Jane Fonda even read a statement from Goods wife, Becca.

In New York City, multiple No Kings contingents merged through Times Square, as well as the outer boroughs. Minutes before the main march was set to take off from Central Park, the states attorney general, Letitia James; the citys public advocate, Jumaane Williams; actor Robert DeNiro; the Rev Al Sharpton; and Padma Lakshmi filed into the front of the crowd holding hand-painted banners that read: We protect our democracy  people over billionaires  we protect our neighbors.

Families carried LGBTQ+ pride and Palestinian flags, while other marchers held pun-heavy signs and handed out whistles in New York. Many signs and chants included anti-ICE, anti-Trump and pro-LGBTQ+ rights messaging. But perhaps the most consistent theme was anti-war. This war has to stop, said MB, 55, a Queens resident who didnt want to use their full name for safety reasons. American people do not want what this administration is doing. We dont want it. We need healthcare, we need jobs. We need infrastructure.

In Washington DC, one protest group, made up of about a dozen Palestinian mothers, stood at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and waved a 10ft-tall Palestinian flag. Most Americans dont know that our tax dollars are being used to subsidize violence, Hazami Barmada, 42, said. This is happening while many Americans cant afford housing, milk, school or healthcare. Prices continue to go up as we are fighting Israels wars.

Other protesters, led by local activist organizations including Free DC, gathered at the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge in south-east Washington DC. The crowd marched across the bridge to Fort McNair in south-west DC, where the White House senior adviser Stephen Miller resides.

In downtown Chicago, protesters chanted Trump must go now, fascists gotta go now and Ice out as they filed into Grant Park. Chicagos mayor, Brandon Johnson, addressed the crowd of thousands: Look around, our movement is bigger, our resolve is bigger.

Other speakers at Chicagos rally discussed labor rights and keeping immigrant and trans communities safe. When we build a world that protects trans people, we build a world thats better for everyone, said Iggy Ladden, the founder of the Chicago Therapy Collective.

Protests were not just in big, progressive cities; nearly half of No Kings events were held in traditionally red or battleground states, organizers said. Some were in rural areas that had never seen mobilizations like this before, according to organizers. More than two-thirds of participants who RSVPd for No Kings events were outside of major urban centers,, including Republican-controlled areas and bellwether counties, said Leah Greenberg, co-founder of Indivisible, at a press conference on Thursday.

On Saturday, Hundreds showed up in deep-red cities such as Lebanon, Pennsylvania; Midland, Texas; and Boise, Idaho, holding signs to protest against Trump and the war in Iran. Crowds also protested around the globe in Tokyo, Paris, Berlin, Rome and Sydney, Australia.

Counterprotesters also showed up at rallies, including in West Palm Beach, Florida, CNN reported. About 50 pro-Trump demonstrators with megaphones and Proud Boys hats argued with No Kings protesters, according to the outlet.

The No Kings coalition had repeatedly emphasized the nonviolent nature of the day of action. Parker noted ahead of the protests that leaders were being trained in de-escalation. The White House and Republican leadership denounced Saturdays No Kings day events as Trump Derangement Therapy Sessions. In a statement, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said the demonstrations were created by leftist funding networks and that the only people who care about these Trump Derangement Therapy Sessions are the reporters who are paid to cover them.

Related: The third No Kings protests are expected to draw millions. Do they need clearer goals?

The Trump administration has targeted and federally prosecuted anti-ICE protesters  earlier this month, nine people were found guilty of charges of antifa terrorism in a Texas trial over a Fourth of July demonstration outside a detention facility. In January, Minneapolis residents Good and Pretti were killed by federal immigration agents as they were documenting the agents activities.

Organizers have repeatedly noted that No Kings Day is only one aspect of broader efforts toward building people power and fighting the Trump administration  and that that work doesnt end after March 28.

Our third No Kings Day of Action will happen on Saturday, and Trump will still be in the White House, said Greenberg. That is why we see No Kings as not only a powerful day of defiance but an organizing catalyst to support local organizing everywhere.
Trump with the Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman in Washington in November. Photograph: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images (Photograph: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Saudi Arabia has urged the US to ramp up attacks on Iran, a Saudi intelligence source has confirmed, as it decides whether to join the fight directly.

The Saudi source confirmed reporting in the New York Times that said the kingdoms de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has urged Donald Trump not to cut short his war against Iran, and that the US-Israeli campaign represented a historic opportunity to remake the Middle East.

The intelligence source said Riyadh was not just calling for the military campaign to be continued, but to be intensified. Trump appeared to confirm the report about the crown princes role, telling journalists on Tuesday: Yeah, hes a warrior. Hes fighting with us.

Saudi Arabia and Iran, claiming leadership roles of the Sunni and Shia Islamic worlds respectively, have long been regional rivals. According to a leaked US state department cable, the crown princes paternal uncle King Abdullah urged the US military in 2008 to cut off the head of the snake, a reference to the theocratic regime in Tehran.

Saudi Arabia urging US to ramp up Iran attacks, intelligence source confirms

There are no reports of active Saudi military involvement in the nearly four-week-old war so far, but a Saudi political analyst said the kingdom would be likely to take that step if peace efforts led by Pakistan failed.

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House Republicans reject DHS funding package earlier passed by Senate

House Republicans have rejected legislation, passed by the Senate, that would finance most of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) but withhold funds from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and part of Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

The move imperils efforts to end a 42day partial government shutdown that has seen thousands of DHS employees miss paychecks and furious travelers miss flights due to long airport security lines.

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FBI directors personal email, photos and documents leaked by Iran-linked hackers

Iran-linked hackers have broken into the personal email inbox of Kash Patel, FBIs director, publishing photographs of him and other documents on the internet, the hackers and the bureau said on Friday.

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US expects Iran operation to end in weeks, not months, says Marco Rubio

Washington expects its operation against Iran to conclude in weeks, not months, the US secretary of state has said, despite continuing violence across the region and a threat from Israel to escalate and expand its attacks against the Islamic republic.

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Trump EPA relied on industry science to weaken formaldehyde cancer rules, documents show

A new trove of chemical producer and US Environmental Protection Agency documents reveal an elaborate industry operation that killed strong regulations around formaldehyde, a highly toxic carcinogen widely used in everyday goods from cosmetics to furniture to craft supplies.

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How an election conspiracy theorist has Trumps ear on voting laws and midterms

Peter Ticktin, an 80-year-old Florida lawyer who has various ties to Donald Trump and represents some 2020 election deniers, has become an outspoken advocate for an emergency executive order on US elections that would overhaul voting rules and rights by ending machine and mail-in voting.

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United flight narrowly avoids US military helicopter in California

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said Friday that it was investigating the incident that happened at about 8.40pm Tuesday when a military Black Hawk helicopter returning from a training mission crossed into the planes path. The pilots of the passenger plane carrying 162 passengers and six crew members stopped their descent and leveled off to avoid a collision.

Read the full story

What else happened today:

Catching up? Heres what happened Thursday 26 March.
US president Donald Trump insists talks with Iran to end the ongoing war are progressing very well, after sending a 15-point action list of demands via mediators.

But the United States has been unusually coy about the contents of the proposal and has yet to say who it is supposedly negotiating with, while Iran disputes that discussions are even taking place.

Rubbishing the plan this week, Iranian officials described the conditions as excessive, maximalist and unreasonable. Senior officials who reviewed the proposal felt it only served US and Israeli interests, a source told Reuters, though adding that diplomacy is still on the table.

Analysts have told The Independent that despite US boasts of success, the war will not be ended militarily, and one month since the conflict began, Iran feels it has the upper hand.

Eroded trust will make it harder for the US to make any breakthrough in diplomacy, they say, while an emboldened Iran will see any offer of truce as surrender.

Donald Trump maintains that Iran wants to make a deal  Tehran has called his proposals unreasonable (Getty)

What do we know about the 15-point plan?

The White House is yet to confirm what is in its 15-point plan, and details leaked so far have come from a mix of Iranian officials and media reports.

Intermediaries say the proposal covers restraints on Irans nuclear programme, enhanced monitoring by the UNs nuclear watchdog, the dismantling of infrastructure and the handing over of existing enriched uranium. It would seek a permanent commitment from Iran never to develop nuclear weapons.

Dismantling infrastructure would include Iran getting rid of its nuclear sites in Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow, according to Israels Channel 12. All three were struck by the coalition forces last summer, but US intelligence assessed the strikes had only set back operations by months.

Iran would also no longer be able to enrich uranium in the country, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) would be given assurances of the right to monitor remaining nuclear infrastructure. Reports make brief mention of how the US could assist Iran in building up a civilian nuclear power industry and remove sanctions.

The US and Israel launched their first attacks on Tehran a month ago (WANA)

The plan, as reported, would also look to end Irans support for regional proxies and curb its ballistic missile programme, and move to end the war with a 30-day ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Such a deal would be wider in scope than the discussions the US was holding with Iran earlier this year, aimed at resolving US-Israeli concerns about Irans nuclear programme. Similar talks were also held last year, before Israel attacked Iran.

Andreas Krieg, senior lecturer at the School of Security Studies at Kings College London, said that the demands outlined in the proposal are in line with what has already been tabled by the US on several occasions over the past year.

The difference this time is that it comes against a backdrop of zero mutual trust and a geopolitical standoff where Iran has better cards to play than the US.

He said the war has weakened the USs bargaining position, as Iran has shown it has a much, much higher pain threshold than the US.

Essentially, the US is offering a deal that Iran might have been able to accept as a foundation for negotiation prior to the war. Now that Iran feels it has the upper hand, it would likely ask for more and would be less ready to offer that much.

Trump has essentially no alternative to a diplomatic settlement. There is no military way out for him. His offer is taken by Iran as surrender.

Secretary of defence Pete Hegseth has repeatedly boasted of American military might  but the war still has no clear end in sight (Getty)

How does the new plan differ from previous deals?

Analysts agree that the latest US offer is much wider in scope than the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the previous deal limiting Irans nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief that was agreed between Iran, the US, the UK, France, China, Russia and Germany in 2015.

Trump withdrew from that deal in 2018, as he argued it failed to curtail Irans missile programme and regional influence.

Dr Burcu Ozcelik, a senior research fellow for Middle East Security, said that the reported proposals look broader in ambition.

The latest debate over a diplomatic path is really the newest turn in what has become a quasi-theatrical, stunt-like saga about whether Washington is offering Iran a serious off-ramp or simply repackaging older hardline demands that were previously rejected by Tehran.

Satellite images over Fordow underground complex, before and after the US struck the underground facility last June (Maxar Technologies)

From what has been reported, the 15-point plan echoes positions the US has pressed before. If true, then this is not JCPOA-style diplomacy revisited so much as a more maximalist set of terms that Tehran is bound to reject, she told The Independent.

The JCPOA was narrowly centred on the nuclear file and verification. What is now being described goes well beyond that and cuts into the military and regional pillars of Irans power.

The deal signed in 2015 aimed to ensure Irans nuclear programme remained exclusively peaceful. It gave a timeline for the lifting of nuclear-related sanctions.

Some sanctions remained in force, such as embargoes on arms and ballistic missiles for several years and restrictive measures against a number of sanctioned individuals.

The JCPOA aimed to rein in Irans ability to enrich uranium, cutting the number of gas centrifuges by two-thirds and forbidding it from enriching beyond 3.67 per cent purity for 15 years.

Like the new proposal, it also aimed to ensure the IAEA would have full access to declared sites and the ability to investigate suspected undeclared sites.

Proponents said the deal would help prevent a revival of Irans weapons programme and reduce the prospects for conflict. Opponents said it would only delay Iran from building a bomb, while sanctions relief would enable it to fuel terrorism in the region.

The IAEA said in 2016 that Iran was meeting its pledges, before Trump withdrew in 2018, saying the deal failed to address Irans missile programme and proxy warfare in the region. Iran accused the US of reneging on its commitments.

As such, diplomatic efforts since have focused not only on addressing Irans nuclear programme but also its ballistic missiles and influence over armed groups.

Trump reinstated sanctions against Iran after announcing the US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 (AFP/Getty)

Will Iran accept the new offer?

Jason M Brodsky, policy director at United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), told The Independent that Trump appeared to be eyeing a much more expansive deal, which Iran is defying while it believes it has the upper hand.

President Trumps 15-point plan is completely different from the JCPOA, he said. The JCPOA was a narrowly tailored arms control agreement, which traded temporary constraints on Irans nuclear programme in exchange for permanent sanctions relief.

The new plan, he says, is more expansive and restrictive on the Iranian regime. Right now, Irans regime is publicly defying President Trumps plan because it thinks that it is winning  and its narrative of victory is being amplified by many in the West.

Under these conditions, it seeks to create more deterrence to break the war, negotiations, ceasefire, and war again dynamic. But as the regime is prone to do, it will likely overplay its hand.

Israeli soldiers along the border with Lebanon, which has been hit hard by Benjamin Netanyahus forces (AP)

Dr Ozcelik warned that while the US may have more coercive power over Iran after a month of conflict, this is only one part of the overall assessment.

Coercive power does not automatically convert into actionable diplomatic leverage, especially as Iran has demonstrated that both its threat and exercise of asymmetric warfare tactics have successfully spooked global markets.

She said the approach could still be a classic Trumpian negotiating tactic, serving as a rough starting point for talks in which US negotiators later make concessions.
President Donald Trump described a phone call about custom-made Sharpies at Thursdays Cabinet meeting  but a spokesperson for the pen brand told The Washington Post the conversation he recounted didnt happen.

We dont have any information about the conversation described. Were proud to be a beloved brand trusted by so many globally, a spokesperson for Newell Brands, which makes Sharpies, told the outlet.

The Independent has contacted the White House and Newell Brands for comment.

Trump launched into his Sharpie anecdote about an hour into his latest Cabinet meeting, where administration officials were discussing several pressing topics, including the Iran war and the Department of Homeland Security shutdown.

President Donald Trump described a phone call with the 'head of Sharpie,' but the company that makes the markers reportedly rejected his description of events (Getty Images)

This pen is very inexpensive, but it writes well, I like it, Trump said, holding up a marker. But I can't have the pen the way it was  you know what it is? I don't want to give too much publicity, but they do treat me well, Sharpie.

The president then complained about how he was handing out expensive pens after signing events.

So, I came here, they have $1,000 pens. And you know, you hand pens out, you're signing and you hand them out. You're handing them to all these people, sometimes you have 30 or 40 people and they were $1,000 a piece, he said.

President Donald Trump complained that he was handing out '$1,000 pens' after signing events (REUTERS)

Trump said he felt guilty, and wanted to find a way to save money.

I want to save money, so I'm saying, This is crazy. And I had another problem; they didn't write well. So, I take it out and I sign it and there's no ink and I've got all you people looking and you're saying, There must be something wrong with Trump. I'm signing and there's no ink in the pen and it cost $1,000, he explained.

That's when I called the guy. I said, I'd like to use your pen, but I can't have a gray thing with a big S on it saying Sharpie as I'm signing a $1 trillion airplane contract to buy brand new fighter jets, he added.

After a brief aside about former President Joe Biden and his autopen, Trump continued: He said, Well, I can make it nicer.

I said, What can you do? He said, I'll paint it black. I said, That's nice. And I can even paint the White House on it, sir, if you like, in gold. Almost real gold, not bad. And I can even do your signature, sir.

We dont have any information about the conversation described a spokesperson for Newell Brands, which makes Sharpies, told The Washington Post (AP)

Trump then briefly turned to other topics, including the Federal Reserve building, before returning to Sharpies.

The president said: So the guy said to me, 'You don't have to pay me, sir, I'll give them to you for nothing.' I said, 'No, I don't want that. Let me pay you. I want to pay you. 'No, sir, you don't have to. You're the president of the United States.'

He was shocked  the head of Sharpie gets a call, I don't even know who the hell he is. He said, 'Is this really the president?' He said, 'No, you don't have to pay me, sir. This is such an honor. I said, 'Nope, I want to pay you.

He said, 'What would you like to pay?' I said, 'How about five bucks a pen?' He said, That's all right. Whatever the hell we agreed to, peanuts as opposed to $1,000.

Trump called the anecdote a business story.

So, for $5  it could be zero  but for $5 I get a much better pen than for $1,000. And I can hand them out and actually they become hot as a pistol, he said.

Social media users were quick to react to Trumps anecdote.

Ohhhhkaaayyy, writer Tom Nichols posted on X.

Wow. I'm going to be saying WTF? all day long, another user wrote.
Donald Trump said Cubas next while discussing the ongoing conflict in Iran at an investment forum in Miami, Florida on Friday (27 March).

Trump, who highlighted US military actions in Venezuela and Iran, said the countrys approach is peace through strength and claimed the US has been very, very successful.

I built this great military. I said, 'you'll never have to use it,' but sometimes you have to use it, And Cubas next, he said, adding jokingly that reporters should pretend I didnt say that.

Trumps comment came just hours after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with his G7 counterparts in Paris, France, to discuss developments in the island nation.
A view of the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia before the Iranian strike on Friday - PLANET LABS

At least 12 US soldiers have been injured in an Iranian attack on an American air base in Saudi Arabia.

Two people were significantly injured and another 10 were concussed in the combined missile and drone strike on the Prince Sultan Air Base, an unnamed official told The Washington Post. The soldiers had been inside a building on the base when it was hit.

At least two KC-135 aerial refuelling planes and an E-3 Sentry were also reportedly damaged when at least one missile hit the site on Friday evening.

The E-3 is an airborne warning and control system aircraft, which can be used to help manage battlespace and track drones, missiles and other aircraft from hundreds of miles away.

This allows commanders to intercept threats such as missiles launched by Iran.

Col John JV Venable, a retired US air force officer, told the Wall Street Journal: Its a huge deal. It hurts the USs ability to see whats happening in the Gulf and maintain situational awareness.

The strike was one of the most serious breaches of American air defences since the start of the war in Iran last month, and was the second time that the base had been hit.

The Prince Sultan Air Base is located in the city of Al-Kharj, around 93 miles from Riyadh, and hosts the US militarys 378th Air Expeditionary Wing.

Iran has struck 104 American and regional bases during the Gulf conflict, according to an analysis of geolocated strikes.

In response to the strikes, the US military is attempting to order reinforced concrete structures and underground facilities to protect its bases.

US Air Forces Central called vendors last week to help protect the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which has come under frequent attack from Tehran.

Many of the 13 US bases across Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were close to being uninhabitable as a result of persistent strikes, The New York Times reported.

The attacks have forced American soldiers to evacuate several bases, with servicemen now working from nearby hotels and office spaces.

However, Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he was considering sending 10,000 more troops to the Middle East, supported by fighter-jet squadrons and armoured vehicles.

The potential deployment would be on top of the 5,000 marines and 2,000 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division ordered to the region as the US president weighs up a potential ground invasion.

Philip Ingram, a former colonel in British military intelligence, described the attack on the US base as hugely significant.

Its showing that no matter what the US have said theyve managed to achieve in 28 days of war, Iran still has the ability to respond with a longer range ballistic missile, he said.

Donald Trumps next move will be to turn around and tell his intelligence services to identify as many more ballistic missile launches as possible.

They will want to know where these ballistic missile launchers are and where missiles are being hidden because Iran is a massive territory.

Andrew Fox, the former British Army major, who served in the Parachute Regiment, said: The bottom line is that no air defences are perfect and the enemy always gets a vote.

Ukraine has scored similar hits on Russia and the Iranians have more sophistication than Ukraine in some respects.

It is not known whether the damaged planes are repairable or not, but a senior defence source told The Telegraph: Battle damage from any small fragments for aircraft is really difficult and youve actually got to check the whole aircraft over straight away - and thats going to hold everything up.

So if youve even had a small explosion near the aircraft then a tiny fragment could have punctured something like a wing panel and the fuel could come out and that could be very dangerous.

So the big problem is actually the time youve got to take to check the whole aircraft.

Likely to be more Maga infighting

The strike will probably cause more problems for Mr Trump who has faced mounting criticism over the war which has so far seen 13 US troops killed.

Former Maga outriders have turned on the president, including Tucker Carlson, the high-profile commentator,whom Mr Trump excommunicated from his movement earlier this month.

While Mr Ingram said there was likely to be more Maga infighting among senior figures in the coming weeks, the attack on the air base will probably not change Mr Trumps popularity among his supporters.

JD Vance, the vice-president, who previously said the US should have a non-interventionist approach to Iran, has also faced questions over his support for the war.

Earlier this month, John Bolton, the US presidents former national security adviser, said that Mr Trump didnt think strategically.

Speaking to US cable NewsNation, Mr Bolton said: I dont think Trump knows when its going to potentially end, because he doesnt know what his objective is.

If you dont know what your destination is, any road and any duration will do.

CNBC polling conducted earlier in March found the American public had been hesitant to embrace the war, with 60 per cent of respondents opposed to the intervention.

Path to complete elimination

A study by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies estimated that attacks in the first days of the Iran war caused at least $800m (600m) of damage to US facilities.

Speaking after the first attack on Prince Sultan, Adml Brad Cooper, the US Central Command commander, said that Iranian missile and drone launches were down by more than 90 per cent since the start of the conflict on Feb 28.

We have damaged or destroyed over two-thirds of Irans missile, drone, and naval production facilities and shipyards, he said in a video statement on Wednesday.

We are on a path to completely eliminate Irans wider military manufacturing apparatus.

The latest attack, however, shows Iran remains capable of launching missiles and continues to attack key US bases and targets across the region.

More than 300 service members have been wounded so far in Operation Epic Fury, according to US officials.

The Pentagon and US Central Command have not commented on the attack on the base in Saudi Arabia.

Members of the US military carrying the coffin of Sgt Benjamin Pennington, who died in a strike on the Prince Sultan Air Base earlier this month - Kylie Cooper/Reuters

Last week, Riyadh and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were reportedly inching towards actively joining the fight against Iran because of the wars economic fallout.

Abu Dhabi authorities confirmed that five people had been injured by falling debris on Friday evening after a missile was intercepted around 37 miles from the UAE capital.

Saudi Arabias defence ministry also said it had destroyed a ballistic missile heading towards Riyadh. Hours later, authorities confirmed three drones had been shot down over a three-hour period.

Meanwhile, Israel said it had intercepted a missile launched by the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, marking the terror groups first attack since the beginning of the war.

The Houthis said the attack was in response to continued strikes by the US and Israel on infrastructure across Iran, Lebanon, Iraq and the Palestinian territories.

The group, which had previously refrained from joining the Gulf conflict, added that strikes would continue until the aggression ended.
The UK is playing a "prominent role" in safeguarding the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping route, U.S. secretary of state Marco Rubio has affirmed, as Iran moves to impose a "toll booth" system in the crucial waterway.

Mr Rubio stated that confronting Tehrans grip on the maritime passage would be among the "immediate challenges" after the current Middle East conflict, stressing that "the world better step up" to address it.

Britain's key contribution was underscored by Mr Rubio, following recent criticism from Donald Trump, who attacked Sir Keir Starmer over his stance on the conflict and dismissed the UKs aircraft carriers as "toys".

Amid ongoing military strikes by the U.S. and Israel, Iran's tightening control over the pinchpoint has already caused global oil and gas prices to skyrocket.

Amid ongoing military strikes by the U.S. and Israel, Iran's tightening control over the pinchpoint has already caused global oil and gas prices to skyrocket (Nathan Howard/Getty Images)

Commercial tankers are being vetted by the countrys Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) with some reportedly being charged up to two million dollars (1.5 million) for safe passage.

Shipping information firm Lloyds List Intelligence said: Irans IRGC has imposed a de facto toll booth regime in the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking after meeting his counterparts from the G7 group of leading democracies in France, Mr Rubio said he expected the campaign against Iran to end in a matter of weeks, not months, and that Washington could meet all its aims without using ground troops.

It came after Mr Trump again delayed his threat of energy plant destruction in Iran and insisted talks aimed at securing a ceasefire were going very well despite few details known about who the US is in discussions with.

On the ongoing military operation, Mr Rubio said: Obviously, we have some work to do. We have to finish the job, and we are finishing that job.

I did describe to our allies, however, that immediately after this thing ends and our  were done with our objectives, one of the immediate challenges were going to face is an Iran that may decide that they want to set up a tolling system in the Strait of Hormuz.

Not only is this illegal, its unacceptable. Its dangerous to the world, and its important that the world have a plan to confront it.

He added: The United States is prepared to be a part of that plan. We dont have to lead that plan, but we  were happy to be a part of it.

But these countries have a lot at stake, not just the G7 countries, but countries in Asia and all over the world have a lot at stake and should contribute greatly to that effort to ensure that neither the Strait of Hormuz or, frankly, any international waterways should ever be something thats controlled or tolled by a nation-state or by a terroristic government like the one that exists in Iran today, and thats their radical clerical regime.

So there seemed to be a lot of buy-in to that concept. Theres a lot of work happening right now. The UK has played a prominent role in bringing that together, but other countries as well, and there seemed to be a lot of acceptance of all that.

Mr Rubio claimed there had been confusion over the US wanting to draw allies into the war itself, but described their involvement as a post-conflict necessity.

He said: Look, I dont care what Iran says. The first few tankers that go through the strait after this operation is over, theyre going to want an escort from somebody or theyre not going to be able to get insurance. So the world better step up.

He added: So well be there to help. Were willing to be a part of that coalition. But weve encouraged others to sort of put it together, and many today signified not only that they understood that message and agreed with it, but they were working hard to make that happen.
Kym Marsh is engaged for the fourth time.

Thrice-married Kym Marsh engaged again

The Coronation Street star  who was previously a member of pop group HearSay  is set to tie the knot again after boyfriend of seven months Tom Dickinson reportedly proposed during a recent trip to Paris.

A source told The Sun: Kym and Tom are on cloud nine and couldnt be happier to be engaged. Their romance has been like a fairytale.

Tom had planned the perfect proposal and got down on one knee next to the Eiffel Tower.

Kym was overcome, but she said yes immediately.

She has the most beautiful ring and cant wait to plan their special day.

Tom, 45, reportedly asked Kyms mother Pauline and her older children David and Emilie for permission before popping the question.

The insider added: Her family and friends are ecstatic for them. They can see how happy Tom makes her.

Kym was previously married to EastEnders actor Jack Ryder for seven years until 2009.

She went on to tie the knot with Hollyoaks star Jamie Lomas in 2012 but the pair split two years later.

And in 2021, In 2021, Kym wed Army Major Scott Ratcliff but they sadly split after just 19 months.

Kyms latest engagement will come as a surprise to fans as just last year she vowed never to marry again.

She told The Independent last year: Not for Kym Marsh. Ive been married three times, and three times its not gone well  so no more for me. Three strikes and Im out.

Kym split from toyboy love Samuel Thomas in 2025 and insisted she was sick of talking about her love life.

She said: Sorry, you think that the decisions in my life are based on how old I am and who Ive broken up with? I mean, even when Ive been doing interviews for jobs, people have asked me about my love life. I actually said to somebody once, Tell me about your love life. Its just nonsense.

Im very happy with my life. I have three beautiful children and amazing grandchildren. Ive been pretty successful in my career and continuing to make moves there. I feel good about where I am. I dont look too bad, although my neck is a giveaway, apparently. And yes, I dont have a significant other, but actually, Im quite happy with that. Im doing all right.
US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, rejected Volodymyr Zelenskyys assertion that the Trump administration is demanding Kyiv hand over its eastern Donbas region to Russia to receive US security guarantees in any ceasefire plan. Speaking on Friday, Rubio disputed Zelenskyys recent comments and said the US has made no such stipulation in its talks with Ukraine. Thats a lie, Rubio said. And I saw him say that. And its unfortunate he would say that because he knows thats not true and thats not what he was told. Zelenskyy this week told Reuters the US was making its offer of security guarantees for Ukraine contingent on the ceding of the Donbas region, the industrial heartland long coveted by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
One person was in police custody after the attempted bombing but a second suspect escaped (AFP via Getty Images)

Police in Paris have thwarted a suspected bomb attack at a Bank of America building.

One suspect was detained and another escaped after French police rushed to the scene and discovered the plot.

The national anti-terrorism prosecutors office, or PNAT, told The Associated Press that it has opened an investigation into alleged terrorism-related offenses.

The suspected offenses include attempted damage by fire or by a dangerous means, the manufacture of an incendiary or explosive device, the possession and transport of such devices with the intent to prepare dangerous damage, and involvement in a terrorist criminal association.

A person was placed in police custody.

Officials called it a violent act of a terrorist nature overnight in Paris (AFP via Getty Images)

Well done to the rapid intervention of a Paris police prefecture unit, which made it possible to thwart a violent act of a terrorist nature overnight in Paris, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said.

Vigilance remains at a very high level," Nunez said. "I commend all security and intelligence forces, fully mobilized under my authority in the current international context."

RTL radio, citing police sources, reported that the incident took place early Saturday when police officers spotted two suspects carrying a shopping bag near the premises of the Bank of America in the 8th arrondissement of the French capital.

One of the suspects, holding a lighter, was attempting to ignite a device, RTL said, while the second suspect managed to escape. The Paris police prefecture declined to comment.

Since the Iran war broke out, French authorities have increased personal protection of some figures from the Iranian opposition and stepped up security around sites that could be a target, including sites linked to U.S. interests and to the Jewish community, Nunez said earlier this week.
A man sweeps up debris near a building hit in an airstrike in the early hours of Friday in Tehran, Iran. Photograph: Majid Saeedi/Getty Images (Photograph: Majid Saeedi/Getty Images)

Yemens Iran-aligned Houthis have confirmed that they launched an attack on Israel for the first time since the outbreak of the Israel-US war on Iran, marking their entry to the conflict just hours after Marco Rubio said the US expected to conclude military operations within weeks, not months.

While Israel was again hitting targets across Irans capital on Saturday, it identified what it said was a missile launched from Yemen. The Houthis said the attack came after continued targeting of infrastructure in Iran, Lebanon, Iraq and the Palestinian territories, adding that their operations would continue until the aggression on all fronts ends.

Houthi involvement in the war could risk broadening the conflict, given their ability to strike targets far beyond Yemen and disrupt shipping lanes around the Arabian Peninsula and the Red Sea, which they had done in support of Hamas in Gaza after the 7 October attacks on Israel.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, after meeting G7 foreign ministers in France, Rubio  the US secretary of state  said of Iran: When we are done with them here in the next couple weeks, they will be weaker than theyve been in recent history.

But soon after, US media reported an Iranian attack on a base in Saudi Arabia wounded at least 12 American soldiers, two of them seriously. The attack on the Prince Sultan airbase in Saudi Arabia included at least one missile and several drones, the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal reported, citing unidentified officials.

The soldiers were inside a building at the base when it was struck, according to reports. Several aerial refuelling planes also suffered damage in the attack.

US officials have given conflicting signals about how long they anticipate continuing their joint offensive with Israel against Iran, which began with a surprise strike on 28 February that killed Irans supreme leader, Ali Khamenei.

Iran remains defiant, and has denied Donald Trumps claims that talks are going well, saying no negotiations are taking place.

Meanwhile Trumps envoy, Steve Witkoff, said on Friday: We think there will be meetings [with Iran] this week. Were certainly hopeful for it.

Trump later claimed Iran sent the US 10 oil ships to make up for their misstatement about not being involved in negotiations.

In the Lebanese capital, Beirut, a pre-dawn Israeli strike killed two people, according to local authorities, while barrages of Iranian missiles and drones targeted Israel.

Despite the warnings, the firing continues, Israel Katz, the Israeli defence minister, said. And therefore attacks in Iran will escalate and expand to additional targets and areas that assist the regime in building and operating weapons against Israeli citizens.

Israels most recent strikes targeted nuclear facilities in Iran on Friday, possibly in an attempt to hit what are seen as strategically important targets before the White House forces Israel to halt or reduce sorties.

With stock markets reeling and economic fallout from the war extending far beyond the Middle East, Trump is under growing pressure. It is caused by Irans continuing chokehold on the strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which a fifth of the worlds oil is usually shipped.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had turned back three ships trying to transit the strait, adding that all shipping to and from ports of allies and supporters of the Israeli-American enemies was prohibited from passing.

This morning, following the lies of the corrupt US president claiming that the strait of Hormuz was open, three container ships of different nationalities  were turned back after a warning from the IRGC navy, the Guards said on their Sepah News website.

Related: Tehrans tollbooth: a visual guide to how a trickle of ships still passes through strait of Hormuz

Rubio said ensuring the strait remained open to shipping was likely to pose an immediate challenge even after the US accomplished its military objectives in Iran. He said Iran may seek to set up a toll on the strait, which he said could cause economic damage to many countries.

Not only is this illegal, its unacceptable  and its important that the world have a plan, Rubio said.

Rubio said the UK was taking a prominent role in efforts to reopen the strait, after Trump dismissed the British aircraft carriers as toys on Thursday.

The US has ordered thousands of US marines and elite airborne troops to the region, possibly in preparation for a military effort to forcibly reopen the waterway by seizing one of the many islands in the Gulf, or Kharg Island, which is Irans principal oil export hub.

On Friday, Esmael Saghab Esfahani, one of Irans vice-presidents, threatened to attack Saudi Arabias Red Sea port of Yanbu, as well as the vast coastal Fujairah oil complex in the United Arab Emirates, should any ground invasion take place.

Step on to Iranian soil, and $150 becomes the floor for oil, Esfahani wrote on X.

Trump has also issued Iran with an ultimatum, saying that if it does not allow free passage of shipping through the strait by 6 April, he will order the destruction of Irans energy plants. The US president pushed back the deadline of a previous ultimatum that he had set for last Monday.

Israel targeted a range of sites associated with Irans nuclear programme on Friday, including a heavy-water plant and a yellowcake production plant, according to the official Iranian news agency. Yellowcake is a concentrated form of uranium after impurities are removed from the raw ore. Heavy water is used as a moderator in nuclear reactors.

Irans Atomic Energy Organisation said the Shahid Khondab heavy-water complex in Arak and the Ardakan yellowcake production plant in Yazd province were targeted, the agency said. The strikes did not cause any casualties and there was no risk of contamination, it said.

Other US and Israeli strikes continued to target Irans missile stockpile and launchers. Israels military said its attacks on Friday hit sites in the heart of Tehran where ballistic missiles and other weapons were produced. It said it also hit missile launchers and storage sites in western Iran.

Reuters reported that the US could only confirm that about a third of Irans missile arsenal had been destroyed, according to five people familiar with the US intelligence. One source said the intelligence on Irans drone capability was similar, with about a third probably destroyed.

Iranian missiles and drones strikes have continued at a roughly consistent level, with between 10 and 20 targeting Israel daily, which experts say does not suggest significant shortages.

On Friday, attacks targeted the Saudi capital, Riyadh, and two major ports in Kuwait as Tehran gave no direct sign that it was ready for negotiation or compromise.

Casualties around the Middle East continue to mount. Nineteen people have died in Israel, while four Israeli soldiers have also been killed in Lebanon. Thirteen US military members have died, as well as civilians on land and sea in the Gulf region.

In Iran, more than 1,900 people had been killed and at least 20,000 injured, said Maria Martinez of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Others estimate lower numbers.

In Lebanon, the Israeli military operation in the south has displaced a fifth of Lebanons population, triggering a humanitarian crisis. Nearly 1,100 people in Lebanon have been killed in the Israeli offensive. It follows attacks on Israel by Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Islamist militant movement.

Both Israel and the US say they want to ensure that Iran can no longer threaten Israel with ballistic missiles or its nuclear programme, which Iran says is purely civilian, or through allied organisations, such as Hezbollah.

The more ambitious aim of regime change has been played down by officials in both countries in recent days.

New data from ACLED, the independent global conflict monitor, shows there have been more than 850 pro-regime demonstrations and protests in Iran since the beginning of the war, which, experts said, suggested Irans leaders could still organise and mobilise large numbers of people despite significant losses.

There is little clarity over the exact status of any contacts between mediators such as Pakistan or Turkey and Iran and the US.

Rubio said Iran had sent messages but not a response to Washingtons 15-point proposal, which Pakistan passed on to Iran earlier this week.

The US proposal included demands ranging from the dismantling of Irans nuclear programme to the curbing of its missile development and effectively the handing over of control of the strait of Hormuz, according to sources and reports.

An Iranian official told Reuters on Thursday that senior Iranian officials had reviewed the proposal and felt it served only US and Israeli interests. But they said diplomacy had not ended.

On Thursday, Trump said that talks were continuing despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media, and others and were going very well.

In a joint statement, the G7 foreign ministers reiterated the absolute necessity to permanently restore safe and toll-free freedom of navigation in the strait of Hormuz and called for an immediate cessation of attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure.

UK officials viewed the statement as having moved events on relatively little, with one saying: The joint statement doesnt say much, but there was speculation beforehand that we might not even get a joint statement at all  so it is something.

Trump said he was very disappointed in Nato for not helping the US with the Iran war, adding the organisation was making a big mistake.

US and other media reported an apparent deployment of mines by the US in southern Iran. Three experts told the Bellingcat investigative news website the munitions were air-delivered US-made Gator anti-tank mines.
Meet Cork, an 8-year-old Beagle who was taken in by TikToker Rachel after her neighbor, who was his dad, passed away a few months ago. Rachel decided to take the dog in, even though she already has pets of her own, after hearing that the little guy has some medical issues like sleep apnea and anxiety.

Rachel shared this sweet video introducing everybody to her new pooch. She showed clips of him enjoying a Pup Cup, hanging out with her other dog, and enjoying some loving pets from her. It seems like he's settled into his new home quite nicely!

Rachel made us smile when she shared, "He LOVES pup cups, sun spots, and dutifully guarding me at all times LOL!" It sounds like he's smitten with her!

Related: Beagle Hilariously Annoys His Older Brother Just Like Human Siblings

SIGN UP to get pawsitivity delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends

Sweet Comments About Cork and His New Home

Many commenters praised Rachel for stepping in and offering Cork a new forever home. @Aunt Jackie got more than 19,000 likes when she said, "Thank you for giving him a forever home. Hes probably scared and doesnt understand."

@TRoberts shared, "He has a sadness about him, but he seems to be getting happier. Such a cute dog." @It_Wasn't_Me97 replied, "Awww that baby is probably grieving. Bless his wittle heart."

Commenter @Hales got 15,000 likes when she pointed out, "He looks like he absolutely loves you but is mad about it."

Everybody agreed with @Simone De Alba when she said, "First impression of you is 10/10." @Griffindorable added, "Girl, may your bank account be fat. This is the sweetest thing." @Sierra agreed, too, "Im glad people like you exist."

We loved @AllieGreen111's comment, "He looks a bit confused, but youve put him at ease every time with pup cups, belly rubs, and getting to know him and his likes. You are such a blessing! God bless you! Your neighbor is so grateful he has you!!"

Hopefully, in the days and months ahead, Cork will realize how loved he is and come out of his shell!

This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Mar 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Iranian-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for a missile attack on Israel in a statement broadcast on their media on Saturday (28 March).

Brigadier General Yahya Saree, the groups military spokesman, said the barrage targeted sensitive Israeli military sites in southern Israel and was coordinated with operations by Iran-backed fighters in Lebanon.

Our operations will continue until the aggression across all fronts ends, Saree said. Israel said it intercepted the missile.

The video statement marks the Houthis first public confirmation of involvement in the ongoing Israeli-US war against Iran.
The European Commission is watching Britains Chagos deal with great interest - US Navy/AP

The European Union has been accused of seeking to exploit Sir Keir Starmers Chagos Islands surrender by securing fishing rights in the waters of the British territory.

Brussels believes the Prime Ministers plan to transfer sovereignty could further increase the relevance of its existing fishing agreement with Mauritius by opening swathes of ocean around the Chagos Islands to French and Spanish vessels.

A report from the European Commission, seen by The Telegraph, reveals it is watching Britains Chagos deal with great interest.

The document, published this month, says the deal could open the door to fishing licences in a major boost to European-owned trawlers.

It has raised concerns among conservationists that European trawlers will exploit fish stocks in the 640,000 sq km area surrounding the Chagos archipelago, one of the planets largest Marine Protected Areas (MPA), which has been under a Britain-enforced no take zone since 2010.

The EU fleet already uses fishing licences in the Seychelles, Madagascar and Mauritius to target Indian Ocean species such as yellowfin tuna. Indian Ocean tuna is worth more than 6bn a year.

The EU has previously been accused of exploiting fishing grounds off the west African coast, including in the waters of Mauritania, Senegal, Sierra Leone & Ghana.

On Saturday night, Nigel Farage said the EUs rapacious destruction of west African fisheries would soon extend to Chagos.

Nigel Farage described the Chagos deal as terrible in every respect, including marine conservation - Harry Murray/Story Picture Agency

Describing The Telegraphs findings as the final straw, he said: The worlds largest marine protected area is to be surrendered by a government that claims to be green.

This Chagos surrender deal is terrible in every respect, including marine conservation.

Priti Patel, the shadow foreign secretary, added: Sir Keir Starmers outrageous Chagos surrender runs directly against Britains national interest. Thats why Iran, China and Russia all support it. And now Brussels is set to benefit too.

Not only does this surrender undermine our security and defence at a time of rising global tensions, it also opens the door to EU trawlers wrecking the protected waters around the Chagos Islands.

Having already sold out British fishermen to the EU, now Labour are selling out our sovereign territory and waters too.

Its disgraceful that hard-pressed British taxpayers are expected to pay 35bn for it, at the same time as Starmer gears up to hand billions more over to Brussels as part of his EU reset.

The EU has a Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement with Mauritius, allowing the bloc to carry out tuna fishing in the waters over which Mauritius has sovereignty or jurisdiction. Its terms, or Protocol, are renewed every four years.

As the document uncovered by The Telegraph makes clear, once the UK transfers sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius, its waters will fall within the scope of the EU-Mauritius fishing agreement.

At present, Chagos is one of the worlds most tightly protected marine environments.

For more than a decade, the Royal Navy has policed these waters, preserving an ecological refuge for overfished species including manta rays, whale sharks and tuna. The area is also critical for the globally threatened silky shark, named for its smooth skin.

Under its current agreement with Mauritius, the EU pays 725,000 (some 632,000) a year for access to its waters, allowing up to 40 tuna purse seiners and 45 surface longliners to catch 5,500 tons annually.

The purse seiners, mostly French and Spanish mega-vessels, use vast nets  often more than 2km long and 200m deep  to encircle entire schools of tuna.

European-flagged vessels have been accused of putting profits before principles in the Indian Ocean, where they continue to catch bigeye tuna, despite its overfished status.

Prof Enric Sala, a marine ecologist, told The Telegraph that opening the Chagos no-take zone to aggressive EU fleets would dismantle this ecological refuge.

Prof Sala, an explorer in residence and executive director of National Geographic Pristine Seas, said: Based on the dominant and aggressive tuna fishing behaviour in the Indian Ocean by the EU fleet, everyone would suspect that industrial fishers from the EU also want to exploit Chagoss waters with destructive intensity.

Opening up the Chagos to commercial fishing wouldnt be a mere policy shift or foster Mauritiuss development, but instead would dismantle a genetic lifeboat that the Indian Ocean desperately needs to survive a warming climate.

He described the Chagossian waters as a global fish bank that allowed tuna populations to recover and replenish stocks across the wider Indian Ocean.

To open the protected area to commercial fishing would rob the ocean of a rare treasure that has been built up over millennia, he said.

One environmental watchdog has reported evidence that some Spanish and French vessels have entered Chagos waters despite the no-fishing ban.

According to the Blue Marine Foundation, in 2017, Spain reported 12.2 fishing hours wholly within Chagos waters with apparently zero catch. France reported a combined 85 fishing hours in the archipelago in 2017 and 2018, with no obvious explanation.

Mauritius has indicated its willingness to open the Chagos archipelago to a variety of fishing practices once the deal is completed.

Last November the island country published its own version of the MPA.

Mauritius could open up 96 per cent of area

As a Policy Exchange paper noted, this version would open up 96 per cent of the existing protected area to fishing, which the paper called a serious downgrade from the status quo.

Its authors warned that traditional fishing, permitted under the Mauritian version of the Chagos MPA, is a term known to cover for a multitude of sins, including commercial fishing that is rebadged as traditional.

Mauritius has long opposed Britains MPA. In a successful 2015 legal challenge, it argued the fishing ban was unlawful, but the court stopped short of scrapping it while Britain retained sovereignty over the area.

Policy Exchange warned that Mauritius has no obligation whatsoever to maintain an MPA under the treaty Britain signed last May and has a dismal record on marine protection.

Yuan Yi Zhu, report author and senior fellow at Policy Exchange, said the EU report simply confirms the catastrophic potential consequences of the deal for the environment if the transfer of the Chagos to the Republic of Mauritius goes ahead.

Richard Ekins KC, head of the think tanks Judicial Power Project, said: The prospect of EU fishing fleets descending on the pristine waters of the Chagos archipelago should chill the blood of anyone who cares about the environment.

As Policy Exchange has repeatedly warned, the UK is on track to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius without any meaningful assurances for environmental protection and with no leverage to prevent Mauritian neglect or abuse. Surrendering the Islands to Mauritius would be grossly irresponsible and is wholly unnecessary.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: The Chagos Marine Protected Area is one of the most important and unique marine environments in the world, and both the UK and Mauritius are committed to its protection.

We welcome the announcement from the Mauritian government on 3 November that no commercial fishing will be allowed in any part of the Marine Protected Area.

A European Commission official declined to respond to specific questions from The Telegraph about concerns over EU ambitions to fish in Britains protected Chagos waters.

They added that the EU paid for the right to fish in the waters of partner countries and said its fishing operations were ethical.
Ali Abdul Basit was found guilty at the Old Bailey on Friday for his role in the killing of a man in London in 2023

A killer who fled to Pakistan has been convicted after police matched DNA found on a cigarette butt at the scene with that on his asthma inhaler.

Ali Abdul Basit, 19, was found guilty at the Old Bailey on Friday for his role in the killing of Michael Patrick Afonso Peixoto after police spent two years attempting to trace him.

Mr Peixoto was attacked in Mayfield Crescent, Thornton Heath, south London, on Dec 19, 2023.

A group of men in a white BMW were seen waiting in the road when Mr Peixoto arrived with a friend in a Vauxhall Grandland on the night of the killing.

When Mr Peixoto climbed out of the car, he was stabbed multiple times as he attempted to get back into the vehicle.

Michael Patrick Afonso Peixoto was attacked in south London on December 2019 - Met Police

The victims friend was threatened with a knife and forced out of the car, before it was stolen and later found abandoned nearby.

DNA found on cigarette butts discovered at the scene matched that of three men who were later convicted for their part in the incident in December 2024.

Basit, of Mitcham, south London, fled to Pakistan after he was spotted at the scene of the robbery before Mr Peixotos murder.

Police compiled evidence, including mobile phone data, which linked Basit to the three convicted men, and he was arrested after he returned to Britain in May last year.

The DNA on an asthma inhaler found at Basits house during a police search matched the DNA found on a cigarette butt at the scene.

Detective Inspector Martin Thorpe of the Metropolitan Police, who led the investigation, said: Basit returned to the UK after the conviction of three other men in connection with Michaels death, possibly on the false pretence that he had got away with his actions.

What Basit didnt know is that our officers had compiled an extensive amount of evidence, including phone data, which linked him to the other three convicted men at the time of the assault.

After he was arrested, our officers were able to get his DNA from an asthma inhaler at his house, which matched DNA found on a cigarette butt at the scene.

Zak Baako, 30, of no fixed address, was found guilty of Mr Peixotos murder on Dec 20, 2024 and was later sentenced to a minimum of 28 years in prison.

John Budal, 20, of Thornton Heath, was found guilty of manslaughter and robbery and Omari Peat, 23, of Mitcham, south London, was found guilty of robbery.

Basit was convicted of manslaughter and robbery. He will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on May 22.
Coroner raises significant concerns about quality of resuscitation at Pentonville prison in north London - Andrew Aitchison/In pictures

Pentonville prison has been accused of serious failings after a police officer killed himself in his cell.

Rickie Poon, 38, was awaiting trial for an alleged sexual offence when he was found dead by officers on March 3 last year.

A coroner has raised significant concerns about the quality of resuscitation at HMP Pentonville in Islington, north London, following a string of suicides.

At the inquest at Bow Coroners Court on Tuesday, coroner Mary Hassell described an attempt to revive Poon by prison staff as undignified, traumatic and unkind.

She also questioned why Poon was not visited regularly by a mental health specialist, given that he had been sectioned under the Mental Health Act following a recent suicide attempt.

Poon lost his job with the Metropolitan Police in December 2024 after being charged with a sexual offence and was granted bail.

After an initial suicide attempt, he was taken by police to Chase Farm Hospital in Enfield.

He was discharged in February last year, and a court took the decision to remand him in custody for his own protection. Poon was placed in a single cell for vulnerable prisoners at the category B mens prison. One month later, he killed himself in his cell.

Staff say inmate was upbeat

Prison healthcare staff said Poon appeared upbeat and polite, had requested Sudoku and was optimistic about clearing his name.

Jamie King, the head of healthcare at HMP Pentonville, told the court that Poon had not been formally diagnosed with a mental health condition inside or outside prison. He said Pentonville was reviewing its approach to mental health and working more closely with the London Ambulance Service.

The court heard that the night nurse who found Poons body had successfully resuscitated another prisoner who had attempted suicide two days earlier. The prisoner died in hospital later that week.

Ms Hassell told Mr King that she had already sent several letters to Pentonville expressing very significant concerns over the quality of resuscitation in the prison.

Whether its the training or the organisation, something is going wrong. Coroners work locally for a reason, and we notice patterns, the coroner said.

Defending Pentonvilles emergency response, Mr King said that an internal audit had found cardiopulmonary resuscitation equipment placed around the prison to be in good working order.

This equipment is vital, as we have 60 such emergencies every month, he told the coroner.

12 deaths in under three years

The same court found serious institutional failings had contributed to the death of Gareth Chumber-Kelly, who killed himself four days after being remanded to Pentonville in 2023.

It is understood that 12 prisoners have died at Pentonville since Chumber-Kelly. Five of these deaths were self-inflicted.

On Thursday, the jury delivered a verdict of suicide and identified failures in training, failures in accountability, and gaps in knowledge on the part of prison staff.

Staff had failed to familiarise themselves with Poons case notes, and an important email from a doctor was not read or acknowledged. The decision to reduce observations of a prisoner classed as high-risk was also ruled a contributing factor to his death.

The coroner will submit a prevention of future deaths report with the jurys findings to Pentonville. She told the court she also planned to update her guidance on resuscitation in the prison.

Coroner Hassell offered the courts condolences to Poons brother, who attended the inquest every day.
To defeat aerial threats, RAF Regiment gunners combine early-warning sensors and the state-of-the-art Rapid Sentry air defence system - AS1 Jessica Eglon/MoD Crown Copyright

RAF Regiment gunners have been awarded ace status for the first time after shooting down Iranian drones in the Middle East.

Four crack gunners from the regiment earned the title while they carried out their job of protecting British bases during the American-Israeli war with Iran.

The ace award, first used by fighter pilots in the Second World War, refers to a soldier who has shot down at least five enemy aircraft in combat.

Since war broke out in the Middle East, the unit has shot down dozens of Irans Shahed drones, with the four gunners blasting at least 20 out of the sky.

How Shahed drones work

The regiments aces have a variety of drone-downing tools in their arsenal, including early warning sensors, electronic warfare, and the Rapid Sentry, a short-range missile launcher.

Protecting British lives and interests

Al Carns, the Armed Forces minister, praised them for shooting down Tehrans drones night after night.

Our teams across the Middle East are operating in some of the most demanding conditions imaginable, and they are delivering with professionalism, courage and real combat skill, he said.

I am hugely proud of our RAF Regiment. Night after night, under threat, they are protecting British lives and British interests, and doing so in the finest traditions of the RAF Regiment.

Several of these heroes have achieved ace status neutralising Iranian drones.

The first of its kind, it isnt just impressive, it is exceptional. We dont say it enough in the UK, but thank you for your service.

The Rapid Sentry air defence system is just one of the tools at the disposal of the RAF Regiment - AS1 Jessica Eglon/MoD Crown Copyright

One of RAF Regiments newly awarded aces said: We are proud to represent the next generation of the Corps.

Under constant threat, we are responsible for detecting, tracking and engaging targets, often while coming under fire but we continue to load and operate equipment even as missiles land around us.

We take immense pride in our role. Working long, demanding shifts in high-pressure conditions, we remain focused, determined and resilient.

Air Commodore Paul Hamilton added: Our deployed gunners are showing outstanding courage to defend deployed UK personnel, allies and partners every day.

They are genuinely putting their own lives at risk in the defence of others; as their Commandant General, I am extremely proud of the professionalism and self-sacrifice being displayed by these amazing people.

The Rapid Sentry system, being used to shoot down Iranian drones approaching British bases, is also set to be deployed to Kuwait, Defence Secretary John Healey announced this week.

The system is armed with lightweight multirole missiles (LMMs). Last week, the Ministry of Defence announced its intent to buy more LMMs to bulk up Britains drone defence capabilities.
Nurse conducting digital consult at her desk.

Even people making six figures can find themselves drowning in debt, with the medical profession an unlikely but high-risk segment for sky-high debts. According to research from the Education Data Initiative, 74% of practicing physicians had to borrow to attend medical school, and 32% of these employed doctors still owe more than $250,000 on their student loans (1).

And its not just doctors who are drowning in debt: One nurse from California knows exactly what it's like to juggle student loans and mortgages to the point that she was living paycheck to paycheck.

Must Read

Naseema McElroy, 44, recently told CNBC that in 2015, she was making more than $200,000 as a labor and delivery nurse (2). She owned a luxury car and had just bought a house in the San Francisco Bay Area.

But in spite of these outward markers of success, McElroy also had a large amount of debt. She owed $580,000 on her mortgage, $185,000 in student loans and $70,000 for a condo shed bought previously. She also owed $22,000 for a loan shed taken on a 403(b) retirement account to purchase her new house.

McElroy said she realized that she was making way too much money to be in this precarious financial situation (2).

Heres why even high earners can find themselves drowning in debt, and what you can do to dig yourself out from under your bills  and why its so critical for financial health.

Nursing her budget back to health

From 2015 to 2017, McElroy took control of her finances by budgeting, making extra payments on her debt and selling her home.

All told, she eliminated almost $1 million in debt in under three years. In addition to her mortgage, student and retirement account loans and condo loan, McElroy also managed to pay off $51,000 in car payments, $29,000 in IRS debt and a $15,000 divorce settlement.

She says that her mission to become debt free made her view money intentionally. Now, she is an aggressive saver, keeps a tight budget, and she works three jobs.

Read More: 5 essential money moves to make once youve saved $50,000

Debt repayment strategies

By mid-2025, Americans carried an average debt of $104,755, according to credit bureau Experian (2). When broken down by type of debt, the average American debt balance on auto loans was $24,596, $6,735 on credit cards and $258,214 on mortgages.

Some people may struggle to pay down debt and manage their other household expenses, like McElroy did before she got strict about budgeting and debt repayment.

McElroy used the debt snowball method to pay down her debt, which involves isolating your smallest debt, and paying it down aggressively while making minimum payments on all your other debts. Once the first debt is paid, you roll the money over into the next largest debt until all debts are cleared. This method is popular because the sense of accomplishment can help spur you on, and a favourite pick of financial guru Dave Ramsey.

However, those with high-interest debt might want to use the avalanche method, which involves paying off the debt with the highest interest first, which can save you more money in the long run.

Getting help with your debt repayment

However you plan to tackle your debt, sometimes you need a helping hand to make all your different payments manageable. Debt consolidation loans can ensure you dont miss payments, and fit your repayment amount to your income.

Lending marketplaces like Upstart can match you with a personal loan offer in minutes.

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Instead of relying solely on credit scores, Upstarts AI-powered platform looks at various factors  including income, education, and employment - to give you offers ** to give you offers that may be better suited for your individual situation.

Applying is fast and simple. Just submit a few personal and financial details and get an instant decision from Upstarts AI-powered platform. Once approved, your loan is funded by a trusted bank or credit union partner, often as soon as the next business day.

If you owe a substantial amount, you may also want to see if you qualify for a debt relief program to help clear a significant portion of your debt.

With Freedom Debt Relief, you can speak with a certified debt relief consultant for free, who can show you how much you can save by partnering with them.

If youre eligible, they can negotiate settlements with your creditors until all of your enrolled debt is resolved.

Staying out of debt with an emergency fund

Many financial experts also recommend that before you start a debt repayment plan, you save up a small emergency fund (3). Without any emergency savings, your debt repayment can easily be thrown off track if an unexpected expense comes up, like a car repair. By saving an emergency fund, you can stay on track with your debt repayment, without taking on even more debt when a surprise expense pops up.

When you have lots of debt, however, it can feel impossible to find room in your budget to direct towards savings. Stop living paycheck-to-paycheck by tracking your spending and setting a budget you can live with.

An app like Rocket Money can easily help you find breathing room in your monthly budget by flagging recurring subscriptions, upcoming bills and unusual charges, pulling in transactions from all your linked accounts.

This can help you cut unnecessary costs, and then you can manually redirect savings straight into your retirement fund. No spreadsheets, no guesswork, no stress. Small habits like this can make a big difference over time.

Rocket Moneys intuitive app offers a variety of free and premium tools. Free features include subscription tracking, bill reminders and budgeting basics, while premium features  like automated savings, net worth tracking, customizable dashboards and more  make it easier to stay on top of your retirement contributions and overall financial goals.

If you are able to take on more work to increase your income, you can also take a bigger bite out of your debt. Putting tax returns or bonuses toward debt is another way to get it paid down faster.

Even if you have a high income, like McElroy, if you have lingering or growing debt, you might struggle to save for the future, or pay for sudden expenses. Paying off nearly $1 million in debt in under three years might not be possible for everyone, but taking control of your finances by building a budget and making a debt repayment plan can give you a feeling of freedom and control that taking out another credit card never will.

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Article sources

We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines.

Education Data Initiative (1); CNBC (2); Experian (3); Ramsey Solutions (4)

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Travelers across the United States are enduring some of the longest security wait times in TSA history as a partial government shutdown drives high staff call-out rates at major airports, forcing many hubs to warn passengers to arrive three to four hours early for domestic flights.

Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport has reported the most severe delays, with checkpoints showing waits of up to three to four hours in recent days. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, the world's busiest airport, has advised allowing at least four hours for screenings amid fluctuating but often extended lines.

The disruptions stem from elevated TSA officer absences  sometimes exceeding 30-47% at affected airports  linked to the funding lapse. This has compounded spring travel demand, creating unpredictable and occasionally chaotic scenes with lines stretching outside terminals or into parking areas.

Here are 10 U.S. airports currently experiencing among the longest TSA wait times, based on recent reports, airport advisories, call-out rates and traveler accounts as of late March 2026. Wait times can shift rapidly within the day and vary by terminal or checkpoint; these reflect the most frequently cited problem spots.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Houston Waits have repeatedly hit three to four hours at open terminals, with some checkpoints reporting 180 minutes or more during morning peaks. High call-out rates around 36-42% have forced reduced operations, prompting strong advisories and even assistance from ICE agents providing water to those in line. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) The busiest U.S. airport by passenger volume has urged travelers to allow four hours or more for security. Call-out rates have reached 33-37%, with lines sometimes exceeding two hours during rushes. Officials have removed or suspended real-time wait displays due to volatility. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York One of the hardest-hit East Coast hubs, with call-out rates near 33% and reports of multi-hour delays. The airport has suspended routine wait-time reporting, warning that conditions can change quickly based on staffing and volume. Long lines have been visible in multiple terminals. William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), Houston Often posting even higher call-out percentages than its larger sibling IAH  up to 47% in recent data  Hobby has seen significant delays and reduced checkpoint availability, contributing to the broader Houston-area chaos. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) Travelers have faced waits stretching to three hours or more, with advisories to arrive at least three hours early. Call-out rates around 34% have strained operations, occasionally pushing queues into parking structures. LaGuardia Airport (LGA), New York Reports of 90-minute-plus waits during morning peaks, with lines extending outside buildings. The airport has seen notable staffing pressures amid the regional New York challenges. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), New Jersey Wait-time reporting has been temporarily suspended due to rapid changes from staffing shortages. Delays have contributed to flight disruptions, with lines frequently extending during busy periods. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Major West Coast hub experiencing longer-than-normal waits amid nationwide issues, with some reports highlighting multi-hour delays during peak spring travel. High passenger volume amplifies the impact of reduced staffing. Miami International Airport (MIA) South Florida's primary gateway has seen elevated lines, with waits reported in the 30- to 60-minute range or higher during peaks, exacerbated by international traffic and staffing constraints. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) Another busy Florida airport hit by the broader disruptions, with reports of extended security lines during the recent wave of spring and leisure travel.

Other airports frequently mentioned in recent delays include Philadelphia International (PHL), where some checkpoints closed entirely, and occasionally Orlando (MCO) or Austin (AUS) during event-driven surges.

Broader Context and Causes

The ongoing partial government shutdown has dramatically increased TSA call-out rates from a normal level below 2% to double digits or higher at many large hubs. This has occurred while passenger volumes remain robust, particularly with spring break overlapping the disruptions.

TSA Deputy Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill told Congress that the agency is facing unprecedented wait times in its 24-year history. Some airports have deployed alternative staff or adjusted operations, but capacity remains constrained.

Airports in Houston and Atlanta have been among the most visibly affected, with real-time data sometimes unavailable as officials prioritize safety and flow over precise estimates. Smaller or mid-sized airports have generally fared better, though isolated spikes occur.

Tips for Travelers Facing Long TSA Lines

Authorities and experts recommend the following strategies:

Arrive early: Plan for three to four hours before domestic departures at affected major airports; allow even more for international flights.

Check real-time sources: Use airport websites (when available), the MyTSA app for crowd-sourced reports, or third-party trackers. Note that some official displays have been paused.

Enroll in expedited programs: TSA PreCheck, CLEAR and Global Entry can significantly reduce times where lanes remain open, though they are not immune to overall staffing issues.

Pack smart: Follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule and minimize carry-on complexity to speed screening.

Monitor flight status: Delays in security can cascade into gate issues; build in buffers for connections.

Consider alternatives: Off-peak flights or smaller regional airports sometimes experience shorter lines.

Many airports have added signage, rope lines and support staff to manage crowds, but patience remains essential.

Outlook and Potential Relief

Negotiations to resolve the funding lapse continue, with some lawmakers expressing urgency over the impact on travel and the federal workforce. Until a resolution, variability is expected to persist, particularly during morning and evening rushes at large hubs.

Travelers are advised to verify conditions the day of travel, as wait times can drop dramatically later in the day once initial peaks clear. Those with flexible schedules may benefit from shifting to less busy periods or airports.

The situation underscores the critical role of consistent TSA staffing in maintaining efficient air travel. While some checkpoints have seen temporary improvements when call-outs ease, the underlying pressures remain until broader funding and personnel issues are addressed.

For the latest updates, check individual airport websites, the TSA's resources or reliable news outlets. Conditions evolve quickly, and proactive planning is the best defense against missing a flight.

Data reflects reports and advisories from March 23-26, 2026. TSA wait times fluctuate hourly and by checkpoint; always confirm with official sources before traveling. This article is for informational purposes only.

Originally published on ibtimes.com.au
Andrea Atherton and Mike Gonoub say their installation work by Mr. Window in Clearwater is incomplete.

A Clearwater, Fla. couple is at risk of losing their home because a window company they hired allegedly failed to pay a supplier.

Andrea Atherton and Mike Gonoub had just bought a place they envisioned as their retirement Shangri-La, and, like many Florida homeowners, hired a contractor to install hurricane-resistant windows and doors, according to a report from local ABC affiliate Tampa Bay 28 (1).

Must Read

Months later, the job remains unfinished, the company has gone silent and a nearly $39,000 lien has been placed on their home.

It makes me feel like I did something wrong, like I broke some sort of law, Gonoub told Tampa Bay 28, who first reported on the story. Im a consumer who needed new windows, thats all.

This couples story highlights a little-known risk in home renovations: Even if the contractor gets paid, you could still be on the hook if others in the chain havent been  and they could come after your home.

How this happened

Last year, Atherton and Gonoub hired Mister Window to install new sliding glass doors and windows, using a 12-month, no-payment financing plan offered through a financing company the contractor worked with.

Initially, the project seemed to move forward. The couple said the doors failed inspection due to minor issues, but those were corrected. However, one critical step was never completed: sealing the doors with caps and covers to ensure they are fully weatherproof.

The company scheduled a return visit in January to finish the work. But they never showed up and became impossible to contact.

I called every number I had for Mister Window and every number was dead, Atherton said.

After failing to reach Mister Window, the couple attempted to hire another company to complete the project. However, they claim that no contractor was willing to take on a job that had already been inspected and partially completed by another firm.

Then came the lien.

The project was financed, meaning a third-party lender paid the contractor, but it seems Mister Window didnt pay all of its suppliers. A supplier who worked on the project claims they were never paid. They filed a lien against the couples home for $38,926.68.

Mister Window continues to be difficult to track down. An attorney representing the company told a Tampa Bay 28 reporter that Mister Window plans to file for bankruptcy, but there is not yet a record that they have actually done so. The company otherwise refused to comment.

They can just walk away, declare bankruptcy and move on, Atherton said. What about us (1)?

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Read More: 5 essential money moves to make once youve saved $50,000

Why homeowners can still be on the hook

Atherton and Gonoubs situation isnt unique and illustrates the risky side of home renovation projects.

Even relatively simple jobs like replacing windows and doors can involve multiple vendors. That increases the risk of something going wrong.

When the contractor is paid, either directly by the homeowner or by the lender if they are financing, its on them to make sure everyone else they work with on the job gets their share. But this doesnt always happen, and the consequences can be severe.

If a supplier isnt paid, they can file a mechanics lien against the property, which essentially gives them the right to force a sale, called foreclosure, as a way to secure payment if the debtor doesnt pay up whats owed. But foreclosure is rare. A lien is a way to legally pressure the supplier or contractor to pay up, according to an explainer from construction payments company Levelset (2).

In Florida, there is also a hail-Mary option: the Florida Homeowners Construction Recovery Fund. The board that issues licenses to construction professionals in the state maintains a fund that homeowners can apply to for relief if they have suffered damages caused by the financial mismanagement of a licensed contractor or construction company  and have exhausted every other option to get paid (3).

How to protect yourself

Here are some steps experts say homeowners can take to reduce the risk of falling into the same trap as Atherton and Gonoub.

1. Ask for lien waivers: Before making payments, you can consider requesting lien waivers from contractors, subcontractors and suppliers. These documents confirm theyve been paid and waive their right to file a lien.

2. Dont pay everything upfront: The Federal Trade Commission advises homeowners to avoid paying the full cost up front and to set a payment schedule based on work completed (4).

3. Research contractors carefully: Check licenses, insurance and complaint history before hiring. Ask for references and verify work records. Atherton and Gonoub werent the only customers who had a negative experience with Mister Window (5).

4. Consider joint checks or direct payments: Paying suppliers directly or using joint checks with your contractor ensures funds reach the right parties and lowers lien risk (6).

5. Understand your financing agreement: If using contractor-arranged financing, read the terms carefully so you know when payments begin and what happens if the work isnt completed.

What To Read Next

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Article Sources

We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines.

Tampa Bay 28 (1, 5) Levelset (2); Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (3); Federal Trade Commission (4); Faegre Drinker (6)

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Today's news: Nepals former prime minister is arrested over his role in the deadly 2025 crackdown. Protests are staged in India following the passage of a bill defining transgender people. Indonesia bans children under 16 from accessing digital platforms. Hong Kong sees its lowest number of job offers in six years.

IRAN  UNITED NATIONS

Tehran has agreed to "facilitate and expedite" humanitarian aid through the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva said Friday. Iran has accepted the UN's request to allow the transit of humanitarian aid and agricultural goods through this vital waterway, which typically handles a fifth of the world's oil shipments and nearly a third of the global trade in fertilisers, essential for agriculture. The aid plan would represent the first breakthrough in this maritime transport hub after a month of war.

NEPAL

As part of routine police procedures, former Nepali Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli was taken to hospital after he was arrested for his role in last year's deadly crackdown on protests. The 74-year-old was taken into custody this morning at his home. More than 70 people were killed, many of them protesters shot by police, during anti-corruption protests in 2025. Former Home Affairs Minister Ramesh Lekhak was also arrested.

INDIA

The Indian Parliament passed a controversial bill that would change the legal recognition of trans people and their right to self-identification, amid protests from opposition parties and the LGBTQ+ community. The bill focuses on the definition of a trans person. The government believes a more restrictive definition will help ensure that social benefits  such as reserved job opportunities and healthcare  reach those in need. The new legislation effectively eliminates the right to self-identification and instead limits recognition to people defined by biological traits.

INDONESIA

Indonesia has begun implementing a new government regulation banning children under 16 from accessing digital platforms that could expose them to pornographic content, cyberbullying, online scams, and addiction, including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and X. This initiative follows measures adopted last year by Australia, which imposed the world's first social media ban for minors. Indonesia is the first country in Southeast Asia to do the same.

HONG KONG

Sixty-nine per cent of Hong Kongs job sectors, 23 out of 33, saw their lowest number of job openings in six years, a trend experts attribute to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and economic stagnation. Data from the Joint Institution Job Information System also showed that the number of vacancies fell to a five-year low, down 51.5 per cent compared to 2021.

RUSSIA

Russia submitted its report to the UN on compliance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) on the eve of the agreement's review conference. The report states that Russia fully supports the goals of the NPT, but adds about 20 points explaining why it is currently not ready to reduce its nuclear weapons arsenal, primarily due to NATO's continued expansion.

GEORGIA

Hundreds of people attended the funeral service in Tbilisi's Sioni Cathedral on the ninth day after the death of Patriarch Ilya II, celebrated by the Patriarchal locum tenens (lieutenant), Metropolitan Shio, and attended by the country's authorities. At the end of the ceremony, one of those present turned to the celebrant and shouted, Have mercy! The time has come for those in power to answer for their actions! This person was an activist who lost an eye in the crackdown on protests and was arrested live on television.
by Nirmala Carvalho

The Allahabad High Court orders Father Pereira to stand trial for calling Jesus's religion "the only true religion" in a church sermon. The court cited India's secularism to argue that such a claim denigrates other faiths. This is a paradoxical development in a state like Uttar Pradesh, a Hindu fundamentalist stronghold.

Mumbai (AsiaNews)  In another surreal case of pressure against Christians in India, presenting the truth of one's religion in the context of a church sermon can potentially be treated as an outrage against other faiths; paradoxically, this is being done in the name of secularism in Uttar Pradesh, a state that is a stronghold of Hindu fundamentalism.

Citing Article 295A of the Indian Penal Code (deliberate insult to another's religion), the Allahabad High Court dismissed a petition to throw out the case filed by Father Vineet Vincent Pereira, a Catholic priest in Varanasi, a friend of AsiaNews, and a well-known advocate for justice.

By its decision, the court is saying that, in secular India, claiming that ones religion is the only true religion" is tantamount to denigrating other faiths.

The case arose after Father Pereira filed a petition to quash a complaint and subsequent proceedings against him. The complaint alleges that during prayer meetings, the priest repeatedly stated that Christianity is the only true religion, which, according to the prosecution, hurts the religious sentiments of members of other faiths.

Before the court, Father Pereira's lawyer argued that the clergyman had been unfairly implicated in an attempt to intimidate him.

The State of Uttar Pradesh, which is ruled by Hindu nationalists, opposed the motion for dismissal, saying that the issues raised concern disputed facts that must be examined in a trial. The court granted the states motion, so criminal proceedings will proceed in the lower court.

I have already filed an affidavit in the supreme court, said Father Vineet Vincent Pereira speaking to AsiaNews. Regarding my case, the blame that is out on me, there is no connection to the FIR[*] and the blame they are putting on me. Whatever I have preached is to the believers in the church. I preach my faith. I don't condemn any religion. But I stand for justice. I preach the love of God.

Regarding the matter, Auxiliary Bishop Dominic Savio Fernandes of Bombay expressed concern that some parts of the anti-conversion bill recently passed by the State of Maharashtra could lead to similar accusations.

Equally problematic is the definition of allurement in Chapter I, Section 2(a)(vii), which includes glorifying one religion vis-a-vis another religion. This formulation raises serious concerns. Every religion, by its very nature, proclaims the truth of its own beliefs, the bishop explained.

In the Christian tradition, for instance, the belief that salvation comes through Jesus Christ is a central tenet. Yet under the present wording of the Act, even the simple articulation of these doctrinal teachings  without any reference to or criticism of other religions  could potentially be construed as glorifying one religion vis-a-vis another, thereby exposing religious leaders or institutions to legal scrutiny and possible arrest.

Sanjay R. Hegde, a lawyer at the Supreme Court of India, also reacted to the case in a post on X.

"With great respect to the High Court this is unsound law. There are many sects of Hinduism itself that emphasise only one path to the exclusion of all others, he wrote. When a citizen believes in the Great Spaghetti monster, he can say that Pastafarianism is the only true path and all others are mistaken.

[*] First Information Report.
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28 March 2026 15:49 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Reports that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky may announce presidential elections and a peace referendum this spring have triggered intense debate in Kyiv.

According to the Financial Times, the idea emerged amid pressure from the administration of Donald Trumpa couple months ago, with U.S. officials allegedly urging elections by mid-May to preserve American security guarantees.

Zelensky himself has acknowledged a U.S. push to finalize documents to end the war by June, citing Washingtons desire to pivot toward its own midterm elections.

The move allegedly came after pressure from United States President Donald Trump's administration to hold elections by May 15, or else risk losing US security guarantees. According to the outlet, Zelensky will announce the elections on February 24, the fourth anniversary of the Russian attack.

The plan aligns with a US push, outlined by Volodymyr Zelensky to reporters last Friday, to have all documents signed to bring Europes largest conflict since the Second World War to an end by June.

They say that they want to do everything by June ... so that the war ends, Ukraines president said, citing the White Houses desire to shift its focus to the US midterm elections in November. And they want a clear schedule.

Holding an election would mark a dramatic political pivot for a president who has repeatedly argued that such votes are impossible while the country remains under martial law, millions of Ukrainians are displaced and about 20 per cent of the country is under Russian occupation.

According to Ukrainian and European officials involved in the planning and others briefed on the matter, Zelensky intends to announce the plan for presidential elections and a referendum on February 24, the fourth anniversary of Russias full-scale invasion.

The Ukrainians have this hard idea that it all needs to be bundled with Zelenskys re-election, said one Western official.

At the same time, Moscow has signaled that new peace talks may be imminent, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov saying there is already an understanding on timing and location, while Reuters reports on possible trilateral talks involving U.S. officials.

Against this backdrop, a fundamental question arises.

If Zelensky wants to hold elections, are they even possible under martial law?

To unpack this, AzerNEWS turned to Ukrainian political experts.

Vitaliy Yarmolenko, chief consultant at Ukraines National Institute for Strategic Studies, is unequivocal.

Any elections during martial law time are not allowed in Ukraine. According to Part One of Article 19 of the Law of Ukraine On the Legal Regime of Martial Law, it is prohibited to hold elections of the President of Ukraine, people's deputies of Ukraine, local elections and referendums during the period of martial law. President Zelensky initiated discussions on amendments that would permit voting under certain conditions. So far, some law drafts are being discussed in parlament. However, there are technical issues that are still hard to solve.

Yarmolenko also lists four major risks regarding the main practical barriers:

The first one is safety. There is no warranty of any red alerts during polls. So, Russia should agree to a ceasefire, which looks impossible. The second one is the actual number of voters, and the possibility to vote for Ukrainian refugees abroad. Embassies and consulates do not look braced to fulfil the process. The third one is providing a free electoral process with free debates and an election campaign. The special information regime during the war limits the possibility for open discussions on the matters dedicated to tough topics of domestic politics and economy. And the fourth one is the ability for combatants to participate in elections as candidates Thus, there are risks that elections during war wouldn't prove to be fully free and fair, he stressed.

On the other hand, Oleksandr Merezhko, Peoples Deputy of Ukraine, answered the question of whether there is political will in parliament to move forward regardless. He dismisses that notion outright.

There will be no elections, no referendum. Its impossible legally, politically, technically. However, he pointed to constitutional procedure: According to the Ukrainian Constitution, it is the Rada which declares holding the elections, after which elections are held within 90 days. Rada is not planning to declare elections as of now, he said.

Besides, Merezhkos answer was clear and categorical in response to the question of when elections could realistically take place.

There is political agreement between political factions in the Rada that elections will be held within 6 months after lifting the martial law. So, to hold elections we need first ceasefire, security guarantees and lifting of martial law, he concluded.
Australian families welcoming a new child from July 1, 2026, will gain access to 26 weeks of government-funded Paid Parental Leave, an increase from the current 24 weeks, as the Albanese government completes a phased expansion aimed at boosting early childhood bonding, workforce participation and gender equality in caregiving.

The reform, announced in previous years and now nearing full implementation, will provide eligible parents with 130 days of Parental Leave Pay  equivalent to 26 weeks based on a standard five-day work week. This marks the final step in a multi-year rollout that has incrementally added two weeks annually, rising from 20 weeks in 2023-24 to 22 weeks in 2024, 24 weeks in 2025 and the full 26 weeks in 2026.

Payments will continue at the national minimum wage rate, currently $948.10 per week or $189.62 per day before tax for the 2025-26 financial year. The rate typically adjusts each July. For a full 26-week entitlement, the total payment could approach approximately $24,650 before tax, though actual amounts depend on how families structure their leave.

Services Australia has confirmed that families claiming before July will initially receive a 120-day balance. Once proof of a child born or adopted on or after July 1, 2026, is provided, an extra 10 days will be added automatically.

Key Changes Encouraging Shared Care

A significant feature of the 2026 update is the increase in reserved days for the secondary parent or partner. From July 1, 2026, 20 days  or four weeks  of the total entitlement will be reserved exclusively for the non-primary carer on a "use it or lose it" basis. This builds on prior adjustments that raised concurrent leave and reserved periods to promote greater involvement from fathers and partners.

Single parents will remain eligible for the full 26 weeks. Families can take the leave flexibly  as a continuous block, in smaller segments or even single days  as long as it is used before the child's second birthday. Up to four weeks (or more in some configurations) may be taken concurrently by both parents.

From July 2025 onward, the government also pays 12% superannuation contributions on Parental Leave Pay, with the Australian Taxation Office handling direct payments to super funds starting in July 2026. This addition helps protect long-term retirement savings for parents taking time away from paid work.

Eligibility Criteria Remain Focused on Recent Work History

To qualify for Parental Leave Pay, individuals must be the primary carer of a newborn or newly adopted child and meet both a work test and an income test. The work test generally requires at least 330 hours of work  roughly one day per week  in the 10 months out of the 13 months before the child's birth or placement.

The individual adjusted taxable income must be $180,007 or less in the 2024-25 financial year (with previous years having slightly lower thresholds). There is no family income test for the primary claimant in most cases.

Employers may provide additional paid parental leave on top of the government scheme through enterprise agreements or company policies. Recent data shows a growing number of organizations, particularly larger employers, offering gender-neutral or enhanced packages to attract and retain talent.

Government Aims to Close Gender Gap and Support Families

Ministers have described the expansion as a "bundle of joy" for working families, providing greater choice and security during a critical life stage. The reforms are expected to benefit around 180,000 families annually and are designed to encourage more balanced caregiving responsibilities, potentially narrowing the gender pay gap and improving workforce re-entry for mothers.

Advocates welcome the changes but note that Australia's total paid leave entitlement of 26 weeks remains below the OECD average when combining maternity, parental and home-care leave across member countries. Some experts describe the post-2026 landscape as an "abyss," calling for a clearer long-term roadmap beyond the current plateau.

Business groups and human resources leaders are preparing for payroll and workforce planning impacts. While the government funds the core payments, employers must manage rostering, superannuation reporting and potential top-up arrangements. Many are reviewing policies to align with the new flexibility while maintaining operational needs.

How the Scheme Works in Practice

Parents can claim through Services Australia, with payments made either directly by Centrelink or, in some cases, via the employer. The leave is available for both birth and adoption.

The scheme replaced earlier separate maternity and "Dad and Partner Pay" components with a more unified, flexible Parental Leave Pay system. Families have praised the ability to spread leave over two years in smaller blocks, allowing gradual return-to-work transitions or alignment with childcare availability.

For those planning families in 2026, experts recommend checking eligibility early and considering how to maximize the reserved days for partners. Pre-birth claims are possible, but final balances will adjust based on the actual birth or adoption date.

Broader Context and Employer Trends

The expansion occurs against a backdrop of ongoing cost-of-living pressures and efforts to support workforce participation. With many employers already supplementing government payments, the proportion offering additional paid parental leave has risen, with some extending to 12 months or more at full or partial pay.

Workplace Gender Equality Agency data indicates continued growth in gender-neutral policies, reflecting cultural shifts toward shared parenting.

Critics argue the minimum-wage rate may still create financial strain for higher-income households, while supporters highlight its universal accessibility and role in reducing child poverty risks during early infancy.

As the July 1 deadline approaches, Services Australia has urged families to review their circumstances and prepare documentation. Detailed guides and claim portals are available on the agency's website.

The changes represent one of the most substantial updates to Australia's family support system in over a decade, building on the original 2011 introduction of paid parental leave. With the full 26 weeks now in sight, policymakers, employers and families alike will assess its real-world impact on birth rates, gender equity and economic participation in the years ahead.

For the latest details or to check personal eligibility, Australians are encouraged to visit Services Australia or consult Fair Work Ombudsman resources. The scheme continues to evolve as a key pillar of national family policy.

Originally published on ibtimes.com.au
28 March 2026 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

AzerNEWS Staff Read more

In recent years, digital development in Azerbaijan has emerged as one of the central pillars of state policy, reflecting a broader ambition to transition toward a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy. The government has undertaken comprehensive measures to define strategic priorities across digitalization, e-government, artificial intelligence, and innovation ecosystems, while simultaneously strengthening national technological capacity and digital sovereignty.

This multi-layered approach is not merely institutional but structural in nature. By fostering coordinated governance and unified policy implementation, Azerbaijan is positioning itself to mitigate external technological dependencies while enhancing resilience in an increasingly competitive global digital landscape. Such efforts are particularly significant in the context of geopolitical shifts, where digital infrastructure and data governance are becoming critical components of national security.

A key dimension of this transformation lies in the media sector, which is rapidly evolving as both a driver and beneficiary of digitalization. The integration of digital tools into media production and dissemination is expanding the reach, efficiency, and influence of national media outlets. At the same time, it is reinforcing the role of media as a strategic instrument in shaping public discourse and safeguarding information space.

In this regard, bilateral cooperation, particularly with Turkiye, has gained notable momentum. The Azerbaijan-Turkiye Joint Media Platform stands out as a strategic initiative aimed at ensuring coordinated and effective media engagement between the two countries. This cooperation reflects a broader alignment of political and communication strategies, underscoring the role of media diplomacy in advancing shared national interests.

The recent Strategic Communication Summit held in Istanbul further highlighted the importance of this partnership. Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of the Media Development Agency, Ahmad Ismayilov, emphasized that the joint platform has already facilitated meaningful progress in harmonizing media activities and fostering collaborative initiatives. Importantly, he noted that the scope of this cooperation is expected to expand further, signaling a long-term commitment to institutionalized media coordination.

Beyond bilateral ties, Azerbaijan is actively pursuing a diversified international cooperation strategy in the media sphere. Agreements with various foreign counterparts aim to establish structured mechanisms for joint projects, experience exchange, and the promotion of national narratives on the global stage. This reflects a growing recognition that media is not only an informational channel but also a geopolitical tool capable of influencing international perception and soft power dynamics.

A prominent example of Azerbaijans global media engagement is the Shusha Global Media Forum, held annually with the participation of President Ilham Aliyev. The forum has evolved into a key international platform that convenes policymakers, media professionals, civil society actors, and representatives of international organizations. Its agenda, ranging from global media trends to information security and technological innovation, reflects the increasingly complex challenges facing the global information ecosystem.

Analytically, such platforms serve multiple strategic objectives. They enhance Azerbaijans visibility as a regional hub for media dialogue, facilitate the exchange of best practices, and contribute to shaping global narratives in line with national interests. At the same time, they reinforce the countrys positioning within emerging networks of digital and information cooperation, particularly across the Turkic world.

Within this broader framework, information security has become a critical priority. As digital transformation accelerates, vulnerabilities related to misinformation, cyber threats, and external influence operations have intensified. Strengthening coordinated efforts in this domain, especially among Turkic states, not only enhances the resilience of the shared information space, but also contributes to regional stability and trust.

In conclusion, Azerbaijans digital development strategy reflects a comprehensive and forward-looking vision that integrates technological advancement with media transformation and international cooperation. The convergence of these elements is not incidental; rather, it underscores a deliberate effort to build a robust digital ecosystem capable of supporting sustainable economic growth, safeguarding national interests, and enhancing the countrys role in the evolving global digital order.
28 March 2026 10:32 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

In JanuaryFebruary 2026, trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Russia amounted to $499.979 million, AzerNEWS reports citing the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan.

This represents a sharp decline of $497.962 million (49.9%) compared to the same period last year.

During the reporting period, Russia accounted for 7.98% of Azerbaijans total foreign trade turnover, ranking 4th among its largest trading partners.

Azerbaijans exports to Russia reached $157.763 million, marking an increase of $6.895 million (4.6%) year-on-year. Russia ranked 4th among Azerbaijans export destinations.

In contrast, imports from Russia dropped significantly. The value of goods exported from Russia to Azerbaijan totaled $342.216 million, down by $504.857 million (59.6%) compared to the same period last year. Russia still ranked 3rd among Azerbaijans import partners.

Overall, Azerbaijans total foreign trade turnover in JanuaryFebruary 2026 stood at $6.264 billion, a decrease of $2.640 billion (29.6%) year-on-year.

 Exports: $3.665 billion (-23.1%)

 Imports: $2.599 billion (1.6 times lower)

As a result, the country recorded a positive trade balance of $1.066 billion, which is $438 million (1.7 times more) than in the same period last year.
28 March 2026 10:01 (UTC+04:00)

We congratulate the employees and veterans of the state security and foreign intelligence agencies on their professional holiday and wish them success in their honorable service to the Motherland, the post says.

A related post was published on the official social media pages of the State Security Service on this occasion.

Today marks the 107th anniversary of the establishment of Azerbaijans security agencies, AzerNEWS reports.

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28 March 2026 11:54 (UTC+04:00)

A bilateral meeting was held within the framework of the Stratcom Summit 26 between the Executive Director of the Media Development Agency of Azerbaijan Ahmed Ismayilov and the Head of the Public Relations Department of the Presidential Administration of Turkiye Burhanettin Duran, AzerNEWS reports.

According to MEDIA, the sides discussed the further expansion of strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Turkiye in the field of media, with a particular focus on strengthening joint efforts against disinformation.

The meeting highlighted that ongoing transformations in the global information space, along with the growing impact of fake and manipulative content, require closer coordination and systematic cooperation between relevant state institutions.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties signed a

Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of the Joint Working Commission and Committees of the AzerbaijanTurkey Joint Media Platform.

The document  (envisages) the deepening of institutional cooperation, improvement of joint mechanisms, and enhanced coordination between the two countries in the media sphere.

The agreement reflects a broader effort by Baku and Ankara to consolidate cooperation in strategic communications, particularly in countering disinformation and strengthening coordinated messaging.
28 March 2026 17:08 (UTC+04:00)

The 2026 Global Education Monitoring Report, launched at a high-level event at UNESCO headquarters, has spotlighted Azerbaijan as an example of success in expanding access to pre-school education, AzerNEWS reports.

The report is the first in a three-part series titled Countdown to 2030, focusing on access and equity in education. According to the Ministry of Science and Education of Azerbaijan, its aim is to assess countries progress, analyze key influencing factors, and contribute to shaping the post-2030 global education agenda.

The study examines access and equity indicators across pre-school, primary, secondary, and higher education levels over the past 25 years. It also connects country-specific outcomes with broader global research and trends.

Within this framework, Azerbaijans achievements in pre-school education were highlighted as an exemplary global case. The report notes that the country significantly expanded access to school preparatory groups for 5-year-old children over a short period, alongside implementing:

 legislative reforms

 teacher training initiatives

 improvements in educational content

The presentation event brought together education ministers from more than 30 countries, along with representatives of international organizations and experts in the field, underscoring the global importance of advancing equitable access to education.

UNESCO's Global Education Monitoring Report can be accessed via the following link:

https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000397618/PDF/397618eng.pdf.multi.nameddest=p83
28 March 2026 22:23 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

I express my gratitude to the government and people of Azerbaijan for the humanitarian assistance provided, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on his X page, AzerNEWS reports.

"I express my gratitude to the government and people of Azerbaijan for their humanitarian assistance, as well as for the conditions created for the delivery of aid from other countries.

This support, shown in difficult times, is based on the common culture that unites the peoples of Iran and Azerbaijan," the publication says.

The first aid convoy, nearly 30 tons of food and medicine, was dispatched on March 10 following that phone call between Aliyev and Iranian President Pezeshkian, during which Aliyev expressed condolences over Iranian civilian deaths. A second convoy of 82 tons, including 76 tons of food, 4 tons of medicines, and 2 tons of medical supplies, was sent on March 18, with Novruz gifts included.

Russia has also acted on this: the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations' humanitarian train carrying over 300 tons of medicines arrived at Azerbaijan Railways' Garadagh station, to be transported onward to Iran by road. A previous Russian shipment of 13 tons of medical supplies had also transited through Azerbaijan on March 12.
28 March 2026 09:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

American universities are increasingly reintroducing oral exams as a way to assess students more reliably amid the rapid spread of artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT, AzerNEWS reports.

Educators say that take-home written assignments have become too perfect, while many students struggle to clearly explain or defend their own work. This trend has raised concerns about declining critical thinking skills and students ability to analyze information independently.

In response, a growing number of institutions are returning to oral examinations, where students must present and defend their work directly in front of a professor. As Cornell University professor Chris Shaffer noted, You cant pass an oral exam with the help of AI.

At University of Pennsylvania, oral exams are now being used alongside written assignments. Associate Professor Emily Hammer emphasized that the goal is not only to prevent cheating but also to rebuild essential academic skills such as creativity, reasoning, and independent thinking.

Similarly, New York University has expanded oral assessments through presentations, in-class questioning, and interactive discussions. Some instructors are even experimenting with AI in a constructive wayusing chatbots to simulate oral exams and challenge students with follow-up questions in real time.

Interest in oral testing has surged since the COVID-19 pandemic and especially after the launch of ChatGPT in 2022. Universities are now actively exploring new methods to evaluate genuine understanding rather than algorithm-assisted results.

Experts argue that oral exams not only reveal how well students grasp the material but also encourage deeper learning. In many cases, students prepare more thoroughly, knowing they will need to explain concepts in their own words rather than rely on polished, AI-generated text.
28 March 2026 04:42 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

United States President Donald Trump said that Cuba could be a future target, speaking at the Future Investment Initiative. He linked the remark to US military strength before asking reporters to disregard it, AzerNEWS reports.

"Cuba is next, by the way, but pretend I didn't say that. Please, media, disregard that statement," Trump told the audience.

His comments come after the US carried out a military operation in Venezuela on January that led to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. The remarks also come as Washington continues coordinated attacks against Iran alongside Israel.

Prior to his statement, the United States President Donald Trump expressed his belief on Friday that the US 'saved' the Middle East from Iran, calling it "the bully of the Middle East."

"I really believe we saved the Middle East, not just Israel. It was proven by all those rockets that fired down upon you. And nobody expected any missiles to be wasted," Trump stated at the Future Investment Initiative event in Miami.

The US president reiterated that Washington is two weeks ahead of schedule regarding the conflict in Iran, and stressed that Tehran will "have to open up" the Strait of Hormuz. "They have to open up the Strait of Trump ... I mean Hormuz. Excuse me, I'm so sorry, such a terrible mistake," he added.
28 March 2026 08:00 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The United States Navy is preparing to move the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier into waters near Iran, CNN reported, citing a source familiar with the decision, AzerNEWS reports.

The vessel is reportedly expected to operate under the United States Central Command (CENTCOM). However, it remains uncertain whether the Bush will reinforce or replace one of the two carriers already active in the region.

United States President Donald Trump said on Friday that the US forces have another 3,554 targets to strike in Iran.

"Now, we're just going after targets. They have no anti-aircraft, so we're just floating over the top, looking for whatever we want and we're hitting it. We have another 3,554 targets left and that will be done very quickly," Trump pointed out at the Future Investment Initiative event in Miami.

In addition, the US president stressed that Washington will have to decide what its next steps are regarding this conflict, but insisted that Iran has "never seen anything like it," referring to the US military power.
28 March 2026 21:54 (UTC+04:00)

Humans could return to the Moon by 2030, according to Gwynne Shotwell, president of SpaceX, who outlined the companys ambitious vision for lunar exploration in a recent interview, AzerNEWS reports.

Speaking to Time magazine, Shotwell said that ongoing advancements in space technology are bringing humanity closer to a renewed presence on the lunar surface. She emphasized that robotic systems are expected to play a crucial role in preparing the Moon for human arrival, particularly in building essential infrastructure.

According to Shotwell, these robotic missions would likely handle early-stage construction and resource utilization, reducing risks for astronauts and enabling more sustainable operations once humans arrive. I think we will land people on the surface of the Moon by 2030, she stated, expressing confidence in the timeline.

The plan aligns with broader global efforts to reestablish human activity beyond Earths orbit, including NASA-led initiatives such as Artemis program. Experts say that collaboration between private companies and government agencies will be key to achieving these goals.

If successful, a human return to the Moon would mark a historic milestone, decades after the last crewed lunar missions, and could pave the way for deeper space exploration, including future missions to Mars.
Former Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson lost the honour of the freedom of the city of York on Thursday via unanimous council vote.

City of York councillors voted to remove Sarah Ferguson's Freedom of the City title due to her ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Revoked under Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, Ferguson gained the title along with an Honorary Freeman status in 1987, shortly after she married Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

York Council Strips Sarah Ferguson's Honorary Freedom

'Honorary freedom is bestowed only on persons of distinction and those having given eminent services to the city of York,' the council's Labour leader Claire Douglas said about the decision. '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 Epstein after his crimes became widely known fall well short of these expectations,' Douglas added. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of the same title in 2022, following allegations that he sexually abused Virginia Giuffre when she was a teenager.

The council passed the motion after new revelations surfaced about Ferguson's connection to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Charged for soliciting a minor for prostitution in 2008, Epstein pleaded guilty as part of a plea deal, and served 13 months in jail with work release. Arrested and indicted for new sex trafficking charges in July 2019, Epstein was found dead one month later in his New York jail cell.

Sarah Ferguson's Epstein Connection Questioned

Ferguson's name, mentioned several times in the Epstein files, does not indicate any wrongdoing. Liberal Democrat Darryl Smalley, who previously motioned to remove Andrew's honorary title in 2022, explained why he wanted the same for Ferguson.

'At the time, it felt wrong to judge someone by the actions of their ex-husband,' he said, per a Sky News report. '[But] 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 the recipients of York's highest honour to be saints,' he added. 'We simply do not want them to be best friends of convicted paedophiles.'

Uncovered messages in the Epstein files suggest the latter was corresponding with Ferguson, even after his 2008 conviction. One email exchange suggests Epstein paid for the plane tickets Ferguson and her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, used to visit him in Miami in July 2009, less than one week after he left prison.

Sarah Ferguson Called Jeffrey Epstein a 'Brother' in Uncovered Email

Ferguson also referred to Epstein as 'the brother I have always wished for' in an August 2009 email about her brand's partnerships and the Mother Army project, which advocates for building local safety chapters for women, girls and children through community support. 'I have never been more touched by a friend's kindness than your compliment to me in front of my girls,' Ferguson also wrote.

'I personally, on behalf of myself, deeply regret that Jeffrey Epstein became involved in any way with me,' Ferguson told the London Evening Standard in 2012. 'I abhor paedophilia and any sexual abuse of children and know that this was a gigantic error of judgment on my behalf.'

Originally published on IBTimes UK
28 March 2026 11:06 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Five people were injured in Abu Dhabi after debris from intercepted ballistic missiles fell in the city, the Government Media Office said on Saturday, AzerNEWS reports.

Officials reported that the injuries were assessed as minor to moderate.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Defence Ministry earlier confirmed its air defense units and fighter aircraft were engaging incoming missiles and drone threats from Iran.

The United States President Donald Trump expressed his belief on Friday that the US 'saved' the Middle East from Iran, calling it "the bully of the Middle East."

"I really believe we saved the Middle East, not just Israel. It was proven by all those rockets that fired down upon you. And nobody expected any missiles to be wasted," Trump stated at the Future Investment Initiative event in Miami.

The US president reiterated that Washington is two weeks ahead of schedule regarding the conflict in Iran, and stressed that Tehran will "have to open up" the Strait of Hormuz. "They have to open up the Strait of Trump ... I mean Hormuz. Excuse me, I'm so sorry, such a terrible mistake," he added.
28 March 2026 13:01 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Houthis' spokesperson Yahya Saree announced on Saturday that the Yemeni militant group launched their first strikes on Israel since the beginning of the conflict in Iran, AzerNEWS reports.

Saree stated that the attack was carried out using a barrage of ballistic missiles and that it targeted Israel's "sensitive" military sites. He claimed that the Houthis decided to join the war due to the attacks on Iran's infrastructure and the killing of civilians in Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, and Palestine, adding that the group's military operation "will continue until the declared objectives are achieved ... and until the aggression against all resistance fronts cease."

The Iran-backed group previously stated that it would join the fight if the war in Iran escalates and if any alliance joins the United States and Israel in their war against Iran.
28 March 2026 14:44 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

European intelligence agencies believe Russia is in the final stages of delivering a shipment of drones to Iran for use in its ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel, according to The Guardian, citing a senior European official, AzerNEWS reports.

The report reinforces earlier claims by the Financial Times that Moscow is completing a multi-phase delivery of drones, medicine, and food to Iran.

The development marks a notable reversal, as Iran had previously supplied drones to Russia for use in the Russia-Ukraine War. Moscow has since established domestic drone production using similar technology and is now reportedly redirecting part of that capacity back to Tehran.

In the weeks following US and Israeli strikes on Iranian territory, reports have also suggested that Russia has been sharing intelligence on US and Israeli positions with Iranian forces.

According to the Financial Times, the drone shipment was expected to be delivered by mid-week, signaling an accelerated timeline.

If confirmed, the delivery would mark the first concrete evidence of direct Russian military involvement in the current conflict, potentially escalating tensions further.

However, the Kremlin has dismissed the reports, with a spokesperson calling them fake news.
28 March 2026 17:39 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The Pakistani government will host the foreign ministers of Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt on March 29-30, with the ongoing war in Iran set to dominate discussions, AzerNEWS reports.

According to sources cited by the French Press Agency, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif recently spoke with Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian over the phone ahead of the two-day meeting.

Pakistan played a key role in conveying the USs 15-point proposal to Iran to halt hostilities, a fact confirmed by both Washington and Tehran. The country, along with Turkiye, is among the nations pushing for an end to the conflict.

Experts note that Pakistans concern is linked to its alliance with Saudi Arabia and the mutual defense commitments in the event of an attack. This raises the risk that Pakistan could become involved in the war if Saudi Arabia were directly targeted.

Saudi Arabia, along with other Persian Gulf countries, has condemned Iranian attacks, though some Western media outlets report that Riyadh is pressing the United States to force a complete Iranian defeat.

The upcoming talks in Islamabad are expected to focus on strategies for de-escalation and regional security, as well as potential diplomatic measures to prevent further escalation of the conflict in Iran.
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Cloudy skies with periods of rain after midnight. Low 46F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch. Locally heavy rainfall possible.
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SPRINGFIELD  A Pittsfield man pleaded guilty Wednesday in federal court to receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material, nearly five years after federal agents raided his Maple Street home.

Benjamin Shacar, 39, pleaded guilty to 10 counts of receiving child sexual abuse material and one count of possessing it before U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni in Springfield. A sentencing hearing is set for June 22.

The court case began in March 2021, when Homeland Security Investigations agents descended on Shacar's residence on Maple Street.

Investigators had been watching Shacar for nearly two years before the raid, court documents show. An IP address registered to his Maple Street home was traced to a dark web site in May 2019  a hidden service accessible only through Tor software, which routes internet traffic to try to conceal users' identities.

The site was designed to facilitate the sharing of child sexual abuse material depicting girls ages 4 to 14, according to court documents.

When agents executed the search warrant, they found a laptop and a thumb drive Shacar had stashed on top of a kitchen cabinet. The thumb drive contained roughly 80 videos, including about 10 that investigators recognized from other child exploitation cases, according to court documents.

Shacar waived his Miranda rights and told investigators he had been accessing such material for years, court records show.

After his arrest, a federal magistrate judge released Shacar on $10,000 bail, with conditions barring him from unsupervised internet use and restricting him largely to his home while the case proceeded.

Conviction on the receipt counts carries a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of 20. The possession count carries a maximum of 10 years.

Each count also exposes Shacar to at least five years of supervised release following any prison term, potentially extending to life, as well as fines of up to $250,000.
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NORTH ADAMS  The city is seeking $950,000 in grant funding to get rid of its worst blighted properties, improve roadways and sidewalks on a couple streets, fund various social services programs and help pay its community development salaries.

More Information What: The Community Development Block Grant applications are due April 20 Public Comment: Comments on North Adams requests will be taken until the end of day March 27 by contacting the Office of Community Development: mkozik@northadams-ma.gov or 413-662-3025

During a public hearing on Wednesday, Director of Community Development Marya Kozik gave a presentation about the choice of projects the city seeks through the Community Development Block Grant program. The 18-month grant period starts in July and extends into fiscal 2028.

The federally funded, annual program has paid for previous city improvements; in 2025, the city landed $950,000 to resurface roads around Prospect Street and build a second parking lot at the Mary Spitzer Senior Center.

Here's a list of the projects the city seeks to fund through this round:

Public infrastructure

As part of its Street Improvement Project, the city is requesting $500,000 for roadway resurfacing on Lincoln and Sperry streets, which will include sidewalk replacement, curb cuts, improving ADA accessibility and possible stormwater management.

We have done a number of streets in a particular low-income area, Kozik said. We cant do 10 a year; we usually work on two or three. But, slowly, over the years, we have built up to improve the conditions of the neighborhood, hopefully elevating the status of living for everyone.

That designation was made because that is the location of a hub of low-income housing, in the adjacent area is St Joseph's Court and senior housing and it was based on an ADA study that looked at where the worst streets are, said Kozik.

Neighborhood demolition program

Another $280,000 would be used to demolish vacant abandoned, dormant, dilapidated or unsafe buildings to eradicate slum and blight on a spot basis.

While some nearby communities, like Adams, are designating entire swaths as blighted to be eligible for certain funding, Kozik said that is not what is happening through this program.

They do not all have to be in the same area, but we will look at areas within the city where this will be an improvement  particularly to health and safety, that is paramount, said Kozik.

Decisions about which properties those will be will come from a review of the citys distressed properties list, and taking the worst ones off of that list, she said.

Social services programs

The city is requesting $40,000 for programs run by locally contracted service providers. Earlier in the winter, Kozik said the city put out a request for proposal to providers and those were reviewed by the Health and Human Services Commission. It suggested splitting the money between four groups.

It would fund a free string music education program for students from underresourced communities "by Kids for Harmony Youth Development program by 18 Degrees; emergency assistance for seniors and families with children under 5 that is operated by Berkshire Community Action Council; The REACH Initiative by Berkshire County Head Start, which aims to improve kindergarten readiness of children in preschool programs by incorporating case management services; and the monthly Meals Ministry program at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish that serves meals to seniors and people with disabilities.

General administration and planning

The last component would allocate $132,000 for salaries and planning within the Office of Community Development. The fund will partially pay the salaries of the director, the project coordinator and the fiscal compliance officer.

What is CDBG?

There are two primary Massachusetts CDBG funding programs, the Community Development Fund and the Mini-Entitlement Program. North Adams has consistently been a mini-entitlement community since at least 2020, according to the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. Entitlement communities generally have a population of 50,000 or more and receive this funding directly from HUD.

Under the CDBG program, North Adams is a mini-entitlement community, which means it is noncompetitive and is awarded $950,000 each cycle directly through the Department of Housing and Urban Development to address low-income needs.
In the same week, juries in both California and New Mexico delivered landmark verdicts holding Meta and YouTube accountable for harming children through addictive social media platform designs, marking the first time in U.S. legal history that tech companies have been found liable for the mental health damage their products cause to young users.

The California Verdict

On Wednesday, March 25, a Los Angeles County Superior Court jury found Meta and Google negligent in a civil trial brought by a 20-year-old plaintiff identified as KGM. The jury determined that both companies designed their platforms to be addictive and failed to warn users about the risks, according to ABC News.

The jury awarded KGM $3 million in compensatory damages and $3 million in punitive damages, totaling $6 million. Meta was found responsible for 70% of the harm, while YouTube was assigned 30%.

During the five-week trial, KGM testified that she started using YouTube at age six and Instagram at nine, eventually spending up to 16 hours a day on social media. She was diagnosed with anxiety and depression by age 10. "I stopped engaging with family because I was spending all my time on social media," she said.

Read more: Parental Control Apps Guide to Building Strong Online Safety Kids Need Every Day

The New Mexico Verdict

Just one day earlier, a jury in New Mexico found Meta liable for endangering children and violating the state's Unfair Practices Act. The jury identified thousands of violations and recommended $375 million in civil penalties, PBS reported. The case was built on an undercover investigation in which agents posed as minors and documented sexual solicitations on Meta's platforms.

What This Means Going Forward

Both verdicts carry major implications. The California case is a bellwether for roughly 2,000 pending lawsuits from parents and school districts across the country. Legal experts have compared the wave of litigation to the tobacco industry lawsuits of the 1990s.

Meta and Google have both said they plan to appeal. Meta stated that teen mental health is "profoundly complex and cannot be linked to a single app," while Google called YouTube "a responsibly built streaming platform, not a social media site," as per the BBC.

Key Takeaways for Parents

These rulings reinforce what child safety advocates have long warned: social media platforms are designed to keep users, including children, engaged for as long as possible.

Parents should monitor how early and how often their children access these apps, set firm screen time limits, and watch for features like push notifications, autoplay, and algorithmic recommendations that make these platforms hard to put down.

With courts now recognizing these designs as defective, the legal landscape is shifting in favor of families seeking accountability from Big Tech.
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Dalton Delan can be reached at berkshireeaglereels@gmail.com and @UnspinRoom on X. His Eagle Reels conversations can be found on YouTube.
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Stewart Edelstein, a Stockbridge resident, is author of several books, including Dubious Doublets: A Delightful Compendium of Unlikely Word Pairs of Common Origin, from Aardvark/Porcelain to Zodiac/Whiskey, The Covid-19 Zeitgeist: Fifty Essays, and An Alphabetical Romp Through the Flora of Berkshire Botanical Garden from Agave to Zinnia.
Today, another slate of No Kings rallies will see Berkshire residents stand up and stand out alongside their fellow Americans to protest the many excesses of the Trump administration. The No Kings Day of Peaceful Action encompasses more than 2,600 events nationwide, including eight Berkshire County communities: Adams, Dalton, Great Barrington, North Adams, Pittsfield, Stockbridge and West Stockbridge. Other nearby rallies are scheduled in Worthington in Hampshire County, Bennington, Vt., and Salisbury, Conn.

Berkshire County: 'No Kings' rallies set for March 28 Berkshire County residents will join a nationwide day of nonviolent protest during the third No Kings Day of Peaceful Action on Saturday, March 28, with multiple rallies and gatherings planned across the region.

By our count, this will be the fifth incidence in less than a year of nationwide protests featuring multiple organized demonstrations across the Berkshires. It follows two previous iterations of No Kings  including one in June that drew thousands in the Berkshires and up to 6 million nationwide  as well as the Hands Off rallies last April and the Good Trouble Lives On protests last July.

With this administration, its felt like much longer than a year and change since Donald Trump became president again with an even more autocratic agenda and attitude than his first term. Weve been sharply critical of his worst overreaches: a cruel and lawless immigration crackdown; an open campaign to suppress free speech and dissent; gutting the institutions that support democracy and the programs that support vulnerable Americans; the megalomaniacal effort to reshape the republic in the presidents vainglorious visage.

Whats particularly notable now, though, is that this is the first round of these major collective protests since President Trump started the war with Iran. Of course, the president claims the pandoras box of violence and instability he has opened in the Mideast is not a war, instead preferring doublespeak like excursion and military operation. Its yet another trait our president shares with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, who referred to his invasion of Ukraine as a special military operation: Both twist meaning and truth to the breaking point to launder their destructive tendencies.

Wars cast a stark light on state power and those who hold it. That goes especially for a country like ours where unheeded warnings about the accumulation of executive power have proved painfully prescient. The Trump administration has embraced a maximalist view of executive authority outlined in Project 2025 in a manner that embodies the worst fears of overreach, from the streets of Minneapolis to the waters of the Caribbean and now Iran.

Unwise wars demonstrate the worst in our leaders. Not only has our president launched a senseless war without consulting Congress much less seeking its consent  a clear violation of the Constitution  but a Republican-controlled Congress remains unwilling or unable to reign him in.

Now, thousands of U.S. troops are bound for the Mideast, thrust into harms way for a war that threatens massive human tragedy as well as deep economic crisis. If youre feeling the pinch at the gas pump or the supermarket checkout, remember that a significant portion of the worlds oil and fertilizer rely on passage through the Strait of Hormuz, now choked by the war of choice our president started with dubious reasons and goals.

Since the last time Berkshire residents stood with their fellow Americans in protest, President Trump has managed to add substantially to the list of legitimate grievances that we the people have every right to be exercised about.

As ever, the First Amendment points the way. Were grateful to local organizers who give their neighbors a robust chance to flex their freedoms of speech, assembly and petitioning our government for redress of grievances. Now more than ever, peaceful and principled pushback is necessary.
Dialogues at Pharmamed 2026 lay out roadmap for India's pharma future

March 28, 2026 | Saturday | News

India outlines future of pharma at PharmaMed 2026, with emphasis on flexibility, regulation, and healthcare

image credit- pib

The 9th edition of PharmaMed 2026 was organised by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) in collaboration with Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India in New Delhi on 27 March.

Focused on the theme "Healthcare Equity: Reaching Every Citizen of Viksit Bharat", the inaugural session was attended by senior policy makers, global regulators, industry leaders and experts, setting the stage for a meaningful dialogue on strengthening the country's pharmaceutical sector.

The inaugural session focused on strengthening supply chain resilience, promoting self-reliance in APIs and Key Starting Materials (KSMs). The focus was on key issues including promotion and furthering public-private partnerships.

The session on 'Redefining India's Pharmaceutical Leadership  From Quantity to Value' was attended by representatives from CDSCO, PharmaExil, Cipla and NIPER. The main objective of this session was to propel India's pharmaceutical sector towards high-value innovation. The discussions focused on strengthening research in the field of biologics, advanced therapeutics, and biosimilars.

In the session on 'Strengthening Pharmaceutical Quality  Regulatory Harmonization and Global Compliance', the delegates emphasized on improving quality standards across the supply chain through robust regulatory frameworks and compliance.

Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), Pharmexcil, Cipla, AstraZeneca, Indian Pharmaceutical Producers' Organization, Serum Institute of India, Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) Mohali, United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), Tenet Health Edutech Pvt Ltd, NuLifeCare, Daund Biological, EVERSANA, Jamia Hamdard, Mankind Pharma, Apollo Pharmacy, Tata 1mg, and key organisations and industry stakeholders such as the Association of Healthcare Providers India actively participated in these sessions, contributing their diverse expertise and valuable insights through the sessions.
SHANGHAI, March 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Lin Guangming, founder of Moyom Biotechnology and the Aphranel brand, was invited to participate in a policy-focused industry discussion on China's medical aesthetics sector during the country's annual legislative and advisory meetings, commonly known as the "Two Sessions." The discussion highlighted a broader shift toward more clinically grounded, long-term development.

Hosted by People's Daily's health platform, the program brought together industry and academic representatives to address regulatory priorities, clinical standards, and the evolving role of medical aesthetics within China's healthcare system. As one of China's most widely read official media outlets, People's Daily and its digital platforms serve as a major channel for health information and industry dialogue.

On March 17, 2026, Lin Guangming, founder of Moyom Biotechnology, appeared on a special program alongside Professor Shi Bin, Chair of the Plastic and Aesthetic Committee of the Chinese Medical Institutions Association. The discussion focused on reinforcing medical aesthetics as a clinical discipline, with emphasis on regulatory compliance, standardized procedures, and responsible treatment practices.

During the program, Professor Shi underscored the importance of recognizing medical aesthetics as a medical discipline, with a focus on qualified practitioners, compliant products, accredited institutions, and standardized clinical protocols. He added that recent policy developments in China have strengthened oversight across these areas, reinforcing a more structured and clinically oriented framework for the sector.

Technological Foundations Built on Long-Term Research

From an industry perspective, Lin shared insights drawn from more than a decade of research and development in calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) filler materials. He noted that Aphranel's product development processfrom laboratory research to regulatory approval as a Class III medical device in Chinaspanned over 11 years and included preclinical studies and long-term clinical validation.

He also outlined key material characteristics. According to the company, its CaHA microspheres are engineered with particle sizes of approximately 3035 m and feature a raspberry-shaped surface and a through-hole structure designed to support cell adhesion and tissue integration. With a reported elastic modulus (G') of approximately 5500 Pa, the material is intended to provide structural support and injection stability. The material is described as biodegradable, with no residual chemical cross-linking agents, and may support more active collagen regeneration through its porous structure.

A Philosophy of "Aphranel Poetics of Time"

Lin also introduced a brand philosophy described as "Be With Time, Be Like Me," emphasizing gradual, sustainable outcomes and long-term patient engagement, aligned with the industry's increasing focus on treatment quality and durability.

The discussion reflects ongoing changes in China's medical aesthetics market, where tighter regulation and increased clinical standardization are reshaping industry practices.

Advancing Toward Global Markets

Aphranel has participated in major international platforms, including IMCAS in Parisone of the world's leading congresses in medical aesthetics and dermatologyas well as exhibitions across Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Brazil.

At IMCAS Paris, Aphranel introduced its "Poetics of Time" concept, encouraging a shift in focus from immediate results to long-term outcomes.

Aphranel is also expanding its international footprint. Following domestic regulatory approval, the company has progressed through EU MDR evaluation and is moving toward final certification, positioning itself for entry into highly regulated global markets.

Market Note

According to the company, Aphranel products are intended for use within regulated medical institutions. Positioned within the premium segment of regenerative CaHA fillers, the product is associated with the higher end of pricing in the medical aesthetics market, reflecting its focus on advanced material engineering and long-term clinical outcomes.

SOURCE SHANGHAI MOYANG BIOTECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
Accumulated profits at a property management company owned by Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae exceeded 1 million last year, according to newly filed accounts.

Roughty Properties Limited was set up by the Kerry politician in May 2022, and has been linked to a guesthouse in Tralee used to accommodate Ukrainian refugees, among other properties.

Healy-Rae, 59, is the sole owner of the firm, while his son, Kevin, 27, is also listed as a director.

Accounts just filed to the Companies Office show that accumulated profits climbed by 241,244 to just over 1 million during the 12 months to the end of last May, while the firm had cash and other current assets worth 461,042.

Healy-Rae has been referred to as the largest landlord in the Dail. His latest declaration of interests lists 28 separate properties, including guesthouses, student accommodation, and rental homes.

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He lists his occupations as a postmaster, politician, farmer, service-station owner, owner of rental properties, and the owner of a plant-hire business. He is a director of four companies.

In 2022, Kerry County Council refused planning permission to Roughty Properties Limited for a three-storey extension to Rosemont Guesthouse, which would have significantly expanded its capacity.

The value of fixed assets at the company increased more than threefold to 669,617 during the last financial year, while cash and current assets decreased by 257,004 to 416,042.

The firm had previously reported 465,860 in post-tax profits during its first year of incorporation, followed by another 376,048 in the subsequent 12 months to the end of May 2024.

Healy-Raes Rosemont guesthouse received 1.22 million from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth during the 27 months to the end of December 2024, according to official figures.

His declaration of interests confirm that Roughty Properties Limited held contracts with the department for the accommodation of Ukrainians in 2025, while he also had contracts with Kerry County Council for the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS).

Healy-Rae, who is the minister of state with responsibility for forestry, also owns a number of parcels of forestry, according to his declaration of interests, along with farmland, retail property, and B&Bs.

His other interests include shares in the New York Times.
As the video opens, Democratic Texas State Representative James Talarico appears to stand in front of a Texas flag, beaming.

"Radicalised white men are the greatest domestic terrorist threat in our country," the US Senate candidate seems to say into the camera.

As a voice whispers "white men," Talarico continues: "So true. So true."

But Talarico never filmed that video. Instead, the clip is an AI-generated ad from the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), the party's Senate campaign arm, featuring a computer-altered Talarico reciting social media posts he wrote years ago.

The words "AI generated" show up in easy-to-miss font in the lower righthand corner.

The realistic video is among a vanguard of "deepfake" advertisements that some campaigns are already deploying ahead of November's midterm elections, taking advantage of AI tools that are improving at a breakneck pace.

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The ads are being introduced into a media landscape with few guardrails. There is no federal regulation constraining the use of AI in political messaging, leaving only a patchwork of largely untested state laws.

And while social media companies like Meta and X label certain AI-generated content, they have scrapped professional fact-checking systems in favor of user-generated notes.

Politics experts worry such videos could leave voters confused, or even deceived. The stakes are high: the election will determine which party controls Congress for the final two years of Republican president Donald Trump's term, with Democrats seemingly well positioned to capture a majority in the US House of Representatives but facing longer odds in the US Senate.

The ads appear to be effective, political strategists and experts said. One 2025 study, published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Creative Communications, found that people struggle to identify deepfake videos and that their opinions are affected by this type of misinformation.

So far, Republicans appear to be utilising the technology more frequently than Democrats this election cycle, according to politics experts and a Reuters review of publicly available ads.

The Republicans are following the lead of Trump's White House, which has released scores of AI-generated videos and gaming-inspired memes on social media that do everything from disparaging protesters to hyping up the Iran war.

The Talarico ad, for instance, is one of three recent ads created by national Republicans that use deepfake technology  realistic yet fabricated videos made by AI algorithms that have become increasingly easy to create.

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NRSC Communications Director Joanna Rodriguez defended the ad in a statement to Reuters, saying Democrats were "panicking after seeing and hearing James Talarico's own words."

JT Ennis, a spokesperson for Talarico's campaign, said that while his opponents "spend their time making deepfake videos to mislead Texans, we are uniting the people of Texas to win in November."

Among Democrats, the most notable user of AI-generated videos is California Governor Gavin Newsom, a potential 2028 presidential candidate who has frequently employed deepfake videos to troll Trump. But the Democratic Party's national campaign committees have not yet sought to mirror the NRSC's efforts in midterm campaigns.

Ads pose misinformation risks

The campaign of Republican US Representative Mike Collins of Georgia, who is vying to challenge Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff in November, created a deepfake video in which Ossoff appears to say: I just voted to keep the government shut down.

"They say it would hurt farmers, but I wouldnt know. Ive only seen a farm on Instagram.

In a statement, Collins campaign spokesperson said that as technology evolves, the campaign will be at the forefront embracing new tactics and strategies that pierce through lopsided legacy media coverage and deliver our message directly to voters.

A spokesperson for Ossoffs campaign declined to comment on the ad. Days after the video ran, the campaign said "yes" when asked by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution if it would commit to not using deepfakes that misattribute or fabricate words or actions of their opponents to mislead voters.

Daniel Schiff, a Purdue University professor who has studied thousands of deepfakes, said the growing use of political content that spreads misinformation risks further eroding U.S. voter trust in institutions.

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"I think that the types of damage that we can do to the rigor and credibility of elections and democratic systems  and the ability to misinform people about candidates or social issues  very much risks being supercharged," he said.

Still, political strategists say AI-generated videos can be persuasive as well as time- and cost-effective, though they stressed that they need to be used ethically. The technology can be a tool for political satire in a visual format that lends itself to watching and sharing on social media.

States play catch-up on AI

With essentially no federal regulation in place, states have been playing catch-up. 28 states have passed legislation addressing the use of AI in political ads, with most focused on disclosure rather than an outright ban, according to Ilana Beller, who leads state legislative work on AI at the liberal consumer advocacy group Public Citizen.

But those laws face limits. Many only apply to political campaigns rather than social media users who might spread AI-infused misinformation. Research also suggests that disclaimers are not effective in preventing voters from being persuaded by false ads, Schiff noted.

AI technology is inexpensive and accessible enough that down-ballot candidates and local political groups are using it, said Brady Smith, a national Republican political strategist.

For example, in February the Republican Committee for Loudoun County in northern Virginia released three AI-generated ads attacking Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger, who took office in January.

One video showed footage of Spanbergers response to Trumps State of the Union address interspersed with AI-generated video of her appearing to say things like working hard to bring in commie socialist Marxism, free stuff for illegals, gun grabs and erasing gender norms.

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A spokesperson for Spanberger declined to comment. A representative for the Loudoun County Republican Committee did not reply to a request for comment.

Other videos are more obviously fake. An ad for Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxtons primary campaign against Senator John Cornyn shows an AI-generated version of Cornyn dancing with Democratic Representative Jasmine Crockett, as a narrator says: Publicly, theyre opponents. Privately, theyre perfectly in step.

A disclosure in small font appears at the end, stating some AI-generated content is satire that does not represent real events.

World Rallies planned in thousands of US cities for 'No Kings' protest against Trump Read more

Cornyns campaign responded by releasing an AI-generated ad of Paxton driving a convertible with women depicted as Mistress #1 and Mistress #2, highlighting allegations of infidelity that have dogged the attorney general during his run.

Spokespeople for Paxton and Cornyns campaigns did not respond to requests for comment.

The exchange reflects how quickly AI-generated attacks are becoming part of routine campaign messaging, despite concerns about their impact on the electoral system.

"It's harmful for politicians and campaigns to continue normalising this," Schiff said.
With global energy prices up and his job approval ratings down, Donald Trump faces stark choices after a month of war against Iran: cut a potentially flawed deal and get out, or escalate militarily and risk a prolonged conflict that could consume his presidency.

Despite a flurry of diplomatic activity, Trump ends another week of the joint US-Israeli campaign struggling to contain a widening Middle East crisis as a defiant Iran maintains a chokehold on Gulf oil and gas shipments and continues missile and drone strikes across the region.

The central question now, say analysts, is whether Trump is ready to wind down or ramp up what critics have called a war of choice, one that has ignited the worst global energy supply shock in history and spread far beyond the region.

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'Forever war'

Trump has told aides he wants to avoid a forever war and find a negotiated exit, urging them to stress the four-to-six-week duration of hostilities he has outlined publicly, a senior White House official said, adding that such a timeline appears shaky".

At the same time, Trump has threatened a major military escalation if talks fail.

Trumps diplomatic overtures to Iran, including a 15-point peace proposal sent via a backchannel with Pakistan, appeared to demonstrate an increasingly urgent search for an off-ramp. But it remains unclear whether there are currently any realistic prospects for fruitful negotiations.

President Trump has poor options all around to end the war, said Jonathan Panikoff, former US deputy national intelligence officer for the Middle East. Part of the challenge is the lack of clarity related to what a satisfactory outcome would be.

A White House official insisted that the Iran campaign "will conclude when the commander-in-chief determines that our objectives are met" and that Trump had laid out explicit goals.

Sturggling to contain expanding war

Apparently hedging his bets, Trump is deploying thousands more US troops to the region and warning Iran of an intensified onslaught, possibly including the use of ground troops, if it does not yield to his demands.

Analysts say such a show of force could be aimed at creating leverage for concessions from Tehran but risks drawing the US into a more protracted conflict, with any commitment of boots on Iranian soil likely to anger many American voters.

Another possible scenario, experts say, would be for the US to wage a final major air assault in "Operation Epic Fury" to further degrade Irans military capabilities and nuclear sites, after which Trump would declare victory and walk away, saying his war objectives had been achieved.

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But such a claim would ring hollow unless the vital Strait of Hormuz is completely reopened, which Iran is so far refusing to allow. Trump has voiced frustration over European allies' refusal to send warships to help secure the waterway.

Trump, who has repeatedly vowed to keep the US out of foreign conflicts, is seemingly struggling to contain the expanding war that he started along with Israel.

Even as he has continued issuing triumphalist assessments, he has increasingly geared his messaging to reassuring nervous financial markets, pressing senior aides to emphasise that the war will be over soon, according to the senior White House official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.

But the lack of a clear exit strategy carries dangers both for Trumps presidential legacy and his party's prospects as Republicans scramble to defend narrow majorities in Congress in the November midterm elections.

Trumps biggest miscalculation has been the extent of Tehran's retaliation. It has used its remaining missiles and drones to strike Israel and neighboring Gulf states and mostly close the Strait of Hormuz, the conduit for one-fifth of the world's oil, sending shockwaves through the global economy.

The Iranian governments bet is they can take more pain for longer than their adversaries, and they might be right, said Jon Alterman of the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank in Washington.

The White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Trump and his team were "well-prepared" for Iran's response in the strait and are confident it will reopen soon.

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Even so, the clearest sign of Trump's growing anxiety about the war came on Monday with his dramatic climbdown from a threat to destroy Iran's power grid if it did not allow shipping to resume through the strait.

In a move widely seen as intended to calm markets, he declared a five-day pause in carrying out his threat in order to give diplomacy a chance. On Thursday, he extended that for another 10 days.

At the same time, pressure is building at home.

Unrest in MAGA base

Opinion polls show the war is overwhelmingly unpopular with Americans, and while Trumps MAGA movement has mostly stood with him, his grip on his political base could weaken if the economic impact, including high gas prices, persists.

Trumps overall approval rating has fallen to 36 per cent, the lowest since his return to the White House, a Reuters/Ipsos poll completed on Monday found.

The White House has grown increasingly worried about the political fallout from the war, a former senior Trump administration official told Reuters, citing concerns expressed by Republican lawmakers about the coming midterm elections.

In an indication of growing Republican disquiet, US representative Mike Rogers, chair of the House Armed Services Committee, criticised the administration on Thursday for not providing enough information on the scope of the Iran campaign.

Pushing back, the White House official said Trump aides had briefed Congress numerous times before and during the war.

Fraught diplomacy complicated by killings

For now, however, the diplomatic path offers no easy solutions.

The 15-point plan put forth by Trump is similar to what Iran had mostly rejected in pre-war negotiations and includes some elements that would be hard to enforce. The demands range from dismantling Iran's nuclear program and curbing its missile arsenal to abandoning its proxy groups and effectively handing over control of the strait.

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Iran called the US offer unfair and unrealistic - though it did not rule out further indirect contacts.

While Trump insisted on Thursday that Iran was begging to reach a deal, the country's rulers appear in no rush to negotiate an end to the conflict, analysts say, since they believe they will be in a position to claim victory simply by surviving.

Complicating any diplomatic effort has been the replacement of some leaders killed in US-Israeli airstrikes with even more hardline successors, analysts say. The rulers have made clear their distrust of Trump, who twice in the past year has launched airstrikes while both sides were still negotiating.

"The president is willing to listen, but if they fail to accept the reality of the current moment, they will be hit harder than ever before," said the White House official.

Israeli officials, meanwhile, have signaled unease that Trump might make concessions that could tie their hands in further strikes against Iran.

Washingtons Gulf allies may also resent a hasty US exit, given they could be left with a wounded, hostile neighbor.

Contradictory signals keep opponents off-balance

If Trump is indeed prepared to deploy ground forces, he could take over Irans Kharg Island oil hub or other strategic islands, mount operations along its coast or send special forces for what would be a complex attempt to seize its stockpile of highly enriched uranium believed mostly buried underground by US-Israeli bombing last June.

Such moves could spiral into a broader conflict evoking echoes of the long-running wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that Trump has promised the US would never be dragged into on his watch. They would also risk increased American casualties and raise more questions about US mission objectives.

A police officer stands on a road on March 28th, 2026 in Tehran, Iran. The United States and Israel have continued their joint attack on Iran that began on February 28th. Photo: Majid Saeedi/Getty Images

Ireland Leo Varadkar believes Donald Trump may seek third term Read more

Gulf allies have warned the administration not to put US troops on the ground in Iran, saying it could trigger more retaliation from Tehran, possibly against their energy and civilian infrastructure, a senior Gulf official said on condition of anonymity.

The White House official said Trump had made clear "he has no plans to send ground troops anywhere at this time," but added that he always keeps all options on the table.

For now, Trump is keeping the world guessing, one moment making pronouncements aimed at soothing volatile markets and in the next issuing threats that spike energy prices.

Trump traffics in contradictory signals, said Laura Blumenfeld of the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in Washington. He is a one-man fog of war messaging machine to keep opponents off-balance."
Donald Trump has pointed to the upcoming state visit of Britain's King Charles to highlight the need for a controversial $400 million ballroom at the White House.

The US president argued the development was necessary to entertain a large number of people when hosting foreign dignitaries and world leaders.

The 90,000-square foot project, which saw the East Wing torn down last October, has been the subject of a legal challenge in a bid to halt construction.

The White House is sited on federal parkland.

There is a big dig at the White House, says the president (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP)

A panel reviewing the plans, which is headed by a top aide to the president, is due to hold a final vote on the scheme on April 2nd.

Earlier this year, the US Commission of Fine Arts, whose members were appointed by Trump, gave unanimous backing to the proposal.

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Speaking to a group of farmers as he overlooked the building site, the president and billionaire developer declared: I love construction.

He added: Thats a big dig. Were building a ballroom.

Every president has said can we have a ballroom please, a room where you could have a lot of people?

So when the president of China, France, when somebody comes over from the UK, including the King, we have the King coming over very shortly, King Charles, so we can have, like, a large room, because the White House is incredible, but it never had a ballroom.

Thatll be the finest ballroom anywhere in the world when its completed.

I love construction. I love building beautiful things.

Building work is under way at the presidents official residence (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP)

The now-demolished East Wing was originally built in 1902 during Theodore Roosevelts presidency and subsequently expanded in 1942 under Franklin Roosevelt.

The privately funded ballroom development, which is designed to hold 1,000 guests, is due to be completed before the end of Trumps presidency in 2029.

Ireland Leo Varadkar believes Donald Trump may seek third term Read more

Earlier this week, the president denied transatlantic tensions over the Iran war would affect Charles' planned trip to the US.

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.
The Metropolitan Police are reviewing CCTV from the day UK prime minister Keir Starmers former chief of staff had his phone stolen, according to reports.

The loss of ex-top aide Morgan McSweeneys phone means that important messages relating to Peter Mandelsons appointment as US ambassador will not be placed in the public domain.

It comes after MPs moved in February to force the publication of tens of thousands of documents with the aim of uncovering how much was known about Mandelsons links to Jeffrey Epstein before the peer was handed the Washington job.

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch is among the opposition politicians who have sought to suggest the phone theft is fishy.

But Starmer said it is far-fetched to say there was any link between the Mandelson files and the phone theft, which took place in October, months before the Commons vote that triggered the collection and release of the documents.

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According to The Times, the Met are now reviewing CCTV from Pimlico, the area of central London where the theft of McSweeneys phone took place, in order to establish the facts of the case.

McSweeney, who is from Co Cork, could also be asked for further clarification as part of the review, the newspaper said.

Police took the unusual step of releasing a transcript of McSweeneys 999 call reporting the phone theft.

The Met wrongly recorded the theft as having taken place in east London rather than Westminster after McSweeney wrongly gave his location as Belgrave Street rather than Belgrave Road during the October 20th call.

Elsewhere, Mandelson will be asked to supply messages from his personal phone as part of the disclosure of files related to his appointment as US ambassador.

Mandelson was sacked from his role as US ambassador in September last year (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

The Cabinet Office is working on an information-gathering plan and will ask the ex-Labour grandee to provide everything he holds in scope of the humble address used to compel the release of correspondence, according to UK government sources.

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.

The first tranche of documents related to the decision was published earlier this month after a demand for transparency by MPs, with more to follow.

McSweeney quit Downing Street last month, with many blaming him for pushing Mandelsons appointment.
US vice president JD Vance is the Conservative Political Action Conference's top choice this year for the next US president, according to a straw poll released on Saturday.

About 53 per cent of attendees who voted in the poll at this year's CPAC convention chose Vance. secretary of state Marco Rubio came in second with 35 per cent at CPAC, a key gathering for Republican lawmakers, activists and presidential hopefuls.

CPAC, which is holding this year's event in Grapevine, Texas, draws heavily from the Republican Party's conservative wing. Its annual straw poll is not necessarily a reliable predictor of the eventual nominee.

But the poll offers a snapshot of where the energy currently lies among core supporters of president Donald Trump's Make America Great Again movement. Trump, currently serving his second term, is not eligible to run again in 2028.
Israels military said it had intercepted a missile launched from Yemen early on Saturday morning, the first time it had faced fire from that country.

Sirens went off around Beer Sheba and the area near Israels main nuclear research centre for the third time overnight on Friday into Saturday as Iran and Hezbollah continued to fire on Israel.





The Houthis, a rebel group backed by Tehran, have held Yemens capital, Sanaa, since 2014. They have claimed responsibility for the missile attack.

Brigadier General Yahya Saree, a military spokesman for the Houthis, issued the claim in a statement aired Saturday morning by the rebels Al-Masirah satellite television.

The Houthis had stayed out of the war as the rebels have had an uneasy ceasefire for years with Saudi Arabia, which launched a war against the group on behalf of Yemens exiled government in 2015.

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Attacks on vessels during the Israel-Hamas war upended shipping in the Red Sea, through which about one trillion dollars (753.7 billion) worth of goods passed each year before the war. The rebels also fired drones at Israel.

Israel struck Irans nuclear facilities hours after threatening to escalate and expand its campaign against Tehran on Friday. Iran vowed to retaliate and struck a base in Saudi Arabia, wounding US service members and damaging planes.

On Friday, Brig Gen Saree, a military spokesman for the Houthis, issued a pre-recorded statement outlining several ways the rebels could join the war on behalf of Iran.

We affirm that our fingers are on the trigger for direct military intervention in any of the following cases, Mr Saree said. They included the continuation of the escalation against the Islamic Republic and the Axis of Jihad and Resistance, as dictated by the theatre of military operations.

In 2024, the Trump administration launched strikes against the Houthis that ended weeks later. The US-led campaign against the Houthi rebels, overshadowed by the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip, turned into the most intense running sea battle the Navy had faced since the Second World War.



Houthi supporters shout slogans during a rally against Israel and the United States war in Iran, in Sanaa, Yemen (Osamah Abdulrahman/AP)

The possible entrance of the Houthis into the war also called into question whether the rebels will again target commercial shipping traveling through the Red Sea corridor. The Houthi rebels attacked more than 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two vessels and killing four sailors, from November 2023 until January 2025.

That would cause further chaos in global shipping, which is reeling from Irans stranglehold over the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which a fifth of all oil and natural gas once passed.

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Prior to the attack from Yemen, there appeared to be a breakthrough as Tehran agreed to allow humanitarian aid and agricultural shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, accepting a request from the United Nations.

Ali Bahreini, the countrys ambassador to the UN in Geneva, said Iran agreed to facilitate and expedite such movement.

The vital waterway usually handles a fifth of the worlds oil shipments and nearly a third of the worlds fertiliser trade. While markets and governments have largely focused on blocked supplies of oil and natural gas, the restriction of fertiliser ingredients and trade threatens farming and food security around the world.

This measure reflects Irans continued commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts and ensuring that essential aid reaches those in need without delay, Mr Bahreini said on the social platform X. The UN earlier announced a task force to address the ripple effects that the war has had on aid delivery.

The Iranian attack on Prince Sultan Air Base wounded at least 10 American troops, according to two US officials familiar with the situation. Two of them were seriously hurt, according to one of the officials. Both of the officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military matters. Several refuelling aircraft were damaged.
Sydney's coast battered by wild weather

Beaches across Sydney and surrounds saw large swells on Saturday morning, as authorities urged people to stay out of the surf.
BEIJING, March 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from CRIOnline:

On March 27, 40 exemplary cases on protecting and promoting cultural diversity in the digital environment were released at the Creativity 2030 - 5th International Forum, featuring innovative, sustainable, and replicable global practices.

Scene of the Forum

Following the successful first call in 2024, the second call was launched in November 2025 as part of UNESCO's celebrations of the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. Nearly 150 submissions from 13 countries were reviewed by an international expert panel, with 40 selected for their innovative highlights and impact.

Spanning digital cultural industries, cultural heritage protection, and intangible cultural heritage innovation, the cases demonstrate how technologies such as VR, digital imaging, and immersive performance bridge cultures and advance SDGs. The initiative (call for cases) will promote global sharing through the forum, partnerships, a dedicated publication and other means, to turn these best practices into shared public knowledge.

SOURCE CRIOnline
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LifestyleLife & relationshipsReligion Opinion This Passover will be like no other

Nomi Kaltmann March 29, 2026  4:30am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

On the first night of Passover, Jewish children open the Seder  the meal held by families on the first and second nights of Passover where we retell the story of the Exodus from Egypt  with the Ma Nishtana: why is this night different from all other nights? They spend weeks practising these ancient Hebrew verses and they ask the familiar questions: why do we dip our vegetables twice? Why do we lean like kings when we drink our wine? Why do we eat matzah instead of bread? And why do we eat maror, bitter herbs, instead of other vegetables? The Bondi Hannukah killings will throw a shadow over Passover this coming week. Dean Sewell I used to love reciting the Ma Nishtana as a child. Even now, in the weeks leading up to Passover, I find myself humming it as my children practise morning and night before their teachers test them. But this year, the question lands differently. Why is this night different? This year, many Jewish families in Australia will sit down at their Seder tables with an empty chair. Passover is usually one of the happiest festivals on the Jewish calendar, celebrating the freedom of the Jewish people from Egypt, from slavery to nationhood.

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Families spend weeks planning the food, inviting guests and organising where the Seders will take place. Some host at home, others travel somewhere special, and the evening stretches late into the night. Yet, since the Bondi Hannukah attack in December, every Jewish festival has had grief mixed in with joy. At Purim, the first festival after Hannukah, many people dressed as bees to honour Matilda Bee, the 10-year-old girl who was tragically killed. Now Passover arrives, and the losses are felt again. The Seder is usually led by the head of the family, but this year, the widows and orphaned children of Rabbi Eli Schlanger and Rabbi Yaakov Levitan will sit at the table without their husbands and fathers. For other families, whose loved ones were killed at Bondi, there will be a sadness of those who are missing. The rituals of Passover and celebrating freedom will be the same, but the absences will be impossible to ignore. In a way, this grief echoes the Passover story. The Seder is built around symbols of hardship alongside symbols of freedom. We eat the bitter herbs as well as the festive meal. Joy and sorrow are never fully separated.

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The Haggadah  the book that retells the story of the Exodus from Egypt  acknowledges this tension directly. It reminds us that in every generation there are those who rise up to destroy the Jewish people, and yet somehow, we endure. At Passover this year, which starts this Wednesday evening and runs until the Thursday of the following week, many Jews in Australia will still feel shaken. The sense of safety we once assumed in this country has been fractured. But Passover is not only about remembering our peoples suffering, it is also about insisting on continuity. And so, children will still stand up at tables across the country and ask the ancient questions, Ma Nishtana, why is this night different from all other nights? This year, the answer is painfully clear, because some of us will be asking it with people we love missing from the table. Nomi Kaltmann is an Orthodox rabbi.

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Opinion
Iran war will be over in weeks, US Secretary of State claims

The war in Iran will be over within weeks, not months, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who says America won't need to deploy ground troops.
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PoliticsFederalOne Nation Opinion If the major parties want to win back One Nation voters, theyre going about it all wrong Parnell Palme McGuinness Columnist and communications adviser March 29, 2026  4:00am

March 29, 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

The sincerity of the much-flaunted virtues in politics  empathy and kindness  dont take much to expose. After the South Australian election, their chief advocates have fallen silent. They baulk at extending the tender caress of mutual humanity to a newly visible cohort of Australians: One Nation voters, who are no longer shy but happy to tell the world they voted for Paulines people. The truth is, the major parties are in a rancid panic. More than one-fifth of voters around Australia are telling pollsters they plan to vote for One Nation. In South Australia, they actually did. Most voters there made a straight swap from the Liberal Party. But a few per cent of Labor voters also shifted to ON. As a result, neither of the venerable parties are feeling entirely secure. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and One Nation leader Pauline Hanson. Nine In their fear, they are making a hat-trick of mistakes which only serve to illustrate to the voters leaving for One Nation that they were never really valued or understood in the first place. The first is trying to understand ON voters by talking among themselves. The second is patronising them. And the third is trying to fob them off with messaging rather than responding respectfully to their experiences. The first is obvious and everywhere. Well-heeled or at least white-collar commentators and political types examine the concerns of One Nation voters with distaste. They suspect them of being bigots, troglodytes, or just downright stupid. Most have never lived in the areas where the One Nation vote is growing. If they have, they were in a protected enclave, or protected by selective vision, allowing them to overlook the experiences of their neighbours.

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The Central Coast of NSW is an example of a split community. Sea-changers from Sydney have created a progressive corner, while others have been pushed out by affordability. Youth unemployment in the area is stubbornly high and some young families there say they feel like theyre competing with immigrants for rental properties, while home ownership has, for many, become entirely out of reach. Related Article Opinion

Political leadership Its not the crisis the PM wants, but its the opportunity he needs Peter Hartcher Political and international editor Other parts of Australia are simply invisible from the information superhighway. I had occasion to find myself in the Sydney suburb of Busby about 40 kilometres south-west of the CBD a little while back. (I confess  I was only there to pick up a Facebook Marketplace purchase.) Out of curiosity, I struck up a conversation with the seller, a man named Paul, who had some colourful and not especially politically correct paraphernalia on his veranda. Hes lived there for decades and, over the years, his house has, he says, been surrounded by immigrants who are trying to make life unpleasant for him so they can buy his land cheap when he gives up on living there. I cant verify thats the case, of course, but this is what immigration feels like to Paul. And so politicians and their enablers in the commentariat try to debate One Nation voters using statistics on the net benefits of immigration and arguments meant to prove that their concerns are wrong or ill-founded. View post on X

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Labor MP Andrew Leigh was a quick starter in the genre on Monday. The professorly assistant minister for productivity filmed his piece from the parliamentary courtyard. The video, explaining to One Nation-curious young men how theyre being duped, was then edited together with AI video and overlaid with sinister news bulletin-style stock music. The video was hilariously off the mark. In it, Leigh warns that One Nation wants to scrap net zero, build three more coal-fired power stations, and pull out of global climate deals. Which is, as I found in recent research on the attitudes and values of 18- to 34-year-old Australians for the Centre for Independent Studies, precisely the things young right-leaning men want. But the MP, whose hobby is triathlons, is not well acquainted with what most people would recognise as a good time. He presses on. One Nation, he says, also wants to massively slash immigration. After each revelation, Leigh adds a debating point, to demonstrate why young men who support those policies are wrong. Predictably, the video was ratioed on X  there were more negative comments than likes. More importantly, I dare say nobody felt differently after seeing the video than they did before it hit their social media feed. Labors crack debating team kept at it all week. Richard Marles attacked One Nation in question time. West Australian MP Patrick Gorman risked channelling Hillary Clintons basketful of deplorables moment on Thursday in a column for the West Australian, in which he called One Nation a growing band of rats and rejects. View post on X

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Perhaps the response to Labors smartest guys in the room approach has acted as a check on Liberal leader Angus Taylor. At the beginning of the week, Liberals had backgrounded this mastheads Paul Sakkal that they were planning an assault on One Nations credibility. They havent followed through. Related Article Opinion

Political leadership Only one party can defang One Nation, and its not the Libs Sean Kelly Columnist Instead, former prime minister Tony Abbott, campaigning with the Liberal candidate for Farrer on Thursday, tried to show he understood that One Nation voters felt let down and ripped off. The Liberal Party will need to convince voters that its new policies are the product of conviction, not just circumstance, he said. This suggests that he, at least, has heard One Nation voters refrain that the major parties cant be trusted. To my third point, that lack of trust is a key driver of switching to One Nation. The partys new voters are disillusioned by politicians who they believe tell self-serving lies. As a One Nation voter pointed out, while Andrew Leigh boasts of closing down coal-fired power plants, his colleague Dan Repacholi is posting about securing jobs by keeping them open. This is, of course, an example of the challenge that any major party has: governing for the city and the regions now means navigating vastly different visions of what is best for the nation, based on different experiences of living in Australia. Theres currently an empathy deficit between politicians and citizens, as well as between citizens of the same country.

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A good start to drawing the nation back together would be for the interpretive classes  politicians and media alike  to spend more time with the people who feel unrepresented. And from a richer appreciation of their circumstances, build solutions that serve their needs, rather than political interests. Parnell Palme McGuinness is an insights and advocacy strategist. She has done work for the Liberal Party and the German Greens and is a senior fellow at the Centre for Independent Studies. She is also an advisory board member of Australians For Prosperity, which is part-funded by the coal industry. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter.
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PoliticsQueenslandQueensland government From the river to the sea, and into police sights, for Brisbane artists Matt Dennien March 28, 2026  3:32pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

James Hilliers work has landed in places he could have never imagined when first turning to art professionally a decade ago. The largest billboard in Times Square, the cover of an Elton John and Britney Spears CD, a mug in the hands of the prime minister. The latest, however, is a much more serious turn: the sights of the Queensland Police Service, under state laws passed this month banning the use of two pro-Palestinian phrases. And hes not alone. Brisbane artist James Hillier, who uses the moniker Nordacious, has pulled items from his online store featuring variations on the pro-Palestinian phrase from the river to the sea. Nordacious (aka James Hillier) / Supplied Hillier was opening the art and design store he also works at on Brisbanes north on Wednesday and noticed a missed call from the police. Dialling back, he was told hed been the subject of a complaint alleging a breach of the laws. They made some requests that I remove [website artwork] listings so that Im in compliance. I spoke to legal counsel and complied with their requests as I continue to get legal advice, Hillier told this masthead by phone on Saturday.

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In social media posts on Friday night, including to his almost 50,000 Instagram followers, Hillier said it was listings for products featuring these three works which he had removed from his website after the call from police. One depicts Crisafulli wearing a tie featuring the Star of David pressing down on a protest placard situated on a map of the state adorned with the words from Brisbane River to Moreton Bay: Ill decide what you can say. Another utilises imagery of John Farnham, a portion of the lyrics from his 1988 song Two Strong Hearts which features the words river to the sea, and a slice of watermelon  a common Palestinian symbol which shares colours with its flag. The third depicts the arrest of 18-year-old Bonnie Carter in the singlet bearing the from the river to the sea phrase she was wearing at a small protest outside parliament house in the hours after the ban took effect on March 11.

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While Carter escaped with a caution, a second person arrested and charged by police that day  33-year-old Liam Parry  will face court on April 8 for the offence of reciting, distributing, or publicly displaying a prohibited expression. The offence, which criminalises use of the phrases or similar wording where the conduct could be reasonably be expected to make a member of the public feel menaced, harassed or offended carries a maximum penalty of two years jail. There are reasonable excuses including artistic, religious, educational, historical, legal, law enforcement and public interest  such as news reporting  for using the phrases, but the burden of proof rests with the person charged. Im not an antisemitic person. I loathe bigotry with every fibre of my being. Everything I do comes from a place of deep empathy for other people, Hillier said over the phone.

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My desire is to see  international law upheld, human rights upheld, and freedom of speech to be restored to Queensland so that people can freely advocate for other peoples human rights without being treated like a criminal. Hillier has not taken down social media posts with the illustrations, which he said he was not told to. But they made it clear  if I do post on social media or elsewhere online moving forward, then that would be considered a breach, he said. In a statement, police said they were investigating a complaint around the reference of prohibited expressions featured on artwork displayed online. After Sydney-based street artist Scott Marsh shared images of a new mural in South Brisbane also depicting Farnham, the phrase river to the sea and a watermelon, police said further inquiries were also being conducted there.

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Investigations into the matters are ongoing, police said, noting incidents involving antisemitism were treated as criminal matters and investigated thoroughly to take appropriate action to hold offenders accountable. The QPS strongly condemn anyone who incites hatred within our community  there is no place for it. Reached by phone while travelling back to Sydney on Saturday, Marsh told this masthead he was yet to be contacted by police. Hillier was also yet to hear of any further police action, such as warrants to seize items  as seen in use of the laws around a from the river to the sea, come get us Crisafulli banner at a Greenslopes Catholic activist house last week. The impression I got was that, especially after I consulted with legal counsel, that that could be a consequence for me as well if I didnt comply, Hillier said.

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No charges have been laid in the Greenslopes case. A third person charged with the new offence after a protest at an Albert Street address in the CBD on March 18, a 70-year-old Ocean View man, is due to appear in court on April 14. In additional written comments to this masthead, Hillier said satire, political commentary and protest art were foundational elements of a healthy democracy. This is what political art looks like  That should alarm everyone, regardless of where they sit politically, he said. What scares me most isnt whats happening to me specifically. Its the precedent. These laws are, pretty clearly, being used as a mechanism to silence advocacy for Palestinians. 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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Analysis WorldMiddle EastMiddle East at war Trump needs troops to seize the Strait of Hormuz. These are his options Roland Oliphant March 28, 2026  9:47am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

As the Strait of Hormuz crisis deepens, lifting the Iranian blockade has become Donald Trumps central war aim. For strategists at the Pentagon, that may come as a relief. Unlike some of the US presidents original stated reasons for going to war, reopening the Strait is a matter of necessity rather than choice. It is also a better-defined and achievable goal than his initial, sometimes vague, objectives. Reopening the Strait is a matter of necessity rather than choice. Getty Images No one imagines it will be easy, but if any military in the world is up to the task, it is Americas. Success  thwarting Irans attempt to hold the worlds economy hostage  would give Trump a victory that would allow him to end the war. So, how can it be done?

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Air strikes all along the coast, the sinking of the Iranian surface fleet and threats to destroy Irans energy grid have all, so far, failed to reopen the vital waterway through which a fifth of all oil and gas supplies flow in peacetime. Diplomatic overtures are also yet to bear fruit. Signalling his intent to break the deadlock  by force, if necessary  Trump has dispatched two amphibious assault groups to the region. The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), usually based in Okinawa, is expected to arrive in the Middle East by the weekend, followed by the 11th MEU dispatched out of the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California, which is set to reach the region by mid-April. Each comprises several ships carrying around 2500 marines, along with Osprey tilt-rotor helicopters, landing craft, and other equipment required for amphibious and airborne assaults.

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Each is also designed to put ashore, if ordered, battalion combat teams of 1200 to 1500 troops and to keep them fighting for 30 days without resupply. We know how to open the Strait. Its just very expensive and difficult. Peter Mansoor, professor of military history, Ohio State University And it is not only the marines. On Wednesday (Washington time), the Pentagon ordered up to 3000 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division to deploy into the region. And these are only the movements the White House has announced. Other spearhead units, including specialist engineers and special operations forces, such as the 75th Ranger Regiment, could also be called on. Together, they provide Trump with multiple options for taking the war from the air and sea to the ground. But how will he choose to use them?

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Distract, deter, deceive The first doctrinal role of the marines is not necessarily to fight, but to threaten to. Moving up and down a coastline to distract, deter or deceive the enemy is one of the prime operational uses of amphibious forces, says Vice Admiral Andrew Burns, a former commander of the Royal Navys amphibious task group. US Marines could stage an amphibious landing to take control of Irans Kharg Island, through which 90 per cent of its oil exports flow. US Marines Corps In other words, just because the Marines are on the way to the region does not mean they will land on Iranian shores. If they do, however, the stakes will rise precipitously.

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When theyre on ships, the ability to land the Marines anywhere keeps the enemy guessing. Thats at the operational level of war. But when you land them, it becomes a tactical problem, and a very high-risk tactical problem, says Andrew Milburn, a retired US Marines colonel. You have to decide whether the reward is worth all that risk. If their boots do touch dry land, it is likely to be on one of the roughly half-dozen islands dotted around the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranians have fortified those islands over the last three or four decades, Milburn says. Theyve got infrastructure there that could support operations to disrupt shipping  coastal acquisition radars, storage facilities that could be used for drones and mines, but most importantly, for missiles. Although the islands have been heavily bombed, many of the facilities are deeply buried, and only an amphibious raid could confirm how effective airstrikes have been and destroy any threats that survived.

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Porcupine island strategy A typical raid by an MEU would last anything from a few hours to a few days before a planned withdrawal. But to open the Strait, the marines may have to stay. We know how to open the Strait. Its just very expensive and difficult, says Peter Mansoor, a professor of military history at Ohio State University who previously served in Iraq. Youre going to have to seize a base in the region and establish air defence assets there to be able to shoot down missiles and drones. The Straits a very small place, and you have to be there to defend it. You cant do it from afar. Once established, that base would create an umbrella beneath which US destroyers and minesweepers could escort convoys of cargo ships through the Strait.

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Iran relies on many small attack boats to project power across the critical Strait of Hormuz. NurPhoto via Getty Images But which island might US commanders choose to transform into a porcupine of air defences? The largest of the islands is Qeshm, a 135-kilometre-long, 40-kilometre-wide tourist destination famed for its mangrove forests, salt caves and Portuguese ruins. It dominates the narrowest part of the Strait, overlooks the strategic Iranian port of Bandar Abbas and may host a warren of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) military installations, making it a key military target. The islands defences came under attack as soon as American-Israeli forces launched the war, with more than a dozen buildings at its IRGC navy base and a Basij militia base destroyed. Another round of heavy airstrikes was reported there on March 19.

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Qeshms size would make it a formidable target for a single MEU acting alone, however. More digestible targets would include Hormuz Island itself, the 8-kilometre wide, circular rock that lends the Strait its name, and which lies 16 kilometres from Qeshms north-eastern tip. To the south of Hormuz lies Larak, another vaguely circular rock that marks the narrowest part of the Strait. It was bombed by Iraq during the 1980-88 war, and is currently used by the IRGC Navy and port authority to assess visual confirmation of the handful of vessels allowed by Iran to transit, according to Lloyds List. The island of Sirri, west of the Strait, hosts a deep-water oil terminal. Of the other islands, three  Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunbs  present an intriguing diplomatic and political prize. Seized by the Shah of Iran in 1971, they are viewed by much of the rest of the world as occupied territory legally belonging to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

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Mohammad Ghalibaf addressing the media at the Iranian parliament in December. Getty A landing confined to those islands would allow Trump to claim he has not sent troops into sovereign Iranian territory. It might also give him something with which to compensate the UAE for the disruption caused by his war. All three also have airstrips, which would help with resupply. Irans hardline parliament Speaker, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, may have been referring to that possibility when he claimed on Wednesday that Irans enemies, with the support of one of the regional countries, are preparing to occupy one of the Iranian islands. Iran would strike the vital infrastructure of that unnamed regional country if that happened, he added. Another potential target is Kharg Island, a coral outcrop about 26 kilometres off the Iranian coast in the northern reaches of the Gulf.

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Although often mentioned in the same breath as the other islands, Kharg is 645 kilometres from the Strait and would require a separate operation to occupy, which may explain the need for two MEUs. It would also have a different objective. Rather than clearing out threats or using the island as a defensive base, the marines would be taking an economic hostage. Related Article Energy As the violence drags on, Australians are left to wonder: When should we panic? Since the late 1950s, when oil tankers grew too big for the shallow waters of the southern Iranian coast, the oil terminal on Kharg has handled the vast majority of Irans seaborne oil exports. Seize it, and Tehran may find it simply has to back down over the blockade of Hormuz to keep the country afloat. At just 18 square kilometres, it is small and relatively easy to occupy. The US has already bombed military targets on the island, presumably weakening its defences.

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A landing may still be costly. Iranian forces have mined its beaches, laid booby-traps and deployed extra troops with anti-aircraft weapons to the island in anticipation of an assault, CNN has reported, citing US intelligence sources. The approach would also be risky. An MEU assigned to Kharg would be especially vulnerable sailing all the way up the Gulf within range of Iranian missile and drone fire. And any island landing, says Burns, would eventually come up against the greatest challenge of amphibious warfare  sustaining the troops you have put ashore. Loading The longer they stay ashore, the more vulnerable the relatively small and lightly armed landing battalion would be to Iranian counterattack.

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Whether you seize the islands in the Strait, or whether you seize Kharg, you are still well within range of attacks from the Iranian mainland by missiles and by drones, Milburn points out. Even if you seize all those islands, you havent opened the Strait for shipping because Iran can still threaten the Strait very obviously from the coastline. Seizing coastal points If seizing an island, or islands, fails to secure the Strait, the solution to the Hormuz conundrum could become dangerously ambitious. A seaborne invasion of the Iranian mainland is, at this moment, politically and militarily unthinkable. Yet going ashore to take out drone launch sites would be the logical next step if the porcupine island strategy did not work, Mansoor says.

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Related Article Middle East at war The tiny island that could let Trump beat Iran without sending a single soldier I dont think the Trump administration wants to go into Iran on the mainland. But if you want to open the Strait and keep it open, you may have to seize points along the coast to be able to do that. And that sends this war into a different phase, he adds. This possibility makes amphibious warfare specialists shudder. The U-shaped northern shore of the Strait of Hormuz stretches over 480 kilometres between the island of Kish in the west and the city of Bandar-e-Jask in the east. Much of it is rugged, rocky and overlooked by a mountainous interior. Elsewhere, there are densely populated urban centres, including Bandar Abbas, a port city of half a million people.

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Two MEUs may be able to mount small raids here and there, but they simply do not have enough manpower to secure the whole coast. Even in an imaginary universe where America could deploy the marines shoulder to shoulder along every mile of that shore, they could not put an end to a threat to shipping generated by drones and missiles launched from inside Irans vast landmass, Milburn argues. Amphibious assaults are among the riskiest operations a military can attempt, he adds. And the US has not mounted a major opposed amphibious landing since the Battle of Inchon in the Korean War  a high-risk gamble that matched the strategic stakes at the time. USS Tripoli amphibious assault ship. AFP

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The same balance of risk versus reward was present in the Falklands campaign, with British commanders opting to land on the far side of the islands to avoid fighting their way up the beaches. That plan paid off. But the campaign demonstrated not the feasibility of amphibious operations, but rather their inherent challenges and risks. Since then, says Burns, drones and other technology mean amphibious warfare has changed beyond recognition. I suspect you will see a lot of retired admirals saying, We used to be able to do this, why cant we do it now? he predicts. But it is not going to be anything like D-Day, or the Falklands, or even the Al-Faw peninsula during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. And its going to require a huge effort.

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Omans foreign ministry says it condemns attacks on its territory, but that no party had claimed responsibility, Reuters reports.

The ministry said authorities were investigating the attacks sources and motives without providing further details.

Yesterday, it said a worker was injured in a drone attack on the countrys Salalah port and Danish container shipping group.

The group said it temporarily halted its operations at the port.
NEW YORK, March 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Edelson Lechtzin LLP, a national class action law firm, is actively investigating data privacy claims arising from the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation data breach. On February 2, 2026, New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation discovered a data breach affecting its computer network.

Key Facts About the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation

NYC Health + Hospitals runs the nation's largest public healthcare system, serving over a million people yearly through a wide network of hospitals, long-term care facilities, and neighborhood clinics.

On or around February 2, 2026, NYC Health + Hospitals discovered unauthorized access to its computer network. An investigation later revealed that certain data was accessed and copied from certain systems on the network without authorization between November 25, 2026, and February 11, 2026.

The accessed files contained personal information, such as names, health insurance information, medical information (disability codes, diagnoses, medications, test results, images, or treatment plans), biometric information such as fingerprints, claims and payment information, Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, taxpayer identification numbers, credit or debit card numbers, and online account credentials.

Are You Affected by the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation Data Breach?

If you received a data breach notification, you may be at increased risk of identity theft and fraud. Recommended steps include regularly reviewing account statements and monitoring credit reports for suspicious activity.

Our Investigation and Your Legal Options

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating a class action seeking legal remedies for individuals whose sensitive personal data may have been compromised in the NYC Health + Hospitals breach. We can help you evaluate your rights and potential claims at no cost.

Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation

Speak confidentially with a data privacy attorney today: Marc Edelson, Esq., Edelson Lechtzin LLP, 411 S. State Street, Suite N-300, Newtown, PA 18940; Phone: 844-696-7492 ext. 2; Email: [email protected]; Web: www.edelson-law.com. Or click [HERE] to request a free consultation.

Why Choose Edelson Lechtzin LLP

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is a national class action law firm with offices in Pennsylvania and California. Beyond data breach litigation, our attorneys handle class and collective actions involving securities and investment fraud, federal antitrust violations, ERISA employee benefit plans, wage theft, and consumer fraud.

Protect Yourself Now

Confirm whether your information was involved in the NYC Health + Hospitals incident



Place fraud alerts and consider credit monitoring [if available]



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Contact our firm to discuss your legal options and next steps

Media and Partnership Inquiries: Use the contact information above to connect with our team regarding interviews, co-counsel opportunities, and referral partnerships.

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By Cillian Sherlock, Press Association

The Defence Forces has conducted its first personnel rotation in a conflict zone using new strategic reach capability.

On Friday, the Defence Forces confirmed it carried out an operation to transport key battalion personnel to United Nations Post 2-45 in Lebanon, known as Camp Shamrock, and to return communications specialists who had been performing critical maintenance to communication systems and infrastructure.

It said the operation occurred in a volatile region with Army personnel of the 127th Infantry Battalion who conducted a patrol from UNP 2-45 to Beirut and the Air Corps flight crew of the C295 who performed the strategic airlift from Casement Aerodrome in Dublin to Beirut.

Oglaigh na hEireann can confirm that an operation took place to transport key Battalion personnel to United Nations Post 2-45 and to return Communications Specialists who had been performing critical maintenance to communication systems and infrastructure.



This was a joint pic.twitter.com/Ize6y02A8N  Oglaigh na hEireann (@defenceforces) March 27, 2026

In a statement, the Defence Forces said: This operation demonstrates the strategic reach capability of the Air Corps, as well as the capabilities of our Army personnel employing force protection measures to enable operations in a conflict zone.

It is the first such operation using the strategic reach capability of the Air Corps.

The Defence Forces said it needed to conduct the mission because a civilian air partner had cancelled a planned flight to rotate personnel out, over concerns of the increased risk in Beiruts airspace.

This left key personnel, including medical battalion headquarters staff and medics, unable to return to the 17th Infantry Battalion.

At the same time, several communication specialists deployed to work on systems across Unifils area of operations were also due on the cancelled flight.

They had been working on rebroadcast towers, communication hardware in the armoured fleet and other network engineering tasks.

The Defence Forces worked with the Department of Defence and Department of Foreign Affairs to co-ordinate the strategic airlift and ensure diplomatic clearances for all personnel.

The C295 was selected and the internal configuration was modified to carry both the 26 battalion personnel and required logistics.

On Thursday, personnel reported to Casement Aerodrome and the C295 took off that morning for Cyprus via Italy.

The aircraft then overnighted in Cyprus to comply with a mandatory rest period, before taking off on Friday to fly directly to Beirut.

Earlier that morning, the 127th Infantry Battalion travelled in a MOWAG armoured personnel carrier from Camp Shamrock to Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut.

The patrol required heightened level of force protection on its journey.

The patrol was at the airport prior to the C295 landing and oversaw a transfer of material and personnel, seeing the plane depart and the armoured personnel carriers return to Camp Shamrock on the same day.

The Defence Forces said the operation shows how it can use the new aircraft to respond and support personnel in challenging environments.
David Raleigh

The Taoiseach Micheal Martin said that the Government cannot shield every industry from rising fuel and energy costs, and that it was doing its best to mitigate the cost burden.

Despite the introduction of a 20 cent and 15 cent cut in excise duty on diesel and petrol, the cost of filling up ones car, bus, or tractor remained high, with significant price variations identified around the country, linked to the US and Israel bombing of Iran's oil facilities.

Speaking in Limerick on Friday, the Taoiseach said: The world is in conflict, and this war in the Middle East is having a huge impact on oil supply, but also on the cost of energy more generally, that's what we're witnessing now.

"No government in the world can compensate every sector or every individual for what is happening on the international markets as a result of the war.

But what we can do is to try and ease the pressure on families, to target whatever relief we can give, and that's what we are doing. And the package we announced this week is probably the largest package across Europe to be announced at this stage, and we're only three weeks into this war.

Martin warned the government does not have certainty in terms of what could potentially unfold in the weeks ahead and therefore it had to be careful and cautious about how much of a buffer it was prepared to offer people.

We also have a budget next year. We've got to invest in more services, education, health, children, right across the board. So, I think the government got the balance right this week.

We supported the fuel allowance to many working families who would benefit from that, but also hauliers, because hauliers will impact on the price of food on the shelves  the haulage industry is critical to trade, critical to our economy, and so we're trying to target resources while also trying to give people more generally helping hand, and that's why the excise duties have been reduced.
David Raleigh

Taoiseach Micheal Martin has said housing tenancies have actually increased, despite concern at a rise of home eviction notices and homelessness in the wake of new rules, introduced on March 1st, forcing landlords to provide six-year leases for tenants.

The number of people in emergency accommodation increased again last month to 17,308, according to the Department of Housing.

Eviction notices rose sharply too, by 41 per cent at the end of 2025 compared to the previous year, revealed data published by the States Residential Tenancies Board.

On March 15th last, it emerged that 20 families residing at an apartment block in Limerick City had received notices of termination from their landlord a week prior to the new rental rules coming into force.

Property owners have warned that the rules are forcing landlords to exit the market.

When asked by reporters in Limerick on Friday if the new rules were a wrong move, the Taoiseach replied: First of all, the number of tenancies have actually increased overall, nationally, across the country.

"There was always churn in terms of tenancies, and the Housing Commission made it absolutely clear that we had to reform the RPZs, the rental pressure pressure zones, in particular.

They had to be reformed, we took advice, expert advice, we have reformed them in two dimensions: One, to give certainty and clarity to the investment landscape; And also then to give added and increased protection to tenants, which they do.

There is no question, but these rent reforms, with the six-year tenancy in particular, eventually ends no-fault eviction, and in addition to that, then gives a landscape to investors to make sure we can get more apartments and more units built.

The government has allocated about nine billion euro to housing this year, its estimated we need about 20 billion overall. The private sector will have to take up a lot of that as well, to get to that 20 billion figure, and to get 50,000 houses built a year.

The Taoiseach said the government's measures are balanced, and must be seen in the context of other measures that we have taken.

Martin said: We had 36,000 houses built last year, which is the highest in a long, long time. As we are making progress, but given population growth it is not enough yet, and we want to get to that 50,000 mark.

It is all about supply, and we will spare no effort in doing everything we possibly can, policy wise, investment wise, to make sure that we can get a sufficiency of houses, so that young people in this country can aspire to owning a house that they can afford, or a house that they can rent."
Eva Osborne

The clocks going forward does not just mean losing an hour of sleep; it also means that solar energy generation ramps up.

More than 175,000 homes and businesses around Ireland are now generating their own energy through solar panels, with longer evenings set to further increase those benefits.

Solar Ireland chief executive, Ronan Power, said the clock change means solar can start doing the heavy lifting for Irelands energy system:

Electricity is typically most expensive, and most reliant on fossil fuels in the evening, when people get home and theyre preparing dinner, putting on the TV, heating water and catching up on laundry," he said.

"Thanks to longer evenings, more of that demand can now be met by the energy generated on our rooftops. Its a real opportunity for households to generate more of their own electricity and get greater value from their solar systems.

As Ireland moves into the highest solar generation period of the year, Ronan said energy security is an increasing priority, and solar has a critical role to play.

As capacity continues to scale across solar farms, businesses and domestic rooftops, it is becoming an increasingly important part of how Ireland generates its electricity. At the same time, the system remains heavily reliant on gas, particularly outside peak solar hours.

This highlights the need to continue scaling domestic, low-cost renewable generation alongside battery storage, to strengthen Irelands energy resilience and reduce reliance on imported fuels.

"Moments like this show real progress, but how much more still needs to be done to protect Ireland from external energy shocks, such as the current turmoil in the Middle East."


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To Drive Next-Generation RF Solutions and Accelerate Advanced Custom Silicon

SAN JOSE, Calif., March 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- GS Microelectronics U.S., Inc. (GSME) today announced a strategic partnership with Tarana Wireless, Inc. to support RF transceiver products and accelerate the future roadmap of wireless technologies. The deal strengthens the long-standing partnership between GSME and Tarana, enhancing the overall market value by providing dedicated RF-Analog engineering support for Tarana's products. The team will support Tarana's customers with ongoing product optimization, validation, and new releases across its current RF transceiver portfolio and future RF products.

As part of this strategic partnership, GSME will deliver wireless solutions across the global ecosystem. The team will continue to support Tarana's next generation FWA technology that uniquely delivers fiber-class performance at wireless economics. In addition to Tarana support, the GSME team will accelerate its innovations for global telecom customers in areas that include 6G, 7G, and Wi-Fi 7.

GSME's recently acquired RFAnalog team is developing a nextgeneration flexible radio transceiver platform, strengthening the company's ability to deliver highperformance silicon solutions from concept to mass production. Led by Didier Margairaz, VP of RF and Analog, the team brings deep expertise across the full product lifecycle, including:

RFIC & Analog Design: Advanced MIMO Wi-Fi and RF products.





Advanced MIMO Wi-Fi and RF products. Specialized Expertise: mmWave, RF transceivers, VCOs, PLLs, clock generation, and PMIC design.





mmWave, RF transceivers, VCOs, PLLs, clock generation, and PMIC design. Successful Product Launches: Proven delivery of high-performance 8T8R Wi-Fi and 4T4R C-band/sub-7GHz solutions.

"This agreement formalizes a powerful and natural evolution of our relationship with Tarana," said Farhat Jahangir, President and CEO of GSME. "GSME has strengthened its ability to deliver high-performance RF transceiver innovation. We are committed to supporting Tarana's roadmap with engineering excellence, responsiveness, and next-generation semiconductor solutions."

"Tarana's mission to deliver advanced wireless broadband depends on a world-class RF technology and strong collaboration," said Sri Reddy, President & COO of Tarana. "By partnering closely with GSME, we ensure continuity of expertise and accelerated development across our RF platforms. This agreement reinforces our ability to execute our long-term product roadmap while maintaining the highest standards of performance and reliability."

GSME now offers comprehensive capabilities that bridge the gap between architectural design and mass production release, providing integrated design expertise for RF & PMIC. The services also include advanced simulation capabilities, including full EM analysis, extraction, and simulations for both package and PCB design. Furthermore, the team ensures high-quality production through full post-silicon characterization and support for ATE test vector generation. They are already driving momentum with a new "Flexible Radio" RFIC proposal featuring high-end transceivers for Wi-Fi 7, cellular, and Fixed Wireless Access applications.

About GSME

GS Microelectronics U.S., Inc. (GSME) is a leading semiconductor solutions provider, focused on enabling the next generation high-performance wireless and semiconductor solutions worldwide. With deep expertise across RF, analog, digital, and mixed-signal, GSME delivers end-to-end silicon development, from architecture through mass production, supporting customers in bringing advanced technologies to market faster. Backed by a highly experienced engineering team and a strong track record of innovation, GSME is driving breakthroughs in RF transceivers, connectivity platforms, and emerging standards including Wi-Fi 7 and beyond. Headquartered in San Jose, California, GSME partners with global technology leaders to accelerate innovation across telecommunications and connected systems.

About Tarana

Tarana's mission is to accelerate the deployment of fast, affordable, and reliable internet access around the world. Through a decade of R&D and over $400M of investment, the Tarana team has created and continues to enhance a unique suite of next generation fixed wireless access (ngFWA) technologies. Its G1 and G2 platforms deliver game-changing advances in broadband economics in mainstream and underserved markets, using both licensed and unlicensed spectrum. Tarana's ngFWA technology has been embraced by more than 300 service providers in 24 countries. Tarana is headquartered in Milpitas, California, with additional research and development in Pune, India. Learn more at https://taranawireless.com/home

Contact:

GSME Press Relations

[email protected]

www.gsme.com

SOURCE GS Microelectronics
CCA senior Emma Hornsby recently won an essay contest sponsored by the Alpha Xi chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. For the essay prompt, students were to choose one founding ideal from the Declaration of Independence, discuss how this ideal has been interpreted or changed in the last 250 years, and reflect on the impact this may have on one's life as an American citizen. Emma's essay was entitled "R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Individual Responsibility in America". She read her essay to the Alpha Xi members at the March 26 meeting at Red Bank Elementary School.Emma was presented with a certificate and a $500 check. Delta Kappa Gamma is an international organization made up of key women educators. There are three DKG chapters in the Chattanooga area.
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif., March 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) marketing and communications team received 17 ADDY honors including four gold and seven silver awards from the American Advertising Federation  Inland Empire (AAFIE) at its annual gala on March 26 at Ontario International Airport.

The ADDY Awards recognize the best in professional and student advertising and media across 200 categories, including print and digital campaigns, websites, annual reports and podcasts.

Inland Empire Health Plan earned four gold and seven silver ADDY Awards during the American Advertising Federation  Inland Empires annual gala on March 26 at the Ontario International Airport. Winning entries included the health plans Care You Can Feel television campaign and its newly launched YouTube series on Black maternal health.

"From the heartfelt 'More Moments' preventative care campaign to the innovative ways we 'Spread Joy, Not the Flu,' our team's authentic approach has resonated with the diverse communities we serve," said IEHP Chief Communications and Marketing Officer Michelle Rai. "Our messages are not just taglinesthey reflect IEHP's commitment to being our members' partner in health."

Entries are judged by an independent panel of industry professionals. Gold award winners will move on to the American Advertising Federation's District 15 competition with top ADDY recipients from Southern California and Nevada.

IEHP's gold awards include:

The health plan also received the following silver awards:

Additionally, IEHP was named a finalist in the following categories:

Integrated Advertising Campaign: Chronic Conditions Campaign

Brochure: Start Well Guide

Integrated Advertising Campaign: CAHPS Campaign

Integrated Advertising Campaign: More Moments

Animation, Special Effects or Motion Graphics: Holiday Card Animation

Public Service Print Advertising: Flu

"Our team is full of passionate, talented individuals who understand the importance of uplifting underserved communities with messages that empower them to take action and celebrate life," said IEHP Senior Director of Marketing Bokanika Kan. "Each year the work continues to exceed expectations and encourages us to keep moving forward."

For a full list of ADDY winners and more about the awards, visit www.inlandempireaaf.com.

To learn more about IEHP and resources available to all, go to www.iehp.org.

About IEHP

With a mission to heal and inspire the human spirit, Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) is one of the top five largest Medicaid health plans, the largest not-for-profit Medicare-Medicaid public health plan in the country, and for the fifth year in a row, certified as A Great Place To Work. Founded in 1996, IEHP supports nearly 1.5 million Riverside and San Bernardino County residents enrolled in Medicaid or IEHP DualChoice (those with both Medi-Cal and Medicare). As of 2024, IEHP also offers Covered California plans, further ensuring health care access for even more IE residents. Today, IEHP has a robust network of quality doctors throughout our two counties and nearly 3,800 team members who are fully committed to the vision: We will not rest until our communities enjoy optimal care and vibrant health. To learn more, go to iehp.org.

SOURCE Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP)
Sixteen students graduated on Wednesday, March 25, from Georgia Northwestern Technical Colleges (GNTC) Electrical Lineworker program during a ceremony at GNTCs Polk County Campus in Rockmart.

The students experienced a vigorous, 10-week training program that included donated equipment such as trucks, poles and climbing equipment, as well as hands-on expertise from GNTC instructors. Upon completing the program, students received four certificates of completion for Electrical Lineworker, a restricted Class A Commercial Truck Driving (CDL) license, OSHA 10-Hour General Industry and an overall certificate verifying 395 training hours completed. The program is offered through GNTCs Office of Economic Development.

GNTC lineworker graduates enter the workforce with the essential tools for success; they have a bright and shining future ahead of them, said Judy Roddenberry, instructor of Commercial Truck Driving at GNTC. We have many past students who encourage their friends, families and neighbors to come to GNTC.

As instructors, we understand the responsibility and trust given to us in order to better prepare our students for their next steps in life, Roddenberry said. We strive to foster a positive environment for learning and encourage them to pursue learning opportunities throughout their careers.

The spring 2026 cohort is the 10th cohort of the Electrical Lineworker program since it began in fall 2022.

Graduates from the programs 10th cohort are Yoni Bautista, Widman Diaz, Evan Hayes, Miguel Martinez, Gage McWhorter, Omar Munguia, Jose Pacheco, Luis Perez, Javier Plaza, David Postell, Miguel Rebolloso, Christian Rodriguez, Eric Salazar, Trey Scales, Dontarious Thompson and Cayden Watson.

The next cohort of GNTCs Electrical Lineworker program starts April 27, but is currently at maximum enrollment. Seats are still available for the cohort that begins Aug. 31. For more information about the program, go to https://ce.gntc.edu/ or contact GNTCs Office of Economic Development via email at lineworker@gntc.edu.

Georgia Northwestern Technical College delivers high-quality workforce education to the citizens of northwest Georgia. Students can pursue associate degrees, diplomas and certificates in a wide range of career pathways, including aviation, business, health, industrial and public service. Over the past year, 14,082 people benefited from GNTCs credit and noncredit programs. The college has an annual credit enrollment of 9,342 students and achieved a 100 percent placement rate. An additional 4,740 individuals are served through adult education, continuing education, business and industry training and Georgia Quick Start programs.
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Memorial Hospital has awarded nearly $220,000 in philanthropic grants to local nonprofit organizations.



"The grants, part of the CommonSpirit Health Community Health Improvement Grants program, are specifically designed to address pressing health disparities and significantly enhance the health and well-being of vulnerable and underserved populations right here in our community," officials said.



"The grant program directly supports initiatives that improve community health, advance health equity, and enhance vital local services, through targeted charitable contributions. Collaborating 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations applied to receive grant funds to address significant issues identified in Memorial Hospitals Community Health Needs Assessment. These needs include improving access to affordable health insurance and health care/access to healthcare providers; mental/behavioral health and resources; transportation; and prevention, education, and health literacy."



The following local organizations received grants to support program activities between April 2026 and March 2027:



 AIM Center - Connected Care Program - $28,500 - The AIM Center, partnering with River Valley Health and The Bethlehem Center, will expand its connected care programa critical effort to improve health outcomes for adults with serious mental illness in Hamilton County.



 Girls, Inc. - Preventative Health Initiative - $20,600 - Girls, Inc. of Chattanooga, collaborating with Partnership For Families and Sleep In Heavenly Peace, will launch the preventative health initiative to set up girls for a lifetime of well-being.



 Kidney Foundation - Patient Services Transportation Assistance - $35,000 - The Kidney Foundation, with Dialysis Clinic Inc. and Fresenius Kidney Care, will supercharge its patient services transportation program, ensuring reliable, consistent transportation for patients struggling to attend life-saving treatment.



 La Paz Chattanooga - Latino Healthcare - $47,000 - La Paz, in partnership with Hamilton County Health Department and Chattanooga Area Food Bank, will boldly address Latino health care needs, including fighting food insecurity within Hamilton County.



 Medical Foundation of Chattanooga - Southeast Tennessee Project Access - $20,000 - The Medical Foundation of Chattanooga via Project Access, in collaboration with Chattanooga Area Food Bank and Southeast Tennessee Regional Health Department clinics, will expand its work addressing patients social determinants of health and grow its emergency food program.



 The Bethlehem Center - Neighbor to Neighbor: A Ministry of Health and Hope - $68,783 - The Bethlehem Center, partnering with Hope For The Inner City and Urban League Of Greater Chattanooga, will drive change against food insecurity, chronic disease, and barriers to care in under-resourced Chattanooga neighborhoods.



These Community Health Grants reflect our deep commitment to forging a healthier future for everyone in our community. We believe that improving health transcends the walls of our hospitals and clinics; it flourishes in community settings where vital services are readily accessible through our nonprofit partners, said Janelle Reilly, market president, CommonSpirit Health, Tennessee and Georgia. By supporting these organizations, we're helping to ensure individuals and families can obtain the essential services they need, directly contributing to the overall well-being of our entire region."



This local initiative by Memorial Hospital is part of a broader commitment by CommonSpirit Health, which awarded a total of $15 million to 329 organizations nationwide.



The Community Health Improvement Grants are a tangible example of how CommonSpirit Health is living its mission and investing to address our communities demonstrated health needs, said Michael Bilton, system director, Community Health/Community Benefit. By financially supporting and in many cases actively partnering with local organizations in the communities served by our hospitals, we are able to help strengthen prevention, access to care, and vital services for people in crisis.
Pendleton Square Trust Company, Inc., an independent trust company providing non-investment trust and estate services to advisors and high-net worth families, celebrates its 10-year anniversary.Officials said, "At a pivotal period in history when trillions of dollars are expected to move between generations in what many are calling 'The Great Wealth Transfer,' Pendleton Square Trust Company is celebrating a milestone of its own. The team marks ten years of serving families with compassion, collaboration, excellence and trust by serving as trustee, executor or agent to individual trustees."Chattanooga native and founder & CEO of Pendleton Square, Betsy Brown, built the company around a simple idea - that trust administration should be independent, transparent and designed to protect and sustain family legacies.Over the past decade, that vision has grown into a firm that now oversees over $5 billion in assets under administration with offices in Chattanooga, Nashville, Memphis, Atlanta, Scottsdale and Charlotte.When Pendleton Square was established, Ms. Brown made an early strategic decision about where to build the company. With roots in Tennessee as well as the states modern trust laws and favorable tax environment, it was an attractive jurisdiction for long-term trust administration."A decade later, Tennessee continues to rank among the nations most respected trust jurisdictions, providing a stable legal framework for families seeking to preserve their legacy across generations, said Derek Church, president & COO of Pendleton Square.Officials said, "The anniversary arrives amid a historic transfer of wealth from the baby boomer generation. As a result, many families are reexamining how their trusts are structured, administered and communicated across generations. For some families, trusts were created years ago with the expectation that they would quietly carry forward for decades. Today, families are recognizing that the trustee relationship is the key factor in the success of those plans."From the beginning, Pendleton Squares approach was based on collaboration. Rather than replacing or competing with families existing advisors, they partner with financial advisors, attorneys, CPAs, insurance professionals and family offices to help ensure that each element of a familys trust and estate plan is carried out as intended."Equally important has been Pendleton Squares emphasis on beneficiary education. Helping beneficiaries understand both the purpose and responsibilities associated with trust structures has become an increasingly important part of long-term legacy planning as wealth transitions across generations. When beneficiaries have a relationship with their trustee, they gain a mentor, educator and guide. This relational focus stays at the heart of Pendleton Squares model and sets them apart from traditional trustee options."Pendleton Square onboarded its first trust relationship in early 2016 and has steadily expanded its team and administration platform."Ms. Brown said, While we have grown substantially, our core mission remains the same: to guide generations forward to protect and sustain family legacies.""Today, our Chattanooga team continues their dedicated service from the historic Volunteer building on Georgia Avenue," officials said. "As the firm enters its second decade, the leadership team believes the role of independent trustees will only become more important as families navigate increasingly complex estate plans, multi-generational dynamics and evolving regulatory environments. At their ten-year anniversary, Pendleton Square celebrates their growth and reaffirms their commitment to providing best in class trust and estate administration in Chattanooga and beyond."
Honor, justice, and humanity, forbid us tamely to surrender that freedom which we received from our gallant ancestors, and which our innocent posterity have a right to receive from us.

This week (25 March) we celebrated National Medal of Honor Day, set aside to recognize all recipients of our nations highest military award. Each of these recipients has demonstrated conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty on behalf of their brothers in arms, and in keeping with their oaths to support and defend our Constitution and the American Liberty it enshrines.



It marks the anniversary observance of the first medals awarded on 25 March 1863 for the valorous actions of Andrews Raiders on 12 April 1862  actions memorialized in books and films as The Great Locomotive Chase.



Those actions occurred just south of Chattanooga, the Birthplace of the Medal of Honor and home of the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center.

The Heritage Center is dedicated to teaching future generations of Americans about the six character-trait pillars of the Medal of Honor  traits that are common to all recipients: Courage, Sacrifice, Patriotism, Citizenship, Integrity, and Commitment.Since those first medals were awarded, American presidents and military commanders have, in the name of Congress, presented 3,533 Medals of Honor to a very elite few among the almost 40 million American Veterans who have served our nation since 1861. In a nation of some 330 million people today, there are only 64 living recipients (as of March 2026).On occasion, this day coincides with my Wednesday column, providing an opportunity to both promote Medal of Honor Day and devote my essay to a noted recipient.This year, that recipient is LtGen James Doolittle (USAF).There is a connection between Doolittles World War II Raid on 18 April 1942 against the Japanese mainland and the actions of Andrews Raiders 80 years earlier during the War Between the States.In retrospect, Andrews Raiders accomplished very little tactically, given that it had rained just before their mission and all the bridges and lines they set out to burn were too wet to ignite. However, as my colleague GEN B.B. Bell (USA-Ret.), Advisory Board chairman of the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center, observed: Their mission did have a great impact on Union morale at the time. News of the Raiders bold mission deep into Confederate territory spread rapidly at a moment when Union setbacks were considerable. The morale boost of the Raiders actions cant be overstated.By comparison, B.B. notes, it was similar to Doolittles daring raid on Tokyo just months after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the first American air operation to strike the Japanese archipelago. And though the raid, much as Andrews raid, caused only minor damage, it greatly boosted American morale by demonstrating that the Japanese mainland was vulnerable.Jimmy Doolittle was born in Alameda, California, to parents Frank and Rosa, but he spent his early years on the frontier in Nome, Alaska, where he honed his wilderness skills. He was also of slight build, but he fended off bullies, earning a reputation as a young boxer. When a teenager, his family moved back to California, where he attended high school in Los Angeles. Jimmy saw his first plane up close at an air show there, and he was hooked.After high school, he entered the University of California, Berkeley, before enlisting in the Signal Corps Reserve, where he then trained at the UC School of Military Aeronautics and Rockwell Field. He served at Camp Dick, Texas; Wright Field, Ohio; and Gerstner Field, Louisiana, before returning to Rockwell Field as a flight leader and gunnery instructor. He returned to Texas, serving with the 104th Aero Squadron and the 90th Squadron before receiving his commission as a First Lieutenant.The first of his many historic flights was in 1922, when he flew a single-engine Airco DH-4 coast to coast with only crude instrumentation, a feat that earned him one of three Distinguished Flying Crosses. That same year, he graduated from UC Berkeley with a BA degree. He continued his education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where in 1925 he was awarded a doctorate in aeronautics. According to MIT, There were not 100 men in the world who held comparable advanced degrees.After graduation, he went to the Naval Air Station in Washington, DC, to fly high-speed seaplanes, testing their aeronautical limits and winning the Schneider Cup Race, averaging an astounding 232 miles per hour. He would also receive the Mackay Trophy for this record.In 1926, despite having broken both ankles in an air crash, he flew his Curtiss P-1 Hawk in casts, winning an air competition in South America. After being confined to Walter Reed Army Hospital for recovery, in 1927, he was assigned as an instructor pilot with the 385th Bomb Squadron and became the first pilot to perform an outside loop, a maneuver previously assumed to be fatal. In 1928, he helped develop artificial horizon and directional gyroscopes, and a year later, he pioneered the ability to fly by instruments (blind flying), which won him the Harmon Trophy for demonstrating that aircraft could operate in all weather conditions.He resigned his regular commission in 1930, becoming a Major in the Specialist Reserve Corps. He became manager of Shell Oil Companys Aviation Department, conducting aviation tests, and periodically returned to active duty with the Army Air Corps in order to conduct tests in military aircraft. In 1932, he set the world speed record for land-based planes at 296 miles per hour. Having won the Schneider, Bendix, and Thompson air races, he retired from racing, saying, I have yet to hear anyone engaged in this work dying of old age.He spent the next eight years in the private sector, becoming president of the Institute of Aeronautical Science before being recalled to active duty with the Army Air Corps in July 1940. Six months later, then-LtCol Doolittle was assigned to Army Air Forces Headquarters, where he planned the first retaliatory air raid on the Japanese homeland after their attack on Pearl Harbor.The attack would involve launching 16 B-25 medium bombers from the aircraft carrier Hornet and targeting key Japanese political and military sites.After training at Eglin and Wagner Fields in Florida, Jimmy and his volunteer crews went to McClellan Field in California for necessary modifications of their aircraft before being loaded on the Hornet at Naval Air Station Alameda.The Raid was a daunting 12-hour one-way run against Tokyo, Kobe, Yokohama, Osaka, and Nagoya. Each aircraft carried four 500-pound bombs; three were high-explosive munitions, and one was a cluster of incendiaries.At about 07:30 on 18 April, still about 650 nautical miles from the Japanese mainland, the Hornet was spotted by a Japanese picket boat, which radioed the fleet about a possible pending attack. Doolittle decided to launch immediately. By 09:20, all 16 B-25s launched successfully despite the fact that the pilots, including Doolittle, had never taken off from a carrier prior to this mission.They reached their targets six hours after launch, about 12:00 Tokyo time, and experienced some resistance. The bombers shot down three Japanese fighters.Once completed, the planes began their flight over the East China Sea, another 600 nautical miles, to a recovery airfield in China. Of the 16 B-25s, 15 either crash-landed or ditched at sea due mostly to fuel exhaustion. One plane made it to a Russian airfield.Of the 80 airmen, most evaded Japanese capture with the help of Chinese guerrillas. Seven crew members were killed, three in crashes and four after being captured by the Japanese. Doolittle bailed out over China and reached safety with the assistance of American missionary John Birch.Notably, Doolittle initially believed that he would certainly face a court-martial for failing to hit his primary targets and losing his aircraft. However, he would receive a Medal of Honor from Franklin Roosevelt, which he accepted on behalf of all his Doolittle Raiders. He was also promoted by two grades to Brigadier General.His citation notes: For conspicuous leadership above the call of duty, involving personal valor and intrepidity at an extreme hazard to life. With the apparent certainty of being forced to land in enemy territory or to perish at sea, Brigadier General (then Lieutenant Colonel) Doolittle personally led a squadron of Army bombers, manned by volunteer crews, in a highly destructive raid on the Japanese mainland.In 1942, Doolittle was assigned to the famed 8th Air Force in Europe. He then became commanding general of the 12th Air Force in North Africa and the 15th Air Force in the Mediterranean Theater, and he later returned to command the 8th Air Force in Europe and the Pacific until the end of World War II. He made two major changes to air war tactics as commander of the 8th: first, allowing bomber-fighter escorts to fly ahead of the bomber combat box formations in order to engage the Luftwaffes fighters; and second, cutting our escort fighters loose after bombing missions to hit any targets of opportunity before returning to base. And the P-38 Lightnings, P-47 Thunderbolts, and P-51 Mustangs did just that with great precision.Jimmy Doolittle returned to reserve status in 1946 and fully retired in 1959. In 1973, at Key Biscayne Presbyterian Church in Florida, he delivered the eulogy for his friend and fellow Medal of Honor recipient, CPT Eddie Rickenbacker, who earned his Medal for aerial combat heroism in World War I.In 1985, Congress promoted Doolittle to an honorary rank of full General, with President Ronald Reagan pinning on his fourth star. In addition to his three Distinguished Flying Crosses, he had two Army Distinguished Service Medals, a Silver Star, and a Presidential Medal of Freedom.His autobiography, I Could Never Be So Lucky Again, is outstanding.Jimmy was married 71 years to his life love, Josephine Joe Doolittle, who died in 1988 at age 93, while Jimmy passed away on 27 September 1993 at age 96. They had two sons, both of whom became military pilots. His grandson, Col James H. Doolittle III, became vice commander of the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards AFB in California. At his burial service in Arlington National Cemetery, his great-grandson played Taps.Please join us in honoring these extraordinary warriors so that their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.LtGen James Doolittle: An ordinary man faced with extraordinary circumstances, he summoned the greatest measure of courage in service to our nation. His example of valor  a humble American Patriot defending Liberty for all above and beyond the call of duty  is eternal. Live your life worthy of his sacrifice."Greater love has no one than this, to lay down ones life for his friends." (John 15:13)Join us in daily prayer for our Patriots in uniform -- Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen -- standing in harm's way in defense of American Liberty, honoring their oath "to support and defend" our Constitution, and for the families awaiting their safe return. Pray also for our Veterans, First Responders, and their families.Please consider a tax-deductible gift to support our historic hometown National Medal of Honor Heritage Center. Make a check payable to National MoH Sustaining Fund and mail to:Generosity Trust,345 Frazier Avenue, Unit 205Chattanooga TN 37405.Visit the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center at Aquarium Plaza. ( https://www.MOHHC.org
Alexa Van Veghten receives first place in the Research Poster Presentation category Karina Dilse presents her project A Health Education Intervention on Physical Exercise, Sleep, and Mindfulness and Their Effects on Mental Health in College Students. From left, Karina Dilse, Dr. Pamela Hobbs and Alexa Van Veghten at the Alpha Epsilon Delta Centennial National Convention sponsored by the Lee McNair Program Previous Next

Lee students Karina Dilse and Alexa Van Veghten, sponsored by the Lee University McNair Scholars Program, recently presented at the Alpha Epsilon Delta Centennial National Convention in Birmingham, Al.

AED encourages and recognizes excellence in preprofessional health scholarship and service and provides a forum for students to interact with members in other chapters across the United States, establish contacts in the health care profession, and be considered for AED scholarships.

Ms. Van Veghten, a junior biology major with a pre-physical therapy emphasis, won the first-place prize of $500 in the Research Poster Presentation category. Her project was Injury in the Making?: A Look into the Kinetic Chain of the Female Hip and Knee Orientation and Its Potential Susceptibility to Causing Knee Injuries.

"This was the first time we were able to have our students go to the national AED meeting to represent Lee University, so I was very pleased that one of them placed first in the poster presentations, said Dr. Pamela Hobbs, associate professor in health science at Lee. Alexa and Karina did an excellent job in their presentations and represented Lee and the McNair program well.

Ms. Van Veghtens research aimed to answer why female athletes experience knee injuries at a higher rate than males. She had eight females aged 1830 complete exercises to identify abnormalities in the knee and hip that may increase injury risk. Ms. Van Veghtens findings suggested that limited hip internal rotation and strength imbalances in women may contribute to more frequent knee problems and that developing targeted hip exercise programs or other interventions could lower injury risk.

It was an honor to represent Lees chapter of AED and the McNair Scholars Program, said Ms. Van Veghten. I am very grateful for McNairs funding throughout this process, as well as my faculty mentor Dr. Hobbs and friend Karina for being my biggest supporters for something that can feel so intimidating.

Ms. Dilse, a senior health science major, presented her project A Health Education Intervention on Physical Exercise, Sleep, and Mindfulness and Their Effects on Mental Health in College Students. For her research, she met with college student participants once a week via Zoom to discuss their individual health behaviors for a total of four weeks to determine how the intervention affected symptoms of depression and stress levels.

The AED Convention was a great opportunity to meet other students, professors, and recruiters from different schools across the United States who had similar health care interests, said Ms. Dilse. It was a welcoming and encouraging experience, and I highly recommend future students in AED to attend and present their research if given the chance.

The McNair Scholars Program serves 25 juniors and seniors each year, preparing them for success in graduate school. The program provides eligible undergraduate participants with summer research internships guided by Lee faculty mentors, seminars, conference travel, presentation opportunities, and assistance obtaining financial support for graduate education.

These awards highlight the advanced undergraduate research that Karina and Alexa have completed under Dr. Hobbs mentorship, said Dr. Andra Tharp, director of the McNair Scholars Program and the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship. Being recognized at regional and national conferences demonstrates how their research and presentation skills set them apart. These examples highlight how rigorous research training at Lee, supported by the McNair Scholars Program and the OURS, helps our students excel.

For more information on Lees McNair Scholars Program, visit leeuniversity.edu/mcnair/.

For more information on Lees Department of Natural Sciences or the AED club, contact Dr. Hobbs at phobbs@leeuniversity.edu or visit leeuniversity.edu/academics/arts-sciences/nsm.

For more information on Alpha Epsilon Delta, visit aednational.com.




Anna Marie Greene, RN, BSN, died on Friday, March 27, 2026, at the age of 70.

Anna was born on January 19, 1956, in Chattanooga, Tennessee.



Anna is reunited with her parents, Lee Smith Greene and Grace Musetta Greene.

She is survived by her husband, Ronald Long, her brothers, Lee S. Greene and James C. Greene, her nephew, Zachary H. Greene (Caitlin), and her great nephews, Harris and Grayson. She also is survived by lifelong friend, James Chandler, whom the family thanks for his help and support during Annas last days.



Anna loved travel, laughter, and good food. She spent her adult life caring for others as a nurse. For most of her career, she served as a surgical nurse at Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga. Her skill, devotion, and work ethic earned her promotions to leadership roles in the surgery department, culminating with the position of senior director of operations and orthopedics. Because these more advanced positions required a nurse with a bachelors degree, Anna went back to school mid-career and earned her BSN while working full-time in the operating room.



The family thanks the dedicated healthcare professionals at Memorial Hospital, Erlanger Womens Oncology, The Rosewood at Fort Oglethorpe, and Tapestry Hospice who cared for Anna with ability and compassion.



No visitation or service is scheduled. You can honor Anna by thanking a healthcare worker or donating in her memory to the Memorial Hospital Foundation or the United Methodist Church.
Chelsey Nelson works as a wedding photographer and blogger in Louisville, Kentucky. | Photo Credit: Chelsey Nelson

A Christian photographer who declined to provide services for same-sex weddings has secured a significant legal settlement following a prolonged dispute over a local nondiscrimination ordinance she argued would conflict with her religious beliefs.

Officials in Louisville agreed to pay $800,000 in legal fees to photographer Chelsey Nelson as part of the resolution.

The agreement, submitted Tuesday to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky in its Louisville division, follows a ruling issued six months earlier in which the court sided with Nelson in her challenge to the citys ordinance banning discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Nelson, who identifies as a committed Christian and affirms a traditional biblical view of marriage between one man and one woman, initiated the lawsuit out of concern that the ordinance would require her to photograph same-sex weddings against her convictions.

She argued that the policy violated protections under the First Amendment, specifically the Free Speech and Free Exercise clauses, along with the Kentucky Religious Freedom Restoration Act. A federal judge ultimately ruled in her favor last fall.

The settlement was publicly confirmed Tuesday in a statement released by Alliance Defending Freedom, the legal group that represented Nelson throughout the case.

In 2022, a federal court initially ruled in her favor by blocking enforcement of the ordinance against her, though it declined to award nominal damages at that time.

Following that decision, Nelson appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, while city officials also pursued their own appeal of the ruling.

During the appeals process in 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision in 303 Creative v. Elenis, which held that governments may not use expressive activity to compel speech.

That ruling established a key precedent in religious liberty cases and led the Sixth Circuit to send Nelsons case back to the lower court for reconsideration in light of the new legal standard.

Two years later, the federal court upheld the previous ruling in favor of Nelson while awarding her nominal damages.
Home News YouGov retracts Bible Society study suggesting 'quiet revival' in the UK: 'Deeply disappointed'

YouGov has acknowledged that research suggesting a rise in church attendance among young people in parts of the United Kingdom, which the Bible Society referred to as a quiet revival, has been found unreliable.

YouGov, which carried out the research in 2024 for the Bible Society, announced on Thursday that it had re-analyzed its data collection. The research group found that the data sample for The Quiet Revival report contained a number of respondents who we can now identify as fraudulent.

YouGov takes full responsibility for the outputs of the original 2024 research, and we apologise for what has happened, YouGov CEO Stephan Shakespeare said in a Thursday statement. We would like to stress that Bible Society has 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.

Drawing on two YouGov surveys, The Quiet Revival report indicated that the proportion of adults in England and Wales who both identify as Christian and attend church at least once a month had risen from 8% in 2018 to 12% in 2024.

Among 18 to 24-year-olds, the figure reportedly increased from 4% to 16%, with more than a fifth of young men in that age bracket reported to be attending monthly  a particularly sharp rise. Women of the same age group were also reported to have increased attendance, from 4% to 12%.

The study received considerable attention from several media outlets and members of the public who were excited about the reported rise in church attendance. Several sociologists and polling experts, however, argued that the findings conflicted with long-term data, prompting YouGov to re-analyze the research.

Bible Society CEO Paul Williams said the news is discouraging in a Thursday statement released on Bible Societys website. Williams said the Bible Society had received assurances from YouGov that over a 15-month period regarding the robustness of the methodology and the reliability of the reports conclusions.

We are therefore deeply disappointed that YouGov not only made an error but also that it only discovered this so recently, Williams stated. We are grateful that YouGovs Chief Executive Officer Stephan Shakespeare has personally [apologized].

Bible Society commissioned YouGov to understand what is truly happening on the ground. While he acknowledged YouGovs error, Williams asserted that the research groups mistake does not mean that all other findings are wrong.

This wider picture is also supported by a number of other surveys, based on probability sampling, which point to an increased engagement in faith among young adults compared to older generations, the Christian CEO said.

Williams pointed to research such as the Ipsos MORI 2023 Global Religion Survey, which found that, on average across 26 countries, 40% say they believe in God as described in holy scriptures. Twenty percent said they believe in a higher power.

While religious identity overall is shifting from Christian to no religion, Christianity in Britain appears to be moving from a declining nominal faith to a committed and active one, as cultural shifts  especially among younger people  encourage a more proactive search for identity, meaning and purpose, Williams said, directing people to Bible Societys new report, The Quiet Revival one year on: what's the story?

The faith leader said the organization plans to continue trying to understand the changing landscape through research focused on attitudes toward faith and the Bible. Williams also revealed that the Bible Society will commission another YouGov survey now that the appropriate safeguards are in place to ensure reliable results.

We dont know what the findings from this body of research will reveal, but we remain committed to rigorously reporting the state of spirituality in England and Wales today, he said.
Home Opinion Antisemitism is the real crisis the West keeps ignoring

What if the phobia the Western elites invented isnt real, and the hatred they ignore is setting records? What is the difference between Islamophobia and antisemitism, and which is the biggest threat to the West? How should we think about this? Heres the point.

Any argument should begin with simple definitions. We should always define our terms. The word phobia means an irrational fear. Islamophobia, by definition, means an irrational fear of Islam.

Today, there are many who would claim that Islamophobia poses the greatest threat to the West. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed to do all that he can to eradicate Islamophobia from British society. Over 12,000 arrests have been made for online social media posts that were deemed as hate speech, yet grooming gangs, gang rape, and knifing attacks either go unreported or are unsolved crimes.

Islamophobia is an outright falsifiable claim in the West. The moment you can cite evidence, you are told the concern itself is the problem, which is exactly what happened to Tommy Robinson when he appeared on Piers Morgan. He was being accused of being Islamophobic when he raised concerns about rising Islam in British society. But thats exactly how censorship works in the West.

Here is what the data actually shows. Since 1979, the year of the Iranian Revolution, a movement operating under the banner of Jihadist Islam has produced over 66,000 documented terrorist attacks and nearly 250,000 deaths worldwide. What actually exists in the West today is not Islamophobia, it is Islamoapathy  a willful, cultivated indifference to a real and growing ideological threat.

And here is the bitter twist: While Western elites have been busy policing rational concerns about Islam, the documented, FBI-verified, record-setting hatred of Jewish people has metastasized across college campuses, across the media, and the political movements on both the right and the left. We are being told to fear a fiction, rather than looking evil straight in the eye and calling it out by name.

So how should we think about this?

First, antisemitism is the crisis the West is largely ignoring

Lets call antisemitism what it really is: Judeophobia, an irrational obsessive scapegoating of Jewish people  a group that makes up 0.2% of the worlds population  for virtually every societal ill imaginable. And in 2025, it broke records. The FBI documented over 1900 anti-Jewish hate crimes, a record high  nearly 70% of all religion-based hate crimes in America. Anti-Muslim incidents total 228. Meanwhile, 83% of Jewish college students reported experiencing or witnessing antisemitism on their campuses since the October 7 attacks by Hamas. Many were emboldened by what they saw in the media and on social media, and it created a bandwagon effect.

Judeophobia is not a fringe problem. It is a mainstream crisis. Its being normalized across the political spectrum, and more recently, it has been setting a wedge, threatening to divide the conservative right.

Second, the threat of Islam as a homegrown terror is real, its lethal, and its ideologically driven

Now, I want to be clear. This distinction matters. Islam is not nearly a religion. Its not a people group. It is a political and militant ideology in which the promotion of Sharia Law goes beyond any mere religious category. It is a complete and total way of life  one that does not distinguish between mosque and state.

And that distinction matters enormously in a constitutional republic because the Constitution was codified for a Western, Christian, and largely Protestant people. Islam, by its own doctrinal design, is not an assimilating belief system. Now that is not a slur. It is a structural reality that honest people across the political spectrum are only now beginning to say out loud.

The numbers confirm what this ideology predicts. Since 1994, 140 Jihadist attacks or plots on U.S. soil have taken place. On New Years Day 2025, an ISIS-inspired attacker drove a vehicle into a crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Louisiana, killing 14 people. It was the deadliest domestic terror attack since the Pulse Nightclub attack in 2016 that killed over 50 people.

In Europe, Europe Pols crime data recorded 24 Jihadist attacks in 2024, up from 14 the year prior. The Global Terrorism Index in 2025 named ISIS as the worlds deadliest terror organization, responsible for 1800 deaths in 2024 alone. Lets not forget Iran and all of its terrorist proxies.

Yet here at home, a Harvard-Harris poll from August 2025 found that 60% of Americans age 18-24 say they support Hamas, a terrorist organization, the very organization responsible for carrying out the attacks of over 1,200 Israelis on October 7, 2023. They trust Hamas more than they do Israel. That is the only age category in America that was polled that held that position. Every other age category sides with Israel and the Jewish people by margins ranging from 65 to 89%.

The numbers show a huge problem in propaganda driven by ideology and not facts.

Third, the media has inverted reality, and the receipts are in plain sight

After every major Jihadist attack, the medias reflexive response is not to examine the ideology behind it. It is to pivot to warnings about Islamophobia. After 9/11. After Paris. Manchester. Bourbon Street. The Pulse Nightclub. And numerous other shootings that have transpired on American soil.

The media machine attempts to cover for Islam, often hiding the identity of the perpetrator or concealing the obvious motive. And according to FBI crime data, there is no widespread hatred or violence against Islam in the West, nor does it need to start. But there is an irrational apathy towards Islam. Contrast that with the actual antisemitism or Judeophobia, where there is a verifiable hatred, suspicion, and even fear of Jewish people, which defies rationale or logic.

Former MSNBC host Joy Reid demonstrated this comparison recently when she claimed the United States is only marginally better than Iran is for women, equating pro-life legislation with Islamic theocracy, where women are beaten to death for removing their hijab, or can be married off at age 9, or can be put to death for rape in an honor killing.

We have a total collapse in the West of moral reasoning. If we are incapable of making this moral distinction in the West, we will soon lose our civilization to a retrograde Islamic ideology that will not rest until there is total domination of society and that society has reverted back to seventh-century barbarism.

Fourth, truth is a theological obligation, not just a political option

Proverbs 14:5 tells us that the faithful witness does not lie. For Christians engaging the public square, we have to be honest, and we have to recognize that the truth is on our side. We are not only to tell our story of the Gospel accurately but also to name reality accurately against the lies of propaganda.

Antisemitism is the worlds oldest and most adaptive hatred. And today it operates under the auspices of Im just asking questions, and look, Anti-Zionism isnt antisemitism. Also, Christ is King. But when its said today, especially by the Romanists and the integralists, it sounds less like Jesus Christ is Lord and the only way of salvation, and more like, Take that, you Jew.

There is a certain irony in a civilization sophisticated enough to coin the word Islamophobia but too sophisticated to notice what is actually happening. The West invented a label for a fear we declared irrational.

The result is a culture with a phobia about phobias. Weve exchanged moral clarity for moral relativism and a Bolshevik-style revolution instead of a Billy Graham-style revival.

America needs revival. We have convinced ourselves that the oldest hatred, palpable, noticeable, documentable, and real, is actually a form of resistance against tyranny. Its not.

We are not failing to see the threat clearly because the data is unclear. Were failing to see it because seeing it will cost us something  the end of our delusion and the realization that we have a real internal fight on our hands inside the gates.

The West does not have an Islamophobia problem. We have an Islamoapathy problem. And right now, the truth is the greatest antidote.

Originally published at the Standing for Freedom Center.
Home Opinion God is 'pruning' the Church: Why todays scandals may signal spiritual renewal

The ongoing exposure of various sins and compromised leadership practices that have been operating within churches has caused a sobering recognition of years-long festering corruption. And even those who are watching from the sidelines agree that God is clearly cleaning house.



My husband, a pastor of a non-denominational church in Virginia, recently sensed that still small voice of the Lord saying that He was pruning the Church, and I agree. As ministries continue to be exposed, many in the Church are feeling the pains of what The Vinedresser is cutting away. Rotting and diseased roots are being revealed, and that which is barren and not yielding any fruit is being cut back and even removed.

Yet its not just the rotten and diseased parts being stripped away.

Consider what John 15:2 says, that He prunes the already fruitful branches so that they will be even more fruitful. Indeed, God doesnt always cut away that which is bad; He also cuts away what is deemed to be good. And that can often be even more painful. We see the pruning of what seems good and fruitful, and become discouraged, fearing that something may be lost. But it, too, must be cut back so that new growth can come. Because this is what He does for an even greater harvest.

This is a time of not only pruning, but separation  distinguishing between the flesh and the spirit. It is a process of identifying that which is true and holy, and that which is carnal and defiled. Its the Holy One confronting mixture and double-mindedness in the Body of Christ, and we shouldnt be surprised. This is what happens for any of us who desire to abide in the Vine, for His desire is that we bear much fruit for the Kingdom and for His glory.

Thankfully, for those who have had ears to hear and eyes to see what is coming out this pruning season, there has been some good and much-needed fruit that has emerged. Even though there are disagreements concerning some of the charges and allegations against various leaders, and ongoing debate about the process involved, particularly given the imperfect fora that is social media, indisputably good fruit is beginning to bud.

Amid this cleansing, I have personally seen believers starting to ask more questions about who they follow and reconsidering what scripturally qualifies someone who claims spiritual authority. Many are also beginning to take more time to study what the Word says about the supernatural, godly leadership, and how the church should be governed.

The gifts of the Spirit are being examined more carefully according to scriptural protocols instead of cultural preferences or personal experiences. Leaders are becoming more aware of the responsibility they have to their followers and are reassessing some of their ministry procedures and practices. Social media users are now more aware of what is posted online and stepping up to discern and weigh it rightly, in light of Scripture.

I am also witnessing a new, budding generation of leaders embracing the challenges and starting to bring reformation to both sound doctrine and operating in the gifts of the Spirit. Teachers of the Word and seers in the Spirit are beginning to collaborate and consult together in order for the Word and Spirit to walk side by side, for there was never meant to be any division between them.

To disheartened believers who have long prayed and yearned for the Church to be all she is called to be, and who are understandably exhausted and heartbroken by all the scandals, instead of seeing this refining and pruning season as a negative or even as a destructive work of man, consider seeing it is a sovereign work of the Spirit that is only just beginning to blossom.

Thats something to look forward to, because ultimately anything that comes from the True Vine will not only last, but thrive.
The acquisition includes key patents and intellectual property from First Brands Group across multiple product categories.

MEMPHIS, Tenn., March 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Premium Guard Inc. (PGI), a leading filter manufacturer and supplier founded in 1996, announced it has signed an agreement to acquire key intellectual property and related assets from First Brands Group. The transaction is subject to bankruptcy court approval, among other closing conditions, and is expected to close in early April.

This agreement represents an important step in strengthening PGI's product offering and development capabilities, while maintaining its core focus as a leading supplier of private label programs.

Over the past three decades, PGI has built a robust global supply chain, an expansive distribution network, and strong capabilities in product management, engineering, and category management. The addition of these intellectual property assets enhances PGI's ability to further develop its product offering, accelerate innovation, and support customers across multiple segments and geographies.

"This is a meaningful step forward for PGI," said Anan Bishara, Founder and CEO of PGI. "The know-how, patents, and engineering capabilities we are acquiring, particularly in wiper blades, spark plugs, and diesel filtration, significantly strengthen our platform, enabling us to continue developing advanced, reliable, and complete solutions across multiple tiers. This will allow us to better support our customers with differentiated products in highly competitive categories, while accelerating innovation and speed to market."

The acquisition also supports PGI's expansion into additional maintenance categories, including ignition and spark plugs. Combined with PGI's existing strengths in filtration, wiper blades, and related maintenance products such as drain plugs, this creates a more complete maintenance-product portfolio. This broader offering enhances PGI's category management capabilities, allowing customers to benefit from a more integrated approach across different categories, improved assortment strategies, and stronger attachment opportunities.

The addition of internationally recognized brands provides PGI with an enhanced foundation to expand its presence in global markets. This not only supports the company's long-term strategy to grow beyond North America but also enables PGI to better support and service its customers as they expand their own businesses globally. By leveraging its global supply chain and distribution capabilities, PGI will be well positioned to align with customers' international growth strategies.

PGI emphasized that this transaction does not change its core business model or its commitment to customers. The company will continue to focus on supporting its partners with best-in-class private label programs, category management, and supply chain excellence. This investment strengthens PGI's ability to deliver high quality products, expanded coverage, and advanced technology, while remaining fully aligned with its customers' brands and growth strategies.

About Premium Guard Inc. (PGI)

Premium Guard Inc. is a leading developer and supplier of premium automotive filtration solutions serving retail, traditional, quick lube, and e-commerce channels across North America. Beyond its Premium Guard branded product line, PGI powers many of the industry's most successful private-label programs, delivering turnkey solutions in engineering, product design, packaging, marketing, logistics, and data management. Through relentless innovation, global sourcing excellence, and a customer-first mindset, PGI continues to raise the standard for quality, agility, and value in the automotive aftermarket.

Media Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Premium Guard Inc.
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Bank of America has agreed to pay victims of notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein $72.5 million to settle a class action lawsuit alleging that the bank facilitated his sex trafficking operation, a New York federal court filing showed Friday evening.

The settlement, in which BoA did not admit wrongdoing, is the fourth settlement by a major bank of legal claims by Epstein victims or a government entity alleging they effectively abetted his trafficking while he was a customer. The settlement with BoA must be approved by U.S. District Court in Manhattan Judge Jed Rakoff; such approval is typically granted.

The settlement would pay "all women who were sexually abused or trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein, or by any person who is connected to or otherwise associated with Jeffrey Epstein or any Jeffrey Epstein sex-trafficking venture, between June 30, 2008 and July 6, 2019, inclusive," according to the filing.

Lawyers in the case are "aware that there are at least 60 women who were victimized by Epstein between" those dates, the filing said.

A Bank of America spokesman, in a statement, said, "While we stand by our prior statements made in the filings in this case, including that Bank of America did not facilitate sex trafficking crimes, this resolution allows us to put this matter behind us and provides further closure for the plaintiffs."

CNBC has requested comment from the two law firms that represented the victims in the suit filed in October 2025, Boies Schiller Flexner and Edwards Henderson.
President Donald Trump on Friday winkingly referred to the Strait of Hormuz, the vital oil-shipping route and a key choke point in the Iran war, as the "Strait of Trump."

Iran has to "open up the Strait of Trump  I mean, Hormuz," the president said in a speech at the Future Investment Initiative in Miami, garnering laughs from the crowd.

"Excuse me. I'm so sorry. Such a terrible mistake," he said, feigning apologetics before clarifying, "The fake news will say, 'He accidentally said'  No, there's no accidents with me, not too many. If there were, we'd have a major story."

The comment came as the strait has emerged as a key source of conflict in the war, which is poised to enter its second month even as the U.S. boasts that it has "obliterated" Iran's military.

Iran's continued ability to effectively block the strait  blocking the path that normally ferries 20 million oil barrels per day  has contributed to a historic disruption of global energy supply and prices.
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The once-impenetrable Arctic waters have become the latest battleground for sea dominance among military and maritime vessels, as increased activity by both the Chinese and Russian Coast Guard and naval ships in recent months has raised concern in the U.S. The Northwest Passage, a sea route extending north of Canada that connects the Arctic Ocean to the North Atlantic, can save approximately 4,500 nautical miles in transit time. That can cut a vessel's trip from the Far East to Europe, and from Russia to Europe, in half, saving both time and money on bunker fuel. Warmer temperatures have extended the travel season for vessels traversing this waterway, with frozen routes carved out by polar icebreakers, and Russian and Chinese icebreakers dominating the region. More than 1,800 ships traveled on the Arctic polar waterway in 2025, a 40 percent increase from 2013. In 2025, China completed 14 voyages, including a Cosco containership, the first containership to make a journey through the waterway. "From an economic and commercial standpoint, it makes sense for shippers to be interested in the development in that region to save time," said Aaron Roth, principal and head of federal strategy and security at the Chertoff Group. Russia has a fleet of 45 icebreakers in the polar region, including eight nuclear-powered vessels. China has three, with a nuclear-powered polar icebreaker reportedly under construction. The U.S. currently has three icebreakers, but one of them is 50 years old.

People attend the float out ceremony of the nuclear-powered ice-breaker Yakutia at the Baltic shipyard in Saint Petersburg, Russia on November 22, 2020. Olga Maltseva | Afp | Getty Images

"The reason that we have fallen so far behind in the race to the Arctic or for the icebreakers is basically funding the United States Coast Guard," said Lou Sola, former Federal Maritime Commission Chairman and partner at lobbying firm Thorn Run Partners. "The Coast Guard has been plagued by maintenance issues and is trying to get proper supplies. They've been resorting to cannibalizing one ship to use its parts on another so they can have an operational ship. As a result, overall shipbuilding has really taken a toll. Especially the icebreakers," he said. President Donald Trump has increased focus on domestic shipbuilding initiatives, including polar icebreakers. But Trump is not alone with his concerns about the Arctic activity, with NATO's European commander citing the growing presence of Russia and China in the Arctic as a threat. Maritime officials say the increased Arctic activity is a national security issue and stress that the U.S is considered an Arctic nation. "These Arctic security cutters that the Coast Guard's building will provide the sovereignty, the freedom of navigation, and capability and capacity in that region that we currently do not have," Roth said. "We certainly don't want them to gain advantages in locations in the high north," he added. The concerns overlap with other of Trump's national security ambitions. In early 2026, Trump declared he wanted Greenland for national security. The two Arctic routes a vessel can take pass near Greenland.

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HOUSTON  The CEOs of the world's most influential oil and gas companies delivered a sobering message this week about the impact of the Iran war on energy supplies and the long-term consequences for the global economy.

The executives gathered in Houston, Texas, for S&P Global's annual CERAWeek energy conference to take stock of the war. They warned that the market is not reflecting the scale of the disruption to oil and gas supplies.

Asia and Europe will face fuel shortages if the war drags on, the executives said. Oil prices are likely to remain high even if the conflict ends as countries restock depleted reserves, they said.

"You just can't take 8 to 10 million barrels a day of oil and 20 or so percent of the [liquefied natural gas] market off the world stage without having some significant repercussions," ConocoPhillips CEO Ryan Lance told CERAWeek attendees.

Iran has basically imposed an economic blockade against the oil producers in the Middle East by closing the Strait of Hormuz, said Sheikh Nawaf al-Sabah, the CEO of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation. The Strait is the vital artery that connects the Gulf Arab producers' oil exports to global markets.

"This is an attack not only against the Gulf, but it is an attack that is holding the world's economy hostage," al-Sabah told conference. The CEO warned that the war will have a "domino effect" across the global economy.

"The costs of this war don't stay within geographical lines in this region," al-Sabah said. "They extend all the way through supply chain."

The oil shock is the worst since the Arab oil embargo against the U.S. and other Western nations over their support for Israel in 1973 Mideast war, said Paul Sankey, an independent analyst at Sankey Research.

"This is the worst I've seen," said Sankey, who started his career at the International Energy Agency in 1990. "We've seen nothing like this, possibly since 1973. We've never seen the Straits of Hormuz shut."

"We're in a de-facto situation where the Iranians are controlling the Strait," Sankey said. "So the situation is extremely grave."

Call for U.S. military to protect energy

The executives comments stood in contrast to the Trump administration's efforts to reassure a worried industry and volatile oil market.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright told CNBC the market is facing a "short-term period of disruption." The price is worth paying in order to acheive the long-term benefits of defanging Iran, he said.

But the price is very high for an oil and gas industry whose assets are now exposed to attack. Conoco is "pleading" with Trump administration for military "protection around the US-owned assets in Qatar and hundreds of millions of dollars of investment," Lance said.

Iran has forced the closure of the world's largest liquefied natural gas hub in Qatar with drone attacks. Conoco is a major investor in that facility.

"We've had to evacuate a number of our staff, our non-essential staff," Lance said. "That's been a been a chore over the last couple of weeks."

Oil prices to remain high

Oil prices were volatile this week, falling whenever hopes rose for a negotiated end to the war and rising when perceived tensions reignited. On Monday, President Donald Trump backed down from his threat to bomb Iran's power plants. Throughout the week, he claimed that Iran wants to cut a deal to end the conflict.

But ultimately investors remained on edge, with oil prices settling Friday at their highest level in more than three years. U.S. crude oil prices have surged 49% to $99.64 per barrel since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28. Brent prices , the international benchmark, have soared more than 55% to $112.57 per barrel.

"I hear and I read a lot about talks about prices and the like, all interesting, but it's physical flows that matter," Shell CEO Wael Sawan said. "Our customers need the molecules, need the electrons."

Chevron CEO Mike Wirth the phsyical supply of oil is much tighter than prices in the futures market indicate. The market is reacting based on "scant information" and "perception," the CEO said.
Police officials stand alongside police and private security vehicles outside The Bank of America building in the 8th arrondissement of Paris on March 28, 2026, following an apparent bomb attack attempt. French police stopped an apparent bomb attack outside a U.S. bank in Paris early March 28, 2026, when they arrested a man about to set off a homemade explosive device, sources close to the case told AFP. The incident occurred around 3:30 am local time in front of a Bank of America building in the chic 8th arrondissement, a couple of streets from the Champs-Elysees.

French anti-terrorism prosecutors have opened an investigation into a suspected attack targeting Bank of America's Paris headquarters after the reported overnight arrest of a man who allegedly tried to ignite an improvised explosive device outside the U.S. bank's premises.

In an emailed statement to Reuters, the national anti-terrorism prosecutor's office said the investigation involves the suspected attempted destruction by fire or other dangerous means in connection with a terrorist plot, as well as the manufacture, possession, and transport of an incendiary or explosive device.

The investigation also includes a charge of participation in a terrorist criminal association, covering potential links to accomplices or a broader network. It has been entrusted to the Paris police judicial unit and France's domestic intelligence agency, the DGSI.

French newspaper Le Parisien and other media earlier reported the arrest of a man at the scene, citing police sources.

"Well done to the rapid response team from the (Paris) police authority, whose actions thwarted a violent terrorist attack in Paris last night," French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said in a social media post.

"Vigilance remains at a higher level than ever. I congratulate all the security and intelligence forces, who are fully mobilised under my authority in the current international context."

The Paris police authority declined to comment.

"We are aware of the situation and are communicating with the authorities," a spokesperson for Bank of America told Reuters.

The suspect was arrested at around 3:25 a.m. local time (0225 GMT) in the city's 8th arrondissement, or district, as he tried to light the explosive device, Le Parisien reported. He was taken into custody, while a second individual who was present fled the scene and remains at large, Le Parisien added.

The suspect told police he had been contacted via Snapchat and paid 600 euros ($690) to carry out the act, adding that he had been driven to the scene by another person, Le Parisien reported.

The device consisted of a 5-litre container filled with an unidentified liquid and an explosive charge made of about 650 grams of powder, the French newspaper reported. It was secured and handed over to forensic experts from the Paris police laboratory, the report said.
Demonstrators march near the Lincoln Memorial after crossing the Memorial Bridge during the "No Kings" national day of protest in Washington, D.C., on March 28, 2026. Nationwide protests against U.S. President Donald Trump are expected Saturday as millions of people vent fury over what they see as his authoritarian bent and other forms of cruel, law-trampling governance. It is the third time in less than a year that Americans will take to the streets as part of a grassroots movement called "No Kings," the most vocal and visual conduit for opposition to Trump since he began his second term in January 2025. Aaron Schwartz | Afp | Getty Images

Demonstrators decrying U.S. President Donald Trump's aggressive deportation efforts, war in Iran and other policies took to city streets across the country on Saturday in the third round of the "No Kings" rallies. More than 3,200 events had been planned in all 50 states, after the two previous nationwide events attracted millions of participants. Large rallies took place in New York, Dallas, Philadelphia and Washington, but two-thirds of No Kings events were happening outside major cities, a nearly 40% jump for smaller communities from the movement's first mobilization last June, organizers said.

Trump poses 'existential threat,' actor De Niro says

In Minnesota, a flashpoint in Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration, a massive rally was held outside the state capitol in Saint Paul. Many held aloft posters bearing photos of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, U.S. citizens fatally shot by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis this year. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the Democratic vice presidential nominee in 2024, told the crowd that their resistance to Trump and his policies makes them "the heart and soul" of everything good about the U.S. "They call us radicals," Walz said. "You're damn right we've been radicalized - radicalized by compassion, radicalized by decency, radicalized by due process, radicalized by democracy, and radicalized to do all we can to oppose authoritarianism."

Protesters descend on Times Square during the "No Kings" national day of protest in New York on March 28, 2026. Nationwide protests against US President Donald Trump are expected Saturday as millions of people vent fury over what they see as his authoritarian bent and other forms of cruel, law-trampling governance. It is the third time in less than a year that Americans will take to the streets as part of a grassroots movement called "No Kings," the most vocal and visual conduit for opposition to Trump since he began his second term in January 2025. Charly Triballeau | Afp | Getty Images

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, a Trump critic who sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 2016 and 2020, also addressed the event in Minnesota. Musician Bruce Springsteen performed his song "Streets of Minneapolis"  a ballad criticizing Trump's immigration crackdown and lamenting the deaths of Good and Pretti. "We will not allow this country to descend into authoritarianism or oligarchy in America," said Sanders, an independent. "We, the people, will rule." The National Republican Congressional Committee criticized Democratic politicians and candidates for supporting the rallies. "These Hate America Rallies are where the far-left's most violent, deranged fantasies get a microphone and House Democrats get their marching orders," committee spokesperson Mike Marinella said in a statement. In New York, a crowd that police estimated at tens of thousands stretched more than 10 blocks in midtown Manhattan. Actor Robert De Niro, one of the organizers, said that no president before Trump has posed "such an existential threat to our freedoms and security." Holly Bemiss, 54, said she and other New York rally attendees were acting in the same spirit as her ancestors who fought in the American Revolution. "We fought against having kings and we fought for freedom," she said. "We're just doing it again."

Demonstrators attend a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump's administration policies, in St. Paul, Minnesota, on March 28, 2026. Tim Evans | Reuters

On the National Mall in Washington, the crowd chanted pro-democracy slogans and held anti-Trump signs. Outside a high-rise assisted-living center in Chevy Chase, Maryland, a group of elderly people in wheelchairs held signs encouraging passing cars to "Resist tyranny," "Honk if you want democracy," and "Dump Trump." Thousands attended a Dallas event that had clashes between No Kings demonstrators and counterprotest groups, including one led by Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the far-right organization the Proud Boys. Minor scuffles erupted when counterprotesters blocked streets. Dallas police eventually made several arrests. Trump's policies have galvanized the opposition, Dallas protester Chris Brendel said. "One thing I'll give Trump credit for is mobilizing the dissenters," Brendel said. "I can't stand by and be silent anymore simply because of my boys and their friends and the future."

Marching ahead of midterms

In Los Angeles, retired Burbank, California, resident Theresa Gunnell said she took part because it's "important for everybody to make a stand against authoritarianism, fascism, and greed." "All Trump is doing is making himself wealthy while taking away from regular Americans," she said. Two people were arrested for assaulting federal law enforcement as 1,000 "rioters" surrounded a federal building, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said on Saturday. It said two officers had been hit with the cement blocks and were receiving medical care in the incident at the Roybal Federal Building.

Demonstrators take part in the No Kings Houston Protest, Texas, on March 28, 2026, in Houston. Marcus Ingram | Getty Images Entertainment | Getty Images
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Protesters, predominantly Houthi supporters, demonstrate in solidarity with Palestinians, in Sanaa, Yemen on Aug. 1, 2025. Khaled Abdullah | Reuters

Yemen's Houthis launched a missile strike against Israel, the group said Saturday. It was the first time the Tehran-backed militia had intervened in the U.S.-Israeli-led war against Iran, which has entered its second month. "The Yemeni Armed Forces ... have carried out the first military operation using a barrage of ballistic missiles targeting sensitive Israeli military sites," Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree said in a post on X. Saree said the strike was in support of Iran's regime and Hezbollah forces in Lebanon. The Israel Defense Forces said they "identified the launch of a missile from Yemen towards Israel," adding that its aerial defenses intercepted the threat. The move by the Houthis marks an escalation in the conflict, which began with U.S. and Israeli airstrikes against Iranian targets on Feb. 28. Analysts have told CNBC that the Houthis could attempt to choke off maritime traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, separating the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa  through which ships must pass to reach the Red Sea and the Suez Canal  adding to pressure on global trade. Early Saturday, Danish shipping giant Maersk, widely regarded as a barometer of global trade, responded to reports of drone activity and explosions that occurred at the Port of Salalah in Oman. "We are pleased to confirm that all Maersk crew are safe and accounted for and no Maersk vessels or cargo have been affected," the company said in a statement. "Following the incident in which a terminal crane sustained damage and a port worker suffered minor injuries, the port was immediately evacuated and operations across the facility were temporarily suspended." Maersk had said earlier in March that the situation in the Middle East had prompted it to pause future trans-Suez sailings through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait until further notice. The Port of Salalah remains in full cooperation with relevant authorities and Maersk's current estimate is that operations will be on hold for approximately 48 hours. We will inform customers if there are any changes to this timeline as soon as information becomes available. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait was estimated to account for 12% of seaborne oil trade and 8% of liquefied natural gas trade in the first half of 2023. Iranian forces have already effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula, through which about 20% of the world's oil supplies moved before the war. Oil prices on Friday closed at their highest level in more than three years, as President Donald Trump's pivot toward negotiations with Iran failed to ease market fears about the huge supply disruption in the Middle East.

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U.S. crude oil prices rose 5.46% to close at $99.64 per barrel. International benchmark Brent crude prices gained 4.22% to settle at $112.57. Trump's move to give Iran a 10-day extension to open the strategically vital Strait failed to soothe supply concerns. The president said in a social media post on Thursday that talks with Iran were "going very well" despite "erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media, and others." As part of the announcement, the U.S. president said he would pause attacks on Iran's energy infrastructure through April 6. Iran has not yet commented on Trump's latest remarks.

More U.S. troops arrive in the Middle East

The U.S. Central Command confirmed the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, made up of roughly 3,500 Sailors and Marines, arrived in the Middle East on Saturday. "U.S. Sailors and Marines aboard USS Tripoli (LHA 7) arrived in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, March 27," according to a statement posted on X. The USS Tripoli, an amphibious assault ship, and the elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit are based in Japan. They were conducting exercises in the area around Taiwan when they were ordered to the Middle East almost two weeks ago. U.S. Central Command said that in addition to the Marines, the Tripoli also brings transport and strike fighter aircraft, as well as amphibious assault assets to the region. The USS Boxer and two other ships, along with another Marine Expeditionary Unit, have also been ordered to the region from San Diego.

Saudi oil pipeline pumps 7M barrels per day: Bloomberg

Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline, which circumvents the Strait of Hormuz, is pumping oil at its full capacity of 7 million barrels a day, Bloomberg News reported on Saturday, citing a person familiar with the matter. Crude oil exports from Saudi Arabia's Yanbu port on the Red Sea have now reached 5 million barrels a day, and the country is also exporting about 700,000 to 900,000 barrels a day of oil products, the Bloomberg report said. Reuters could not immediately verify the report. Saudi Arabia's Aramco 2223.SE did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Aramco CEO Amin Nasser told reporters earlier in March, on an earnings call, that the East-West pipeline was expected to reach its full capacity of 7 million bpd in the coming days as customers reroute.

U.S. troops suffer casualties at Saudi base: AP

More than two dozen U.S. troops have been wounded in Iranian attacks on Saudi Arabia's Prince Sultan Air Base in the past week, two people who have been briefed on the matter told the Associated Press. Iran fired six ballistic missiles and 29 drones at the base Friday, injuring at least 15 troops, including five seriously, according to AP sources, who were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity. The base, about 96 kilometers (60 miles) from the Saudi capital of Riyadh, came under attack twice earlier in the week, including a strike that wounded 14 U.S. troops, according to the people briefed on the matter. The base is run by the Royal Saudi Air Force but is also used by U.S. troops.

Attempts at diplomacy continue

The latest attacks happened after Trump claimed that talks on ending the war were going "very well." Iran says it has not engaged in any negotiations. With the economic repercussions from the war extending far beyond the Middle East, Trump is under growing pressure to end Iran's chokehold on the strait. Pakistan said Saturday that Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt will send their top diplomats to Islamabad for talks aimed at ending the war. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said in a statement that Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty will arrive Sunday for a two-day visit to "hold in-depth discussions on a range of issues, including efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region." Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Saturday that he and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held "extensive discussions" on regional hostilities and efforts aimed at end the war. Also, on Saturday, the Iranian foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, told his Turkish counterpart by phone that Iran was skeptical about recent diplomatic efforts to stop the war. Iranian state-run media reported that Araghchi accused the United States of making "unreasonable demands" and engaging in "contradictory actions," raising doubts about the prospect of an agreement. Trump envoy Steve Witkoff has said Washington delivered a 15-point "action list" to Iran for a possible ceasefire, with a proposal to restrict Iran's nuclear program and reopen the strait. Tehran rejected the proposal and presented its own five-point proposal that included reparations and recognition of its sovereignty over the waterway.

Death toll climbs

Iranian authorities say more than 1,900 people have been killed in the Islamic Republic, while 19 have been reported dead in Israel. In Lebanon, where Israel has started an invasion in the south, officials said more than 1,100 people have been killed since the start of the war. Meanwhile, at least 13 U.S. troops have been reported killed, while in Iraq, where Iranian-supported militia groups have entered the conflict, 80 members of the security forces have died. In the Gulf states, 20 people have been killed and four others in the occupied West Bank. The U.N.'s International Organization for Migration also said Friday that 82,000 civilian buildings in Iran, including hospitals and the homes of 180,000 people, were damaged.

Israel strikes Iranian nuclear facilities

Israel focused its Friday attacks on sites "in the heart of Tehran" where ballistic missiles and other weapons are produced, the military said. It said it also hit missile launchers and storage sites in Western Iran, while witnesses in eastern Tehran reported a partial power outage following airstrikes. Iran's Atomic Energy Organization said the Shahid Khondab Heavy Water Complex in Arak and the Ardakan yellowcake production plant in Yazd Province were targeted, IRNA reported. The strikes did not cause casualties and there was no risk of contamination, it said. Yellowcake is a concentrated form of uranium after impurities are removed from the raw ore. Heavy water is used as a moderator in nuclear reactors. The Israeli military later said raw materials are processed for enrichment at the Yazd plant and the strike was a major blow to Iran's nuclear program. Tehran vowed to retaliate.

Possible breakthrough to allow aid, farm shipments
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Any time you see the words 'free phone,' it's fair to assume there's a catch.

Usually, there is. Trade-ins, confusing plan requirements, and long-term commitments that quietly cost more than expected.

So when T-Mobile started promoting the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra for 'on us' (up to $1,300 off), it immediately felt like one of those deals you need to double-check.

After digging into the details, though, this one is surprisingly legit.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra T-Mobile is offering the Galaxy S26 Ultra for up to $1,300 off, essentially making it free when you add a new line on its Experience Beyond plan  and unlike most carrier deals, no trade-in is required for switchers. Existing customers can also get the deal with a trade-in in any condition, plus the added perk of a 5-year price guarantee so your monthly rate doesn't creep up later. Shop

T-Mobile is offering the Galaxy S26 Ultra for up to $1,300 off when you open a new line on its Experience Beyond plan! The biggest differentiator here is simple: no trade-in is required if you're switching.

That alone sets it apart from other major carriers deals. Most offers from Verizon and AT&T require handing over a relatively new device in good condition to unlock their top-tier deals.

T-Mobile is offering the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 'on us' with bill credits and a qualifying plan.

Existing T-Mobile customers can still take advantage of the offer, but they'll need to trade in an eligible device  even one that's not in perfect shape (aka the one you've let the screen of smash over and over...)

Now, like most carrier promotions, these discounts are applied as monthly bill credits rather than an upfront price cut. But there are even more ways to save after reading online we saw you can the Galaxy S26+ for up to $1,100 off and the Galaxy S26 for up to $900 off!

What makes this offer stand out is T-Mobile's 5-year price guarantee, which locks in your monthly rate over time. That means no unexpected increases a year down the line  something customers on Verizon and AT&T are often familiar with.

When you factor in both the device savings and stable plan pricing, the long-term cost becomes more predictable, which is where this deal starts to look more appealing!

With up to $1,300 off the Galaxy S26 Ultra, T-Mobile is making a serious play for switchers. It's one of the few major carrier deals right now that skips the trade-in requirement.

If you've been thinking about switching carriers, this is one of the more compelling Galaxy S26 deals available right now. You're getting a premium device without needing to give up your current phone, plus a plan structure designed to stay consistent over time.

The bottom line? The Galaxy S26 Ultra isn't getting cheaper  but the way you buy it might be.
It was no ordinary phone that Morgan McSweeney, the Prime Ministers 48-year-old chief of staff, was clutching to his ear as he walked down Belgrave Road, Pimlico, at 10.30pm on October 20 last year.

In the electronic innards of that phone was stored information that, in all probability, was absolutely crucial to the future of the Government and the fate of the PM.

Within the amazingly capacious memory of that iPhone are likely to have been traces or records of the entire process  if you can call it a process  by which Peter Mandelson was appointed to the post of ambassador to Washington.

That phone was almost certainly the means by which McSweeney carried out the function allegedly entrusted to him  of vetting the suitability of Mandelson for that 161,000-a-year appointment.

If, as his job required, McSweeney posed written questions to Mandelson on that phone, those questions would be there. If Mandelson responded, the answers would be there.

In so far as the proper vetting process was followed  as Starmer has repeatedly claimed  it may well be that the only evidence is on that phone. Because from what we have learned to date, it seems that no other records were kept and no other notes were made of the decision.

The electronic data on that phone is, therefore, likely to be  or to have been  one of the very few ways in which the public can assess this crucial question: was the Prime Minister really deceived  as he has so repeatedly and so strenuously claimed  by Peter Mandelson? Was his chief of staff really bamboozled by the feline old Machiavelli?

We need to have Morgan McSweeney's, former chief of staff, phone, or we need to know in exactly what way Mandelson lied to the PM

Is it true  as Starmer has tearfully claimed  that Mandelson lied and lied and lied again about his relationship with the late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein? That is what the PM told the Commons and the world.

Or is it really that Starmer was shocked by the growing inferno of public outrage in the wake of Mandelsons sacking on September 11?

Is it perhaps more likely that he panicked, and then found it convenient to claim that he had been deceived  or rather that his chief of staff had been deceived  because he did not see how he could otherwise justify the appointment of a man who had remained friends with a systematic and serial paedophile, a man who had incorrigibly groomed, trafficked and abused under-age girls?

He knew the Labour Partys vulnerability on this point. He was all too aware of the accusations he had himself faced, as director of public prosecutions, over the failure to prosecute the appalling Jimmy Savile.

Is the reality that Starmer was and is lying  about his very claim that he was himself deceived?

Starmer knew the essential facts: they were there in his briefing. He knew that Mandelson had remained friends with Epstein after Epstein had been convicted. He knew that the man he wanted to be US ambassador had been to stay with a convicted paedophile, and he knew that his senior officials  such as Jonathan Powell, the national security advisor, and the whole Civil Service  were extremely worried about the appointment. All that was in the briefing.

The Epstein Files have indeed produced more damning and extraordinary information about the Mandelson-Epstein relationship. We know that Mandelson and his husband Reinaldo Avila da Silva actually took money from Epstein, and we know that Mandelson passed sensitive government emails and information to Epstein  such as the timing of the euro bailouts in 2010  almost as soon as they dropped in his inbox.

That strikes me as a killer fact: that he secretly passed market-sensitive information to a foreign banker  a man who had secretly given him money  while occupying high public office. It is an offence for which, if found guilty, Mandelson may yet do time.

But I think it highly unlikely that he concealed those facts from Morgan McSweeney, and therefore from Starmer, because I think it highly unlikely that he was asked, and certainly not in those terms.

I doubt very much if Mandelson was asked if he had taken money from Epstein, or passed him information, because I dont think it would have occurred to McSweeney that a man of Mandelsons experience could do something so extraordinarily foolish and ostensibly corrupt.

In any case, that was not the objective of the vetting process. McSweeney wasnt trying to get at the truth; he was trying to get Mandelson appointed, and I therefore think it highly unlikely that Mandelson actually lied to No 10.

Starmers problem is not that he was the victim of Mandelsons lies, but that he failed to recognise the moral impossibility of appointing Mandelson with the information he already had about his friendship with the paedophile.

That is the toxic point. That is why the public is so angry, and that is why Starmer thought it necessary to lie himself  to pretend that he had been deceived.

There are only two ways to clear this up. Either Peter Mandelson can come forward and confess that, yes, he lied to McSweeney and Starmer about his relationship with Epstein, and he can produce the damning evidence from his own phone  about how he was explicitly asked certain questions and how he gave false answers to McSweeney.

Is it true  as Prime Minister Sir Keir has tearfully claimed  that Mandelson lied and lied and lied again?

I suppose that might happen... when hell freezes over.

Or else we might magically recover McSweeneys iPhone  which was providentially snatched from his hand, and which has joined Shergar and Lord Lucan in the great disappearing acts of modern British history.

There are many very fishy aspects about this theft: the fact that McSweeney inadvertently gave the wrong address for the mugging  Belgrave Street in Tower Hamlets, rather than Belgrave Road in Pimlico; the brainless way with which he agreed with the police call handlers suggestion that the mugger had turned into Stepney Green Park, when Stepney is nowhere near Pimlico; the apathy with which he followed up the theft, not picking up when the police called him back twice; his failure to identify himself as the Prime Ministers chief of staff, and holder of a crucial public office, with a phone that therefore contained information that might be of great value to the enemies of this country.

The whole thing is bizarrely lackadaisical  precisely as if he didnt really want too much of a hue and cry.

Then there is the peculiar way the phones data was wiped by the security services without even trying to locate or recover the phone.

Let us suppose for a second that it is true that a young black man on a bike had snatched his phone  only weeks after McSweeney had realised that its contents were potentially lethal for the Government  and cycled north.

If that phone were really in the hands of the thief, surely it would have triggered mobile phone masts on the way.

If McSweeney had really run down the street after him, for a few blocks, then the evidence of that chase would be on CCTV. There are dozens of cameras in that area. They cant all have been wiped.

This is too important to let go. We need to have that phone, or we need to know in exactly what way Mandelson lied to the PM; because, otherwise, I am afraid it looks as though the PM has been lying to the country.
Britains bloodiest day starts with a wave of a hand in a shadowy bunker in the catacombs deep beneath Tehran. Irans wounded supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has not been seen in public since he took charge after his father was killed exactly a month ago today. But a major strike on a Western capital would require his authorisation. So, with a fanatical cry of Allahu Akhbar, the worst destruction our islands have suffered since World War II is under way.

The Ayatollahs command comes at 10.53am Tehran time (three and a half hours ahead of GMT), after the nightly American and Israeli bombing has lulled. Two Khorramshahr-4 ballistic projectiles  the very ones that were recently fired at our base in Diego Garcia, suggesting for the first time that they could potentially also reach British shores  trundle out of their underground missile cities beneath the central Iranian town of Isfahan on a motorised transporter erector launcher and are raised to vertical position.

Based on a North Korean design, the monstrous missiles are almost as tall (20 metres) as the Angel of the North statue in Gateshead, weigh the same as two London buses and are painted yellow and black, like wasps.

At that range, they can carry 86 stone of explosives, possibly including up to 80 cluster munitions: smaller bombs that scatter as they descend, increasing the carnage. Iran has dozens of such projectiles, which it adapted from Pyongyang, which, in turn, based its design on Soviet submarine missiles.

In broad daylight, time is of the essence. As Iran maintains the Khorramshahr-4s in a state of readiness, it takes just 12 minutes for them to be filled with a mixture of fuel and oxidiser by a crew wearing Hazmat protective gear. Then the pumps are disconnected, the targeting data is confirmed, the personnel withdraw to a safe distance, and amid an orange-white fireball and a roiling plume of exhaust, the missiles are launched.

It takes three minutes for the projectiles to exit the Earths atmosphere. After that, they travel in space at hypersonic speeds of up to Mach 16, more than 12,000mph. At such a velocity, it takes them under 20 minutes to cover the 4,000 miles to Britain (a passenger jet takes about six hours). They re-enter the atmosphere at about 10,000mph and drop to their targets at 08:01am GMT. Like comets, they descend in silence, faster than the speed of sound. The noise of the impact is described from several miles away as a roaring explosion and a low-frequency, concussive blast with a pressure wave that hits individuals in the chest. Time from command to strike: 38 minutes.

Such a doomsday scenario may seem unrealistic. Every element of this nightmare, however, is both plausible and precedented

Two Khorramshahr-4 ballistic projectiles  the very ones that were recently fired at our base in Diego Garcia  trundle out of their underground missile cities

If even a remote part of the Scottish Highlands were hit, it would cause national panic. Tehrans target of choice, however, is Heathrow, the busiest airport in Europe, selected to cause carnage, stretch our emergency services and paralyse our infrastructure and economy.

Britain has no exo-atmospheric interceptors, like Israels Arrow 3 or Americas SM-3s, which  on a good day  can spectacularly destroy missiles like the Khorramshahr-4 while they are still in space. We have no high-altitude terminal defences, like the United States Terminal High Altitude Area Defence system, which can catch them towards the end of their flightpath. We dont even have lower-tier defences like Washingtons Patriot PAC-3s, which may offer a last-ditch attempt to avert disaster in the final moments of descent.

Instead, all we have are six Type 45 destroyer warships. Combined with satellite early warning and radar, if one Type 45 was stationed off the Lincolnshire coast and another at Portsmouth, they could have an effective range that could extend to hundreds of miles. Despite their fearsome capabilities, however, these are optimised for aircraft, cruise missiles and complex air attack environments, not leviathans of the skies like the Khorramshahr-4. To make matters worse, our only serviceable destroyer, HMS Dragon, is 2,500 miles away in the eastern Mediterranean. The remaining five are in various stages of refurbishment in dry dock, leaving our skies entirely undefended.

As the missile emerges from the clouds above Heathrow, RAF Boulmer, the Northumberland base that houses Britains Control and Reporting Centre, has received an alert from Natos early-warning system. But the American defences on the European continent have been unable to protect us. Nor does Britain maintain any air-raid sirens.

Ten seconds later  just as the order is given to scramble our Quick Reaction Alert Typhoons at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire  the missile hits.

At that time in the morning, one flight is leaving every three minutes from Terminal 5 alone, with up to 20,000 people shopping, dining and relaxing in lounges. The first missile lands squarely on the home of British Airways, causing an unprecedented mass casualty event. Up to 150,000 people are inside Heathrow, including passengers and airport staff, at peak times. A single ballistic missile strike on a densely populated area can easily kill 3,000 and injure perhaps 10 times that number. Amid the screams, dismemberment and death, the scenes are apocalyptic: Britains 9/11.

Two minutes later, at 8.03am, the second missile descends at hypersonic speed on a prime military target, Northwood Headquarters, which oversees the Army, Royal Navy and RAF, as well as our cyber and space operations and some Special Forces coordination. This one is carrying a cluster munition warhead, which causes multiple explosions across the Hertfordshire complex, killing and mutilating thousands of our most senior officers, and degrading our command-and-control. With our military defences and civilian responders alike in a state of disarray, the stage is set for the next dreadful phase of Irans plan.

Its not like we werent warned. Last Friday, General Abolfazl Shekarchi, the regimes military spokesman, threatened the West on state television: From now on, based on the information we have about you, even parks, recreational areas and tourist destinations anywhere in the world will no longer be safe for you.

Thus, at 8.24am, while mobile phones across the country blare out the governments Emergency Alert that was tested last year  aside from older models, those with poor signal, those who had opted out of notifications and some on smaller networks  a range of terror atrocities is launched in Britain. These take the form of varying degrees of sophistication.

The Ukrainians carried out Operation Spiderweb deep inside Russia in 2025. Dozens of small First Person View (FPV) drones were smuggled into the country piece by piece and hidden inside wooden structures on trucks. When they were near the targets, the roofs opened remotely and they were guided to strike Russian airbases. Taking lessons from this, a lorry driven by Iranian operatives stops in the Park Royal Estate, the largest industrial estate in London.

At precisely 08:33am, it launches a swarm of FPVs 12 miles towards the heart of the capital.

Police jammers prevent such low-flying drones, which are operated remotely using headsets, from entering the Government Security Zone, a group of critical buildings in Westminster. But most civilian targets are vulnerable. With so many resources tied up with the unfolding disasters elsewhere, counter-terror powers to extend the no-fly zone are rolled out only patchily.

Moreover, as they are designed to block drones running the latest software, hundreds of the deadly devices have freedom of airspace.

After about 13 minutes flight time, these low-flying, remotely operated FPVs, each carrying 7lb of explosives equivalent to 20 hand grenades, start plummeting into crowds in the heart of rush-hour London causing carnage, spreading panic and sparking a manhunt for the operators.

Even this is not the end of the mullahs plans. At a Jewish school in Golders Green, northwest London, about 100 children have gathered nervously in the playground as teachers send them home. Then the bomb goes off.

Hezbollah, Irans proxy Lebanese terror group, planted a bomb in Buenos Aires that killed 85 people in 1994. Five years later, after a tip-off from Mossad, British security services uncovered Hezbollahs bombmaking factory in north London, containing enough ammonium nitrate to produce 11 such atrocities. Forty-one Jewish schoolchildren and five teachers are murdered in what becomes known as the Golders Green Bombing, with 35 others suffering life-changing injuries.

Security experts have argued that Keir Starmers continual display of weakness is emboldening Tehran to attack us

Irans wounded supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has not been seen in public since he took charge after his father was killed

But still the horrors are not over.

By 8.50am, the entire country is in a state of incredulous panic. Elite SAS units have been helicoptered in from Hereford, counterterror firearms officers have been stood up and our at-readiness brigade, either 2 PARA or 3 PARA, has been deployed. Typhoons are in the air, enforcing a no-fly zone as all commercial airliners are grounded. After tweeting, We will never allow hate to divide us, the Prime Minister convenes a Cobra meeting.

Then at 9.07am, the assassinations begin.

MI5 chief Sir Ken McCullum has warned that his officers tracked as many as 20 lethal Iran-backed plots in Britain in one recent year alone, strongly suggesting that the mullahs have established deep covert networks and proxies operating under our noses. In 2023, the Jewish Chronicle revealed that Tehran was mapping prominent Jews for an assassination campaign that will be triggered if Israel attacks, a story later confirmed by the security services. A year later, an Iranian dissident journalist, Pouria Zeraati, was stabbed by Romanian suspects in an attack believed to have been orchestrated by Iran.

At 9.15am, more than 50 highly trained Iranian terrorists and hired eastern European gangsters begin knife, gun and car attacks. Six anti-Iranian British MPs are targeted, as well as four Israeli and two US diplomats, a senior rabbi and two British newspaper journalists who were staunch critics of the regime.

The Prime Minister and the Cabinet are rushed to safety in the top-secret Pindar Crisis Command Centre 200ft beneath the Ministry of Defence in Whitehall.

As videos of these acts of violence appear on the internet, official Iranian social media accounts, which have millions of followers, proclaim a Salman Rushdie-style fatwa, calling for sympathisers to add to the havoc with lone-wolf attacks. The wolves oblige.

At 10.15am, a nurse leaving St Thomass Hospital after a night shift is stabbed to death on Westminster Bridge; an hour later, a man attacks eight people with two kitchen knives in the Bullring in Birmingham, killing three, before passers-by  including several Muslims  restrain him until armed counterterror police arrive.

At 11.46am, a knife-man screaming, Allahu Akbar! is shot dead by police on Buchanan Street in central Glasgow. At 11.50am, Operation Plato, the multi-agency response to an ongoing marauding terror attack, is declared nationwide, triggering a large-scale mobilisation of all police forces in the country. The Army begins patrolling the streets in major cities.

By the afternoon, Britain resembles a military state. After the Home Secretary advises people to stay in their homes, only soldiers and police can be seen outside and the economy grinds to a halt. As the day rolls on, there is a handful of further stabbings and an arson attack on a synagogue in Manchester; a car ramming outside the Royal Liverpool University Hospital leaves a police officer with life-threatening injuries. The death toll is estimated at 7,209, eclipsing the 2,977 killed on 9/11.

At 9pm, as Britains day of carnage draws to a close, a visibly shaken Prime Minister finally addresses the nation via video-link from his bunker. I would like to confirm that Britain was not involved in any offensive military action against Iran, he says. That will continue to be the case. We must continue to find ways to de-escalate the situation and work towards a negotiated solution to these terrible attacks.

In the days that follow, Britain is reeling. The only glimmer of positive news is that on the Bloodiest Day, as it has become known, MI5 arrested a 41-year-old Iranian who was attempting to blow up the SS Richard Montgomery, a Second World War shipwreck in the Thames off Sheerness in Kent, which is laden with 1,400 tons of explosives, including fragmentation bombs, incendiary devices and white phosphorous devices.

Last year, aircraft were banned from flying over the wreck amid fears that hostile nations were plotting to attack it, destroying flood defences in North Kent and South Essex and triggering a mini-tsunami. This arrest saved hundreds of lives. Nonetheless, two weeks after the atrocities, the final death toll is announced: 6,203, including 1,437 children.

The Prime Minister announces a public inquiry into the security failures on Britains Bloodiest Day, including the ineffectiveness of Natos early warning system; it is expected to conclude no later than 2032. Rachel Reeves announces that defence spending will be raised to 3.3 per cent of GDP by 2045, but it later emerges this will include infrastructure resilience spending on things like housebuilding and rural broadband. Jeremy Corbyn leads a pro-Iranian march in London. Amid fears of reprisals against Britains Muslim community, anti-Islamophobia legislation is rushed through Parliament. A conspiracy theory suggesting Mossad was behind the atrocities gathers popularity online, and the media debate focuses on whether Britain should cut ties with Israel.

Such a doomsday scenario may seem unrealistic. Every element of this nightmare, however, is both plausible and precedented, and if even one aspect of it materialised, the country would be thrown into crisis. Moreover, security experts have argued that Keir Starmers continual display of weakness is emboldening Tehran to attack us.

There was no British retaliation to the drone strike on our base in Cyprus, former security minister Tom Tugendhat told me. Iran has always seen Britain as a powerful adversary, but we have been advertising ourselves as the softest target in Europe.

But why would they attack little old us, you might ask? What has Britain ever done to aggravate the mullahs? The answer is simple: they are filled with a pathological hatred for our freedoms and we have allowed ourselves to become the weakest country in the West. Given how Tehran has been pushing our boundaries with strikes we might do better to ask: why would Iran not attack us?
For years, Great Britain has prided itself on the legitimacy and fairness of our elections. Our political masters love to bleat that we boast the gold standard of electoral systems, unlike so many other countries.

But take a long hard look under the bonnet of our clapped-out democracy and pretty soon you will discover such lofty sentiments are in fact utter nonsense.

Far from a beacon of decency and integrity, the system is instead rife with corruption, intimidation, bribery and abuse on a quite epic scale.

For some time now I have argued there is something fundamentally wrong about the way British elections are conducted.

Ever since 2015, in fact, it became clear to me that electoral fraud was commonplace in many of our cities, especially prevalent among those with large Pakistani and Kashmiri communities. The Electoral Commission, which is supposed to be in charge of monitoring these things, paid little attention. The police even less.

Naturally, my political opponents accused me of sour grapes. Voters, meanwhile, remained largely indifferent.

That was until last months Gorton and Denton by-election in Greater Manchester, where electoral cheating was so prevalent and so flagrant that evidence of wrong-doing in our system has now become utterly irrefutable.

The Green Partys victory, beating Reform UK by 4,000 votes, exposed several gaping flaws in our procedures which unless urgently addressed threaten to turn our elections into a worldwide laughing stock and a national disgrace.

For some time now I have argued there is something fundamentally wrong about the way British elections are conducted, says Farage

First was the extensive evidence of family voting, which until last month was something most of the British public had never even heard of. The cuddly expression might sound innocuous enough but in reality it is a perversion of our democracy.

This revolting practice is when someone (usually a dominant male) accompanies a woman into the polling booth to make sure they vote the right way, a clear breach of the 1872 Ballot Act.

According to Democracy Volunteers, an independent group that oversaw the conduct of the Gorton and Denton by-election, family voting took place in a staggering 68 per cent of the polling stations they visited.

In the 2024 General Election, Democracy Volunteers detected family voting in 116 of the 204 constituencies it monitored. Im sorry but that isnt democracy. Its collective coercion.

Whats more, it will have happened right in front of the eyes of returning officers present in the polling stations. Why none of them didnt immediately call the police to make sure that electoral law was being upheld remains a matter of deep concern.

But rather than confront this disturbing development head-on, as usual the Westminster establishment simply shrugged their shoulders and looked the other way for fear of being called racist. That is contemptible.

Weve seen the same sort of attitude in northern cities where year after year, Asian grooming gangs were not exposed for fear of giving offence to the Muslim community. Thousands upon thousands of English girls have suffered unspeakably as a result.

Yet despite the overwhelming evidence of family voting in Gorton and Denton, Greater Manchester Police yesterday announced they found no evidence of any intent to influence or refrain any person from voting.

So there you have it. Once again, the authorities investigate, make a lot of noise and  surprise, surprise  find absolutely nothing to see. Im sorry but it stinks.

But family voting merely scratches the surface of the problem in our elections.

Mass postal voting has led to a complete change in the way that we carry out elections in this country.

Introduced by Blair 25 years ago under the guise of increasing turnout, rather than enhance voter engagement the practice has become a farce.

Where once you needed good reason to apply for postal vote such as ill health, a disability, or being away from home for work or holiday, thanks to Labours introduction in 2001 of postal voting on demand anyone and everyone can nowadays apply for one with minimal checks. Needless to say, this has drastically changed the way people now cast their vote.

Before 2001, proxy and postal voting accounted for about 2 per cent of the overall turnout at elections. But in the English county council elections of 2025, 34 per cent of the overall turnout was carried out by post, meaning over a third of votes were decided weeks before polling day itself.

You hardly need to be Sherlock Holmes to deduce how such a system is ripe for abuse. The opportunity for undue influence, whether from family members, community figures or campaign activists, is glaringly obvious. The secrecy of the ballot, once sacrosanct, immediately becomes a thing of the past.

Over the years, weve heard cases of signatures being forged on ballot papers, of people who had left the country years earlier  even those who had long since died  somehow still managing to cast their votes.

At one by-election in Peterborough back in 2019, which Labour won by 683 votes, witnesses saw an individual brazenly turn up at the central ward count with over 1,000 postal votes stuffed inside a supermarket shopping bag.

And having personally witnessed an incident at another by-election some years previously in Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester, I think I can probably hazard a decent guess where he got them from.

It was there that I watched someone follow a postman who was delivering postal vote letters up a street, knocking on doors after the postman had made his delivery, claiming he was there to collect their vote. The man in question I later discovered just so happened to be a trade union official supporting the Labour Party.

Now just imagine, for arguments sake, 84-year-old Mrs Smith, whos frail and lives alone. Her postal vote has just been delivered and minutes later theres a knock at the door and a man is standing there claiming hes there to collect her ballot paper.

Its all too easy to see how manipulation and intimidation and straightforward cheating can come into play.

On another memorable occasion, the 2015 mayoral election in Tower Hamlets descended into a circus of postal vote fraud so blatant the courts had to step in.

Lutfur Rahman, Britains first elected Muslim mayor, was kicked out of office after a specialist court concluded that he was guilty of vote-rigging, buying votes and religious intimidation.

Almost 11 years after his disgrace, Mr Rahman is  astonishingly  once again the all-powerful mayor of Tower Hamlets, having been re-elected in 2022 after serving a five-year ban from holding public office, the maximum penalty possible. And yet still nothing fundamental changes.

No electoral procedure in the world has a system of mass early postal voting that isnt wide open to intimidation and fraud. Which is why I believe that the postal voting register should be scrapped in its current form. Yes, of course, I understand therell be arguments about how postal votes are a necessity for some.

Allowances could be made for people going away on holiday, or theyre infirm or working overseas. But the blanket, no- questions-asked postal vote on demand? Its got to go.

This would also make election day a special event again. After all, the right to vote is something that our ancestors fought and died to preserve. Casting a vote in person at the local polling station should be a source of pride for every British person.

Which brings me to my next point. The third alarming revelation in the Gorton and Denton by-election was the role Commonwealth voting played.

I suspect this will come as a shock to some Daily Mail readers but at present, citizens of Commonwealth nations who are resident in our country are allowed to vote in our elections.

This means that individuals who may have only recently arrived on these shores, often with little grasp of English and with utterly different priorities and interests, are granted a direct say in choosing the British government while retaining full political rights in their own countries.

That cannot be right. Yes, we have historically close links with the Commonwealth. And once upon a time that history meant we might have felt comfortable about its citizens voting in our elections.

But the Commonwealth today is a diverse and often loosely connected association of nations with vastly different political systems, interests and values from our own.

Allowing its citizens the vote, particularly in this era of mass immigration, feels like a bizarre anachronism. Other countries must think we are mad.

Does it make any difference? You bet. Just look at the statistics in Gorton and Denton. As much 10 per cent of the population there were born in Pakistan. If that by-election was only open to people who were actually born in this country, the Reform UK candidate, Matt Goodwin, would have won comfortably. That is a fact.

Which is why we cannot allow Commonwealth voting to continue. As well as being unjustifiable on the grounds of fairness, it is worsening Britains crisis of sectarianism, the deep divisions taking hold in our politics, and, I regret to say, the increasing alienation of our Jewish communities right across the country.

So, in short, the Gorton and Denton by-election should serve as a wake-up call to the political class  and more importantly to the country at large.

No more can our leaders bury their heads in the sand and pretend electoral fraud is a myth or something that only occurs in distant banana republics.

What is needed now is a serious, unapologetic crackdown. That means no more family voting in the polling booths. No more mass postal votes. No more Commonwealth voting.

Perhaps then we would return to a time where there would be no more rows or court cases whenever a vote is held.

For a long time, it was primarily the Labour Party which stood accused of engaging in various acts of electoral skulduggery.

Yet despite 14 years in government, the Conservatives made barely any attempt to seal the cracks, doubtless because they too stood to benefit from them. Even the holier-than-thou Liberal Democrats have been accused of attempting to game the system.

Well, enough is enough. It is time for fundamental change to our system and I will campaign on this until I am successful.

Britains proud democratic tradition rests on a simple, powerful principle: That every citizen casts their vote freely, securely and in secret. It is a principle won through centuries of struggle and reform.

Time was when we set the standard for clean elections across the world. It is high time we took that standard back.

Because if we dont, we risk poisoning trust in our democracy for good.
Only Ryan Murphy could take the violent, wholly preventable death of three people and turn it into a sick, romantic fantasy.

What he and showrunner Connor Hines have done with 'Love Story: John F Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bessette' isn't just stupid  it's misogynistic and dangerous.

The final episode, which aired Thursday night, is a love letter to death, murder and suffering.

We open with a pure fiction: Carolyn relaying, in couples therapy with John, that she has a recurring nightmare in which she's in the back of that convertible in Dallas, dressed in Jackie's pink Chanel suit and pillbox hat, and that she recoils as she's suddenly drenched in her husband's blood.

Subtle. And a sacrilege to Jackie and all she survived.

In case that tastelessness went over most heads, Murphy and Hines get even more disgusting by having the therapist tell John and Carolyn that they're 'white knuckling this marriage into a downward spiral.'

John piloted that plane into what's called a 'graveyard spiral'  because once you're in it, there's no getting out.

Yet Love Story depicts their final flight as downright romantic, as if we all should aspire to take to the skies with a suicidal, homicidal maniac who didn't know how to use the instruments in his own plane, who cut off all communication with air traffic control, who was allegedly seen drinking on the tarmac (on top of his pain pills), had just had the boot on his broken ankle removed the day before, who refused warnings not to fly from more experienced pilots that night, and who rejected a flight instructor's offer to fly along as back-up.

Oh  and who almost slammed into a packed American Airlines jetliner moments before crashing into the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.

Only Ryan Murphy could take the violent, wholly preventable death of three people and turn it into a sick, romantic fantasy. (Kennedy and Bessette pictured in his plane in 1998)

Yet Love Story depicts their final flight as downright romantic, as if we all should aspire to take to the skies with a suicidal, homicidal maniac who didn't know how to use his own plane's instruments.

Yet Murphy and Hines have Carolyn perched contentedly in the rear of a plane she doubted her husband could handle, reading Brian Friel's play Lovers: Winners and Losers (again, subtle), before climbing into the cockpit to sit next to John.

Never happened.

Next, we have Carolyn cooing to John over what would have been a roaring engine and propellers, kissing his hand and calmly telling him to 'Breathe, John' as all of his instruments begin lighting up and signaling that something is very wrong.

Carolyn's sister Lauren looks on from the back, satisfied that the lovers have reconciled, then closes her eyes gently as John and Carolyn calmly await their imminent death  as if it's a gentle, expected one, not a savage death spiral with G forces that would have made their bodies feel as if they were breaking apart.

Which John Jr's did, by the way.

But in Love Story, John and Carolyn's love was so epic, so unfathomable, that the only place left for them to go was the great beyond  death as their ultimate rebirth.

And if Lauren Bessette, only 34 years old, had to be sacrificed on this altar  so be it.

Love Story is beyond twisted. Murphy and Hines depict this plane experiencing the equivalent of mild turbulence before just drifting off into the hazy, dark night.

Here's what really happened: JFK Jr  again, contrary to an actual scene in the finale  never checked the weather that night.

He lost control of his aircraft, a Piper Saratoga, within minutes of choosing to fly out over the ocean, rather than hug the illuminated coast of the Eastern Seaboard.

The plane then entered its graveyard spiral, dropping 1,100 feet in just 14 seconds, falling over 4,700 feet per minute.

The G forces would have pushed all of them back into their seats with tremendous pressure. They all would have known they were going to die.

But in Murphy's retelling: Die young, leave a beautiful corpse.

Perhaps Murphy and Hines never heard the interview with the retired Navy diver discussing the recovery of the bodies.

In two podcast appearances last year, this diver confirmed a long-standing rumor up on the Cape: That at least one of the bodies had been severed at the torso.

'JFK Jr's body was cut in half,' he said. 'We searched for the legs. The legs were never recovered.'

It has also long been rumored that Lauren Bessette's body was sucked out of the plane entirely, never to be found.

As for Carolyn, this diver says he alerted his superior upon finding a piece of scalp with long, blonde hair attached.

His superior's response?

'No, you didn't.'

The diver took that as his order to release it and let it float away, which he did.

Murphy has Carolyn perched contentedly in the rear of a plane she doubted her husband could handle, reading Brian Friel's play Lovers: Winners and Losers (again, subtle), before climbing into the cockpit to sit next to John. Never happened.

And that's what little we do know about the cover-up orchestrated by the Kennedy machine, led by then-Senator Ted Kennedy, into concealing the condition of the bodies, making sure that the autopsy reports disappeared, that photos of the remains were never logged anywhere (if taken at all), thereby not just preserving the JFK Jr myth but removing evidence that would have bolstered the wrongful death lawsuit Carolyn and Lauren's mother, Ann Freeman, brought against JFK Jr's estate.

Ultimately, the Kennedys settled with her for a reported $15 million dollars.

Ann has reportedly regretted allowing Carolyn and Lauren to be cremated with John, their ashes scattered at sea, rather than having them buried near her  so she could have a place to visit with them and mourn.

But within hours of their deaths, it was Caroline Kennedy's husband, Edwin Schlossberg  who, according to RFK Jr's diaries  'bullied, bullied, bullied the shattered, grieving, mother.'

A love story for the ages, in only the sickest of minds.
I am not much troubled by Muslims praying in Trafalgar Square. In general, I am comforted and encouraged by any strong belief in God, as I have such a belief myself.

I have some big differences with the teachings of Islam, especially its attitude towards women. But I would rather share my country with people who believe in divine justice and mercy than with people who couldnt care less about such things.

All that is good in our civilisation, in my view, is founded on such a belief.

All our greatest deeds, our best music, our finest buildings, our most beautiful literature  and our powerful support for charity  are based upon it.

My only regret is that, at the moment, it is British Muslims, rather than British Christians, who believe most strongly. So, while I wish the new Archbishop of Canterbury well, and suspect her of being a genuine and good person, may I offer her some words of advice? Put simply, they are: Please stop being so soppy.

She has instruments of immense power at her disposal. All the most magnificent buildings in England are in her charge, in the shape of the great cathedrals.

And hundreds of the most beautiful ones are too  country and city churches so lovely that it breaks my heart to see so many of them empty and forgotten.

There is a tiny revival going on in the Church of England. I do not know how important it is. But a lot of it takes place in those churches which are the most traditional, the most austere and the least wet. They use the robust, lovely old prayers, polished in use by centuries, that date from the brave days of the first Queen Elizabeth, when our language was at its richest. And they read from a Bible that was translated about the same time.

Archbishop of Canterbury Dame Sarah Mullally arriving for her enthronement on Wednesday

The ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral saw her become the first woman to hold the title

These prayers and scriptures are tough, simple, disturbing, demanding and poetic. But they were barely used in Archbishop Sarahs installation, or plugging-in, or whatever it was called.

The church has for years preferred modern-language baby talk, in which the great principles of the Christian faith sound absurd, like a Beethoven symphony played on a mouth organ.

And during this period of smiley, ruthless modernisation (for it was ruthless), hundreds of thousands of churchgoers slipped out by a side door and never came back.

On many visits to Muslim countries, I have experienced the call to prayer quite a bit. In some places, notably in Mashhad in Iran, it was like being amidst a storm of sound. It was not unlike cathedral bells at full power, in its effect on the spirit.

Even if you dont know what the chanted words mean, and these days I mostly do, it is filled with confidence, utterly simple and immensely ancient.

We too have such tools for bringing mens souls to our faith. But because we dont use them, millions of potential Christians live entire lives unaware of the glories of their own religion, the one that built England.

Dont worry about Muslims in Trafalgar Square. Ask instead why your local church is empty or shut, and what you might do about it.

Can Iranian missiles reach London? Youd think so, from what was being said a week ago. But I thought Id make some checks.

The claim was based on a report that the Ayatollahs had fired two rockets at the Anglo-American base in Diego Garcia. This implied that they had a range of 2,500 miles. If so, they could hit London.

But hang on. They never arrived in Diego Garcia. So how do we know they could get to London? One seems to have fallen into the sea. The other may have been shot down by a US warship, which the Pentagon refused to name when I called them to ask.

Yet in other recent incidents  including the sinking of an Iranian frigate and the 2024 shooting down of an Iranian missile  the ships were named.

Who told us about this event in the first place? The Wall Street Journal, which wont object if I say it is well-known for its excellent CIA contacts.

Who was its source? Nobody was named, nor was it said where the source works. Im not getting out the sandbags, for now.

Just what are Cheshire police trying to hide?

Barrister Mark McDonald and Sir David Davis at a press conference for the Lucy Letby case

Any day now I shall go again to the glorious county of Cheshire. When I get there, I shall try to find a police officer.

If I can, I will ask him what the time is. And he wont say. Judging by their behaviour to me over the years, he will instead ask me to put my question in the form of a Freedom of Information request.

This is what happens almost every time I ask the Shy and Retiring Cheshire Police quite simple questions. Yet when I do as they ask, they come up with ever more ingenious reasons for not answering them. What is it that they are trying to hide?

I think the answer was given on Thursday, during a superb and well-argued speech in Parliament on Cheshire Constabularys role in the Lucy Letby case by the former Tory Cabinet minister David Davis.

Cheshire police were obliged by law, after the tragic deaths of babies in a Chester hospital, to follow all reasonable lines of inquiry. But quite early on, they fixed on Ms Letby, though they have never found any actual evidence that she harmed anyone.

Section 23(1)(a) of the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996 requires that in a criminal investigation all reasonable lines of inquiry should be pursued. Note the key word all. Were they all followed? Paragraph 3.5 of the code of practice under that Act says officers should pursue such lines of inquiry, whether these point towards or away from the suspect.

As Mr Davis said: Cheshire police did not follow the letter of the law or best professional practice.

I think they know this, and they know that if they ever replied to my questions, the answers would show it.
On Tuesday I was lunching with a former colleague of Morgan McSweeney, Keir Starmer's ex-adviser. The conversation turned, inevitably, to the saga of his 'stolen' work phone. 'His personal phone's gone as well,' they told me casually. 'Sorry?' I replied. 'Yeah. His personal mobile. He's turned it off.'

They showed me the number, with some old messages dating from his time as Starmer's chief of staff. Then phoned it. It was no longer recognised. WhatsApp groups it had been linked to dated its departure to the start of this year.

I spoke to another former colleague of McSweeney. They showed me the number for a third mobile he was using during his time in government. This one, apparently, is still in service.

So I contacted Downing Street. Of the numerous mobile phones McSweeney appears to have been using  the lost government mobile, the deactivated personal mobile, the currently active personal mobile  how many had they secured messages from, I asked.

'We are committed to complying with the Humble Address in full,' they said, referring to the parliamentary procedure that was used to compel the Government to release documents relating to Peter Mandelson's appointment as our ambassador to Washington.

'All Government departments, ministers and relevant individuals are in the process of being asked to provide information they hold in the scope of the Humble Address.' So in other words, none.

When the history of the Starmer Government is written, this past week will be officially recorded as the moment its attempted cover-up of the Mandelson/Epstein scandal imploded.

Taken in isolation, the reported theft of McSweeney's handset may have been dismissed as an unfortunate  if highly convenient  one-off.

Morgan McSweeney's phone was reported as stolen, but police were told the wrong address

Peter Mandelson and the Prime Minister's former chief of staff were close Labour Party allies

But as we are about to see, it was not an isolated incident. Instead it fell in the middle of what has become a planned, co-ordinated and concerted attempt to defy the House of Commons and hide the truth surrounding Mandelson's appointment from the British people.

In the days ahead we will be told the following. First, that it has not been possible to obtain the vast bulk of messages held on personal mobile phones from the various participants in this scandal.

Numerous excuses will be proffered. Old phones will have been lost or discarded. Sim cards will have mysteriously been wiped. Back-ups, required under government rules, will not have been kept. An apologetic junior minister will appear in the House of Commons to explain how the use of personal devices for sensitive government business will be urgently reviewed.

Then we will learn that the bulk of official emails have also been lost. At which point a new excuse will be made. Parliament will be told about a 90-day auto-delete function that applies to all government communications. And how this, again, has meant much of the communications relating to Mandelson has been erased.

What Parliament will not be told is that despite this function, all emails are still retained deep down on the No 10 web server. But when this is raised by the Tories and other opposition parties, another junior minister will be despatched to explain their recovery is impossible on the grounds of technical difficulty and cost.

Finally, we will learn about the private emails circulating between the saga's dramatis personae. Or rather, we won't, because we will be told the Cabinet Office holds few records of them. Again, Kemi Badenoch and her MPs will angrily point to government regulations requiring an official record be kept of all private emails relating to government business.

They will also point back to the precedent of the time when Matt Hancock shared all his Covid messages with the journalist Isabel Oakeshott, and the Propriety and Ethics Team angrily chastised him because it had determined those messages were technically the property of HM Government.

And once again, a sheepish minister will traipse into the Commons chamber and explain how the whole affair has highlighted gaps in the way government communications are managed. Then sombrely pledge that lessons have been learned and new rules will be put in place to ensure best practice is followed in future.

When Partygate was at its height, those attempting to deflect from its significance dismissed the blatant abuse of the Covid regulations by Boris Johnson and members of his inner circle as 'just a row about a piece of cake'.

A similar effort was made on Thursday by defence minister Al Carns, who contemptuously declared: 'I think this is the worst of politics. We've got two wars on, one in the Middle East, one in Ukraine, and we're talking about someone's phone.'

The fact that thanks to No 10's staggeringly insouciant response to the alleged theft, one of the most sensitive mobiles in the Government could currently be in possession of either of the hostile states currently engaged in those wars seems to have escaped him. But as with Partygate, the issue is not a single purloined mobile.

Parliament ordered Starmer to release all documentation relating to Peter Mandelson and the period preceding and following his appointment.

The reason they did so is because those documents can provide evidence of the most significant domestic and international political scandal for a generation. One that includes rape, serial abuse and the alleged sale of government secrets. And it's now clear Parliament  and the public  are only going to see a fraction of those documents. Because the evidence of the Mandelson/Epstein scandal is disappearing  and being 'disappeared'  on an industrial scale.

We are currently in the midst of a cover-up to rival Watergate. But fortunately, as in the case of Watergate, it is doomed to fail.

For the simple reason that every man, woman, child, dog, cat and pot plant from Land's End to John o'Groats can see precisely what's happening. And they're not going to put up with it.

As Starmer is about to find to his cost. On Thursday he sat down for an interview with Sky's Beth Rigby and attempted to emote his way out of the scandal.

'I beat myself up there's no criticism anybody else can level at me that will be as harsh as the criticism I dished out for myself,' he opined.

'I can see that,' Rigby replied.

But no one else could. What they could see, with unerring clarity, was a self-serving, self-indulgent, self-pitying attempt by Sir Keir to wriggle out of another self-inflicted political crisis.

And they're not falling for it any more. Because sadly for the Prime Minister, the British electorate does not come with an auto-delete function.

He can usher as many messages as he likes into the electronic ether. It's the cover-up that always gets you. And as we discovered last week, this cover-up is one of the biggest of them all.
Multiple Americans have been cured of their diabetes after a groundbreaking trial has let them put down their insulin for good, researchers have announced.

A team at the University of Chicago Medicine Transplant Institute has updated the results of the ongoing clinical trial of patients with type 1 diabetes.

Unlike type 2 diabetes, which typically comes on later in life and is caused by lifestyle factors such as obesity, type 1 diabetes, which affects as many as 4 million Americans, is an unpreventable autoimmune disorder in which the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

Without insulin, type 1 diabetics' bodies have no way to regulate blood sugar, which can build up in the bloodstream and skyrocket. Instead, their bodies break down fat for fuel, creating acidic byproducts called ketones and eventually cause diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), leading to brain swelling, kidney failure, cardiac arrest and potential death.

In the trial, 10 type 1 diabetics underwent transplantation of islet cells, tiny clusters of specialized cells scattered throughout the pancreas that produce hormones to regulate blood sugar.

After just four weeks, all 10 achieved insulin independence, meaning their bodies were able to produce insulin on their own without costly supplemental injections.

Their A1C, which measures the amount of glucose in the blood, also fell from eight percent on average, which indicates diabetes, to 5.3 percent, which is considered non-diabetic.

The new results, unveiled earlier this month, are updated from initial findings published last year, which showed an initial favorable response and gradually decreasing A1C levels.

In a new trial, 10 patients have effectively been cured of their type 1 diabetes after having islet cell transplants (stock image)

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Following the transplant, patients also took a monoclonal antibody drug called tegoprubart, which is meant to keep their bodies from rejecting the new cells.

Tegoprubart was well-tolerated and none of the patients suffered cell rejection.

'It is exciting to see islet transplant recipients in this trial who no longer need to administer insulin and who are experiencing fewer side effects than with traditional immunosuppressive regimens,' Dr Aaron Kowalski, CEO of Breakthrough T1D, which helped fund the research, said.

The CDC estimates 90 to 95 percent of the 40 million diabetes cases in the US are type 2, making type 1 far less common. However, that still leaves 2 to 4 million Americans with type 1 diabetes.

Islet cell transplantation involves taking islet cells, which live in the pancreas and produce insulin, from a healthy or deceased donor and injecting them into a person with type 1 diabetes.

In the UChicago trial, cells came from deceased donors.

The cells are infused via a catheter into the portal vein in the liver, in a minimally invasive procedure.

In many cases, patients need two to three infusions for full success, though it is possible to achieve success with just one.

Patients usually have to be hospitalized for one to four days after the procedure and need to limit their daily activities for six to eight weeks.

Currently, islet cell transplants are estimated to cost around $100,000 since they are not yet FDA approved. Further studies are needed in larger groups to eventually get approval.

After receiving any kind of transplant, patients normally have to take immunosuppressant drugs for weeks or months because the body thinks transplanted cells or organs are foreign and dangerous and will mount an immune system response to kill them.

The drugs help stop that response and prevent the immune system from attacking the new cells.

Marlaina Goedel (pictured here) was just five years old when she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, causing her to constantly worry if she would wake up the next day. She has now been cured with an islet cell transplant

Goedel is now looking forward to making up for lost time, going back to school and riding her horse without worrying about a blood sugar crash

While necessary for transplant success, typical immunosuppressant drugs come with major side effects such as weight gain, increased risk of infection, nausea and vomiting.

However, tegoprubart did not. Trial patients taking the medication after islet transplantation suffered only minor side effects such as fatigue, headache, muscle spasms, sleepiness and cold-like illness.

In many cases, immunosuppressants are needed for life after a transplant, but it's unclear if that is the case for tegoprubart.

One of the trial participants cured of diabetes was Marlaina Goedel, an Illinois mother-of-one who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at just five years old. Within four weeks of the procedure, she no longer had to take insulin.

She said her condition was so extreme that she felt robbed of a normal childhood and was in and out of hospitals with DKA. As an adult, Goedel once crashed her car into a brick building during a diabetic attack. The condition also robbed her of her chance to have more children, as the blood sugar fluctuations made her prone to miscarriages.

But her 'tipping point' was when her daughter found her passed out on the kitchen floor in the middle of the night after suffering an attack. 'Something needed to change,' she previously told the Daily Mail.

Since her transplant, she said that for the first time in her life, she can ride her horse and spend time with her daughter without worrying about a blood sugar crash.

'The cure is out there,' she said.
Pregnant women and cancer patients could be at risk of life-threatening delays due to a lack of ultrasound professionals, experts have warned.

The practitioners, also known as sonographers, use specialist imaging equipment to produce images of the inside of the body.

The scans are used to monitor pregnancies and help assess and diagnose a range of medical conditions including cancer.

But fears of serious bottlenecks have been sparked after the Society of Radiographers (SoR) warned that the vacancy rate for the role was as high as 38.2 per cent in some areas of England.

The SoR said the rate on average across the country was 24.2 per cent, and raised the concerning statistic that 7.6 per cent of currently employed sonographers are also planning to retire next year.

The shortage could leave pregnant women and cancer patients facing delays in receiving scans, increasing the risk that serious complications are not detected or treated in time to save lives.

Katie Thompson, SoR president and a practising sonographer, said: 'Training new sonographers takes quite a while, so increasing numbers can't be done very quickly.

'The fact that numbers are dropping shows that the number of sonographers being trained isn't keeping up with demand and hasn't kept up for a long time.

Pregnant women and cancer patients could be at risk of 'life-threatening' delays due to a lack of sonographers, say experts

'We're still waiting for the Government to publish its NHS workforce plan. They've put out their cancer plan but the workforce plan should be integral to that.

'You can't say that you're going to invest in all these new scanners and open all these community diagnostic centres unless you've thought about the professionals who are going to conduct the scans and provide patient care.'

The new SoR data revealed that the highest vacancy rates for sonographers were in the south east of England, where almost two in five posts are vacant.

There is also a 34.6 per cent shortfall in London, while around three in 10 posts in the North West and one in 10 in the North East and Yorkshire are vacant.

Sonographers check for problems in a baby's brain, face, heart, bones, spine, abdomen and kidneys during scans.

Official Government guidance states that 'some of the conditions that can be seen on the scan will mean the baby may need treatment or surgery after it is born'.

It adds: 'In a small number of cases, some very serious conditions are found. For example, the baby's brain, kidneys, internal organs or bones may not have developed properly.

'In some very serious rare cases, where no treatment is possible, the baby will die soon after it is born or during pregnancy.'

Ms Thompson said hospitals are trying 'their very best' to do the three-month and five-month pregnancy screening scans on time.

She added: 'But when there aren't enough staff, prioritising those scans has a knock-on effect on more urgent later foetal growth scans, which in some cases need to be done within 24 or 36 hours.

'Departments end up struggling to fit in patients who need these emergency scans. Sometimes hospitals pull in sonographers from other areas to keep the antenatal services going. But then that's at the expense of those other services.'

Ms Thompson also sounded the alarm over the dangers that delays on scans could for cancer patients.

She said: 'When a person is feeling unwell, their first investigation is often an ultrasound scan.

'And then follow-up care after cancer treatment often takes the form of regular ultrasound scans.

'The Government's recent cancer plan spoke about increasing testing and reducing waiting lists. But sonography is one of the beginning points for people being diagnosed with cancer.

'With the current workforce shortfall, it's going to be very, very hard to decrease waiting times.

'And if cancers aren't picked up when they should be, that can have an effect on the patient's outcome.'

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'We recognise the pressures facing diagnostic services, including the sonography workforce, and we are taking action to ensure the NHS has the skilled staff it needs to meet rising demand and deliver timely care to patients.

'We have already taken action to expand services for patients, rolling out new community diagnostic centres and expanding opening hours, keeping patients away from busy hospitals and cared for in their local communities.'
More than one in three adults may be misclassified by BMI  the standard test used by doctors to decide if people are a healthy weight  leaving millions with the wrong picture of their health.

The score is calculated using a simple formula based on height and weight  but new research suggests it may be far less reliable than many assume.

The findings add to mounting evidence that BMI is not fit for purpose  and can give a misleading picture of a person's true body fat and risks.

Researchers at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, the University of Verona and Beirut University compared BMI classifications with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)  the gold-standard method for measuring body fat.

The study, published in the journal Nutrients and due to be presented at this year's European Congress on Obesity in Istanbul, analysed 1,351 adults aged between 18 and 98, most of whom were women and all of White European background.

Based on BMI, 1.4 per cent were underweight, 58 per cent a healthy weight, 26 per cent overweight and 14 per cent obese  figures broadly in line with population estimates in Italy's Veneto region.

But DXA scans told a different story.

More than a third of people classed as obese by BMI were actually only overweight.

According to the most recent health survey data for England, around 64 per cent of adults are either overweight or living with obesity, based on BMI

Under the BMI system, a score of 18.5 to 25 is healthy. A score of 25 to 29 counts as overweight, and 30-plus means a person is obese, the stage at which chances of illness rocket

Among those labelled overweight, more than half were misclassified  most were in fact a healthy weight, while a smaller proportion were actually obese.

Even among those deemed a healthy weight, BMI got it wrong in around one in five cases.

The biggest discrepancy was seen in people classed as underweight  two-thirds of whom were found to be a healthy weight based on body fat measurements.

Overall, DXA suggested slightly lower rates of excess weight, with 23 per cent overweight and 13 per cent obese.

Professor Marwan El Ghoch, who led the study, said: 'Over a third of adults are misclassified when relying on BMI, which overestimates underweight, overweight and obesity compared with actual body fat measurements.'

Professor Chiara Milanese, co-author, added: 'Even when BMI and DXA find similar overall rates, the people identified are not always the same. This shows BMI can misrepresent weight in adults of different ages and genders.'

One key limitation of BMI is that it cannot distinguish between fat and muscle  meaning someone with high muscle mass may be labelled overweight, while another person with higher body fat but less muscle could fall within the 'healthy' range.

The researchers say BMI should be used alongside other measures, such as waist-to-height ratio or skinfold tests, to give a more accurate picture of health.

They also called for further studies to assess whether similar misclassification occurs in more diverse populations worldwide.

Their findings echo calls from 58 international experts for a broader definition of obesity that includes measures such as waist circumference and fat distribution, rather than relying on BMI alone.

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Separate analysis of more than 300,000 adults in the US suggests that adopting these additional measures could increase the number of people classified as obese by almost 60 per cent.

Applied to the UK, that would raise the number from around 13 million to nearly 21 million people.

According to the latest Health Survey for England, around 64 per cent of adults are classed as overweight or obese based on BMI alone  a figure that underpins national policy and NHS guidance.

Obesity is linked to serious health risks including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and breathing problems, and costs the NHS more than 11 billion a year, alongside wider losses from reduced productivity and welfare spending.

Researchers say the message is clear: even when standard markers of metabolic health appear normal, carrying excess body fat is linked to a significantly higher risk of serious disease.

Maintaining a healthy weight remains one of the most important steps for protecting long-term heart, liver and kidney health, they added.
Last year, Gabriel Weston made her twin daughters a birthday cake. The girls were turning 12 and had asked if they could have a pudding that looked like a sushi platter. Weston agreed  enthusiastically. She made edamame beans out of green fondant, gelatinised strips of fruit juice for the toppings, crafted chopsticks from Maoams, and recreated rice by mixing marshmallows and Rice Krispies. This all sat on a plate that was, actually, a cake. It took her a day. It was, she says, a masterpiece.

It makes sense that Weston is good with her hands; the 55-year-old is, primarily, a surgeon  specialising in ENT (thats ear, nose and throat) at Frimley Park Hospital, Surrey. Outside of doctoring, Weston has worked in television (between 2013 and 2018 she hosted the BBC show Trust Me, Im A Doctor alongside the late Michael Mosley); become an author (Direct Red: A Surgeons Story, her successful 2009 memoir about her training, was optioned for Netflix last year), and, in February, her book Alive: An Alternative Anatomy  a study of our organs  came out in paperback.

Gabriel Weston's bestselling memoir has been optioned by Netflix

While researching Alive, Weston observed several surgeries, including a liver transplant and the removal of a forearm-sized tumour. At home (she lives with her four children and fellow-doctor husband in Clapham, South London) she finds violent films too gory. But, watching or performing operations herself, she is the opposite of squeamish. I feel like the plug has gone into my electricity.

She joined the Royal College of Surgeons when she was 32. Life as a trainee surgeon was laborious  Weston remembers being in operations, sometimes for up to ten hours, with one job: to hold open the patients surgical wound with a pair of retractors  but never boring. Theres a memorably brisk learning experience in Direct Red, when Weston performs a tricky tonsillectomy. She calls for help and is told to JFDI  just f**king do it. Weston duly does; the patient is fine.

Today, around 17 per cent of surgeons in the UK are women; when Weston was training, that number was 6.5 per cent. It was, she says, a real boys club. One of the older doctors used to call her Flossie, to patronise her; there was constant sexual banter during operations; and it was standard to have seniors throw [medical] instruments at you if you were doing something wrong. Weston also remembers feeling that if I showed emotion or compassion towards a patient, it would make me feel as if I was a less competitive option.

Like the time she assisted a double mastectomy. The patient  who was 26  asked Weston if she could spare a tiny mole she liked, in the middle of her chest. Weston said of course and wrote the instruction in the patients notes. Later, the surgeon looked at the request and said, Are you sure youre in the right business, darling? Youd make a lovely GP. (Weston saved the mole anyway.)

Gabriel in her scrubs, 2009

She has only ever seen one catastrophically bad surgeon. It was during her training and a man had come into hospital with an urgent gunshot wound. The surgeon sauntered into the theatre after 30 minutes, began operating, and he was totally out of his depth.

A better doctor would have asked for help  but this man proudly staggered on. By the time he did ask for assistance, the patient had lost too much blood. And if that [asking for help] had been done in a timely fashion, I believe that patient would not have died. Now, though, she thinks things have improved. You do still see some of the really old breed of guys [in surgery]. But they are fading out.

Weston will, one day, become a patient herself. At 27, she was diagnosed with mitral valve disease  a progressive condition that stops the heart pumping properly  and will eventually require open-heart surgery. Itll be her first big operation and she knows the surgeon who will do it. But I dont want to establish a relationship with him that might jeopardise his ability to see me as a lump of meat.

In Alive, Weston writes about how the individual stories of patients matter. But she also thinks most surgeons can detach from emotion. (See: lump of meat.) Its an interesting question, the degree to which an ability to detach from emotion is functional or dysfunctional. Mainly, though, being a good surgeon requires having a decisive personality, but an ability to question yourself. And great hands. (Weston has her cakes; one of her ENT colleagues, Dr Parag Patel, represented England for shooting at the Commonwealth Games.) It also requires a lot of bravura, she says, and then pauses.

I hate that this is true for me  because I feel like what Im about to say sounds anti-feminist  and Im not saying its true for other women, but I am not as brave as I was before I was menopausal. And I am definitely not as brave as I was before I had children. I think the peak of my capacity for surgery was in my early 30s. But, at the same time, as someone whos now 55, I have an affinity with my patients that I didnt used to feel.

In 2018, Westons then 14-year-old son Sam had surgery to remove a cavernoma  a 4.5cm mass in his brain that was bleeding. This was the one operation that did not animate her. She remembers the nurse finding her, after the surgery had successfully finished. He was sweaty and excited, just like I am about everyone elses surgery, she says, and he started telling me about the [operation]. Weston asked him to stop. I didnt want to know anything about what happened in that room. (Sam, 22, is now at university; other than a scar, he has no side-effects.)

Hospitals have changed since Weston started surgery. Recently, she took her 89-year-old mother to Kingston A&E; she has osteoporosis, had fallen and broken her back. There, her mum spent 27 hours on a trolley, without receiving proper pain relief. Afterwards, Weston posted an Instagram video about the experience with the caption: I am ashamed of the NHS.

She clarifies this today. I love the NHS and have spent my whole life working in it, and every single day I see how brilliantly the NHS staff are trying to do their jobs  so Im not anti-NHS, Im anti how impossible it is for the NHS to be functioning in the way that it should.

If she could wave a wand and change one thing, it would be to have the NHS taken outside the political arena. (Weston would like a group of neutral people committed to improving medicine, in a way that doesnt constantly capitulate into one government blaming another.) And she would remove a lot of bureaucracy. Recently, Weston decided to do extra shifts at Kings College and St Georges  two London hospitals with long waiting lists. Clinicians assessed her and, a week later, said theyd love her to operate. Great, she thought. Weston was subjected to background checks, vaccinations, blood tests, and enormous quantities of training and paperwork. It took three months  I almost gave up. She imagines there are many doctors in similar positions. But we make it impossible for them to pick up extra work.

What does she think the system will look like in 20 years? Oh, god. I so hope it looks the same but better. Still, if she could go back and choose her career again, she would definitely, definitely pick medicine. I love it as much now as I did on my first day.

Alive: An Alternative Anatomy is published in paperback by Vintage, 12.99. To order a copy for 11.04 until 12 April, go to mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3176 2937. Free UK delivery on orders over 25.
EAT

Supersized scallops The Foveran is a ten-minute drive from Kirkwall (Orkneys biggest town) and sits, on its own, in a field. Its back wall is a single window, through which you see Scapa Flow  the natural harbour where, in 1919, 52 German warships were sunk in 24 hours. Anyway, the food is delicious: they have the largest scallops Ive ever seen, hand-caught in local waters (above, 15 for three). Lorraine Kelly visits Orkney every year and says The Foveran has some of the best food Ive ever eaten. If its good enough for her

Local heroes In the 1800s, The Storehouse  a stoney building in Kirkwall  was a herring-curing depot. Today its a pretty hotel and pub, with more good seafood (19 haddock and chips), homemade sorbet (7.50 for three scoops) and excellent, if lethal, local beers.

STAY

Trad and plaid Orkney is an archipelago made up of 70 islands, 20 of which are inhabited. The largest is Mainland, and thats where youll find Karrawa Guest House  a comfortable, family-owned, lodging with six en-suite bedrooms and tartan carpets throughout. Prices start at 88 per night, including a cooked breakfast  Haggis is on the menu, obviously.

Leading light In 2021, a panel of travel experts rated Cantick Head Lighthouse Cottage (above) the second-most unusual place to stay in Britain. Fair enough. This two-bedroom home is attached to a lighthouse on the Isle of Hoy (240 per night). The buildings were designed in 1856 by Thomas Stevenson  dad of author Robert Louis  and are totally isolated, teetering on the side of a 115ft-cliff. Plus, theres a hot tub and sauna.

LOVE

Rock on History types must go to Skara Brae: a 5,000-year-old prehistoric settlement on Mainland that is in remarkably good shape. It still has original curved stone walls and handmade stone tables (entry is 14). After that, drive ten minutes south to the Ring of Brodgar, one of the UKs oldest stone circles. These 36 gigantic standing rocks were built around 2500 BC, several hundred years before Stonehenge (its free to visit, too).

Beaches galore Orkneys beaches are vast and varied: Sanday (above) has sweeps of Caribbean-worthy white sand; Rackwick, on Hoy, has ragged cliffs and is often visited by golden eagles; and North Ronaldsay is home to a unique breed of sheep that live on its rocks and eat the seaweed. Pack a swimming costume  or, more likely, a wetsuit.
Sydney mum Stephanie Hunt moved to a small town in Ireland to raise her kids

A Sydney mum has revealed the surprising reason she left Australia to raise her children overseas - and why she won't be coming back anytime soon.

Stephanie Hunt believes she's discovered the secret to a happier, simpler family life.

The young mum recently packed up and moved across the world to a small town in Ireland, and said the decision came down to something many Australian parents say they're missing: a 'village'.

'My husband is Irish-born but was raised in the US, and we met while living in Australia,' she told the Daily Mail.

'That gave us the unique position of choosing between three countries to raise our family.

'Ultimately, we felt Ireland aligned most closely with our values when it comes to raising young children.'

Now living in a rural town with her young family, Stephanie says the difference is immediate.

'There's a real "village" mindset in Ireland, with a strong cultural focus on supporting families and children,' she said.

A Sydney mum has revealed the surprising reason she left Australia to raise her children overseas - and why she won't be coming back anytime soon

Stephanie Hunt believes she's discovered the secret to a happier, simpler family life

The 'rat race' many parents are trying to escape

Stephanie says life in Sydney, while exciting before kids, quickly became unsustainable once her priorities shifted.

'Sydney felt very much like a rat race,' she said.

'I worked around the clock in my 20s to enjoy the Sydney lifestyle. I paid an arm and a leg to live in a two-bedroom apartment in a good suburb.

'But everything changed once we started a family. Being present with our children and remaining their primary caregivers in the early years is really important to us.

'In Sydney, the cost of living would have made that almost impossible.'

Instead, she says Ireland has allowed her family to slow down.

'We're less stressed, more present, and not reliant on long day care. It feels incredibly personal and, honestly, quite idyllic,' she said.

The young mum recently packed up and moved across the world to a small town in Ireland, and said the decision came down to something many Australian parents say they're missing - a 'village'

Stephanie says life in Sydney, while exciting before kids, quickly became unsustainable once her priorities shifted

It's a sentiment that is increasingly resonating with other Australian parents.

Stephanie described Sydney as a 'city without grandchildren', claiming young families are being pushed out by rising costs.

'They simply can't afford it and are broken and crushed by having to work around the clock just to survive,' she said.

Her comments echo a stark warning from the NSW Productivity Commission in 2024, which found Sydney is losing thousands of people aged 30 to 40 each year - many of whom would typically be starting families.

For Stephanie, one of the biggest differences between the two countries is the level of support available to parents.

'In Australia, many families are spread out or working full-time, so their ability to help is limited,' she said.

'In Ireland, it's much more common for grandparents to play a hands-on role in raising children - it's part of the culture.'

She revealed that support extends beyond family.

'A quick neighbourhood walk with our son often turns into hours of play with cousins and friends. In Sydney we had to drive and schedule almost every interaction,' she said.

The mum added that the sense of community makes everyday parenting feel simpler.

'There's far less time spent commuting, rushing and planning. It's a slower, more connected way of life.'

Beyond childcare and cost, Stephanie said the biggest surprise has been how much simpler daily life feels

Stephanie described Sydney as a 'city without grandchildren', claiming young families are being pushed out by rising costs

The hidden pressures of raising kids in Australia

While Australia offers many opportunities, Stephanie said several factors made starting a family feel more difficult.

'Cost of living, childcare, work culture and distance from extended family all played a role,' she said.

She also raised concerns about the structure of some childcare systems.

'In Ireland, there's an Early Childhood Education scheme that provides a few hours of free childcare each day in community-based settings,' she explained.

'Our son's creche is run by my husband's aunt. It's deeply rooted in the local community.

'The educators are well-known, trusted, and many have been there for years. They see our children grow and remain part of their lives.'

While Australia offers many opportunities, Stephanie said several factors made starting a family feel more difficult

'Everything in Ireland is more localised. You're not constantly driving, scheduling and rushing. It reminds me of my own childhood in a way I don't see as much in Sydney now,' she said

A lifestyle shift many aren't expecting

Beyond childcare and cost, Stephanie said the biggest surprise has been how much simpler daily life feels.

'Everything is more localised. You're not constantly driving, scheduling and rushing. It reminds me of my own childhood in a way I don't see as much in Sydney now.'

Her experience appears to reflect a broader trend.

'I hear from Australians all the time who feel the same way,' she said.

'I've also seen many Irish families who were living abroad choose to return home once they have children.'

Many agreed with Stephanie's line of thinking online.

'100 per cent. I adored living in Australia but would never have had my kids there,' one person wrote.

'My family in Australia are too spread out to ever be a practical part of my kids' lives,' a young mum said.

Others pointed out that community still exists in parts of Australia - but is becoming harder to access.

'I come from a village-style community in Australia. I've grown up with most of the people in my neighbourhood. Our families know each other and look out for each other,' a man added.

'We're so fortunate that both Ireland and Australia will always be a big part of our lives, and Australia feels more appealing as our children get a little older,' she said

Will they ever come back?

Despite her love for Ireland, Stephanie is grateful for Australia's part in her family.

'We're so fortunate that both Ireland and Australia will always be a big part of our lives, and Australia feels more appealing as our children get a little older,' she said.

But for now, the choice is clear.

'For this stage of life, we really can't look past our idyllic set-up here in Ireland.'

And for a growing number of Australian parents, it seems that same question is quietly taking shape - is the dream of raising a family Down Under starting to slip away?
At a time when homeownership is still widely seen as the ultimate financial milestone, Sydney wealth manager Mark Welch has made a decision that goes against the grain.

When it comes to homeownership, he's adamant that for most Australians, a lot of the time the numbers just don't add up.

Mark, 47, who lives in a three-bedroom terrace in Surry Hills with his partner and child, is not anti-property, however.

In fact, he was quick to point out that buying a home can absolutely make sense for the right person.

But when he applied the same financial scrutiny he uses for clients to his own situation, the conclusion was clear.

'I did the numbers, and it just didn't work out,' he told Daily Mail, explaining that even with a substantial deposit of around $600,000, the cost of owning a comparable property - valued between $3 million and $3.5 million - was much higher than renting.

Because mortgage repayments require both principal and interest, the gap between the two scenarios quickly became, in his words, 'astronomically different'.

Rather than stretching himself financially to secure ownership, Mark decided to take a step back and consider what that trade-off would actually mean for his life.

At a time when homeownership is still widely seen as the ultimate financial milestone, Sydney wealth manager Mark Welch (pictured) has made a decision that goes against the grain to rent instead and funnel extra into shares, savings and his superannuation

Choosing lifestyle over leverage

For him, the decision to rent was as much about his quality of life and leisure as it was about money.

'Lifestyle's super important to me,' he said, adding that committing to what he estimates could be more than $20,000 a month in mortgage repayments would significantly limit how he chooses to live.

Instead, he takes a more balanced approach by investing a portion of the money he saves by renting, while using the rest to enjoy his life now rather than deferring it.

'If I put the difference into an investment account and then the rest I can spend and enjoy life, I'm kind of achieving the same result,' he explained.

That philosophy allows him to prioritise experiences that are more important to him, like travel, time with family and hobbies, which he believes many homeowners sacrifice under the weight of a large mortgage.

'A couple of trips a year going to Europe for summer I would not be able to do it if I had a mortgage like that.'

Mark, 47, who lives in a three-bedroom terrace in Surry Hills with his partner and child, is not anti-property, however. In fact, he was quick to point out that buying a home can absolutely make sense for the right person, but for him, the numbers don't add up for his lifestyle (Stock photo)

Rethinking the 'Australian dream'

Mark believes one of the biggest issues in Australia's property conversation is how deeply ingrained homeownership has become, and often without people fully understanding the financial implications.

'There are people out there with less money than me getting these astronomical mortgages complaining about not having money to do anything.'

He said that, during his early years working as a mortgage broker, a mentor encouraged him to deeply understand debt as a core pillar of wealth creation, which ultimately gave him a clear-eyed view of how powerful, but potentially dangerous, borrowing can be.

At its core, he argued, the focus should shift from ownership itself to the cost of achieving it, with rising and unattainable ongoing repayments.

In his view, many buyers become so fixated on securing a home that they overlook how the associated debt can impact their lifestyle, stress levels and long-term flexibility.

'Why is he giving it all to the bank in interest?' he added.

After crunching the numbers, he said buying simply didnt stack up - even with an impressive $600,000 deposit, owning a $3m$3.5m home (like her currently lives in) would cost far more than renting, with repayments quickly becoming 'astronomically different'

A different approach to building wealth

Rather than tying up his capital in property, Mark has instead built a strategy focused on diversification, liquidity and long-term discipline.

At the centre of that strategy is superannuation, which he maximises due to its significant tax advantages.

'The benefit between what I would pay in my marginal tax rate versus what I pay to get the money into the super fund is more than the return that properties and shares give me combined.'

Outside of super, he invests in a portfolio of ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) and maintains both a liquid investment account and a substantial cash reserve of around 12 months' worth of living expenses.

'I've always got access to cash if something goes wrong, that's my first port of call,' he said.

That flexibility, he notes, is a key advantage over property, adding that if he needs it then he can access it, instead of having to wait and sell a property first.

The reality check for buyers

Despite his personal preference for renting, Mark is clear that buying a home is not inherently a bad decision, but it should always be an informed one, saying everyone's decision is personal.

His biggest piece of advice is to understand your cash flow and stress-test your finances before fully committing to a mortgage.

'What happens if that second income loses their job?' he said, pointing to the risks many households face when relying on dual household incomes to service large loans.

Instead, first, he recommended building a financial buffer of at least 12 to 18 months and avoiding the temptation to 'just scrape in' with a deposit.

'Put some money aside just in case there's an emergency.'

Rather than tying up his capital in property, Mark has instead built a strategy focused on diversification, liquidity and long-term discipline. At the centre of that strategy is superannuation, which he maximises due to its significant tax advantages

Join the discussion Has chasing the "Australian dream" of homeownership actually made life harder for many families?

A shift in mindset

While previous generations often viewed property ownership as non-negotiable, Mark believes attitudes are beginning to change more now, particularly among younger Australians.

'They're not kind of fixated on it they also want to have a lifestyle.'

As for his own future, he hasn't ruled out buying altogether. But for now, he's confident that renting - combined with disciplined investing - aligns better with both his financial goals and the life he wants to live.

'I enjoy my life. I'm happy,' he said.

Because, as he sees it, wealth is not just about owning an asset - it's about having the freedom to live well along the way.
Megyn Kelly warned Donald Trump that the Iran War could hand Democrats victory at the polls for the next two decades.

The host of The Megyn Kelly Show, who endorsed the president ahead of the 2024 election, continued her skepticism toward the conflict Friday, saying it would completely break up the MAGA coalition.

'We cannot send five to 17,000 troops into Iran and ever win a Republican election again for the next 10 to 20 years,' she said.

'He cannot do that. Everything he built, the entire coalition we were all part of, will be ruined.'

Kelly noted that while MAGA remains almost universally behind Trump, he will never run again.

'You cannot win an election with just the people describing themselves as MAGA, especially when Trump is not going to be on the ballot in 2028,' she said.

'And we've seen before that he doesn't necessarily have the coattails for other people who say they're like in his mold to get them over the line. You need Republican Party support and independents to win elections, and that is still a golden rule.'

She also criticized the president after recent reports that the new goal of the war is to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Megyn Kelly warned Donald Trump that the Iran War was threatening America with 10 to 20 years of Democrats winning elections

She also criticized the president after recent reports that the new goal of the war is to reopen the Strait of Hormuz

'You mean the strait that was open before we began the bombing campaign? It was open. There was no problem with the Strait of Hormuz. It was fine. The reason it's closed is because we decided to start a war, and this is the only thing these guys can control, and they know it, and they're doing it rather effectively,' she said.

Kelly also warned the president against putting troops on the ground in Iran, citing a Reuters poll from several years ago.

'You know what percentage of the American people support a quote, major ground invasion by any standard, five to 17,000 American troops is a major ground invasion? Seven percent of Americans would support a major ground invasion.'

Trump is reportedly considering the deployment of 10,000 additional ground troops to the Middle East to give Washington more military options as the president seeks peace talks with Tehran.

The president has repeatedly insisted on a strategy of 'peace through strength' in his foreign policy while giving Iran ten additional days before his threat to destroy their energy hubs unless Tehran reopens the Strait of Hormuz.

The additional troops would likely be sent to a US military base within striking distance of Iran's Kharg Island. Trump has threatened to seize its energy assets.

Department of Defense officials with knowledge of the planning told The Wall Street Journal the deployment would likely include infantry and armored vehicles.

Already, around 5,000 Marines and several thousand paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division have been sent to the Middle East to bolster defenses.

Trump is reportedly considering the deployment of 10,000 additional ground troops to the Middle East to give Washington more military options as the president seeks peace talks with Tehran

The president has repeatedly insisted on a strategy of 'peace through strength' in his foreign policy while giving Iran 10 additional days before his threat to destroy their energy hubs unless Tehran reopens the Strait of Hormuz

The troops are meant to provide Trump with leverage as his envoys negotiate a peace deal.

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said that no decision about the ground troops has been made yet.

'All announcements regarding troop deployments will come from the Department of War,' she said. 'As we have said, President Trump always has all military options at his disposal.'

One of the possible roles for US forces could be to potentially take over Kharg Island, a key target for the US since the war began a month ago.

Also known as Forbidden Island, the speck of land 16 miles off the coast of Iran is the Islamic Republic's main hub for oil exports.

By invading it and seizing control of its terminal, storage tanks and pipeline, the US could shut off the flow of money that supports Tehran's economy and funds its military.

Kharg handles 90 percent of Iran's oil output, up to 1.5 million barrels a day.

The island has a deep water tanker port, an airport and a host of military installations including the Matla ul Fajr radar station.

Despite heavily bombing the island last week, the US Air Force has so far avoided hitting its oil infrastructure.
Longtime NBC News fixture Peter Alexander is leaving the network after two decades, with insiders claiming the move follows years of being passed over for top roles.

Alexander, 49, announced his departure live on air during Saturday Today on March 28.

'I've had the most incredible experience over 22 years with NBC News from Baghdad to Banda Aceh, Burbank to Beijing' he told viewers.

'Always alongside the best, the most professional, the most dedicated journalists in the business.'

'I could not be more grateful for every one of them for the leaders and mentors here who have believed in me and given me more opportunities than I have ever dreamed of,' he added.

It remains unclear where Alexander will land next, though Page Six reports he could take on an 11 a.m. weekday anchor role at MS Now.

'Hed be the first to say hes had ambitions for the top anchor jobs, and with all of those spots recently filled, hes going to try something new,' a source told the outlet.

Alexander joined NBC in 2004, spending the majority of his career there as a White House correspondent.

Anchor Peter Alexander announced his departure from NBC following more than 20 years with the network

Alexander bid farewell to his long time position on Saturday in an emotional speech

In 2012, he became co-chief White House correspondent alongside Kristin Welker, who eventually moved to Meet the Press in 2023.

Alexander has been known to clash with White House officials over his hard-hitting questions.

During the pandemic, he asked President Trump: 'What do you say to Americans who are watching you right now who are scared?'

To which the president responded: 'I say that youre a terrible reporter!'

Alexander continued to report on the White House when he was named correspondent on the New York-based Saturday Today in 2018.

Throughout his time on NBC, the reporter was passed over for open anchor spots on Meet the Press, Nightly News and Weekend Nightly News, the outlet claims.

The correspondent told viewers he wanted to spend more time with his wife and children.

He and Alison Starling share two daughters together: Emma, 10, and Ava, 12.

Alexander said part of the reason he was leaving the show was to spend more time with family

Alexander joined NBC in 2004. He became an official White House correspondent in 2012

His family is based in Washington, DC, while Alexander frequently broadcasts from New York City.

Alexander said that he has been away from his home for more than 80 nights in the past seven months.

'I'm eager to carve out a better balance between my personal and professional lives and to challenge myself with something new,' he added.

Washington Bureau Chief Chloe Arensberg and Executive Producer Matt Caluccio released a memo to staff about his departure on Saturday.

'Peter has been a trusted presence with great range across NBC News, and a friend to so many across the Washington Bureau, "Today" and the broader NBC News team,' it read.

'We are grateful for all his contributions and wish him the best,' it read.

Sources said Alexander was overlooked for chief reporter positions and promotions

His last day with the network was March 28. In his absence, a rotating cast of NBC anchors will reportedly take his place, Variety reported.

'Its hard to believe, but I have been part of the NBC family for longer than Ive had my own family,' Alexander concluded during his farewell.

'Studio 1A, being right here, with this team and with all the folks you dont see on TV, this is literally my happy place.'

The Daily Mail has reached out to NBC for comment.
Investors with genuine reasons for holding cash could be slapped with 'stealth' charges under plans to stop savers flouting a new annual Isa limit.

The Government risks penalising sensible investing behaviour, and could undermine the core 'tax-free' principle of Isas, experts have warned.

Under controversial reforms, the maximum anyone who is under 65 will be allowed to stash in a cash Isa every year will be cut from 20,000 to 12,000 from 6 April 2027.

But cash or 'cash-like' money funds are available in stocks & shares Isas, which will keep their 20,000 annual ceiling.

To stop people under 65 using this possible loophole to keep more savings in cash, HMRC is reportedly considering a swingeing 22 per cent tax charge on any interest earned on such holdings.

It has already said transfers from stocks Isas to cash Isas will be banned from next Spring.

Savings headache: The cut in cash Isa risks 'undermining' the core tax-free principles of the accounts

Why is the Government slashing cash Isa limit

The cash Isa clampdown announced in last Autumn's Budget is intended to encourage die-hard savers to take a risk for potentially far greater reward if they shift money into stocks Isas.

Research overwhelming shows that stock market returns roundly beat interest earned on cash savings over the long-term.

In addition to making savings generate greater wealth for individuals, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is keen to promote investing as part of her broader mission to boost economic growth.

However, financial experts say new charges and restrictions on stocks & shares Isas would put hurdles in the way of people who are already investing, and have many legitimate reasons to temporarily hold cash.

Tricky new rules on stocks Isas could also have a further deterrent effect on savers who might consider investing - many of whom are piling money into cash Isas while they still can.

The Government was rumoured at the end of last year to be considering a 22 per cent charge on any interest earned on cash in a stocks Isa to bring it into line with savings interest tax.

This is currently imposed on interest above the annual personal savings allowance, which is 1,000 for basic rate taxpayers and 500 for higher rate taxpayers.

Genuine reasons to hold cash in investing Isa

There are a host of legitimate reasons for holding cash, usually temporarily, in a stocks Isa.

A common one is wanting to use up your Isa allowance before the tax year-end deadline, but not having made a decision yet on how to invest, or intending to hold off if markets are particularly volatile, as they are now following the US-Israeli attack on Iran.

Some investors sell investments and move to cash to avoid market swings ahead of making a big purchase, or a fixed future payment like a child's uni fees, offloading a mortgage or remortgaging, or bridging over to taking a pension.

Much everyday investing business is also done in cash, such as receiving dividend income, keeping cash in an account to cover fees, and making disposals and then reinvesting.

'Cash and cash-like investments play a central role in retail investing through Isas, so any move to drastically restrict either would risk undermining the very product the government wants to encourage people to use,' says AJ Bell's public policy director, Tom Selby.

'Creating a tax charge for cash would undermine the tax-free status of stocks & shares Isas, one of the key attractions of the product, while discouraging the use of cash-like investments risks penalising sensible investing behaviour.'

He adds: 'Fundamentally, the government is not going to encourage retail investing through new taxes, restriction of choice and more complexity.'

Selby says the Government should take the pragmatic approach of continuing to allow cash to be held tax-free in Isas from April 2027, provided it is for the purpose of investing, and monitor investor behaviour to make sure its reforms are working as intended.

A 'stealth charge' on Isas

It is entirely natural and prudent financial planning for investors to hold cash within a stocks & shares Isa from time to time, particularly at this point in the tax year, says Evelyn Partners' managing director Jason Hollands.

'As the year-end approaches, many clients sensibly secure their allowance in cash, preferring to defer investment decisions rather than rush into choices they may later regret,' he says. 'Cash holdings can also reflect broader market caution.'

Although the new rules won't kick in for another year, the current heightened market volatility due to war in the Middle East illustrates why investors might want to wait.

Hollands thinks levying a fee on cash holdings feels like a disproportionate response to a possible problem - the need to close a loophole against cash Isa savers aged under 65 breaching the new 12,000 limit - that may not even materialise

'It risks penalising genuine investors and undermining the core 'tax-free' principle of Isas, effectively introducing a stealth charge,' he says.

'If the Government's objective is to encourage more cash savers to become investors, then adding complexity and cost to stocks & shares Isas is counterproductive.

The suggestion that money market funds could become ineligible  but only for those under 65 - also appears misplaced and would be clunky to implement.'

Hollands suggests introducing a time limit, which requires some level of investment inside a defined period in order to retain an Isa allowance, as a better solution.

Don't make Isas more complicated

Fidelity International welcomed the Government's decision to reduce the annual Ccsh Isa limit in last year's Budget.

But it believes products such as money market funds should continue to qualify for the same tax-free treatment as other investments.

James Carter, head of platform policy, says he expects further clarification on how the new rules will work from April 2027 to come soon.

'It's important that any reforms are designed in a way that supports peoples' confidence to invest, meaning they are easy for consumers to understand and straightforward for firms to implement.

'If the rules become too complicated or restrictive, there's a real risk that people will be put off engaging with their Isas, slowing down progress and reducing the flow of money being invested into the wider economy.'

Carter adds that 'cash-like' assets such as money market funds within stocks Isa are genuine investment options that play an important role in many balanced portfolios, and support investors in managing risks for shorter-term needs.

'Excluding them from stocks & shares Is could leave consumers facing an unnecessary cliff edge choice: stay in cash, or jump straight into higher risk, more complex investments.'
French spirits giant Pernod Ricard is in talks over a 22billion tie-up with US firm Brown-Forman  the maker of Jack Daniel's.

The deal would bring together some of the world's best-known drinks brands.

Pernod's include Absolut Vodka (endorsed by Paris Hilton) and Jameson Irish whiskey. Brown-Forman produces el Jimador tequila and Chambord.

Raising a glass: Pernod's include Absolut Vodka (endorsed by Paris Hilton, above)

Analysts said a tie-up would make strategic sense in a sector hit by weakening demand and trade tensions.

Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said: 'Household budgets are under pressure and people are drinking less for health and lifestyle reasons.'
The boss of Asda said hiring young people involves 'more hurdles than the Grand National' as hikes in the minimum wage leave half of firms looking to recruit older staff.

With companies facing rising taxes and costs, Allan Leighton said the Government should be encouraging businesses to create entry-level jobs instead of making it harder.

'The number one problem is that there's not enough support to get young people into business,' he said, echoing yesterday's warning in the Daily Mail from Marks & Spencer boss Stuart Machin that Britain is 'letting down a generation of kids'.

The comments came as a survey by consultancy firm RSM found 50 per cent of employers plan to recruit more experienced workers following next week's jump in minimum pay for the under-21s.

Nearly a third say they will reduce entry level roles in a blow to school leavers and graduates looking for their first job.

'The job market is about to get tougher for those trying to find their first step on the career ladder,' said RSM's Chris Robson.

Hard times: Nearly a third of employers say they will reduce entry level roles in a blow to school leavers and graduates looking for their first job

Next week's rise in minimum wage rates will see pay for 18-to 20-year-olds jump 8.5 per cent to 10.85 an hour, while those aged 21 and over will get a 4.1 per cent hike to 12.71.

It comes as Labour presses ahead with plans to axe age bands for the minimum wage despite warnings it is pricing young people out of jobs.

As well as facing increased wage costs, firms will next week see business rates and statutory sick pay increase just as fuel and energy bills soar as a result of conflict in the Middle East.

Leighton said Asda will 'double down' on hiring apprentices but added: 'It is getting harder to hire young people. You have to go over more hurdles than the Grand National.'

Lord Wolfson, boss of Next, said: 'With everything that we've been saying about entry level jobs being difficult, it doesn't feel like the right time [to raise the minimum wage].'

Hikes in the minimum wage are set to cost hospitality and retail employers an extra 3.3billion in the next 12 months, according to UKHospitality and the British Retail Consortium.

Many shops, hotels and restaurants will see their business rates increase from next week, too.

The average English hotel's bill will rise by 30 per cent, or 28,900, to 125,300 in April, while a typical restaurant faces a jump of 1,800 (15 per cent) on the current average of 12,200, analysis by UKHospitality shows.

And a typical independent shop will see its charge for the commercial property levy rise 15 per cent, or 1,796, to 13,772, rates experts Colliers said.

UKHospitality boss Kate Nicholls said: 'Once again, hard-pressed hospitality businesses are being hit with billions of pounds in additional annual costs. It is not acceptable to balance the books on the backs of High Street businesses, and it will simply result in more lost jobs, more business closures and less vibrant high streets.'
Pulling off big mergers in the rarefied spirits arena is tricky. So, the disclosure of a putative deal between Paris-based Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman is a surprise.

The late Ivan Menezes of Diageo was always on the lookout for building premium brands and kept in touch with US bourbon producers and the distillers of Bacardi in the Caribbean.

The main barrier to deals was many firms on his radar were family controlled and reluctant to part with a legacy.

The key to Pernod Ricard effectively buying Brown-Forman's premium whiskeys such as Jack Daniel's has always been winning over the Forman family.

It controls up to two-thirds of the stock. A paper merger of equals would enable the controlling Forman family to keep a substantial stake in the combined empire.

The transaction could be smoothed by the Ricard family's 15 per cent holding in the French group with one-fifth of the voting rights.

Watching closely from the sidelines will be 'Drastic' Dave Lewis, parachuted into Johnnie Walker and Guinness parent Diageo in January of this year charged with reversing a falling share price.

So far, Lewis has kept his powder dry. But the suggestion has been that he would favour disposing of peripheral brands, such as China's Baijiu, and focus on lowering the prices of some of the company's more premium spirits.

Losing appeal: After a long period of growth for luxury spirits there has been a notable tailing off in demand over the last several years

After a long period of growth for luxury spirits there has been a notable tailing off in demand over the last several years.

The North American market, where Diageo earns up to 50 per cent of its revenues, has become difficult. In contrast, Pernod earns just 20 per cent of revenues there and ownership of a variety of premium bourbons such as Old Forester  unaffected by Trump's tariff wars  would strengthen the French group's hand in the US.

Sales of spirits, or liquor as the Americans call it, have been drifting, dropping 2pc to $36billion (27billion) last year.

Younger Americans are drinking less alcohol and switching to legal cannabis products available in 24 states and Washington DC. Yet, as viewers of Netflix will know, the 'shot' culture is still alive and well.

A bigger Pernod Ricard is not without interest in Britain. It has a big stake in Scotch whisky through blended brands Ballantine's and Teacher's together with my personal favourite single malt, the very peaty Laphroaig.

There is a rich British legacy buried in Pernod Ricard dating back to the 1978 merger of Allied Breweries with the food and catering group

J Lyons creating Allied Lyons. It later merged with Domecq and was absorbed by Pernod in 2005.

The fate of the Lyons name, a big presence on Britain's high streets in the 1950s and 1960s, has a particular resonance for my family as descendants of the Anglo-Jewish commercial dynasty whose name was over the door. Lyons is a brand name still available on premium coffee and other items.

A Pernod Brown-Forman deal is clearly defensive and an attempt by both companies to preserve leading spirits brands. Brown-Forman has been hit by reciprocal levies overseas.

And Pernod suffered more directly from the Trump tariffs. The fact that the Forman and Pernod families would rather engage in a no-premium merger than sell-out to financial buyers shows a keenness to stay with the project. And as JP Morgan says, a 'potential longer-term upside'.

There is a lesson in that for Diageo as it comes under shareholder pressure to break up and disgorge brands.
An investigation has been launched into the will of a philanthropist who left half her $3.5million fortune to her hairdresser after it was altered just days before her death.

Marisa Luisa Iovenitti died aged 70 after a brief battle with cancer on January 22, 2025. She had no children and her husband of 40 years, Professor Pio Iovenitti, had passed away in 2020.

In a will dated April 8, 2021, she left her millions to godson Jonn 'Jack' Fowles and his mother Joan, who was Ms Iovenitti's friend for 58 years.

But just a fortnight before her death - on January 7, 2025 - a new will was made which completely cut out the Fowles.

Professor Pio Iovenitti's cousin, Nella Lucantonio, and Marisa's friend and South Yarra hairdresser Emmanuel Mekhael, also known as Emmanuel Ammo, were named co-executors and beneficiaries.

After Ms Iovenitti passed away, the Fowles objected to the granting of probate for the 2025 will, and the case was heard in the Supreme Court of Victoria.

The court was told Ms Iovenitti's solicitor made a note on the day the will was changed that she had 'not had a relationship with Joan or Jack Fowles for quite some time'.

But the Fowles argued Ms Iovenitti had a 'long-standing relationship' with them.

Marisa Iovenitti (pictured) died aged 70 after a brief battle with cancer on January 22, 2025

Ms Iovenitti had updated her will two weeks before her death, leaving her $3.5million estate to friend and hairdresser Emmanuel Mekhael (pictured with Marisa) as well as her deceased husband's cousin Nella Lucantonio

The Fowles believed Ms Iovenitti 'held false beliefs', the court heard.

This included claims she thought they had 'misused a power of attorney, that she did not have a relationship with (them) and that (they) had not been in contact with her over the Christmas period'.

'The grounds (claimed by the Fowles) assert that those beliefs were false and that it can be inferred that they were induced by (Mr Mekhael and Ms Lucantonio) who had been given power of attorney and control of the deceased's phone,' the court heard.

The Fowles also told the court there was a 'degree of hostility' from Mr Mekhael towards them.

They told the court that Mr Mekhael, while he had control of the deceased's phone, 'had deleted messages to (Ms Iovenitti) from Jack (Fowles)'.

Mr Mekhael did not give any evidence in response to those matters.

The Fowles told the court there were 'suspicious' circumstances, claiming Mr Mekhael and his partner 'engaged in conduct suggesting they were seeking to take advantage of (Ms Iovenitti)... inducing (her) to confer substantial benefits on them'.

Mr Mekhael did not explain the circumstances alleged in court.

Family friends of Ms Iovenitti have successfully contested the will's probate in court, and it will now be the subject of further investigation at a hearing

It was not explained why, during the exercise of power of attorney by one or both plaintiffs, Jack Fowles was allegedly prevented from seeing Ms Iovenitti.

Associate Justice Matthew Barrett ruled on March 13 that he was satisfied the Fowles had demonstrated there was a case for a 'full' investigation.

A hearing will be held, though a date is yet to be set.

Daily Mail has contacted Mr Mekhael and Ms Lucantonio for comment. The legal representative for the Fowles declined to comment.

Following Ms Iovenitti's death, a tribute website was set up in her honour, including outpourings of love from both the Fowles and Mr Mekhael.

Mr Mekhael, who befriended Ms Iovenitti at his South Yarra salon in 2021 and even lived with her for a time, recounted the challenges she endured.

'Your life on this earth was filled with more challenges than many people would not have had in ten lifetimes,' he wrote.

'You faced each one with such determination and constantly continued to set goals to aim for. You've only been the caring, loving and supportive person you are.

'We created together so many fun and beautiful memories that no one could ever take away from us, from our crazy nights out, our endless daily chats, lazing at home together every day, sometimes arguing on things we didn't agree on as you would give us those lectures on life that we are so forever grateful for!'

Loved ones have paid tribute to Ms Iovenitti, who founded a $10,000 scholarship for engineering Masters students at Swinburne University of Technology

The Fowles also wrote fondly of Ms Iovenitti and her husband, Pio.

'Marisa Iovenitti, or 'Skooze' as she was affectionately known by us all, will be missed deeply by all the Fowles family,' they wrote.

'Particularly Joan, her very close friend of 58 years, and Jack, her godson, who she treated as her own son from the day he was born.

'Her Italian heritage and flair for cooking brought us together countless times, always making sure we were fed with love and generosity.'

After Professor Iovenitti's death, Marisa established a $10,000 engineering excellence scholarship for Masters students at Swinburne University of Technology in honour of her husband - who had been a member of staff there for over 30 years.

She met regularly with her scholarship recipients, according to Swinburne's Associate Director of Philanthropy, Katherine Goldman.
A Virginia doctor billed up to $20million on insurance after forcing hundreds of unassuming women to undergo dozens of unnecessary surgeries.

Dr Javaid Perwaiz was thrown in jail in 2021 for medical fraud after decades of defrauding vulnerable women at his OBGYN practice.

According to the FBI, Perwaiz would convince patients that 'their health was in imminent danger' by telling them they had cancer or were at high risk of it.

Perwaiz was convicted on 52 of 63. He was sentenced to 59 years behind bars on May 18, 2021 in Norfolk by Senior US District Judge Rebecca Beach Smith.

He was censured in 1982 by the Virginia Board of Medicine for unnecessary surgeries and having a sexual relationship with a patient, reported 13 News Now.

Dracena Holloway, one of his many victims, spearheaded a massive lawsuit against the health care organization that allowed him to practice, Chesapeake Regional Medical Center.

She began seeing him as her OBGYN in 2001 when she was just 19.

The now-42-year-old said she underwent more surgeries than she could count throughout almost 20 years under his care.

Dr Jervaid Perwaiz was a practicing OBGYN in Virginia for more than 30 years

Mom of six Dracena Holloway began visiting Dr Perwaiz when she was just 19 years old

As Holloway continued to visit him, she told the Daily Mail that she noticed odd behaviors, including him hitting on her and asking her out mid-examination.

'When I had got pregnant again with, I think, I don't know, I think it was my fourth kid and he was saying that I must have "good, good,"' she said.

She said Perwaiz performed countless vaginal exams, an involuntary hysterectomy, major surgeries and even cancer diagnoses.

'All the times that I signed papers, I was under anesthesia,' she said.

At one point, just after her mother died of stomach cancer, Perwaiz allegedly told Holloway she was suffering from the very same thing.

'I went into the office and he said, "We're going to have to do a surgery on you because you have cancer like your mother." And I started to cry,' she said.

'I remember, I said, "No, my mother just died. I don't want to die like my mom."'

He convinced Holloway he had to operate. Come to find out, Holloway never had cancer and Perwaiz never had the qualifications to perform the surgery in the first place.

Now, the mom of six deals with long-term side effects that have forced her out of a job she loves, working in warehouses.

During that time, he performed thousands of unnecessary surgeries on hundreds of women and pocketed the insurance payout

'I can't stand on my feet after four hours,' she said. 'I can't stand on my feet. It hurts really badly. And it's crazy because like when I try to sit down, I feel the pressure... it hurts really, really bad.'

In December 2025, Holloway, still grappling with the pain and trauma left by Perwaiz, decided she had had enough and hired out-of-state attorney Victoria Wickman.

'I went through all this pain, all these surgeries, all this stuff happened to me. I should not have to be going through this and just sitting here in the dark,' she said.

Jivondra Tucker, 39, underwent at least 14 surgeries during the nine years she was under Dr Perwaiz's care. In April 2013, she even had three surgeries in just one month.

The mother of four was one of at least 500 other victims who joined Holloway's lawsuit.

Tucker told the Daily Mail the constant operations destroyed her mental health and even left her with an addiction to painkillers.

'It was to the point where I was taking the pain meds for pain, and it went from me taking them not in pain, and just me just taking them to party,' she said.

Tucker began seeing Perwaiz in 2010 when she was just 22 due to a friend's recommendation. She continued under his care until he was indicted in 2019.

Every time Tucker went in for a visit, Perwaiz gave her a pap smear. He eventually diagnosed her with stage three cancer while she was pregnant with her son.

'He told me that I was going to die,' she told the Daily Mail.

Jerwaiz recommended she deliver her son early at 37 weeks via C-section. While she was recovering from delivery, a nurse informed her that she'd had her tubes tied.

Jivondra Tucker, 39, said Dr Perwaiz convinced her she had cancer while she was pregnant. She is pictured during treatment in 2010

Tucker continued to see Dr Perwaiz until he was indicted in 2019. She is pictured with her son

'I didn't sign no papers to get my tubes tied,' Tucker said. 'I had a C-section to have my son.'

Tucker had been told she was going to have a partial hysterectomy, so she saw no reason to have her tubes removed as well.

Years later, she found out that she'd never had cancer and never had her tubes tied.

'I had a pregnancy scare years ago, like nine years ago, where I was pregnant in my tubes, the whole time, he never took my tubes out,' she said.

'I trust him with my life and I'm thinking that he saved my life and the whole time he doesn't,' she said. 'He's hurting me the whole time.'

Now, she is in constant pain and goes to physical therapy often all while dealing with Crohn's disease.

'I think I should be, you know, compensated for what happened, but it's no amount of money in the world that will take that from what he did and what is going on with me,' she said.

Other women underwent up to a dozen surgeries, many of which were not at all medically necessary.

'He then pressured them into having immediate, invasive surgeries that they didn't need,' read the FBI's press release on the 2021 investigation.

'Perwaiz's motivation was simple greed,' the FBI added. 'The more surgeries he did, no matter how unnecessary, the more money he collected from Medicaid, Medicare, Tricare and private insurance.

'Perwaiz lived a lavish lifestyle at the expense of his patients' physical and mental health. He shopped at high-end stores and owned five luxury cars.'

Perwaiz racked up more than 1,000 victims during his practice with Chesapeake Regional Medical Center

Anthony DiPietro said this case 'the biggest lawsuit that no one has heard about yet'

Hundreds of his former patients joined Holloway's lawsuit against Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, where the OBGYN worked, late last year, according to the New York Times.

The total number of plaintiffs now sits at 1,000 victims, most of whom are black women.

New York Lawyers Anthony T. DiPietro and Victoria Wickman are at the head of the case. They've said it is one of the biggest of its kind.

'I've called this the biggest story that nobody has heard about yet,' DiPietro told the Daily Mail.

The suit has claimed that Chesapeake Regional Medical Center was 'complicit' in Perwaiz's malpractice.

'Plaintiffs bring this civil action against Defendants for enabling former physician Javaid Perwaiz to perform unnecessary, uninformed, harmful, invasive, unlawful, and life-altering gynecologic medical procedures on them and other women, for nearly a decade, at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, despite repeated reports and clear evidence of Perwaizs prior misconduct in his obstetrics and gynecology practice,' read the complaint.

Along with the medical center, the suit names hospital executives James Reese Jackson, Peter Francis Bastone, Wynn Lawton Dixon Jr, Donald S Buckley and Christopher R Mosley.

'They actively participated in it,' said DiPietro. 'By silencing people who tried to speak up, literally telling them, "Just be quiet. He's making us a lot of money."'

Wickman provided a statement to the Daily Mail about her clients' suffering.

'CRMCs actions have impacted generations of Chesapeake families. Women seeking care were instead subjected to a Frankenstein-style chop shop, their families forced to pick up the pieces,' she said.

'Children were delivered prematurely to their physical detriment to fit a schedule and maximize revenue as a result. Hundreds of women were sterilized, and more continue to come forward.'

'They will live with the devastating effects of these surgeries for the rest of their lives. This is the largest healthcare civil rights violation in modern American history,' she added.

Holloway went to attorney Victoria Wickman after deciding that she'd had enough of the pain and complications

The lawsuit named several current and former executives at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center

The Chesapeake Regional Medical Center clarified to WAVY that Perwaiz was never a direct employee, but rather operated independently out of their hospital.

'The allegations that form the primary basis for this lawsuit were taken by Dr. Javaid Perwaiz  who has never been an employee of Chesapeake Regional Healthcare (CRH),' read their statement.

'His actions, for which he is now serving a lengthy prison sentence, occurred without the knowledge of the organization.'

A Chesapeake Regional Medical Center spokesperson said in a statement to the Daily Mail: 'Out of respect for the legal process and the individuals involved, we are unable to comment on the specifics of ongoing litigation.

'We have tremendous empathy for the individuals harmed by a former OB-GYN who was convicted and has not been practicing since 2019.

'We did cooperate with the governments investigation of the former OB-GYN, which led to his conviction.

'Chesapeake Regional Healthcare is committed to preserving safe, high-quality care, responsible governance and the long-term trust of the community we serve.'

The Daily Mail contacted Jackson, Bastone, Dixon, Buckley, Mosley and Perwaiz's representation for comment.
It is often said that history repeats itself.

The popular maxim is one that President Trump would be wise to keep in mind as the US builds up troops near Iran and the possibility of putting boots on the ground in the country grows.

The US military is preparing to deploy at least 10,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, adding to the thousands of Marines aboard Navy ships already on their way to the region, three anonymous sources close to the Pentagon told the AP on Tuesday.

America is no stranger to intervention in the Middle East and the deployment of those forces is reminiscent of the invasion of Iraq in 2003, which involved more than 150,000 coalition troops.

At the time, the US was engaged in Operation Iraqi Freedom, which began on March 20, 2003, with the goal of deposing Iraq's dictator, Saddam Hussein.

Although that goal was swiftly achieved in fewer than three weeks, with Hussein losing power following the capture of Iraq's capital city of Baghdad on April 9, the US military faced an unexpected enemy - the region's severe weather.

Almost exactly 23 years ago, on March 25, 2003, a powerful sandstorm completely halted the movement of US troops and military equipment making their way towards Baghdad.

Dramatic photos of that day show immobilized tanks and soldiers amidst an eerie orange glow.

Almost exactly 23 years ago, American soldiers invading Iraq were completely immobilized by a severe sandstorm. A stalled tank and soldiers during the storm are pictured

The sand and grit which got into everything jammed weapons and equipment, rendering them useless. A soldier is pictured bracing himself in the blowing sand

The storm's conditions dramatically reduced visibility and it was deemed impossible for troops to move forward towards Baghdad. The silhouette of a barely visible soldier is pictured

As the current conflict in Iran intensifies, the US is preparing to deploy around 1,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division. Some soldiers from that division are pictured

The billowing sand and dust reduced visibility to just a few dozen meters and jammed weapons and equipment. Tanks, small arms and rifles were rendered useless until they could be cleaned out.

There were even reports from soldiers that the switchblades in their pockets couldn't open due to the grit that got into everything.

The sandstorm was accompanied by rain, and as the drops fell, they combined with the sand in the air and became muddy.

The combined result of low visibility, jammed equipment and unstable terrain made it impossible for troops to move forward despite several attempts to do so during lulls in the storm.

Ultimately, the US military switched tactics and used its air superiority to fly over the sandstorm and bomb Iraqi troops that were similarly immobilized.

The three-day sandstorm was thus converted from an impediment to a tactical advantage, but it still revealed the limitations of ground troops in some situations of contemporary warfare.

According to a 2023 study published in the peer-reviewed journal Sustainability, dust storms in Iran occur most frequently in the months of May, June and July and are primarily situated along the country's eastern and western borders.

The storms on the western coast include areas along the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping artery through which about a fifth of the world's oil supply passes and which Iran has effectively closed since the start of the war.

The 82nd Airborne Division soldiers will bolster a force of thousands of marines already on their way to the Middle East aboard Navy ships. The Navy ship USS Boxer is pictured

Deploying ground troops in Iran would be necessary to accomplish certain strategic objectives. Soldiers with the 82nd Airborne Division are pictured parachuting

That could pose a problem for ground troops deployed to that part of the country in an effort to reopen the strait.

Nearly one month into the war with Iran, the US and Israel have been engaged in a relentless bombing campaign against the country.

US Central Command said on Tuesday that plane and missile strikes have 'destroyed more than 9,000 military targets' since the war began on February 28.

The current conflict has thus been a kind of inversion of the one in Iraq in 2003, as the US has only recently begun preparing for a ground invasion.

American and Israeli planes and missiles are effectively untouchable for Iran, but they have revealed their limits when it comes to securing strategically valuable sites and accomplishing certain military goals.

Certain concrete objectives, such as reopening the Strait of Hormuz, capturing Iran's enriched uranium or seizing oil facilities, would have to be accomplished before Trump would feel comfortable declaring victory and an end to the war.

At least 13 US military personnel have died in the Iran conflict so far and that number would be poised to rise dramatically if soldiers are deployed on the ground. Marines are pictured during a training exercise aboard the USS New Orleans

All of those goals would require a presence on the ground, which Trump's administration has been reluctant to greenlight, given the risks of higher fatalities which could further diminish the already low popularity of the conflict.

America has insisted it can 'achieve its objectives' in Iran without boots on the ground and will wrap up the war in 'weeks not months.'

On Friday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio insisted that the operation was 'ahead of schedule'.

But despite reportedly telling world leaders the timeline for completion is two to four weeks, officials revealed on Friday that Washington is still mulling over a possible invasion.

Around 10,000 extra troops are heading for the region in the next ten days supported by fighter jet squadrons and armored vehicles.

This is in addition to 5,000 Marines and 2,000 paratroopers that were ordered to the Gulf earlier in the week.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Friday: 'I have reasons to believe, also based on information we have received from our allies, that stabilization is unlikely in the coming days. On the contrary, a new escalation may occur.'

Rubio also insisted that Washington has been 'as clear as you can possibly be' on its objectives 'from the very first night'.

He listed them as destruction of the Iranian navy and air force and the aim to 'significantly destroy their missile launchers so they can never hide behind these things to get a nuclear weapon'.

However, that appeared to be a dramatic walk-back from Donald Trump's 15-point peace plan presented earlier this week.

Adding to the confusion, there was consternation among Republicans after a closed-door classified briefing on Wednesday over the war's objectives.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio (pictured on March 27, 2026) claimed on Friday the operation against Iran was 'ahead of schedule'

A damaged residential building in southern Tehran on Friday after continued strikes by the US and Israel on March 27, 2026

Pushed on the reports after a G7 meeting in France, Mr Rubio told reporters: 'This is not going to be a prolonged conflict .

'We can achieve all of our objectives without ground troops, but we are always going to be prepared to give President [Trump] maximum optionality and maximum opportunity to adjust to contingencies that emerge.'

Thirteen US military personnel have been killed in the conflict so far and that number would be poised to rise dramatically if soldiers set foot in the country. More than 300 US troops have been wounded, ten with serious injuries.

Around a dozen US soldiers were wounded and multiple planes damaged following an Iranian missile strike at a base in Saudi Arabia on Friday.

The service members were on Prince Sultan Air Base when it was struck by at least one missile and several unmanned aerial vehicles.

Two service members are 'very seriously injured' while eight others are 'seriously injured' both a separate category under the military's classification system, according to CBS News. The condition of others is unknown.

At least two KC-135 refueling planes suffered 'significant damage' in the combined missile and drone attack, according to the New York Times.

US and Arab officials said the injured soldiers were inside an installation building on the base (pictured), which was hit by at least one missile and several unmanned aerial vehicles

'Several' American servicemembers were injured in a Friday attack on Prince Sultan Air Base, according to AP, though the Wall Street Journal put the number at ten

President Donald Trump, speaking at a Miami event backed by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, declared today that the war is coming to a close very soon

Satellite photos appeared to reveal the full extent of damage to the aircraft.

Friday's strike represents one of the most serious breaches of US air defenses since the monthlong war with Iran began, as well as at least the second hit on Prince Sultan Air Base.

An earlier March 1 strike on the base damaged five US refueling aircraft and claimed the life of 26-year-old Army Sgt Benjamin N Pennington just days after he was wounded.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Tuesday determined that just 35 percent of Americans support the strikes against Iran, which was down two percent from just a week prior.

President Donald Trump, speaking at a Miami event backed by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, declared on Friday that the war is coming to a close very soon, according to the WSJ.

'It's sort of finished, but it's not finished,' he said. 'It's got to be finished.'

He also said that he expected the war to deliver an even bigger and more destructive blow to the stock markets.

'I thought we were going to go down more,' he said. 'And I thought oil prices were going to go up higher.'

But the S&P 500 sank for a fifth consecutive week to its lowest point since last August, with US gasoline prices climbing toward $4 a gallon.

Trump also lashed out at NATO allies for their reluctance to provide military support, saying it has made him 'rethink' how much the US spends on the alliance.
March 27, 2026: For the first time since antiquity, the Iranian holiday of Nowruz will be celebrated in Syria. In 2025, Syrias new ruler, Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa, was quick to restore enough order and security for businesses to prosper. This was so successful that millions of Syrians living in exile returned from Turkey and resumed their normal lives. Al-Sharaa made peace with all the neighbors, including Israel. He restored diplomatic and economic relations with the U.S. and Russia.

The ruling, since 1971, Assad clan of Syria disappeared at the end of 2024 as Syria was overrun in two weeks by Abu Mohammed Al-Golani and thousands of Islamic terrorists he turned into soldiers for the liberation of Syria from Assad rule. The Assad family fled to Russia and insisted they would return. Golani, a former leader of Islamic terrorist group HTS, now sort-of rules Syria. As leader of Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham/HTS, an Islamist group long active in Syrias northwest, Al-Golani has evolved from a shadowy militant figure with a $10 million bounty on his head into a revolutionary nationalist and widely recognized political actor. He also changed his name to Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa.

In 2021 the Assads chose peace over religion in 2021 by quietly abandoning long-time ally Iran for new deals with Russia and the Arab League, as well as Israel. Thats how the Assads, who belong to the Shia minority of Syria, have survived; by changing alliances when necessary. This most recent shift began after the 2011 rebellion of the Sunni majority against the Shia minority. The Assads almost lost but by late 2018 it was clear they had won. The fighting persisted into 2023 because the main participants, like Russia, Turkey, Iran, the Assad government, and several remaining rebel factions could not agree on how to deal with the loose ends. Although initially considered likely to win, the rebels lost because of factionalism. Over 500,000 died and a third of the population fled, mainly to Turkey and Lebanon.

Meanwhile the Assads received over $16 billion worth of Iranian aid since 2012. That was joined by assistance from Russia in 2015 and Turkey in 2016. The civil war also morphed into a proxy war between Iran and the Sunni Arab states and their Western allies. The major factor in the rebel defeat was ISIL, which began as one of many Sunni Arab Islamic terror groups who wanted to turn Syria into a religious dictatorship. Most Syrians just wanted peace and prosperity. The Islamic terror groups, as was their custom, put a priority on determining which of them was the true savior of Islam. ISIL was definitely the most ruthless and best organized and many groups submitted to ISIL, if only temporarily. That weakened the rebel effort sufficiently for the Assads to hang on and become part of a larger anti-ISIL coalition. One thing everyone could agree on was that ISIL had to be destroyed first and by late 2017 that was accomplished.

With ISIL reduced to small groups carrying out terror attacks, the remaining rebels were still not united. At the time ISIL was crushed the rebels controlled about a third of the country but were outnumbered by the Assad forces and most Syrians were increasingly war weary. Most of the deaths occurred after 2013. The killing diminished a bit in 2015 because of sheer exhaustion and picked up again in 2016 because of the Russian air and other support. The stubborn Assad dictatorship had a chance to win after 2015, something some Western nations saw as preferable to Islamic terrorists taking over and requiring a Western invasion to remove such a threat.

In August 2016 Turkish ground forces entered northern Syria to seal the border from ISIL and Turkish separatist PKK Kurds as well as to weaken the Syrian Kurds. The Turks were basically helping the Assads and hurting ISIL and all that made an Assad victory more likely. Before the Assads could resume control of the country, they had to deal with the fact that Israel, Jordan and the Sunni Arab oil states are opposed to the Iranian effort to establish a permanent military presence in Syria. The Assads were not happy with Iranian domination but had to keep quiet about that. Turkey was opposed to any autonomous Syrian Kurdish area in the northeast as well as a permanent Iranian presence. Turkey and Russia are technically allies of Iran in Syria and the reality is that no one trusted Irans mullah regime. The Russians quietly made it clear they would side with Israel if it came down to that. The Turks are NATO members and traditional foes of Russia and Iran. The current Turkish government is unstable and increasingly unpopular with Turks as well as the neighbors. Iranian unrest and dire growing financial problems reduced Iranian efforts in Syria. The Assads quietly patched things up with the Arab League, with help from Russia and, unexpectedly, Israel. At this point Iranian leaders were aware of what the Assads were going but were unsure of how to deal with it.

In the meantime, even the Assads ethnic base in Syrias sort-of Shiite Alawite minority reached the breaking point of their ability to prop the regime up, and Abu Mohammed Al-Golani brilliantly perceived an opportunity to finish off the Assads. With help from several foreign governments, including Turkey and Ukraine, he led his HTS faction, then confined to the northwestern corner of Syria, in a surprise attack on the Assads and their Alawite supporters. The latters armed forces and supporters simply went home.

By late 2024 the Assads had fled to Russia and HTS controlled Syria. Israel took advantage of the chaos to destroy Syrian air defenses, the air force and 80 percent of their weapons and munitions. Israel also annexed some Syrian territory to provide a larger buffer zone. Irans influence in Syria dropped to zero.
Eucalyptus towels, sleek locker rooms and lavish Le Labo toiletries  it's all part of the ultra-luxe Equinox experience.

But there's a particular allure that has a swathe of gym bunnies hightailing it to some of the chic fitness chain branches: the steam rooms, albeit for a very different kind of sweat session.

Under the veil of the dense locker room fog, some steam rooms have become an infamous hotbed for equally steamy hook-ups, according to multiple Equinox members.

'I've seen guys having sex in the showers,' one 34-year-old gay male Equinox member told the Daily Mail, while asking to remain anonymous. 'From bl*w jobs to j**king off to actual sex... but no kissing, because that's too much.'

There is, he said, a secret language to indicate interest in getting hot and heavy: 'Eye contact normally seems to set it off but there are also signals, like a little towel readjustment, that seem to be the current trend.'

But the Equinox member, who frequents the Hudson Yards location in New York City, said that the extracurricular activities in the locker room can sometimes create friction between gym goers, especially when steamy liaisons disrupt someone else's shower time.

'I have heard of a straight guy getting furious when they've caught gays in the act,' he said. 'So, lots of the action has moved to the steam rooms.'

Now, the behavior is so prevalent that the steam room is often crowded, claimed another Equinox member, a 42-year-old gay man who mostly goes to the gym's Williamsburg, Brooklyn, location.

There's a particular allure that has some gym enthusiasts high tailing it to some of the chic fitness chain: the steam rooms, albeit for a different kind of sweat session

'I've seen guys having sex in the showers,' one 34-year-old gay male Equinox member told the Daily Mail, while asking to remain anonymous

'I heard that a number of guys got kicked out [banned] for having sex in the showers,' he told the Daily Mail, on the condition of anonymity. 'The Williamsburg steam room seems to be too small. I have heard of signals being made to go to the showers to engage with one another.'

Though, he quipped, 'I'm still trying to crack the signal codes.'

A spokesperson for Equinox told the Daily Mail that 'maintaining a safe and respectful environment is a priority at our clubs.'

'Inappropriate behavior is strictly prohibited, including in steam room and shower areas,' the spokesperson said. 'Any member found in violation of our policies will have their membership immediately revoked and will be permanently banned from all of our locations.'

In the nearly four decades since Equinox opened its first location in New York City, the claims about what goes on in the locker rooms have become as much a part of its lore as its opulent approach to health.

Members are prepared to pay handsomely for access to all that the exclusive establishments have to offer, with packages for single club membership starting around $250 per month and 'destination' locations such as New York's Hudson Yards charging up to $450 per month.

Now, there are Reddit forums dedicated to which locations have the best steam rooms for cruising, and Grindr, the gay dating app, has cheekily referenced the illicit activity online in jokes posted to TikTok.

But it is also part of a long lineage of communal baths being used as a place for community or connection for gay or bisexual men. While public baths have existed since the Neolithic Age, gay bathhouses as clandestine spaces for intimate encounters emerged in the early 20th century, peaking in popularity in the 70s but declining in later years due to the AIDS crisis.

It should be noted that Equinox has adamantly distanced itself from any such hook-up culture, enforcing a zero-tolerance policy for 'inappropriate conduct' and laying down ground rules for members. On their website, there is a section dedicated to steam room and sauna etiquette.

'Be respectful of other members and keep these spaces free from phones, food, grooming products, electronics, workout shoes and workout clothes,' it reads. 'Inappropriate activity of any kind will result in immediate and permanent termination of your membership.'

There is a secret language to indicate interest in getting hot and heavy. One member said: 'Eye contact normally seems to set it off but there are also signals, like a little towel readjustment, that seem to be the current trend'

Now, there are Reddit forums dedicated to what locations have the best steam rooms for cruising, and Grindr, the LGBTQ+ dating app, has cheekily referenced the illicit activity online in jokes posted to TikTok

One Equinox member, who spoke to the Daily Mail on condition of anonymity, said: 'The Williamsburg steam room seems to be too small. I have heard of signals being made to go to the showers to engage with one another'

Yet despite this, Equinox has faced multiple lawsuits over the years related to steam room sexual activities. They include an ongoing 2018 lawsuit, in which 11 people alleged that they were victims of 'indecent exposure, sexual harassment, lewd acts, and/or sexual assault in the steam rooms.'

The lawsuit, filed in New York's Supreme court, and seen by the Daily Mail, alleges that the fitness chain routinely ignored 'reprehensible conduct' and allowed orgies to happen in their gyms' steam rooms, and even capitalized on their sexually charged notoriety with provocative advertising.

Marc Held, founding partner of Held & Hines LLP and attorney for the alleged victims, told the Daily Mail in a written quote: 'For nearly 20 years, Equinox has turned a blind eye and allowed its gyms and steam rooms to be used for illicit sexual activity, assaults, and other wrongful conduct without consequence. We intend to protect the victims and hold Equinox fully accountable.'

Equinox has denied any wrongdoing.

For Anthony Festa, a Connecticut-based influencer, Equinox was his first brush with such bathhouse culture.

'I know it's common at a lot of gyms, but I had never really experienced steam and sauna culture until I joined Equinox,' Festa, 31, told the Daily Mail.

He didn't see steam room escapades at his local Equinox, but that quickly changed once he started using other locations in both Connecticut and New York City.

'When I went to other locations, it was very much immediate,' he said. 'And not only right away, but like any time of day that I would go, there was always somebody down to try and do something.'

For Festa, who is openly gay, going to locations like the Equinox in Rockefeller Center was an eye-opening experience. During his first time there, he said he got so overwhelmed by what was happening in the locker rooms, that he stopped going for a month.

Anthony Festa pictured in an Equinox locker room told the Daily Mail: 'I had never really experienced steam and sauna culture until I joined Equinox'

Festa pictured working out at Equinox. He told the Daily Mail: 'It's definitely more aggressive in the city. I was a little spooked at first, some people were just kind of following me around'

He said: 'It's definitely more aggressive in the city. I was a little spooked at first, some people were just kind of following me around. There are a lot more gay men, at least at 30 Rock, so it was much more in the open and loosey goosey.

'Whereas in Connecticut, it's much more underground - everyone is either married or low-key, but definitely still active.'

Festa has previously claimed that a married man once made passes at him in a Connecticut Equinox steam room.

In a TikTok video last year, the gym enthusiast said that the man, who had a wife, signaled his interest by adjusting his towel but feelings were not reciprocated.

Such behavior holds no appeal for Festa. To him the gym is a sacred space. 'I would never risk [getting banned] because the gym means too much to me,' he said.

Besides, as far as Festa is concerned there are far more practical places to exercise one's carnal urges should they strike. He said: 'I'm not trying to freak off with you in the steam room when I live close by and we could get on my bed.'
Drivers forced to scour their city for the best deals

Aussie drivers have been forced to travel up to 20 minutes out of Sydney to secure the cheapest fuel as the crisis enters its third week.

A Sydney Airport worker, who lives an hour away, said he had searched high and low to find the cheapest service station to fill up his car.

'This spot is the cheapest in all of Sydney and it's still costing me $50 more,' he told the Daily Mail.

'I paid $131 and I usually pay about $70 to $80... I'm speechless.'

The man said he drove 20 minutes out of his way to EG Ampol in Burwood, which was listed on FuelRadar to be one of the cheapest options on Thursday morning at 239.9 c/L for E10, 241.9 c/L for U91, and 313.9 c/L for diesel.

'It's a pain in my pocket. I'm going to have to minimise my travel, go on buses. I'm a shift worker so I can't work from home,' he added, shaking his head.

'Apparently it's just going to keep on going up.'

A driving school instructor filling up at the same service station said his costs were doubling by the day as he clocks up the kilometres during lessons.

This Sydney Airport worker said he was left 'speechless' by the rising cost of fuel

A driving school instructor said his costs were doubling by the day (pictured)

The airport worker travelled over 20 minutes out of this way to EG Ampol in Burwood (pictured) as it was one of the cheapest fuel options in Sydney on Thursday morning

'It's killing us, we're almost paying double,' he said.

'The tank lasts two days maximum. We have to keep up until the petrol [crisis] is finished, or we stay at home, Mr Albanese? And they put money into our accounts, like they did in Covid.'

The instructor said he had no choice but to honour the lessons that have already been booked and cop the extra costs himself.

When this Daily Mail reporter drove past the service station a few hours later, a rope and cones had been placed at the entrance, indicating all reserves had run out.

It comes as more than 600 service stations across the country have reported being without at least one fuel type.

Driving along Sydney's Parramatta Road - a 23km stretch of car yards, specialty outlets and abandoned shopfronts - on Thursday, there were at least five service stations that had run completely out of fuel.

A 7-Eleven worker said they had run out of fuel by 10am after of early-morning commuters quickly filled up before prices reached a new high.

The service station forecourt was unusually quiet, with one lone tradie filling up his car with auto-gas - the only fuel option available.

Christian, a delivery driver in Sydney's west, said he can only do deliveries on his motorbike now as he's unable to afford to fill up his car

The driving instructor (pictured) said he had no choice but to honour the lessons that have already been booked and simply cop the extra costs himself

Christian, a delivery driver in Sydney's western suburbs, said he'd been forced to swap from a car to a motorbike.

'It's impossible to pay for the fuel in the car so I'm trying to get by on the motorbike, but there's not as many jobs,' he said.

'And obviously, if there's big and bulky items, I can't take them. It's outrageous. No one knows what's going on. It makes Covid look like a small problem.

'I'm self-employed so I've put a lot of pressure on the operators that I work for. Drivers can't bear the brunt of this crisis, but everyone is in it for themselves in this game.'

On Friday, it was revealed that drivers in major cities are now facing fuel limits at some petrol stations as shortages spread beyond regional areas.

Customers at a Shell-branded Viva Energy station on Sydney's Northern Beaches were limited to 50 litres per vehicle, while jerry cans and external tanks were banned due to shortages.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen has repeatedly insisted the supply issues are being driven by a sudden spike in demand caused by panic buying.

'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,' he told reporters.

A popular 7-Eleven on Parramatta Road was completely out of fuel by 10am on Thursday

Energy Minister Chris Bowen insisted supply issues are being driven by panic buying

'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.'

The average price of 91 unleaded now sits at 249.9c a litre, while diesel is at 305.7c.

Global oil supply 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.
As a mother of four boys, teenagers riding e-bikes had become one of my biggest parenting fears.

But after speaking to friends of William Drake, 16, and Adrian Lai, 15, the two teenagers killed when their dirt bike collided with a bus in Sydney's west this week, that has completely changed.

And I think everyone should be more worried about what happens when police get more authority to seize and destroy these bikes.

William and Adrian were a big part of the growing culture, and while they were on William's fuel-powered bike when they crashed, they often shared their daredevil e-bike tricks online.

They were riding tandem on the night they hit the bus and became wedged underneath. Both boys tragically died at the scene.

The following day, a number of their mates agreed to talk to me about their involvement in the growing illegal e-bike culture.

I expected regret. I expected a wake-up call.

Instead, I was met with defiance. And something far more confronting: fear.

William Drake and Adrian Lai, the two teenagers killed when their dirt bike collided with a bus in Sydney's west this week

William and Adrian were a big part of the e-bike culture

Their school mates opened up to me about the e-bike culture

'What else are we going to do?' one classmate asked me when I questioned whether this tragedy would stop ride-outs.

'How else will we be able to make friends and have somewhere to go?'

He was not worried about being caught, or losing a bike worth thousands of dollars with police about to be granted 'crush' authorisation.

He wasn't concerned about getting hurt, or worse still, losing his life before it even had a chance to really begin.

He was worried about losing his freedom.

Without it, he told me, he had 'nothing left'.

And I could hear that fear. It was real.

Make no mistake, these modified high-speed bikes are dangerous. Many are illegal. And they have no place on public roads.

Adrians mates say his death won't stop them riding

William was a respected member of the bike culture

In New South Wales alone, police have seized hundreds of illegal e-bikes in the past year, with authorities warning of a sharp rise in injuries involving young riders.

National road data also shows teenage boys remain one of the highest-risk groups for road fatalities.

But what struck me most is this: e-bikes are not the real problem.

They are the band-aid covering something much bigger.

Isolation. Loneliness. A desperate need for connection.

Not all kids play sport. Youth clubs are dwindling. And now social media, for many under-16s, is effectively off the table.

These are the children who started high school and became teenagers during Covid, and experienced one of the strictest and longest lockdowns in the world.

They didn't grow up knocking on mates' doors, or meeting at the beach after school.

National data also shows teenage boys remain one of the highest risk groups for road fatalities

They grew up online.

Now they have been pushed offline, without being shown what real-world connection looks like.

E-bikes have filled that gap.

They give teenage boys a reason to leave the house. A way to belong. A shared identity without needing to be good at anything else.

And maybe it's helping, because suicide rates in boys under 15 are at their lowest since 2012.

The young teens I spoke to didn't care what the law says, and they are willing to take the risk of being caught for the thing they love most.

That's actually being with their mates, but their logical brains are still developing, and they think it is about the e-bikes.

Which means if we ban them without replacing them, they will not stop.

Tributes were laid at the crash site as hundereds of teens gathered to pay their respects

They will go deeper underground.

Bigger groups. Later-night rides. Faster roads. More risk.

Adrenaline-fuelled rides as they try to avoid police, and that is how it will escalate into more accidents, a gang culture and criminal mindsets.

We have already taken social media away and we are coming for e-bikes, but what are we replacing them with?

Because right now, for many families, there is nothing else.

Parents are stretched. The cost-of-living is biting. There is little time or money to create community alternatives like youth clubs or weekend programs.

So no, I do not blame parents. Many are relieved their kids are not sitting in bedrooms gaming all night.

Not drinking. Not taking drugs. Not being constantly exposed to the dangers online we have all been warned about.

Teens say they have nothing else to do now social media is gone

They are outside. They are social. They are happy.

The rise of e-bikes has mirrored the decline of real-world connection, so where is the plan?

Where are the safe spaces, the programs, the mentors, the fun that allows kids to be kids and gives these boys the same sense of belonging - without the danger?

Because if we keep removing the things they rely on without fixing what sits underneath, this will only get worse.
Against all logic and expectation, some animals refuse to be defeated.

Some vanish without a trace, only to reappear in the most extraordinary circumstances. Others endure gruelling journeys across continents, surviving hunger, exhaustion and danger.

The following stories unfolded across oceans, highways and even locked rooms, capturing hearts around the world. One chatty parrot relied on instinct alone, while a pack of dogs leaned on uncanny intelligence and bonds formed along the way.

From unlikely stowaways to determined homeward travellers, each tale revealed resilience in its purest form. In many cases, the odds of survival were small. Yet time and again, these creatures proved remarkably resourceful.

Their journeys left owners, rescuers, and onlookers stunned. And in every case, their safe return or survival became nothing short of extraordinary.

The cat that flew business class from France to US

A feline traveler with a serious case of wanderlust finally touched down at the Milwaukee airport in December 2005 after an accidental voyage to France three months prior.

The saga began when Emily vanished from her Appleton home in late September, likely slipping into a distribution centre and hiding among paper bales.

Her cargo container was moved by truck to Chicago and shipped to Belgium before she was finally spotted on October 24 at a company in Nancy.

After a month in quarantine, Continental stepped in to fly the cat home for free.

A Continental cargo agent officially handed her over to 9-year-old Nick Herndon, whose parents, Donny and Lesley McElhiney, waited eagerly to bring their pet home.

Her return journey featured the luxury of business class on a Continental Airlines flight, a stark contrast to her outbound trip, where she was discovered in France, thin and thirsty but still alive.

'She seems a little calmer than she was before, just a little quieter, a little, maybe, wiser,' said Ms McElhiney at the time.

Emily, the curious cat from Wisconsin, who disappeared in September 2005 and wound up traveling to France in a cargo container

The talking bird who used his head to find his home

When Yosuke the parrot escaped his cage and became stranded in May 2008, he relied on his training to survive - reciting his full name and address to the first person he met.

The African grey was plucked from a neighbour's roof in Nagareyama, near Tokyo, by local police.

After a night in a cell, he was moved to a veterinary hospital while authorities looked for his owners, according to policeman Shinjiro Uemura.

While he gave the officers the silent treatment, he eventually began chatting with the vet.

'I'm Mr Yosuke Nakamura,' the bird told the veterinarian.

Not stopping there, the clever bird recited his exact street number and even sang songs for the hospital staff.

'We checked the address, and what do you know, a Nakamura family really lived there. So we told them we've found Yosuke,' Uemura said at the time.

The family confirmed they had spent two years drilling the bird on his contact details just in case of an emergency.

However, the parrot remained picky about who he spoke to. 'I tried to be friendly and talked to him, but he completely ignored me,' Uemura said.

Yosuke the parrot rests in his cage at his home in Nagareyama in Chiba Prefecture, east of Tokyo, on May 21, 2008 after he went missing for two weeks

The dogs who became a viral sensation

Seven dogs became viral sensations in China after they escaped their captors and trekked 17km back to their village as a pack.

Footage of the unlikely 'band of brothers' showed dogs of all sizes trotting together down a busy highway in Changchun in March 2026.

The group acted with military precision, surrounding an injured German shepherd while a Corgi acted as the lookout at the front.

The group was a mix of breeds, including Labradors, Golden Retrievers and a Pekingese.

The man who filmed the scene told the Dahe Daily: 'They resemble a band of little brothers in distress, moving in unison - nothing like stray dogs.'

Despite his attempts to lead them to safety, the dogs stayed focused on their path.

Local animal experts suggested the dogs had formed a deep bond while being held together.

By March 19, volunteers confirmed that all seven dogs had successfully reached their homes across three different households.

The epic journey eventually racked up more than 230 million views online.

Seven stolen dogs captured the hearts of millions after embarking on a 10-mile journey home

The heavyweight hikers who hogged the highway

China's famous 15-strong herd of wandering elephants undertook a massive 300-mile trek across the nation in 2021.

The giants escaped their nature reserve in Xishuangbanna and marched steadily toward the city of Kunming.

To protect the urban centre, officials used lorries to block roads and laid out 18 tons of corn and pineapples as a tasty distraction.

Nighttime security footage captured the pachyderms strolling through city streets, while a fleet of drones monitored their every move from above.

Despite the surveillance, the elephants caused chaos by wandering into residential areas and poking their trunks through windows in a city of seven million people.

They raided local farms, stopped by a car dealership, and even invaded a retirement home, sending one terrified elderly man diving under his bed.

By the time they finished their agricultural feast, the herd had caused an estimated 830,000 in damages.

China's famous 15-strong herd of wandering elephants undertook a massive 300-mile trek

The British fox who conquered the Atlantic

A daring red fox became an international stowaway after sneaking onto a cargo ship for a voyage from Southampton to New York in March 2026.

Experts at the Bronx Zoo, who took the animal in, noted that he appeared healthy following his initial check-ups.

Nobody was quite sure how the male fox managed to board the vehicle carrier for the 3,400-mile trek across the ocean.

The vessel departed Hampshire on February 4 and reached the Port of New York and New Jersey by February 16.

Writing on X, Diane J Sabatino of the US Customs and Border Protection Department described the animal as a 'sly stowaway' and explained how multiple agencies worked together to secure him a spot at the zoo.

He was moved to his new residence the very next day, weighing in at 5kg at the age of two.

Keith Lovett, the zoo's director of animal programmes, said: 'He seems to be settling in well. It's gone through a lot.'

The male red fox at the Bronx Zoo after being discovered at the Port of New York and Jersey aboard a ship that had set sail from Southampton, United Kingdom

The polyglot parrot with a passion for Spanish

A pet parrot that spoke with a British accent when it disappeared from its home in 2010 was reunited with its owner four years later, speaking Spanish.

The reunion was brought about by a Southern California veterinarian who mistook Nigel, an African grey parrot, for her own missing bird, the Daily Breeze reported.

Teresa Micco tracked Nigel's microchip to Darren Chick, a Brit who lived in Torrance.

'I introduced myself and said, "Have you lost a bird?"' Micco told the newspaper at the time. 'He initially said, "No." But he thought I meant recently.'

When she verified Chick's name and said she had his African grey parrot. 'He looked at me like I was crazy,' she said.

He mentioned that his bird went missing four years earlier.

Little was known about Nigel's whereabouts for the four years, but Chick said the bird's British accent had disappeared, and it now chatters in Spanish.

However, in a touching twist, he returned Nigel to the family who had cared for the bird during his absence.

A family member told the newspaper they were devastated when the bird, whom they called Morgan, flew away.

Liza Smith explained that her grandparents had purchased the bird at a garage sale for 300, where it learned Spanish from her Guatemalan grandfather.

A pet parrot that spoke with a British accent when it disappeared from its home in 2010 was reunited with its owner four years later, speaking Spanish

The lost tortoise who spent 30 years locked in a storeroom

A Brazilian family was stunned to discover their pet tortoise, Manuela, alive and well more than three decades after she vanished.

She originally disappeared from the Almeida home in Rio de Janeiro in 1982, leading to a massive search that turned up nothing.

Her owners believed she had slipped out of a door left open by builders.

The truth only emerged in 2013 after the death of the father, Leonel, when his children began clearing out his cluttered, locked storeroom.

Leonel's son, Leandro, was actually in the process of throwing out an old record player box when a neighbour noticed something moving.

Leandro said he was astonished to find Manuela alive inside the box.

He told Brazil's Globo G1 website: 'I put the box on the pavement for the rubbish men to collect, and a neighbour said: "You're not throwing out the tortoise as well, are you?".

'I looked and saw her. At that moment, I turned white, I just couldn't believe what I was seeing.'
An apprentice tradie who was sacked for going on his phone 'over and over again' while on the job has lost his unfair dismissal case.

Sam Murray was employed by SDM Roofing in July 2024 as an apprentice but was fired within 18 months.

He was a minor at the time, with his father signing his employment contract.

In a hearing at the Fair Work Commission in Victoria, he admitted that he had been on his phone on numerous occasions when he shouldn't have been using it.

Mr Murray also acknowledged that people supervising or managing him had spoken to him about it numerous times.

The commission was told that in late 2024, the tradie started leaving his phone in his tool bag in an attempt to curb the inappropriate use.

However, he had to stop this approach because he needed to receive work calls.

Mr Murray was issued a 'final warning' by a manager on May 7 after a client saw the young tradesman on his phone 'over and over again' and 'hiding and bludging'.

An apprentice tradie who was sacked for going on his phone 'over and over again' while on the job has lost his unfair dismissal case (stock image)

On Tuesday, a Fair Work Commissioner ruled the termination had been fair (stock image)

The warning said there was 'zero grey area from here on in' and that if anyone in the team or a client saw him 'bludging again', he would be sacked.

'We are all willing to help you become a successful tradesman, even if it is a slow process,' the warning stated.

But a few months later, an incident on December 3 turned out to be the catalyst for Mr Murray's termination, the commission heard.

His foreman had asked him to prepare a chimney so flashing could be installed - but when they went to check on his progress, he was nowhere to be seen.

The commission was told the foreman saw Mr Murray walk up the street with his phone in his hand, towards his ute.

Five minutes later, he was seen returning while holding his phone. The foreman told the commission Mr Murray said 'sorry' and put his phone away.

He was told to pack his tools and go home and later that day he received an email from his manager terminating his employment.

The manager said he had been told Mr Murray was sent home after he was seen hiding in or behind his car, again on his phone while he was meant to be working.

His claim of unfair dismissal was rejected by the Fair Work Commission (stock image)

It also said Mr Murray had been asked the previous Friday to fix the chase flashings on a chimney after not completing the job properly the day before, and that the job had taken five hours instead of two.

The email also referred to previous occasions on which it was said Mr Murray had been spotted on his phone.

On December 7, the tradie responded to the manager, denying he had been hiding but explaining he had gone to the car to put his pipe gear away, the commission heard.

He told the manager he was on his phone on his way back to the job site and added: 'You didn't really give me a chance at all to defend myself.'

The next day, the manager said he only knew what he had been told and said the inappropriate phone use had been an ongoing issue, the commission noted.

The manager offered: 'Let's catch up in person and have a proper chat about what happened here'. Mr Murray did not respond.

A fortnight later, on December 22, Mr Murray filed an application seeking a remedy in relation to unfair dismissal from SDM Roofing.

On Tuesday, Fair Work Commissioner Ben Redford ruled the termination had been fair.

'It is clear Mr Murray was on his phone on numerous occasions when he should have been working, whether on this occasion or not,' he said.

'In my view, the way SDM Roofing gave effect to the termination of Mr Murrays employment was a less than satisfactory way to end the employment of a young apprentice.

'However, this does not alter the fact that Mr Murray was given a reasonable chance to rectify the problem that had been raised with him formally in the warning in May 2025 and on other numerous occasions.

'In my view, the evidence indicates that Mr Murray knew full well that his continued use of his phone was a problem, that he shouldnt be doing it, and that if he kept doing it, he might lose his job.'
A Bentley driver who was robbed of his 65,000 watch accidentally caught one of the culprits on camera as he photographed his luxury motor.

Besart Krasniqi had left a cafe in Mayfair with his pregnant wife when one man ripped the designer watch from his wrist before fleeing with two other men.

Just moments earlier, Mr Krasniqi had been attempting to take a photo of his Bentley when he inadvertently captured an image that included one of the robbers.

Belal Amine, 26, and Gabriel Kamali, 23, who arrived across the Channel in 2019, snatched Mr Krasniqi's Patek Philippe in a 'planned robbery' on May 11 last year.

Video footage captured the moment Mr Krasniqi gave chase before he was pushed over by Kamali.

Kamali was described as the group's 'spotter' after he identified the watch as 'genuine high-value'.

The three perpetrators then managed to get away via nearby side streets. The watch was never recovered.

Amine and Kamali were later identified but the third robber has not been found.

Besart Krasniqi had been trying to take a photo of his Bentley but pressed his camera too early and caught one of the robbers in the frame

CCTV footage shows the watch thieves being chased through Mount Street, Mayfair

Belal Amine (left), 26, and Gabriel Kamali (right), 23, who were smuggled across the English Channel in 2019, were jailed this week for robbing a Patek Philippe watch worth 65,000 in Mayfair

In his victim statement, Mr Krasniqi said that he had inadvertently taken a photo of the robbers moments before they targeted him.

'At about 4pm I was with my wife at the Hideaway Cafe 100 Mount,' he said. 'I walked around the front of my car and took a picture of it in the sun.

'Unbeknown by me I had taken a picture of one of the males who stole my watch. I would later show the picture to the police.

'I was pushed on the left shoulder by a male. A second male ripped the watch off my left wrist. The watch was now in the hand of the second male.

'Both men ran off along Carpenter Street. A third male picked up the leather watch strap.

'The third male ran after me. I ran up Carpenter Street chasing the males. After a few metres the third male pushed me and then knocked me to the floor.

'I lost sight of the males. I called 999 and reported the matter. A male came over to me and said that he had filmed them, and had pictures of them.'

It was heard that Algerian Amine and Kamali were both in the United Kingdom illegally. Kamali came to the country on a small boat aged 16 or 17.

His representative Anne Asfaw told the court: 'He says that as soon as he pushed this poor man (Mr Krasniqi) he felt terrible,' Ms Asfaw said.

'He would like to apologise to the victim and ask for his forgiveness.'

The video shows Mr Krasniqi being pushed over by his assailants

While Tim Williams, for Amine, said the 26-year-old was an asylum seeker and therefore not allowed to work.

'He was interested in working, that's what he'd like to do, get a job and stay in the UK,' Mr Williams said. 'Clearly, that's not going to be possible after Your Honour passes sentence.'

Kamali pleaded guilty to one count of robbery, while Amine was convicted on the same charge following a trial.

Sentencing the pair on Monday, Judge Perrins said the robbery was 'a serious, planned, group attack'.

'This was not therefore an opportunistic robbery - the overwhelming evidence was that you were out that day looking for wealthy victims to rob,' the judge said.

Amine was jailed for four years, while Kamali was sentenced to three years' imprisonment. Because of the length of their sentences, both were subject to automatic deportation provisions, the court heard.

'My expectation is that you will be deported on release,' Judge Perrins said.

Mayfair, one of London's plushest and most expensive regions, has become a crime hotspot with gangs of robbers often frequenting the area in search of goods to steal.

Algerian groups in particular have targeted the district, with an investigation revealing that 28 per cent of phones stolen in Britain end up in the north African country, making it the global destination ahead of China.

Our map shows how gangs of bike thieves like to target the richest areas of central London around Park Lane, Mayfair and Oxford Street

Criminals have begun waiting for visibly wealthy people at posh bars in Mayfair, before violently mugging them when they come out onto the street.

Earlier this month, BBC presenter Ben Thompson was left fearing for his safety after being robbed while leaving a restaurant in Mayfair with his friend.

He and Roja Dove were grabbed by six men on March 11 before Roja was thrown to the floor and robbed of his 150,000 Patek Philippe watch.

'After this attack my behaviour has changed  I no longer feel safe in London,' Mr Thompson said in a victim impact statement read out as two of the gang were jailed this week.

'I am nervous and jumpy when I hear a jogger or cyclist approaching behind me,' added the former Middle East correspondent.

It is thought that the Algerian gangs have pivoted from phone snatchings to violent robberies after a Metropolitan Police crackdown on mobile thefts.

Indeed, the number of phone thefts in London last year fell from 81,365 in 2024 to 71,391.

David McKelvey, a former Detective Chief Inspector with the Met Police, said: 'The criminals are able to adapt very quickly and once the police began to have some success in bringing down the number of phone thefts, it was inevitable that they would start looking at other areas.

'A simple 'risk vs reward' assessment means for them it will make sense to try to steal one very valuable watch instead of any number of valuable phones.

'Ultimately the police need to catch these people more quickly and respond to new developments more quickly to do that.'
Texas Republicans are openly exploring whether the Lone Star State could expand its borders into neighboring New Mexico.

The dramatic proposal is driven by frustration from conservative, oil-rich counties that say they are being ignored by liberal leaders in the state capital of Santa Fe.

In a move that has reignited long-simmering regional tensions, Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows ordered lawmakers to study the possibility of absorbing one or more counties from southeastern New Mexico, including Lea County, a deeply conservative region that has repeatedly clashed with state leadership.

The directive issued on Thursday as part of Burrows's interim charges calls for a sweeping review of the 'constitutional, statutory, fiscal and economic implications' of adding New Mexico territory to Texas.

If pursued, the process would require approvals at multiple levels of government and likely years of legal and political wrangling.

Across the state line in New Mexico, a parallel effort is unfolding as Republican lawmakers look to break away from the state.

Reps Randall T Pettigrew and Jimmy G Mason have revived a proposal that would allow counties to vote on whether to separate from New Mexico entirely, setting up the possibility of a cross-border political realignment unlike anything seen in modern US history.

Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows, center, has directed lawmakers to study the legal and economic implications of potentially adding contiguous counties from New Mexico into Texas

Theproposal is driven by frustration from conservative, oil-rich counties at odds with liberal leaders in the state capital of Santa Fe (pictured)

Lea County and surrounding areas sit atop the lucrative Permian Basin, one of the most productive oil and gas regions in the country.

But many residents there argue that decisions made in the state capital do not reflect the economic priorities or conservative values of their communities.

Supporters say the divide is cultural as much as political - a rural, energy-driven region at odds with a Democratic-led state government they feel is out of touch.

Critics, however, dismiss the proposal as largely symbolic and see it as more of a political statement unlikely to survive the enormous legal hurdles required to redraw state boundaries.

Burrows has made clear where he stands.

'Texas would gladly welcome Lea County back to Texas, where it rightfully belongs,' the Lubbock Republican wrote in a mid-February post on X.

In comments to the Austin American-Statesman, Burrows expanded on that vision, arguing that southeastern New Mexico has been sidelined by its own state government.

'Southeast New Mexico deserves a real voice in its own future, not one dictated by Santa Fe. It's a conservative, energy-rich region with a fierce independent streak, and West Texas has shown what's possible when you respect oil and gas, protect property rights, and trust local communities,' he said.

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has not included such a proposal in his own list of interim priorities and has not publicly endorsed the plan

Lea County in southeastern New Mexico, a focal point of the effort, sits within the Permian Basin - one of the most productive oil and gas regions in the United States

The Dallas skyline stands as a symbol of Texas economic power as state leaders explore expanding its borders into neighboring New Mexico

'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.'

The study ordered by Burrows will dig into the fine print and examine constitutional provisions in Texas, New Mexico and the US, along with federal law and court precedent, mapping out the exact steps required to make such a boundary change a reality.

Any transfer of territory between states would require consent from both state legislatures, approval from voters and sign-off from Congress - a high bar that has made such proposals exceedingly rare.

For now, there is no immediate action underway and only a signal that influential Texas lawmakers are willing to entertain what was once considered a fringe idea.

Notably absent from the effort is Texas Lt Gov Dan Patrick, who did not include a similar proposal in his own slate of interim priorities earlier this year.

The proposal comes alongside a separate political movement: 'Texit,' a long-running push by activists for Texas to secede from the United States entirely.

The Permian Basin stretches across West Texas and southeastern New Mexico and produces millions of barrels of oil per day, making it central to the US energy supply

While that movement has gained attention from time to time together with support among Republican candidates, it remains far from mainstream.

However, other states including California have their own separatist movements.

Californians and Texans are among the most pro-independence Americans, with nearly a third in each state wanting to split, YouGov polling shows.
Thousands of Afghans who fought alongside British troops have accused Labour of 'betrayal' for blocking their rescue  despite a lifeline thrown to some of their colleagues.

On Friday it was revealed that a path has opened for nearly 900 former Afghan Special Forces, known as the Triples, and their families to come to the UK after years being blocked.

But thousands more Afghans who fought beside British soldiers or acted as frontline interpreters remain in hiding as the Taliban seeks revenge.

In 2021, the Conservatives vowed to 'shift heaven and earth' to evacuate those who were eligible and at risk and set up a special unit to ensure safe passage.

More than 11,000 were guided to safety, but those left behind say thousands more needing vital UK help to facilitate their escape into Pakistan have been blocked for nine months.

The freeze was triggered after an unprecedented two-year government superinjunction aimed at keeping the rescue effort secret was lifted.

It allowed the Daily Mail to reveal a catastrophic 2022 data leak within the Ministry of Defence which compromised the personal details of 18,700 Afghans.

Many of those waiting for rescues were part of the data leak and believe the delay only increases the risk of being found by the Taliban.

A path has now opened for nearly 900 former Afghan Special Forces, known as the Triples (pictured, file photo), and their families to come to the UK after years being blocked

But thousands more Afghans who fought beside British soldiers or acted as frontline interpreters remain in hiding as the Taliban seeks revenge (Pictured: Taliban members patrol the streets of the Afghan capital of Kabul in September 2021)

More than 11,000 were guided to safety in 2021 under the Conservatives, but those left behind say thousands more needing vital UK help to facilitate their escape into Pakistan

ANGER OF THOSE LEFT BEHIND Former frontline interpreter Abdul fears he has been abandoned to the Taliban but is praying that the British Government will help him escape Afghanistan. He is baffled and angry at being denied help to evacuate and obtain vital documents given routinely up until July 2025 to thousands of his colleagues. The father of three, who was part of the 2022 data breach, was approved for relocation before the UK turned its back on those it had promised to help. I feel betrayed that the UK is not helping those who risked their lives on the frontlines beside soldiers, he said from his place in hiding. Why has the UK helped thousands of my colleagues but suddenly, after admitting it leaked our personal details, it has stopped helping us escape?

An ex-translator, approved for relocation with his family, said: 'These are very dangerous times for us.

'The UK Government has betrayed us, it is telling us not to move but the Taliban threat is real.

'Visas cost thousands of dollars and we need help with documentation and movement. This is crucial to our safety.

'We do not understand why thousands have been helped to escape but we are being abandoned. It is cruel  we are being given no explanation.'

He said security minister Dan Jarvis and Armed Forces minister Al Carns, who both served in Afghanistan, 'know our sacrifice and risks we face daily'.

After being elected in 2024, Labour continued with the secret assisted evacuations, but this stopped suddenly in July 2025.

Dozens in Afghanistan have contacted the Mail's award-winning Betrayal of the Brave campaign asking for their plight to be highlighted.

They insist they cannot escape without help because of security issues and the huge price of documents, including visas, needed to leave the country.

Former interpreter Rafi Hottak, who campaigned for the Triples and ex-colleagues to be granted sanctuary, said of this week's development: 'This welcome decision underlines the need to urgently reopen assisted evacuations.

'It is needed more than ever if lives are to be saved.'

In recent weeks escape routes have become more dangerous with two borders effectively closed by the US/Israel attacks on Iran and the 'open war' between Pakistan and the Taliban.

Black market visas to Islamabad, the 'gateway' for relocation in the UK, cost 9,000 each.

Lawyers for those still trapped are planning an unprecedented legal challenge to the decision to halt assisted evacuations and force Labour to kick-start the successful scheme again.

The MoD said it aimed to relocate all those granted sanctuary during this Parliament.

The thousands waiting for help from the specially created unit - known only as the third party organisation for security reasons - have been approved for relocation in UK.

Professor Sara de Jong, a founding member of the Sulha Alliance, which helps former interpreters, said: The promise made last July by the Defence Secretary (John Healey) that the invitations for resettlement of Afghans and their immediate family would be honoured rings increasingly hollow.

In the months since he had to admit to the data breach and said that when this nation makes a promise, we should keep it, these Afghans have been completely abandoned.

It is entirely unacceptable that the British Government, after promising in 2021 to shift heaven and earth to get eligible Afghans out of Afghanistan, continues to leave them at the Talibans mercy.'

Lawyer Erin Alcock of Leigh Day, who has fought Afghan cases in the courts, said: We represent a number of individuals and their families, who have long been found eligible for relocation to the UK, yet they remain stuck waiting in Afghanistan, destitute and living in constant fear. They are being let down by the continual failures of the past and present government to do what is necessary to properly resource and facilitate their relocation.

Urgent action is needed to address these issues so that the government can honour the commitments that were made to those who supported their mission in Afghanistan and those who continue to pay the price of that support.

A spokesperson for the MoD said : We remain committed to the promises we have made to our Afghan friends and allies - including relocating eligible Afghans to the UK. Eligible Afghans are continuing to be relocated to the UK once they receive UK visas.
Angela Shelliss Facebook page painted the picture of a loving, hands-on mother whose world revolved around her children.

There were affectionate tributes to my boys, doting photographs to mark proud milestones, and videos of everyday family moments that mattered most to her.

Yet at the heart of those smiling family posts were loving images of the very son who would go on to murder her.

Violence-obsessed Tristan Roberts, 18, had become deeply entrenched in a toxic online world of hatred and fantasy.

Diagnosed with autism and ADHD, he spent hours each day absorbed in disturbing misogynistic material - and blamed his devoted mother for his unhappiness.

He bludgeoned teaching assistant Angela, 45, with a sledgehammer - while recording the attack on a Dictaphone and concluding: 'I just killed her... job's done'.

Troubled Roberts had even turned to AI to help map out his macabre plot last October citing a desire for 'revenge, justice, vengeance'.

Yet in reality, family members said he had only ever been loved by a 'fiercely supportive' mother who 'never gave up'.

Angela Shellis was a doting mother who was happiest when she was at home with 'my boys' - her 18-year old son Tristan Roberts (right) and his brother Ethan, seen here playing chess

Angela, a teaching assistant, posted a number of photos on Facebook of her son - who had autism and ADHD - including this one she captioned: 'Sneaky pic with my lad'

Angela, 45, was actually a qualified teacher but took the role of a teaching assistant on a reduced salary so she could spend more time at home in north Wales with her two boys

Family members said Angela had only ever loved her violence-obsessed son and been a 'fiercely supportive' mother who 'never gave up' before he bludgeoned her with a hammer

Roberts, 18, who was diagnosed with autism and ADHD, first attacked his mother inside the home they shared in Prestatyn late on October 23 last year. Then he claimed he was taking her to get medical treatment when really he lured her to a nature reserve when he murdered her

Angela's social media profile bears testament to that - revealing a trove of pictures of Roberts and eldest son Ethan, 20.

One loving photo from November 2024 is simply captioned: 'My boys'.

Another shows a 'sneaky pic with my lad' - with Angela taking a picture of unsuspecting Roberts in the passenger seat of her car. Chosen to accompany the picture was the Jack Johnson song 'Better Together'.

There are pictures of her sons playing chess together, enjoying trips to Blackpool and Paris, and fooling around together at their 182,000 semi-detached home in Prestatyn, North Wales.

One photo describes Roberts and Ethan as 'young bingo lovers'. In another, Angela declared: 'Home is where my boys are.'

On one image celebrating a full house, she wrote: 'This makes me happy'. Another is a seemingly ordinary video of Roberts walking the family dog, Blade.

Angela, who returned to North Wales from Dunstable, Bedfordshire, after divorcing her husband Mark Roberts in 2021, had built her entire life around her sons.

Despite being a qualified teacher, she had taken a lower-paid role as a teaching assistant at Rhyl High School so she could spend more time with her children.

In one especially poignant post, she wrote: '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.'

Yet while Angela was posting loving tributes and happy family pictures, her deeply troubled younger son was plotting to kill her.

Fuelled by rage, much of it vented on the online platform Discord, Roberts turned to AI for advice for what weapon he should use as a 'non-experienced killer.

Angela, who had been training to be a reflexologist, was first attacked inside the home they shared at Coniston Drive in Prestatyn late on October 23 last year.

Troubled Roberts spent hours online watching misogynist content and even turned to AI to help map out his macabre plot last October citing a desire for 'revenge, justice, vengeance'

This is the moment Roberts led his mother to a secluded nature reserve before bludgeoning her

Roberts, pictured here in a police interview, answered no comment to all questions put to him

This is the hammer found at Roberts's home which he had earlier bought on Amazon for 20

A pair of black gloves at the murder scene beside a footpath near a nature reserve in Prestatyn

Roberts also shared messages on the social media platform Discord about hating women

In another chat on Discord he shared chilling messages including one saying 'now it's time'

Roberts then tricked his injured and terrified mother into leaving the house by claiming he was taking her to get medical help.

Instead, the teenager led her into the darkness of Coed y Morfa nature reserve and bludgeoned her to death with a hammer bought on Amazon for 20.

Police found a trail of blood stretching for more than 100m the following morning, leading to Angela's body hidden among undergrowth 20 feet from the nearest footpath.

Roberts, who had a morbid fascination with serial killers, recorded the prolonged attack on a dictaphone, and was taped saying: 'Oh God, that was terrifying, that felt so crazy.'

An earlier message retrieved by police said: 'This is Tristan Roberts. Tonight I'm going to murder my mother with a sledgehammer.'

Mold Crown Court - where Roberts was jailed for life with a minimum of 22-and-a-half years - heard how his behaviour deteriorated after moving to North Wales.

Prosecutors told how Angela had repeatedly tried to get her son help but with little success.

Ethan, who had been studying as a university undergraduate, told the court: 'Not a day goes by where I don't question why. 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.

'She's the only person that's ever done anything and everything for Tristan his whole life and he's the one who's took her from us all.'

Her sister, Sarah Gunther, told Roberts in court: '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.'

She later added: 'She had so many amazing qualities, but one of the greatest was the way she devoted herself to her boys.

'She was a fantastic and fiercely supportive mum, the kind who never gave up, no matter how hard life became.

'She fought tirelessly for them, and her love for them was unbreakable, a source of strength that carried her and her boys through every challenge.'

Medical experts concluded that Roberts was not suffering any significant mental disorder at the time of the killing.

Angela often shared on her Facebook how much she adored spending time with her son who went on to murder her because he claimed her love was the root of his unhappiness

Angela said spending time with her family with a 'house full' made her happy

Angela's social media profile bears testament to her devotion to her children

In the weeks leading up to the murder, Roberts wrote on Discord about his 'hatred of women' and wrote about feeling 'abandoned, betrayed and bullied'.

He said that he was killing her for 'revenge, justice, vengeance'.

Passing sentence, judge Rhys Rowlands said: 'It is clear to me that you both looked forward to inflicting pain and ultimately death upon your mother.

'In recording what you did on a dictaphone over several hours, you enjoyed what you were doing, exercising control over you mother in her last hours, no doubt revelling in what you did as you attacked her.'
President Donald Trump blasted fellow Republicans over the deepening Department of Homeland Security funding crisis as senators fled the capital for a two-week recess with no sign of a resolution in sight.

The furious standoff reached a new boiling point Friday as the House and Senate passed vastly different bills creating a new deadlock as lawmakers leave Washington.

Senators including Ted Cruz and Bernie Sanders were seen boarding flights out of Washington DC shortly after the Senate passed its overnight funding bill, a measure that collapsed hours later in the House.

Sanders was seen departing in a first class cabin seat TMZ reported even as 61,000 TSA workers remained without pay due to the impasse.

As lawmakers left town, President Trump erupted while speaking to Fox News Senior White House Correspondent Jacqui Heinrich from Air Force One.

He made it clear he supported the House rejection of the Senate bill and zeroed in on the omission of funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and parts of Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

'It wasn't good. It wasn't appropriate,' he told Heinrich before suggesting the Senate should scrap the filibuster and force a vote.

'Now what they should do is they should terminate the filibuster, Jacqui, and just vote, but you have three or four Republicans in there that are not doing the right thing,' he added.

Senator Bernie Sanders left Washington, DC shortly after the Senate passed its overnight funding bill, with his office saying he was heading to a scheduled rally

President Donald Trump criticized the Senate funding bill, saying any measure that does not fund ICE and CBP 'is not appropriate'

Lawmakers left the capital despite the DHS shutdown nearing record length and affecting tens of thousands of workers

'This whole thing is about the Democrats wanting to have open borders, no ICE, no Border Patrol. These people are crazy. They want open borders, they want no Border Patrol, they want no ICE, they want no nothing, except for criminals to pour into our country and it's not going to happen.'

The Senate had worked through the night to pass a bipartisan bill funding most of DHS, but notably excluding ICE and parts of CBP, a sticking point that enraged conservatives.

By Friday evening, the House blew it up. In a razor-thin 213203 vote, Republicans pushed through a rival short-term funding bill that would fund the entire department for 60 days - a move widely seen as dead on arrival in the Senate.

House Speaker Mike Johnson didn't mince words.

'This gambit that was done last night is a joke,' Johnson said, placing the blame squarely on Democrats.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer fired back, warning the House plan would go nowhere and prolong the shutdown.

Meanwhile, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries insisted the Senate bill could have passed the House if leadership had allowed a vote.

'This could end, and should end, today,' Jeffries said. But instead, Washington ground to a halt and then began emptying out for the Easter break.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer warned the House bill would be 'dead on arrival in the Senate'

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said the Senate bill could pass the House if leadership allowed a vote, adding 'this could end, and should end, today'

House Speaker Mike Johnson called the Senate-passed funding bill 'a joke' and rejected it outright

TSA staffing shortages during the shutdown have caused long airport security lines across the country. Pictured, Terminal 5 at JFK on Friday

Senators were seen heading for exits, with reports of lawmakers boarding flights and beginning their recess even as negotiations collapsed.

Cruz was photographed seated on a plane departing for Texas, while others slipped out of the capital in quick succession.

Sanders' office pushed back saying he was heading to a previously scheduled 'No Kings' rally in Minnesota, and not heading on vacation.

The collapse leaves DHS funding in limbo. The shutdown, now approaching record length, has left roughly 61,000 workers without pay and triggered severe disruptions at airports, where TSA staffing shortages caused security lines to stretch for hours.

In response, Trump signed an emergency executive order on Friday directing DHS to pay Transportation Security Administration officers, a move that is expected to ease pressure on airport operations.

'America's air travel system has reached its breaking point,' Trump said in the memo authorizing the payments.

'I have determined that these circumstances constitute an emergency situation compromising the Nation's security.'

Officials said paychecks could begin arriving as early as Monday.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Senators Sanders and Cruz for additional comment.
A grooming gang survivor has said victims have been 'denied justice' after it emerged key evidence may have been destroyed - and she does not believe the 'whole truth will ever be told'.

The Home Office has admitted delays in their requests to councils, police and other agencies to keep records could have led to crucial evidence being dumped.

It said it took seven months to formally request information relating to grooming gangs to be preserved.

Elizabeth Harper* was 14 when she was repeatedly raped for four-and-a-half years by a 'countless' number of men of Pakistani heritage in Rotherham, Yorkshire.

Ms Harper feels the Government has 'denied justice' to grooming gang survivors through the 'delay and destruction' of evidence.

She told the Daily Mail: 'How many children, who are now adults, are trying to fight for justice and now have to go through this additional process?

'How are they going to continue their battle without those files? By delaying and destroying evidence, they have denied justice.'

The 38-year-old believes the latest revelations add to a history of Government failures - and fuels fears the authorities are intentionally trying to 'cover' the truth.

Elizabeth Harper* was 14 when she was repeatedly raped for four-and-a-half years by a 'countless' number of men of Pakistani heritage in Rotherham, Yorkshire

The national inquiry into grooming gangs is scheduled to launch next week under Baroness Anne Longfield (pictured), the former children's commissioner

She said: 'Everybody has always known that there were files missing. The latest news puts a final stamp on it and shows that we were actually telling the truth. Yet again, it has been proved.

'This is what the authorities do in this country. They cover it up, sweep it under the carpet, get rid of it, and destroy or corrupt it.'

This comes as the national inquiry into grooming gangs is scheduled to launch next week under Baroness Anne Longfield, the former children's commissioner.

However Ms Harper doubts the success of the inquiry, and claims survivors are 'always at the bottom of the pile of everything' - which led her to quit the inquiry's victims and survivors liaison panel in October, alongside three other survivors.

She said: 'I don't believe the whole truth surrounding grooming gangs will ever be told.

'This is because of the implications we are also seeing today. They are finally admitting that the files are not where they are supposed to be. That they are gone, and it actually makes them complicit in the abuse.

'They are being corrupt and they fear racial tensions,' Ms Harper added.

Ms Harper believes the loss of the evidence could be intentional, she said: 'It could be a knee jerk reaction to the national inquiry because they have put up every barrier they could to not let it happen. Or, someone has destroyed it because they knew they were going to get caught.'

Dame Karen Bradley, chair of the home affairs select committee, has written to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to raise concerns about 'staggering' Home Office delays

Dame Bradley asked Ms Mahmood why the Home Office took several months to act in preserving material related to the gangs

The delay in formally requesting records to be preserved follows a series of freedom of information requests by Robbie Moore, the MP for Keighley & Ilkley.

Mr Moore described the findings as a 'staggering failure', particularly as the retention of crucial records was a key recommendation in Baroness Louise Casey of Blackstock's national audit last June.

He added it raised concerns about what data may have been lost and suggested the possibility of legal action against the Home Office.

The freedom of information requests revealed the Home Office did not begin contacting councils, police or other agencies until January 14, which was seven months after Baroness Casey's first recommendation.

The formal request not to destroy potential evidence is viewed as critical due to many of the alleged offences taking place between 2010 and 2020.

While many local authorities and agencies have policies that allow them to destroy records after six years.

Ms Harper said because of 'historical failings' in previous cases, such as claims police officers did not follow up with accusations, the files become even more critical for survivors.

She said: 'In my case alone, I went to court 18 years after the event. We haven't got things like DNA evidence because they never took it. We haven't got witness statements or anything like that.

Ellie-Ann Reynolds, Fiona Goddard, Elizabeth Harper and a woman signed only as 'Jessica' state in their letter of resignation (pictured) from the national inquiry

Your browser does not support iframes.

'The majority of our evidence relies on witnesses and files. It is another way of denying us justice.'

Dame Karen Bradley, chair of the home affairs committee, has since written to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to ask why the Home Office took several months to act in preserving material related to the gangs.

She said the information was integral to the public inquiry.

Dame Bradley told Ms Mahmood: 'The failure to provide timely direction to local authorities, police forces and other relevant agencies about the need to retain relevant documents means that some records which may be relevant to the independent inquiry into grooming gangs might have been destroyed.

'What assessment has the Home Office made of the consequences  including for possible future legal action  of not directing local authorities, police forces and other relevant agencies not to destroy records which may be relevant to the independent inquiry into grooming gangs?'

The Conservative MP for Staffordshire Moorlands warned that some records may already have been destroyed.

She continued in her letter: 'Has the Home Office asked local authorities, police forces and other relevant agencies whether they have destroyed any records that may be relevant to the independent inquiry into grooming gangs? If so, what have you found? If not, will you request this information?

'If a local authority, police force or other relevant agency is found to have destroyed records that may be relevant to the independent inquiry into grooming gangs, what consequences would they face, given no direction to retain these records was issued by the Government?'

The national inquiry into grooming gangs will look into claims that councils covered up the scandals.

This includes the group-based child sexual exploitation that occurred in Rotherham from the late 1980s until 2013, with an estimated 1,400 girls impacted.

It will hold full statutory powers to compel witnesses to attend and pull on criminal investigations, including a new nationwide investigation by the National Crime Agency.

*The woman involved in this piece asked to use a pseudonym in order to remain anonymous.

The Home Office has been contacted for comment.
The boss of one of Britain's biggest supermarkets on Friday hit out at Labour ministers' claims of profiteering at the petrol pump.

Wading into the industry's war with Whitehall, Asda chairman Allan Leighton said ministers had 'zero credibility', and took aim at Chancellor Rachel Reeves as relations between the two sides deteriorated.

Petrol prices have hit their highest level for nearly two years and Mr Leighton warned that, thanks to the conflict raging in the Middle East, 'supply is tight,' raising the prospect of shortages at 'the odd pump'.

But after both the Chancellor and Prime Minister said forecourts were 'profiteering,' the supermarket chief dismissed the accusations, pointing out the Treasury was raking in bumper petrol tax receipts.

In a blow for families gearing up for the Easter getaway next week, average petrol prices surged past 150p a litre for the first time since May 2024.

And they are set to rocket further after the price of Brent crude oil rose again to $110 a barrel.

Mr Leighton said it was 'unacceptable' that ministers had the 'gall' to try to smear businesses, adding: 'This whole thing is actually a disgrace, that they try to point the finger at petrol retailers for gouging. And, you know, it's a typical camouflage.

'They point the finger at somebody else, hopefully then nobody will work out that [they] are the problem.

Wading into the industry's war with Whitehall, Asda chairman Allan Leighton (pictured, in 2024) took aim at Chancellor Rachel Reeves as relations between the two sides deteriorated

Petrol prices have hit their highest level for nearly two years and Mr Leighton warned that, thanks to the conflict raging in the Middle East, 'supply is tight'. Pictured: 'Out of use' signs on fuel pumps at an Asda petrol station in Clapham, south London on Friday

But after both the Chancellor (pictured, making a statement on the situation in the House of Commons this week) and Prime Minister said forecourts were 'profiteering,' the supermarket chief dismissed the accusations

'You don't have to be Einstein to work out where the problem is.'

Referring to the fact Ms Reeves is in line for a 1billion VAT windfall if the crisis continues, he called on ministers to consider 'sharing' the extra tax haul with drivers to spare them some pain at the pumps.

His comments echo those of the bosses of Next and Marks & Spencer, who have also attacked Labour on profiteering and rocketing energy bills.

Mr Leighton was one of a host of supermarket bosses who snubbed a meeting with Ms Reeves this week to discuss the cost of living crisis.

The latest surge in oil prices came following Iran's announcement that it had stepped up its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, saying it was 'closed' and any tanker ships trying to pass would face 'harsh measures'.

Despite Donald Trump giving Tehran an extension to come up with a deal to reopen the waterway on Thursday night, oil markets continued to spike on Friday, showing little faith in the US President's proclamation that the war is being won.

Analysis by the RAC Foundation found that rocketing prices sparked by the war have collectively hammered drivers by an extra 402million at the pumps.

It piled fresh pressure on Ms Reeves to scrap Labour's planned fuel duty hike.

With Asda being the UK's second-largest fuel retailer, Mr Leighton said 'clearly demand has been outstripping supply' as Western oil deliveries have been squeezed by the strait's effective closure.

He stressed that temporary shortages had affected 'the odd pump' at a small number of forecourts, but added: 'Our fuel volumes are up quite significantly and clearly demand has been outstripping supply.

'Supply is tight and we are all trying hard on that.'

He added: 'The issue is a temporary one, and some could see issues when we are waiting for delivery, and we can expect to see that continue.

In a blow for families gearing up for the Easter getaway next week, average petrol prices have surged past 150p a litre for the first time since May 2024. Pictured: Drivers queue at a petrol station in Derby on Friday

Mr Leighton said it was 'unacceptable' that ministers had the 'gall' to try to smear fuel retailers over the issue. Pictured: An 'out of use' sign on a pump at a petrol station in Bethnal Green, east London, on Friday

'The spikiness at the moment makes this tricky for us, as spikes can lead to temporary shortages.'

The RAC's Simon Williams said: 'With the long-awaited four-day Easter weekend almost within touching distance, the cost of getting away by car is going to be noticeably higher this year.'

On Friday it also emerged that Ms Reeves was privately urged to scrap the fuel duty hike just days after the war broke out  but ignored warnings about the impact on drivers.

In a letter from petrol bosses on March 3, seen by the Daily Mail, the Chancellor was urged to do everything 'within your power' to 'support' drivers and help protect them from looming punishing prices at the pumps.

But she ignored the warning without replying and has vowed to press ahead with the 5p-a-litre rise, which will add another 3 to the cost of an average fill-up.

It will come into force from September and will rake in billions more on top of the VAT windfall.

On Friday night, traders warned that diesel stockpiles were at risk.

Supermarkets and refineries faced running out of diesel by mid-May, the Financial Times said, with one source saying the situation was 'concerning'.

A joint statement from Fuels Industry UK and the Petrol Retailers Association on Friday night said: 'Supply across the UK is flowing normally and there is no need for any change in usual buying habits.'
A murder inquiry that resulted in one of the worst miscarriages of justice in British criminal history is being probed by the independent police watchdog.

Vulnerable Peter Sullivan spent 38 years in prison after being wrongfully convicted of killing 21-year-old part-time barmaid and florist Diane Sindall in Birkenhead, Merseyside, in 1986.

He became synonymous with a lurid nickname, 'the Beast of Birkenhead', and spent nearly four decades behind bars for a murder he never committed.

Sullivan, who has learning difficulties, always maintained his innocence and retracted a 'confession' he said was only made after he was 'bullied' and beaten by police officers.

But then in 2023, compelling new DNA evidence found at the crime scene showed Sullivan was not the culprit - and he was finally freed.

Now as a result of his complaints around the conduct of Merseyside Police officers, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has opened a full investigation.

The probe is separate to a renewed investigation by the force to find the real murderer.

Diane had taken on shifts at the Wellington pub in Bebington on the Wirral to help pay for her forthcoming wedding. Engaged to her childhood sweetheart, the shy 21-year-old florist had much to look forward to.

Peter Sullivan, a vulnerable man with learning difficulties, wrongly spent 38 years in jail for the murder of a pub barmaid in 1986. The case is now being investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)

Diane Sindall was ambushed and dragged into an alleyway where she was killed in 1986. She was engaged to be married - and her killer the real 'Beast of Birkenhead' has never been found

Merseyside Police launched its biggest ever murder inquiry in the hunt for Diane's killer - with detectives still looking to solve the case 40 years later

In the early hours of August 2, 1986, about 15 minutes into the short journey home, the Fiat Fiorino she was driving home ran out of petrol and came to a halt near a roundabout in Birkenhead.

Diane grabbed a plastic can from the back of the van and started walking along the busy, well-lit road to find the nearest petrol station.

It was a decision with horrific consequences. At some point, shortly after midnight, the young woman was savagely battered to death: stripped half-naked, indecently assaulted, mutilated and her breasts bitten, her body discarded in an alley.

Diane grabbed a plastic can from the back of the van and started walking along the busy, well-lit road to find the nearest petrol station.

It would be another 12 hours or so before it was discovered. Diane had been beaten about the face, head and body, and sustained multiple fractures.

Her bra and T-shirt had been pulled up around her neck and her jeans, shoes, knickers and handbag were missing. Poignantly, she was still wearing her diamond engagement ring.

Merseyside Police launched its biggest ever murder inquiry in the hunt for the killer.

Within weeks, after an appeal on the BBC's Crimewatch UK, suspicion fell on a local man, later described to The Mail on Sunday as 'not the full shilling' and a 'village idiot'.

A petty criminal who spent time in a borstal as a teenager and with a string of convictions, unemployed labourer Peter Sullivan, then just 29, had no history of sexual violence.

He was, though, something of an attention-seeking 'Walter Mitty' character who claimed  falsely  to have been friends with 1980s darts champions Eric Bristow and Jocky Wilson and to have had trials with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Mr Sullivan was charged with Diane Sindall's murder following a 'confession'.

He later retracted it, saying it was made under duress from police, but in November 1987 he was convicted of murder at Liverpool Crown Court and jailed for life.

Mr Sullivan continued to maintain his innocence.

Last year he finally won his freedom after his case was referred by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) to the Court of Appeal following the discovery of compelling 'new' DNA evidence.

After his release, Sullivan gave his only media interview to the BBC and detailed how he had been interviewed on seven occasions without a solicitor or other appropriate adult present, given that he has learning difficulties.

He also claimed he was threatened with being charged with '35 other rapes' if he did not confess and said he had been beaten by police officers.

'They threw a blanket over the top of me and they were hitting me on top of the blanket with the truncheons to try and get me to co-operate with them,' he told BBC News.

'It really hurt, they were leathering me.'

IOPC director Amanda Rowe said it was 'important' for his case to be investigated.

She said: 'Mr Sullivan was a victim of one of the worst miscarriages of justice this country has ever seen. Our thoughts are with him as he continues to rebuild his life.

'In light of the significant impact this has had, as well as the severity of some of the allegations contained in the complaint, it is important for these matters to be independently investigated.

A memorial tablet has been placed on a grass verge near the scene of Diane's murder

'The fact this took place almost 40 years ago poses substantial evidential challenges, however we will do all we can to progress our inquiries as quickly as we can, while taking all appropriate steps to ensure this does not hinder the ongoing investigation by Merseyside Police into the horrific crime against Ms Sindall.'

Merseyside Police say the real killers DNA profile has not been matched on the national database, though more than 500 men have already been ruled out.

Detectives are now working with the National Crime Agency to try to identify the suspect through relatives whose DNA may appear in genealogy databases.

Merseyside Police said it 'regretted' that a grave miscarriage of justice had occurred but maintained its officers had acted within the law.

Mr Sullivan is demanding an apology from the force and is waiting to hear to what extent he will be compensated for his wrongful imprisonment.

He could be entitled to 1.3million under a capped government scheme.
Aussies in a series of isolated coastal towns have been covered in a layer of red dust while being battered by a destructive cyclone.

Tropical Cyclone Narelle was downgraded to a category two system overnight after making landfall in Western Australia's northwest.

The storm left a trail of destruction in the Pilbara and North West Cape before crossing the coast near Coral Bay and heading for Carnarvon.

Shire president Eddie Smith said Carnarvon had been blanketed by a thick, red dust storm for about two hours, and wind gusts topped 100km/h.

Shark Bay Caravan Park in Exmouth shared footage of the red dust.

'Incredibly eerie outside and everything is covered in dust. Not a lot of wind yet,' they said, adding the dust could be felt in your nose and mouth.

'Let's hope we get enough rain to wash it all off.

'It's an inside day for us that's for sure.'

Shark Bay Caravan Park in Exmouth shared footage of the red dust (pictured)

Pictured is a tree during the wind storm, with gusts reaching up to 100km/hour on Friday

Roof panels were ripped off a home in Exmouth as Cyclone Narelle wreaked havoc

Holiday town Exmouth, 1,250km north of Perth, copped the full force of Narelle's fury when the category four storm generated winds in excess of 250km/h.

Roofs were torn off buildings, power was lost, homes were flooded and about 50 people had to abandon the isolated town's evacuation centre when it sustained wind damage.

Narelle tracked south to Coral Bay and made landfall just south of the tiny town before weakening to a category three system.

The storm passed to the east of Carnarvon on Friday afternoon as a category three before further weakening into a category two system northeast of Kalbarri and Geraldton.

'We're expecting some pretty significant damage,' Department and Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm said on Friday.

'As we get a clearer picture of the extent of the damage, (emergency services) will continue to work with the local governments and communities in the region to determine what sort of support they need for the ongoing impacts.'

Exmouth was expected to be severely impacted, Mr Klemm said.

Narelle was an 'incredibly complex cyclone' because of the track it took from the Kimberley down the Pilbara coastline, he said.

Narelle (pictured in this Weatherzone map) tracked south to Coral Bay and made landfall just south of Exmouth on Friday before weakening to a category three system

'It was always going to have multiple impacts into multiple towns as it came down the coast.'

Narelle is expected to continue its southeast trajectory into the northern Wheatbelt on Saturday.

Damaging winds and heavy rainfall are possible in southeast WA, as the system passes through the Wheatbelt region before moving off the south coast into the Southern Ocean.
The Metropolitan Police has started trawling through CCTV on the street where Morgan McSweeney reported his phone was stolen to 'establish the facts'.

Mr McSweeney, who was the prime minister's chief of staff at the time, reported that a 'government device' had been stolen on October 20 last year.

Police took the rare step of releasing details of the 999 call following criticism that it did not fully investigate the theft.

It suggests Mr McSweeney did not identify himself or flag the potential security risks - although he did state it was a Government mobile.

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 just before 10.30pm.

The Met 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.

Scotland Yard has revealed it did not follow up on the incident at the time because there were no 'realistic' lines of inquiry.

Officers are only now going through publicly available CCTV and other footage from Belgrave Road in Pimlico as part of the review, according to The Times

Morgan McSweeney, who was the prime minister's chief of staff at the time, reported that a 'government device' had been stolen on October 20 last year

The Government phone was apparently wiped remotely and replaced with another device the next day.

Officers are only now going through publicly available CCTV and other footage from Belgrave Road in Pimlico as part of the review (Pictured: A CCTV camera on Belgrave Road)

The loss of ex-top aide Morgan McSweeney's phone means that important messages relating to Lord Peter Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador will not be placed in the public domain.

It is understood that the Cabinet Office does have a record of some of the messages between Mr McSweeney and Mandelson.

The Tories said the situation 'stinks to high heaven' and demanded a full explanation of why at least some of the messages do not appear to have been backed up.

Shadow Cabinet Office minister Alex Burghart said: 'We know the government were worried about a humble address in October, shortly before McSweeney's phone got 'stolen'.

'McSweeney didn't back up the messages and the government didn't chase the Met for CCTV.

'From the outset of the Mandelson affair Keir Starmer has tried to cover things up.

'The Prime Minister did it in September with ''I didn't know the depth of the relationship''.

'He didn't want to release the Mandelson files in February until we forced the Humble Address.

'Now the Chief of Staff's phone goes missing and there doesn't seem to be any intent to get it back or retrieve the messages. Starmer needs to end this cover up now.'

Pictured: Belgrave Road, in Pimlico, central London, where the phone theft took place last autumn

The latest details emerged after a Cabinet minister blamed a 'cock-up' for exchanges with Mandelson being lost.

Wes Streeting dismissed allegations of a 'cover-up', arguing Mr McSweeney could not have known the Commons would order them to be published.

Mr McSweeney quit Downing Street last month, saying he took full responsibility for the appointment of Mandelson.

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.

CCTV was also reviewed, but because of the confusion around the location nothing turned up. Footage is now being 'revisited' using the correct location.

Kemi Badenoch raised the issue of messages going missing at PMQs in the Commons this week.

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 Cabinet Office is working on an information-gathering plan and will ask the ex-Labour grandee to provide everything he holds in scope of the humble address used to compel the release of correspondence, according to Government sources.

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.

The first tranche of documents related to the decision was published earlier this month after a demand for transparency by MPs, with more to follow.

Mr McSweeney quit Downing Street last month, with many blaming him for pushing Lord Mandelson's appointment.

The Daily Mail has contacted the Metropolitan Police for comment.
Angela Rayner is now contesting claims she did not pay enough stamp duty on her coastal flat worth thousands of pounds after she chose to take new legal advice.

Ms Rayner was forced to quit her roles as deputy prime minister, housing secretary and Labour deputy leader in September, after independent legal advice discovered she failed to pay enough tax.

This came after she previously denied misconduct claims relating to her purchase of the apartment in Hove, East Sussex, last May.

Ms Rayner told tax authorities at the time her 800,000 seaside apartment was her main place of residence - and had taken her name off the deeds of a property in her Greater Manchester constituency only weeks before buying the Hove flat.

The deed changes allowed the former minister to pay 30,000 in stamp duty instead of 70,000, which would have applied if the Hove property were her second home.

The revelations came after the Daily Mail revealed Ms Rayner had bought the apartment in addition to her 650,000 house in Greater Manchester.

Independent legal advice paid by Labour at the time, The Times reported, said she should have paid the higher rate - more than double what she paid.

This was concluded on the basis she sold her 25 per cent stake in her family home in Greater Manchester to a 'court-instructed' trust for her disabled son.

Angela Rayner is now contesting claims she did not pay enough stamp duty on her coastal flat worth thousands of pounds after following new legal advice

Ms Rayner admitted in her resignation letter that it was probable she had accidentally paid too little stamp duty and referred herself to HM Revenue & Customs.

The former deputy prime minister has since taken new legal advice, according to The Times, which concluded she did not need to pay the higher rate of stamp duty.

The new advice has subsequently been submitted to HMRC - and is believed to pull on the 'complexities' within the trust handover.

Ms Rayner will allegedly accept the conclusion of the investigation by the HMRC and pay the potential fine.

The recent events come amid the news that she is launching her own political podcast Beyond the Bubble, with a debut episode on housing with Lord Gove.

The move, reported by The Times, provides an alternative route to utilise in her wooing of Labour MPs and other supporters as she becomes more likely to be Sir Keir Starmer's successor.

Reports continue to circulate that the Prime Minister will be challenged if Labour does badly in local elections on May 7 - as his popularity ratings continue to remain low.

Sir Keir reiterated his wish on Friday for Ms Rayner to return to government, following the major scandal last year.

The Deputy PM bought the smart 800k seaside apartment in Hove to add to her burgeoning property empire

Reports continue to circulate that the PM will face a challenge if Labour, as expected, does badly in May 7's local elections off the back of his dismal popularity ratings

When questioned whether his position may be under pressure, Sir Keir told Sky News' Electoral Dysfunction podcast: 'Look, let me say about Angela to start with, she was a fantastic deputy Prime Minister.

'I was very proud of the fact that Angela had come from a really challenging start in life, to then be deputy Prime Minister.

'She's got a lot to offer, and I obviously had a conversation with her on the day that she had to resign, and I regret that she had to resign. It was the right thing to do, but I regret that she had to do it.

'And I said to her, that her contribution to the Labour government and the Labour movement was by no means over.

'And so I do expect to see her playing a leading role in this Labour government.'

Yet last week the former deputy prime minister was warned she must jump several hurdles to secure the position of prime minister.

Luke Tryl, the UK director of More in Common, said recent focus groups revealed the public sentiment for Ms Rayner was 'fairly negative'.

He added one voter said: 'Angela, there's a lot of baggage there.'

Sir Keir is seemingly pre-empting a negative local election result, calling for the King's Speech to be six days later.

The Prime Minister scheduled the State Opening for May 13, which means the Parliament will not be gathered for nearly a week after the polls.

The week 'break' may offer Sir Keir an opportunity to 'reset', while reducing chances for plotting,

The HM Revenue & Customs denied to comment 'due to taxpayer confidentiality law'.

Angela Rayner has been contacted for comment.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown looks set to continue after the House voted for a different bill to end the impasse than the one that got through the Senate earlier Friday.

The House and Senate ended the week by passing vastly different bills, creating a new deadlock as lawmakers leave Washington for a two-week recess.

Earlier Friday President Donald Trump signed an executive action to restart payments to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers who have been left without pay for six weeks amid the partial government shutdown.

While the move will likely ease financial pressures on TSA agents and reduce the recent chaos at airports across the country, it will have no bearing on the ongoing shutdown.

The shutdown of Homeland Security will reach 44 days on Sunday, eclipsing the record 43-day shutdown last fall that affected all of the federal government.

The Senate passed a funding deal early Friday, but blowback from House Republicans came quickly.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, upon opening the chamber for business, accused Democrats of playing a dangerous game and said he needed to talk with fellow Republicans about how to proceed.

TSA staffing shortages during the shutdown have led to security lines stretching for hours at major US airports. Pictured, long lines at New York's LaGuardia Terminal B is seen here

President Donald Trump signed an emergency executive order to ensure TSA workers are paid amid the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown

After a lengthy conference call, Johnson blasted the Senate's action and announced that the House would be going in a different route.

'This gambit that was done last night is a joke,' Johnson said.

Instead, the House on Friday night passed a bill to fund the entire department through May 22. The vote was 213-203.

Johnson said he had spoken with Trump about the House Republican plan and the president supported it.

House Republicans were livid that the bill passed by the Senate does not fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol. Democrats refused to fund those departments without changes to immigration enforcement practices.

'We're going to do something different,' Johnson said. He challenged the Senate to take up the House's short-term fix to fund Homeland Security into May.

But senators left town after voting to fund most of DHS, so it would take time for them to return once the House passes a different measure.

And even if they were to return, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer made clear the House GOP plan would be 'dead on arrival in the Senate, and Republicans know it.'

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said the Senate-passed bill would clear the House with Republican and Democratic votes if Johnson would allow it to be voted on.

'This could end, and should end, today,' Jeffries said.

Join the discussion How should Congress balance border security with the rights and pay of essential DHS workers?

ICE has remained operational during the shutdown due to prior funding allocations, even as other DHS agencies face disruptions. Pictured, ICE agents patrol at Washington Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia

Passengers stand in the TSA line after the Senate voted to end a partial government shutdown that has caused severe delays at airports across the country. Pictured, lines at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport in Baltimore, Maryland

Travelers reported waiting up to four hours at checkpoints as fewer TSA agents showed up to work without pay. Pictured, travelers wait in a long security line at Terminal B at LaGuardia

Trump on Friday signed a promised executive action to pay TSA agents after the Congressional plans failed.

'America's air travel system has reached its breaking point,' Trump said in the memo authorizing the payments Friday. 'I have determined that these circumstances constitute an emergency situation compromising the Nation's security.'

The shutdown of the Department Homeland Security (DHS) has left 61,000 workers without pay and caused major travel disruption.

However, the arrival of the paychecks could see the nightmare end as early next week, according to travel experts.

'I suspect people will be showing up for work more consistently now, and these delays will come to a somewhat abrupt end,' aviation expert Sheldon Jacobson told Time.

'It may take a day or two for people to recalibrate themselves for work, but for the most part, I think, certainly by Tuesday or Wednesday, we should see a certain sense of normalcy around airport checkpoints.'

Senators worked through the night to approve a bill by voice vote that would fund much of DHS.

Travelers wait in line for security screening at Chicago O'Hare as hundreds of TSA agents quit or work without pay during a partial government shutdown

Passengers line up at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in Carolina, Puerto Rico,

Senate Republicans said they were disappointed by the lack of funding for ICE and Border Patrol, but noted that immigration enforcement has remained largely uninterrupted.

That is because the GOP's big tax cuts bill that Trump signed into law last year funneled billions of dollars in extra funds to DHS, including $75 billion for ICE operations.

Conservative Republicans were adamant against establishing a precedent that allows Congress during the yearly appropriations process to fund some agencies within DHS, but not others.

'We will fully fund ICE. That is what this fight is about,' Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., said. 'The border is closing. The next task is deportation.'

Democrats have refused to provide funding for ICE and the Border Patrol after the deaths of two Americans protesting the sweeping immigration crackdown 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 Markwayne Mullin, the new DHS secretary, said he is open to considering.

The rejection of the Senate deal creates a noticeable rift between Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Republican-South Dakota, who have mostly worked in tandem this Congress trying to enact Trump's agenda.

An ICE agent assists TSA in screening passengers at a security checkpoint at O'Hare

With all Democrats opposed, Thune had to find a solution to the funding impasse that would win the 60 votes needed to break a filibuster in the 53-47 Senate.

After more than a week of intense negotiations, some involving the White House, the two sides agreed early Friday to fund all parts of DHS except for ICE and parts of CBP.

It passed by voice vote with no objections from either side just after 2am.

Asked if he had cleared the compromise with Johnson, Thune said the two had texted.

'I don't know what the House will do,' Thune said.

The White House was silent as senators reviewed the compromise and Trump did not weigh in publicly.

The next day, as the deal fell apart in the House, Thune did not respond to Johnson's comments that he was left in the dark.

The speaker, asked about a rift with Thune, said Democrats in the Senate were to blame for the situation.

The DHS shutdown has resulted in travel delays and even warnings of airport closures as more TSA workers missing paychecks stopped going to work.

ICE agents check IDs at the TSA security checkpoint at Atlanta Airport. Trump deployed ICE agents to US airports on Monday, with border czar Tom Homan in charge of the effort

Multiple airports have been experiencing greater than 40 percent callout rates of TSA workers, and nearly 500 of the agency's nearly 50,000 transportation security officers have quit during the shutdown.

Nationwide on Thursday, more than 11.8 percent of the TSA employees on the schedule missed work, according to DHS, equivalent to more than 3,450 callouts.
Around a dozen US soldiers have reportedly been wounded and multiple planes damaged following an Iranian missile strike at a base in Saudi Arabia.

The service members were on Prince Sultan Air Base when it was struck by at least one missile and several unmanned aerial vehicles on Friday, according to multiple US and Arab officials.

Twelve American soldiers were wounded in the attack, according to the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times.

Two service members are 'very seriously injured' while eight others are 'seriously injured', both a separate category under the military's classification system, according to CBS News. The condition of others is unknown.

At least two KC-135 refueling planes suffered 'significant damage' in the combined missile and drone attack, according to the NYT. Satellite photos appeared to reveal the full extent of damage to the aircraft.

Friday's strike represents one of the most serious breaches of US air defenses since the monthlong war with Iran began, as well as at least the second hit on Prince Sultan Air Base.

An earlier March 1 strike on the base damaged five US refueling aircraft and claimed the life of 26-year-old Army Sgt. Benjamin N Pennington just days after he was wounded.

Over 300 US troops have been wounded and at least 13 killed in the ongoing conflict, including about 225 with traumatic brain injuries from missile blasts, the US Central Command announced on Friday.

'Several' American servicemembers were injured in a Friday attack on Prince Sultan Air Base, according to AP, though the Wall Street Journal put the number at ten

US and Arab officials said the injured soldiers were inside an installation building on the base (pictured), which was hit by at least one missile and several unmanned aerial vehicles

Saudi Arabia and other Gulf powers are now signaling a tougher stance against Irans attacks, hinting that continued strikes may draw them deeper into the war.

Meanwhile, the US and its allied forces are continuing to see their supply of air defense interceptors shrink after just four weeks.

President Donald Trump, speaking at a Miami event backed by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, declared today that the war is coming to a close very soon, according to the WSJ.

'It's sort of finished, but it's not finished,' he said. 'It's got to be finished.'

He also said that he expected the war to deliver an even bigger and more destructive blow to the stock markets.

'I thought we were going to go down more,' he said. 'And I thought oil prices were going to go up higher.'

But the S&P 500 sunk for a fifth consecutive week to its lowest point since last August, with US gasoline prices climbing toward $4 a gallon.

Trump also lashed out at NATO allies for their reluctance to provide military support, saying it has made him 'rethink' how much the US spends on the alliance.

Satellite photos appeared to reveal the full extent of damage to the aircraft

Today's attack marks at least the second strike on Prince Sultan Air Base during the ongoing war with Iran

Army Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington (pictured), 26, died days after being wounded in the March 1 assault on the base

The Iranian ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva Ali Bahreini said Tehran has agreed to 'facilitate and expedite' humanitarian aid through the Strait of Hormuz

He called it a 'tremendous mistake' for allied countries to stay out of the conflict, adding that it will make 'a lot of money' for the US since 'we spend hundreds of billions of dollars a year on NATO.'

The president declared that Saudi Arabia and Israel should move to normalize relations after the Iran conflict wraps up.

'It's now time,' Trump said. 'We've now taken them out, and they are out bigly,' he added. 'We got to get into the Abraham Accords.'

Trump has been urging Israel and Saudi Arabia, the two biggest powers in the Middle East, to normalize ties for years as part of his Abraham Accords initiative.

However challenges remain, including Saudi Arabia's insistence on a credible path to a Palestinian state before establishing commercial and diplomatic ties with Israel.

Meanwhile, the Iranian ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva Ali Bahreini said Tehran has agreed to 'facilitate and expedite' humanitarian aid through the Strait of Hormuz, even as its nuclear sites are being struck.

He said Tehran has agreed to a UN request to allow both humanitarian aid and agricultural shipments through the critical waterway that carries a fifth of the world's oil and nearly a third of global fertilizer trade.

The aid plan would be the first breakthrough at the shipping chokepoint after a month of war.

Trump claimed today that the war in Iran (pictured) is 'progressing very well' and coming to a close very soon

The image above shows UK, US and French bases across the Middle East

Trump said Saudi Arabia and Israel should move to normalize relations after the Iran conflict wraps up

Saudi Arabia insisted that there must be a credible path to a Palestinian state before they establish commercial and diplomatic ties with Israel (pictured: Gaza)

Irans Atomic Energy Organization said the Shahid Khondab Heavy Water Complex in Arak and the Ardakan yellowcake plant in Yazd Province were hit, according to IRNA.

Officials, however, reported no casualties and no risk of contamination. The Arak facility has been offline since Israel attacked it last June.

Yellowcake - concentrated uranium stripped of impurities - and heavy water, used as a reactor moderator, are key parts in nuclear reactors.

Israels military later said the strike targeted materials processed for enrichment at the Yazd plant, calling it a major blow to Tehrans nuclear ambitions.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned Iran would retaliate, with its Aerospace Force commander writing on X that employees of companies tied to US and Israel should abandon their workplaces.

'This time, the equation will no longer be "an eye for an eye," just wait,' the commander said.

Tel Aviv was also hit hard late Friday: Israels Fire and Rescue Service said it was responding to 11 different impact sites across the metro, leaving a man in his 60s dead, according to AP.

The strikes hit Iran just hours after Trump boasted that ceasefire talks were progressing 'very well,' a claim Tehran has flatly denied, saying it isnt engaged in any such dealmaking.

Israel warned it will 'escalate and expand' its campaign against Tehran (pictured)

Iranian state media reported that two nuclear facilities were struck on Friday, with Israel claiming responsibility (pictured: explosions over Tehran)

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (pictured) warned Iran would retaliate against Israel's recent strikes

Tehran shot down the Trump's proposed ceasefire package and fired back with its own fivepoint deal

With stock markets tumbling and the economic fallout spreading far beyond the Middle East, Trump continues to face mounting pressure to break Irans chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz.

Steve Witkoff, Trumps envoy, said Washington passed a 15point ceasefire plan to Iran through Pakistan, aiming to restrict Tehrans nuclear program and reopen the critical waterway.

Tehran shot down the president's ceasefire package and fired back with its own fivepoint deal that included reparations and official control of the vital strait.

Trump warned that if Iran doesnt fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz by April 6, he will order strikes on the countrys energy plants.

The Daily Mail has reached out to the White House and Pentagon for comment.
America has insisted it can 'achieve its objectives' in Iran without boots on the ground and will wrap up the war in 'weeks not months'.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed on Friday the operation was 'ahead of schedule' and can be completed 'without any ground troops'.

But despite reportedly telling world leaders the timeline for completion is two to four weeks, officials revealed on Friday that Washington is still mulling over a possible invasion.

Around 10,000 extra troops are heading for the region in the next ten days supported by fighter jet squadrons and armoured vehicles, sources told the Axios news site.

This is in addition to 5,000 marines and 2,000 paratroopers that were ordered to the Gulf earlier this week.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Friday: 'I have reasons to believe, also based on information we have received from our allies, that stabilisation is unlikely in the coming days. On the contrary, a new escalation may occur.'

Pushed on the reports after a G7 meeting in France, Mr Rubio told reporters: 'This is not going to be a prolonged conflict . . .

'We can achieve all of our objectives without ground troops, but we are always going to be prepared to give President [Trump] maximum optionality and maximum opportunity to adjust to contingencies that emerge.'

Secretary of State Marco Rubio (pictured on March 27, 2026) claimed on Friday the operation against Iran was 'ahead of schedule'

A damaged residential building in southern Tehran on Friday after continued strikes by the US and Israel on March 27, 2026

Mr Rubio also insisted that Washington has been 'as clear as you can possibly be' on its objectives 'from the very first night'.

He listed them as destruction of the Iranian navy and air force and the aim to 'significantly destroy their missile launchers so they can never hide behind these things to get a nuclear weapon'.

However, that appeared to be a dramatic walk-back from Donald Trump's 15-point peace plan presented earlier this week. Adding to the confusion, there was consternation among Republicans after a closed door classified briefing on Wednesday over the war's objectives.

One member was seen storming out claiming they'd been 'misled'.

Speaking anonymously they told the Daily Mail that during the meeting they were 'told nukes were not a military objective' despite this having been clearly stated as a key war goal.

They said they also pushed the White House for its plans regarding a possible invasion and, while they declined to divulge what was said, described the answer as 'jaw dropping'. It 'will blow your brains out', they added. The White House denied the claims.

With Mr Trump's next move still unclear on Friday, the German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul claimed the US and Iran are set to meet in Pakistan 'very soon'.

Mr Wadephul said: 'Based on my information, there has been indirect contact, and preparations have been made to meet directly.'

The war is taking its toll on America with more than 300 US troops wounded, ten with serious injuries, and 13 killed. In another blow, the US has only been able to confirm that it has destroyed about a third of Iran's missile arsenal, sources told Reuters.

It contrasts starkly with Donald Trump's claims that Iran has 'very few rockets left' and that the US has 'decimated' Iran's military. America also has 'alarmingly low' levels of Tomahawk cruise missiles left in the region having fired more than 850, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Iran's powerful speaker of parliament, Mohammad Ghalibaf, seen as key to negotiations, mocked America's build up in the region.

He said: 'How can the US, which can't even protect its own soldiers at its bases in the region and instead leaves them stashed away in hotels and parks, protect them on our soil?'

Meanwhile, Israel has vowed to 'escalate and expand' its attacks after striking 'the most central' site to target Iran's naval munitions.

The attack was a further sign the IDF is looking to weaken the regime's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. President Benjamin Netanyahu appears to be pressing to lay the groundwork to make an invasion possible to reopen the vital shipping lane through which 20 per cent of global oil passes.
Ministers fear Morgan McSweeney could be hauled before MPs to testify about his relationship with Peter Mandelson after the theft of his phone.

Officials are scrambling to recover at least some of the hundreds of messages Sir Keir Starmer's former chief of staff is thought to have exchanged with the disgraced peer, amid concerns MPs may otherwise demand he testify under oath.

The Cabinet Office yesterday finally asked Mandelson for the messages on his personal phone  almost two months after MPs demanded their publication.

They have also asked ministers and advisers to hand over messages from group chats that might help to paint a more convincing picture as to how he was appointed as US ambassador despite warnings about his 'close' relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

Tory frontbencher Alex Burghart said the failure to seek messages from Mandelson's phone earlier was a 'complete dereliction of duty'.

He added: 'They knew that Morgan McSweeney's phone had gone missing in action. They knew Parliament demanded full transparency. And they failed to act.

'It is shameful. There can be no more cover up. The public deserve to know the full truth about Keir Starmer's appalling judgment. We will hold them to account until they do get that truth.'

The move comes just two days after Kemi Badenoch hinted she was ready to force another Commons vote to compel Mr McSweeney to give evidence.

Officials are scrambling to recover at least some of the messages former top aide, Morgan McSweeney (pictured), is thought to have exchanged with Peter Mandelson

Government sources on Friday insisted material surrounding Mr Mandelson's (pictured on March 11) appointment is still being gathered

She said: 'If No 10 are incapable of recovering these messages, it is only right that Morgan McSweeney testifies in Parliament and explains exactly what happened and why Keir Starmer signed off on Peter Mandelson's appointment despite the warnings.'

Some Labour MPs are unconvinced by the official story and could join forces with opposition backbenchers to seek further information from Mr McSweeney if the Government is able to produce only a scant record.

Veteran Labour MP Karl Turner has branded the former top 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.'

Government sources on Friday insisted material surrounding Mandelson's appointment is still being gathered, but acknowledged Parliament could demand more information from Mr McSweeney.

One Labour source said the prospect of Mr McSweeney being required to give evidence in public was 'undesirable in every way'.

Downing Street confirmed this week that Mr McSweeney reported his phone had been snatched in the street late at night on October 20 last year.

It happened just days after Labour advisers discussed the possibility that Parliament might demand that he surrender his messages to Mandelson.

But the events of that evening remain shrouded in mystery.

Allies of Mr McSweeney initially claimed police said they were 'too busy' to investigate.

But police responded with a statement that they had phoned him twice the next day with no response.

And in a highly unusual move, they also published a transcript of his 999 call, showing he did not inform them he was the PM's chief of staff and gave the wrong address.
In an unforgettable white bikini and with a dagger on her hip, her appearance on a gleaming Jamaican beach in Dr No set the standard for every Bond girl.

But sadly 007 was not around to protect actress Ursula Andress from villains accused of embezzling her fortune.

Ms Andress, who played Honey Ryder alongside Sean Connerys James Bond in the 1962 spy thriller, filed a criminal complaint in her native Switzerland against her late former asset manager, Eric Freymond, in January.

Now the Italian authorities have seized 17 million worth of assets allegedly bought with money misappropriated from the star.

Investigators traced her money to Florence which then led to assets in Tuscany, including property, vineyards and olive groves, being seized.

Ms Andress, who turned 90 earlier this month, told Swiss-German publication Blick: I am still in shock. I was deliberately targeted. 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 claims Freymond lost her fortune by investing in worthless stocks and buying artwork worth several million Swiss francs.

In an unforgettable white bikini and with a dagger on her hip, Ursula Andress's appearance (pictured in 1962) on a gleaming Jamaican beach in Dr No set the standard for every Bond girl

Ms Andress (pictured in 2008) filed a criminal complaint in her native Switzerland against her late former asset manager, Eric Freymond, in January

Ms Andress played Honey Ryder alongside Sean Connerys James Bond (pictured together) in the 1962 spy thriller

Some of the artworks allegedly bought with her money have now been revealed to be registered in the name of Freymonds wife, Caroline. There is no suggestion she is involved in any wrongdoing.

The actress, who went on to have a successful career and appeared as Vesper Lynd in the 1967 Bond parody Casino Royale, told Blick the stress of the investigation left her struggling to sleep at night.

This feeling of helplessness is unbearable  its killing me, she added.

Like all Swiss people, I have worked hard and always saved my money.

I hoped to spend my final years happily and peacefully. And now this happens.

Ive been disgustingly cheated.

Nicolas Puech, heir to the $16 billion luxury fashion brand Hermes fortune, has also accused Freymond of costing him billions by selling off his 6 per cent stake in the family business.

Freymond, 67, will not, however, be facing justice. He was hit by a train and killed last July near the Swiss alpine village of Saanen. Local police have treated his death as a suicide.

Freymond, 67, (pictured with his wife Caroline Freymond) will not, however, be facing justice. He was hit by a train and killed last July near the Swiss alpine village of Saanen

A statement issued by Ms Andresss management team 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.

Out of consideration for the ongoing proceedings, Ms Andress does not wish to make any further comments at this time.

The Vaud [Swiss district] cantonal judicial authorities have been tasked with fully investigating the manipulations and clarifying criminal and civil liability.

As well as starring with Connery, Ms Andress acted alongside Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Marcello Mastroianni, Jean-Paul Belmondo and Peter Sellers in a career spanning more than six decades.

Her appearance in Dr No landed her a Golden Globe newcomer award. She had romantic relationships with James Dean, Dennis Hopper, director John Derek and Mad Men actor Harry Hamlin, with whom she has a son, Dimitri.
Donald Trump may be set to give the Strait of Hormuz the Kennedy Center treatment after suggesting he would rename it for himself during a speech.

The president was speaking at the Saudi-backed Future Investment Initiative Priority investment forum in Miami on Friday when he made the tongue-in-cheek reference.

Trump was talking about how any peace deal with Iran would have to come with a reopening of the vital waterway, which is currently being blocked by Tehran amid the ongoing conflict with the US.

'We're negotiating now, and it would be great if we could do something, but they have to open it up. They have to open up the Strait of Trump - I mean Hormuz,' he quipped.

The comment prompted laughter from the audience, which included two of his children, several key advisors and wealthy executives.

'Excuse me, I'm so sorry,' he added. 'Such a terrible mistake. The Fake News will say, "He accidentally said" no, theres no accidents with me, not too many.'

Trump has so far renamed several buildings in Washington after himself during his second term.

He also talked about how he had ordered the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico as the 'Gulf of America' shortly after returning to power.

Donald Trump suggested he may be set to give the Strait of Hormuz the Kennedy Center treatment after naming it for himself during a speech in Miami on Friday

The president was discussing how any peace deal with Iran would have to come with a reopening of the waterway which is currently being blocked amid the war with Iran

Trump, 79, also insisted that Tehran is ready to make a deal despite its denials and said that talks are underway to negotiate an end to the monthlong conflict.

He added that Iran was 'on the run' and reiterated assertions that Tehran's leadership, navy, air force and nuclear program had all suffered significant damage.

During a cabinet meeting on Thursday, Trump said it was 'an option' to take control of Iran's oil as the United States has effectively done with Venezuela, despite the fact that the war is still raging.

Trump, who rose to fame as a property tycoon with his name plastered across his own skyscrapers, made similar teasing comments before renaming Washington's Kennedy arts center the 'Trump-Kennedy Center.'

A peace institute in Washington was also renamed after Trump last year.

The Strait of Hormuz was open to international shipping before the conflict, but the narrow waterway has since ground to a standstill, leading to a surge in global energy prices.

Earlier Friday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced alarm that Iran would seek to establish a permanent 'tolling system' for vessels in the strait, through which one fifth of global oil normally transits.

Rubio struck a softer tone, saying the US would seek international cooperation on a plan to keep the strait open after hostilities end.

Join the discussion What impact do you think Trump's habit of renaming landmarks after himself has on America's global image?

The president was speaking at the Saudi-backed FII Priority investment forum

Trump, who rose to fame as a property tycoon with his name plastered across his own skyscrapers, made similar teasing comments before renaming Washington's Kennedy arts center the 'Trump-Kennedy Center'

Earlier Friday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced alarm that Iran would seek to establish a permanent 'tolling system' for vessels in the strait, through which one fifth of global oil normally transits

Trump, as part of an evolving rhetorical approach, warned as recently as last week that the US would 'obliterate' Iran's power plants if the waterway was not reopened within 48 hours, though he has extended that deadline until April 6.

Rubio emerged from discussions with fellow diplomats with a longer-term message about the conclusion of the war and said the US and allies will face a challenge in keeping the strait open.

He cautioned that Iran may seek to set up a toll on the waterway, where 20 percent of the world's oil typically passes, an act that he said could cause significant economic damage to many nations around the globe.

'Not only is this illegal, it's unacceptable. It's dangerous to the world,' Rubio said. 'And it's important that the world have a plan.'

Trump has complained that other North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries were not stepping up to help against Iran.

'We are very disappointed with NATO because NATO has done absolutely nothing,' Trump said during a Cabinet meeting Thursday.

A smartphone screen displaying the MarineTraffic map shows a high concentration of ship beacons in the Strait of Hormuz in Creteil, France, on March 27, 2026

Of the G7 nations, besides the US, Britain, Canada, France, Germany and Italy are members of the trans-Atlantic military alliance. Japan is the only one that is not.

'We're there to protect NATO, to protect them from Russia. But they're not there to protect us,' Trump added.

Rubio, however, said the US is 'not asking for anybody to join the war' against Iran but that the countries most affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz 'should be willing to do something about it, and we'll help them' after the conflict ends.
Seven women have been charged with criminal damage after a statue of an Australian women's rights campaigner was vandalised.

The group allegedly damaged the statue of Zelda D'Aprano outside the Victorian Trades Hall about 11am on March 6, just days before International Women's Day.

Police allege the activist group vandalised the statue with red spray paint while using umbrellas to block CCTV cameras to avoid being identified.

Jemima Demanuele, 34, faced Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Friday afternoon, charged with a range of offences including criminal damage, marking graffiti on a residence without consent and recklessly damaging part of a registered place without a permit.

The court was told the accused was currently on bail for another matter relating to protesting in Melbourne's CBD.

Victoria Police officer Tiffany Lamesta pushed for an application for bail to be revoked, saying the accused posed an 'unacceptable risk' of offending while on bail.

'The accused has been given bail for the last incident but is showing no respect for court orders,' Ms Lamesta said.

'Police believe the accused will continue to offend if she's granted bail.'

Seven women have been charged with criminal damage after a statue of an Australian women's rights campaigner was vandalised

A photo of the scene showed an apron placed on the statue reading 'Difficult woman'

Police allege the activist group vandalised the statue with red spray paint

The court was told Demanuele was on paid leave from her role at St Vincent's Hospital while a Fair Work investigation occurred.

Magistrate Michelle Hodgson granted the 34-year-old bail under strict conditions, which included staying at least one block from Victorian Trades Hall.

'There is no issue with protest, but it must be lawful, it must not endanger the safety and welfare of other persons and it must not cause property damage,' she told Demanuele.

Six other women, one of them aged 71, have been charged with similar offences including criminal damage, behaving in a riotous manner in a public place and refusing to leave a scheduled public place after a warning.

Police allege the group became aggressive towards Trades Hall staff members after being approached.

The statue of Zelda D'Aprano was unveiled in 2023 to honour the activist who famously chained herself to a government building in 1969 to protest a ruling on equal pay for women.

D'Aprano, who was born in Melbourne in 1928 to Jewish migrant parents, was later named on the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in recognition of her work.

Demanuele will return to court on Tuesday, while the others were bailed to appear on October 1.
Bank of America will pay $72.5 million to victims of Jeffrey Epstein's sexual abuse, marking the latest multimillion-dollar settlement tied to the disgraced financier's decades-long trafficking operation.

The tentative agreement, revealed in a federal court filing in Manhattan on Friday, resolves claims brought by lawyers representing hundreds of Epstein's victims, who accused the banking giant of turning a blind eye while profiting from its relationship with him.

The deal, which still requires judicial approval, is the third major payout secured by the same legal team following earlier settlements with JPMorgan Chase and Deutsche Bank.

At the center of the lawsuit was the allegation that Bank of America failed to act on warning signs that its accounts were being used to facilitate Epstein's abuse of young women.

In a statement, a spokesman for the bank told the Daily Mail: 'While we stand by our prior statements made in the filings in this case, including that Bank of America did not facilitate sex-trafficking crimes, this resolution allows us to put this matter behind us and provides further closure for the plaintiffs.'

The settlement opens the door for compensation to victims abused by Epstein between 2008 and 2019, a period during which he was a registered sex offender after pleading guilty in Florida to soliciting prostitution from an underage girl.

The 2008 conviction resulted in a controversial 18-month sentence, of which Epstein served just 13 months in a county jail.

Bank of America began doing business with Epstein after JPMorgan Chase ceased dealing with him.

Bank of America has agreed to pay $72.5 million to settle a lawsuit brought by lawyers representing hundreds of Jeffrey Epstein's victims. Brian Moynihan the bank's CEO is pictured

Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 in Florida to soliciting prostitution from an underage girl and served 13 months in jail

The lawsuit alleged the bank benefited financially from its relationship with Epstein while overlooking warning signs of abuse. Bank of America said it 'did not facilitate sex-trafficking crimes' but chose to settle to resolve the case

Many of his victims were young women, often aspiring models from countries including Russia and Ukraine, according to the complaint.

The lawsuit detailed the story of one lead plaintiff, an unidentified woman who arrived in the United States from Russia around 2011 at about age 20.

She alleged Epstein abused her at least 100 times and forced her into what the complaint described as a 'cultlike life,' leaving her financially and emotionally dependent on him.

In 2013, Bank of America allegedly opened an account for her at the direction of Epstein's associates, despite alleged red flags cited in the lawsuit, including her limited English, lack of employment and absence of a clear source of income.

The complaint argued such circumstances should have triggered scrutiny under anti-money laundering and trafficking detection frameworks.

The case also scrutinized the financial dealings of billionaire investor Leon Black, a Bank of America client who transferred approximately $170 million to Epstein through accounts at the bank.

Black has maintained the payments were for legitimate tax and estate planning services. He was not named as a defendant in the lawsuit and was not part of the settlement. A spokesman for Black declined to comment.

The Bank of America settlement follows earlier blockbuster agreements.

JPMorgan Chase agreed to pay $290 million to Epstein victims after providing banking services to him for roughly 15 years, a period that overlapped with what prosecutors say was widespread abuse of teenage girls and young women.

Deutsche Bank, which handled Epstein's accounts for about five years after JPMorgan cut ties, agreed to a $75 million settlement over similar claims.

Epstein owned two private islands within the US Virgin Islands, including Little St. James where he infamously brought many young women and girls with the help of convicted accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell

Billionaire Leon Black transferred about $170 million to Epstein through Bank of America accounts but was not named as a defendant

Epstein is pictured with two women whose identities have been redacted in an undated photo released by the US Department of Justice

Epstein's criminal case ended abruptly in 2019 when he was found dead in his jail cell in New York while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. Authorities ruled the death a suicide.

Now, years later, the financial institutions that once handled his money continue to face legal and financial consequences.

If approved, the $72.5 million settlement will provide compensation to hundreds of victims while closing another chapter in the sprawling legal fallout surrounding Epstein's crimes.
At least 50 domestic flights were cancelled or delayed

Passengers faced cancellations and grounded flights after wild weather hit Sydney Airport and left thousands of homes and businesses without power.

The once-in-a-50-year storm has seen damaging winds slam the city after a low-pressure weather system travelled north along the east coast on Saturday.

Sydney Airport confirmed on Friday night that 50 flights already in the air had their landings delayed while another 40 scheduled to take off had been cancelled.

As weather conditions deteriorated even further, at least 50 domestic flights were then cancelled or delayed through to 10.30am on Saturday, 9News reports.

Two of the cancelled flights on Saturday are understood to be operated by Jetstar.

Qantas and Virgin Australia services were impacted by the adverse weather and single runway operations on Friday, which had been resolved by Saturday morning.

'Virgin Australia's operations in Sydney are running as scheduled today,' a spokesperson for the airline told the Daily Mail.

'We continue to monitor operating conditions closely. We thank guests for their patience and encourage anyone travelling to check the status of their flight via our website or app prior to travel.'

Wild weather has battered the New South Wales coast on Friday and Saturday (pictured, a brave surfer at Wedding Cake Island off Coogee Beach)

People living across 800km of the New South Wales coast, from Seal Rocks south of Forster down to the Victorian border, were issued with a coastal hazard warning on Saturday morning

At least 50 domestic flights were then cancelled or on hold by 10.30am on Saturday (stock)

A Qantas spokesperson said more passengers were delivered by deploying bigger planes on Saturday, including an Airbus A330 for Melbourne and Sydney services.

Sydney Airport services had returned to normal by Saturday afternoon, and all runways were operational.

It comes as residents living across an 800km stretch of the New South Wales coast, from Seal Rocks south of Forster down to the Victorian border, were issued with a coastal hazard warning on Saturday morning.

Gale warnings by the Bureau of Meteorology also extended from Hunter Coast to the Eden Coast as of 2pm, encompassing Sydney.

'Beach conditions in these areas could be dangerous and people should stay well away from the surf and surf-exposed areas,' the Bureau said.

Waves up to 8metres on the Eden coast near the NSW-Victoria border were recorded at 1pm on Friday, and a 5.7metre wave in Sydney at 2am on Saturday.

Surf Life Saving chief executive Steven Pearce told 9News that the state would see 'swells we haven't seen in decades up and down the coastline'.

'It really is going to be a hazardous and ferocious weekend for anyone going down near the coastline,' he said.

A 5.7m wave was recorded in Sydney at 2am on Saturday (pictured, surfers are scattered at Wedding Cake Island on March 28)

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) responded to 591 incidents in the 24 hours to 2pm Friday, mostly in Dubbo and Sydney's Northern Beaches.

Strong winds brought down trees and caused damage to homes and infrastructure.

In Dubbo, wind gusts reached up to 115 km/h, causing widespread damage across the town, including a crane collapse in the CBD at the height of the storm.

'Even though the thunderstorms have passed, this system is now bringing a different set of risks with strong winds and dangerous surf expected right along the coast,' NSW SES State Duty Commander Dean Storey said on Friday.

'We're asking people to stay indoors during strong winds, keep clear of trees and powerlines, and secure anything around their home that could become airborne.

'If you're near the coast, avoid boating, exposed beaches, rock platforms and ocean pools. Conditions like this mean no one should be in, on or around the open ocean.'
A young cafe owner has launched a scathing message at 'eshays' she caught on CCTV attempting to break into her small business three times in one month.

Bea Elmer, the co-owner of Tayzies Cafe and Kitchen in the coastal town of Ocean Shores in the NSW Northern Rivers region said there had been attempted break-ins three times between February and March this year.

In what she called a 'light-hearted educational video', she issued a triumphant message to the wannabe thieves on social media.

'This video is for the two eshays that keep repeatedly trying to break into Tayzies Coffee and Kitchen,' she began.

'I just wanted to make it explicitly clear as something from me, like from my soul, my heart, I mean this: F*** off. Sincerely, with love Tayzies.'

Ms Elmer then shared screenshots from her CCTV cameras of two individuals wearing balaclavas and baggy clothes trying to open the windows and door.

'We have really amazing CCTV cameras here that have picked up on you,' she said.

'And although you don't care, because you wear really brave face-coverings so I can't tell who you are, AI works alongside our CCTV so when a human-shaped object shows up at 5.35am on March 3, it gives us a little notification straight to our phones.

Tayzies Cafe co-owner Bea Elmer (pictured) launched a scathing message at 'eshays' she caught on CCTV attempting to break into her small business

She the two individuals had been caught on CCTV making three attempts to enter her cafe

'Unless Elise (a colleague) had some sort of manic episode and decided for the first time in six years to show up to work an hour early, I kind of figured out something was wrong.'

Addressing how the pair were unable to get inside after multiple attempts, she said the doors and windows were 'really secure'.

'Whilst it's been entertaining to watch you feebly attempt to get in through our windows and doors, it's really starting to piss me off because you're leaving little dents and marks. Stop that,' she said.

Ms Elmer added that she had left a note on the door, directed at the alleged thieves.

'We don't leave a single dollar on the premises so don't waste your/our time,' it read.

The business owner then shared footage showing the pair reading the note before turning around and abandoning their mission.

'Eshay One reads my note, calls over Eshay Two to come and have a look as well... and then you both quickly leave,' she said.

'Maybe this time you're actually going to listen. Let me just reiterate: there is absolutely zero money. There are no valuables left in Tayzies overnight, ever.

Ms Elmer said police are investigating the alleged attempted thefts

'This isn't something that we're just doing now because we've had attempted break-ins and we're worried that you might come back.

'We never leave anything in here. There's no cash, there's no tips, there's no phones, there's no laptops.'

Ms Elmer said she had sent police the CCTV footage of the incidents, adding that other hospitality venues in the area had experienced similar events.

The Daily Mail contacted NSW Police who said it had started an investigation into the incident.
Aussies have been urged to check to see if they are one of the million people who are owed hundreds or thousands each in unclaimed Medicare rebates.

Approximately $272million is owed to those who went to see the doctor but never received their rebate due to incorrectly registered bank details on the MyGov website.

There are currently 972,300 Aussies who are owed an average of $280 each.

There are 309 people, however, who are each owed $10,000 or more.

Some could even be eligible for up to $30,000 but of the handful that are out there some may no longer be alive.

A quarter of those affected are aged between 18 and 24, according to government figures.

Services Australia has been leading the charge in trying to reduce the backlog of rebates, but its recent efforts have made little impact on the growing figure.

Since 2023, the amount of money owed has grown from $230million to $272million.

There are 972,300 who are currently owed a total of $272 million in unclaimed Medicare rebates

Services Australia is trying to reach out to those that are owed money

Anyone owed money simply needs to update their bank details and the money will automatically go into their account, Services Australia's general manager Hank Jongen said.

'Believe it or not, it's simply because we don't have their bank account details,' he told triple j Hack.

'Unfortunately, a lot of people with Medicare enter into "set and forget" mode.'

To try and address the issue, Services Australia actively reaches out to those owed money via email and other methods, Mr Jongen added.

Agents also contact doctors telling them to inform their patients to update their details in follow-up appointments once the issue is discovered.

Sometimes, the agency also tries to send letters out to patients' homes but if their MyGov account does not include up-to-date address details then the trail goes cold.

Depending on the type of services people receive at GP clinics, the matter of rebates can affect them differently.

Bulk-billed appointments are not impacted by this issue since patients do not pay for them to begin with, but for other clinics that do not, this is where it becomes an issue.

The average amount owed per person is $280 but a certain few are owed either $10,000 or $30,000 each

Labor promised at the last federal election to make nine out of 10 GP visits bulk-billed by increasing incentives for doctors.

It was part of the party's $8.5billion pledge to increase funding for the service.

To date, bulk-billed appointments have nominally risen from an estimated 77.6 per cent of all appointments between July and September 2025.

Now they account for 81.4 per cent between November 2025 and January 2026.

Despite this, some Australians still report having trouble finding which clinics offer bulk-billing when they book appointments.
Australia's latest immigration ban has infuriated Iranian Australians who are now calling it both unfair and racist.

Many Iranians are being barred from entering the country because of the new snap law which came into effect on Thursday.

So far, more than 7,000 travellers have been denied entry and all of them are from Iran.

The affected travellers already had their Iranian visitor visas approved before they were unceremoniously revoked overnight.

The Australian government has said its new law was intended to prevent tourists from overstaying their visas, but refugee advocates argue otherwise.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the reversals were due to the fact that many of the travellers' visas had been approved prior to the US/Israel-Iran war breaking out.

If the applications had been submitted after the fighting started, a large number of them would not have been approved given the circumstances, Burke said.

But a spokesperson for the Iranian Women's Association, Nos Hosseini, urged the government to consider each visa individually to avoid a blanket travel ban.

Approximately 7,000 Iranians have had their visas to Australia cancelled after the federal government passed a new snap immigration laws on Thursday

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the Iranian visas had been approved before the outbreak of the war

Burke said the federal government would be empathetic in its ban, especially to those Iranians with children who are Australian citizens.

'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,' Burke said.

Others in government have also been supportive of the new law including Shadow Immigration Minister Jono Duniam, who said it made sense.

The Greens, however, have described the visa reversals as 'brutal and unfair'.

Ms Hosseini was also critical of the government's decision.

'Given the terrifying situation in Iran, these applications need to be prioritised,' she told the ABC.

'Now is the opportunity for the Australian government to show compassion and allow people to apply for those exemptions, and have a humane lens when considering those requests.'

Sydney-based lawyer Artoniss Ehsani also highlighted that many Iranians living in Australia could not alert their family members abroad about the altered laws.

If the visa applications had been submitted following the onset of the US/Israel-Iran war then many would never have been approved

There is no way to tell those who had their visas approved that the decision was reversed however, as the Iranian regime has a near-total communication blackout in effect

Ms Ehsani said this was due to the fact that the regime in Iran had already imposed a near-total communications blackout for anyone still in the country.

It means there is no way for them to know their visas have retroactively been denied.

One Australian Iranian living in Melbourne said her parents have been told they are not allowed to enter the country for at least six months.

Vahideh Naghavinia's parents had already spent a number of months in Australia before returning to Iran in February.

She said said cancelling visas for Iranians during war could be seen as 'racist'.

'They never had any intention of staying in Australia or applying for asylum seekers visas,' Ms Naghavinia told the ABC.

'It's really hard to understand why this kind of restriction is being applied to innocent people like my parents who have done everything properly.'

As it stands, the law is unclear as to whether or not those who have had their visa approvals reversed will even get refunds after the government changed its mind.

Daily Mail has contacted the Department of Home Affairs for comment.
One UN peacekeeper has been left dead, and another is fighting for their life after their base in southern Lebanon was targeted by an artillery barrage.

Kandice Ardiel, the spokesperson for the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), confirmed the injury following the explosion.

'A projectile exploded tonight at a UNIFIL site near Adshit al-Qusayr, resulting in injuries to a number of peacekeepers,' Ardiel was quoted as saying by the National News Agency.

It comes after Iran threatened to 'rain fire' on American ground troops as more US marines arrived in the Middle East on the warship USS Tripoli today.

Iranian outlets today published a message from Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf marking 30 days since the start of the war.

In the message, Ghalibaf said: 'The enemy signals negotiation in public, while in secret it plots a ground attack.'

Earlier, Ghalibaf claimed Trump is preparing for an attack in secret, despite speaking of negotiations in public.

He added that Donald Trump's '15-point list' is setting out the 'wishes' of the US and 'pursuing what it failed to achieve in the war'.

Follow the Daily Mail's live blog below for updates.
Green Party activists called Jewish people an 'abomination to this planet' in leaked WhatsApp messages - ahead of a vote within the party on whether 'Zionism is racism'.

The anti-Semitic messages written by activists from the Left-wing faction Greens for Palestine included conspiracies that Jewish people carried out the arson attack on Jewish charity ambulances in Golders Green on Monday.

It comes as the Party is due to vote on a motion today at their spring conference that, if passed, would have the party see Zionism as a form of racism - a motion which was forced through by Greens for Palestine.

Jewish members of the Green Party fear this would give the party the ability to expel them just on the basis of their religion and engagement in their community.

The shocking messages included posts that said Jewish people 'murder, bomb and starve' children, the Telegraph reported.

Members also discussed and defended the anti-Semitic former NHS doctor Dr Rahmeh Aladwan, who appeared in court yesterday charged with inviting support for Hamas and stirring up racial hatred.

The Campaign Against Antisemitism said it was investigating the activists' comments, calling the views expressed in the Greens for Palestine group chat 'straight out of Nazi Germany'.

The Labour Party has urged Green leader Zack Polanski to take action against the members, calling the increase in anti-Semitic comments 'deeply troubling' and the language 'utterly appalling'.

Green Party activists called Jewish people an 'abomination to this planet' in leaked WhatsApp messages. Pictured: Green Party leader Zack Polanski

Last month, a briefing document was reportedly shared with Green activists warning them not to post anti-Semitic comments online. Greens for Palestine had told supporters not to 'take the bait' and ask themselves: 'What would this look like on the front page of a newspaper?'

But despite these warnings, supporters' leaked messages showed them describing Jewish people as an 'abomination' and even questioning whether the Jewish community carried out the arson attack on Jewish charity ambulances in Golders Green this week, debating whether it was 'staged' to blame Iran.

Other comments defended the suspended NHS doctor Rahmeh Aladwan, who is currently on trial for stirring up racial hatred and inviting support for terror group Hamas - who were behind the murder of about 1200 Israelis on October 7.

Discussing a video shared by the doctor on X, in which she described protestors in Golders Green as Jews and not Zionists, one person wrote: 'No, she is going to call out the people who have destroyed her and her family. They were Jews and we shouldnt be afraid to say it. They were Jewish supremacists.

'She is using the correct description. Its us who have been scared into using the word Zionists because of the fear of being labelled anti-Semites.

'Enough of being scared of hurting their feelings while they murder, bomb and starve children.'

A Green Party spokesperson told the Daily Mail: 'This exchange does not represent Green Party views.'

In a separate incident last week, a Green councillor - who was not involved in the Whatsapp group - shared conspiracy theories about the Golders Green attack just hours after it happened.

Tope Olawoyin, a candidate running for the seat in Havering, shared an X post claiming there was 'proof that the Golders Green ambulance attack was an inside job' and another that said 'as a false flag, Golders Green arson has been a monumental disaster'.

A 'false flag' refers to an attack that was intended to look as though it was carried out by an opponent, but was actually staged by the victimised group themselves.

Ms Olawoyin later shared news of the arrest of two men in connection with the attack and added: 'I can say with almost absolute certainty that the men arrested are white, probably even Jewish, because we all know for a fact that if they werent their names and pictures would be EVERYWHERE.'

Tope Olawoyin (pictured), a Green councillor candidate, shared a post on the day of the Golders Green Jewish ambulance arson attacks, calling it an 'inside job' and said she could 'say with almost absolute certainty that the men arrested are white, probably even Jewish'

The Metropolitan police arrested a 47-year-old and a 45-year-old, both British nationals, who were later released on bail.

Ms Olawoyin is events officer on the executive committee of the London Green Party, the leader Zack Polanski's branch. He also appeared on her podcast during the 2024 election campaign.

Under Mr Polanski's leadership, the Greens have attracted more far-Left activists and moved away from its traditional roots in environmentalism.

Born into a Jewish family in Salford, Mr Polanski has constantly said he is proud of my Jewish heritage, but his family members, who spoke to the Daily Mail, believe he has put his ambition and politics ahead of his community.

One member of Mr Polanski's extended family told the Daily Mail: Hes currently the leader of the future Islamic party of Britain, thats what the Green Party is fast becoming, said one. And there would be no place for Jews in an Islamic state of Britain.

A motion to be debated today at the Party's spring conference would see the Greens formally declare themselves an anti-Zionist party, ignoring definitions of anti-Semitism that Mr Polanski once tried to get the Greens to adopt, which equate anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism.

The motion also calls for sanctions on Israel and support for 'resistance and liberation from Israeli occupation', effectively backing Hamas attacks.

The Jewish Greens - which Mr Polanski was once a member of - say the motion would for many Jews, come across as an attack on that very basic right of aspiring to lead a safe and secure life.

The Campaign Against Antisemitism said the Green Party was not only tolerating but amplifying some of the worst rhetoric that we have seen in British politics in a generation.

The Daily Mail contacted Greens for Palestine for comment.
Small petrol stations are being forced to close their pumps rather than charge 2 per litre as supermarkets warn of 'tight' supplies amid the war in Iran.

As the conflict between Tehran and the US and Israel entered its second month on Saturday, consumers and businesses are feeling the pinch of spiralling fuel prices.

Queues continue to mass at petrol stations across Britain with short-term supply issues in some areas since Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, which typically sees 20 per cent of the world's oil supply pass through it each year.

On Saturday the conflict showed no sign of abating as the Houthi rebels in Yemen entered the war with a ballistic missile strike launched towards Israel.

The latest development raises concerns prices could spike even further if the Houthis resume their previous strikes on shipping in the Red Sea.

This week some small petrol station owners shut up shop rather than be forced to charge customers up to 2 per litre for fuel. And at leading supermarkets, some pumps were closed as supplies simply ran out.

Forecourt bosses say they have been accused of 'profiteering' from the crisis - which the industry has firmly denied - by the Government and are facing abuse from angry customers.

Smaller forecourts are typically the first to be hit by rising prices, and many are choosing to close rather than have to pass on the astronomical price rises to customers.

As the conflict between Tehran and the US and Israel entered its second month on Saturday, consumers and businesses are feeling the pinch of spiralling fuel prices

Queues at a branch of CostCo in Gateshead on Friday as customers rushed to take advantage of its cheaper fuel prices

Small petrol station owners such as Mollie Ellis (pictured) have closed their pumps due to the price rise

Today average petrol prices hit 150.11p per litre, while diesel rose again to 177.68p.

Mollie Ellis, who runs her family business Youlgrave Garage in the Derbyshire Dales, told how she shut the pumps two weeks ago after refusing to pass on higher prices to her customers.

Ms Ellis told the Times she was faced with charging customers 180p per litre of petrol and 200p per litre of diesel - something she was not prepared to do.

She stopped selling fuel on March 13, not wanting to face allegations of profiteering from angry customers or buy fuel at a loss that she couldn't then sell.

'We can't afford to take that hit. We're a one-mechanic garage,' she said. 'I don't want to be at a point where I'm being seen to rip customers off and people think that we're profiteering, because a lot of colleagues in the industry are getting so much abuse.'

Beth Ballard, who runs a forecourt at H Ballard & Son car showroom in Welshpool, stopped selling petrol on March 19.

The last straw for her was being quoted a wholesale price of more than 150p per litre before any tax or operating costs, while her competitors' prices were below 140p.

She said: 'We are normally praised for being the cheapest in Welshpool, so it was just a big fat no. We're not going to do that.'

Independent fuel stations are more likely to have fuel purchase agreements which see them buy based on the previous week's, or even day's, prices, than rivals such as large supermarkets.

This means they are more vulnerable to market volatility and tend be the first to have to pass on large price rises to customers.

Yesterday Allan Leighton, executive chairman at Asda, warned supplies are 'tight' due to the ongoing conflict.

He said: 'Supply is tight and we are all trying hard on that. The issue is a temporary one, and some could see issues when we are waiting for delivery, and we can expect to see that continue.'

The Daily Mail visited several petrol stations in the north of England this week, where motorists hit out at the Government over the rising cost of fuel.

Beth Ballard, who runs a forecourt at H Ballard & Son car showroom and petrol pumps (pictured) in Welshpool, stopped selling petrol on March 19

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At CostCo in Gateshead, petrol was being sold for 137.9 while diesel was 160.9 - the cheapest in the area

Michael Hall, a 73-year-old retired electrician from Kingston Park, Newcastle, refills his car's tank in Gateshead on Friday

At CostCo in Gateshead, petrol was being sold for 137.9 while diesel was 160.9 - the cheapest in the area.

Queues stretched out of the forecourt as desperate drivers scrambled to fill their cars before further hikes.

Joanne Bolam, a 49-year-old support worker from Kingston Park, Newcastle, said: 'The Government should be bringing the cost down.

'I fill my tank up about once a month, but the price is absolutely ridiculous. I usually go to Tesco in Kingston Park, but they've run out, so I've come here.

'The Government need to act, because there's going to be a knock on effect.'

David Allen, a 71-year-old retired oil and gas engineer from Lemington, Newcastle, said: 'The Government need to make their mind up and do something about this.

'I don't think reducing fuel duty is the answer. When it comes down to it, I don't feel like it makes much of a difference. It's the same when they cut the tax on beer. You never really notice it.

'The price of fuel varies wildly from petrol station to petrol station. Just joining CostCo to become a member makes more of a difference than bringing down fuel duty by a few pence.

'We are a two car family. During the week, my wife uses this for work, and at the weekend we always try and go on a trip somewhere.

'The rising price of petrol will not just affect travel, it will affect everything that travels by road. If you want to get a taxi somewhere, that will be more expensive as well.'

David's wife, Bev Holmes, a 61-year-old admin worker, of Lemington, Newcastle, added: 'I do about 28 miles a day, commuting to work.

'I've already said I am going to work from home one day a week, to save money. I'm lucky I have that option, not everyone does.

David Holmes, 71, and his wife Bev, 61, filling up their vehicle - Bev has decided to begin working from home once a week to save on fuel

Joanne Bolam, a 49-year-old support worker from Kingston Park, Newcastle, said the Government 'needs to act' to protect families

'But more people working from home will have a knock on effect on the economy. It's going to impact so many things.'

Michael Hall is a 73-year-old retired electrician from Kingston Park, Newcastle.

He said: 'The Government should be helping us out, as far as I am concerned. If they don't help businesses out, they could be forced to close.

'When the price of fuel goes up, everything goes up. The Government will be making more money from the VAT. They won't bring it down, but they should.

'There should be measures to do this in a crisis.'

Chris Walton, a 34-year-old HGV driver, of Throckley, Newcastle, said: 'Everything is so expensive as it is.

'This is just one more thing on top of the pile. It always hits the working people the hardest. It's never the politicians.

'The Government should bring fuel duty down. People are struggling in so many ways, because they can't afford the cost of living.

'I have to drive a lot of miles for my job, around 40 a day. It's difficult to estimate just how much it's going to cost me yet. Luckily I don't have to pay for the HGV fuel, but this could affect my work.

On Saturday, a petrol station in Sutton, south London, was selling petrol at 159.9p per litre and diesel at 184.9p per litre

'Everything is going to be so much more expensive.'

At nearby Esso Garage PNG Fuel & Foods in Blaydon, petrol was 154.9p and diesel 183.9p per litre.

Rachael Grant is a 40-year-old florist who runs business Jasmine and Pear, in Gateshead.

She said: 'It's a massive expense, especially for someone like me, who runs a small business. If there's anything at all the Government can do, it would be a big help.

'It's expensive at this petrol station, and I usually shop around, but I am rushing to pick the kids up from school.

'I travel to wedding venues all over Northumberland, so I do a lot of miles.

'If I can't make money out of wedding flowers, what do I do?

'The Government will be making more money out of the VAT, and I don't think they should be.

'When there are wars going on in the world, there should be interim measures to mitigate the damage in the short term.'

It's not just fuel that is suffering price rises as a result of the conflict. Fertilizer costs are also climbing due to supply chain disruption, which could push up costs and disrupt food distribution around the world.

Stocks of fertilizer are building up in the Middle East but are unable to be exported efficiently due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Usually, nearly a third of all global fertilizer passes through the strait each year.

Even countries that produce their own stocks outside of the Middle East are struggling as they require natural gas to do so - which is facing similar price hikes to oil as the region is a hub for its production.

And in countries including Slovakia, India and Algeria, fertilizer plants have had to stop or slow production due to the increased price of natural gas.

Experts have warned it is 'inevitable' food prices will go up as a result of the crisis.
An Iranian hacking group has ramped up its threats to launch cyberattacks on American water supplies if the US continues to strike the Islamic Republic's infrastructure.

A Telegram post from hackers warned: 'Past experience has shown that this warning is testable and there have been incidents involving US water infrastructure in the past. Therefore, it is emphasised to avoid threatening iran's water infrastructure.

'Failure to heed this warning will result in irreparable damages to the other party.'

Iran-linked hackers - who initially kept a low profile after the US and Israel launched coordinated strikes against the Islamic Republic last month - have increasingly boasted of their cyber operations as the conflict drags on and have already claimed responisbilty for cyberattacks.

Just yesterday, the FBI Iran-linked hackers admitted to breaking into the bureau's Director Kash Patel's personal inbox.

On their website, the hacker group Handala Hack Team said Patel 'will now find his name among the list of successfully hacked victims.'

The hackers published a series of personal photographs of Patel sniffing and smoking cigars, riding in an antique convertible, and making a face while taking a picture of himself in the mirror with a large bottle of rum.

An Iranian hacking group has ramped up its threats to launch cyberattacks on American water supplies

File photo: An explosion erupts following strikes near Azadi Tower close to Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran on March 7, 2026

Gil Messing, chief of staff at Israeli cyber-security company Check Point, said the hack-and-leak operation against Patel was part of Iran's strategy to embarrass U.S. officials and 'make them feel vulnerable.'

It comes after Donald Trump vowed to strike Iran's power plants if it does not fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran had threatened to retaliate against the region's vital infrastructure, like desalination facilities, if Trump followed through.

Iran has invested heavily in its offensive cyber capabilities while cultivating ties to hacking groups.

Since war broke out last month, Iran has also tried to penetrate cameras in Middle Eastern countries to improve Iran's missile targeting.

They have targeted data centers in the region, as well as industrial facilities in Israel, a school in Saudi Arabia and an airport in Kuwait, according to reports.

In recent years, groups working for Tehran have infiltrated the email system of President Donald Trump's campaign, targeted US water plants and tried to breach the networks used by the military and defense contractors.

Experts say their goal is to wear down the American war effort, drive up the costs of energy, strain cyber resources and cause as much pain as possible for American companies that depend on the defense industry.

Pro-Iranian, pro-Palestinian hackers claimed credit for disrupting systems at Stryker, a Michigan-based medical technology company.

A group known as Handala said the attack was in retaliation for suspected US strikes that killed Iranian schoolchildren.
Russian shadow fleet tankers have sailed through the English Channel, defying Sir Keir Starmer, despite threats that British special forces would storm sanctioned ships in UK waters.

At least six Russian vessels passed through the Strait of Dover unchallenged on Thursday, prompting the RAF to launch two Shadow R1 surveillance aircraft, which spent hours patrolling the Channel.

The tankers also dared to sail past the Royal Navy's headquarters in Portsmouth, the Special Boat Service's HQ in Poole and Royal Marine bases.

It came after another Downing Street U-turn on Wednesday, with the Prime Minister signing off on new powers granting British special forces permission to seize sanctioned ships in UK waters.

He vowed to go after Vladimir Putin's shadow fleet 'even harder' after Royal Navy ships had been restricted from tailing Russian vessels passing through the English Channel.

Sir Keir said: 'We are living in an increasingly volatile and dangerous world, facing threats from different fronts every day.

'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.'

At least six Russian vessels passed through the Strait of Dover unchallenged on Thursday. Pictured: A French Navy helicopter hovers over the Deyna vessel, which is supposed to be a member of the Russian shadow fleet, during an operation in the Mediterranean on March 20

The shadow fleet ships' movements prompted the RAF to launch two Shadow R1 surveillance aircraft (pictured) which spent hours patrolling the Channel

Pictured: The Belgian army intercepts the Ethera oil tanker, registered in Guinea, on March 1. The vessel has been sanctioned by the EU and linked to Russia's shadow fleet

Government lawyers had previously ruled out special forces units such as the SBS from raiding Russian vessels in UK waters.

However the Prime Minister finally approved requests from military chiefs to shadow Putin's tankers in a boost to war weary Ukraine which is suffering intense Russian attacks.

Russia's war coffers have been boosted by the spike in oil prices caused by the Iran security crisis  making it more important from Britain to target its shadow fleet.

James Turner KC, a maritime law expert and ex-Royal Marine, told The Sun that Russian vessels had the right of 'innocent passage' through UK waters - even if they are sanctioned - unless they are carrying out criminal activities, such as smuggling, slavery, piracy or travelling under a false flag.

'If they are behaving themselves, you cant stop them,' he said.

Despite the half a dozen ships defying the Prime Minister on Thursday, four sanctioned vessels were due to pass Eastwards through the Channel but diverted course, according to data from the Starboard Maritime Intelligence.

Instead they sailed north up the east coast to take a longer route around Scotland before returning to Russian waters.

While the ships had been scared off after Starmer's move on Wednesday, experts warned that this deterrant could only be temporary.

Sir Keir Starmer has signed off on new powers granting British special forces permission to seize sanctioned ships in UK waters

The Prime Minister vowed to go after Vladimir Putin's shadow fleet 'even harder' after Royal Navy ships had been restricted from tailing Russian vessels passing through the English Channel

'This fear of the English Channel isnt universal, and shadow fleet tankers are staying the course and will be passing through UK waters in the coming days,' Mark Douglas, of Starboard Maritime Intelligence, told The i Paper yesterday.

He added that 'seizing both a vessel and a cargo of crude [oil] would be a notable setback to Russia and change the calculus for the shadow fleet at a time when Ukrainian attacks on both tankers and the related port infrastructure are increasing'.

A defence source said: 'We will not comment on specific operational planning or give a running commentary as this could compromise our ability to successfully take action against these ships, only benefitting our adversaries.

'In general terms, any target ship will be individually considered by law enforcement, military and energy market specialists before an operation is executed.'

Often described as a 'clandestine' network, Russia's 'shadow fleet' are hiding in plain sight as they ferry millions of barrels of oil through the world's busiest shipping route in defiance of Western sanctions, embargoes and price caps.

Dozens of these ships pass through the Dover Strait every month, part of a 'shadow fleet' of up to 800 vessels that continue to fuel Putin's four-year war on Ukraine.

Experts say over 60 per cent of Russian crude oil is being exported on the shadow fleet - but the Ministry of Defence insists that 'deterring, disrupting and degrading the Russian shadow fleet is a priority'.

Last month security experts had warned escalating tensions could lead to clashes at sea, right on the doorstep of Britain's shores.

HMS Mersey and HMS Severn shadow RFN Boikiy in the English Channel in January. They were dispatched alongside a Royal Navy Wildcat helicopter

Professor Michael Clarke, a defence analyst, told Sky News: 'There must come a point at which Britain and its allies - the Dutch, Danes, and Norwegians and the sea-going nations of Northern Europe - they together will get much tougher with these Russian ships, even if they're escorted.

'When that happens, we're heading probably sometime this year for some sort of militarised confrontation at sea possibly in the Channel or the North Sea, somewhere certainly near to British coast.'

All vessels sailing under a legitimate flag have the right of innocent passage under maritime law - and many countries have continued to carry out business with Russia since their full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

This month, Sky News tracked three shadow tankers loaded with oil as they traversed through the English Channel.

This included the Rigel, a 270-metre Suezmax-class tanker, which has a capacity of one million barrels. Its cargo of oil, which was loaded on February 2 at the Russian port of Primorsk, is worth around $55million (40.7million).

Sailing under a Cameroon flag, it is sanctioned by the UK, EU and Canada among others. That means it cannot use port facilities in any of the sanctioning countries but it is allowed to sail through to its next stop - on this occasion, Port Said at the head of the Suez Canal.

A second tanker, the Kousai, left Ust-Luga, near the Estonia border, on the same day as the Rigel. Flying under a Sierra Leone flag, the captain was warned by the Coastguard that it must email its proof of insurance to a Government email address within 24 hours.

Insurance cover is often unclear and there are fears these old shipping vessels could spark a disaster in the sea. The MoD said it had requested insurance documents from more than 600 vessels.

A third tanker, the Hyperion, is sanctioned by the UK, EU and US. Sailing under a Russian flag, it also brazenly passed through the Channel.

As recently as December, it was sailing under a Sierra Leone flag but - after making a delivery to Venezuela - switched flags and evaded a US naval blockade in the Caribbean.

Switching flags, along with opaque ownership and unclear insurance cover, are common among shadow fleet vessels.

In January the Royal Navy intercepted Russian ships in the English Channel as the UK warned Putin it knows 'exactly what his navy is doing.'

The UK activated warships and aircraft to shadow Russian vessels during a two-day operation in coordination with Nato allies.

Portsmouth-based patrol ships HMS Mersey and HMS Severn were dispatched alongside a Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron to intercept Russian corvette Boikiy and accompanying oil tanker MT General Skobelev as they sailed towards the North Sea.

Mersey first intercepted the Russian vessels on entry to the Channel, taking over shadowing duties from Nato allies after they had monitored them through the Bay of Biscay.

Near the Isle of Wight, Severn and Mersey combined with the Wildcat to monitor the group in close coordination, utilising powerful sensors to gather valuable information and report on their movements.

Severn continued to keep watch on the Russians as they sailed into the North Sea before handing over responsibility for the group to a Nato ally as they continued their journey north.
The widow of a Parkinson's sufferer has told how her husband was changed into a 'sex addict' overnight by one of his prescribed drugs.

Jane Ryde said he began collecting pornography and demanded sex at least three times a day  compulsive side effects which carried no significant warning on leaflets accompanying the drug Pramipexole.

She said that although it helped his disease symptoms, he would have been 'horrified' to discover what it was doing to him.

'He changed overnight into someone I didn't recognise,' she said.

'He was a hard-working man and he just became a sex addict I suppose - very compulsive behaviour collecting porn snippets and pornography.

'He couldn't see what the problem was. I ended up trying to talk to him about it and it just ended up in arguments so I then decided to keep a diary of everything that was going on.

'The consultant just told him it was unacceptable behaviour and that was the end of the matter as far as the consultant was concerned.'

She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that he began staying up until 1.30am  2am surfing the internet.

When she went through his browsing history she discovered pornographic material 'some of it professionally done; some of it home videos it was just very upsetting'.

She protected their grown-up children from his changed behaviour adding: 'I just acted as a buffer.

Jane Ryde said he began collecting pornography and demanded sex at least three times a day  compulsive side effects which carried no significant warning on leaflets accompanying the drug Pramipexole

She said that although it helped his disease symptoms, he would have been 'horrified' to discover what it was doing to him (stock image)

'I didn't want people to know what he was going through, what I was having to go through. I didn't think it was fair on him.'

She was not warned by doctors about impulse control disorders and was initially reassured by the drug's accompanying leaflet which classed these as 'uncommon', affecting fewer than 1 per cent of patients.

A 2010 study, partly funded by the drug's manufacturer, concluded that the figure was in fact around 17 per cent. But the leaflet warning was never amended

Pramipexole, developed by pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim, is among a family of eight drugs known as dopamine agonists which were prescribed to UK Parkinson's sufferers more than 1.5million times last year.

They are also used to treat a range of other conditions, including restless legs syndrome, pituitary gland tumours and certain mental health conditions.

Mrs Ryde said she never considered taking her husband off the drugs adding: 'I'm not a pharmacologist. He was having a total mix of drugs, taking towards the end 12 tablets a day.'

She went on: 'I ended up having to distance myself emotionally from him. It was a case of self-preservation on my part.

'If [drug manufacturers] knew about these problems then they should have done something sooner.

'I can't believe one in six is an uncommon side-effect and the fact that people are having to go through this blind and suddenly have this handed to them in front of the person they're trying to help look after and care for  it's scandalous and irresponsible.

'He died in 2021 and it was literally only a few weeks ago that I had a flash of a nice memory.

'I cannot think of a nice memory that I have of my husband before Parkinson's or even with Parkinson's.'

Boehringer Ingelheim told the BBC it followed international guidelines in stating side-effect frequencies and its leaflets reflected the latest scientific knowledge.

It added: 'Boehringer Ingelheim is aware of some people who have described experiencing impulse control disorders after being prescribed a dopamine agonist for their symptoms of Parkinson's disease or restless legs syndrome.

'We recognise their courage in talking about these difficult issues and raising awareness.'

The UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency said it planned a 'substantial' review of all dopamine agonist drugs and would 'rectify the disconnect' in leaflet warnings.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has said it will look at whether regulatory action is needed to ensure patients have all the information they need when prescribed dopamine agonists.

The US-based Parkinson's Foundation says on its website that one in six people taking dopamine agonists will experience impulse control disorders.

As part of its investigation, the BBC found this side effect can include behaviours such as sex and gambling addictions.

It comes after earlier this year the wife of a solicitor who stole more than 600,000 from the elderly to spend on sex sprees and antiques blamed the Parkinson's drugs he was taking after the case led to him and their son taking their own lives.

Andrew Taylor plundered the extraordinary sum from the accounts of 13 pensioners whose affairs he was looking after, many of whom were in care homes or had dementia.

He then 'frittered away' the cash on adult webcams, sex workers and antiques, leaving one victim unable to pay for her funeral.

A court would later hear his actions were caused by the Parkinson's medication Pramipexole, a type of dopamine agonist drug which can cause impulsive behaviours.
Donald Trump was today warned that launching an amphibious operation to secure the Strait of Hormuz would be a 'nightmare'.

General Sir Richard Shirreff, former deputy commander of NATO forces in Europe, raised fears that US troops could face drone attacks from 'hundreds of miles inland' if they landed on Iranian islands in the Strait.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that while the Iranians held the Strait, Trump 'is losing' against a battered but 'angry, vengeful' Tehran regime which still held away over the waterway.

The dire warnings come against the backdrop of a build-up of American land forces in the Gulf with new reports that some 10,000 US troops would now be deployed on top of Marine expeditionary forces.

But Sir Richard raised fears over the perils of an operation to seize control of the Strait of Hormuz even if it was attempting to run a one-off convoy through.

Asked to describe what US military action to take the Strait would amount to, the retired British Army general said: it looks like another nightmare.

'Frankly, it is about as difficult an operation as could conceive - an amphibious operation.

'Think Gallipoli for example in this context which did not go right.

New reports suggest that some 10,000 US troops would now be deployed on top of Marine expeditionary forces

General Sir Richard Shirreff, former deputy commander of NATO forces, raised fears that US troops could face drone attacks from 'hundreds of miles inland' if they landed on Iranian islands in the Strait

'You have to land troops on a hostile shore.

'You've got to be able to secure that hostile shore, and at the same time, the enemy has a vote here.'

He warned that despite being 'written down massively militarily' by US attacks, 'they've still got missiles, they've still got huge numbers of drones.

'And don't forget, funny old thing, the Russians have been supplying them with drones and with targeting information, so the Iranians still have capability.

'Do not underestimate them.'

In relation to US troops seizing islands in the Strait, he warned: 'There will be drones coming from hundreds of miles inland.

'How far inland do you go?'

But he also warned that any US operation to go further and march on Tehran itself would be 'steroids to the power of 10' compared to the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

The US military is preparing to deploy at least 1,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, adding to the thousands of marines aboard Navy ships

Donald Trump ordered the the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, carrying 2,000 marines, to the Gulf

He described such an option as 'militarily and politically inconceivable but I'll say it anyway.

'Which is that if Trump says I'm going to march on Tehran, I'm going to topple the regime, and I'm going to occupy Iran - it's a similar operation to what happened in 2003 except on steroids to the power of 10.

'It would require hundreds of thousands of troops for Trump to do that.'

The disastrous Gallipoli campaign of 1915-16 was a failed Anglo-French operation in the First World War against the Ottoman Empire in Turkey, which led to over 44,000 Allied troops being killed.
New fines are now in for bad behaviour

Renters have been restricted in Victoria

Landlords and property managers in Victoria will face fines of up to $12,000 if renters are charged fees from third-party apps.

Landlords and agents in the state are now prohibited from using third-party apps which add extra fees onto renters after new laws were passed in parliament.

The new laws, which offer an array of protections for renters, will kick in on March 31.

They are expected to set a new standard for all landlords and real estate agents and will force them to adopt a standard form for all rental applications.

More features of the law include mandates on what information can be asked of prospective tenants and new guidelines on what excessive rent increases mean.

The ban on third-party fees for applications and rent payments is set to reshape how landlords go about finding prospective tenants.

A new definition of excessive rent increases will also set out how much notice a landlord must give tenants before raising the price of a property.

Businesses breaching the new laws will face fines of $12,000 while individuals doing the same will be fined $2,400.

New laws in Victoria will fine landlords and real estate agents for using third party apps

The new laws are part of a greater overhaul of renter rights laws across Victoria

Victoria's Consumer Affairs Minister, Nick Staikos, said the new laws will help renters more than ever

Victoria's Consumer Affairs Minister Nick Staikos said the change will make it easier for renters to find homes.

'More and more Victorians are renting and only Labor is looking out for them  with new laws to protect their rights,' Staikos said.

'These new laws will protect Victorians from unfair and excessive charges during the current cost of living crisis.'

Under prior state rules, landlords were obliged to provide at least one fee-free payment method for their tenants.

Other laws which were introduced in November mandated that landlords had to provide their tenants at least a 90-day notice period before raising rent.

Rental bidding, where tenants compete by offering higher payments, has also been banned.

To further help renters no-fault evictions have also been banned and minimum standards for rentals were imposed late in 2025.

Tenants Victoria CEO Jennifer Beveridge said this slew of recent changes is the most comprehensive the state has ever had.

'This marks a major shift for Victorias almost two million renters. These reforms recognise that renters deserve security and stability in their homes,' she said.
President Trump is considering a 'pay-to-play' Nato, with members who fail to hit a five per cent spending target banned from key decisions.

The proposed Nato shake-up would see block allies who don't meet a spending target set by Trump excluded from strategic votes - including when the bloc goes to war.

It is one of several plans the US president is weighing up after allies rejected his demand to send warships to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, including a plan which could see the removal of American troops from Germany.

Nato members currently already spend at least 2 per cent of their GDP on defence, after Trump urged Nato members to double their military funding in 2018.

The alliance's secretary-general Mark Rutte said leaders would have to set out plans for reaching the new 5 per cent target at a summit in Turkey later this year.

An administration source told the Telegraph: 'The frustration we've had with the Europeans has been very real.

'Any country that's not paying 5 per cent shouldn't be allowed to vote on future expenditures at Nato.'

A US source added: 'We need to start the conversation about what is a threat and what does the alliance do. We have to send the message that what Spain and the UK did is unacceptable.'

President Trump is considering a 'pay-to-play Nato, with members who fail to hit a five per cent spending target banned from key decisions

Pictured: Nato marines training in Greece. Nato members are already hitting the 2 per cent target of GDP defence spending

Trump and Starmer's relationship has been strained since the Middle East conflict began, with Trump saying he was 'very disappointed' with the UK's response

The proposals by Trump could see under-spending member nations excluded from decisions on expansion, joint missions and the triggering of the Article 5 mutual defence clause, which would see countries go to war.

Britain is hitting the current 2 per cent target, but proportionately spends less on defence than 13 other Nato allies.

Nato's annual report published on Thursday found Britain spent 2.33 per cent of its GDP on defence last year - just above Romania, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia.

The change would also need consensus from other Nato members - and since many allies are unlikely to approve of Trump's proposal, a further battle with Trump could ensue.

The president's decision to send thousands more US troops to the Middle East in preparation for a possible ground invasion came after Nato countries refused to send ships to the Strait of Hormuz - the vital waterway at the centre of rising oil prices as the Iran US-Israel war continues.

Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer's relationship has been turbulent since Starmer initially blocked the US from using Diego Garcia, the military base in the Chagos Islands.

Trump also said he was 'very disappointed' over Starmer's response to the Iran conflict, accusing him of taking 'far too long' to change his mind and eventually permit the strikes from the UK's bases.

Sir Keir has been desperately trying to avoid angering the White House and his own left-wing MPs since the Middle East crisis flared.

Kemi Badenoch accused Starmer of being 'scared' of large blocs of voters whose 'loyalties are swayed by conflicts in the Middle East'.
A mother and her two daughters were among the five people killed after a van collided with a freight train in Mississippi.

Kristina Carver, 45, and daughters Emley, 22, and Sarabeth Chamblee, 20, died Friday afternoon on the Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway in Wiggins.

Other passengers who lost their lives included 26-year-old Ryan C. Peterson and 23-year-old Demarcus Perkins.

Peterson was a corrections officer at the Harrison County Sheriff's Department and appeared to be in a relationship with Carver.

First responders were forced to cut through the woods to get to the wreckage as they responded to the scene, which sat 45 miles northwest of Biloxi.

According to Canadian Pacific Kansas City, the incident is under investigation by the Stone County Sheriff's Office.

'Our most sincere condolences go out to the families of the victims of this tragedy,' the company told ABC News.

A sixth person, a 23-year-old woman, was injured and airlifted to a hospital in New Orleans. No injuries were reported on the train.

Sarabeth Chamblee, Emley Chamblee, Kristina Carver and Ryan Peterson were among the van passengers killed in the crash

The van collided with a Canadian Pacific Kansas City train on Friday afternoon

No fatalities were reported on the train. One van passenger survived and was transported to a hospital in New Orleans

Residents have flagged the treacherous nature of the railroad crossing, which does not have gates or lights, WLOX reported.

Pam Olsen, a local to the area, recounted hearing a loud bang. Immediately, she knew what had happened.

'My husband and I were in the yard working on our flowerbeds. I told my husband a train hit another vehicle,' she said. 'My husband ran up there and said, "Pam, it's bad."'

Ella Hall, who lives near the crash site, told the SunHerald that train wrecks are frequent in the area.

'This is about seven or eight train wrecks here in the last five years,' she said. 'So when you hear the noise, you know what it is.'

Multiple fatal collisions have been recorded at the same intersection in just the past three years.

On February 26, a pickup truck driver was airlifted after colliding with a train and later died at the hospital.

Locals have noted that the tracks are dangerous, with multiple fatalities reported over the past few years

Demarcus Perkins, 23, was also killed when the van collided with the train in Mississippi. Pictured with Sarabeth

Peterson, 26, was a corrections officer at the Harrison County Sheriff's Office

In 2023, a woman died after getting into a wreck at the same spot. The crash injured three others.

'This'd be the second incident in the last four to five weeks involving fatalities and the third incident in the last year, all involving fatalities,' Stone County Sheriff Todd Stewart said.

'To date, we've lost seven folks within the last year.'

County officials have proposed adding crossing arms and alarms to the treacherous tracks but installation could take at least a year.

Friday's crash, which occurred just off Highway 49, shut down the northbound lanes of traffic. The highway reopened around 4pm.

The Daily Mail contacted the Stone County Sheriff's Office and Canadian Pacific Kansas City for comment.
Ground stops were issued for all three Washington DC-area airports Friday evening because of a 'strong chemical smell' at a facility that manages air traffic in the region, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport and Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport were all rendered temporarily unusable due to the overwhelming disruption.

The hold was announced shortly after 6.30pm due to 'environmental' reasons.

Flights were diverted to airports as far as Cleveland, Ohio, and Raleigh, North Carolina, according to NBC Washington.

This marked the second ground stop in as many weeks caused by the Potomac TRACON, a terminal radar approach control facility responsible for air traffic control services to Baltimore and other local airports.

The disruption was caused by a strong smell from an overheated battery inside an IT cabinet at the facility, Fauquier County officials told 7News.

Emergency crews responded to a call around 6.50pm and found that no one at the facility was injured.

DC's airports had been among those impacted by the travel chaos plaguing America as a result of a partial government shutdown.

Ground stops were issued at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport and Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that the stops were because of 'environmental' reasons

The ground stops were caused by a strong smell from an overheated battery inside an IT cabinet at the Potomac TRACON, a terminal radar approach control facility

About 25 percent of flights at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport were delayed, according to FlightAware.

Dulles International Airport in Virginia saw about 11 percent of its flights delayed.

Friday's ground stops around the DC-area airports were lifted around 7.30pm.

However, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport remained on a ground delay until midnight, according to DCNewsNow.

Baltimore-Washington International Airport said the FAA's ground stop that 'some residual flight delays' could still be expected.

FAA spokeswoman Kristen Alsop said controllers were coming back to work and normal flight operations would soon return to normal.

New York City's Emergency Management warned travelers that flights to Washington could face significant delays on Friday night.

'Travelers to the DC area should expect possible ground holds, departure delays, and cancellations, and check directly with your airline before heading to the airport,' the agency posted on X.

About 25 percent of flights at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (pictured) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport were delayed

The DC-area airports have seen mass delays and cancelations as a result of the partial government shutdown which will reach 44 days on Sunday

The DC-area airports were also brought to a halt earlier this month because of a strong odor traced back to a circuit at the Potomac TRACON

The previous ground stop this month, which lasted about an hour, was the result of a strong odor that was traced to a circuit at the Potomac TRACON, according to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.

Airport operations continued after firefighters confirmed there was no danger to air traffic controllers.

'The source of the strong odor was traced to a circuit board that overheated, and it was replaced,' Duffy wrote on X.

Travelers flying out of DC have been dealing with massive delays and cancellations over the past few weeks because of the TSA pay stoppage.

That could change after President Donald Trump signed an order on Friday to pay TSA employees as soon as Monday.

The partial government shutdown will reach 44 days tomorrow. TSA employees have worked without pay since February 14.

Almost 500 TSA officers of the agency's nearly 50,000 employees have quit since the start of the shutdown, per the DHS.

This has caused huge delays all over the US as workers call out sick, with some airports experiencing call-out rates that topped 40 percent.
A terminally ill migrant is on his deathbed after missing vital chemotherapy treatments while in federal immigration custody, his family has claimed.

Oudone Lothirath, 57, had been undergoing treatment for advanced Hodgkins lymphoma when he was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a January enforcement surge in Minnesota.

Just weeks earlier, he had been told to return for a routine immigration check-in months later but was instead unexpectedly detained and held for 10 days.

He was then transferred more than 1,300 miles to a detention facility in El Paso, Texas, where his loved ones say his treatment was interrupted.

Now back in Minneapolis, Lothirath is receiving hospice care and is too sick to speak. His prognosis is believed to be six to nine months, according to Vilay.

He was responding quite well to the chemo, his friend and caregiver Christina Vilay, whom he met at a Buddhist temple, told the Independent. He probably had another good year.

Vilay said he missed multiple chemotherapy sessions while in custody and was too weak to resume treatment after his release, with the cancer now spread to his bone marrow.

Lothirath, who also requires insulin for diabetes and medication for a heart condition, including a cardiac defibrillator, did not receive medical care while detained, according to Vilay.

Oudone Lothirath, a 57-year-old Laotian refugee, is on his deathbed after missing critical chemotherapy treatments while in federal immigration custody, according to his caregiver

Lothirath was undergoing treatment for advanced Hodgkins lymphoma when he was detained by ICE in Minnesota and held for 10 days before being transferred to a facility in El Paso, Texas

Federal agents look on after they detained a protester in Minneapolis, Minnesota on February 3, 2026

He was held in a large tent facility with around 60 other detainees and spent most of his time sleeping as his health deteriorated.

Lothirath was later released and flown back to Minnesota after his medical team intervened, Vilay said, but his condition had already declined.

He was hospitalized shortly after, suffering from severe anemia, dangerously high blood sugar and sepsis, and went on to miss further rounds of chemotherapy as he was too weak to receive them, she added in a GoFundMe description.

Vilay also said he was released without his personal belongings, including his phone and identification, which she described as essential for accessing medical care and transportation.

According to the fundraiser, Lothirath now faces the ongoing threat of deportation and does not currently have legal representation.

Vilay said he fears returning home amid heightened immigration enforcement, noting his apartment is just a block from where Alex Pretti, 37, was fatally shot by federal agents earlier this year.

The killing was one of two fatal incidents in Minneapolis in January, along with the death of Renee Good, that sparked protests and heightened tensions over immigration enforcement in the city.

Vilay claimed immigration officers gained access to his building by posing as an Amazon delivery before detaining him.

His caregiver, Christina said he missed chemotherapy in custody without proper care, and his cancer later spread to his bone marrow

Federal law enforcement agents set up a line facing protesters outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building during a demonstration over the fatal shooting of Renee Good by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, on January 10, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Lothirath arrived in the United States as a child in the early 1980s after his family fled Laos following the communist takeover. They later settled in Minnesota, which has one of the largest Laotian populations in the country.

His immigration status remained unresolved after a criminal conviction in his early twenties.

At 22, he was convicted for his role in a drive-by shooting after one of his passengers fired a gun from the vehicle. He served six months in jail and was required to regularly check in with immigration authorities.

Despite that, Vilay said he had spent years trying to live a normal life while managing his illness.

As long as he didn't get side effects, he could go to temple, go to the store and live at home by himself, she said.

Vilay and her husband have since taken him into their home, as his only close family nearby, his mother, is also seriously ill and unable to care for him.

Last week, she and her family held a traditional Baci ceremony to offer final blessings.

Lothirath has said he wishes to be cremated, with his ashes placed alongside his late father.

A GoFundMe has since been launched, according to Vilay, to help cover his medical care, transportation, legal costs and funeral expenses.

I know he's appreciative of the life that he's had here, the kind of the freedom the friends, the family, just everything that he's been able to do, Vilay said. It was not a life, living in a camp.

The Daily Mail has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for comment.
Two students have been killed in a horror school bus crash in Tennessee that has left at least seven injured in what officials described as 'a parent's worst nightmare.'

The deadly collision happened around 12pm Friday in Carroll County, about two hours west of Nashville, near the intersection of Highway 70 and Cedar Grove Road.

The bus was carrying Kenwood Middle School students from the Clarksville-Montgomery County school system while they were on a field trip to Jackson.

Both students were declared dead at the scene, according to Tennessee Highway Patrol Major Travis Plotzer.

The crash involved the school bus, a Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) dump truck and a Chevrolet Trailblazer.

'I want to speak directly to the families of the students that we lost today: there are no adequate words we can use to ease the pain that you're feeling right now,' Plotzer said Friday at a press conference.

In total, there were 25 students and five school employees on the bus, two passengers in the dump truck and one in the Chevrolet.

Several of the injured were airlifted to hospitals in Nashville and Memphis for treatment.

Two middle school students died in a bus crash on Friday in Carroll County, Tennessee, about two hours east of Nashville, while on their way to a field trip

At least seven people were injured in the crash. Victims were airlifted to hospitals in Nashville and Memphis

Authorities said the crash involved the school bus carrying the Kenwood Middle School students, a Tennessee Department of Transportation dump truck and a Chevrolet Trailblazer

Nine helicopters were called to the scene, with seven flying the injured.

Four people were taken to Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville and were in stable condition as of yesterday, the Associated Press reported.

Another 19 were transported to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Carroll County, a spokesperson for its parent company told the outlet.

All were evaluated and later released, though it remained unclear how many were seriously injured.

The bus was taking students and staff from Kenwood Middle School to Jackson for a field trip at the Greenpower USA Toyota Hub City Grand Prix at Rockabillys Stadium, according to the Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle.

The two-day event features both middle and high school students racing electric cars they built themselves at school.

Teams were scheduled to arrive at noon with a practice session beginning at 1pm.

Families of everyone on the bus were contacted and told to head to a reunification site at the First Baptist Church in Huntingdon.

The church was closed on Friday as law enforcement officers connected families inside.

Most children had been reunited with their families by yesterday evening, one officer who was not named told the outlet.

Students were reunited with their families yesterday evening at the First Baptist Church in Huntingdon

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee asked residents of the state to join him and his wife in prayer for those affected by Friday's crash

Plotzer said authorities were still sorting out the details of the crash but that 'it doesn't appear that TDOT had any contributing factors to the crash.'

A spokesman for the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) told the Daily Mail on Saturday morning: 'The cause of the crash remains under investigation. The THPs reconstruction team, CIRT, is working to gather all facts before we can release additional details.'

The principal of Kenwood Middle School, Karen Miller, called the crash an 'unimaginable tragedy.'

'As we process this loss together, please know that the well-being of our students, staff, and families remains our top priority,' Miller said on Facebook.

She added that counselors would be available starting Monday to 'support anyone in our school community who may need someone to talk to in the days ahead and for as long as needed.'

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee asked all Tennesseans to join him and his wife Maria 'in prayer for the Kenwood Middle School students & faculty, TDOT employees, & all families impacted by the tragic bus crash today in Carroll County.'

'We are heartbroken over the loss of life & ask for God's healing over the injured,' he wrote on X.

'As authorities continue to investigate, we are deeply grateful to every first responder supporting these Tennesseans in their most difficult time.'

The Daily Mail has reached out to the Tennessee Department of Transportation and the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System, which Kenwood Middle School belongs to, for further comment.
The quadruple amputee professional cornhole player who allegedly murdered a man inside his Tesla had an 'angry dark side' and frequent irate outbursts, according to his exgirlfriend.

Tori Mattingly, who dated Dayton Webber, 27, for four years before calling it quits in February 2025, told TMZ she 'isn't surprised' by the allegations he's facing.

Webber shot and killed his passenger, Bradrick Michael Wells, 27, during an argument inside his Tesla SUV in La Plata, Maryland, on March 22, according to police.

He allegedly pulled over and asked the two passengers in the backseat to help him remove Wells from the car, but they refused and fled before calling law enforcement.

Mattingly told the outlet she dated Wells after ending her relationship with Webber due to his anger issues.

She claimed she tried to get the limbless pro cornhole player to go to therapy, but he refused.

Mattingly said she and Wells split last June, adding that Webber knew about their onandoff relationship and that the two were friends.

The Charles County Sheriff's Office had said the occupants of the car were known to each other.

Quadruple amputee professional cornhole player Dayton Webber, 27, faces murder charges after allegedly killing his passenger Bradrick Wells during an argument in La Plata, Maryland

Tori Mattingly said she was not surprised by the murder allegations involving her ex boyfriend Webber

Mattingly said she had not spoken with Webber for months and that she last spoke to Wells in December, when he called her on her birthday.

She alleged that Webber would often 'lash out.' During one episode captured on video, he screamed at her for not letting him use her car.

'I asked you if you wanted to take the vehicle,' Mattingly said in a short clip.

'And I asked you to get off my property,' Webber yelled back.

'Because you were asked to be nice?' she responded.

'I asked you to get off my property,' Webber screamed again, before turning and walking away.

Mattingly also addressed her past relationship with Webber in a public social media post Tuesday.

'Watching people say "this doesn't sound like him" or "he would never do that" is honestly sickening,' Mattingly wrote on Facebook. 'You didn't live with him. I did.'

Webber allegedly 'pulled a gun out and shot the victim twice in the head' before asking the pair of passengers he picked up to help him remove the body from the car

Mattingly claimed that Webber was prone to angry outbursts and would often 'lash out,' including one episode when he yelled at her for not letting him use her car

She claimed to have seen 'the side of him that nobody else wanted to believe existed' while residing with Webber for four years.

'The anger. The control. The abuse. The kind of darkness you don't just "mistake," she said. 'The kind that makes you feel unsafe in your own home, in your own skin.'

Mattingly said she was not shocked that Webber was being 'convicted of murder'  though he has only been charged  'because I know what he's capable of.'

She added: 'You saw the version he wanted you to see. I saw the truth. And just because he didn't show you that side doesn't mean it wasn't real.

'It just means I was the one he chose to break behind closed doors.'

The Daily Mail previously revealed that Webber allegedly shot Wells twice in the head before asking witnesses to help dump the body.

According to the statement of charges filed by the Charles County Sheriff's Office, Webber collected two people from their work into the back of his white Tesla. Wells was already in the passenger seat.

As they drove, a 'heated argument' ensued between Webber and Wells.

Webber allegedly continued driving with Wells still inside his vehicle. The victim's body was found in a yard in Charlotte Hall

The Charles County Sheriff's Office told the Daily Mail that there videos and social media stories of Webber, who is a quadruple amputee, 'handling firearms'

During the spat, Webber allegedly 'pulled a gun out and shot the victim twice in the head.'

Webber then pulled over the vehicle and asked his two passengers to help 'pull Wells out the vehicle, which they refused,' per the statement of charges.

The pair fled from the Tesla, and Webber allegedly drove off with Wells still inside the vehicle.

Wells's body was later found in a yard on Newport Church Road in Charlotte Hall, Maryland.

Detectives tracked down Webber's car to Charlottesville, Virginia, and found him at a hospital 'seeking treatment for a medical issue,' the sheriff's office said.

He was charged with first-degree murder and second-degree murder.

On Thursday, Webber waived his right to an extradition hearing while taking part in a court hearing in Charlottesville.

'I am trying to go back to Maryland,' Webber said.

Webber waived his right to an extradition hearing on Thursday and said he was trying to 'get back to Maryland'

Webber's case has prompted questions over how a quadruple amputee could have been driving a car, used a firearm or pushed out Wells' body from the Tesla alone.

Diane Richardson, public information officer at the Charles County Sheriff's Office, previously told the Daily Mail: 'We understand it's a reasonable question. Webber is a well-documented individual on the internet.

'He's on YouTube and social media platforms [sic] there's a lot of stories of him handling firearms.'

Webber has said doctors amputated his arms and legs when he was just 10 months old to save his life after he contracted a serious blood infection.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Mattingly and Webber's attorney, Alexander Goodman, for further comment.
A body has been found in the hunt for an American Airlines flight attendant who is feared to have fallen victim to a 'devil's breath' spiking.

Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina, 32, went missing on Saturday night during a layover in Medellin, Colombia.

Investigators in Medellin said Gutierrez Molina went out in the El Poblado neighborhood with a male and female colleague. They met two men who suggested taking the party elsewhere.

The male colleague did not join, but Gutierrez Molina and the female coworker, identified only as Andrea, went along to another nightclub. Hours later, Andrea was found by authorities in a disoriented state and taken to the hospital.

Now, a body has been found 'between the municipality of Jerico and Puente Iglesias,' Mayor Fico Gutierrez wrote on X.

'There is a very high probability that it is this person,' he wrote in Spanish. 'I have just personally delivered the painful news to his father, who is in Medellin.'

Officials said during a press conference on Thursday that they have since identified the individuals, who they said have a history of stealing from tourists by spiking their drinks with scopolamine, also known as 'devil's breath,' NBCDFW reported.

Scopolamine is commonly used in clinical settings to prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery. In higher doses, however, it can cause extreme drowsiness or even loss of consciousness.

The body of American Airlines Flight Attendant, Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina, 32, was more than likely found in Colombia, the mayor announced

Gutierrez Molina was last seen Saturday night, when he went out partying with coworkers. He is believed to may have been subject to a 'devil's breath' plot, where attackers use illegal drugs to render someone unconscious

Criminals have exploited these effects to incapacitate victims or render them unusually suggestible, making them easier to manipulate.

In Colombia, offenders frequently use the drug to facilitate robberies, sexual assaults and kidnappings. This commonly occurs in nightclubs and bars in major cities such as Bogota and Medellin.

Scopolamine is derived from a plant that is common in Colombia. The plant's seeds can be crushed into a tasteless, odorless powder that can be easily mixed into people's drinks.

According to the US Embassy in Colombia, the drug can leave the victim with no memory after they wake up, making it difficult for them to identify their potential attackers. It can leave a person unconscious for 24 hours or more.

Investigators have released no additional information about the people who were with Gutierrez Molina the night he disappeared, aside from noting their past use of scopolamine.

Gutierrez promised to bring 'justice' for Gutierrez Molina.

'The investigations carried out by the Police and the Prosecutor's Office are very advanced and they would have very clear leads on those responsible,' the mayor wrote.

'Let justice be done.'

Ernesto Carranza, the flight attendant's boyfriend, said he first knew something was wrong Sunday morning when he hadn't heard from him

Investigators in Medellin said Gutierrez Molina went out in the El Poblado neighborhood with a colleagues

Ernesto Carranza, the flight attendant's boyfriend, said he first knew something was wrong Sunday morning.

'I knew immediately, because even though he has his own phone, his work phone couldve been a second option of communication,' Carranza told NBCDFW.

'I messaged him [on Saturday night to] have a good night, be safe, I love you. And he just messaged back: "Okay, I love you back. Im going to go out and hang with my crews."'

Gutierrez Molina's father traveled to Medellin to look for his son. Authorities have said they have provided him with emotional and legal support.
Hollywood director Tyler Perry handed out $250,000 worth of gift cards to unpaid Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents at an Atlanta airport after his cash gifts were denied.

The filmmaker, 56, gave a total of 250 gift cards, each worth $1,000, to TSA workers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Friday, People reported.

Aaron Barker, the union president representing Georgia TSA workers, said the generous offerings had to go through a legal process before getting to the agents.

Perry had shown up at the airport on Thursday with cash for agents, but was turned away as laws prevent federal employees from accepting it, 11 Alive reported.

The Atlanta-based director also spoke with agents before leaving and thanked them for their efforts, the outlet reported.

TSA agents haven't been paid for more than 40 days due to the partial government shutdown, which is affecting Homeland Security, the agency TSA is under.

They have missed more than $1billion in pay since February 14, when the shutdown started.

The missing paychecks have led to hundreds of agents quitting their jobs and even more to call out as they can't afford to get to work.

Atlanta-based Director Tyler Perry donated $250,000 worth of gift cards to TSA workers at the Atlanta airport on Friday

He attempted to give out cash donations on Thursday, but was turned away as federal agents cannot accept cash payments. The gift card had to go through a legal process before getting into the hands of agents

Some have begun donating plasma and going to food banks to help get by while they wait for their back pay.

This has caused massive lines in airports across the country, leaving travelers waiting hours and missing their flights.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday to fund TSA, with paychecks getting to them as soon as Monday.

While the move will likely ease financial pressures on TSA agents and reduce the recent chaos at airports across the country, it will have no bearing on the ongoing shutdown.

The shutdown of Homeland Security will reach 44 days on Sunday, eclipsing the record 43-day shutdown last fall that affected all of the federal government.

The Senate passed a funding deal early Friday, but blowback from House Republicans came quickly.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, upon opening the chamber for business, accused Democrats of playing a dangerous game and said he needed to talk with fellow Republicans about how to proceed.

After a lengthy conference call, Johnson blasted the Senate's action and announced that the House would be going a different route.

TSA agents haven't been paid for more than 40 days due to the partial government shutdown. It has led to some agents quitting and others calling out, leading to hours-long lines at airports

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday to fund TSA, with paychecks getting to them as soon as Monday. It will hopefully lessen the lines at airports

'This gambit that was done last night is a joke,' Johnson said.

Instead, the House on Friday night passed a bill to fund the entire department through May 22. The vote was 213-203.

Johnson said he had spoken with Trump about the House Republican plan and the president supported it.

House Republicans were livid that the bill passed by the Senate did not fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol. Democrats refused to fund those departments without changes to immigration enforcement practices.
An Arizona deputy was arrested on kidnapping charges and booted from the sheriff's department that's leading the months-long Nancy Guthrie investigation.

Ex-Pima County deputy Travis Reynolds, 22, was detained on Thursday and accused of kidnapping a detainee whom he was transporting to the Pima County Jail.

The Tucson Police Department charged him with one count of kidnapping in connection with alleged misconduct that reportedly occurred while he was on duty,' according to a police statement obtained by Fox.

Following his arrest and given the serious nature of the allegations, Reynolds's employment with the Pima County Sheriff's Office was immediately terminated.

'The Tucson Police Department notified the Pima County Sheriffs Department of the arrest, and the employee was terminated,' the sheriff's office confirmed.

Officials declined to clarify whether Reynolds was involved in the Nancy Guthrie investigation prior to his termination.

The ousted staffer refused to take the female inmate into the jail for two hours, instead forcing her to sit outside in his cruiser, officials said.

He allegedly made inappropriate comments about her appearance, according to a complaint obtained by KOLD.

Travis Reynolds, 22, was arrested Thursday after allegedly kidnapping a female inmate

The Pima County Sheriff's Department has been spearheading the investigation into Savannah Guthrie's missing mother, Nancy (right)

Reynolds allegedly told the inmate she was 'hot' and a 'MILF,' reported 12News.

While in the transport vehicle, he allegedly offered the prisoner his vape pen and told her that he could 'help her with her case.'

'He also stated they could go to a hotel and have sex,' read the complaint, but denied her request to be taken inside.

'She said she saw multiple officers coming and going with their arrestees, and she was wondering why she was still in the vehicle,' the report added.

The victim accused him of showing her sexually explicit videos and telling her to show him her breasts.

It was only after she exposed her bra that Reynolds removed the inmate from the car and brought her inside, the complaint alleged.

Surveillance footage from Pima County Jail corroborated her accounts.

Reynolds reportedly told investigators that 'he may or may not have been involved in showing her a video of sexual acts.'

Reynolds was transporting a female inmate to the Pima County Jail when the alleged incident occurred

The Pima County Sheriff's Office released a statement announcing Reynolds' termination. Reynolds is not pictured

'He also stated he may or may not have been involved in the discussion of having sex at a hotel,' read the report.

Reynolds appeared in court on Friday.

According to the defense, the alleged victim was intimidated by the ex-deputy because of the 'power dynamic between him and the victim.'

'The victim in this case is very afraid of this defendant because of the power position that he had, of the power dynamics and that he might retaliate against her,' said the prosecution.

The defense argued that Reynolds does not have prior criminal history and has been a resident of Arizona his entire life.

The investigation is 'still active and ongoing,' police said.

The judge set Reynolds's bond at $200,000. He was ordered to have no contact with the alleged victim. The accused was also given a prohibition on weapons.

Reynolds is scheduled to appear in court again on April 6.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos and his team have come under fire for the way they have handled the Guthrie investigation

The Pima County Sheriff's Department has been heavily involved in the case and has come under fire for the way Sheriff Chris Nanos has handled the case.

Still, Nanos told the press he had 'no regrets' about his team's decisions.

The sheriff brushed off allegations that he mishandled the crime scene at the 84-year-old's Tucson home or botched the case, appearing to blame huge media attention for confusing the investigation.

'I dont regret we let the crime scene go too soon or any of that,' he said. 'That's just silly.'

The Daily Mail contacted the Tucson Police Department and the Pima County Sheriff's Office for comment.
Thousands of spring break travelers are braving the frigid temperatures in hours-long waits at a Baltimore airport as Transportation Security Administration lines stretch far beyond the terminal and all the way down the street.

Temperatures plunged to a chilly 39F on Saturday as frustrated passengers arrived hours early in hopes of making their flights, only to be left waiting outside for extended periods - miserable and chilled to the bone.

Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) advised its vacationers to show up at least four hours early for their domestic flights and five for international despite TSA securing funding yesterday.

Despite the advice, passengers are still missing their flights in droves, leaving them frustrated on the other side of the TSA line as they have to rebook their flights or go back home.

To make matters worse, delays were already plaguing Baltimore passengers as the airport was one of five in the area that were affected by the FAA ground stop the night before.

The ground stop was issued after a strong odor overtook the Potomac Terminal Radar Approach Control facility, which looks after air traffic control in the area.

BWI's Checkpoint A and B remain closed, while Checkpoint C is facing significant delays, The Baltimore Sun reported.

Travelers complained about the long lines that stretched out into the street and the cold temperatures.

The TSA line at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) stretched out into the street on Saturday

Traveler Kevin, from West Virginia, and his family missed their flight, despite showing up four hours early. Kevin said Congress was a 'disgrace' and blamed them for him and his family missing their flight

'It's freezing outside,' Kevin, a traveler from West Virginia who showed up four hours early, told WBAL.

'I've never seen anything like this, remotely like this. There's babies outside, the elderly, people in wheelchairs, they're freezing, they didn't come to spend three hours outside.'

Kevin said Congress was a 'disgrace' and blamed them for him and his family missing their flight.

'Your job is to serve the people, it's not to divide us and to label us, this is [a] pretty basic service, and you've completely failed us...I'm embarrassed to be an American today,' he told the outlet.

Catherine Minty spent three hours in the TSA line and said passengers got a 'whole tour' of the airport in the meantime, she told the outlet. The line stretched into the hallways, cafeteria, and the sidewalks outside.

Airport staff handed out water bottles and snacks to angry customers as they patiently waited in line, WBAL reported.

'Don't fly right now,' Minty advised Americans. 'I would've literally driven if I knew this was going to happen.'

BWI advised passengers to show up four hours ahead for domestic flights and five hours ahead for international

Passengers waited in endless lines on Saturday to get to the TSA checkpoint

One passenger said they got a tour of the whole airport by the time they got to the front

The line snaked around the the airport in both directions

The line stretch outside, leaving travelers to brace against the cold weather

TSA lines may start to thin out going into next week as agents could start receiving their back pay beginning on Monday.

Agents have gone more than 40 days without pay since the partial government shutdown began.

President Donald Trump signed an executive action to restart payments to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers who have been left without pay for six weeks amid the partial government shutdown.

While the move will likely ease financial pressures on TSA agents and reduce the recent chaos at airports across the country, it will have no bearing on the ongoing shutdown.

The shutdown of Homeland Security will reach 44 days on Sunday, eclipsing the record 43-day shutdown last fall that affected all of the federal government.

The Senate passed a funding deal early Friday, but blowback from House Republicans came quickly.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, upon opening the chamber for business, accused Democrats of playing a dangerous game and said he needed to talk with fellow Republicans about how to proceed.

After a lengthy conference call, Johnson blasted the Senate's action and announced that the House would be going a different route.

Join the discussion Whats the worst airport delay youve experienced  and did you miss your flight?

Delays were also prevalent on Saturday after the airport underwent a ground stop last night for several hours

'This gambit that was done last night is a joke,' Johnson said.

Instead, the House on Friday night passed a bill to fund the entire department through May 22. The vote was 213-203.

Johnson said he had spoken with Trump about the House Republican plan and the president supported it.

House Republicans were livid that the bill passed by the Senate did not fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol. Democrats refused to fund those departments without changes to immigration enforcement practices.
A former oil company executive says ministers should consider enforcing driving restrictions amid an impending fuel supply crisis.

Nick Butler, former BP head of strategy and a policy advisor to ex-PM Gordon Brown, said limiting drivers to alternate days based on their vehicle's registration number would be one measure.

Another would be for employers to allow an extra day off for staff every week to reduce commuter traffic.

He urged the Government to reassure people by telling them 'what was going to happen' if the Iran war dragged on.

'If supplies are cut by 20 per cent, then someone is using 20 per cent less,' he said.

'The Government has to protect the key sectors of the economy  food supply, health service, schools and so on  and then it has to work out how it's going to manage the market for the rest of us.

'I don't think they can just leave it to a free-for-all, which would be chaotic and very regressive and unfair to those of limited ability to pay.

'I don't think it's going to be ration books.

'A lot of countries around the world are now beginning to look at how to gently reduce consumption  driving alternate days for different registration numbers, having an extra day's holiday a week  that's what some countries in the Far East are doing.

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A worker attaches a sign to pumps out of order at an Asda petrol station in Manchester, Greater Manchester

'Those sort of measures are a form of rationing that will constrain demand to bring a new balance with supply.'

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the squeeze on fuel would not be resolved quickly  even if political agreement was reached.

'There is real damage to facilities and supplies,' he said. 'Some refineries have been knocked out, the gas terminal in Qatar has been knocked out and that will take a long while to put back into order.

'So we're going to have a problem over quite an extended period.'

Mr Butler, a visiting professor at King's College London, said ministers needed to maximise production of the UK's North Sea oil, although this was not an immediate solution.

Meanwhile, consumers should be protected against price-gouging by fuel suppliers through 'forensic audits' of company accounts.

'The Government should be setting out a plan now to manage really serious potential shortages which could develop if this conflict goes on and [the Strait of] Hormuz isn't opened pretty soon,' he added.

'The risk is panic buying, which would be terrible. The Government has a responsibility to calm the market by showing how they are going to cope with this situation.'

Meanwhile, small petrol stations are being forced to close their pumps rather than charge 2 per litre as supermarkets warn of 'tight' supplies amid the war in Iran.

As the conflict between Tehran and the US and Israel entered its second month on Saturday, consumers and businesses are feeling the pinch of spiralling fuel prices.

Queues continue to mass at petrol stations across Britain with short-term supply issues in some areas since Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, which typically sees 20 per cent of the world's oil supply pass through it each year.

On Saturday, the conflict showed no sign of abating as the Houthi rebels in Yemen entered the war with a ballistic missile strike launched towards Israel.

Experts now fear that the Houthis could close the Suez Canal.

The latest development raises concerns that prices could spike even further if the Houthis resume their previous strikes on shipping in the Red Sea.

This week, some small petrol station owners shut up shop rather than be forced to charge customers up to 2 per litre for fuel. And at leading supermarkets, some pumps were closed as supplies simply ran out.

Forecourt bosses say they have been accused of 'profiteering' from the crisis - which the industry has firmly denied - by the Government and are facing abuse from angry customers.

Smoke billows after explosions heard in Tehran, Iran, March 28

A photograph shows a portrait of Iran's slain supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the rubble of a destroyed building at the site of an overnight Israeli airstrike in Beirut's southern suburbs on March 28

Smaller forecourts are typically the first to be hit by rising prices, and many are choosing to close rather than have to pass on the astronomical price rises to customers.

Today, average petrol prices hit 150.11p per litre, while diesel rose again to 177.68p.

Mollie Ellis, who runs her family business Youlgrave Garage in the Derbyshire Dales, told how she shut the pumps two weeks ago after refusing to pass on higher prices to her customers.

Ms Ellis told the Times she was faced with charging customers 180p per litre of petrol and 200p per litre of diesel - something she was not prepared to do.

She stopped selling fuel on March 13, not wanting to face allegations of profiteering from angry customers or buy fuel at a loss that she couldn't then sell.

'We can't afford to take that hit. We're a one-mechanic garage,' she said. 'I don't want to be at a point where I'm being seen to rip customers off, and people think that we're profiteering, because a lot of colleagues in the industry are getting so much abuse.'

Beth Ballard, who runs a forecourt at H Ballard & Son car showroom in Welshpool, stopped selling petrol on March 19.

The last straw for her was being quoted a wholesale price of more than 150p per litre before any tax or operating costs, while her competitors' prices were below 140p.

She said: 'We are normally praised for being the cheapest in Welshpool, so it was just a big fat no. We're not going to do that.'

Long queues at the Costco Filling station on March 27

Independent fuel stations are more likely to have fuel purchase agreements which see them buy based on the previous week's, or even day's, prices, than rivals such as supermarkets.

This means they are more vulnerable to market volatility and tend to be the first to have to pass on large price rises to customers.

Elsewhere, more than two dozen US troops have been wounded in Iranian strikes on a Saudi air base in the past week, sources have said, including 15 in an incident at the Prince Sultan air base on Friday.

Strikes continued across the region overnight, including in Iran, Lebanon, Israel and Bahrain.

Israel has threatened to escalate strikes on the Islamic regime, while US President Donald Trump yesterday hinted he was considering sending troops into the region - something Iran warned would see them exact a heavy price.

Trump also threatened to abandon Nato after his European allies declined to intervene to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump said the US does not 'have to be there for Nato', in his latest comments, hitting out at his allies for not joining in his and Israel's war on the Islamic Republic.

Speaking to an investment forum in Miami on Friday night, the President said he was upset that European Nato countries had declined to provide material support to the US as the conflict entered its second month.

Trump has threatened to abandon Nato after his European allies declined to intervene to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz

'We would have always been there for them, but now, based on their actions, I guess we don't have to be, do we?' he told the audience.

'That sounds like a breaking story? Yes, sir. Is that breaking news? I think we just have breaking news, but that's the fact. I've been saying that. Why would we be there for them if they're not there for us? They weren't there for us.'

European allies were not consulted by the US on its decision to attack Iran late last month, and many leaders in the alliance opposed the action.

It comes as the White House continues to give mixed messages about their intentions in the conflict, with Trump flitting between claims that the war is all but won and threatening major escalation, possibly even troops on the ground.
Follow all the latest updates on the conflict in the Middle East on our live blog

US President Donald Trump threatened to abandon Nato on Friday night after his European allies declined to intervene to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump said the US does not 'have to be there for Nato', in his latest comments hitting out at his allies for not joining in his and Israel's war on the Islamic Republic.

Speaking to an investment forum in Miami on Friday night, the President said he was upset that European Nato countries had declined to provide material support to the US as the conflict enters its second month.

'We would have always been there for them, but now, based on their actions, I guess we don't have to be, do we?' he told the audience.

'That sounds like a breaking story? Yes, sir. Is that breaking news? I think we just have breaking news, but that's the fact. I've been saying that. Why would we be there for them if they're not there for us? They weren't there for us.'

European allies were not consulted by the US on its decision to attack Iran late last month, and many leaders in the alliance opposed the action.

It comes as the White House continues to give mixed messages about their intentions in the conflict, with Trump flitting between claims that the war is all but won and threatening major escalation, possibly even troops on the ground.

Today the war widened once again after the Houthi rebels, an armed terror militia in Yemen, launched a missile attack on Israel.

Speaking to an investment forum in Miami on Friday night, the President said he was upset that European Nato countries had declined to provide material support to the US as the conflict enters its second month

Wreckage of a car garage in Tehran is pictured today, following US-Israeli strikes across Iran

It is the first time the Houthis, which are backed by Iran, have entered the conflict and has sparked fears of another major escalation through increased threats to shipping.

Experts have warned that if the group begins attacking ships in the Red Sea, as it did in 2024 amid the war in Gaza, or the Suez Canal, the global economy could be severely damaged.

The Strait of Hormuz closure by Iran has already sent oil prices spiralling, with other vital global resources such as fertiliser also affected.

Trump has had a famously on-again-off-again relationship with Nato, and he has at various points made comments that provoked questions about his willingness to adhere to Nato's Article 5, which states an attack against one member state is an attack on all.

Washington-Brussels relations soured in 2026 after Trump ramped up his threats to invade Greenland, which is an overseas territory of Denmark.

He then made relations worse by baselessly claiming that Nato troops, including British personnel, stayed away from the front lines in Afghanistan.

And since the beginning of the Iran conflict last month, he has branded countries in the alliance 'cowards'.

Last week, he shared a post on Truth Social which read: 'Without the U.S.A., NATO IS A PAPER TIGER!

'They didn't want to join the fight to stop a Nuclear Powered Iran.

Missile traces are seen over the West Bank on Saturday night, believed to belong to a missile launched by Yemen's Houthi rebels

A large plume of smoke rises over Tehran after explosions were reported in the city last night

Wreckage is seen in the suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon after almost a month of Israeli strikes on the country

Last week Trump called Nato members 'cowards' and said the alliance was a 'paper tiger'

'Now that fight is Militarily WON, with very little danger for them, they complain about the high oil prices they are forced to pay, but don't want to help open the Strait of Hormuz, a simple military maneuver that is the single reason for the high oil prices.

'So easy for them to do, with so little risk. COWARDS, and we will REMEMBER!'

Nato allies have repeatedly said that Trump's war on Iran does not engage Article 5, meaning they are not obliged to join the conflict.

The President has also criticised Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, saying he is 'no Winston Churchill', and referred to British aircraft carriers as 'toys' since the outbreak of the war.

Sir Keir has said Trump is attempting to 'put pressure' on him and the wider Government to get involved in Iran.

Today it was claimed Trump is considering ramping up his demands of his Nato allies, by introducing a 'pay to play' style system that would see nations stripped of powers if they fail to meet a 5 per cent spending target on defence.

Nato members currently already spend at least 2 per cent of their GDP on defence, after Trump urged Nato members to double their military funding in 2018.

The alliance's secretary-general Mark Rutte said leaders would have to set out plans for reaching the new 5 per cent target at a summit in Turkey later this year.

Join the discussion Is America right to demand more from its NATO allies, or is Trump damaging crucial alliances out of spite?

Lebanese residents inspect the heavy damage to their homes and buildings following an Israeli airstrike on the town of Sakesakiye, near Sidon in southern Lebanon

Residents carry personal belongings as they leave a building damaged in a missile strike in Tel Aviv, Israel, early on Saturday

Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrives in the UAE for a previously unannounced visit on Saturday

Trump and other Nato leaders pose for a photo at last year's summit at The Hague, on June 25

An administration source told the Telegraph: 'The frustration we've had with the Europeans has been very real.

'Any country that's not paying 5 per cent shouldn't be allowed to vote on future expenditures at Nato.'

A US source added: 'We need to start the conversation about what is a threat and what does the alliance do. We have to send the message that what Spain and the UK did is unacceptable.'

The proposals by Trump could see under-spending member nations excluded from decisions on expansion, joint missions and the triggering of the Article 5 mutual defence clause, which would see countries go to war.

Britain is hitting the current 2 per cent target, but proportionately spends less on defence than 13 other Nato allies.

Nato's annual report published on Thursday found Britain spent 2.33 per cent of its GDP on defence last year - just above Romania, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia.

The change would also need consensus from other Nato members - and since many allies are unlikely to approve of Trump's proposal, a further battle with Trump could ensue.

Elsewhere on Saturday, it was confirmed that at least two dozen US troops have been injured in attacks on a single air base in Saudi Arabia this week.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a surprise visit to the region to strike defence deals with the UAE and Qatar.

He said on Saturday that deals he signed with Gulf nations during a tour in the region envisaged a decade-long cooperation on defence, including on establishing joint production lines.

'We are talking about a 10-year cooperation. We have already signed a relevant agreement with Saudi Arabia, we have just signed a similar agreement with Qatar, also for 10 years, we will sign one with the Emirates,' Zelensky told reporters.

Earlier Zelensky said his country and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to cooperate on defence amid drones Iran launches in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes.

Ukraine also signed an air defence agreement with Saudi Arabia during Zelensky's visit to the kingdom on Friday.

Kyiv has sought to leverage its expertise in downing Russian drones to help Gulf nations and has deployed anti-drone experts to all three countries Zelensky has visited during his diplomatic tour.

'The agreement includes collaboration in technological fields, development of joint investments and the exchange of expertise in countering missiles and unmanned aerial systems,' Qatar's defence ministry said in a statement during Zelensky's visit.

Strikes continued across the Middle East on Saturday, including in Lebanon, Iran and Israel.

An Iranian attack reportedly caused 'significant' damage to equipment at Kuwait International Airport, while Tehran also claimed to have struck a US support vessel close the Omani port of Salalah.
A suspect in Paris has been arrested after he attempted to detonate an improvised bomb outside a Bank of America branch.

The suspected terror attack was thwarted in the early hours of this morning when a man was spotted attempting to detonate an explosive device on Rue de la Boetie - a major road in Paris.

The device, consisting of a five-litre transparent container filled with an unidentified liquid and a charge of approximately 650 grams of explosive powder, was seized by French police.

French media has reported that the would-be attacker was accompanied by another person who fled the scene.

During police questioning the man claimed he had been dropped off outside the Bank of America building in a car.

He claims he was recruited on the social media site Snapchat and offered 600 for detonating the bomb.

Police rushed to the scene where the man was found attempted to set fire to a jerry can.

France's interior minister Laurent Nunez praised the Parisian police for their 'rapid intervention' to halt the attack.

The suspected terror attack was thwarted in the early hours of this morning when a man was spotted attempting to detonate an explosive device outside the Parisian office of the Bank of America on Rue de la Boetie (pictured: the scene of the incident today)

'Well done to the rapid intervention of a police prefecture crew which made it possible to thwart a violent terrorist action last night in Paris,' she said.

Ms Nunez added that the anti-terrorism prosecutor's office was now taking over the investigation.

The attempted attack comes after a spree of other terrorist incidents across Europe.

Earlier this month an explosion occurred outside a synagogue in the Belgian city of Liege. Just days later a synagogue in Rotterdam was targeted by arsonists.

And last week in London four ambulances belonging to the Jewish community next to a synagogue in Golders Green were torched.

The Metropolitan Police have since arrested two men in connection with the incident.
They were Scotlands earliest inhabitants - bands of hunter-gatherers who roamed the mountains more than 10,000 years ago.

But precious evidence of the countrys Stone Age ancestors is at risk of being lost forever.

For experts fear a site high in the Cairngorms that has already yielded a tantalising glimpse into the lives of our prehistoric forebears could soon be destroyed by flooding and erosion.

Now an urgent archaeological rescue mission is being planned to unearth and preserve further evidence before it disappears completely.

The focus of the project is at Chest of Dee on the Mar Lodge Estate near Braemar in Aberdeenshire, which is owned and managed by the National Trust for Scotland.

NTS senior archaeologist Dr Daniel Rhodes said: The area is rich in archaeological material telling the fascinating story of Scotlands earliest human habitation - but it could be lost forever.

We have seen erosion accelerating in the past couple of years - hence the sense of urgency. We need to safeguard as much of the archaeology as possible.

The first evidence of the areas Stone Age inhabitants was unearthed by accident in 2003 when NTS staff maintaining footpaths discovered a collection of shaped stones - which turned out to be prehistoric flint tools.

Over the next two decades, excavations were carried out in the area near Chest of Dee, which is a series of waterfalls in a rocky gorge on the remote upper reaches of the River Dee deep in the heart of the Cairngorms mountain range.

Precious evidence of the countrys Stone Age ancestors is at risk of being lost forever

The remains are at Chest of Dee on the Mar Lodge Estate near Braemar in Aberdeenshire

Archaeologists excavating at a site in Glen Dee in September 2022

The discoveries helped paint a vivid picture of life in the Mesolithic Period - and of a dramatically altered landscape.

Dr Rhodes explained: What we found offered an insight into Scotlands earliest occupants, the hunter-gatherers who were moving through the landscape over a long period of time between 9,000BC and 4,000BC.

Stand in the Cairngorms today and you see a treeless and unpopulated mountain wilderness. But charcoal found in the fire-pits that have been unearthed in the area show that in 7,500BC the valley bottom was an open woodland of pine, birch, hazel and rowan.

The theory is that, thousand of years ago, hunter gatherers were travelling through the low passes between the mountains, possibly following the herds of animals they were hunting. They were camping among the trees and digging pits for fires so they could cook and keep warm.

Evidence suggests they were making tools here: blades and scrapers for butchering animals, for cutting the plants they foraged, and for cooking.

However the NTS is facing a race against time to protect the site.

Dr Rhodes said: The natural movement of the river is washing evidence away. And with climate change we are seeing more periods of extreme wet weather, which increases the risk of flooding and erosion, and also more periods of extreme hot weather which can allow soil to blow away.

As a result, the NTS is launching an Archaeology Rescue project and is currently advertising for skilled experts.

Documents state: It has been identified that the banks of the River Dee at the Chest of Dee, on the Mar Lodge Estate, contain rare prehistoric archaeological remains from the period of earliest human activity in Scotland. These remains are eroding into the river. Archaeological excavation and recording are needed to prevent the loss of this rare cultural heritage.

The work will include mapping and describing the site, producing detailed plans for excavation, manage excavations, and logging all the findings.

The National Trust for Scotland is a conservation charity, with more than 330,000 members, that protects and promotes the nations natural and cultural heritage.

Archaeologists believe Mesolithic people headed into the hills carrying their own provisions which they later supplemented by hunting deer, fish and birds and foraging for plants and fungi.

Larger mammals, such as deer, also provided them with skins for use in clothing and shelters, sinews for bindings and antler and bone for use in making tools.
Staff at a scandal-hit hospital mortuary have released the wrong persons body six times since the facility opened.

The Scottish Mail on Sunday can reveal a series of blunders at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) morgue have resulted in five complaints being submitted to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, with one family cremating the wrong person after believing they were their relative.

The 1billion hospital opened in 2015 and has been plagued with problems ever since, including being at the centre of a public inquiry after cancer patients contracted rare bugs while treated there.

In December of last year, it was revealed that mortuary staff had been suspended and an investigation launched after a corpse mix-up resulted in a family cremating someone who wasnt their relative.

The mistake was only discovered after the funeral had taken place, leaving another family without their loved ones remains.

And we told of how grieving woman Nicole Brammer was left traumatised after discovering her grandmothers body had been released to a funeral director that she hadnt employed after she died at the QEUH in November 2025.

Ms Brammers beloved grandmother Agnes Lane had to be retrieved by the correct undertaker after her body ended up with a different company.

It is believed that there has only been one incident of the wrong person being cremated, with the other five incidents being discovered before any final arrangements had taken place.

The Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow has been at the centre of scandals

Agnes Lane's body was handed over to a funeral director her family had not contracted

r Sandesh Gulhane said there should be police involvement with the mix-ups at the morgue

Scottish Conservative Dr Sandesh Gulhane branded the blunders unforgiveable and called for a police probe.

He said: At a time when families are grieving, these shocking blunders cause significant distress. One incident is too many. Six is scandalous.

Police Scotland should investigate this matter.

Scottish Labour health spokeswoman Jackie Baillie said: This is a concerning revelation, and it will no doubt worry families who have lost loved ones at the QEUH.

The release of a body in error would undoubtedly be distressing, and my sympathies extend to all those who have been affected.

This is not the first time this has happened, and urgent steps must be taken by the hospital and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to ensure that it does not happen again.

According to NHSGGC, five complaints have been submitted about the QEUH mortuary service since it opened in 2015, and six people have been incorrectly released after their deaths.

It is understood an internal investigation is still ongoing into the blunder that resulted in someone being wrongly cremated last year, while the Inspector of Burial, Cremation and Funeral Directors is also probing the mix-up.

Dr Scott Davidson, the NHSGGC medical director, issued an apology previously and said that while the health board mortuaries had very rigorous identification and labelling processes, it was of deep regret that these have not been adhered to and that a family have been caused significant additional distress.

An NHSGGC spokesman apologised to families affected by any mortuary mishaps at the QEUH.

He said: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde offers a sincere apology to the affected families.

We recognise the additional distress this has caused and are committed to learning from these incidents to strengthen our processes.
The agent of a top model who jumped to her death two years after visiting Jeffrey Epstein's island aged 18 begged the disgraced financier to have sex with women, new emails reveal.

Ramsey Elkholy, a US-based former model agent, sent the disgraced financier hundreds of emails discussing women over the course of a decade, according to files recently released by Department of Justice (DOJ).

The emails, sent across a ten-year period, include references to women's bodies and their attitudes toward sex, and discuss Elkholy setting up meetings between Epstein and women as young as 18.

Notably, they reference top Russian model Ruslana Korshunova, who died by suicide in 2009  two years after visiting Epstein's Caribbean island aged only 18.

Korshunova, a rising star of the fashion industry, traveled to Little St James island on Epstein's Boeing 727 - dubbed the Lolita Express - shortly before her death.

The model, whose appearance in Epstein's flight logs raising concerns she had been exploited, jumped from a ninth-floor balcony of a building in New York.

Emails shared between Epstein and the agent appear to suggest she had been represented by Elkholy.

New emails have revealed Ramsey Elkholy (pictured) sent hundreds of emails to Jeffrey Epstein begging the disgraced financier to have sex with women

The emails include reference to top Russian model Ruslana Korshunova (pictured) who died by suicide in 2009  two years after visiting Epstein's Caribbean island aged only 18

Speaking to the BBC, Elkholy - who now describes himself as an anthropologist and musician - said he regrets his association with Epstein and the language used in some of the emails.

However, he said he was not aware the financier had been abusing women and said he was not a member of Epstein's inner circle.

The DOJ files suggest Elkholy was in contact with Epstein from at least 2009 until shortly before the financier's death in 2019.

A search for Elkholy's name on the DOJ website returns over 2,000 results. However, many results are duplicated, with Elkholy telling the broadcaster the files prove he only met Epstein ten to 12 times over the ten-year period.

However, the emails are numerous - and reference models among those Epstein abused, which the FBI estimates to be approximately 1,000 women and girls.

In an email sent to the paedophile in 2009, just months after he had been released from prison charged with soliciting prostitution from a minor, Elkholy described Epstein as a 'solid person.'

He said: 'I don't need to tell you that I also value your friendship.

'The reason I never ask for anything in return for introducing you to models is because I consider it more of a favor and I know that you are also good for favors.

Korshunova (pictured) traveled to Epstein's island Little St James island shortly before her death

'You're a solid person Jeffrey and that means the world to me.'

In another email sent in 2009, Elkholy appeared to acknowledge Epstein's preference for younger women.

Writing to Epstein, he described a 'very hot blonde,' but added that: 'I know 23 is on the old side for you.' At the time, Epstein was 56.

In a 2010 message, Elkholy suggested the paedophile meet an 18-year-old Russian college student that he described as 'gorgeous.'

He told the BBC he hoped that by introducing younger models to Epstein, it would aid their modelling careers.

He wrote: 'I think you will like her.' Epstein's assistant replied to say he did not want to meet her.

A number of messages addressed to Epstein from Elkholy also reference women's bodies and their attitude to sex.

In 2010, Elkholy described a 19-year-old as a '5'11 barbie doll' but added she was a 'hard core christian, so i don't think that will work, which is a shame.'

Paedophile Jeffrey Epstein (pictured) was arrested only three months after his last correspondence with Elkholy. On August 10, 2019, he was found dead in his prison cell

He also described another woman as a 'business-minded sex machine.'

Moreover, another email appeared to leverage a woman's financial situation in Epstein's favour.

Two days after informing Epstein of a woman who was 'desperate for cash,' Elkholy said he hoped the paedophile was 'getting some mileage' out of the woman's situation 'being all alone' in New York.

Epstein responded 'zero,' to which Elkholy said: 'Jeffrey PLEASE just try her in bed... I really need that so I can feel whole about all this because she's such a pain in the ass. I also think it would be good to get her to know what it is like to get really [expletive].'

Elkholy claimed the message was sent with the woman's permission.

In 2016, Elkholy pitched a number of investments to the financier, which included modelling agencies, a competition and magazines.

In an email referencing an investment in an agency, Elkholy suggested Epstein was 'more interested in the access to women' - swapping the word 'women' for an emoji.

Regarding his modelling competition idea, he said over the period of nine months, '200,000' girls would participate across dozens of cities.

He wrote that this idea was suitable for Epstein as the winner was usually 'another overlooked girl' and he could fly the girls to 'wherever' in the US, Caribbean or Paris.

In the same year, Elkholy suggested he and Epstein buy a Brazilian fashion magazine together, saying in an email: 'You could easily have 20-30 girls trying for the cover each month. Just an idea.'

And when Epstein did not jump at the idea, Elkholy's response was to lament 'all the girls' he could have had sex with if they had bought the magazine.

Elkholy then said he would buy the Brazilian edition instead 'for a couple hundred k,' which would ensure 'a steady stream' of women, referring to them by using an expletive for female genitals.

The correspondence lasted between the pair until 2019, when Epstein's dark past finally began to catch up with him.

Their final emails, however, concerned bringing a Russian woman to the US.

Elkholy said: 'She will be in London if you want to import her.'

Epstein responded saying acquiring a US visa would be difficult.

In response, Elkholy said: 'Maybe she can try for some kind of student visa?' to which Epstein suggested trying Dubai.

Epstein was arrested for the second time only three months later, and on August 10, 2019, he was found dead in his prison cell.

He had been held at New York's Metropolitan Correctional Center on sex trafficking and conspiracy charges ahead of trial.
A Lithuanian man has claimed he was fined 1,000 by a jobsworth Labour council after putting an empty envelope in a public bin.

Nidas Ratkevicius, 47, thought it was a 'joke' when he received a letter from Hounslow council alleging he had been caught fly-tipping after the envelope was found inside a black bin bag in a bin meant for purple bags.

The father has been left 'shocked' by the ordeal after being slapped with the 'huge' fixed penalty notice, which he said was 'not fair'.

However the local authority dismissed his concerns and had stood by the decision to issue the fine, saying it has a 'zero tolerance' policy towards fly-tipping, before pausing it.

Mr Ratkevicius told LBC: 'It's like taking bread from my family, 1,000 is not small money. For me, it's huge.'

The 47-year-old said he doesn't even remember the moment the incident took place, adding that he was trying to do the right thing because he 'saw a bin and put rubbish in it'.

He said: 'I thought it was a joke... I opened the letter and couldn't believe it. For an envelope? I was shocked. For 10, okay... but 1,000?

'It's too much. It's not fair. I said I'm sorry if I made a mistake. But this is not right. This is not justice.'

Nidas Ratkevicius, 47, thought it was a 'joke' when he received a 1,000 fine for putting an empty envelope in a Hounslow street bin

Despite doing what he thought was right, Mr Ratkevicius told how there were fly-tipped mattresses, bags and other debris around the bin where he discarded the empty envelope.

Hounslow council issued the father with the heavy penalty after the envelope, which contained his name and address, was discovered.

The local authority issued 1,842 fines for 1,000 between April and December 2025 after the maximum penalty was increased by the previous Conservative government.

In July 2023 the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) hiked the upper limit that councils could impose for fly-tipping, from 400 to 1,000, in a move to crack down on 'litter louts'.

Labour councillor Pritam Grewal, who is responsible for Hounslow's enforcement strategy, told LBC in a statement: 'We are committed to protecting the local environment and taking a zero-tolerance approach to fly-tipping.

'Keeping our streets and public spaces clean is a top priority for residents, many of whom are frustrated by others in the community who ignore the rules and dump rubbish.

'While no one likes receiving a fine, residents expect us to tackle offences and hold offenders accountable consistently.

'Fly-tipping not only makes our streets messy and unpleasant, but it also costs the council 4million a year - taxpayers' money that should be spent on services and projects that benefit our communities.'

Hounslow council issued Mr Ratkevicius with the heavy penalty after the envelope, which contained his name and address, was discovered

A spokesperson for Hounslow council told the Daily Mail: 'We thank Mr Ratkevicius for bringing this matter to our attention. Because Mr Ratkevicius has not admitted to the offence, and early evidence in this case remains inconclusive, we have put the FPN on hold while we investigate further.

'Evidence linking this individual to a bag to fly-tipped waste (an addressed envelope bearing Mr Ratkevicius name and address) was found on Manor Avenue, one of our Boroughs fly-tipping hotspots.

'We are inviting Mr Ratkevicius to attend an interview under caution to help us understand how and why waste linked to his address came to be dumped at this location.

'In addition to this interview, we will also be reviewing CCTV from the area to help us understand how this waste came to be dumped at Manor Avenue. We are grateful for any information Mr Ratkevicius is able to provide to assist us with our investigation.'

Mr Ratkevicius is not the first person to receive a fly-tipping fine over an envelope. In 2024, Stoke City Council jobsworths slapped a couple with a 400 littering fine after one of them put an envelope in a public bin, and they were tracked down by the address on the front.

Deborah and Ian Day were hit with fines of 200 each after fishing out the envelope which contained their address.

Mrs Day, who lives in Bentilee, Stoke-on-Trent, was on her way to work when she put the envelope in the street bin on her road.

But council investigators said this breaches sections 87 and 88 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and constituted it as an offence of littering because household waste cannot be put in a public bin.

And the incident in Hounslow comes after a woman was slapped with a 150 fine in October for pouring the remnants of her coffee down a drain after she was 'chased' by three council officers.

Burcu Yesilyurt, from Kew, west London, said she tipped a small amount of the drink from her reusable cup down the road gully because she didn't want to spill it on the bus.

But moments later, she was 'shocked' to see three male enforcement officers 'chasing' her down the street as she stood at the bus stop near Richmond station.

Three male enforcement officers 'chased' Burcu Yesilyurt down the street as she stood at the bus stop near Richmond station (pictured)

The officers fined her 150 under Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, reduced to 100 if she paid within 14 days.

Ms Yesilyurt said she found the encounter 'quite intimidating' and was left feeling 'shaky' on her way to work.

But Richmond-upon-Thames Council insisted its officers 'acted professionally and objectively' and were 'justified' in issuing the fine.

A spokesperson said body-worn camera footage was reviewed and they did 'not agree that officers behaved aggressively'.

The council later said it had cancelled the fine and was 'reviewing our advice on the disposal of liquids in a public place'.

Ms Yesilyurt told the BBC: 'I noticed my bus was approaching, so I just poured the leftover bit. It wasn't much, it was just a tiny little bit.

'As soon as I turned around, I noticed three men, enforcement officers, chasing me, and they stopped me immediately.'

She claimed she was not aware that pouring liquid down a drain was against the law when she did so on October 10.

It is an offence under Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to dispose of waste 'in a manner likely to pollute water or land'. Tipping liquids into street drains falls under this rule.
A United States Air Force plane declared an emergency as it flew from Israel to a British airbase today.

The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, which departed Ben Gurion Airport earlier bound for RAF Mildenhall, is reported to have declared an emergency over a hydraulic issue, according to an aircraft tracking account on X.

The crew reportedly asked whether London Heathrow could be used as a diversion airport because they required a long runway, though the aircraft currently still appears to be heading for Mildenhall.

The plane, REACH 123, is one of the US military's large refuelling aircraft, used to top up American bombers mid-flight during long-range missions.

It later appeared to have landed safely at Mildenhall.

The incident comes after all six crew members on a US KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft which crashed in western Iraq were killed earlier this month.

The US KC-135 plane went down in the western part of Iraq, which authorities said was 'friendly airspace', and the tragedy was not caused by 'hostile fire'.

The Department of War named Captain Ariana G. Savino, Major John 'Alex' Klinner, Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt, Captain Seth R. Koval, Captain Curtis J. Angst and Sergeant Tyler H. Simmons as the victims of the crash.

The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, which departed Ben Gurion Airport earlier bound for RAF Mildenhall, is reported to have declared an emergency over a hydraulic issue, according to an aircraft tracking account on X (stock image of a Boeing C-135)

A United States Air Force plane declared an emergency as it flew into a UK base from Israel

The plane, REACH 123, is one of the US military's large refuelling aircraft, used to top up American bombers mid-flight during long-range missions. It later appeared to have landed safely

Washington resident Savino, 31, was assigned to the sixth Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida. A loved one remembered her as an 'Air Force superstar'.

'She was one of those people who lit up every room she walked into,' they said.

'That smile of hers wasn't just infectious, it was disarming. She brought energy, grit, and a ruthless commitment to making everyone around her better.'

Klinner, 33, had a wife, seven-month-old twins and a two-year-old son, his brother-in-law, James Harrill, said Saturday while confirming his death.

'It's kind of heartbreaking to say: He was just a really good dad and really loved his family a lot  like a lot,' Harrill said.

Klinner had just been promoted to major in January and had been deployed for less than a week when the refueling aircraft he was aboard crashed in Iraq on Thursday.

The father-of-three was survived by his wife, Libby Klinner, who said her world 'shattered' when she got the news that her husband was among the victims.

'I'm devastated to lose the best person I know, the person that made everything more fun, my best friend,' Libby wrote on social media.

'But even more so, my heart is broken for our three kids who will grow up not knowing him.'

Klinner had been deployed for less than a week when he died, and his young family had just moved into a new home. They had been living in Birmingham since 2022.
Americas $13billion aircraft carrier has been sidelined from operations in the Iran conflict after a string of onboard failures, from eco-friendly toilets that fail to flush to a fire that tore through parts of the ship.

The USS Gerald R Ford, the largest aircraft carrier in the world and the most expensive warship ever built by the US, could be forced out of action for up to a year, according to the New York Post.

The 1,106-foot vessel left the Red Sea and is now docked in Crete for repairs after being pulled from the conflict just two weeks after joining operations against Iran.

The vessel has been plagued by issues for years, including persistent problems with its sanitation system dating back to at least 2020. Frequent clogs and repairs have cost at least $4million.

Those eco-friendly toilets are not pressurized in the same way. They dont flush through, naval expert Steve Wills told the outlet.

It comes just days after Trump made a scathing remark about Great Britain's aircraft carrier, calling it a 'toy' before mocking the UK's decision to send ships when the Iran war is over.

The commander in chief has been vocal about his condemnation of the UK's lack of support for his war against Iran.

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".'

Americas $13billion USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier has been pulled from operations in the Iran conflict after a series of failures, including faulty toilets, sewage issues and a fire that damaged living areas

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has not publicly commented on the reported issues aboard the USS Gerald R Ford

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 problems stem from the ships vacuum collection, holding and transfer system, a high-tech design adapted from the cruise ship industry that has required constant maintenance.

A 2020 Government Accountability Office report found the system required onerous day-to-day maintenance, with each so-called 'acid flush' costing about $400,000.

Virginia Senator Tim Kaine raised concerns earlier this month about the ships persistent sewage system failures and inoperable laundry facilities following its extended deployment.

The carrier had been operating in the Middle East in support of US efforts against Iran before it was pulled from service.

Kaine warned the situation was taking a toll on the crew, writing to Navy Secretary John Phelan: I am deeply concerned about the compounding mental and physical toll this long deployment and uncertainty is taking on our Sailors.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has not publicly commented on the reported issues aboard the USS Gerald R Ford.

He added that sailors and their families were being pushed to a breaking point by an unpredictable schedule and a ship that, despite its $13billion price tag, was failing to meet basic living standards.

The United Stated Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford arrives in Souda Bay on March 23, 2026 in Souda, Greece

Harbor tugboats approach the USS Gerald R Ford off Split, Croatia, on March 28, 2026, during a maintenance stop after Middle East operations

The carrier operates as a floating city with a crew of roughly 4,500 sailors.

According to the report, the Navy installed a new toilet and sewage system similar to those used on commercial aircraft but scaled up for a crew of more than 4,000.

The ship was also hit by a fire on March 12 in a laundry area, which filled multiple sections with smoke, damaged berthing spaces and left some living quarters unusable.

Smoke is believed to have spread through the ships air circulation system, contaminating mattresses and linens and rendering some areas virtually unlivable.

The damage was so severe that helicopters were used to transport laundry to other ships after onboard facilities were knocked out.

Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed said the fallout was severe, with hundreds of sailors forced to sleep on the floor for days.

Im told that there are 400 sailors that spent many days sleeping on the floor, Reed said. Its been at sea now for almost a year, so that is an incredible stress on the whole crew.

The warship has been deployed for around nine months, adding to concerns about strain on personnel.

The Navys 6th Fleet said the carrier remains fully mission capable and will undergo assessment, repairs and resupply, though no timeline has been given.

An investigation into the fire is now underway.

Meanwhile, the USS George H W Bush carrier strike group is heading toward the Mediterranean to support operations, though it uses a similar sanitation system.

The Ford arrived at the Port of Split in Croatia on Saturday, according to the Navy.

The Daily Mail has contacted the Navy for comment.
The father of embattled former Illinois mayor Tiffany Henyard has been shot in Chicago, prompting the politician, infamously dubbed as 'America's worst mayor,' to plead for federal intervention.

Henyard took to social media to confirm that her father, Ronald, was the victim in the shooting, adding in a Facebook statement that she's 'deeply saddened to have to address the issue'.

The 65-year-old was shot in the neck in an alley in the 1300 block of South Kedzie Avenue in the citys North Lawndale neighborhood at around 5.54pm on Wednesday, police said.

He was rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he remains in serious condition. No arrests have been made and detectives are investigating.

My heart is heavy. Keep my family in your prayers, Henyard wrote.

In a longer message signed Super Mayor Tiffany A. Henyard, she said he was an innocent victim of this random and heartbreaking violence.

Yesterday, my father, my hero, was an innocent victim of this random and heartbreaking violence, Henyard wrote. This tragedy has shaken my family to its core and unfortunately it reflects a reality that too many families across our state are facing.

She said the shooting further highlights what many of us already know about gun violence in Chicago and called for stronger action and meaningful solutions.

Tiffany Henyard infamously dubbed Americas worst mayor, confirmed in a Facebook statement that her father had been shot

Ronald Henyard, 65, was shot in the neck in an alley in the 1300 block of South Kedzie Avenue in the citys North Lawndale neighborhood at around 5.54pm on Wednesday, police said

Henyard took to social media to confirm that her father, Ronald, was the victim in the shooting, adding in a Facebook statement that she's 'deeply saddened to have to address the issue'

Henyard urged Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson to seriously reconsider federal assistance from President Donald J. Trump.

Across the country, communities that have welcomed federal support have experienced measurable reductions in crime, she wrote, pointing to Memphis, Washington, D.C., and New Orleans.

She added that Illinois residents deserve to feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods and argued that greater collaboration between leaders has produced results elsewhere.

Her plea marks a shift for the former Democrat, who is now running as a Republican in Georgia after relocating following her time in Illinois politics.

Henyard, 42, served as mayor of Dolton from 2021 to 2025 and also led Thornton Township, dubbing herself super mayor while holding both roles.

Current Dolton Mayor Jason House said he was saddened by the shooting and offered support to Henyards family.

The shooting is the latest development in a string of controversies surrounding Henyard, who has been accused of mismanaging millions in taxpayer funds, racking up lavish spending on town credit cards and presiding over a village that plunged from surplus into deficit.

She lost her re-election bid in a landslide earlier this year, securing just over 12 percent of the vote after a chaotic council meeting brawl.

Henyard is seen smiling widely when she met former President Joe Biden, a Democrat, in 2024 at the White House

In February 2025, she lost her re-election battle by a landslide just after she took part in a chaotic brawl at a council meeting

Henyard first drew national attention in 2024 after officials in her administration were served subpoenas from the FBI as part of an alleged corruption probe into city spending and travel. She was never charged.

Her tenure was marked by repeated clashes with critics and allegations of misconduct, fueling a national reputation for combative leadership.

Since leaving office, she has attempted a political rebrand, switching parties and aligning herself with President Donald J. Trump as she launches a new campaign in Georgia.

The Daily Mail has contacted Henyard for comment.
Police have arrested 18 Palestine Action supporters who were staging a protest outside New Scotland Yard today.

The arrests were confirmed by the Metropolitan Police in an X post, and it comes after the police force vowed to resume arresting people who show support for the group.

'18 people are outside New Scotland Yard, where they are staging a protest in support of Palestine Action, which is a proscribed organisation under the Terrorism Act. Officers are present, and arrests will begin shortly,' the Met Police said earlier today.

Shortly after, the police force confirmed that 'arrests are now underway outside Scotland Yard.'

The Met police stopped arresting Palestine Action supporters following a High Court ruling last month that the ban on the direct action group was unlawful.

After the judgment, the Met said it would stop arresting people for such offences under the Terrorism Act but would gather evidence for potential future prosecutions.

But earlier this week, it said it had 'revised' its enforcement approach, and said that the statement made after the high court's decision was an 'interim position.'

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 government's appeal has been considered, which could take many months.

'That means it is still a criminal offence to support Palestine Action.

Police have arrested 18 Palestine Action supporters who were staging a protest outside New Scotland Yard today

The arrests were confirmed by the Metropolitan Police in an X post and it comes after the police force vowed to resume arresting people who show support for the group

The Met said: '18 people are outside New Scotland Yard, where they are staging a protest in support of Palestine Action, which is a proscribed organisation under the Terrorism Act. Officers are present, and arrests will begin shortly'

Palestine Action was proscribed on July 5 last year by former Home Secretary Yvette Cooper after some high-profile violent protests. Being a member of, or showing support for, the group became an offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison

'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.'

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's appeal against the High Court's decision is due to be heard at the Court of Appeal at the end of April.

The High Court's ruling came as a massive blow to the government and means that more than 2,000 people who were arrested for holding signs or displaying messages supporting the group may now have proceedings dropped.

Palestine Action was proscribed on July 5 last year by former Home Secretary Yvette Cooper after some high-profile violent protests, including a raid on a UK-based defence company that saw a female PC attacked with a sledgehammer.

As a result, being a member of, or showing support for, the group became an offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
As Karoline Leavitt gears up to welcome her second child, there's chatter on who will fill her role during her maternity leave.

Leavitt, 28, is due in May, and three women in her press office are seen as potential stand-ins during her absence: Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly, Assistant Press Secretary Taylor Rogers, and Regional Press Secretary Liz Huston.

Kelly joined the White House in January and brings extensive political experience, having worked on several Republican campaigns.

Prior to being on Leavitt's team, she worked for the Republican National Convention as a national press secretary and as communications director for the House of Representatives, according to her LinkedIn profile.

Kelly also has a background in beauty pageants, including winning the 2019 Miss State Fair of Virginia title.

She used that title to encourage young people to get into politics, according to the Fairfax Times.

'In todays polarized political climate, it is our job to step up to the plate and work to ensure the government we receive is a good one,' she told the outlet.

'It is my goal as Miss State Fair of Virginia to show young people that, contrary to what they might believe, we do have a voice and its about time we used it.'

Karoline Leavitt is expected to give birth to her second child in May

There's been much speculation on who will take over for Leavitt during her maternity leave, including the women in her press office

The Auburn University graduate is also a special assistant to President Donald Trump, her X page said.

Rogers, who got engaged in December, also joined the White House press team at the start of Trump's second term.

Like her boss, Rogers is also an alumnus of Republican National Convention, where she wrote for just under two years before joining the White House.

The Clemson graduate has stood beside Leavitt in the Oval Office and proudly posts about her time at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave on social media.

Huston, an Indiana University graduate, previously worked at StateRAMP, a cybersecurity company, where served as a program manager following an internship.

Leavitt hasn't officially announced when she will go on maternity leave, but the youngest press secretary in history recently hosted her baby shower for her second child.

She posted photos of the events, including a shot of the high-profile Republican posing with her mom, Erin, and her close friends.

She captioned the upload: 'My beautiful friends threw me a beautiful baby shower, and I couldn't be more grateful.

Her Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly, a former beauty queen, could be in the running

Kelly has a strong political background, including spending time at the Republican National Convention and the House of Representatives

'I feel blessed to have so many strong and loving women in my life and can't believe we will welcome our little lady into the world in a few weeks.'

Leavitt, who welcomed her son Niko in July 2024, announced in December that she and her husband are expecting a daughter.

In an Instagram post sharing the happy news, she wrote that her second child is 'the greatest Christmas gift we could ever ask for.'

'My husband and I are thrilled to grow our family and can't wait to watch our son become a big brother,' Leavitt said.

'My heart is overflowing with gratitude to God for the blessing of motherhood, which I truly believe is the closest thing to Heaven on Earth.'

Leavitt also thanked President Trump, saying he and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles have fostered 'a pro-family environment in the White House.'

'2026 is going to be a great year, and I'm so excited to be a girl mom,' she concluded.

Leavitt met her spouse Riccio when she unsuccessfully ran for Congress in New Hampshire in 2022.

Taylor Rogers, with Kelly, works as an assistant press secretary and also previously worked for the Republican National Convention

Liz Huston, the regional press secretary, could also replace Leavitt while she's gone

Last March, she said that the pair have an atypical love story as she addressed their 32-year age gap.

Speaking to Megyn Kelly, Leavitt gushed: 'He is my greatest supporter, he's my best friend, and he's my rock.'

'He's built a very successful business himself so now he's fully supportive of me building my success in my career.'

'He's the father of my child, and he's the best dad I could ever ask for. And he is so supportive, especially during a very chaotic period of life,' she added.
Thieves have stolen 12-tons of KitKat bars in a daring chocolate lorry heist which has sparked fears of an Easter shortage.

The 413,793 bars of the popular sweet treat were being carried in a truck from central Italy to Poland but it never arrived at its final destination.

KitKat, which is owned by the Swiss food giant Nestle, said that the vehicle and the KitKats remain missing as it issues a warning that Europe could now face a supply shortage less than a week before Easter weekend.

In a statement they said while they encourage people to have a break with KitKat it said the thieves had taken 'the message too literally and made a break with more than 12 tonnes of our chocolate'.

They continued: 'Whilst we appreciate the criminals' exceptional taste, the fact remains that cargo theft is an escalating issue for businesses of all sizes.'

KitKat also warned that the missing chocolate bars 'could enter unofficial sales channels across European markets'.

However the missing bars are traceable via a unique batch code and anyone scanning the batch numbers of the stolen chocolate would receive instructions on how to contact KitKat.

'Investigations are ongoing in close collaboration with local authorities and supply chain partners,' it added.

The 413,793 KitKat bars of the popular sweet treat were being carried in a truck from central Italy to Poland but it never arrived at its final destination (file image)

In 2023, KitKat found itself at the centre of another high stakes heist when 55,000 bars, worth 188,437, were held hostage.

The shipment from Japan included rare flavours like melon, matcha latte and daifuku mochi arrived in California but never made it to its final destination in New Jersey.

Instead, they were driven to a storage facility and held there in a bizarre plot by scammers.

The outstanding balance for the storage was around 2,800.
Crack RAF Regiment gunners have made history by becoming drone 'aces' after blasting scores of Iranian missiles out of the sky while defending British bases in the Middle East.

Four personnel achieved 'ace' status by taking out five or more drones while carrying out their role.

The title of 'ace' is based on the same definition as in the Second World War, when pilots were described as such if they shot down five enemies.

Armed forces minister Al Carns lauded them for shooting down Tehran's drones 'night after night, under threat'.

RAF Regiment gunners are specialist soldiers based on the ground at British airbases, aimed at protecting them from threats.

Since the start of the US-Israeli war with Iran, the gunners have been defending UK bases across the Middle East from Iran's Shahed drones.

The new age 'aces' from the regiment have a variety of tools in their arsenal to target the drones, including early warning sensors, electronic warfare, and a short-range missile launching weapon called the Rapid Sentry air defence system.

Crack RAF Regiment gunners have made history by becoming drone 'aces' after blasting scores of Iranian missiles out of the sky while defending British bases in the Middle East. Pictured: One of the Iranian missiles intercepted by the RAF gunners

The gunners have been using a Rapid Sentry air defence system similar to the one pictured (file pic)

Since the start of the US-Israeli war with Iran, the gunners have been defending UK bases across the Middle East from Iran's Shahed drones (file pic)

Mr Carns said: 'Our teams across the Middle East are operating in some of the most demanding conditions imaginable, and they are delivering with professionalism, courage and real combat skill.

'I am hugely proud of our RAF Regiment.

'Night after night, under threat, they are protecting British lives and British interests, and doing so in the finest traditions of the RAF Regiment.

'Several of these heroes have achieved 'ace' status neutralising Iranian drones.

'The first of its kind, it isn't just impressive, it is exceptional.

'We don't say it enough in the UK, but thank you for your service.'

One RAF Regiment gunner 'ace' said the group includes personnel as young as 18 and with less than a year out of training.

They said: 'Under constant threat, we are responsible for detecting, tracking and engaging targets, often while coming under fire, but we continue to load and operate equipment even as missiles land around us.

'We take immense pride in our role. Working long, demanding shifts in high-pressure conditions, we remain focused, determined, and resilient.'

The Rapid Sentry system being used to shoot down Iranian drones approaching British bases is also set to be deployed to Kuwait, Defence Secretary John Healey announced this week

RAF Regiment gunners are specialist soldiers based on the ground at British airbases, aimed at protecting them from threats (file pic)

Air Commodore Paul Hamilton, commander of Global Enablement, said: 'Our deployed gunners are showing outstanding courage to defend deployed UK personnel, allies and partners every day.

'They are genuinely putting their own lives at risk in the defence of others; as their Commandant General, I am extremely proud of the professionalism and self-sacrifice being displayed by these amazing people.'

The Rapid Sentry system being used to shoot down Iranian drones approaching British bases is also set to be deployed to Kuwait, Defence Secretary John Healey announced this week.

The system is armed with lightweight multirole missiles (LMMs), and the UK has said it plans to buy more of these to supply British forces and allies.
Bunnings is running low on jerry cans, Anthony Albanese says, as he labels fuel hoarders un-Australian and announces the government will underwrite the private sector to guarantee fuel shipments into Australia.

Speaking in Sydney on Saturday, the Prime Minister revealed new legislation would be introduced on Monday to allow the underwritingand deliver shiploads of fuel.

Images circulating widely online this week showing people filling up multiple Jerry cans of fuel, and Mr Albanese branded these suspected hoarders as un-Australian.

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Thats not the Australian way. People need to take what they need, and no more, Mr Albanese said.

I was with the head of Bunnings just last week, and had a discussion with him; theyve run out of jerry cans.

Thats not sensible. People need to act responsibly at this time.

However, NewsWire has been told Bunnings is running low on 20L cans in some stores but not totally sold out, and has adequate stocks of smaller cans across its 300 stores.

There has been increased demand and stock levels differ between stores, but our team is working hard to ensure stock availability, as they always do, a Bunnings spokesperson said.

Anthony Albanese MP and Energy Minister Chris Bowen announced the underwriting proposal in Sydney on Saturday. Picture: NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

The federal government will introduce amendments to the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation Act, to formalise the commonwealths ability to underwrite additional cargoes and strategic reserves.

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The deal making expertise of Export Finance Australia will allow them to enter contracts of insurance or indemnity, give guarantees, make loans, or enter arrangements needed to help secure fuel supply from international markets, information from the Prime Ministers office says.

The Fuel Security powers help to address (price rises and shortages) by giving suppliers confidence to secure additional and discretionary cargoes  which will be used to service uncontracted demand, including regional and independent fuel suppliers, the additional information says.

Six of 81 fuel shipment arrivals for April were cancelled but those shipments had already been more than replaced, Mr Albanese said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese claimed Bunnings is sold out of jerry cans. Picture: NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

This is a war that is across the other side of the world, but its having a real impact here, as it is, in every nation, he said.

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Here, people in local communities, farmers, small businesses, miners, are all being impacted. And if you go to your local petrol station and theres no fuel, that causes understandable distress.

I want to keep our people, our economy, and our nation moving.

The underwriting scheme would also help lock in fertiliser deliveries; shortages of which are compounding fuel shortages in the regions and threatening food supply.

Anthony Albanese says motorists pulling into a service station to find the bowsers are empty cause understandable stress. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Put simply, we will use Export Finance Australia to underwrite the purchase of shiploads of fuel that will add to supply here in Australia, Mr Albanese said.

This support from the government will not be business as usual. It has to be additional supplies that are available on the international market.

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And it literally will be underwriting the purchase of shiploads of fuel to get here to Australia.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen has been pushing the fuel companies to be more transparent with their supply and delivery data, given hundreds of service stations are empty but no fuel shipments to Australia have been missed since the war in Iran began.

Australia now has 39 days of petrol, up slightly on the pre-conflict reserve, and 30 days of diesel and jet fuel which hasnt changed since February 28.

What that tells me is that, while the fuel is flowing strongly out the door, especially to regional Australia, it also continues to flow in the door.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen says the decision to release 20 per cent of Australias fuel reserves has flowed through to regional service stations. Picture: NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

Every expected arrival has arrived, and our international supply chain remains secure at this point  Thats important to reassure Australians, Mr Bowen said.

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In a sign the fuel companies are sharing more information with the government, the Minister said since the government released 20 per cent of its strategic reserves, one provider had provided an additional 20 per cent to go to farmers and regional communities which are out of fuel.

Another provider has sent an extra 1200 kilolitres of diesel to a regional distributor, and another unnamed provider had delivered an extra 400 kilolitres to Dubbo in NSW in the midst of seeding season on farms.

While many people fixate on the service station price, publicly available data shows the fuel costs for independent retailers are rising massively.

Independent service stations fill their tanks by buying on fluctuating spot prices; Australian Institute of Petroleum figures show the spot price  the terminal gate price  hit 311.1c per litre of diesel in Sydney on Friday, 310.5c in Melbourne, and the highest was Darwin with 315.1c.

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On Friday, unleaded petrol spot prices were 246.7c in Melbourne and Brisbane, and 246.4c per litre in Sydney.

Darwin has the highest fuel prices of all capital cities. Picture: NewsWire / Sarah Marshall

We know that demand, particularly in rural Australia  because agriculture is at a very busy time  remains exceedingly high, and the supply is still not enough, Mr Bowen said.

But we are increasing supply and working in a very complicated supply chain to get the fuel where it needs to go.

International fuel shipments are available but getting more expensive and risky with fluctuating oil prices, Mr Bowen said.

So companies who do want to order more cargoes, in the national interest, are also facing very difficult decisions. Thats the national interest; that cargo comes to Australia  we want to help the companies make the decision to buy those cargoes, Mr Bowen said.
The Cure guitarist Perry Bamonte left his widow an eye-watering seven-figure sum following his death.

The musician passed away on Christmas Eve last year after a short illness, aged 65.

He left his wealth and personal possessions to his wife Donna Bamonte, whom he wed in 2009.

She was also the executor of his will as Perry left her a fortune of 1.4million. Perry, who lived with her in Crediton, near Exeter, Devon had no children.

The gross value of his estate was 1.9million, but about half a million was deducted.

His grant of probate document reads: 'The last will and testament of Perry Archangelo Bamonte was proved and registered before the High Court of Justice.

'The application has stated that the gross value of the estate in the United Kingdom amounts to 1,983,419 and the net value amounts to 1,444,123.'

Perry Bamonte, the longtime guitarist and keyboardist for iconic British band The Cure, died last December (pictured in 2023)

Perry - born on September 3, 1960 - wrote his will on May 22, 2024.

It reads: 'I give all my personal chattels not otherwise specifically gifted by my will or any codicil free of inheritance tax to Donna absolutely.

'My trustees shall hold by residuary estate and the income thereof upon trust for Donna absolutely.'

Perry - who also played the keyboard - performed more than 400 shows for The Cure over 14 years.

After his music career, he was a keen fly-fisherman and also enjoyed drawing.

Perry and Donna rehabilitated and retrained racehorses and ran a 'retirement home' for them.

Police investigated his passing after receiving a report from a family member who had been 'alarmed at something he was told'.

The band's official website confirmed the sad news that the musician passed away over Christmas 2025 following a short illness (Pictured L-R in 1992: Perry, Simon Gallup and Robert Smith)

But Donna believed the investigation was 'bulls***' and asserted that he 'died of terminal bowel cancer, nothing more'.

She revealed he was diagnosed with the deadly disease in 2020 and was given the all clear a year later.

However, she explained it returned in 2024 and was diagnosed as terminal prior to Mr Bamonte's death in December.

'His doctors can confirm he was first diagnosed in 2020 and had the all-clear in 2021, but there was a recurrence in 2024,' she told The Sun.

'I have had no contact with the police since his death. This is all complete and utter nonsense.'

The Cure's official website confirmed the news that the musician passed away over Christmas following a short illness.

In a statement, they said: 'It is with enormous sadness that we confirm the death of our great friend and bandmate Perry Bamonte who passed away after a short illness at home over Christmas.

'Quiet, intense, intuitive, constant and hugely creative, "Teddy" was a warm hearted and vital part of the cure story. "Looking after the band" from 1984 through 1989, he became a full time member of The Cure in 1990, playing guitar, six string bass and keyboard on the Wish, Wild Mood Swings, Bloodflowers, Acoustic Hits and The Cure albums, as well as performing more than 400 shows over 14 years.

'He rejoined The Cure in 2022, playing another 90 shows, some of the best in the bands history, culminating with the show of a lost world concert in London 1st November 2024.'

Perry was one of five siblings and grew up in Basildon, Essex.
Israel's president has accused Keir Starmer of allowing Iran's 'empire of evil' to operate freely in Britain.

Isaac Herzog said the prime minister allowed Iranian terror cells to 'do what they want' in the UK and said the Middle Eastern 'rogue state' should be 'crushed'.

President Herzog made the comments in an interview earlier this week which came after four Jewish charity-owned ambulances were set on fire on Monday in an incident which is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime.

Metropolitan Police officials previously said the investigation into the arson attack was looking at an Islamist group with potential links to Iran after unsubstantiated claims of responsibility by Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya - The Islamic Movement of the People of the Right Hand.

Counter-terrorism police arrested two British nationals, aged 45 and 47, earlier this week and released both on bail.

Speaking to the executive director of pro-Israel campaign group StandWithUs, Mr Herzog said Iran spent 'billions of dollars' and had 'terror cells all over the world'.

He added Iran operated 'directly and through their proxies' and it was 'about time the world stands up to them'.

President Herzog continued: 'How come in Britain, the Prime Minister of Britain says there were about 10 or 20 events only last year linked to Iranian terror? What is this?'

Israel's president Isaac Herzog said prime minister Keir Starmer was allowing Iranian terror cells free rein in Britain

President Herzog said he had spoken with leaders of a Jewish charity-run ambulance service which was hit by an arson attack on Monday

According to a report in the Telegraph, the president added: 'They're allowed to do what they want. They are a rogue state. They're an empire of evil and they're an evil regime and it must be crushed.'

Relations between Britain, the US and Israel have become strained after Sir Keir's decision not to support the initial strikes against Iran.

Since the UK failed to join the strikes, US president Donald Trump has repeatedly made remarks about the prime minister and on Thursday described Britain's two largest warships as 'toys'.

He has previously referred to Sir Keir as 'no Churchill' who made a 'big mistake' in not rushing to support the Iran effort.

Sir Keir hit back in an interview where he accused President Trump of badmouthing him in an attempt to drag Britain into the Iran war.

In 2024, MI5's director general said security services had disrupted 20 'potentially lethal' Iran-backed plots targeting British citizens and UK residents since 2022.

On March 6 police arrested four men on suspicion of conducting surveillance on Jewish targets on behalf of Iran.

President Herzog said European countries should stop being 'naive' and understand that they, including England, could be at risk from Iranian aggression.

'Once the Iranians launched a 4,000-kilometre missile to Diego Garcia. That's 2,500 miles. That definitely covers all of Europe, including England,' he warned.

'What are you so naive about? Read their scriptures. Read their ideology and understand you are next.'

Iran targeted the joint UK-US air base in the Chagos Islands last week, with reports of two ballistic missiles fired at the island of Diego Garcia.

Israel's president also said the world was experiencing a 'major surge of antisemitic activity'.

Keir Starmer said in an interview this week Donald Trump was bad-mouthing him in order to drag Britain into the Iran war

'I am the president of Israel, who feels enormous responsibility for the well-being of Jews all over the world.,' he said, adding he had spoken with leaders of the Jewish charity-run ambulance service targeted in London.

'I spoke to Hatzola leadership yesterday. It was a very moving conversation because I called them from Kiryat Shemona on the border with Lebanon and their missiles from Lebanon and I told them the fate of all Jews is unanimous.

'We are there together. We're in this battle together.'

Since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023 there has been a rise in antisemitic hate crimes.

In 2025 alone there were 3,700 instances of anti-Jewish hate recorded by the Community Security Trust.

The prime minister's office told the Telegraph his position on the war was clear.

While Sir Keir initially refused permission for the US to launch strikes from British bases, he has since permitted their use for what he described as 'defensive' operations against Iranian missile sites and targets linked to threats in the Strait of Hormuz.
Town centres across Britain face losing their car parks as administrators threaten to abandon sites after the collapse of NCP.

The sudden closure of National Car Parks, which is the biggest operator of car parks in the country, saw the business abruptly become insolvent earlier this month.

Landlords for the company's facilities have now been told their bays could be shut down, if they do not accept lower rents while the firm is steered out of hardship.

It is understood up to 20 car parks have already closed and been left effectively abandoned, across locations including Birmingham, Leicester, London and Luton.

Communities nationwide are now braced for dozens more of NCP's 318 sites to meet the same fate, according to The Telegraph.

Such a development threatens to leave countless landlords out of pocket - and slash the number of shoppers descending on local high streets nearby.

It could also see councils lose millions of pounds in business rates, as unoccupied buildings owned by a firm in administration are usually exempt from the tax.

Insolvency experts at PwC and CBRE are currently scrambling to save NCP - and their battle began by scrapping loss-making car parks across its portfolio.

The sudden closure of National Car Parks, which is the biggest operator of car parks in the country, saw the business abruptly become insolvent earlier this month. Pictured: File photo of an NCP car park in central London

Landlords for the company's facilities have now been told their bays could be shut down, if they do not accept lower rents while the firm is steered out of hardship. Pictured: File photo of an NCP car park in Salford, Greater Manchester

The administrators have threatened to close more sites and are now also seeking a buyer for the business.

But their attempts to rescue the firm have hit a wall amid tensions with landlords, some of whom have been asked to cut their rents by more than half.

A four-week rent waiver has also been requested to help stabilise the company after its sudden descent into insolvency.

Landlords have been given just days to agree to new terms, with one claiming they were given 24 hours' notice of the changes and told to accept or immediately close.

'We view these last-minute bullying tactics as the lowest form of negotiation and are not prepared to do business with people who behave in this manner,' they said.

Another claimed they were not even informed their site had been shut down.

City lawyers have already been in contact with landlords in case of potential legal action, as some consider whether to attempt to reclaim their car parks from NCP.

Concerns have also been raised by councils that the abrupt closure of bays nationwide could see the empty sites become a hotspot for anti-social behaviour.

Some officials have emailed landlords already to ask what security measures could be put in place to fend off any such disruption.

Already cash-strapped local authorities have also been left fearing they could be forced to foot the bill alone for reopening car parks to support local businesses.

It is understood up to 20 car parks have already closed and been left effectively abandoned. Pictured: File photo of an NCP car park in Bristol

The developments are certain to trigger scrutiny of NCP's former Japanese owner, Park24.

The private equity firm has blamed a mixture of the Covid-19 pandemic, high rents and increased energy costs for the closure of the car park operator.

But insolvency experts have said the company was scuppered after 'significant rent payments' were suddenly due.

PwC said the business 'deteriorated over a number of years post Covid-19 as demand for parking has not recovered to historic levels, particularly across city-centre and commuter locations'.

It added: 'Continued shifts in commuting and customer driving patterns have impacted site occupancy, while the high concentration of long-term, inflexible leases has meant the Company has been unable to reduce costs in line with revenue or to exit loss-making sites, resulting in ongoing trading losses.

'The Company now has insufficient cash available to meet its financial obligations and the Directors have therefore taken the decision to appoint administrators.'

NCP has also cited higher energy prices since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.

City sources, meanwhile, have pointed to high borrowing across the business, with the firm's total debt skyrocketing to 350million by the end of last year.

They have also, however, noted surprise at NCP's closure, as its high prices and limited overheads should theoretically have ensured its stability.

For instance, the operator charges drivers as much as 60 to park for a day in central London.

Administrators said this week they are still working to sell some or all of the business, which was founded in 1931, before merging with rival Central Car Parks in 1959.

A spokesman for the insolvency experts said: 'A small number of commercially unviable sites have closed this week and while no other closures are currently planned, the administrators are engaging with key stakeholders, including landlords of some sites, to reach agreements that will allow for their continued operation.'

NCP turned over 187million for the financial year ending 2023, a 7.15 per cent drop from the previous year.

But it also recorded losses of almost 27.5million in 2022 and 26.7million in 2023.

In 2024, Bolton Council wrote off almost 1.5million in debts owed by the company from during the pandemic.

The firm has also been frequently criticised for levying overzealous fines.

Last month, NCP apologised and quashed all incorrectly applied fines after a grandfather was incorrectly asked to pay a 100 penalty charge for a 14-minute stay.

Signs at the car park in Darlington, County Durham, stated parking was free for customers for 90 minutes.
They say the art of conversation is dead  and psychologists have found we now speak about 20 per cent fewer words every day than we did two decades ago.

We are losing more than 300 words from our daily conversations every day  equivalent to 120,000 words a year, a study reveals.

The biggest decline is among Gen Z, with major implications for the loneliness epidemic and how we communicate in the future, especially with the rise of AI.

Academics suggest that increases in email, texting and social media may be responsible but say there are also other unexplained factors.

The researchers say: 'This loss of words reflects real spoken conversations, big ones and small ones, that we stopped having with others. It is imperative that we apply our best science to understand these slow, societal-level changes affecting our lives, especially because speaking 300 additional daily words may offer each person a trivial way to counter their personal level of isolation and thereby affect our ongoing epidemic of loneliness.

'Three hundred words a day could be a brief conversation with a neighbour, a joke told to loved ones.'

The study analysed data on daily spoken words taken from a global sample of 2,197 men and women aged ten to 90 based on an analysis of audio recordings. The results were then compared with a 2007 study that used the same methods.

In the later study, the average number of daily words spoken was 12,792, compared with 15,959 in 2007, a decline of 20 per cent.

The American researchers then looked at each year up to 2019 and found that the number of words spoken dropped by an average of 338 every day.

We are losing more than 300 words from our daily conversations every day  equivalent to 120,000 words a year, a study reveals

Academics suggest that increases in email, texting and social media may be responsible but say there are also other unexplained factors

Join the discussion How has technology changed the way you connect and communicate with others in your daily life?

Each year, they say, we speak 120,000 fewer words than in the previous year.

Researchers found that the under-25s lost 44 per cent more words than older men and women.

Writing in Perspectives On Psychological Science, the academics from the universities of Arizona and Missouri-Kansas City said: 'When we speak less, we connect less.

'This loss is alarming because we are already in the middle of a loneliness epidemic in which social isolation and a loss of connection to others have become a problem.'

Sir Cary Cooper, professor of psychology at Manchester University, said: 'We are using fewer spoken words, especially young people.

'It is not only digital technology. Social connections are changing too. We have less face-to-face contact.

'But we need eye-to-eye contact. Life is about communicating, and it is good for our psychological health.

'The future doesn't look too bright. In ten years' time, Generation Z will be talking less, have smaller vocabularies, and AI will be doing the thinking and innovating for them.'
Scotland's welfare agency is becoming one the fastest growing employers in the country  with more than 4,000 staff paid to oversee the ever-increasing bill for benefits.

Social Security Scotland has expanded more than ten-fold in six years. And with welfare payments expected soon to top 9 billion a year, the quango now has a record 4,150 staff on its payroll.

The agency has repeatedly come under fire for paying out millions of pounds in error and for failing to crack down on fraud.

Now urgent action has been demanded to rein in the mounting cost of benefits and the number of staff to administer them.

Scottish Conservative social security spokesman Alexander Stewart said: Hard-pressed Scots will rightly question why this ever-growing army of publicly funded employees is needed to administer a benefits system that is already spiralling towards 9 billion a year.

This simply isnt sustainable and shows why urgent action is needed to rein in the SNPs out-of-control welfare spending.

Social Security Scotland has expanded more than ten-fold in six years

Social Security Scotland chief executive David Wallace earns more than 100,000 a year

Based in Dundee, Social Security Scotland is an executive agency of the Scottish Government and was set up by the SNP in 2018.

Although many core benefits, such as Income Support, continue to be overseen by the UK governments Department of Work and Pensions, Social Security Scotland looks after the growing number of welfare payments controlled by the Scottish Government.

These include benefits for children and families, such as the Scottish Child Payment.

It also includes warm home payments, support for unpaid carers and also support for young people starting out in new jobs.

From last year, the quango also took on responsibility for most disability benefits.

Latest figures on public sector employment show Social Security Scotlands extraordinary expansion. At the beginning of 2019 it employed just 350 staff. By the end of last year the headcount had risen to 4,150.

As a result, the welfare agency is now a bigger employer than many councils and is roughly twice the size of other public bodies such as the Crown Office, the court service and NHS24.

In the Scottish Budget earlier this year, Finance Secretary Shona Robison said that total spending on social security would rise from 6.79 billion in 2025/26 to 7.23 billion in 2026/27.

Official forecasts suggest the bill is further set to rise to 8.94 billion a year by 2029/30.

In November, Social Security Scotlands annual report showed that the agency had overpaid claimants 14.25 million in the previous year.

The quangos operating costs also increased by 9.9 per cent to 291.1 million.

That included a pay rise for chief executive David Wallace, who now takes home between 115,000 and 120,000, plus taxpayer-funded pension contributions of 75,000 a year.

A Social Security Scotland spokesman last night said the agency could not comment on its rising staff levels because of impartiality rules during an election campaign.

The SNP also declined to directly discuss the agencys headcount. However, Holyrood candidate Paul McLennan said: Unlike the Tories, Scotland has balanced its budget every year under the SNP.
Three victims of SNP sex predator Jordan Linden have called for a full-scale probe into the Scottish Youth Parliament after it dismissed them as liars more than a decade ago.

One survivor likened it to the dystopian world of The Hunger Games films, where children are forced to fight to the death.

In an exclusive interview, the brave trio vowed to write to the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) detailing their concerns.

One victim, who we are calling Stephen, said: Given the Scottish Youth Parliament is a charity, OSCR is the best place to do this. They have to urgently look at the organisation.

The men argue that the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP), which is supposed to nurture young people and encourage them to advocate on youth issues in Scotland, is not fit for purpose and is still a risk to youngsters given the wide age range of its membership.

One victim sent sexual images and messages by Linden when he was just 15, told of underage drinking, sex and wild parties during gatherings of the SYPs 130-odd members, which took place several times a year and were supposed to be supervised by adults.

Jordan Linden, former SNP North Lanarkshire Council leader, is now a convicted sex offender

The Scottish Youth Parliament was founded in 1999 and admits members aged 14-25

The 28-year-old man, who we are calling James, said: For someone like Jordan, the sittings were like a hunting ground, as there were a lot of young boys. There was definitely under-age drinking, definitely sex, definitely parties that shouldnt have been happening.

James said he was concerned that the SYP still presents a risk to vulnerable young people as it still allows children as young as 14 to socialise and interact with adults up to the age of 25.

He said: I dont know what 14-year-olds and 25-year-olds have in common. The age gap is so big. Its not that there shouldnt be representation, but we certainly all should not have been in the same hotels.

Fellow victim Stephen was sexually assaulted by Linden in September 2015 while he was on a trip to Edinburgh to speak to UN youth representatives.

He was 17 at the time while Linden was 19. The pair had been booked in to a double hotel room by blundering SYP chiefs.

Stephen, 28, said he woke to find Linden stroking his leg and breathing heavily behind him, leaving him frozen in fear.

Despite being heterosexual, he had been bombarded with sexual images and messages from Linden for months before the attack. He said: The SYP is like the Hunger Games  putting kids into a pressure cooker environment and then being surprised when everything blows up. Its absolutely not fit for purpose, and I think, deep down, they know that as well.

The whole place needs to be gone. There has to be an inquiry into how this was able to happen, and why we were not believed.

Stephen and several of his peers raised concerns about Linden with the SYPs chief executive, Ben McKendrick, in 2016 while Linden was chairman of the organisation.

Ben McKendrick was the Chief Executive of the Scottish Youth Parliament when Linden committed his crimes

Mr McKendrick left the SYP in 2023 and is now a clerk in the Scottish Parliament.

Instead of being taken seriously, the men found themselves being investigated by a private law firm, brought in by Mr McKendrick, for allegedly sharing images of Linden amongst themselves when they were trying to collate evidence.

Asked in court if he would again order a private probe rather than inform police or social services, Mr McKendrick said he would.

He said the investigation had only made one recommendation about Linden, that he was on occasion, putting himself a situation where he was open to criticism, being overly familiar, perhaps and said nothing would require reporting to authorities under the Child Protection Policy.

Mr McKendrick also told jurors there had been a lot of hugging and kissing going on among the membership while he was in charge.

Stephen said: There needs to be some sort of inquiry  whether it can be part of an existing one, or something else that will look in depth at what has gone wrong here  because there are so many unanswered questions about why this was able to happen. Those who enabled Jordan, like Ben McKendrick, have to be held accountable and I dont see how that can happen under the existing mechanisms.

A third man, who we are calling Mike, joined the SYP at the same time as Linden in 2011. He said that within a month he was being tickled and touched by Linden in front of local authority youth workers, who dismissed the behaviour as just Jordan.

The 30-year-old said he had told both Linden and the youth workers he was uncomfortable with the behaviour but it didnt stop. It progressed to Linden sexually assaulting him and sending him images of his genitals.

Mike said: When this was first reported way back in 2011 not just by me but others, it could have been stopped there. It could have prevented him getting in a position of power where he used that influence to harass and abuse young men.

The thing that really concerns me is that its the same people  the youth workers in local authorities, the staff at the Scottish Youth Parliament  who are still responsible for child protection. How can they be trusted?

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said: Wherever this happens, there must be an independent and unflinching investigation into the culture and failings of the youth parliament in relation to child protection. This must also ask the necessary questions about the SNPs role in apparently covering up these crimes.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said it was clear that the SYP failed in its duty to safeguard those taking part. The SYP said that an independent review of its safeguarding arrangements, commissioned in the wake of the allegations, found that its child protection policies fully complied with national guidelines and legislation.
A Canadian woman who went to the emergency room with back pain said she was left shocked when a doctor immediately floated the suggestion of euthanasia.

Miriam Lancaster, 84, was rushed to Vancouver General Hospital last April with a fractured sacrum, a break at the base of the spine relatively frequent in elderly people.

Lancaster said she was stunned by the doctors' immediate suggestion upon examination.

I was approached by a young lady doctor whose very first words out of her mouth is we would like to offer you [euthanasia], Lancaster said in a video posted on X.

The retired piano teacher said she just wanted to find out why she was in pain and had never considered a medically-assisted death.

'That was the last thing on my mind,' Lancaster added. 'I did not want to die.'

She said that she had been most upset by the timing of the request.

A patient is already upset and disoriented and wishing they werent there, she told the National Post. To give them a decision, a life-terminating decision, when they are in this condition, thats what I object to.

Miriam Lancaster, 84, said she was stunned when a doctor at Vancouver General Hospital offered her euthanasia after she went to the emergency department with a fractured sacrum

Lancaster said the timing of the suggestion bothered her the most, as she was already upset at being at the hospital

Lancaster added that she was not thinking about 'cashing my chips,' which her daughter agreed with.

'To be offered [euthanasia] right off the bat for a non-life-threatening condition? It was a matter of pain management,' she said. 'Just because someone is 84 does not mean they're ready to go on the scrap heap of life.'

She called the hospital's treatment of her mother an 'insult to seniors.'

Euthanasia is legal in Canada for those who are 18 and over, able to make decisions for themselves and have a 'grievous and irremediable medical condition.'

That does not mean a fatal or terminal condition, but rather 'an advanced state of decline that cannot be reversed' or 'unbearable physical or mental suffering.'

There have been 76,475 medically assisted deaths in the country since euthanasia was legalized in 2016, per the Canadian government.

Weaver said religious motives prevented her from accepting euthanasia, which is also known as medical aid in dying (MAID).

'My mother and I are practicing Catholics,' she said. 'We would never accept MAID under any circumstances.'

Lancaster's daughter claimed that other treatment options were only suggested after euthanasia was firmly rejected.

'The doctor said, "Well, you could get rehab, but it will be a long road, and it will be very difficult,"' Weaver said.

I met an 84-year-old woman who was offered euthanasia at a Canadian hospital practically upon arrival.



Miriam didnt want to die. She recovered well and travelled to Cuba, Mexico, and Guatemala.



Stop offering death to people who have adventures to lead! pic.twitter.com/ZjEfSaKmix  Amanda Achtman (@AmandaAchtman) March 18, 2026

Lancaster, a retired piano teacher, said she had a previous experience with a euthanasia offer around the time her husband John was dying in 2023

Lancaster's daughter, Jordan Weaver, insisted that her mother was 'not frail' and remained active in her daily life

Lancaster chose that option and recovered well after 10 days at the hospital and roughly three weeks in a rehab program at Vancouver's UBC Hospital.

Just six weeks after the fracture, she walked her daughter down the aisle at her wedding.

She has also taken trips to Cuba, Mexico and Guatemala since her injury.

Most recently, Lancaster hiked and rode on horseback up Guatemala's Pacaya volcano, which rises 8,373 feet.

'My mother is not frail,' Weaver said. 'She's a dynamo. She reads books. She goes to the theatre. She's alert.'

Weaver added that Lancaster took the public bus on her own and remained 'active' in her day-to-day.

'Her life is valuable to the people who care for her,' she said.

In a video posted on X, Lancaster said euthanasia was 'the last thing on my mind' and that she had never considered a medically-assisted death

Vancouver Coastal Health, which oversees Vancouver General Hospital, said it was 'not aware of a conversation between the patient and ... physicians' related to euthanasia

Lancaster shared that she had a previous experience with a euthanasia offer around the time her husband John died from metastatic cancer in 2023.

She recalled that a doctor at Vancouver General Hospital was required by law to raise the suggestion after John collapsed at home.

'Of course, he turned it down,' Lancaster said. 'We are churchgoers. We both are ready to go when the Lord calls us, and that's what happened to him.'

Lancaster said she thought John's death would be her last experience with euthanasia, she wrote in the Free Press.

She described how the doctor who made the suggestion to her 'sounded eerily like the doctor who had offered it to my husbandas if she was reading from a script.'

'She heard my refusal, took one look at my daughter's and sister's faces, and swiftly changed the subject,' Lancaster added. 'The polite, distinctly Canadian tone of the exchange made the situation seem all the more absurd.'

Still, she admitted that the 'disturbing' question left her stunned.

'All I knew was that I was in tremendous pain and that a stranger had just suggested I might want to end my life,' Lancaster said.

Weaver said the hospital's treatment of her mother was an 'insult to seniors' and that her injury was simply a matter of pain management

Lancaster did not put in a complaint at the hospital when the alleged incident happened because she 'wanted to forget about the whole incident and just get on with my life.'

'I really didn't want to hang people out to dry,' she said.

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), which oversees Vancouver General Hospital, said it was 'committed to the health and safety of everyone in our care.'

'While VCH is limited in what we can say due to patient privacy and confidentiality, we are not aware of a conversation between the patient and emergency department physicians at Vancouver General Hospital related to [MAID],' they said in a statement to the National Post.

'Staff may consider bringing up MAID based on their clinical judgement, provided they possess the necessary knowledge and skills to do so.'

The hospital claimed that emergency department staff were 'not generally in a position to raise the topic of MAID with patients.'

'We strongly encourage those who are concerned about their care to connect with our Patient Care Quality Office,' VCH said.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Lancaster, Weaver and VCH for further comment.
Murderer William MacDowell bought a patch of land behind his home  just months before killing his lover and their secret child, according to new reports.

The killer is said to have purchased nearly 11 acres near the cottage in Narnside near Inverness where he lived with his wife and their children in April 1976.

Around seven months later he murdered Renee Macrae, with whom he had been having an affair, and their three-year-old son Andrew.

To this day, their bodies have never been found.

Details of the land purchase emerged after The Scottish Mail on Sunday last week revealed that police and Army experts were due to conduct a dramatic new search for the victims remains.

Since our story, specialists have been pictured conducting searches both with drones and on foot as they explore areas near the cottage where Mrs MacRae and Andrew may be buried.

Specialist survey work, supported by military intelligence teams using advanced scanning technology, can create high-resolution images that reveal subtle ground disturbances that may pinpoint areas that warrant further examination.

A report in local newspaper The P&J, states that documents show MacDowell and his wife Rosemary bought the 10.81 acres of land at Nairnside, south-east of Inverness, for 13,650 on April 5, 1976. The site covers a large area of forest.

Renee McRae, who disappeared with her three-year-old son Andrew in 1976

The house where William MacDowell was living in when Renee McRae went missing

It is this same patch of ground that officers are said to have searched in recent days.

MacDowell was only convicted of the murders in 2022 at the age of 80 and died less than five months into his prison sentence, going to his grave without revealing what he had done with his victims remains. He had been having an affair with Ms MacRae for several years and killed her, and their son, in a layby on the A9 near Dalmagarry, south of Inverness, on November 12, 1976.

Renee was separated from her husband Gordon, the boss of a successful Inverness building firm, and had been seeing MacDowell, who worked as the company secretary.

By the time Andrew was three, MacDowell convinced his lover they would move to Shetland as a family, despite having no intention of doing so. But his claims were a ruse to lure the pair to their deaths, and they were never seen again.

Renees BMW was found burnt out with a spot of her blood in the boot becoming the last known trace of the mother of two.

Detective Superintendent Brian Geddes said: This case will never be considered resolved until we find Renee and Andrew. The results of this scoping activity will now be studied to assess whether further search activity is required.

Armed Forces Minister Al Carns praised the contribution of defence specialists in Scotlands longest-running missing persons investigation.

He said: Our world-class professionals have once again shown how the Armed Forces can bring real value to supporting their civilian partners at home in the UK.
Andrew Garfield has refused to name JK Rowling as he claims Harry Potter has become toxic because of her trans views.

The British-American actor, 42, declined to explicitly mention the author of the famous series of children's novels when discussing it in a recent interview.

He instead referred to the writer as 'she that shall remain nameless' during the segment on Hits Radio.

It appeared to be a nod to the villain of the fantasy franchise, Lord Voldemort, who characters variously call 'You Know Who' and 'He Who Must Not Be Named'.

Garfield was speaking about the existing film adaptations from the noughties, which he said he had only recently watched for the first time, when he made the remark.

'I know it's controversial and we shouldn't be putting money in the pocket of inhumane legislation right now through she that shall remain nameless, but the soul and spirit...,' he said, according to The Telegraph.

Discussion of the Harry Potter stories and their creator has erupted again in recent times ahead of an upcoming TV adaptation by HBO, set for release at Christmas.

Rowling has previously faced criticism by fans, which has lately reignited, for her controversial views on and disparaging remarks about transgender people.

The British-American actor (pictured), 42, declined to explicitly mention the author of the infamous series of children's novels when discussing it in a recent interview

He instead referred to the writer (pictured) as 'she that shall remain nameless' during the segment on Hits Radio

Many supporters of trans rights have now called for viewers to boycott the forthcoming programme over her stance.

But Garfield warned it would be ill-advised to do so simply based on the author's opinions, warning 'you can't throw the baby out of the bathwater'.

Again referencing the existing film adaptations, the actor continued: 'There are so many beautiful artists that worked on those films.

'I have a newfound appreciation for all of the artists, and Daniel [Radcliffe, who plays Harry Potter] is great.'

Garfield is famous for his roles in Hacksaw Ridge, The Amazing Spiderman and The Social Network.

He is currently starring in The Magic Faraway Tree, the film adaptation, released on Friday, of writer Enid Blyton's series of children's novels of the same name.

His comments came after a trans-owned bookshop allowed customers to vandalise Rowling's Harry Potter novels this week.

The Bookish Type in Leeds invited shoppers to deface the beloved children's books to raise money for transgender healthcare.

Bosses said customers can deface 'as many pages' as they want of an edition of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

The independent shop then plans to auction the book off once it's filled up.

One message, addressing Rowling, says: 'Youve ruined yourself, ruined the name of feminism and ruined the precious childhood of thousands of women and girls. F*** you.'

The Bookish Type told PinkNews: 'We came up with this idea a few weeks ago as a silly and cathartic way to raise money for five local trans people.

'It was originally going to only be on our second hand Sunday event that we run every few months where we sell second hand books and give all the money towards local trans peoples healthcare costs, but we did it a week early and people love it!'

Rowling was first criticised for her gender-critical views in 2018 when she liked a post on social media platform X describing trans women as 'men in dresses'.

Her spokesperson at the time described the 'like' as a 'mistake', calling it a 'clumsy middle-aged moment'.

But the author has since embarked on a campaign seeking to protect what she describes as women's rights, fuelled by her own experiences of domestic abuse.

Garfield was speaking about the existing film adaptations (pictured) from the noughties, which he said he had only recently watched for the first time, when he made the remark.

Discussion of the Harry Potter stories and their creator has erupted again in recent times ahead of an upcoming TV adaptation (pictured, the trailer) by HBO, set for release at Christmas

Garfield's comments came after a trans-owned bookshop invited customers to vandalise Rowling's Harry Potter novels this week. Pictured: The business's sign for shoppers

That campaign has seen her oppose legislation in Scotland that sought to make it easier for trans people to change their legal gender.

The writer has also provided financial support to those fighting court cases challenging the legal status of trans people.

In a lengthy 3,600-word statement on her website published in 2020, she said her stance on trans rights was drawn from her experiences of abuse and sexual assault.

She wrote: 'When you throw open the doors of bathrooms and changing rooms to any man who believes or feels hes a woman... then you open the door to any and all men who wish to come inside. That is the simple truth.'

Former Harry Potter actor Radcliffe, along with co-stars Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, has previously publicly criticised the author for her gender-critical views.

Rowling said last year: 'Emma and Dan in particular have both made it clear over the last few years that they think our former professional association gives them a particular right  nay, obligation  to critique me and my views in public.

'Like other people whove never experienced adult life uncushioned by wealth and fame, Emma has so little experience of real life, she's ignorant of how ignorant she is  I wasn't a multimillionaire at 14.'

'I lived in poverty while writing the book that made Emma famous.

'I therefore understand from my own life experience what the trashing of women's rights, in which Emma has so enthusiastically participated, means to women and girls without her privileges.'

A trailer released this week offered fans a glimpse into the upcoming Harry Potter TV adaptation, including the newcomer child stars who will be leading it.

Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout and Arabella Stanton will play the central trio of wizardry students, Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger.

The series, on which Rowling is an executive producer, also stars a host of already iconic actors, including John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, Paapa Essiedu and Nick Frost.

Lithgow, who will play Hogwarts headteacher Albus Dumbledore, has previously said it was 'a hard decision' to take on the role amid Rowling's views about trans people.

He called her stance on the matter 'inexplicable'.

Representatives for JK Rowling declined to comment.
Military wives and girlfriends who suffer chilling domestic abuse involving 'battlefield techniques' at the hands of high-ranking servicemen are being failed by the Ministry of Defence and justice system, a damning report has found.

A dossier of 52 harrowing cases reveals victims have been tortured with military techniques including chokeholds and restraints, have been raped, threatened with combat weapons and even taunted by the maiming of family pets by elite troops who have been 'kill-trained' for armed conflicts.

Some were subject to sophisticated tracking involving military resources and equipment.

One woman, diagnosed with PTSD after the abuse, reported that her husband brought home combat knives and a remote transponder to set off an improvised explosive device (IED) after threatening to put one around the front door.

Another told how she had a stroke after excessive strangulation by a partner in the Special Forces who also used torture tactics, including pressing his thumbs into her eye sockets.

But a significant proportion of the women reported that MoD welfare services and the Royal Military Police 'closed rank' when such abuse was reported  and either failed to investigate or dismissed concerns for their safety. Some women were told by welfare staff that their job was to 'protect our boys'.

The report also claims top brass are prepared to submit glowing character references for alleged abusers whose cases come before the family and criminal courts, which campaigners say is 'swaying' judges in their favour and putting families at risk.

The deeply disturbing revelations  described by campaigners as the armed forces' 'nasty, big secret' - are particularly embarrassing for the MoD because it is implementing its Domestic Abuse Action Plan 2024-29.

Alice Ruggles was murdered by her obsessive soldier ex-boyfriend Trimaan Dhillon in 2016

Alice's family said the MoD could have done more to protect her from the Lance Corporal

The plan says that the chain of command must ensure the entire unit is aware that domestic abuse is indefensible and unacceptable, and that 'necessary support' should be given to victims.

Girlfriend 'bitten on the head and choked' Lara's former partner used his 'kill training' to inflict a horrific catalogue of violence and abuse. She was choked, grabbed so hard her teeth fell out, had thumbs pressed into her eye sockets and was bitten on the head so marks would not show through her hair. He threatened to shoot her exactly where they had taught him in training, which would kill her instantly, and wiped her electronic devices using military-grade technology. Despite worried neighbours repeatedly calling the Royal Military Police, they attended only once and took no further action. His chain of command, army welfare services and MoD staff also took no action. When civilian police eventually pressed charges, MoD medics wrote a report to the court stating that it was he who had been abused by Lara, leaving him with PTSD. She said: 'Rather than doing a bit of work and putting very simple things in place that would protect the wives, they just go, 'Well, how can we cover this up?''

Natalie Page, the report's author who is director of Survivor Family Network, which supports victims of domestic abuse in family court cases, said her findings revealed 'a pattern, a culture of violence that stretches from the battlefield to the bedroom' and that it implicated the military's top brass 'in a scandal of unprecedented scale'.

She told The Mail on Sunday: 'It's a chilling cover-up, where loyalty to the regiment overrides morality, law and basic decency.

'The scandal isn't just the abuse; it's the fact that the system is the weapon, when swung with intent by a man in an elite uniform.

'The higher the rank, the deadlier the cut, as the system's reverence for their valour makes them untouchable.'

The report, compiled over two years, involved an online survey of military wives and girlfriends which led to nine women being interviewed in depth.

One reported that her partner had threatened her by showing her photographs of his 'kills' in Afghanistan and kept weapons he had stolen from the battlefield while subjecting her to violent sexual and physical abuse.

One victim told how, after turning to the Army Welfare Service and the Royal Military Police, they were 'absolutely beyond terrible' and refused to help her, she believed, because of her abuser's rank.

All believed the Armed Forces were prepared to turn a blind eye to the abuse in order to protect their own.

Fifty-five per cent of those taking part in the survey said their abusers had presented letters of support to family court proceedings from commanding officers, or had attempted to sway judgments by using their rank or appearing in court in uniform.

In one case, a victim described how an expert changed their testimony in order to protect her abuser in the civilian courts.

'The Army doctor said he was a risk to me and the kids when he applied for trauma compensation,' she said. 'When it came to family court, the same doctor wrote that he posed no risk at all.'

The MoD has an established process to deal with allegations of domestic violence.

Victims are advised to first approach the unit's doctor or padre, who informs the alleged abuser's commanding officer. The officer is then duty bound to investigate the allegations while the family is supported by welfare services and charities such as SSAFA and Aurora New Dawn.

Senior Army veteran 'tried to strangle woman and threatened to paralyse her child' When Samantha plucked up the courage to ask for help from the Army Welfare Services after being subjected to two years of violence, verbal abuse and coercive control from her partner, a highly-decorated senior Army veteran, she was shocked to be turned down without a reason given. The 'professionally trained killer' demonstrated how to murder people, attempted to strangle her, and had extended his abuse to her children from a previous relationship, including once shaking a child and threatening to paralyse them. She was only assigned a support worker by the AWS after making a complaint. But she was forced to end that support when it emerged the AWS was also supporting her partner through their family court proceedings. Concerns raised with the Royal Military Police about his alleged actions on a foreign tour were also not fully investigated. Three colleagues provided character references to the family court stating he was a good father and was being targeted by his girlfriend. She said: 'I want the public to know that this is sanctioned, authorised, and that the most senior members of staff, going all the way to the top, are complicit in aiding and abetting domestic abusers by promoting them and covering up their actions.'

But it is not clear whether this is happening in every case.

Prosecutions can be made either through the Royal Military or civilian police.

Publicly-available statistics on domestic abuse within the armed forces are not available, but rates have long been believed to be considerably higher than in the general population  and some evidence suggests they are less likely to result in prosecutions.

In 2019, Herefordshire Council estimated that around 40 per cent of wives and partners suffered abuse when the SAS returned from conflict zones to their headquarters in the county, and reported that the women 'went through hell'.

Research has found 12.4 per cent of regulars commit physical assault in the weeks following a deployment, when the domestic abuse rate in the general population is 8 per cent.

Yet government figures for 2024 reveal that just 37 domestic abuse cases involving serving personnel were referred to the Service Prosecuting Authority. Seven resulted in charges.

A 2024 investigation by the website openDemocracy also found that just 27 per cent of 93 rape cases tried at courts martial resulted in a guilty verdict, compared with 75 per cent of civilian rape trials.

In 2016, Lance Corporal Trimaan 'Harry' Dhillon, then 26, murdered 24-year-old Alice Ruggles by cutting her throat with a carving knife.

Dhillon had previously been convicted of assaulting his ex-girlfriend but had been allowed to remain in the Army with no formal record on his file. He was jailed for a minimum of 22 years.

A spokesman for the MoD said:

'Unacceptable and criminal behaviour has no place in our Armed Forces.

'These allegations are deeply concerning and we encourage anyone who has experienced domestic abuse to report it to the Service Police or civilian police.

'We are taking action to give greater confidence to those reporting criminal behaviour and step up support across Defence.

'This includes stronger measures in the Armed Forces Bill to protect victims, our Violence Against Women and Girls Taskforce, and our Victim Witness Care Unit.

'Defence has significantly strengthened its approach to preventing and responding to domestic abuse, including independent investigation of serious offences and specialist, independent support for victims.

'We also recognise there is more to do, and we are committed to continuing to improve.'
Entertainment / Events

by Tidi Kwidini

She is bright, brilliant, a barrister in the making, and at 17, she is ready to take on the world.Leeds student, Thelma Khupe will this year represent Zimbabwe in the Miss Teen Africa Beauty Pageant taking place in London in December.Thelma, who is currently studying for her A 'levels at Leeds Grammar school said that she is happy to be taking part in this year's pageant and is looking forward to the rewarding experience of the event,and being part of the wonderful work Teen Africa UK do within the community."In a society where we are often surrounded by certain beauty standards, internalised racism and self-belittlement among our young black and African girls, proudly standing as one in a world that is expecting you to be something else is becoming more and more of difficult," she said."Some are left feeling insignificant, or that their blackness is not beautiful enough. However, black skin is not a badge of shame; it is a symbol of national greatness.""Becoming Miss teen Africa would provide me with the platform to educate and inform people of such issues, and would also allow me to encourage and positively influence young girls like me," she added.Khupe said that there was a need for empowerment within the community of young African women and that it is vital to educate and stand as role models for women who need to regain their self-confidence."I think we need to withdraw the negative preconceptions of Africa and African young women by recognising the achievements of our brothers and sisters and appreciating the beauty that lies within our culture and history." Thelma said.Taking place on the 10th of December, the pageant is being held at the prestigious Eastham Town Hall.Situated in the suburban district of Eastham, London, the architectural gem has hosted a number of prolific events and parties.Now in its second year, Miss Teen Africa Pageant is a Beauty and Talent Pageant showcasing young women aged 13-19 of African origin representing the 54 Independent countries of Africa including Ghana, Kenya, Zimbabwe and the Ivory Coast. Eleven contestants from 11 countries have made it, and will battle it out in the finale in December.The pageant is the first of its kind and is devoted to strengthening the voices and representation of young females within the African community,with a huge emphasis on charitable deeds.This year the Miss Teen Africa foundation will support Sickle Cell & Young Stroke Survivors charity (SCYSS). The organisers have also introduced the Teenovation Africa Awards, a platform that aims to promote education across Africa and recognise the work of Teenagers in the African community.Voting lines open soon and the public will have the opportunity to read the profiles of this years contestants and cast their votes.For more information or to purchase tickets to the event visit http://missteenafrica.com/
A Chicago-area student newspaper has launched a tool to track Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity across multiple neighborhoods in the wake of a high-profile campus murder that has intensified debate over immigration.

The Dominican Star, the student-run outlet for Dominican University, unveiled an ICE Tracker aimed at keeping students and local residents informed about federal immigration activity in surrounding communities.

The move comes days after Venezuelan migrant Jose Medina-Medina, 25, was charged with the fatal shooting of Loyola University Chicago freshman Sheridan Gorman, 18, who was killed in the early hours of March 19 while walking with friends near Lake Michigan.

Medina-Medina allegedly approached the group at Tobey Prinz Beach in Rogers Park at around 1am and opened fire, striking Gorman in the head. She was pronounced dead at the scene, and the suspect now faces multiple felony charges.

The case has drawn national attention and renewed scrutiny, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement lodging a detainer against Medina-Medina.

Against that backdrop, the Dominican Star said its tracker is designed to map confirmed ICE sightings across neighborhoods with large commuter student populations.

The project features an interactive map with pinned locations marking ICE activity in areas including River Forest, Forest Park, Elmwood Park, River Grove, Maywood, Melrose Park, Oak Park, Dunning, Broadview, Stone Park, Belmont Cragin, Franklin Park, Northlake, Westchester and Cicero.

The newspaper said the initiative was inspired by a similar tracking site created by The Loyola Phoenix, a student publication at Loyola University Chicago, which previously faced backlash after removing the term illegal immigrant from its coverage of the killing.

Sheridan Gorman, a freshman at Loyola Chicago, was walking with her friends along Lake Michigan at around 1am on Thursday when a man clad in black jumped out of the bushes and fatally shot her in the head

Venezuelan migrant Jose Medina-Medina, 25, has been arrested by the Chicago Police Department in connection with the killing of Sheridan Gorman

The Dominican Star, the student-run outlet for Dominican University, unveiled an ICE Tracker aimed at keeping students and local residents informed about federal immigration activity in surrounding communities

Editors said the wording did not align with Associated Press style or the publications values, adding that no humans existence is illegal.

Phoenix Editor-in-Chief Lilli Malone and Managing Editor Julia Pentasuglio developed their own ICE tracker focused on Rogers Park and Edgewater, which Dominican Star staff learned about during an Illinois College Press Association conference.

After connecting with the Phoenix editors, the Dominican Star team gathered information before launching its own version tailored to its campus community.

The tracker relies in part on public submissions, with students and residents encouraged to report ICE activity through social media or email, including photos or videos, location, time, number of agents and vehicle details where possible.

Each report will be verified before being added to the map, the paper said, adding that staff are also monitoring local Facebook groups that share information about ICE sightings.

Several incidents have already been pinned to the tracker, reflecting activity reported in recent days.

The Dominican Star noted that updates may not appear immediately but said it is working to add verified information as quickly as possible, while urging students to exercise caution when documenting ICE activity.

Gorman, whose killing sparked national attention, grew up in Yorktown Heights, New York, an upper-middle-class suburb in Westchester County, where she lived with her parents in a $1million home before heading to college.

The project features an interactive map with pinned locations marking ICE activity in the Chicago area

The maskwearing suspect allegedly approached Gorman (left) and her friends while they were walking around Toby Prinz Beach along Lake Michigan. (The college student is pictured with her mother Jessica Gorman)

Sheridan Gorman (second right) is pictured smiling in happier times with her friends in Florida last summer

She attended Yorktown High School and had recently begun her freshman year at Loyola University Chicago, a private Jesuit school on the citys north side.

Her devastated parents, Thomas and Jessica Gorman, flew to Chicago the night of the shooting to bring their daughter home.

Our beloved daughter, Sheridan, was taken from us, the family said. There is no way to soften this, this was murder. Sheridan was the light of our lives.

They added: She made people feel seen, safe and loved simply by being who she was We trusted that she would be safe. That trust was broken.

The family said they are demanding answers and vowed to keep fighting until justice is served.

Friends and loved ones have also shared tributes to the teen, who often posted about her strong faith, family and friendships on social media.

A Bible verse from Corinthians, let all that you do be done in love, was featured in her profile.

Just days before her death, Gorman shared photos celebrating St Patricks Day weekend in Chicago, captioning one post: Wheres my kiss?

Sheridan was shot in the head and pronounced dead at the scene. (Pictured: Sheridan sits on her bed with Loyola Merch in May 2025, ahead of her first semester in the fall)

A person stands on the pier at Tobey Prinz Beach Park where Gorman was shot and killed in the early morning hours of March 19

In another post earlier that month, she wrote: Warmer days ahead!

Her mother had announced her daughters college commitment in May 2025, calling her so incredibly proud and sharing photos of Gorman surrounded by Loyola merchandise.

Chicago officials have said Gorman was likely not the intended target, describing her as being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Tensions boiled over in central London as rival groups clashed during a memorial for Iran's assassinated Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

There was a heavy police presence at the Islamic Centre of England in Maida Vale on Saturday afternoon.

The Metropolitan Police and the City of London Police could be seen working to calm outbursts, asking disruptive protesters to move on and marshal traffic.

Met officials say 25 people have been arrested for protests in London today, including 18 arrests for supporting Palestine action, reports Sky News.

Two police officers were seen monitoring the protest with a video camera from the balcony of a residential property opposite the centre.

Outside the centre, demonstrators carried placards featuring photos of Mr Khamenei, and waved the Iranian flag.

Many wore a keffiyeh and some carried Palestinian flags and signs reading slogans such as 'Boycott Israel', 'Stop bombing Iran', and 'Free Palestine'.

People attend a memorial event outside the Islamic Centre of England in London, for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died in US strikes on Iran last month

Met officials have confirmed that 18 arrests were made today for supporting Palestine Action

An Iranian holds an Israeli flag and others chant 'Long live Iran, long live Israel' as Iranians stage a protest in front of the Iranian Embassy in London to show their support to a regime change in Iran in the face of Israeli and the US attack on Iran

Shouting at the group from the other side of the road was a large group of counter-protesters, many carrying the sun and lion flag that represented Iran before the 1979 revolution overthrew the Pahlavi dynasty.

One sign held up by a counter-protester showed US president Donald Trump and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with the caption: 'We trust you'.

The counter-protesters chanted, blasted music and sounded horns, with many dancing and singing.

Many carried placards featuring photos of Iran's exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi.

One group of counter-protesters arrived in convoy on motorbikes, flying the sun and lion flag.

Some drivers passing the protest in cars or on motorbikes sounded their horns and waved both the current and the previous Iranian flags.

Some drivers held up peace signs, while others shouted in support or opposition to either side, and at least one vehicle was chased by a few of the counter-protesters.

Outside the centre, refreshments were served for those entering the memorial service.
John Swinney has been forced to issue a grovelling apology to the victims of SNP sex predator Jordan Linden.

However, four years after complaints about twisted Linden were ignored by the SNP, the First Minister failed to own up to his party's failings over the scandal.

He finally said sorry today - three days after Linden was convicted of ten sex offences and after The Mail confronted him at a pro-independence rally.

But his apology was branded 'pathetic and grovelling' by his political opponents

His apology comes as three men abused by the 30-year-old former SNP council leader demand a probe into the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) by charity regulators and compare the organisation to the 'Hunger Games'  a dystopian film about teenagers who are forced to fight to the death.

Mr Swinney told the MoS: 'The first thing I want to say is I would apologise to anyone affected by the whole process and experience that has happened here.

'A lot of issues have come to light about Jordan Linden's conduct.'

The First MInister said he was sorry to those affected by Linden and the 'whole process'

Jordan Linden abused young men and boys over a decade, including while he was an SNP councillor

Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon was a former ally of shamed SNP predator Jordan Linden

He repeated that he has ordered an 'independent review' into the SNP's own examination of its complaints handling procedure from 2022, 'to ensure it is fit for purpose for the future' and said: 'We have to make sure that when it gets complaints it addresses them properly and I'm confident we will do that.'

Swinney claimed he had no prior knowledge of Linden's misconduct 'until it came into the public domain'.

But his apology has been branded 'pathetic and grovelling' by his political opponents.

Meghan Gallacher of the Scottish Conservatives said: 'John Swinney's pathetic, grovelling apology has come far too late and will cut little ice with Jordan Linden's victims, who were gaslit by the SNP in a desperate effort to protect the party's reputations.

'The victims of this predator and the Scottish public will find it hard to believe that 'Honest John' knew nothing about this scandal until it came into the public domain, when there were such frantic efforts in SNP circles to cover it up.

'It's vital that Swinney's supposedly independent review of SNP complaints procedures and safeguarding has the trust of Linden's victims.'

Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie called for Swinney to 'come clean' about who in the SNP was responsible for the Linden 'cover-up'

She said: 'If he continues to refuse to do this there is only one conclusion to draw - John Swinney is not on the side of the victims of Jordan Linden's sexual abuse, he is on the side of those who covered up for the abuser.'

The party was first alerted to the predator's behaviour in 2017 by a concerned young SNP member and former member of the Scottish Youth Parliament, who had seen Linden's predatory behaviour first-hand.

The man, who showed the Mail on Sunday his emails to the SNP, told the party nearly a decade ago that he was 'concerned that Jordan Linden is not fit to represent the SNP as a political organisation.'

He explained what had happened within the SYP and said: 'I hope you do look into these details and question Jordan Linden on his previous conduct.'

In August 2022, when details of a Linden attacking a young SNP member in Dundee in 2019 were made public, the man once again contacted the SNP to raise the alarm.

He wrote: 'Given the various reportsin particular the 2019 incident...I believe it would be the best course of action to re-examine Linden's status within the party. Specifically the recent allegation that Linden sexually assaulted an individualshould be enough to look at this case again'.

His pleas were completely ignored and Linden remained an SNP member until resigning of his own accord in 2023.

Asked about the warning emails, Mr Swinney simply said he had 'no knowledge of this until it came into the public domain.'

A whistleblower councillor, who alleged he was assaulted and harassed by Linden at North Lanarkshire Council, said the SNP were 'complicit' in the cover-up of Linden's crimes.

Cameron McManus, who reported Linden to the police in 2023, said: 'The SNP are complicit in this. They were warned, not only by me, but others, about Linden and they did nothing.

'Their announcement of a review into their processes is an utter nonsense, because they did the same thing years ago and the outcome has never been made public.

'They have to make clear what the outcome was, and why what they are doing now is different.

'This is an attempt to ignore questions about Jordan before the election. It is completely unacceptable.'
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton received a warm welcome from grassroots activists at the Conservative Political Action Conference on Saturday, as he competes in the most expensive Senate primary in history against Sen. John Cornyn.

The CPAC conference was held in the Dallas suburb of Grapevine, Texas this year to highlight the importance of the race. Both Cornyn and Paxton were invited, but only Paxton appeared to speak at the conference.

Paxton spoke to the Daily Mail after addressing cheering crowds of conservatives on Friday night and spending Saturday morning meeting and greeting voters.

'I feel great,' he said. 'I've run a lot of races in Texas, competitive races. And this one just has a good feel to it right now. We're definitely moving in the right direction.'

Paxton, 63, is challenging Cornyn, 74, who is running for a fifth term, as he has served in the senate for more than 23 years.

Paxton confirmed he met with President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Friday, who has so far resisted endorsing a candidate in the hotly contested race.

He said the meeting with Trump was 'great,' and that while Trump's endorsement was important, he was not about to pressure him.

'A Donald Trump endorsement is the most valuable endorsement I've ever seen, you'd be crazy not to want it,' he said. 'I want him to do the best for him and the country, whatever that is.'

AG Ken Paxton speaks at the Ronald Reagan Dinner on Friday night at the 2026 CPAC convention

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, is trying to save his seat, running for a fifth term

Over $100 million in ads have been run in the race as Paxton and Cornyn competed in a three-way race with Republican Congressman Wesley Hunt in March. Paxton and Cornyn now face each other in the runoff election on May 26.

Paxton appeared encouraged by his support at the conference.

'These people aren't going to come out for John Cornyn, they're not excited about John Cornyn. We need someone that will generate energy,' he said. 'John, honestly, has no energy.'

The winner of the primary will face Democratic nominee State Representative James Talarico in November.

CPAC chairman Matt Schlapp told the Daily Mail he was disappointed that Cornyn did not come to the conference.

'I think the fact that he didn't come demonstrates his weakness, I think,' he said in an interview. 'I guess that's his choice.'

Paxton was a 'fighter,' Schlapp said, which understandably thrilled Trump supporters in the state.

U.S. President Donald Trump has resisted endorsing a candidate in the race

The winner of the primary fight will face Democratic U.S. Senate candidate for Texas, James Talarico

'Someone has to go in there and have the courage to do what Trump did in the White House, which is break things and make people uncomfortable,' he said. 'Fight like hell.'

Steve Bannon, former White House chief strategist for President Trump, told the Daily Mail that Paxton's victory would electrify conservatives in the state.

'It's so huge,' he said, calling for an 'all hands on deck' election for the grassroots activists in Texas.

Brian, 58, from Texas said he was disappointed in Cornyn's attack ads against Paxton calling the campaign 'misleading.'

He said he would support Paxton in the primary.

'He's not my savior, he's a politician and he's a fighter,' he said.
The sister of murdered mother Siobhan McLaughlin said convicted killers should not be considered for parole unless they confess to their crimes and show remorse.

Brighid McLaughlin spoke out as her sisters murderer husband Brian Kearney and two other notorious wife killers are seeking early release in the coming weeks despite never admitting to their horrific crimes.

These two are Colin Whelan, who murdered his wife of just six months Mary at their house in Balbriggan in 2001, as well as notorious double murderer Frank McCann.

Joe OReilly, who brutally bludgeoned his wife Rachel to death at their Naul home in 2004, is also expected to apply for parole this year.

As with the case of Kearney, OReilly and Whelan both tried to stage the scenes of the killings at their homes to make it appear they were not involved in the deaths. McCann also tried to cover up his wife and daughters murders by setting their home ablaze.

In 2006, businessman Kearney strangled his wife, who was in the process of leaving him, with a vacuum cleaner flex and staged the scene to look like suicide.

The 38-year-old mothers lifeless body was discovered locked in the room by her heartbroken father Owen with ligature marks to her neck. The couples three-year-old son, Dan, was wandering around the house alone.

Despite his conviction following a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court in 2008, Kearney has never admitted to killing his wife nor has he shown any remorse for his crimes.

Alessandra Beneditti, centre, a sisterinlaw of Siobhan McLaughlin, leaving court with Siobhan's sisters Aisling, left, and Brighid after she gave evidence in the trial against Brian Kearney

Siobhan McLaughlin and her sister Brighid McLaughlin enjoying lunch together. Brighid this week spoke out as her sisters murderer husband Brian Kearney and three other notorious wife killers are all seeking early release despite never admitting to their horrific crimes

Siobhans sister Brighid this weekend called for changes to the law that would force killers to confess and apologise for the crimes they have been convicted of before they can be considered for parole.

She told the Irish Mail on Sunday: It makes absolutely no sense to us how a parole hearing can be even touched upon or heard about if he hasnt admitted to the crime. You shouldnt be allowed go to the Parole Board unless you admit you have done a horrendous crime.

As Kearney prepares for his hearing next month, Ms McLaughlin said the process needs to be reformed to take the families of murder victims into account.

The journalist and advocate noted: There are no independent victim liaisons for the Parole Board; its all run by the State. There is no independent group that deals with the Parole Board.

'Theres no [support network], its only State run so youre constantly dealing with the civil service the whole time, youre not dealing with objective people. Theres no independent outsiders, so what they say goes.

Ms McLaughlin said she is a strong person and is able to deal with the trauma of seeing her sisters killer using the system to win his freedom.

But she said it is heartbreaking to see the impact the process is having on her family, in particularly her elderly parents.

She added: To see my father writing in his old-fashioned spidery handwriting at 92 and a half, writing a letter with tears in his eyes to the Parole Board saying why this monster should not be released is appalling. It would break the heart of anybody.

Theres a lack of respect for older people as well, against Dad as well. Theyre not taken into account; their age, their experiences, like Dad found Siobhan and Mum was there when they found Siobhan.

'They are totally traumatised by this monster and theyre not taken into account.

In 2006, businessman Brian Kearney strangled his wife Siobhan, who was in the process of leaving him, with a vacuum cleaner flex and staged the scene to look like suicide

While Kearney can look forward to his eventual release Ms McLaughlin said the scars of her sisters murder will never be healed. She said her family fears the nightmare prospect of one day coming face to face with Siobhans killer on the streets.

Ms McLaughlin added: Dublin is small; we could bump into him anywhere. My sister had to leave her job in the hospital, she had a total panic attack and mum and dad went emotionally downhill straight away at 92 and 85.

'Its all so horrendous, and then theres also the generational thing. This is the third generation of family who have been listening to us all their lives theyre affected by it.

A prisoner eligible for parole can apply every two years which victims families say re-traumatises them.

John Whelan, whose sister Sharon Whelan, 30, and her daughters Zarah, seven, and two-year-old Nadia, were murdered on Christmas Day 2008 by postman Brian Hennessy, previously told the MoS: Every two [years] they can keep applying, which means we have to keep going up there and plead for them not to be released, which we feel we shouldnt have to do.

'We feel by doing that every few years we dont get much of a chance to move on. By doing that and being asked to do that, you are re-traumatising families.

Ms McLaughlin said the parole system allows Siobhans murderer to exert a form of coercive control over her family.

The Parole Board doesnt take into account the long-term human impact and the fact we very rarely have an ordinary day, let alone a joyful day because there is always something to remind us, she said.

Its a control thing. He has control over our letter [parole applicants get to view families submissions to the Parole Board]. He has taken control of our privacy and our private thoughts and the controller is king.

'Thats coercive in itself, its highly coercive, its a coercive control that he has over us and it is accepted by the Parole Board. They have given him that control, they handed him the control, which is what he loves having.

She also said she believes Kearney could pose a serious threat to her when he is released.

Hes a savage, theres no other word to describe him. Ive been on his case for such a long time, I am a thorn in his side, so you can imagine how he feels about me.

'So I do feel threatened by that. But I will keep talking, I will always keep front of house for Siobhan. Never will I let him win.

In response to Ms McLaughlins criticism, the Parole Board said it does not comment on individual cases.

However, a spokeswoman said the parole process has changed significantly in recent years and victim engagement is an important part of the parole process.

She said: When a person serving a life sentence applies for parole, victims are invited to participate in the process and can make a submission to the Parole Board in writing and/or in person, if they wish to do so.

'Participation in the process is voluntary and the Parole Board supports victims in whatever choice they make.

Free legal aid is available to victims whereby they can seek legal advice to assist them with the parole process.

The Parole Board said submissions are generally a victims account of the impact the crime had on them and the wider family.

The spokeswoman added: Victims may share with the Parole Board how the offence has affected them as well as their views regarding the applicant potentially being released on parole.

'Victims sometimes indicate the conditions they would like the Parole Board to consider in the event that it makes a decision to grant parole to an applicant.

The Department of Justice spokesman said: The Parole Board makes its decisions to grant or refuse parole independently from the Minister for Justice and as such it is not possible for the Minister to comment on or intervene in individual cases.

IRELAND'S MOST EVIL MEN

EAMONN LILLIS

In 2010 Lillis was jailed for six years for killing his wife  former Bond girl and successful businesswoman Celine Cawley  after hitting her with her a brick during a row at their home in Howth.

However, Lillis was released in 2015 and received around 1.3million from his wifes estate, despite being jailed for her manslaughter.

Howth man Eamonn Lillis claimed in court that an intruder had broken into their house but investigators found a suitcase of his clothes covered in his wifes Celine Cawley's blood

The same year the Law Reform Commission published a report calling for a change in legislation to prevent people benefiting from homicide

Lillis had claimed in court that an intruder had broken into their house but investigators found a suitcase of his clothes covered in his wifes blood.

Ms Cawley appeared in the James Bond film A View To A Kill and went on to be a successful advertising professional.

JOE OREILLY

OReillys murder of his wife Rachel in 2004 became one of the most notorious cases in the country.

Staged as a burglary, OReilly thought he had carried out the perfect murder. But phone calls he made throughout that day would lead to his alibi unravelling and ultimately being found guilty of the brutal killing.

Joe OReillys murder of his wife Rachel in 2004 became one of the most notorious cases in the country. Staged as a burglary, he thought he had carried out the perfect murder

OReilly left a letter in his wifes coffin begging for forgiveness. He was sentenced to life imprisonment for her murder after mobile phone records exposed his alibi as a lie.

He was denied parole in January 2025 and reportedly threatened to sue the parole board. He is eligible to apply again this year.

COLIN WHELAN

Scheming computer analyst Whelan believed he carried out the perfect murder when he strangled his wife of just six months.

Whelan claimed she had fallen down the stairs at their home in Balbriggan, Co. Dublin, and died from her injuries.

But following a post-mortem it was determined that Mary, who had worked in a solicitors office, had been strangled.

Colin Whelan was given a life sentence after he pleaded guilty to murdering his wife Mary at their home in March 2001. Whelan had claimed she had fallen down the stairs at their home.

Whelan then staged his own fake death by suicide and fled the country when he realised detectives were on his tail.

His luck ran out 14 months later when an eagle-eyed tourist spotted him in a bar in Majorca, Spain, where he had started a new life under the name Cian Sweeney.

Whelan is currently serving out his sentence in an open prison and is applying for parole in the coming weeks.

MICHAEL DERMOT McARDLE

The Louth man served just two years in a Spanish prison after killing his wife Kelly Ann Corcoran in Marbella in February 2000.

Tragic mother Kelly Ann, 29, plunged to her death following a struggle at the couples fourth-floor hotel room while on holiday in the upmarket Costa del Sol resort town.

Louth man Michael Dermot McArdle served just two years in a Spanish prison after killing his wife Kelly Ann Corcoran in the Spanish resort of Marbella in February 2000

McArdle claimed his wife fell from the balcony in their room in their five star hotel as she rushed to save their young son.

But prosecutors argued this was impossible. Prosecutors claimed McArdle pushed her on the balcony during a row and she fell off the edge  a claim accepted by seven of the nine-person jury.

McArdle was finally jailed in 2011 after lodging a string of appeals.

He walked free from Alhaurin prison near Malaga in 2013.

FRANK McCANN

McCann is serving a life sentence for the murders of his wife Esther and 18-month-old foster daughter Jessica 33 years ago  but he is up for parole for the seventh time next month.

The Parole Board told the double killer in November 2024 they were not yet satisfied he would not pose an undue risk to the community were he to be released on parole.

But that hasnt stopped McCann from continuing with his latest efforts to walk free.

Frank McCann is serving a life sentence for the murders of his wife Esther and 18monthold foster daughter Jessica

Earlier this year his murdered wifes sister, Marian Leonard, said she will attend a parole hearing in April as part of her efforts to keep him locked up.

She said at the time: He will come after anyone. There has never been any remorse shown for the horrific crimes he committed. I am convinced he will always pose a danger to my family and to society.
He sprinted towards me his face obscured by a black mask... except for a tiny slit which revealed his menacing dark eyes.

As he got closer his gloved hands emerged from the pockets of his hoodie. I leapt into my car and sped away as his fists battered on the back of the vehicle.

It was my first encounter with Jordan Linden  or at least his very unsavoury associates.

It was September 16, 2023 and I had driven to Bellshill in Lanarkshire to confront Linden  the former SNP council leader who was last week convicted of a string of horrific sex abuses  over claims he had harassed and assaulted multiple young men and boys during his time in the SNP and the Scottish Youth Parliament.

I had knocked on his front door that afternoon expecting no response or a curt get lost.

Instead Lindens then-boyfriend answered the door of the two bedroomed maisonette with a snarl.

He claimed Linden moved out ages ago despite the predator being clearly visible in the top floor window, trying to crouch behind the windowsill to hide from me and my photographer.

When I introduced myself, Lindens boyfriend swore and slammed the door.

Hannah Rodger - Chief Reporter for The Scottish Mail on Sunday - has recounted the intimidation she encountered as she exposed the crimes of SNP predator Jordan Linden

As I sat in the car with the photographer, he then stormed over to us and screamed to stop taking pictures. He claimed he would send someone if we didnt p*** off.

Is that a threat? I asked, and he huffily marched off.

Around ten minutes later my photographer pointed to a hooded young man coming from across the other end of the estate. Watch him he said.

I thought nothing of it at first, the man being so far away and coming from the opposite direction to Lindens home.

But as he came closer and I saw his black gloves, his hood drawn tight round his face, and a black snood-type scarf round his neck, the hairs on the back of my neck prickled.

Just as I went to get back in the car, he looked up, drew the snood right up over his nose, only his beady eyes visible, and bolted straight towards me.

My heart was pounding as I leapt back into the car and slammed the door, the photographer careering on to the nearby roundabout and crossing his fingers that we wouldnt crash. The man whacked the side of the car as we sped away.

It was my first experience of someone going to great lengths to protect Linden.

Linden was convicted of a catalogue of sexual offences against young men and boys

I was to find out over the next three years that this would be a familiar theme.

I first heard about Lindens predatory behaviour in early July 2022.

A friend had mentioned an incident to me in Dundee involving North Lanarkshire Councils new SNP leader and a young SNP activist, several years earlier.

The incident, we now know through the victims witness testimony, was Linden locking the man in a bathroom, trying to kiss him and asking him to urinate in front of him  a sexual assault.

Having spoken to some of my contacts within the SNP, I discovered the party had been alerted to the behaviour of its fresh-faced new council leader at the time in 2019, but nothing appeared to have been done.

The only evidence I could find of a problem was Linden quietly dropping his ambition to stand for election as an MP in the general election a few days after the incident was said to have happened.

I contacted the SNP, laying out the date of the incident, what happened and the fact their compliance officer Ian McCann had been informed but no action had been taken.

No complaint was lodged came the response. It later emerged the SNP only class a complaint as such when its decided by the party its a complaint  hardly fair on the complainer, but a convenient get-out for the nationalist machine.

Linden pictured at Falkirk Sheriff Court during his trial over the offences

My editor was brave enough to run the story with the evidence we had and the floodgates opened after that. Linden quit as council leader three days later but stayed on as an SNP councillor.

Almost as soon as the story was published, colleagues across the newspaper industry were being briefed by SNP spin doctors that my reporting was inaccurate and they were very much considering the merits of a complaint to the press regulator, IPSO.

In the days that followed the original story I was contacted by several young men, some of whom went on to testify in Lindens trial, detailing how they had been abused by him while members of the Scottish Youth Parliament.

I couldnt believe what I was hearing. The men, who were all teenagers at the time, had gone so far as to raise the issues they were having with the Youth Parliaments staff but instead they were called liars, and the whole affair was dismissed as teenage gossip.

Thousands of pounds of taxpayers cash had even been spent on an investigation into the complainers, rather than Linden, by a private law firm.

Linden later used this sham probe to claim he had been cleared of any wrongdoing.

Linden was at one time seen as a rising star in the SNP and was elected as a councillor

I spoke to all the men who got in touch, and continued writing about what Id discovered  including that the SNP had been warned repeatedly about Linden and, for inexplicable reasons, decided to keep promoting him anyway.

The SNP continued to dismiss my reporting, eventually ignoring my requests for comment entirely  the same way theyd ignored those who tried to warn them of Lindens sordid character.

A year later, in March 2023, I was contacted by a group of SNP North Lanarkshire councillors, with another incredible tale of woe. One of their number, Cameron McManus, alleged he had been a victim of Lindens.

He told me he had raised his fears about Linden with the SNPs group leader Tracy Carragher but, just like the Youth Parliament victims, the organisation turned on him.

His colleagues who had supported him were also being disciplined. They all eventually left the SNP and formed a new party, later becoming independent councillors.

After I wrote about Camerons experience, Linden finally quit politics for good, probably hoping it would put an end to any scrutiny of his hienous past behaviour.

Cameron waived his right to anonymity and in late March 2023 took the brave step of reporting what he said happened to him to the police.

If it wasnt for this young mans courage, Linden would not have been convicted.

After his initial report officers contacted me to ask if any of the men I had written about would be willing to talk to them.

Some, not all, agreed. The names of many more men I had never known about also featured as victims in Lindens long list of charges when he finally appeared in court in January this year, having been arrested almost two years earlier  in February 2024.

The police, to their credit, had meticulously investigated this case. Prosecutor Alistair McDermid also did his job with conviction, painting a picture of Linden as a malicious predator whose behaviour escalated in tandem with the power he was swiftly gaining in Scottish politics.

While the whole ordeal has been a long, stressful and emotional one for me, its nothing compared to what Lindens victims have gone through in their wait for justice -as long as 15 years in one case.

Theyve had many nightmarish years of hurt and frustration, yet when I revealed the guilty verdict to them last week, one man said simply: Thank you for believing me.
Nigel Farage has traded blows with a Marxist teachers leader whose trade union vowed to mobilise members to stop him becoming Prime Minister  and dubbed him a Toytown Trump.

Delegates at the annual conference of the National Education Union (NEU), which starts on Monday, will debate a motion calling for the trade union movement to throw its full weight behind stopping a Reform UK government.

The motion also calls for teachers to collate and disseminate anti-racist teaching materials and to encourage school and community-based anti-deportation campaigns.

Separate debates will call for an end to the proscription of Palestine Action and to support teachers who want to visit migrant camps in northern France.

On Saturday Mr Farage vowed to sweep away politicised classrooms if he became Prime Minister and took aim at Daniel Kebede, the unions hard-Left general secretary, saying: The NEU should focus on the day job of teaching instead of trying to indoctrinate children. Daniel Kebede is an open Marxist and shouldnt be anywhere near our education system.

Change is coming for the NEU  a Reform government will introduce a patriotic curriculum, no longer will teaching unions be able to politicise the classroom and talk down our country.

But Mr Kebede hit back, saying: Nigel Farage will be a disaster for Britain. We have a multi-millionaire dressed in tweed masquerading as a man of the people.

The reality is he would cut our schools to the bone along with the NHS and other public services. This Toytown Trump is not fit for No 10.

Reform party leader Nigel Farage spoke on stage at the launch of the party's local election campaign at Fairfield Halls in Croydon, London, on Saturday

The NEU is currently running a ballot of members over whether to strike over pay, workload and school funding.

Mr Farage, who holds a nine-point lead in the most recent opinion poll, has vowed to tackle institutional Left-wing bias among the Blob of the Civil Service, local authorities and schools if he forms the next government.

Reform officials have received increasing reports of Left-wing teachers characterising Reform supporters as fascists in classrooms across the country.

Last year it demanded an investigation after teachers at a group of leading state schools made inappropriate and slanderous comparisons between the party and the Nazis.

Richard Tice, Reforms deputy leader, complained after discovering that staff at the Orion group, which runs eight academy schools in south London, used a picture of him in teaching materials to illustrate extremism  defined as activities which reject British values.

The materials also placed Reform to the right of Ukip and next to the BNP and the Nazis at the fascism end of an illustration on the Left-wing/Right-wing political spectrum of beliefs.

The secondary school lessons were for pupils in Year 10.

Last week, it was revealed that council workers in Leeds were offered counselling in a safe space to deal with the stress of a visit by the Reform UK leader.

The NEU is currently running a ballot of members over whether to strike over pay, workload and school funding Pictured: Tens of thousands of teachers marched in London in 2023 as they staged a strike over better working conditions and better pay

John Ebo, the councils head of human resources, said: No doubt you will have picked up in the news that Nigel Farage and Reform are holding an event/rally.

I am mindful such events impact on colleagues, and would ask that we enable safe space conversations for colleagues such as the Wellbeing network chats.

The email was forwarded to the councils Race Equality Staff Network, with an extra warning: Be vigilant if you are in the city centre that day. Mr Farage called them pathetic, weak people who dont understand democracy.

Green Party leader Zack Polanski will address the NEU conference on Monday afternoon.
It is the intensely humiliating photograph that sealed the downfall of former cabinet minister Peter Mandelson.

Standing in a pair of white Y-fronts and talking to a young woman wearing a dressing gown, Labour's so-called 'Prince of Darkness' appeared at home in paedophile Jeffrey Epstein's palatial mansion in Paris.

Now the woman in that extraordinary picture  a former Russian model who was one of Epstein's many victims  has broken her silence in an exclusive interview with The Mail on Sunday.

Mia, whose name has been changed to protect her identity, revealed the image was taken surreptitiously by Epstein as he sat behind his desk in a room in his substantial apartment she knew as 'the library'.

She believes the picture  found amid the Epstein Files  was part of the paedophile financier's secret bid to collect images of powerful guests in compromising positions.

Mia thinks the photograph was taken around 2010 when she was in her mid-20s. She recalled: 'I don't remember [Mandelson] walking around like that often. Possibly he could have been getting a massage.

'There was a masseuse who came quite often. I think she was from Lithuania.

'Honestly, I don't remember what we were looking at, [it seems] as if he was showing me something, some gadget.'

Mia, the woman in the photograph and whose name has been changed to protect her identity, revealed the image was taken surreptitiously by Epstein as he sat behind his desk

She believes the picture  found amid the Epstein Files  was part of the paedophile financier's secret bid to collect images of powerful guests in compromising positions

She said she was '99 per cent certain' Epstein took the photograph because the angle suggests it was snapped from his desk, given the layout of the room.

'He loved taking provocative photos where people looked far from their best,' she said.

'The photo is disgusting. [Mandleson] is not the most pleasant person in the world anyway, and in his underpants... aside from grimacing, [the picture] evokes no other emotions.'

Commenting on the appropriateness of Mandelson quizzing her while standing in his underwear, she added: 'It's utter trash.'

Mandelson  sacked as Britain's Ambassador to the US in September after his full links to Epstein were exposed, raising questions about Sir Keir Starmer's judgment in appointing him  has denied any knowledge of the financier's crimes 'because of the lies he told me'.

The 72-year-old was last month arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Mia was part of Epstein's retinue for several years. He housed her in one of his Manhattan apartments and controlled every aspect of her life, she claimed.

She also met Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor when he visited Epstein in December 2010.

She described Mandelson as 'unfriendly', 'sullen' and 'very unwelcoming' and accused him of treating young women in Epstein's orbit  many of whom are now known to be victims  with disdain.

'Peter was like a freeloader, moving from place to place, staying on yachts, in Paris, in houses,' she told the MoS.

'He just seemed like some high-profile guest who was so important that there was no need for him to talk to us, the staff, no need for him to be pleasant.'

She described Mandelson's attitude towards the women in Epstein's homes as 'arrogance', adding: 'It was looking down on us. I don't even remember whether he knew my name.'

Mandelson was less aloof with Mia on a later visit to New York, she recalls, when Epstein ordered her to act as his personal shopper.

The MoS revealed earlier this month how Epstein arranged for the politician to have Botox injections while he was on a taxpayer-funded visit to Manhattan in March 2010, while the financier was still under house arrest.

Epstein controlled every aspect of the lives of the young women ensnared in his sex-trafficking web.

At one point he ordered Mia  who has received a payout from a fund for victims  to have her hair cut, telling her 'you're too old to have long hair'.

'He controlled our clothing, hair, teeth, sport, exercising, everything,' she said.

'No one had medical insurance. If you needed to see a doctor, you had to ask his permission, and he sent you to his doctors.'

When he visited Paris, Epstein still kept New York time and went to bed late. He expected the girls in his retinue to act on his instructions at any time.

'So maybe that photo [with Mandelson] was taken in the morning, before I'd had time to get dressed,' she said.

Mia described how Epstein was a supreme manipulator. 'He seemed to see right through you, understand your vulnerability, then become the only person who could solve your problem,' she said.

'Then gradually, step by step, he would crush you. He drew people into this web. Even very powerful people got caught.'

Mandelson did not respond to a request to comment last night.
A key ally of Keir Starmer was last night accused of being rewarded with more than 1 million from the taxpayer for his secretive firm after surrendering British sovereignty in the Chagos Islands, sparking a bitter conflict of interests row.

An organisation founded by Jonathan Powell, the Prime Ministers national security adviser (NSA), received the money in a series of payments following his appointment as the Governments Chagos envoy after Labours 2024 election win.

The handover of the Indian Ocean territory to Mauritius  a close ally of China  led to tensions with Washington after Donald Trump complained that the move had strengthened Beijings influence in the region.

The archipelago includes the joint UK/US military base on Diego Garcia, which Mr Trump had hoped to use to launch bombing raids on Iran this month  only to be blocked by Sir Keir.

The UK, which has controlled Chagos since the early 19th century, has agreed to pay Mauritius an average cost of 101 million a year to lease the base.

Last night an official working in the Trump administration told The Mail on Sunday that America was considering withholding classified information from the British Government because of its concerns about potential conflicts of interests relating to Mr Powells powerful role, his company and his links to China.

Mr Powell  who is known in Whitehall as the real Foreign Secretary because of his contacts and influence  last met Chinas foreign minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Monday.

Details of the secret trip only surfaced after a press release was issued by the Chinese government.

An organisation founded by Jonathan Powell, the Prime Ministers national security adviser (NSA), received the money in a series of payments following his appointment as the Governments Chagos envoy after Labour s 2024 election win

Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, holds talks with Mr Powell

Mr Powell, 69, founded Inter Mediate  an organisation which uses intelligence networks to run back channels to non-state actors  four years after he left Tony Blairs Downing Street, where he was chief of staff for ten years until 2007.

He stood down as its 200,000-a-year chief executive in December 2024 when he took up his post as NSA, but according to recent reports he is planning to return to the organisation later this year.

Now new evidence has come to light which reveals that his firm has been awarded a total of 1 million of taxpayer funding since Keir Starmer became Prime Minister.

The reason for the payments has only been disclosed in very vague terms.

On October 23, 2025, just two days after legislation to surrender Chagos cleared the Commons, Inter Mediate was awarded a grant for 700,000, in addition to 349,000 which had already been paid to the company since Mr Powells appointment as envoy.

Mr Trump has urged Sir Keir not to give away Diego Garcia, saying that such a move would be a blight on our great ally.

The revelations came as President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives told the UK yesterday that it did not recognise the deal, expressing its opposition to the deeply concerning agreement in two written objections and a phone call with Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy.

Alex Burghart MP, Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: It is shocking that Jonathan Powells secretive firm is pocketing a million pounds under the Labour Government, which raises serious concerns about conflicts of interest and breaches of procurement rules.

'Labour ministers should come clean on these dark money contracts, and how UK taxpayers money is being used to bankroll back channel communications with hostile foreign states.

We need to know what role Inter Mediate has played in secret discussions with the likes of Iran, China and Mauritius.

This payout would appear to be a reward for selling out the Chagos Islands, allowing Powells firm to cash in when he leaves government.

'The Government Internal Audit Agency needs to do a forensic investigation of these murky payments.

The UK, which has controlled Chagos since the early 19th century, has agreed to pay Mauritius an average cost of 101 million a year to lease the base. Pictured: Diego Garcia, a British Indian Ocean Territory and the largest of the islands in the Chagos Archipelago

Mr Powell, 69, (pictured) founded Inter Mediate  an organisation which uses intelligence networks to run back channels to non-state actors  four years after he left Tony Blairs Downing Street, where he was chief of staff for ten years until 2007

An official in the Trump administration said: A foundation of our intelligence sharing is our confidence that these governments, including the British government, will protect classified information from adversaries like China.

Undisclosed connections and conflicts like the ones alleged here could raise grave concerns.

On Friday, a group of MPs and peers criticised the way that Mr Powell was being shielded from public scrutiny.

The parliamentary joint committee on national security (JCNSS) said there was a lack of clarity over who is responsible for national security, which hampers the possibility for external scrutiny and challenge.

It added: We have not been able to publicly question the national security adviser about delivery of national security policy, in contrast to all previous parliaments under all previous administrations.

The JCNSS report also warned that Labour was prioritising short-term financial gain from China over national security. Mr Powell was still working as chief executive of the shadowy outfit  which was first incorporated as a company before subsequently obtaining charitable status  when he was appointed as Sir Keirs Chagos envoy in September 2024.

He has strong links to Beijing. In 2023 he attended a seminar run by the Grandview Institution, a Chinese state think-tank, whose key people have all worked at the highest levels of the Chinese foreign and defence ministries.

Then in 2024 he gave a lecture at Peking University and met with the Chinese Peoples Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries  which the US warns aims to directly and malignly influence state and local leaders to promote Chinese interests.

According to the Charity Commission, Inter Mediates purpose is human rights/religious or racial harmony/equality or diversity and other charitable purposes with its activities taking place throughout England and Wales.

But the organisation also exists as a limited company, IM01 Ltd. That companys Articles of Association suggest the firms activities may include paid political lobbying work for undisclosed clients, including seeking to influence national governments policies.

A Government spokesman said Inter Mediate was one of several organisations awarded Official Development Assistance (ODA) for a specific project which supported conflict resolution.

They added: The programme started in 2023 and was funded by the previous government.

This had nothing to do with the Chagos Islands, and claiming otherwise is completely false. All ODA funding goes through rigorous checks and must be linked to specific development outcomes.
The former Downing Street adviser at the centre of a mystery over his stolen mobile phone used two other handsets which could contain messages relating to Peter Mandelsons appointment as US ambassador, sources have revealed.

Morgan McSweeney is under pressure to explain the full details of the theft he reported last October, when MPs were pushing for the disclosure of corresponence that could explain why Lord Mandelson was given the job despite his connections with Jeffrey Epstein.

At the time, with the Tories plotting to use a Commons procedure to force the disclosure of all messages about his appointment and resignation, Downing Street aides held meetings to come up with a strategy for Morgans messages.

A few days later, on October 20, Mr McSweeney, then No 10 chief of staff, reported that his official iPhone had been snatched in London.

After Mr McSweeney reported the incident to Downing Street the device was wiped remotely.

Now The Mail on Sunday has established Mr McSweeney also possessed two private phones: one was deactivated earlier this year, while the other one is still in service.

Asked this weekend if all his phones had been searched for applicable messages, No 10 said that it was still in the process of asking relevant individuals for messages relating to Lord Mandelson.

On Friday the Cabinet Office asked Lord Mandelson for the messages on his personal phone, two months after MPs demanded their publication.

The Mail on Sunday has established Morgan McSweeney (pictured) also possessed two private phones: one was deactivated earlier this year, while the other one is still in service

Mr McSweeney is under pressure to explain the full details of the theft he reported last October, when MPs were pushing for the disclosure of corresponence that could explain why Lord Mandelson (pictured) was given the job despite his connections with Jeffrey Epstein

Scotland Yard was forced to reopen the investigation into the reported theft last week after questions were raised over the sequence of events.

Detectives are examining CCTV footage from the street where Mr McSweeney claims he was robbed, and have asked him to provide a formal statement about the incident.

To add to the intrigue, a senior official in Boris Johnsons government has said the messages on Mr McSweeneys government phone should have been backed up.

Helen MacNamara, who was the Deputy Cabinet Secretary during the Covid pandemic, said: Its really simple. If it belongs to the Government and its the business of the State, the records should be kept.

'They can be kept on the phone, but then the things on the phone should be periodically transferred on to the official record. Its not massively complicated.

A call log published by Scotland Yard showed that Mr McSweeney told an officer that his phone had been snatched by a bike rider as he walked home from a restaurant in Pimlico, central London.

But he gave the police call handler the incorrect location, telling them he was in Belgrave Street, which is in east London, rather than Belgrave Road in Westminster.

As a result, Scotland Yards initial attempt to recover CCTV of the incident was doomed from the start.

Mr McSweeney also failed to tell the police that he worked at No 10, meaning the Yard did not realise that the device could contain sensitive material and contacts. He also gave his Scottish rather than his London address.

In addition, The Telegraph reported yesterday that Mr McSweeney failed to respond to police requests asking if he had managed to locate the missing phone using its inbuilt tracker.

Ministers fear that Mr McSweeney could be forced to appear before MPs to clear up the mysteries surrounding his relationship with Lord Mandelson, the messages that were exchanged and the phone theft.

It comes after Tory leader Kemi Badenoch hinted that she was ready to force another Commons vote to compel Mr McSweeney to give evidence to explain exactly what happened and why Keir Starmer signed off on Peter Mandelsons appointment despite the warnings.

Mr McSweeney resigned last month over his role in the decision to appoint Lord Mandelson as the British Governments representative in Washington.

A No 10 spokesman said: All government departments, ministers and relevant individuals are in the process of being asked to provide information they hold.
Boao Moments 2026: Reframing ESG, the China way

17:50, March 27, 2026 By Michael Kurtagh ( People's Daily Online

Speakers at the "Reinterpreting ESG: Corporate Responsibilities and Opportunities" session of the Boao Forum for Asia 2026 Annual Conference, in Boao, south China's Hainan Province. (People's Daily Online/Li Ze)

As global economic conditions grow more complex and climate challenges mount, environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards have evolved from a peripheral corporate responsibility concept into a core measure of long-term enterprise value. The Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2026 brought this conversation to the fore on March 26, with a dedicated session bringing together executives from energy, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and professional services to examine how businesses can turn ESG commitments into genuine strategic advantage.

ESG in the Chinese context

China's ESG landscape has matured considerably in recent years. The China Securities Regulatory Commission has made ESG disclosure an increasingly formal requirement for listed companies. That momentum looks set to continue under the 15th Five-Year Plan, which places science and technology innovation and industrial upgrading at the center of China's development model, with green transformation woven throughout. For Chinese enterprises, this means ESG is no longer a matter of meeting external expectations but of aligning with the direction the national economy is heading. The dual carbon goals, carbon peaking by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060, provide a long-term policy anchor that gives businesses a clear horizon to plan against, while initiatives like green finance and green credit are making sustainability a factor in how capital flows through the economy.

From compliance to core strategy

A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the shift in how companies perceive ESG, moving away from a regulatory checkbox and toward a driver of competitive strength. Bi Shunjie, managing partner of EY Greater China, traced this evolution through the firm's own practice. When EY established its first dedicated climate-focused advisory team in China over a decade ago, the concept was largely unfamiliar to domestic clients. Today that landscape has fundamentally changed, with ESG reporting requirements firmly in place and corporate attitudes shifting from reluctant compliance to genuine strategic buy-in. Bi also pointed to artificial intelligence as an increasingly important factor, noting that advances in AI efficiency could meaningfully reduce the energy footprint of large-scale computing. He highlighted that EY had recognized DeepSeek at a recent sustainability summit precisely because breakthroughs in low-cost, high-performance AI carry real implications for how efficiently the economy uses energy.

Gianni Di Giovanni, chairman of Eni China, speaks during the "Reinterpreting ESG: Corporate Responsibilities and Opportunities" session of the Boao Forum for Asia 2026 Annual Conference, in Boao, south China's Hainan Province. (People's Daily Online/Li Ze)

Green innovation as a growth lever

Li Xiaofei, vice president of China Datang Corporation, shared how the state-owned energy group is channeling ESG principles into its overseas expansion under the Belt and Road Initiative. Datang's first overseas renewable energy project, a photovoltaic power station in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, was connected to the grid last September, with a second phase of solar and energy storage now under construction. Beyond project delivery, the company has established a joint technology research and innovation center with Uzbekistan's Ministry of Energy, focused on standard-setting, technology transfer and local talent development across Central Asia. For Li, the goal is not simply to build and operate clean energy infrastructure abroad, but to cultivate resilient local industrial ecosystems that carry Chinese technical standards and expertise into new markets.

Zhai Jingli, deputy CEO of Sinar Mas Group APP, offered a perspective from the pulp and paper industry, one of China's most resource-intensive manufacturing sectors. She outlined a three-pronged approach centered on raw material innovation, advanced materials development and full value-chain integration, and drew a direct line between the 15th Five-Year Plan's emphasis on deeply integrating technological and industrial innovation and what her company is trying to do on the ground. She urged businesses to embed zero-carbon targets from the earliest stages of project planning and to write ESG metrics into performance evaluations rather than leaving them as aspirational statements in strategy documents.

Supply chain resilience and decarbonization

Tony Pusic, AstraZeneca's senior vice president of Regional Supply for the Asia-Pacific region and Japan, described how the pharmaceutical company has built a deliberately distributed supply network across the region, with major logistics centers spread across China, to reduce geographic concentration risk and better absorb geopolitical disruptions. He noted that AstraZeneca's approach aligns closely with China's own priorities around supply chain security and domestic manufacturing capacity, and that the company sees its commitments under China's Healthy China initiative and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as integral to its ESG strategy rather than separate from it. The company has cut its carbon footprint by 98 percent against a 2015 baseline, with all internal operations now running at net zero and new facilities designed to be carbon-neutral from day one.

Rethinking enterprise value

Sun Xuanzhong, founding dean of the School of Business at China University of Political Science and Law, provided a theoretical grounding for the discussion. He argued that ESG fundamentally redefines what a company is for, shifting the focus beyond profit maximization to encompass environmental stewardship, social contribution and sound governance. Many corporate risks today, he noted, do not stem from economic missteps but from failures in exactly these areas, a point he illustrated with real cases from his own consulting work involving Chinese enterprises operating overseas. ESG, properly understood, is not an optional extra but a compulsory discipline, and one that becomes a source of competitive advantage for companies that take it seriously.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Wu Chengliang)
A majority of activists attending the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) selected Vice President JD Vance as their preferred nominee for president in 2028.

Fifty-three percent of activists in the CPAC straw poll chose Vance while 35 percent chose Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The CPAC straw poll offers a window into the preferred choice for grassroots activists who attend the conference every year.

Vance, who did not speak at the conference this year, earned more support the previous year with 61 percent.

Rubio, who only earned three percent support in 2025, earned significantly more support from conservatives, thanks to his work for President Trump on issues of foreign policy.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis only got two percent tied with President Donald Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr.

DeSantis has indicated he is considering another run after unsuccessfully challenging President Trump in the 2024 primary, but did not speak at the conference this year.

U.S. President Donald Trump, right, and Vice President JD Vance sit in the Situation Room

United States Vice President JD Vance, left, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, right,

Texas Senator Ted Cruz, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard all came in with just one percent.

The conference this year was held in the Dallas suburb of Grapevine, Texas, at the Gaylord Texan hotel and convention center, a shift from the usual location outside of Washington, DC.

President Trump did not appear at the conference this year, choosing instead to spend the weekend at his club at Mar-a-Lago as the war in Iran continues.

CPAC chairman Matt Schlapp told the Daily Mail that potential successors for President Trump would have to imitate his willingness to make time for activists.

'If you want to follow in Trump's footsteps, you have to have these virtues of being available, being quotable, being interactive with media, being interactive with activists, being interactive with leaders in the community,' he said.
A CNN journalist was wrestled into a chokehold by Israeli soldiers as they detained an entire news crew in the West Bank.

Photojournalist Cyril Theophilos was forced to the ground during a violent confrontation with members of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Friday.

The crew were interviewing Palestinians who had allegedly been attacked by Israeli settlers near the town of Tayasir when they were approached by the IDF.

Solders brandished their weapons, pointing them directly at the news crew and ordered them to stop interviewing, video showed.

'Stop! Sit down! Sit down,' one soldier reportedly yelled, approaching the news team as well as two young boys a few feet in front of them.

'The soldiers just immediately came up and started pointing their weapons directly at us telling everyone to sit down immediately,' Jerusalem correspondent Jeremy Diamond told the camera.

As the team tried to record the situation, one soldier smacked Diamond's phone out of his hand and demanded that the crew's cameras were switched off.

Theophilos was then placed in a chokehold. Footage saw the journalist pointing the camera up at the soldiers, who were then towering over him after he was taken to the ground. His camera was allegedly damaged during the incident.

A CNN news crew were approached by armed Israeli soldiers while interviewing Palestinians in the West Bank town of Tayasir

Then Cyril Theophilos, a photojournalist for the outlet seen above, was held in a chokehold by one of the armed soldiers and then brought to the ground

As the crew tried to record the situation, one soldier smacked one of the crew's phones out of his hand and demanded that their camera was switched off

The team and the Palestinians were reportedly detained for two hours before the news crew was escorted back to their vehicle.

The Israeli Military told CNN that the incident would be 'thoroughly reviewed.'

'The actions and behavior of the soldiers in the incident are incompatible with what is expected of IDF (Israel Defense Forces) soldiers operating in the Judea and Samaria area,' a spokesperson said.

The news team had been in the area interviewing Palestinians who had been reportedly attacked by Israeli civilians or 'settlers.'

The rise in settler attacks on Palestinian villages along the West Bank, which are not always violent, coincide with the government continuing to expand settlements.

Locals in Tayasir said that the settler attack on Thursday morning saw 75-year-old Abdullah Daraghmeh left with a fractured bones face and skull as well as knocked out teeth.

His family told CNN that settlers stormed in and beat Daraghmah, with his son Sami Daraghmeh saying that his father had been asleep.

'This is not normal,' he added.

'The soldiers just immediately came up and started pointing their weapons directly at us telling everyone to sit down immediately,' correspondent Jeremy Diamond told the camera

According to locals, the settlers had arrived in the early hours and began firing guns into the air and beating Palestinians before the new outpost was established by sunrise.

During the two hours that the CNN news crew were detained by the Israeli soldiers, the team reportedly heard the soldiers opinions on the controversial tactic.

An Israeli soldier, identified as Meir, acknowledged that the outpost he was protecting was illegal under Israeli law.

'But this will be a legal settlement,' he said. 'Slowly, slowly.'

He was asked if he would help make the legality of the outposts a reality, Meir said: 'Of course. I help my people.'

Meir reportedly said that the tactic involved the establishment of outposts on Palestinian villages while relying on little response from the Israeli soldiers and the eventual legalization from the Israeli government.

Currently, dozens of similar outposts have been legalized by the Israel government since Hamas's attack on October 7 in 2023.

According to the CNN news team, the group of soldiers spoke of seeking revenge over the death of Yehuda Sherman, 18, who was said to have been killed by a Palestinian driving an ATV on Sunday March 22.

Palestinians in the area said that the young man had been stealing sheep from locals.

'If you had a brother an they killed him, what would you have done?' one soldier asked the news crew.

'So, that's revenge?' the CNN team asked.

'Revenge,' Meir said. 'Listen, at the end of the day, if the state doesn't address what they did - those who murdered the youth... what do you expect us to do?'

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported 25 Palestinian deaths by Israeli settlers and soldiers as of March 15.
Defence Minister and ex-Royal Marine Al Carns was hailed on Saturday as Labour's new 'Reform slayer' and the best person to replace Sir Keir Starmer.

The Mail on Sunday was told that ex-Special Forces colonel Mr Carns was now the choice of many new Labour MPs to be the next party leader as the man best placed to defeat Nigel Farage.

One MP said on Saturday: 'Al Carns is clearly our Reform slayer  he's the one who'll take the fight to Farage at the Commons Despatch Box.

'I just don't think candidates like Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting just can't do that.'

The surge in support among Labour MPs who, like Mr Carns were only elected in 2024, apparently followed his pugnacious media performances last week that has also led to former military colleagues privately dubbing 'Rambo'.

That included declaring that if he was in the same situation as ex-Number 10 aide Morgan McSweeney and was having his mobile phone stolen, he would not let the thief escape.

Mr Carns, 46, who won the Military Cross for his service in Afghanistan, told BBC2's Newsnight: 'I'd like to see the person who's going to steal it because I'm going to chase them down the street and get it back.'

However, he also insisted he 'wasn't interested' in talking about someone's phone, saying: 'I'm interested in with the crisis in the Middle East involving hundreds of either British citizens or ex-pats, and a war in Ukraine that's caused a million casualties -more casualties than America took in the entire Second World War.'

The Mail on Sunday was told that Defence Minister and ex-Royal Marine Al Carns was now the choice of many new Labour MPs to be the next party leader as the man best placed to defeat Nigel Farage

He batted away a further question, saying: 'I'm not going to discuss the details of someone's phone when I have two wars ongoing  I think this is gutter politics.'

He has also been filmed in a promotional video doing pull-ups at a fire station in his Birmingham Selly Oak constituency in competition with a firefighter.

That was one of a series of promotional videos involving local organisations and public services in his constituency, and which cost 3,000 of parliamentary expenses to produce.

His office has insisted that the videos were made 'in full compliance' with parliamentary expenses rules and Mr Carns himself has said that he would 'never apologise' for championing public services.

In the wake of his television interviews last week, one ex-Royal Marine told the Mail on Sunday that some of the Minister's former commando colleagues were now dubbing him 'Rambo Carns' after the fictional US special forces Vietnam War hero immortalised by SylvesterStallone in a series of action films.

The ex-marine said: 'I think he was trying too hard to impress when he doesn't need to.'

Even so, Mr Carns appears to have admirers among his political foes as well as friends.

Ex-Special Forces colonel Mr Carns was hailed on Saturday as Labour's new 'Reform slayer'

Earlier this year, a Tory MP said: 'He's one of the most capable individuals on the Labour benches and would be an absolute nightmare to face.'

However, many other Labour MPs privately say it is 'ridiculous' that someone with less than two years' experience at Westminster could become Prime Minister.

But on Saturday, Mr Carns's allies played down any such leadership ambitions on his part.

They insisted that he was getting on with his Veterans Minister job, adding that he had 'no campaign, no ambition and no team'.
Civil servants have backed down on plans to quiz people about whether they are transgender at the next census.

The government funded Office for National Statistics (ONS) faced a fierce backlash from womens rights campaigners the last time it asked that question.

Confusing wording of a question on gender identity on the 2021 census resulted in 'unreliable' statistics which vastly overestimated the number of trans people living in England and Wales.

Now the ONS has confirmed it will not be asking 220,000 households in six local authority areas what gender they identify as in next year's census test  a dry run before the official census in 2031.

Women's rights campaigners hailed the news as 'a win for common sense'.

Fiona McAnena, of sex-based rights charity Sex Matters, said: 'Ideology should have no place in this exercise. It should ask about sex, male or female, and instruct respondents to answer honestly.

'It still beggars belief that the Office for National Statistics ignored repeated warnings, listened to nobody but trans activists and ploughed on with a gender identity question in the 2021 census.

'Many people who haven't been steeped in the twisted logic and language of the trans movement were unable to decode the gender identity question.'

Civil servants have backed down on gender identity questions at the next census after confusion in 2021

Statistics from the 2021 census overestimated the number of transgender people living in England and Wales. Pictured: A campaigner in Westminster in 2025

The Office for Statistics Regulations watchdog found non-fluent English speakers misunderstood the question 'Is the gender you identify with the same as your sex registered at birth?' and were four times more likely to say they were transgender.

It later ruled data suggesting there are 262,000 transgender people in England and Wales must be discarded.

Referring to Newham in London, a constituency with one of the lowest white British populations, Shadow Cabinet Office minister Mike Wood said: 'The gender identity question in the previous census was clearly flawed, leading to the ridiculous situation of Newham being the trans capital of the country.'

An ONS spokesman said the new question on gender identity 'is not due to be finalised in time to be incorporated into the test questionnaire'.
A secret plan to rescue thousands of UK nationals from the Middle East if Donald Trump launches a ground invasion is now being drawn up, senior military sources said on Saturday.

The Mail on Sunday was told that commando raiding crafts have been quietly transferred to the eastern Mediterranean in readiness to pluck Britons from beaches and ports.

And Royal Marines are on standby to be flown to out to carry out the operation.

It was understood on Saturday that the operations would focus on Lebanese capital Beirut, with a reported 4,500 UK nationals still in that country.

But there are also contingency plans to stage a similar operation at the Red Sea port of Aqaba in Jordan where there are a reported 6,000 Britons still resident.

The military sources stressed on Saturday that the so-called National Evacuation Operation would be launched if it became clear that the US was about to launch a ground intervention to seize control of the Strait of Hormuz currently controlled by Iran.

However, they also made clear that it would be on the basis that a 'safe corridor' had been agreed with other countries to allow the rescues to go head as no evacuation could proceed if that particular area was under attack.

That would mean for example that British forces would not attempt rescues from Beirut if the Israelis were still mounting operations against Iranian allies Hezbollah.

US President Donald Trump waved at onlookers before he travelled by Air Force One this weekend from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland to speak at the FII Priority Summit in Miami

The evacuation preparation is understood to have begun with the despatch to the eastern Mediterranean of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Lyme Bay, a landing ship dock capable of putting troops, vehicles and stores ashore using landing craft or powered rafts.

She is also equipped with a flight deck for helicopters.

Sources also said that Royal Marines' landing craft and offshore raiding boats had now been sent to the region aboard the commercial cargo ship MV Hurst Point.

Amphibious warfare teams from the 47 Commando (Raiding Group) and a small detachment of Royal Marines from 40 Commando will fly out to the region as and when required, a senior military source said.

RAF Chinook helicopters, already pre-positioned in Cyprus earlier this month, would be used to airlift some evacuees while landing craft and small raiding boats would rescue people from the shore.

The Royal Navy's HMS Dragon, which has now arrived in the region, would provide air protection for Lyme Bay with those rescued being ferried to Cyprus where the UK has too military bases.

The RAF's F-35 and Typhoon fighter aircraft in Cyprus would also provide 'overwatch' along with RAF Protector drones which can monitor the Lebanese coastline in case of an attack by Hezbollah.

The senior military source said: 'The UK has positioned its assets and they now await direction from the Government to give the green light.

The Mail on Sunday was told that commando raiding crafts have been quietly transferred to the eastern Mediterranean in readiness to pluck Britons from beaches and ports

'While the Armed Forces can go into Lebanon or Jordan when the bombs are flying, we cannot risk evacuees getting injured.

'So caution is the key word.'

More than 139,000 British nationals have now returned to the UK from the region since the conflict started, some on government charter flights.

But on Saturday, a Government spokesperson said that 'we do not recognise' claims of a new evacuation plan, adding: 'We do not comment on operational activity.'

The spokesperson added: 'More than 139,000 British nationals have now returned to the UK from the region and we continue to urge British nationals to use commercial travel options, which remain widely available.

'Our travel advice is kept constantly under review.'
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A doctor who gave expert evidence at the trial of Lucy Letby today said she was 'surprised' the former neo-natal nurse was not charged with more crimes.

Dr Sandie Bohin said she stands by testimony she gave at the former neonatal nurse's trial, which helped convict Letby of the murders and attempted murders of 14 babies in her care.

The consultant neonatologist also wrote reports on nine other infants that Cheshire Police subsequently submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, alleging Letby was responsible for murdering two of them and trying to kill seven more.

But in January prosecutors announced they would not be charging Letby, 36, with any more offences. They said officers had not provided enough evidence to meet their charging threshold and there was not a realistic prospect that a jury would convict her.

It prompted an angry response from the Cheshire force who said that, while they 'respected' the CPS's decision, they didn't agree with it.

'I was surprised (by the CPS decision),' Dr Bohin said. 'And I can see that the police might be disappointed in that outcome.

'But that's probably all I should say on that.

'I did my reports, and it's up to other people to then decide if it reaches the evidential threshold, but I think that certainly some of them did.'

Lucy Letby, 36, is serving a record 15 whole life terms after being convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven more - one of whom she attacked twice - at the Countess of Chester Hospital, between June 2015 and June 2016.

Dr Sandie Bohin was forced into early retirement from her job in Guernsey and says she is leaving the island following a campaign of 'hatred' and a 'misinformation' against her.

Listen to the full interview with Dr Sandie Bohin on the Mail's award-winning Trial+ podcast via The Crime Desk

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.

Letby is serving a record 15 whole life sentences after being found guilty of murdering seven babies and trying to kill seven more  one of whom she attacked twice  at the Countess of Chester Hospital, between June 2015 and June 2016.

Police asked Dr Bohin to peer review reports of their lead expert, Dr Dewi Evans, who concluded that Letby attacked the infants by injecting them with air or overfeeding them milk.

Dr Bohin said she spent many hours studying the thousands of pages of medical notes of the babies and, by and large, reached the same conclusions as Dr Evans.

Both medics gave evidence at Letby's 10-month trial, at Manchester Crown Court, which helped the jury convict her.

However, since then doubts have been raised about Letby's guilt and Dr Evans and Dr Bohin, as well as other medics who supported the prosecution's case, have been subjected to vicious trolling online and negative media reporting by those who believe Letby is innocent.

In a wide-ranging interview with the Daily Mail's award-winning Trial+ podcast, Dr Bohin, who until recently worked as a paediatrician in Guernsey, revealed she was driven out of her job  and forced off the island, where she has lived and worked for the past 17 years - because of 'hatred' and a 'campaign of misinformation' against her.

She said her reputation had been 'torn apart' by unfounded allegations and news reports which have made her ill.

Dr Bohin, who took early retirement in November, and her husband are now currently trying to sell her 'forever home' on Guernsey, so they can move back to the UK.

Dr Bohin (left) and Dr Dewi Evans pictured outside Manchester Crown Court, where they gave evidence during Letby's 10-month trial

Gavin St Pier was arrested for alleged harrassment of Dr Bohin in December. He denies wrongdoing

Lucy Letby, 36, was convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven more over two trials but has always maintained her innocence

The Women and Children's building, which houses the neo-natal unit, at the Countess of Chester Hospital where Letby committed her crimes

She said: 'If you decide to work as an expert witness, you do expect scrutiny, you expect questioning, but I think none of us expected the level of hatred that has come out (or) the vexatious nature of some of the personal comments about myself, Dewi Evans, Peter Hindmarsh, some of the doctors at the Countess as well.

'On a personal level, it's dreadful when your reputation and credibility is torn apart by people that don't know you and don't know all the facts of the case.

'It has made me ill.

'There's been a campaign of misinformation that has fed into the Letby trial with Mark McDonald and (Tory MP) David Davis and others. And it involves patients in Guernsey, so I don't have a voice to reply to that because I can't speak about patients.'

The saga stems back to 2022 when politician Gavin St Pier used parliamentary privilege to name Dr Bohin in a speech on concerns regarding safeguarding of children on the island.

It prompted an inquiry into Dr Bohin's conduct and later that of Mr St Pier, who sits as a Deputy in the States of Guernsey, the equivalent of an MP in the UK.

Dr Bohin was cleared of any wrongdoing and no formal complaints about her clinical care have been upheld.

Following an official standards investigation, Mr St Pier was found to have bullied Dr Bohin and discredited her with misleading statements, in breach of the Guernsey parliament's code of conduct.

Despite this, the feud has rumbled on with Mr St Pier claiming he has been contacted by more families - 28 in total - with concerns about Dr Bohin's clinical practice.

They have highlighted their concerns to Mark McDonald, Lucy Letby's new defence barrister, and insist Dr Bohin's conduct is 'significant in relation to (her) role as a prosecution expert witness.'

In November, Mr McDonald said he had passed information about Dr Bohin to the Criminal Cases Review Commission, the body that investigates potential miscarriages of justice that is evaluating Letby's case.

He is hoping that this, along with reports from new medical experts, who dispute that Letby murdered babies and say they died of natural causes or because of poor hospital care, will get her case back to the Court of Appeal and ultimately her convictions overturned.

In the meantime, Dr Bohin complained to police about Mr St Pier, the vice-president of Guernsey's top political committee, and his wife, Jane.

In December, they were arrested for alleged harassment and their mobile phones and other devices seized. The couple, who deny any wrongdoing, were released without charge but remain the subject to an ongoing investigation.

'In the last year or so, there have been allegations that 28 families have complained about me,' Dr Bohin added.

'They complained, not in a formal way to either my regulator or to the organisation I work for, (but) to the politician that had a problem with me 10 years ago.

'Headlines in the national press of 28 complaints against me are wrong but it's out there, and once it's out there, it's very difficult. Anyone looking at that would think, 'Well, there must be something going on.'

'Where there have been formal complaints they've been investigated by a proper process and no errors have been found in my clinical care.'

Dr Bohin said she didn't agree with the conclusions of Mr McDonald's new expert panel, who she described as 'ill-informed.'

Asked whether she regretted getting involved with the Letby case, given the personal ramifications, she added: 'I did my best in court. I told the truth. I didn't make the decision at the end of the day, the jury did.

'Somebody had to be an expert witness, and I was one of those people.

'I don't regret that, despite everything that's happened.'

Listen to the full interview with Dr Sandie Bohin on the Mail's award-winning Trial+ podcast via The Crime Desk.
Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi shared a 'strained' moment at Sandringham ahead of revelations surrounding their 'troubled marriage', a body language expert has claimed.

Video footage captured the couple, who wed in 2020, stood among dozens of Royal Family members on the steps of St Mary Magdalene Church following the annual Christmas Day service.

Yet as senior royals appeared engrossed in their respective conversations, Beatrice, 37, and Edo, 42, instead stood in silence and failed to barely acknowledge one another.

According to body language expert Judi James, the striking moment between the pair was a 'strained-looking non-verbal misstep' caused by Edo's 'discomfort'.

Ms James told the Daily Mail: 'Any sense of rift or even distancing from the top tier royals might not sit too well with Edo.

'Beatrice and her sister Eugenie appeared to make a choreographed shuffle off to a gap to the right of shot where they applied tense, forced-looking smiles as they glanced at William and Kate.

'There was something about their behaviour here that suggested a desire to hang back and lurk while the other royals took centre stage, but Edo's rather wistful glances suggested he might prefer to go down and mingle in the heart of the family.'

Ms James added that while Edo made an attempt to 'turn his charming smile onto his wife in a bid to connect with her', Beatrice appeared to 'ignore his attention-seeking intro calls' and instead 'keeps looking off to the side'.

'When she does turn back, she has her husband using warm eye contact and smiling directly at her but, in an unusual response between a loving couple, she avoids the eye connection, instead looking down at the ground.'

Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi shared a 'strained' moment at Sandringham ahead of the revelations of their 'troubled marriage', body language expert Judi James has claimed

According to Ms Judi James, the striking moment between the pair was a 'strained-looking non-verbal misstep' due to Edo's feelings of 'discomfort' amid the ensuing scandal surrounding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Jeffrey Epstein

'He turns back to the front with a wistful-looking smile while she performs her fixed social grin.'

Ms James suggested that Edo may have been attempting to 'lead' Beatrice and 'encourage her to retain her place in the heart of the royals', despite the scandal that was beginning to engulf her father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

'His body language hints that it's business as usual for Edo, with his very regal princely charm allowing him to fraternise naturally and readily and perhaps silently encouraging his wife to do so too,' noted Ms James.

'When the pair do walk away, it's Beatrice walking off ahead of her husband while he adopts the very regal trait of having his hands clasped behind his back.

'She turns with a frown though and he does join her with a supportive-looking hand on her back.'

The remarkable footage of the pair comes amid concerns by Beatrice's friends that their 'marriage is in trouble' in the wake of the Epstein scandal.

Sources close to Beatrice and Edo have previously told the Daily Mail that there has been notable distance between the couple in recent months.

They claimed that Edo is understandably keen to avoid his business being tainted by the scandal enveloping the House of York, which may be at odds with Beatrices apparent determination to offer support to her beleaguered father.

The timing of Edos Florida trip and the flurry of posts on social media  which is, some point out, rather unlike him  has led to whispers that all might not be well with the couple.

The remarkable footage of the pair comes amid concerns by Beatrice's friends that their 'marriage is in trouble' in the wake of the Epstein scandal. Sources close to Beatrice and Edo, have previously told the Daily Mail that there has been notable distance between them

Join the discussion Should Edos business ambitions come before supporting Beatrice during her familys scandal?

One source told the Daily Mail: Things havent been great for a while between them, but Beatrice has been determined to soldier on and forge a path through.

Beatrice is quite different from her sister. 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.

Another source said: Hes really worried his in-laws will affect his business. Banda has been taking off lately and hes found some great investors among the wealthy Cotswolds set, but its taking up a lot of his time and energy. Hes all about himself at the moment. You have to feel for Beatrice.

Someone else who knows the couple acknowledged: Theres been distance between them with his much-increased work travel lately, which he has been posting out [on social media] heavily in a way he didnt before.

While Eugenie has reportedly cut off ties with their father, Beatrice has been attempting to tread a finer line  offering her support to Andrew and her mother, Sarah Ferguson, while maintaining her links to the wider Royal Family.

Both daughters have been dragged into the scandal through their mentions in the millions of documents relating to Epstein, such as suggestions that they were introduced to the paedophile socially after his 2009 conviction, including at a lunch reportedly arranged by her mother.

While there is no evidence Beatrice was involved in any wrongdoing, there have been questions over the source of her finances, while Prince William is said to have been frustrated that both sisters have so far refused his suggestion to subject their personal investments to an ethics check.

Beatrice is said to be desperate to hold things together with Edo, while sources add that dealing with the fallout from the crisis, not to mention being a mother to two small children, has left her with little head space to give her husband the attention he needs.

He needs attention, hes one of those men, a well-placed source told the Daily Mail. Beatrice feels very raw and beside herself on so many levels.

Meanwhile, the Daily Mail has also discovered that Edo's design company, Banda, faced previous financial difficulties.

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 have insisted 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..

Post-wedding, it seemed his every project was given acres of space in newspapers and magazines.

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.
There can be little doubt that the lives of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsors children have been profoundly impacted by the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.

Following the arrest of their father and apparent disappearance of their mother, Princess Beatrice and her sister Princess Eugenie have been thrust into an unwelcome spotlight.

Public scrutiny of the sisters has become more intense than ever after the huge cache of files released by the US Department of Justice revealed the paedophile financier had a far more significant presence in their lives than had been previously understood.

While they have not been accused of wrongdoing, the sisters have faced growing questions over their royal standing, along with pressure to break their silence over their links with the disgraced businessman, who died in 2019.

The scrutiny has perhaps been most profound in the case of older sister Beatrice, 37, amid reports there has been a notable distance between her and her dashing husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi as the crisis unfolded.

Beatrice is said to be mortified by the Epstein scandal and desperate to hold things together in the face of adversity.

Meanwhile, her husband, who is known as Edo, appeared to be more concerned about promoting his property business after he jetted off on trips to Miami and Los Angeles in recent weeks - leaving his wife behind to apparently face the music alone.

Now the Daily Mail can reveal Edo, 42, may have had other matters on his mind aimed at preserving his six-year marriage and the couples future happiness.

The Daily Mail can reveal that Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi (pictured) are mulling over plans to escape the scandal surrounding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor by starting a new life abroad

Following the arrest of their disgraced father (pictured) and apparent disappearance of their mother Sarah Ferguson, Princess Beatrice and her sister Princess Eugenie have been thrust into an unwelcome spotlight

Meanwhile, her husband, who is known as Edo, appeared to be more concerned about promoting his property business after he jetted off on trips to Miami and Los Angeles in recent weeks - leaving his wife behind to apparently face the music alone

Insiders told how the couple are mulling over plans to escape the furore back home, once and for all, by starting a new life abroad.

A royal source said it is most likely the couple would relocate to the United States - following in the footsteps of Beatrices cousin Prince Harry.

Beatrice is also said to have taken on board how well a move away from the UK has worked for Eugenie after she established a home in Portugal with her husband, Jack Brooksbank back in 2022.

The source told the Daily Mail: Her sister Eugenie has lived abroad for many years now and that set the precedent.

It would have been unthinkable a few years ago but now times are very different.

Moving abroad, most likely to the United States, would be a fresh start for Beatrice and Edo and it would also mean they could give their marriage a kick start and get it back on track.'

The source added: The feeling is that if they stay in the UK they will just be sitting ducks because, lets face it, the Andrew and Sarah problem isnt going to go away.

There is the police investigation which will last several months and if Andrew is charged then there will be a trial and thats just more attention they can do without.

A move to the United States would certainly seem obvious for them. Edo spends a lot of time there so I can easily see them moving there.

Both sisters are in touch with their cousin Harry, and he has been offering them advice and there was talk of them staying in California for a while.'

Beatrice is said to be at a particularly low ebb as it was she who encouraged her father to take part in his car crash 2019 Newsnight interview - famously turning up with a notebook and pen at a meeting with producers.

She and her sister have hardly been seen since Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office before he was infamously photographed in the back of a car being driven away from a police station in February.

Meanwhile their mother Sarah Ferguson has managed to keep an extraordinarily low profile as deeply embarrassing details of her close bond to Epstein were revealed in the damaging files.

The scrutiny has perhaps been most profound in the case of Beatrice, 37, amid reports there has been a notable distance between her and her dashing property developer husband

A royal source said it is most likely the couple would relocate to the US - following in the footsteps of Beatrices cousin Prince Harry, who lives in Montecito with his wife, Meghan Markle. The Duke of Sussex is seen here with Edo as they attended King Charles's coronation on May 6, 2023

Speaking of Andrews arrest and the impact it had on his daughters, the source said: That really hit the sisters hard and especially Beatrice because she needed Edo with her and he was away with work in the United States, drumming up trade for his property business.

She needed a shoulder to cry on, but he wasnt there for her and that really upset her but they are desperate to make a good go of things. They know how things appear, but they want to really try.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that Edo, the son of an Italian count, was on an extended business trip to the US.

During his time in Miami, he was spotted on Fisher Island - an exclusive sun-kissed destination popular with A-list celebrities that is only accessible by ferry or private yacht.

He posted now-deleted photographs of himself dressed in a pastel pink suit, a casual shirt and loafers as he promoted his company, enjoying a chilled glass of rose on the rooftop of the Mr C Miami hotel and reclining outside the Art Deco Colony Hotel in Palm Beach

There were further images of him in Los Angeles as he travelled back and forth from the UK and America.

Against this backdrop, Beatrice was at home with their two daughters Sienna, four, and one-year-old Athena, watching as the unedifying spectacle of her father being arrested unfolded on prime-time television.

The source added of Edo: He knows now that wasnt a good look and the timing was unfortunate, but he was genuinely there for work and his brand is seen as very marketable in the United States.

To say Beatrice wasnt amused is an understatement but if moving abroad means keeping their marriage together then so be it and Edo has told her his company is roaring along.

Beatrice is said to have spoken at length to Eugenie about living overseas, as she is in Portugal for six months of the year with her husband.

The attraction of life in the sun away from the glare of publicity is a prospect that could prove irresistible, the source said.

It was late 2018 that Princess Beatrice first unveiled her new boyfriend to her parents, though the two families had known each other for years.

The attraction of life in the sun away from the glare of publicity is a prospect that could prove irresistible for Beatrice and Eugenie, the source added

His father Count Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi is a former Alpine skier who represented Great Britain at the 1972 Winter Olympics.

The count and Edos mother Nikki divorced when he and his sister, Natalia, were very young, and his father later moved to France.

Nikki remarried and Edo 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.

Edo and Beatrice tied the knot in an intimate ceremony at Windsors Royal Chapel of All Saints in 2020 - during the Covid pandemic.

Edo also has a son Wolfie, aged two at the time, with his former fiancee Dara Huang.

Architect Dara was said to be stunned after their split but wished the couple all the best and told how she was looking forward to them uniting our families.

The source added: 'Edo was an old family friend, and Sarah and Andrew were delighted when Beatrice told them she was going out with him - they were over the moon.

They thought that he was a lovely man and successful in his own right and would look after Beatrice.

They had known him for years, so they were delighted when they got together.

He slotted into the family really well and Beatrice seemed to take like a duck to water being a stepmother to little Wolfie and that worked out well.

The source added of the couple's marriage: They really want to make it work, for the sake of their two daughters but also Wolfie, her stepson, who Beatrice has really taken to heart.

Beatrice and Edo have denied their marriage is in trouble and Edo has insisted his trips abroad were made as he simply tried to build my business.

He has made a great success of his property business Banda which he started aged just 23.

And it certainly appears his royal connections have helped boost his profile.

When he began dating Beatrice in 2018 his businesss two main subsidiaries - Banda Design and Banda Property - were both reporting losses.

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.

It 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.

The source said: The question now though is whether hes used his royal connections excessively, he entered a very different world to what he was used to, when he married Beatrice.

He began mixing in royal circles, meeting the late Queen, the then Prince Charles, Camilla, going to Ascot, Sandringham and other family events.

Edo has been photographed at all these events and that certainly opens doors, especially in the United States and that has really helped his business take off.

Hes become even more successful since he married into the royals, but they have this sword of Damocles hanging over them with Andrew, Sarah and the Epstein Files.

There could also be other advantages of relocating more than 4,000 miles from home.

Speaking of Beatrices scandal-hit mother the source points out: They dont want Sarah living with them and Eugenie feels the same, so to escape it all I wouldnt be surprised if they move to the United States.

At some point Sarah will have to come back and face the music and neither sister wants her living with them, they see her as an embarrassment.

So if Edo feels his future is in the United States then that is a definite option for them.
Pedalling along the sleepy lanes which surround their sprawling Oxfordshire home, Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi were spotted out on bikes with their children last Saturday.

According to locals, who are well accustomed to seeing celebrities and royals in this charming honey-stoned corner of the Cotswolds, they looked like any normal young family taking advantage of the spring sunshine.

Alas, if only that were so. For, as a scion of the House of York, life for 37-year-old Beatrice is anything but normal. And thanks to her feckless parents, the past few months have been a trying time indeed for the royal who remains ninth in line to the throne.

Now, amid the ongoing fall-out from the shame heaped upon her family by the disgraced Duke and Duchess of York, friends  as revealed by The Mail on Sunday  have spoken of their concerns that the damage is also taking its toll on her five-year marriage to 42-year-old property designer Edo.

While the well-heeled couple appear determined to put a brave face on things, a royal source exclusively told the Daily Mail this week that tensions in their relationship took root over the past year amid the catastrophic fall from grace of Beatrice's once royal parents.

Put bluntly, Edo, as he is known to family and friends, is said to be sick and tired of the ongoing House of York drama and its overarching impact on their lives  and his business.

Meanwhile, says the source, tearful 'daddy's girl' Beatrice is finding it hard to walk away from her shamed parents, and having previously been 'hyper-dependent' on her mother, is feeling 'isolated'. Edo, it is said, is determined to distance himself from his toxic in-laws and ensure his own international interior design business interests and reputation are untainted by this unmitigated scandal.

Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli at the Christmas Morning Service last year

Edo has travelled on business to the US, including in Miami in February for an interior design conference and Australia

'Behind the scenes, Edo has been working hard on keeping Bea distant from her parents,' says the source.

'He is convinced she needs to make her own life. He has also been trying to keep her from the Royal Family more generally because he thinks the Epstein 'contagion' and, more generally, what Andrew was up to when running Pitch@Palace could leave all of them facing a lot of awkward questions.'

Beatrice, explains the source, 'is finding all that hard to square with her beliefs'. 'She was brought up to believe in dynasty and blue blood. She has yet to come to terms with it all and keeps bursting into tears, which he finds concerning.'

In January Beatrice demonstrated her continuing devotion to Andrew when she took her elder daughter, Sienna, for a 45-minute horse ride with the erstwhile Duke around Windsor Great Park.

The Daily Mail can also reveal that Bea is in regular touch with Andrew, 66, and has also made a top-secret visit to see him at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate, where he is holed up at the King's expense, while his future home, Marsh Farm, is being refurbished. 'Whether or not Edo knew about it is not clear,' says the royal source.

With the pair apparently at odds over how best to navigate this familial crisis, Edo, who runs his own property company, Banda, set off for Palm Beach in Florida for a design conference last month. That trip raised more than a few eyebrows, not least because it came just days after the former Prince Andrew was dramatically whisked away from Royal Lodge under the cover of darkness.

While Edo was lapping up the sunshine 4,000 miles away, Beatrice was left alone to cope with one of the most critical moments in the agonisingly drawn-out fall of the House of York.

The location also left a bad taste in the mouth given that Palm Beach was where Jeffrey Epstein once kept a palatial home and where the late Virginia Giuffre, who claimed she was trafficked by Epstein and forced to have sex with the former Prince Andrew, grew up and was ensnared by the late billionaire sex offender.

Among the photographs Edo posted was one of himself, dressed in a pastel pink suit and loafers to match the iconic pink facade of the Art Deco Colony Hotel. If he was aware of the discomforting significance of that location then he didn't show any sign of it.

The hotel was where Beatrice's disgraced mother, Sarah Ferguson, often stayed and where she hosted charitable events. But according to a royal source who spoke exclusively to the Daily Mail this week: 'Edo is deliberately trying to promote the fact that he is his own man so as to protect his business interests and reputation. He also needs to be able to visit the US frequently for business and not give the authorities any reason to summon him to answer questions, so keeping a distance makes sense.'

His Banda brand has gone from strength to strength since marrying into the Royal Family. Latest Companies House records show that Banda Design Ltd, its interior design arm, reported a turnover of 2.2 million in 2024 and retained profits of 774,353. A year before he and Beatrice wed, it was 244,000 in the red.

Edo was well aware of the skeletons in the York family closet when he proposed to Beatrice at a five-star hotel in Positano on the Amalfi coast in Italy in 2019.

Their July 2020 wedding at The Royal Chapel of All Saints, at Royal Lodge in Windsor, came just eight months after the then Duke of York's disastrous BBC Newsnight interview when Andrew had already stepped down as a working royal.

Descended from Italian aristocracy, and raised in Charlbury, Oxfordshire, Edo crossed paths with Beatrice from a young age.

Although his parents  former Olympic skier Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi and British mother Nicola Burrows  divorced when he was a boy, it was through Edo's late stepfather, Christopher Shale that a friendship with the Yorks was formed. 'He knew Andrew and Fergie via his parents and was a semi-familiar face on the edges of royal society,' says the source.

'His slightly haughty manner, self-assurance and ease in very high society made him a natural fit,' says the source. 'Far more so than Eugenie's husband Jack Brooksbank who was like a rabbit in the headlights as he was introduced into the family.

'It was Edo's insouciance and what might be interpreted as arrogance that appealed to Bea. He reminded her of her father. She was always the daddy's girl and Edo had the same self-assuredness.'

Since their wedding, the couple have had two daughters: Sienna, four, and Athena, one. They also co-parent Edo's ten-year-old son, Wolfie, from his previous relationship with Taiwanese-American architect Dara Huang. Edo is said to have maintained 'discreet links' with Andrew and Fergie at Royal Lodge.

But even before the release of the Epstein Files saw the York family scandal explode, he had tactfully refused Andrew's constant requests to refurbish 30-room Royal Lodge, perhaps aware that his in-laws would not be in residence for much longer.

Despite purposely distancing himself from his wife's family, Edo has struggled to convince Beatrice to do the same. According to the source: 'She thought she would lead a grand House of York. She has yet to come to terms with it all.'

Nowhere was this more apparent than at Christmas when Beatrice accepted the King's invitation to join the Royal Family at Sandringham. She and Edo were among royals photographed making the traditional Christmas morning walk to St Mary Magdalene Church. But Edo, says the royal source, was 'opposed to playing happy families' and, not surprisingly, appeared somewhat tense.

The Mapelli Mozzis, of course, are not the first couple juggling young children and careers to face marital challenges. While Edo has travelled on business to the US and Australia, Beatrice has taken multiple trips to the Middle East to promote her BY-EQ business consultancy. But in the wake of her parents' catastrophic downfall, she is said to be feeling increasingly isolated.

'She is lacking much of a support network. She was hyper-dependent on her mother and sister, although they aren't in easy contact just now. She is quite isolated, especially with Edo away just now.'

Reassuringly, the Daily Mail's royal source says that the couple are working through their problems and that 'rumours of a marital rift remain wide of the mark'.

But amid ongoing tensions, Beatrice faces an unenviable dilemma.

Should she cling on to her hopes of a royal future, even if she risks being dragged into her parents' ongoing scandal? Or should she step away from her royal birthright which in recent years has brought nothing but heartache?

She could do worse than throw her lot in with her husband, who declared upon their engagement: 'You will never be alone my love, my heart is your home.'
Prince Philip lived with pancreatic cancer for nearly eight years before his death, a major new book reveals.

In Queen Elizabeth II, serialised exclusively in the Mail on Sunday, biographer Hugo Vickers discloses that the then Duke of Edinburgh was diagnosed with inoperable cancer in June 2013 during an 11-day stay in hospital.

He died at Windsor Castle in April 2021, two months before his 100th birthday, with old age listed on his death certificate.

On the last night of his life, Prince Philip gave nurses the slip and shuffled along a corridor at the castle on his Zimmer frame before pouring himself a beer and drinking it in the Oak Room, a sitting room, Vickers reveals.

He added: The following morning, he got up, had a bath, said he did not feel well and quietly slipped away.

'By this point, he had lived with pancreatic cancer for nearly eight years  far longer than the usual survival time from diagnosis.

Queen Elizabeth was not there when her husband of 73 years died and was said to have been upset that as so often in life, he left without saying goodbye.

Philip was hospitalised in December 2011 for a blocked coronary artery, and in 2013 was treated at the private London Clinic in Marylebone.

Prince Philip, who died aged 99 in April 2021, enjoyed remarkably good health until the final decade of his life. Above: Prince Philip leaving hospital in March 2021. He died the following month

In 2013, Prince Philip spent 11 days in hospital for abdominal surgery. He turned 92 while being treated. Above: The Duke of Edinburgh leaving the London Clinic following his treatment in 2013

Doctors detected a shadow on his pancreas, and cut him right across his stomach for exploratory surgery. The verdict was inoperable pancreatic cancer, Vickers writes.

Four years later, he stepped down from royal duties.

Vickers says that in 2019 there were such serious rumours about Philips health that plans were drawn up to postpone the general election if he died.

But then [he] perked up... Someone said he was being public-spirited and making an effort to survive so as not to upset the election.

Read HUGO VICKERS'S full account of the former Duke of Edinburgh's final hours exclusively on Mail+.
It's a tradition that dates back centuries.

But people should swap their annual Easter egg roll for a potato roll, woke experts say.

Campaigners from PETA argue eggs come from 'tormented hens who live miserable lives' and that Easter celebrations should be modernised.

Rather than rolling painted eggs down a hill  a practice that has been popular in the UK for hundreds of years  PETA is urging people to use dyed potatoes instead.

One of the oldest events in the UK is the annual easter egg roll that has been held in Preston, Lancashire, since at least 1867.

In a letter to organisers Elisa Allen, PETA's vice president of programmes, said making the switch to potatorolling would 'reduce animal suffering, teach children empathy and kindness, help the planet and support British potato farmers'.

She told the Daily Mail: 'Children love animals and would be sad to learn that the eggs used for fun and games at Preston's egg rolling event come from tormented hens who live miserable lives on Britain's farms.

'Easter should be a time of renewal and joy for all sentient beings  and that means hens, too.'

PETA is urging people to roll dyed potatoes, like these pictured, down a hill instead of using real chicken eggs

PETA's letter in full, calling for traditional eggs to be replaced with dyed potatoes that 'see no cruelty'

The rolling of eggs down a hill at Easter is thought to symbolise the rolling away of the stone from Jesus's tomb, marking his resurrection.

The tradition, also called 'paceegging', requires children to paint a hard-boiled egg before rolling it down a hill to see whose can go the furthest without breaking.

In the letter to Preston Council's events team, Ms Allen said: 'We're writing with a request: switch eggs for potatoes for your annual Easter rolling contest.

'This small tweak to usher in potatorolling fun would ensure the event welcomes everyone, including those who avoid eggs for religious, cultural, or environmental reasons, or because they oppose the abuse of chickens in the egg industry.'

She argued that chickens are inquisitive, intelligent individuals who form complex social bonds and use communication that reflects their personalities.

'But Easter is far from a time of renewal or joy for them,' the letter reads.

'For us to eat, or roll, their eggs, millions of sensitive birds are confined to cramped, filthy sheds for their entire lives, often unable to stretch their wings, breathe fresh air or feel sunshine on their faces, let alone forage, dust bathe or enjoy short flights for enrichment.'

The use of eggs  whether to eat or roll  also heightens the risk that avian flu becomes the next pandemic, Ms Allen added.

One of the oldest events in the UK is the annual easter egg roll that has been held in Preston, Lancashire (pictured)

Animal rights group PETA previously found the Happy Egg Company birds 'miserable, bleeding, decomposing or dead' when investigators visited three farms

Why do people roll eggs down a hill at Easter? The rolling of eggs down a hill at Easter is thought to symbolise the rolling away of the stone from Jesus's tomb, marking his resurrection. The tradition, also called 'paceegging', requires children to paint a hardboiled egg before rolling it down a steep hill to see whose can go the furthest without breaking. One of the biggest eggrolling festivals today is in Preston, where tens of thousands of eggs have been rolled at Avenham Park on Easter Monday since 1867.

Potatoes, on the other hand, see 'no cruelty during their journey from paddock to plate' and have a carbon footprint roughly 10 times lower than that of eggs, PETA argued.

'Evolving your event into the Preston Tater Tumble' is a simple, appealing way to reduce animal suffering,' the letter concludes.

The campaigners argue that even 'freerange' or 'organic' egg farms restrict chickens' natural behaviour like foraging, exploring, taking dust baths and roosting.

PETA has previously released footage of suppliers for Happy Egg Co, one of the UK's largest 'freerange' egg brands, showing sick, miserable birds packed by the thousands into dirty, dark sheds.

The shocking video appears to show balding hens covered in bloody wounds, while activists claimed the sheds were piled high with faeces.

The footage is said to have been filmed at three farms in Cumbria, Gloucestershire and Hereford, which all supply eggs to the business.

PETA said some of the company's socalled 'happy hens' had died and their corpses were left to rot among living birds at the sites.

Commenting on the footage The Happy Egg Company said: 'Maintaining the highest animal welfare standards is extremely important to us and we took immediate action when we were made aware of the existence of the video by the RSPCA after they were approached by PETA.

PETA's online store (US only) sells Easter potato decorating kids including food colouring, paint brushes, googly eyes and a burlap sack

'Each of the farms underwent independent, rigorous inspection by the RSPCA and all have been cleared, having the compulsory standards in place.

'We routinely audit farms to ensure that they conform to all UK industry standards and we conducted additional inspections as a result of the video to ensure that the farms were fully compliant.

'Nothing is more important to us than the safe and proper care of our hens.'

A Preston City Council spokesman said: 'Egg Rolling in Preston dates back more than 150 years and is a well-established tradition, regularly attracting 30,000 visitors each year.

'Whilst historically visitors turned up with hard boiled eggs, more recently these are often switched for chocolate eggs to be rolled down the hill at Avenham Park.

'The event does not prescribe the type of egg to be rolled, and visitors have the choice as to what they roll down the hill.'
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Waxing? Done. Eyebrows? Shaped. Hair? Cut and blowdried. Fake tan? Lathered on. And that's just him.

The list of beauty treatments you might feel like you need ahead of a big holiday is seemingly endless, from manicures and pedicures to plucking and preening.

According to a 2025 report by the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology, Brits spend an average of 150 a year on pre-getaway beauty prep - but do we really need to?

Here, the Daily Mail asked leading beauty experts about which treatments are worth your time - and which you're better off avoiding altogether...

The pre-trip essentials

FACIALS

Let's face it: Having a professional facial before your holiday can get you coveted glowing skin

Botox beauty: Expert cosmetologist Vlada Bilenca is an advocate for botox - as long as you do it far in advance of your holiday

Across the board, experts raved about the benefits of a pre-holiday facial: from achieving a glowing complexion to intense hydration, the perks are worth it, they said.

Expert cosmetologist Vlada Bilenca, from the Fam Beauty London salon, told us: 'It's nice to have a facial, a deep cleansing - then you are preparing your skin for your holidays.

'Skin boosters - injectable treatments to improve your skin hydration - are great too,' she added. 'It's bio-revitalisation to boost your skin before the holidays, because when you're on holiday the sun damages your skin.'

Vlada adds: 'When you're traveling a lot, you're losing a lot of water, and you're losing a lot of hydration. That is why our key point here is to actually fill in your skin with as much moisture and water as we can from within, in order for it to retain it.'

Tricia Trimble, founder and CEO of SPF specialists Suntegrity, chimes in: 'I always recommend keeping things simple and focusing on treatments that make your skin look fresh and healthy without causing irritation.

'A gentle peel or enzyme treatment a few days before you leave is wonderful for removing dull surface skin so your makeup goes on more smoothly and your skincare products absorb better.

'I also love doing a hydrating facial like a HydraFacial or oxygen facial before a trip. It deeply hydrates while providing a light exfoliation, leaving your complexion smooth, plump, and luminous with zero downtime.'

SKINCARE

Mask your excitement: Tricia Trimble, founder and CEO of Suntegrity, is adamant sun protection is key - and gentle peels, masks and facials can help you prepare

It's not just pro facials that should be part of your pre-holiday routine: general skincare is one of the most important things you can focus on.

You don't need to spend a fortune, either.

Celebrity esthetician Tammy Fender says: 'It feels good to spend the weeks preparing for your trip treating your skin to extra-loving care.

'I like to recommend gentle home exfoliation and masking to cleanse and detoxify the skin and to make sure that hydration and nutrients are well replenished.'

As well as standard skincare, there are new techniques you can implement.

Tammy adds: 'Incorporating manual lymph drainage or gua sha practices into your routine helps, and all of these techniques work so well in harmony with a professional holistic facial treatment.'

Join the discussion What beauty treatments do you swear by before a holiday?

BOTOX

Vladislava: 'I would say that Botox is really good to have before the holidays.

'Let's say two weeks before your holidays, then it helps when you are enjoying the sun on the beach, and you're frowning all the time due to the sun.'

Be warned, though - it needs to be done well in advance of your trip. More on that later.

MASSAGES

You know you knead it: Booking a massage in advance of your trip is also a good idea

Massages, you might think, belong in the realm of holiday activity - not holiday preparation.

But one expert disagrees.

Tammy Fender says: 'I love to arrive at my destination feeling as ready to relax and enjoy as possible.

'Booking a massage can put you in a vacation state-of-mind before you even leave and take the edge off of travel, as can a few extra hours of sleep - both of which benefit your wellbeing, but also your skin, which is so reactive to cortisol and stress.'

The beauty treatments to avoid at all costs

ANYTHING 'DETOX'

The idea of a detox can seem alluring - from juice cleanses to skin detoxes, they often promise impressive results in a short period of time.

But don't be fooled.

Shamsa Kanwal MD, a board-certified dermatologist with more than 10 years of clinical experience, from MyPsoriasisTeam, says: 'Anything detox focused is usually marketing, not physiology, especially lymphatic facials sold as permanent sculpting.'

Last year, Gwyneth Paltrow spoke about her love of cleanses and detoxes - but experts criticised her claims.

Instead, focus on science-backed treatments and avoid anything promising a quick fix.

AGGRESSIVE TREATMENTS

Bad timing: Ildi Pekar, a celebrity esthetician, suggests avoiding intense treatments right before a break

Ildi Pekar, a celebrity esthetician based in the US, says: 'I always tell my clients dont try something aggressive right before a trip. The best prep is skin thats calm, hydrated, and balanced.

'A gentle exfoliation combined with a deeply hydrating treatment is ideal. It smooths the skin, boosts circulation, and gives that natural glow without risking irritation while youre away.'

She's an advocate for treatments such as microcurrent, radiofrequency and an oxygen facial.

Dr Ariel Ostad, a cosmetic dermatologist and facial cosmetic surgeon, echoes this: 'Treatments are rarely a waste if theyre done appropriately, but timing matters.

'For example, aggressive resurfacing treatments right before travel such as deep chemical peels or ablative lasers can backfire.

'They require downtime and leave the skin more vulnerable to sun damage. Thats why you should time them to be done about three to four weeks beforehand.

'Another mistake is trying new treatments right before leaving. If your skin reacts poorly, you dont have time to recover. When preparing for a trip, predictability and minimal downtime are key.'

POOR TIMING

Regardless of what kinds of treatments you want to have before jetting off abroad, timing is key.

Even the best prep in the world can be wasted if done too close to your trip.

Dr Gina Maccarone, a cosmetic surgeon and founder of The Surgeonista, explained: 'The biggest mistake people make before travel is doing a treatment too close to departure. Even excellent treatments can be disappointing if swelling or peeling hasnt resolved yet.

'Aggressive procedures like deep chemical peels or major laser resurfacing right before a trip are usually not ideal. Timing matters just as much as the treatment itself.'

Dr Jason Champagne, a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon based in Beverly Hills, echoes this: 'Treatments that are done close to traveling can be a waste of money. Some treatments that can be a waste of money before travelling include resurfacing and chemical peeling.

'It is better to consider the timing of the treatment than the kind of treatment.'

BRAND-NEW SELF TANNER

Orange-you glad you waited? Skip the fake tan before a break if you haven't tried it before

In general, the days where streaky orange fake tan was favoured are behind us.

With plenty of excellent products on the market now, it's easy to get that natural coveted glow.

But one key mistake people still make? Trying a new product - right before a trip.

Brittney Bennett, celebrity spray tan artist and founder of Be Bronze tanning studio, with studios in Los Angeles and Scottsdale, said: 'Trying a brand new self tanner days before a trip could lead to an unnatural colour and ruin the trip.'

What should be on your travel beauty packing list?

Have you got it all? Sunglasses, sun cream and a hat are among the essential packing items

It's no surprise that all the experts agree on one thing: sun cream is the number one travel essential - even on winter trips.

Tricia from Suntegrity, who's an experts on the matter, says: 'The most underrated investment isn't a treatment at all, it's a high-quality mineral sunscreen used every single day.

'A good mineral sunscreen is always at the top of my list. Protecting your skin from UV damage is the single most effective thing you can do to prevent premature aging, pigmentation, and long-term skin damage, especially when you're spending extended time outdoors.'

Other than that, there are a few items to pack that could improve your trip.

Tricia advises a hydrating serum and solid moisturiser are essential, because sun, travel and air conditioning can dehydrate the skin.

A lip balm with SPF is another non-negotiable.

She adds: 'The one thing people consistently forget on winter trips is sunscreen. UV exposure doesn't stop in winter, and in snowy environments it can actually be more intense because sunlight reflects directly off the snow. It's one of the most common causes of unexpected sun damage.'

Elsewhere, you might want to add electrolytes - to improve hydration, especially if you're flying.

Cecily Braden, an esthetician, spa educator and founder of The Lymphatic Brush, adds: 'Electrolytes to replace minerals lost through sweat, prevent dehydration. The heat from the sun causes an increase in circulation, which can lead to swelling and excess fluid retention.

'The Lymphatic Brush is a travel must for me to reduce inflammation during travel and minimize swelling and bloating. I use it to reduce fluid and promote a smoother tone in my arms and legs when wearing swimsuit, sundresses or shorts.

'Compression socks are non-negotiable when flying or driving long distances.'

Any pre-flight advice?

Expert advice: Olha Lialina, general manager at Fam Beauty London, suggests certain creams

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: One thing all the experts advocate for is hydration on planes

Social media is awash with videos of influencers using face masks onboard flights.

But while these can work, some experts are not convinced.

Olha Lialina, general manager at Fam Beauty London said: 'I have tried a couple of times to do a face mask on the aircraft, which was a total disaster, because my face mask busted and exploded in my bag. I was still able to actually use the face mask. But I didn't really see actual results I was hoping for.

'That is why I've changed my strategy - I use a very hydrating and very thick face cream, which I apply right before I go to the airport.

'Yes, it's not very lightweight, but at the end, when you're washing your face at the end of the day, after all of the travelling, after all the airports, you can see the difference, that your skin is still glowing, it keeps all the hydration, it doesn't let the moisture out, which is actually a lifesaver.'

Olha also advises drinking a glass of water every hour on board.

Another lesser-known tactic involves bringing one simple item with you - to create an ambience of calm.

Tammy Fender adds: 'To help dissolve tension, I fly with a small spritzer of Bulgarian Rose Water in my carry-on and tune in to a very calming playlist of binaural music to support meditative theta and gamma waves during boarding and landing.'

And another seasoned pro even has some more unconventional advice in terms of hygiene and skincare.

Annabelle Taurua, beauty expert at the worlds leading beauty and wellness marketplace Fresha, says: 'It is common for people to sanitise their seat tray when getting on a flight, but what they dont realise is that that is not enough, and they should in fact be sanitising their whole seat as well.

'It might look clean, but it can harbour bacteria and residue from previous passengers that will then be in very close contact with your skin.

'Touching any of the unsanitised surfaces in your seating area, whether it be the tray, your seat, the arm rests and then touching your face will very quickly undo all the effort you put into your skincare routine, potentially leading to breakouts.

'Cabin air is very dry, and this can weaken your skin barrier, making it much more prone to irritation and sensitive to bacteria. So sanitising the whole area is really important and will help your skincare actually work as opposed to having to fight against new impurities every time you touch your face.'

What are the best travel beauty products to pack?

If you're planning a holiday, there are plenty of beauty accessories that will make your journey much smoother.

Here's our guide to the best travel beauty essentials you should pack for your next break...

Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask Olha from the Fam Beauty salon recommends the Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask. She says it's very good for a quick boost of hydration and balance of the skin. Was 26 Shop

La Roche Posay Face Cream This amazing cream can be applied the night before, during the flight and after the flight to keep the skin hydrated, stress-free and balanced, Olha from Fam Beauty says. Its rich formula helps the skin stay hydrated and protects the skin barrier. Was 19.50 Shop

The lymphatic brush by Cecily Braden Lymphatic brushes are a glam way to create a contoured shape along the jawline and neck. They are designed to stimulate the lymphatic system, reduce facial/body puffiness, and improve skin tone through gentle brushing. Shop

Aventurine Gua Sha Massage Stone Gua sha practices can help improve your skin, giving the 'snatched' look many covet. Shop

Good Flyte Travel Wellness & Electrolytes Good Flyte is scientifically formulated to help you stay hydrated, energised and protected during air travel. Designed by pilots and medical experts, it combines electrolytes, vitamins and botanicals to combat fatigue, dry cabin air and jet lag - helping you land refreshed and ready. Shop

Organic Bulgarian Rose Water Spray 100ml Tammy Fender travels with a small spritzer of Bulgarian Rose Water to create an atmosphere of calm while travelling. Shop
Planning a trip to Disney World can be stressful, especially when it comes to picking the perfect place to stay.

The Orlando, Florida-based theme park has over 20 different resorts to choose from, and each one offers its own set of perks as well as dining and transportation options.

In addition, every Disney hotel has its own immersive theming, offering a very distinct experience for each one.

It can certainly be overwhelming trying to decide which to book for your Disney trip, especially because they don't come cheap - families can easily fork over more than $1,000 a night on a Disney hotel.

As a Disney regular who visits the theme park multiple times a year, I've stayed at 10 different Disney resorts - and I found that some were totally worth the money and others were not.

Thankfully, I have revealed which, out of the ones I have stayed at, I'd recommend to others - as well as the ones I'd skip.

It's important to know that Disney's 21 hotels are split into three tiers: deluxe, moderate and value resorts.

The deluxe resorts are the most expensive but they offer the most perks to guests and have the best amenities. The moderate hotels are slightly cheaper and a little less nice while the value resorts are the cheapest and most basic.

But what's right for your family? Here's a breakdown of the 10 Disney resorts I have stayed at.

Worth it: Disney's Polynesian Village Resort

As a Disney regular who visits the theme park multiple times a year, I've stayed at 10 different Disney resorts - and I found that some were totally worth the money and others were not

It truly feels like you've been transported to an island in Hawaii when you stay at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort

Out of all the deluxe resorts I have stayed at, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort was hands-down the best.

It truly feels like you've been transported to an island in Hawaii when you're at the resort.

As soon as you step foot on the property, cast members greet you by saying 'Aloha' and by giving you flower leis; tiki torches line the pathways; and lush tropical landscaping surrounds you.

What also makes it great is the location - it's located along Disney's monorail, the train system that connects Magic Kingdom, EPCOT and a few of Disney's resorts.

Being able to hop right on the monorail to get to and from the parks is a huge benefit. After all, who wants to trek to the Uber pickup area or wait for the bus after a long day?

It also means that Magic Kingdom - and the glorious Cinderella Castle - is visible from many parts of the resort. That means you can sit on the beach at night - and in some cases, if you're lucky, on your porch - and have a prime view of the fireworks.

In addition, I believe that the hotel has some of the best dining options in all of Disney World.

There are two sit-down restaurants on the property, both of which offer delicious Polynesian-style food as well as multiple quick-service eateries and a slew of bars.

As soon as you step foot on the property cast members greet you by saying 'Aloha,' tiki torches line the pathways, and lush tropical landscaping surrounds you. One of the many pools at the Polynesian is seen

Between the amazing theming, the delicious and plentiful food options and the prime location, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is worth it to me. Seen is one of the rooms at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort

With so many options it's hard to choose where to eat but my go-to restaurant is 'Ohana.

The eatery offers an all-you-can-eat style breakfast with appearances from Lilo and Stitch, Mickey Mouse and Pluto. It transforms into a slightly fancier setting for dinner, where you can feast on delicious dishes like grilled teriyaki beef, the famous Ohana Noodles and pineapple coconut bread pudding for dessert.

All of Disney's deluxe resorts come with a slew of perks like extended evening hours at select parks on certain nights and 30-minute early theme park entry daily.

It is on the more pricey side, however, with rooms starting at $756 per night during the slowest week in 2026 (August 14 to August 27) and going up to as much as $1,351 during peak season in 2026 (December 24 to December 31) for the smallest room.

But between the amazing theming, the delicious and plentiful food options, and the prime location, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is worth it to me. If you're going to pay for a deluxe resort, this should be the one you choose.

Not worth it: Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

On the other hand, I felt like Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa wasn't worth the sky-high price when I stayed there

The hotel's simple theming just didn't excite me much - the Victorian-style resort was inspired by Florida's late 1800s 'Palm Beach era'

It pretty much offers the same perks that the Polynesian does and is also located along the monorail - but for a higher price, with less exciting dining options and a boring theme

On the other hand, I felt like Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa wasn't worth the sky-high price when I stayed there.

The hotel is slightly more expensive than Disney's Polynesian - the same week that rooms cost $756 at the Polynesian, they're $816 at the Grand Floridian. And the week between Christmas and New Years, when rooms are $1,351 at the Polynesian, they're $1,350 at the Grand Floridian.

The hotel's simple theming just didn't excite me much - the Victorian-style resort was inspired by Florida's late 1800s 'Palm Beach era.'

It pretty much offers the same perks that the Polynesian does and is also located along the monorail - but for a higher price, with less exciting dining options and a boring theme.

Worth it: Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Another deluxe resort at Disney World that I feel is worth every penny is Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, seen here

The hotel is inspired by Africa and, boy, does it deliver when it comes to the theming. The spacious lobby is completely covered in African-inspired art and architecture

Another deluxe resort at Disney World that I feel is worth every penny is Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge.

It is slightly more affordable than the other deluxe resorts - rooms drop to as low as $508 during the slowest week in 2026 and only reach $915 during the busiest.

The hotel is inspired by Africa and, boy, does it deliver when it comes to the theming. The spacious lobby is completely covered in African-inspired art and architecture.

But the best part? It's surrounded by multiple, sprawling savannahs with over 200 free-roaming animals including giraffes, zebras and gazelles.

The hallways have floor-to-ceiling glass windows that overlook the savannahs and there are outdoor lookouts all over the place.

There's a flamingo enclosure just feet from the pool and giraffe feedings next to the campfire pit.

Everywhere you go, you're basically surrounded by animals and I've personally spent hours just wandering around this resort and taking in the sights.

But the best part? It's surrounded by multiple sprawling savannahs with over 200 free-roaming animals including giraffes, zebras and gazelles

You can even book savannah-view rooms which allow you to watch the animals directly from your porch.

In addition, the food is divine. There are multiple restaurants on property, all of which are inspired by African cuisine.

Sanaa is one of my personal favorite eateries in all of Disney World and people who aren't even staying at the resort flock there daily for its famous bread service.

The location isn't as convenient as some of the other deluxe resorts - you can't take the monorail or Disney's Skyliner, which connects Hollywood Studios, EPCOT and some resorts, so instead, you are stuck using the buses.

However, the cheaper price, the added excitement of the animals and the top-notch theming make up for it.

Not worth it: Disney's Boardwalk

Disney's Boardwalk is just a stone's throws away from EPCOT, making it one of the few Disney resorts that allow you to easily walk to one of its parks

When I booked Disney's Boardwalk last year, I was so excited. I had dreamed of staying there for years because of its prime location.

It's just a stone's throws away from EPCOT, making it one of the few Disney resorts that allow you to easily walk to one of its parks.

But I wasn't a fan of the unappealing layout and the lack of food options. Plus, the walk to EPCOT wasn't as convenient as I expected it to be. The pool at Disney's Boardwalk is seen

The idea of being able to stroll over to EPCOT was extremely enticing. However, I soon learned that it's not as advantageous as I expected.

Why? Well, the entrance that you use is all the way at the back of EPCOT, in the World Showcase, which means you're going to be walking a lot if you want to get to the main area of the park or access rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

I was also surprised by the lack of quick-service food options at the deluxe resort.

The hotel is located on an actual boardwalk, so I expected there to be tons of food stands and eateries, but in reality, almost all of the dining options are sit-down restaurants, all of which didn't excite me much.

In addition, the hotel's layout was really unappealing to me. Our room was located just above the pool on the second floor. But despite the room practically overlooking the swim area, to get down to it we had to walk quite far to get to the closest elevator or stairwell.

In regard to the price, it costs $673 a night for the cheapest week and $1,167 a night for the most expensive week.

Worth it: Disney's Wilderness Lodge

As soon as I stepped through the doors at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, I was blown away as it instantly gives you that feeling of being in a scenic mountainside cottage

Almost everything is made from wood, there are rocking chairs that surround a cozy fireplace and even a river that runs through the lobby

As soon as I stepped through the doors at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, I was blown away.

It instantly gives you that feeling of being in a scenic mountainside cottage; almost everything is made from wood, there are rocking chairs that surround a cozy fireplace and even a river that runs through the lobby.

Outside, geysers and a rocky waterfall only add to the ambiance.

It's also one of the cheaper deluxe resorts, with rooms costing as low as $558 during the slowest week in 2026 and going up to only $1,032 during that extremely pricey week between Christmas and New Years.

The hotel has many different food options, including the delightful Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White, which makes you feel like you're eating in a real-life fairytale.

The restaurant is covered in twinkling lights and entangled vines, and the meal includes appearances from characters from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

The Whispering Canyon Cafe is also a fun place to eat. It's described as an 'Old Western eatery' with waiters who have a 'reputation for sassing customers.'

The resort is located near Magic Kingdom and offers boat service that takes you directly to the park, which is also a bonus. I found the boats came often and dropped me off at the entrance of Magic Kingdom within minutes.

Not worth it: Disney's Riviera Resort

As Disney's newest hotel, Disney's Riviera Resort, which opened in 2019, definitely has a luxurious feel to it

While some people will certainly be drawn to the more glamorous setting, it's not really what I'm after when I visit Disney World. For that reason, I probably won't be staying there again

As Disney's newest hotel, Disney's Riviera Resort, which opened in 2019, definitely has a luxurious feel to it.

The deluxe resort, which costs $508 per night at its cheapest and $952 at its most expensive for 2026, is inspired by the areas surrounding the French and Italian Riviera in Europe.

The lobby is decorated with art pieces; there's a chic courtyard in the center of the hotel and the rooms are minimalistic and classy. The entire property gives off a sophisticated and glamorous vibe.

The rooftop restaurant, called Topolino's Terrace  Flavors of the Riviera, even has a strict dress code during dinner, with Disney's website stating that guests are 'expected to dress accordingly in attire that respects the restaurant's sophisticated and upscale aesthetic.'

And while some people will certainly be drawn to the more formal setting, it's not really what I'm after when I visit Disney World. Instead, I'm looking for some family-friendly fun and exciting theming.

When I stayed at Disney's Riviera Resort, I noticed that it didn't really feel like I was staying at a Disney hotel at all, and for that reason, I probably won't be staying there again.

Worth it: Disney's Coronado Springs Resort

Disney's Coronado Springs Resort is designed to 'celebrate the unique blend of Spanish, Mexican and Southwest American cultures'

There's a sprawling lake in the center of the property and the rooms are split into numerous areas, each of which has their own distinct feel

Outside the main tower, it feels like you're walking a street in Mexico and the pool contains an impressive 50-foot Mayan pyramid with water cascading down the steps (seen)

Disney's Coronado Springs Resort is designed to 'celebrate the unique blend of Spanish, Mexican and Southwest American cultures.'

The moderate resort is truly stunning, if you ask me. There's a sprawling lake in the center of the property and the rooms are split into numerous areas, each of which has its own distinct feel.

Outside the main tower, it feels like you're walking a street in Mexico and the pool contains an impressive 50-foot Mayan pyramid with water cascading down the steps.

There's also a surplus of dining options. My favorite is Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Villa del Lago, which sits right on the lake - and when the lights turn on at night and reflect off the water, it will take your breath away.

The location is not as ideal as some of the deluxe resorts - it's not near the monorail or Skyliner, so the only option is to take buses to and from the parks - and since it's a moderate resort you don't get the perks that deluxe resorts offer like extended hours at the parks.

But moderate resorts are much cheaper than the deluxe resorts. Prices for Disney's Coronado Springs in 2026 range from $307 per night at its cheapest to $470 per night at its most expensive.

If you're going to choose a moderate resort instead of a deluxe resort, this would be my top recommendation.

Not Worth it: Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

A moderate resort that I felt wasn't worth it, on the other hand, was Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

The hotel boasts about 'transporting guests to a relaxing paradise that captures the essence of five distinct Caribbean islands: Barbados, Jamaica, Martinique, Trinidad and Aruba.' The pool is seen

A moderate resort that I felt wasn't worth it, on the other hand, was Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort.

The hotel boasts about 'transporting guests to a relaxing paradise that captures the essence of five distinct Caribbean islands: Barbados, Jamaica, Martinique, Trinidad and Aruba.'

However, I felt like the theming was minimal and the rooms seemed old and out of date.

The hotel is conveniently located along the Skyliner, giving you easy access to EPCOT or Hollywood Studios. However, the resort is so big you're likely going to be staying in a room that's pretty far from the station.

And trust me when I say that there is nothing worse than getting off the Skyliner after a long and tiring day and having to walk 10 extra minutes to your room.

It's similarly priced to Disney's Coronado Springs, with rooms going for $331 during the cheapest week in 2026 and $515 during the most expensive week in 2026.

Worth it: Disney's Pop Century Resort

If you're going to stay at a value Disney resort, Disney's Pop Century Resort should be the one you choose

The hotel is inspired by 20th-century American pop culture, celebrating iconic items from the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. There are oversized vintage toys throughout as well as vibrant colors and decor

If you're going to stay at a value Disney hotel, Disney's Pop Century Resort should be the one you choose.

It offers fun theming, has a great food court and is located along the Skyliner, all for an extremely low price.

Rooms are as low as $213 a night during the slowest week in 2026 and only go up to $396 a night during the most expensive week.

The hotel is inspired by 20th-century American pop culture, celebrating iconic items from the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.

There are oversized vintage toys throughout as well as vibrant colors and decor.

Not worth it: Disney's Art of Animation Resort

Disney's Art of Animation Resort is inspired by the 'artistry, enchantment and magic of Disney and Pixar movies' and each building has theming based on a different movie including Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King and The Little Mermaid

The only problem? The only regular rooms are in the Little Mermaid building (seen), while the rest are all suites. The standard rooms sell out far in advance, meaning you're usually going to be stuck paying much more for a suite if you want to stay there

Disney's Art of Animation Resort is located directly across from Disney's Pop Century resort, meaning it also has access to the Skyliner.

However, it's much bigger, which means you'll be doing a lot more walking.

It's also slightly more expensive. Rooms cost $254 per night during the lowest week in 2026 and $428 a night during the highest.

The hotel is inspired by the 'artistry, enchantment and magic of Disney and Pixar movies' and each building has theming based on a different movie including Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King and The Little Mermaid.

The only problem? The only regular rooms are in the Little Mermaid building, while the rest are all suites.

The standard rooms sell out far in advance, meaning you're usually going to be stuck paying much more for a suite if you want to stay there.

The suites start at $519 a night for the cheapest week in 2026 and cost a whopping $912 a night during the most expensive week.

That means you're going to pay as much as some of the deluxe resorts, despite it being a value resort. Not worth it if you ask me.
A BBC murder mystery has raced up the Netflix charts seven years after debuting on TV - and fans branded it 'one of the best crime shows out there'.

The Dublin Murders first hit screens in 2019 and was added to the streaming platform last week.

For those unfamiliar, the Irish drama follows detectives Rob Reilly (Killian Scott) and Cassie Maddox (Sarah Greene), who work for an elite murder squad.

Set in Dublin in 2006, detectives Rob and Cassie try to unmask the killer of Katy Devlin, a young ballerina who was found murdered in the woods close to the city.

It quickly becomes apparent that the case has links to another case from the '80s, in which three children went missing in the same area.

While one young boy was discovered by police, two of the other children remained missing and were never found.

A BBC murder mystery has rocketed up the Netflix charts - seven years on from when it first debuted on screens

The Dublin Murders follows detectives Rob Reilly (Killian Scott) and Cassie Maddox (Sarah Greene), who work for an elite murder squad

A BBC synopsis teases: 'When a young, talented ballerina is found dead on an ancient stone altar, her death drags up another tragedy that befell this community years before  when three children disappeared into the local woods and only one returned.'

It is based upon the novels of Tana French, a New York Times bestselling author and crime writer.

Impressed viewers have given The Dublin Murders a rating of seven out of 10 on IMDB.

Awarding the show a perfect rating, one reviewer described it as 'one of the best crime shows out there, as well as a gripping mystery'.

Another, meanwhile, stated that the series will get you hooked from the first episode.

While a third held a different opinion, giving a rating of six out of 10 due to the 'unresolved plot'.

Furthermore, viewers watching at the time of The Dublin Murders' original release were likewise gripped.

For instance, many were left commenting they couldn't wait to see the next episode.

One wrote: 'Well that got off to a fantastic start...I'm not sure who is who by the end of it. But the dad seems very creepy, is the big sister protecting little sister from him?'

Another shared: 'I really enjoyed #DublinMurders tonight. Am hooked - need to see next one immediately.'

'What an excellent first episode...looking forward to tomorrow night's installment,' a third added.

The series is based upon the novels of Tana French, a New York Times bestselling author and crime writer

Elsewhere, a BBC courtroom drama branded 'gripping and profound' as well as boasting a 92 per cent Rotten Tomatoes score has rocketed up the Netflix charts.

The Victim stars Kelly Macdonald as Anna Dean, a bereaved mother whose nine-year-old son was murdered 14 years earlier.

After posting online what she believes is the killer's new identity and address, Anna finds herself on trial for inciting murder.

Bus driver Craig Myers (James Harkness) - a husband and father - is almost beaten to death in the process.

But with his reputation now tarnished, is Craig really the man whom Anna is trying to find?

The four-part Scottish thriller also stars John Hannah as DI Stephen Grover, who encounters both Anna and Craig.

Upon its release in 2019, the show attracted widespread praise including a 92 per cent critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes.

One viewer wrote online: 'Terrific cast of actors and an amazingly original story. It was emotional and just wow.'

Another commented: 'From the start to the end  with the final screen of a Rumi quote, it is gripping and emotional. An extraordinary group of actors.'

A third agreed: 'Terrific performances, unique plot, amazing character development, all crowned by a memorable finale.'
One of the stars from Posh Pawn has revealed the most jaw-dropping items he's ever sold on - from the world's largest pearl to Queen Victoria's underwear and a SUBMARINE.

Founder of Prestige Pawnbrokers James Constantinou shot to fame when he took part in Channel 4's Posh Pawn.

The programme, which hit our screens in 2014, went on to have four series after a successful one-off documentary.

Posh Pawn followed entrepreneur and property developer James and his team in their day to day lives in store while helping clients sell on a number of luxurious items.

Over the years James has come across some amazing items in his shop.

Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail, James said: 'We've had instruments played by The Rolling Stones, The Who we've had guitar, drum kits and all sorts of stuff.

One of the stars from Posh Pawn has revealed the most jaw-dropping items he's ever sold on - from the world's largest pearl to Queen Victoria's underwear and a SUBMARINE

Founder of Prestige Pawnbrokers James Constantinou (pictured, middle) shot to fame when he took part in Channel 4's Posh Pawn

'And we've had the world's largest Pearl presented to us.

'We've had Queen Victoria's underwear monogrammed that we sent to auction, Nigerian fighter jets, submarines, all sorts of stuff.

'So, yeah, that's been quite a roller coaster ride, in respect of some of the assets that we've seen.'

Speaking about how the show managed to come about, he explained that a researcher had called to see if he was interested in taking part in a programme around asset lending or alternative borrowing.

After his initial worries the show, he decided to let the cameras in and the rest was history.

James recalled the researcher telling someone from Channel 4: 'He went out with his notepad, and we listened to the door, and he was going, "I think I've struck gold here. I've got a cross between Antiques Roadshow, Only Fools and Horses and Lovejoy."

They ended up sending a crew down to the shop and put a reel together of the footage they got.

'I instantly knew that if this ever got aired on TV, it would be for me and our business. It would be absolutely phenomenal.

Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail, James said: 'We've had instruments played by The Rolling Stones, The Who we've had guitar, drum kits and all sorts of stuff'

'It would be great for the industry, as well as a whole who was, you know, a little bit stuck in the dark ages,' James said.

And then this meant that their business started to boom too.

After the show aired, James explained: 'We couldn't cope. We had two phones there. We were running around like we were really winging it at that point.

'But it was working for us. We were making it work.

'We were getting the deals done. We were closing the deals. But the industry pretty quickly realised how good this was, and they all tried to, well, they still do, you know, they want to get involved with sort of higher end, higher ticket items, because it's better for them, obviously.

'So I think we did change the industry. We obviously the public's perception of pawnbroking changed.'

Although he mainly deals with incredibly expensive items, shockingly, that's not what impresses James the most.

He told us: 'Do you know what? It's really weird because a lot of people ask me that.

'I'm not into luxury items, in respect of watches or jewellery. I don't wear jewellery, and I don't wear a watch.

'I've got my passion, really, when I was younger, more so when I was younger, is classic cars. And I've had a lot of classic cars over my over the years, from ranging from, E-Type Jaguars to Ferraris, to Rolls, Royces.

'But I sort of feel that it might sound a bit odd, but it's almost out of my system.

'I've seen so much of it, and I've seen the best of it, and in respect of not only the cars, but almost every luxury item that you can think of.

'I don't feel the need to own it myself, and I don't. I can go into a junk shop and see a little vase that I might like, or I do the antiques fairs.

'It doesn't have to be expensive, it doesn't. The name done. The name doesn't mean that anything to me, to be quite honest with you,

Now, over a decade on from when the show first hit our screens, James thinks that now because his business has expended even more, it would be the perfect opportunity to do another series.

The pawnbroker has multiple shops in different locations around the UK, including in central London, Surrey and up north in Manchester.

He told us: 'They did some other shows in the sort of daytime ones, some sort of budget versions of it.

'I don't know whether I mean 50 1 hour shows is a hell of a lot of exposure.

'I don't know whether it's not for me to you know, I wouldn't commission my own show, but if Channel 4 approached me again, they'd have probably a lot more material to use now than they had back then, because I only had when they first come on board.

'I had one shop, tiny, little shop size, and now I've got eight stores, prime locations up and down.

'You know, mine up in Manchester, I've got back a Harrods in Chelsea. We've got some beautiful stores, and they've they're retailing there as well.

'We didn't have the retail element, and it's just amazing.

'So if they came back to me and said, James, we want to make a posh of pawn, and I'd be up for, probably up for it, to be honest with you.'
You don't have to be a regular on social media to be aware of the sea of influencers bragging about their luxury lifestyles in Dubai, even as the US-Israeli war with Iran unfolds around them.

While holiday-goers were desperate to board flights back to the UK, thousands have opted to stay put for reasons that were bewildering until now.

However, it now seems that some are worried they could be greeted at passport control with a vast tax bill, as it's revealed thousands of expats would be liable for such charges if they were forced to move back to Blighty.

Many influencers have stayed quiet on their true views of the conflict, after the UAE authorities sent out mass texts to Westerners with dire warnings that nobody was to post anything about the terror raining down on them.

Celebrities were once eagerly attracted to the tax-free salaries they could earn in Dubai, and while many have secretly flown home, others are firmly staying put.

Stars such as Rio and Kate Ferdinand, Luisa Zissman and Petra Ecclestone have chosen to leave their UAE lives behind, but others such as Arabella Chi, Kady McDermott and Hofit Golan are holding out... for now.

Dubai influencers could face tax bills of up to 5million if they return to the UK due to the US-Israeli war with Iran, as stars including Arabella Chi (pictured) have stayed put... for now

Expats have called for clarity from HM Revenue & Customs over tax regulations they would face if they decided to leave Dubai and fly home.

Accountants are now thought to be telling some clients that taking a holiday in another country until the new tax year starts on April 6, could help them avoid a 'massive' tax bill.

Nikita Cooper, who is a tax director at accountants Price Bailey's Mayfair office, told The London Standard: 'Clients are facing unexpected capital gains tax liabilities of between 1million and 5million in relation to sales which were done within the last five years while being non tax resident.'

Price Bailey are also warning clients they could fall victim to the UK's five-year temporary non residency rule, a measure designed to stop individuals leaving the UK briefly to dispose of assets tax-free in low tax jurisdictions, such as Dubai, before returning soon after.

These rules state that if an individual becomes a UK resident again within five full tax years, capital gains realised while abroad are eligible for tax charges.

Sandra Jeevan, partner and head of private client and trust at accountants UHY Hacker Young, told the publication that, for example, someone returning from the Gulf who became UK tax resident could face thousands in tax bills.

She explained someone who became UK tax resident with 100,000 of employment income, 200,000 of investment income and 1million of capital gains, where their lifetime entitlement to Business Asset Disposal Relief has already been fully utilised, could see their 'tax exposure exceed 350,000'.

Accountants are also warning some could face huge tax charges if they were to return to the UK for a period longer than the exceeded 'count' of 183 days spent in the UK during this financial year, which ends in April.

As many influencers have already had to spend long periods in the UK, they are increasingly close to the 183-day limit, and could see their income eligible for the British tax net.

Sandra Jeevan, who is a partner at the accountancy company UHY Hacker Young, told The Times: 'We are hearing from many families who never intended to return to the UK this year but now have had no choice. They could face exposure to UK tax simply because their emergency return alters their UK residence position.

'When you are trying to move your family to safety, you are not focused on daycount rules or technical residence tests.

Stars such as Rio and Kate Ferdinand have decided to flee Dubai in the wake of the conflict, with the couple now holed up at their villa in Portugal

Luisa Zissman has also returned to the UK despite declaring on social media she felt 'safe' in Dubai, with some influencers accused of pumping out 'propaganda' to support the state

'While [HM Revenue & Customs] has updated its guidance to acknowledge that the outbreak of war can qualify as an "exceptional circumstance" for residency purposes, the rules remain highly restrictive and are strictly limited in scope.

'HMRC maintains a very narrow view of what qualifies. Choosing to stay in the UK to be with family after the initial crisis has passed typically does not count as "exceptional".'

HMRC's complex tax system can disregard up to 60 days spent in the UK by individuals due to 'exceptional circumstances'.

A representative told The Times: 'The existing rules provide the right protection while following the basic principle that individuals living in the UK should pay tax in the UK. Exceptional circumstances, such as being affected by a war, are taken into account.'

Some wealthy Brits fleeing the conflict in the Gulf are heading to Ireland and France to avoid huge tax bills, as many residents living overseas had already 'spent' the number of days on British soil they are allowed to without paying tax.

Nimesh Shah, the chief executive of advisory firm Blick Rothenberg, said he had received 'a disproportionate number of calls' from those fleeing the UAE in recent weeks.

Shah has urged them not to rely on the 'exceptional circumstances' provision, as he says HMRC view UAE expats as having moved in order to not pay tax in the UK, and are therefore unlikely to give the 'green light' for them to stay on British soil without paying.

One wealthy business owner, who is staying in Dublin until the end of the financial year on April 5, told The Guardian: 'Im happy to pay income tax and tax on investments next tax year, but I dont want the sale of a business that I sold years ago to fall within UK capital gains tax.

'I paid for my own travel home, by the way.'

Meanwhile, another British entrepreneur, who was previously based in the UAE, said he would be residing in France for the time being.

Another British UAE-based business owner said they would spend some time in France for now.

The number of days a person who claims they are a non-resident for tax purposes can stay in the UK depends on several factors, including their links to the country, whether they have a spouse or children here and whether they have accommodation.

Many who decided to emigrate over the last few years can stay in the UK for 45 days before they fall back under the country's domestic tax rules and regulations.

It's thought that up to 300,000 British nationals live in the Middle East and many have relocated for tax reasons.

Around 50,000 influencers were residing in Dubai, with many enticed to relocate due to the promise of a safe residence and low taxes through initiatives such as Creators HQ and the 1 Billion Followers Summit.

Last year, the state even opened a so-called 'Influencer Academy' - a school for influencers - part of a broader strategy to recruit, train and incentivise content creators to promote the city globally.

More than 63,000 Britons have returned home from the region since the start of the conflict in the Middle East, according to government figures.

But influencers who have stayed put have faced claims they're being paid to pump out 'propaganda', after continuing to boast they're safe and well in Dubai despite the conflict raging on.

Content creators with droves of followers have been sharing videos of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum with the words 'I know who protects us', in the midst of Iranian attacks.

Meanwhile, 45 people of 'various nationalities' have been arrested by police in Abu Dhabi for 'spreading misinformation and filming and sharing event locations' over alleged footage showing attacks.

Rio and Kate were among the stars who have fled their homes in Dubai, but are now holed up at their luxury villa in the Algarve, raising questions of whether they are also keen to avoid a hefty tax bill.

Former Apprentice star Luisa, who has been vocal in her support for the Dubai government, revealed she had returned to the UK for work with her children.

When the crisis erupted in Dubai earlier this month, Luisa avidly informed followers she was in the 'safest country in the world' and 'everything was fine', before scarpering back to the UK to her 8million countryside mansion.

Despite insisting her return was planned, Luisa stated she was 'in her refugee era' and revealed that her dog, Crumble, is currently stuck in Dubai  leading to her plea for a companion. However, she later added that the flight had been cancelled.

Despite vocally advocating for how safe they felt in Dubai, Petra and her husband Sam Palmer also jetted out of the city earlier this month.

However in contrast, notorious social media star HSTikkyTokky, has insisted all is well in Dubai, claiming that there were 'no bombs' flying over the city  hours after another drone attack suspended flights at Dubai airport.

Arabella has been continuing with her day-to-day life in Dubai despite reports of 'rising panic' among other expats rushing to flee the Gulf state, and even travelled to Saudi Arabia to celebrate her birthday.

Israeli socialite Hofit moved to Dubai in December and revealed she was left terrified and hiding in her bath when the war broke out.

However, days later she insisted Dubai 'still feels like a very safe place', before sharing a glimpse of the 'quiet and calm' neighbourhood, as fellow expats returned to the beach.
The woman who lives in the modest, three-bed cottage is quiet, reserved and entirely unremarkable.

She has long, wavy grey hair, dark-rimmed glasses and, neighbours say, a ready smile  though few have got to know her well in the 21 years shes been here.

They see her getting coffee from a nearby cafe, buying plants at the Saturday market and, as witnessed by this newspaper last month, shovelling snow from her driveway.

The house, which the 61-year-old shares with her art history professor partner, Howard, is just a five-minute drive from the University of Michigan, on a tree-lined street in Ann Arbor, where most residents are students.

They are too young to know their neighbours true identity  or realise the significance of her surname. Most werent even born in 1999, the year that changed everything for Lisa Bessette. The horrific plane crash that shook the world on July 16 that year had an impact so devastating on this forgotten or secret Bessette sister, that it caused her to become something of a recluse.

For the fatalities that night numbered not only the pilot, John F. Kennedy Jr, the son of the late American president, but Lisas only siblings: her twin Lauren and younger sister, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, JFK Jrs wife.

Until that night, Lisa, Lauren and Carolyn came as a trio. Though Lauren and Carolyn  who had glamorous, high-powered jobs in New York and were naturally more outgoing  were photographed together often, Lisa was no less close to her sisters.

The three spoke daily and visited one another often. Even into their 30s, Lisa and Lauren referred to Carolyn as little sister.

From left, Carolyn Bessette, Lisa Ann Bessette and Lauren Bessette. Though Lauren and Carolyn were photographed together often, Lisa was no less close to her sisters

Losing her beloved siblings in such a sudden, shocking way changed something in Lisa  as it would in anyone mourning the loss of a loved one, let alone two, so young.

Just 34 when Lauren and Carolyn died, she was too distraught to help plan their funerals and has refused to speak publicly about them for almost 27 long years. Her position hadnt changed when she was approached by the Daily Mail.

No, she didnt want to talk about her sisters, she said politely, before adding: I never have.

The same is true of their mother, Ann Messina Freeman, their father, William Bessette, whom Ann divorced in the mid-1980s, and their stepfather, Dr Richard Freeman.

Aside from issuing a brief, poignant statement about the loss of their girls after the accident, all three quietly disappeared from public life.

Not that all was calm behind closed doors, however.

Ann, its said, was so furious with her late son-in-law, whose inexperience and arrogance as a pilot was ultimately blamed for the crash, that she refused to speak John Jrs name in the house, referring to the former presidents son as him.

As one friend commented: Ann is still mad at John  she blames him for her daughters deaths.

The unease between the two families and the publics fascination with John and Carolyns story  the alluring, mysterious, middle-class girl who captured the heart of Americas golden boy  has not dwindled over the years. Countless books, films and documentaries have chronicled her relationship with JFK Jr and their tragic and untimely deaths.

None, however, has come close to Love Story, the nine-episode dramatised series on Disney+, inspired by the 2024 biography, Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, by Elizabeth Beller.

Currently the most watched series on the platform, Love Story has thrust Carolyns life, and that of her family, back into the spotlight.

While rumours circulated that Ann passed away in 2007, friends have confirmed both she and Richard, now 86 and 94 respectively, live in an upmarket retirement community in Connecticut, New England.

William, Carolyns estranged father with whom she rekindled her relationship shortly before her death, is now in his mid-80s and believed to reside in a suburb of New York.

After his daughters deaths, he too was said to be very bitter and living in awful grief.

The Bessette family made a very deliberate decision to stay private and theyve maintained that over the years, explains J. Randy Taraborrelli  author of JFK: Public, Private, Secret  and five other biographies of the Kennedy family.

Theres a lot of projection on them because of the visibility of the story, he says. But in terms of how they actually lived through it, thats something theyve kept to themselves.

One cannot blame them for shunning the limelight as they tried to process their grief. But, as the Daily Mail has uncovered, there may be other reasons for them keeping such a low profile.

First, there is the fraught matter of the financial settlement  reportedly as much as 11.2 million  paid by the Kennedy family in a wrongful death lawsuit brought by the Bessettes.

The case was settled in July 2001 after 18 months of negotiations, avoiding the need for a public trial.

Carolyn and Laurens mother was said to be the driving force behind the lawsuit. Fiercely protective of her youngest daughter, Ann was wary of her union with JFK Jr from the start; a sentiment captured in Love Story in the episode portraying the couples 1996 wedding, at which she gave a terse, cautionary speech focusing on the pressure of marrying into such a high-profile dynasty.

The poignant scene was very much taken from real life. John was said to be visibly stung by his mother-in-laws remarks according to Beller.

Carolyn with husband John F. Kennedy Jr  the alluring, mysterious, middle-class girl who captured the heart of Americas golden boy

Lisa was not directly involved in the financial wranglings, though she no doubt benefited from the payout. In October 1999, however, there was an intriguing public display of unity with the Kennedys when Lisa attended a charity concert in New Jersey, with prominent members of the familys inner circle.

She was chaperoned by Bobby Shriver, a cousin of the Kennedys, and accompanied by close friend Carole Radziwill, who was married to Johns first cousin  and best man  the late Anthony Radziwill. But such allegiances did not extend to all members of the clan.

Veteran reporter Grant Stinchfield, a close family friend of the Bessettes who acted as their spokesman in the aftermath of the plane crash, says there are still deeply held emotions  and blame  surrounding the events of July 16, 1999.

An aviation report ultimately found pilot error to be the cause of the crash, with JFK Jr, a relatively new pilot who had owned the Piper Saratoga II for just three months before it plunged into the Atlantic, lacking experience in flying a plane at night and in hazy conditions.

I know for Carolyn and Laurens family, the pain from the tragic and very preventable deadly crash will never get any easier, Grant says, speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail this week. I firmly believe John had no business flying that plane in those conditions and I still have anger over his arrogance that cost my two friends their beautiful and promising young lives.

Whether Lisa shared his anger is unknown. Friends of Carolyns who spoke to the Daily Mail this week professed never to have known Lisa, so different is she in character to her bubbly, confident younger sister.

Indeed, she doesnt appear in Love Story at all, with her character only mentioned in passing. Born in 1954 to Ann, a school administrator, and William, an architectural engineer, Lisa was the elder of the Bessette twins. Their little sister, Carolyn, came along 14 months later.

Their father was often away for work and the girls were eight and ten when their parents divorced  which had a lasting impact on them.

In Love Story, viewers see Carolyn wearing Williams wedding band on a gold chain around her neck  not, she says, because she loved him, but as a reminder that what he seemed to be, he wasnt.

Growing up, Lisa was bookish and more contemplative than ambitious Lauren and charismatic Carolyn, whose Nordic composure and Mediterranean charm (their mother was of Italian descent) ensured she stood out. A former classmate at Greenwich High School in Connecticut recalls daily bus journeys with the trio: All the sisters seemed gorgeous and popular and sat in the back of the bus with the popular kids. It was hard not to notice them. Though Lisa seemed a bit less outgoing than Carolyn and Lauren.

Having majored in art, Lisa went on to pursue a PhD in art history at the University of Michigan. She spent two years studying in Munich, where she researched in the citys ancient libraries for a dissertation on psalms. Her sisters, meanwhile, were pursuing their own careers in New York: Carolyn as a publicist for Calvin Klein and Lauren as an investment banker at Morgan Stanley Dean Witter.

As her romance with JFK Jr thrust her into the spotlight, Lisa stepped into the role of Carolyns protective elder sister.

She attended galas and gallery openings by her side, something in which Carolyn found solace, Beller says. At the small, secret wedding on Georgias Cumberland Island in 1996, where Carolyn stunned guests in a breathtaking 30,000 gown by Narciso Rodriguez, Lisa and Lauren kept their distance from the rest of the invitees. One attendee, novelist Robbie Littell, described them both as fierce. Lisa, he adds, was kind of cool  I liked her.

Spectating from a distance is something Lisa has become very adept at over the years. She was in Munich when she received the call to say her sisters plane had gone down, and back in Connecticut anxiously awaiting news with her mother and stepfather when, four days later, their bodies were recovered from the ocean.

On July 22, 1999, all three were cremated and laid to rest at sea, with just Lisa, Ann, William and Richard representing the Bessette family on board Navy vessel USS Briscoe to scatter their ashes.

Ann, friends later said, regretted that her daughters werent buried in a cemetery. She doesnt have a place to visit them and grieve, a neighbour told the New York Post.

Nor does Lisa, who went on to graduate from the University of Michigan in 2005, working part-time as a contract editor at the universitys art museum.

It was here that she met Howard Lay, an art history professor 11 years her senior, with whom she has lived in their small, neat house just off campus ever since. The pair are not believed to have married, nor do they have any children.

As well as finishing her PhD, for a number of summers Lisa accompanied Howard on an educational trip to Paris, where she led students on tours of Notre Dame. One attendee recalls: She and her partner made a big effort to stay private. Shed come along and the rule was: please dont take photos of Lisa.

In a rare image, circulated online after it was shared by a family member in 2014, Lisa and Howard can be seen sitting at a table after a meal, smiling alongside Ann, Richard and other relatives. More recently, she was photographed outside her home in Ann Arbor.

It was the first time she had been pictured in public  since being pictured in New York in December 1998 with Carolyn  in almost three decades.

Neither Lisa nor Howard responded to attempts to contact them for this article. Ann, Richard and William could not be reached for comment. And no one can blame them for maintaining their dignified silence.

The glittering lives and devastating deaths of Carolyn, JFK Jr and Lauren will continue to captivate. But for family friend Grant Stinchfield, this tragedy is far more than just a story.

The latest slew of attention on the Bessettes, driven by the Disney+ series, he says, brings back the intense pain, sorrow and anger they felt nearly three decades ago. Lisa and her parents, Dick and Ann Freeman, have always been very private people. They are an amazing family. No parent or sister should be forced to endure that. I wish everyone would just let them live in peace.

And no matter the enduring interest in such a tragic fairy tale, this, surely, is how it should end.
Television star Robert Peston was devastated when his beloved wife, the novelist Sian Busby, died from lung cancer in 2012 aged 51.

So deep was his grief that he said he felt desperately guilty about falling in love again, with fellow journalist Charlotte Edwardes.

Sadly, Peston is nursing a broken heart again, as he and Charlotte have split up.

Its terribly sad but they just couldnt make it work any longer, a friend tells me.

They were one of the London medias power couples.

Having known each other from when they both worked at The Sunday Telegraph, romance blossomed after they met at a Christmas party in 2017. I sort of made the first move by suggesting we have dinner, he later explained. I was chronically embarrassed, I felt a bit like a teenager again.

The broadcaster, 65, is ITV Newss political editor and co-hosts the weekly political discussion show Peston. He moved in with Charlotte, 50, in 2018.

She has three children with her ex-husband, while Peston has an adult son with the late Sian and a stepson from her first marriage.

Journalist Charlotte Edwards and novelist Robert Peston have split up. Peston said: 'Charlotte and I remain very good friends'

He said Charlotte, whose debut novel Trouble Was will be published in July, didnt have a clue about his life before they got together. The interesting thing about Charlotte was that Im absolutely confident that, of all the women Ive encountered over the last few years, she is the one whos not remotely interested in me as a widower or because of what I do for a living, he said.

Some other women were predatory towards him after his wifes death, he added. There is a stalky thing that happens and I think women [presenters] talk about it more than men normally, but there is definitely a stalky thing that happens for men as well, and you have to be slightly careful.

Peston will say only: Charlotte and I remain very good friends.

She declined to comment.

Sporty Portia comes out fighting

Then husband and wife Ore and Portia Oduba at an auction in 2019. I thought I was going to work in telly my whole life,' says Portia

Strictly winner Ore Odubas estranged wife, Portia, revealed earlier this month that their two young children were really upset after being told the family home had to be sold.

Now, the former TV researcher has said shes training as a fitness instructor amid the couples financially horrendous split. I thought I was going to work in telly my whole life, but I had to give that up to have kids and support my husband, says Portia, 36. I am re-training as a personal trainer. I am sporty, and my personal trainer encouraged me to do it.

I need something from which I can earn monthly because those bills are not going to pay themselves.

The smart set's talking about...

Guinness girl's 468 wake-up 'biohack'

Society model and DJ Lady Mary Charteris's TikTok video where she detailed her morning gut health routine to 'biohack' her body

They say Guinness is good for you, but one of the brewing dynastys glamorous scions is taking no chances.

Her daily supplement ritual 25 Organic decaffeinated mushroom coffee

68 Throne creatine powder

48 NMN Resveratrol LIPO Gel

(vitamin C complex)

138 NAD+ nasal spray 500mg

45 Artah essential fibre

109 IM8 electrolyte sachets

35 Willpowers cherry electrolyte sachets

Society model and DJ Lady Mary Charteris has revealed the astonishing 468 worth of supplements she swears by each morning in the name of biohacking, aka the latest wellness trend of boosting mind and body health.

Im very interested in biohacking, explains Mary, 38, in a video shared online. Id like to think Im quite healthy - but I love a sandwich, a late night and chocolate, so this is my way of counteracting it all and getting my gut, body and brain ready for the day.

Her ritual begins with homemade kombucha  which she admits looks gross  with warm water, lemon and mushroom powder, followed by vitamin C, nasal spray peptides for hormonal health and fertility, fibre drinks and electrolytes. Yum.

Meghan's friend Jameela terrified after fleeing attack

'A man crept up right behind me and attempted to grab me,' reveals The Good Place star and friend of Meghan Sussex, Jameela Jamil

A quick walk to the nearest convenience store ended in a terrifying encounter for actress Jameela Jamil.

At 6.30pm I went for a walk to get some tea bags. A man crept up right behind me and attempted to grab me, reveals The Good Place star, 40. It was dark. I was alone. Nobody else was on the street. I had to run back to my hotel.

Jameela, a friend of the Duchess of Sussex, was in Hungary. He followed me all the way back and [I] watched him on camera look at where I was staying, she says. I am now too afraid to leave my room because he knows where I live.

She adds: Being a woman is an insane experience. Its a daily gamble with your life Its so hard to want to share this world with men.

Anger as woke BBC spikes Goons tribute

Days after it was revealed the BBC abandoned a planned tribute to the late Bob Monkhouse on The Repair Shop due to a production employee taking exception to sexist gags in one of his old joke books, the corporation has snubbed another of its comedy greats.

Spike Milligans daughter Jane had hoped BBC bosses would agree to mark the forthcoming 75th anniversary of his legendary comedy series The Goon Show, in which the late Peter Sellers and Sir Harry Secombe also starred. With the first episode having been aired in May 1951, Jane reveals, sadly: Had a word with the BBC about a documentary to celebrate the Goons, but they said no. Dad wouldnt be surprised.

Actor James Dreyfus, who starred in BBC comedy hits Gimme Gimme Gimme and The Thin Blue Line, is incensed. He angrily observes: BBC said no to a documentary about perhaps the most influential comic and radio show of all time. Let that sink in.

She built a career playing one half of televisions most beloved couples, Gavin And Stacey, but Joanna Page admits shes had quite enough of romance  both on screen and off. Being the age we are, and having been working for so long, the thought now of going, Oh, God, Ive got to go in and have to kiss someone? I cant be bothered, says the 49-year-old. Im too bloody tired in my own relationship to have to do it, let alone go to work and have to do it with somebody else whos a stranger. Joanna has four children with actor James Thornton.

Lady Clara's film homage to decadent forebear

Lady Clara Paget, the daughter of the 8th Marquess of Anglesey, has managed to secure a part in a new film about one of her own ancestors

The film MadFabulous is about Henry Cyril Paget, the infamous 5th Marquess of Anglesey, better known as the Dancing Marquess

In a twist on the normal finger-pointing about nepo babies, actress Lady Clara Paget has managed to secure a part in a new film about one of her own ancestors.

The daughter of the 8th Marquess of Anglesey, 37, features in MadFabulous, about Henry Cyril Paget, the infamous 5th Marquess of Anglesey, better known as the Dancing Marquess.

He will be brought to life by Its A Sin actor Callum Scott Howells in the film, which will hit cinemas in June. Known for his outrageous fashion sense and extravagant lifestyle, he blew a multi-million-pound fortune on luxuries such as perfume and pink poodles before his death aged just 29.

Lady Clara, who has appeared in films including St Trinians 2 and Fast & Furious 6, says: I loved playing my cameo as Miss Mabel and I cant wait for you to see it in cinemas.

Guy Ritchie made his name directing gritty gangster films, but his wife, Jacqui, is forging a path in a more sensitive field.

The former model, 44, who married Guy, 57, in 2015 following his divorce from Madonna, has been longlisted for this years prestigious Poetry Society National Poetry Competition after completing a six-month writing course. Feeling incredibly grateful... chosen alongside so many brilliant poets, she says. This moment is especially poignant, as my poem was written about my late father, who first introduced me to poetry.

He's eschewed fast-lane life since 2023 after concluding Love On Tour, whose punishing 169-show schedule lasted two years.

Harry Styles has instead enjoyed the finer things in life, like his residence outside Rome where, as I disclosed, hes having a studio built, and his blossoming romance with American actress Zoe Kravitz, 37.

But theres been nothing sluggish about his performing arts company, HSA Publishing, which, according to newly filed accounts, amassed nearly 20 million in 2024 while Harry, 32, was taking it easy.

It now boasts assets of 37.5million  up from 18.1million in 2023. As I revealed earlier this month, his share-dealing company, Erskine Investments, has nearly 40million tucked away. Sweet music indeed for Styles.

(Very) modern manners

When Joan Collins was made a dame, she said humbly: It wasnt anything I ever aspired to, I just wanted to be jobbing actress, a working actor and somebody who could still perform.

Nevertheless, her four adult grandchildren, Miel, Weston, Ava and Deia, have found a way to address the Dynasty star incorporating her title. Im DJ to the grandkids, Dame Joan reveals. Their deference seems to have worked a charm on Joanie, 92, who adds: I love to be with them and I pay them a lot of attention.
Katie Price's husband Lee Andrews has admitted he lied on his CV as he addressed fraud allegations in his first interview this week.

It was previously 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.

On Friday, Lee was also hit with a fresh accusation that he took $1000 from another woman and has thus far failed to pay her back - he denied the claims on Instagram soon after.

Lee, who is a self-proclaimed 'millionaire', has also claimed that he studied at Cambridge University and has a PhD.

His LinkedIn profile previously stated he was a 'Member Of The Board of Advisors' for the Labour Party and 'Director of Philanthropy at The Kings Trust', formerly The Princes Trust.

However, the businessman has now admitted his CV was embellished, claiming a former personal assistant was responsible.

Katie Price's husband Lee Andrews has admitted he lied on his CV as he addressed fraud allegations in his first interview this week

British-born Lee who is a self-proclaimed 'millionaire', previously claimed that he studied at Cambridge University and has a PhD, while his LinkedIn profile stated he was a 'Member Of The Board of Advisors' for the Labour Party

Speaking to The Sun, he said: 'I think thats been hyped up and made to look better than what it is and it needs to come down.

'I cant take the showmanship of it, but Ill take the accountability.

'The PA no longer works for me now anyway, for other reasons  probably because of that.'

He added that he does not manage his own LinkedIn or social media accounts.

However, he conceded that his CV definitely needs to change, admitting 'it's not good' by any means.

The Sun previously reported a woman got in contact with the publication, sharing how she believed she was investing $1000 in his company Aura Worldwide Holdings Ltd.

However paperwork for the company, which is registered in the British Virgin Islands, showed the business was dissolved in 2024.

Despite this the woman claims she has not received her investment money back from Lee.

However, the businessman has now admitted his CV was embellished, claiming a former personal assistant was responsible

Speaking to publication about their business dealings, the woman explained Lee reached out to her with the promise she could 'double her money in ten days'.

She said: 'I sent $1000, which is almost 4000 Dubai Dirham. I sent it to his personal bank account but didn't question it at first.

'When I asked for it back, he said he would pay it back. It's been almost two months now and he's still not giving me my $1000 back.'

The publication has reportedly seen messages between Lee and the woman which confirmed he would return the cash in 24 hours.

However after she failed to receive the transaction, she went back to him on February 17, writing: 'This is my final request to return to me the 4000 I paid to you for shares in your company that was dissolved in 2024. Please wire the amount back to my account.'

On February 23, she followed up and threatened to go to the police, prompting Lee to reportedly reply: 'Police? Give me 48 hours I'll send.'

However she claims she is still yet to receive the money.

Despite official paperwork showing his business was dissolved in 2024, Lee insisted to the publication that the company is most certainly not dissolved, adding '100 per cent it's there'.

It comes after Katie attempted to 'debunk' some of the claims from her husband Lee after he's faced a sea of accusations he's a 'scammer'

Elsewhere in the interview, Lee declared he will father Katie's next child, before insisting he has, in fact, met Kim Kardashian, contrary to her denial.

The Daily Mail have contacted Lee Andrews for comment. He denied that the company had been dissolved when approached by The Sun.

This week Katie 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 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.'
Beloved character actor James Tolkan, best known as the principal in the Back to the Future franchise, died this Friday at the age of 94.

Tolkan featured in Robert Zemeckis' original 1985 Back to the Future movie as Hill Valley High School chief Mr. Strickland, who is given to denouncing 'slackers.'

He returned to the role for the 1989 sequel Back to the Future Part II, calling a group of criminals 'slackers' as he fires back at them during an attempted drive-by.

The following year he played Strickland's grandfather in Back to the Future Part III, and he later also played Strickland in an animated spin-off of the film series.

Among Tolkan's best-remembered character was Stinger, the commanding officer of Tom Cruise and Anthony Edwards' characters in the 1986 classic Top Gun.

His demise was confirmed by Back to the Future co-writer Bob Gale, who shared that Tolkan died peacefully at home at Lake Placid in upstate New York, via TMZ.

Beloved character actor James Tolkan, best known as the principal in the Back to the Future franchise, died this Friday at the age of 94; pictured last October in New Jersey

Tolkan featured in Robert Zemeckis' original 1985 Back to the Future movie as Hill Valley High School chief Mr. Strickland, pictured in the film with Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly

Among Tolkan's best-remembered character was Stinger, the commanding officer of Tom Cruise and Anthony Edwards' characters in the 1986 classic Top Gun

Born to a cattle trader in the Wisconsin village Calumet in 1931, Tolkan endured a 'very difficult' childhood with his father in and out of jail, and himself started 'running with a gang and quit school at 15,' he told the military-themed We Are the Mighty.

He spent a year in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War before being discharged over a heart problem, then went to college on the GI Bill to study arts and music, whereupon he caught the acting bug and later pursued a drama degree.

Although he 'was scared to death and didnt know what I was getting into,' he caught a $75 Greyhound fare to New York City and embarked on a career as an actor.

He acted in a smattering of New Hollywood classics, playing a cop in Sidney Lumet's 1983 picture Serpico starring Al Pacino as a NYPD whistleblower.

Tolkan made two other pictures with Lumet - the 1981 movie Prince of the City led by Treat Williams and the 1989 crime comedy Family Business with Sean Connery, Dustin Hoffman and Matthew Broderick.

Decades later, he described Lumet as his 'favorite' filmmaker to work with, hailing him as 'so disciplined, so brilliantyou would want to emulate himto work with him was a privilege, he made it a pleasure.'

Tolkan also played Napoleon Bonaparte in the 1975 picture Love and Death, written and directed by Woody Allen, who led the cast opposite Diane Keaton.

His memorable films include the 1983 picture WarGames starring Michael Broderick as a computer hacker who inadvertently sets off a chain of events that might trigger World War III between the United States and the Soviet Union.

He returned to the role for the 1989 sequel Back to the Future Part II, in which he is pictured with Fox, and also acted in the third film and an animated spin-off show

Tolkan is pictured with Fox and Claudia Wells in the original Back to the Future, which remains a beloved franchise among legions of fans to this day

He is pictured playing Napoleon Bonaparte in the 1975 movie Love and Death, written and directed by Woody Allen (right) who starred opposite Diane Keaton (center)

(from left) Ed O'Ross, Al Pacino, William Forsythe and Tolkan are pictured together in the 1990 comic book adaptation Dick Tracy, directed by and starring Warren Beatty

He continued working onscreen as well, guest-starring on such classic series as The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, on which he is pictured with Will Smith

However his best-known character roles were two hardboiled men in charge in the 1980s - the principal in Back to the Future and a commanding officer in Top Gun.

'Tom Cruise was most impressive. I knew he was going to be great right from the beginning,' Tolkan reflected of his experience on Top Gun.

Meanwhile Michael J. Fox, the leading man of Back to the Future, was 'the easiest actor I have ever worked with,' Tolkan raved. 'He is so talented and loose.'

Another of his memorable pictures was the 1990 comic book adaptation, directed by Warren Beatty, who starred opposite his paramour at the time Madonna.

Tolkan featured as a mafia accountant called Numbers who works for the mobster played by Al Pacino - reuniting the two actors 17 years after Serpico.

His first love, however, remained the stage, where his work included the original 1984 Broadway production of David Mamet's Glengarry Glen Ross.

Tolkan played the role of Dave Moss, latter immortalized by Ed Harris in the 1992 movie of the iconic workplace machismo satire.

Throughout his life, Tolkan enjoyed the affection he received from Back to the Future fans; he is pictured in 2023 at the gala performance of Back to the Future: The Musical on Broadway

As recently as last year, he attended a Back to the Future fan expo in New Orleans where he and Michael J. Fox enjoyed a warm and goofy reunion on camera

He continued working onscreen as well, guest-starring on such classic series as The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, The Wonder Years and Tales from the Crypt.

Throughout his life, Tolkan enjoyed the affection he received from Back to the Future fans, who would ask him to call them 'slackers.'

As recently as last year, he attended a Back to the Future fan expo in New Orleans where he and Michael J. Fox enjoyed a warm and goofy reunion on camera.

Tolkan's survivors include his wife of more than 50 years Parmalee.
News / National

by Stephen Jakes

Political analyst Kennedy Kaitano has alleged that Zanu PF is sponsoring or coercing citizens to sign prewritten petitions intended to influence public submissions on the recently gazetted Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3).

Kaitano said some church members  whose leaders have reportedly received vehicles and financial support from government in recent years  joined crossborder traders in submitting signatures to Parliament in support of extending the terms of elected officials to seven years.He said while citizens have the democratic right to support or oppose the Bill, reports of coercion and forgery were deeply concerning.Disturbing reports have been made that Zanu PF is forcing people to sign these prewritten letters where they provide their names and national identification numbers. It has also been reported that some signatures are forged. Organisers collect ID details and then get people to scribble signatures, knowing very well that no one will verify them, Kaitano claimed.He said the alleged actions appear designed to create the impression that the majority of Zimbabweans support the proposed amendments.Kaitano also questioned claims that more than four million signatures would be submitted, saying the figure was unrealistic given that Zanu PF did not secure three million votes in the 2023 election and that some of its own influencers have publicly criticised the Bill.He emphasised that Parliament must assess submissions based on substance, not volume.For example, if four million people argue that elections should be held every seven years to reduce toxicity, that counts as one point. Similarly, if four million people say the term of office should remain five years like other SADC countries, that is also one point. Constitutionality must also be considered, he said.Kaitano added that any amendment extending the term of office for elected officials constitutes a termlimit provision under Section 328 of the Constitution, which requires a referendum.He cited Section 328(7), which states that an amendment extending the length of time a person may hold public office cannot apply to anyone who has previously held that office. He also noted that Section 328(8) prohibits amending subsections (6) and (7) in the same Constitutional Bill or referendum.Kaitano urged citizens to make their submissions individually or collectively and to attend public hearings where possible. However, he criticised Parliament for providing only 64 hearing centres nationwide.This gives no opportunity to millions of Zimbabweans who cannot travel over 100 kilometres to the nearest venue. Many individuals and groups have complained about being denied the opportunity to be heard, he said.He called on Parliament to reschedule the hearings and increase the number of centres to ensure broad participation.
Sting's wife, Trudie Styler, showcased her ageless complexion as she attended the Bari International Film and TV Festival in Bari, Italy, on Friday evening.

The actress, 72, who has been married to the musician for 34 years, looked radiant in a black velvet mini dress, posing up a storm on the red carpet ahead of the event.

Flashing a glimpse of her toned legs, Trudie added inches to her frame with black leather knee-high boots.

Wearing minimal makeup to showcase her ageless beauty, Trudie completed the look with a gold cross necklace, hoop earrings, and a gold bracelet.

She appeared in great spirits during the event, flashing a smile for the cameras on the red carpet.

Trudie's appearance at the event comes after she attended the Posso Entrare? An Ode To Naples premiere after party, as her husband was forced to cancel an awards show appearance due to ill health.

Sting's wife, Trudie Styler, showcased her ageless complexion as she attended the Bari International Film and TV Festival in Bari, Italy, on Friday evening

The actress, 72, who has been married to the musician for 34 years, looked radiant in a black velvet mini dress, posing up a storm on the red carpet ahead of the event

The music legend, 74, had pulled out of performing at the Bass Magazine Awards last year, and postponed shows in Phoenix, Arizona, and Wheatland, California while he recovered.

Despite Sting's health scare, Trudie was still in good spirits as she joined stars Hugh Grant and Benedict Cumberbatch for the party at Pizzeria Mozza in London to celebrate a screening of her documentary.

Posso Entrare? An Ode To Naples was directed by Trudie and detailed herself and Sting's passion for Italy, with the actress explaining her history with the country at the ceremony, during an interview with PEOPLE.

She said: 'Sting and I fell in love with Italy many years ago  so much so that after one of our kids was born near Pisa, we spent years looking for a home for us all. Italy has always been incredibly kind to us.

'Since the 1980s when I made films here in Rome at Cinecitta, then Sting wrote one of his most emotional albums near Pisa the year after his parents died, and at the same time I gave birth to one of our kids, Italy has a special place in our hearts for many reasons.'

Sting and Trudie are parents to four children, Mickey, 40, Jake, 39, Eliot, 33, and Giacomo, 28, while The Police frontman also shares son Joe, 47, and daughter Fuschia, 42, with ex Frances Tomelty.

Last year, a spokesperson for Sting confirmed in a social media post that he would be unable to attend the Bass Magazine Awards, and his two US concerts were being postponed.

Sting - whose real name is Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner - sent his apologies to those due to attend the concert and thanked them for being understanding in the unexpected circumstances.

Flashing a glimpse of her toned legs, Trudie added inches to her frame with black leather knee-high boots

Sting and his wife Trudie, who share four children together, have been married since 1992

A post on his Instagram page, read: 'On advisement from his doctor, due to illness, it is with sincere regret that Sting must cancel his appearance at the Bass Magazine Awards this Thursday...

'And postpone his STING 3.0 concerts in Phoenix, AZ (originally scheduled for January 24) to June 1 and Wheatland, CA (originally scheduled for January 26) to May 28 as well as his performance at the Cherrytree Music Company's 20th anniversary, now taking place May 29.

'Fans should retain their tickets for the postponed shows, as they will be honoured on the new dates.

'Sting sincerely apologises for any inconvenience and extends his gratitude to the fans for their understanding.'

Fans of the British star took to the comments section of the post to wish him a speedy recovery following the announcement.

Sharing their messages, they wrote: 'Wishing you a speedy recovery and lots of healing time with near and dear ones'; 'Get well soon'; 'Prayers of healing to you! AMEN!'; 'Take care and get well';

'Stingooo get well soon. Sending you hugs!'; 'Get well soon. Sending prayers'; 'Rest well, Sting'; 'Please get well soon Sting, much love'; 'Get well soon maestro. Greetings from Chile! See you soon';

'Sending Sting love and healing'; 'Get better sooooon!'; 'Hopefully the LA Fire Aid show is still on. I'd love to hear No Doubt and Sting sing Message In A Bottle in 2025'.
Joseph Duggar's reality show Counting On has vanished from two streaming services after his arrest on accusations of child molestation.

He first shot to fame with his parents and 18 siblings on the TLC series 19 Kids and Counting, which was canceled in 2015 when his brother Josh Duggar was embroiled in a child pornography scandal that resulted in a 12-year prison sentence.

Counting On was devised as a sequel series to continue the family's story without Josh, running for 11 seasons on TLC from 2015 until 2020.

Joseph, a 31-year-old father of four, was arrested last Wednesday, March 18 in Tontitown, Arkansas in connection with allegations that he touched a nine-year-old girl on her genitals and underwear in Florida.

Two days after Joseph was arrested, his wife Kendra, 27, was taken into custody in Tontitown and charged with four counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a minor, as well as four counts of second-degree false imprisonment. Joseph is now also facing the same charges.

As he awaits trial, it has emerged that Counting On has been removed from both HBO Max and Discover+ in the US - though some UK and Canada users have said the show is still possible to watch online in their territories, according to Us Weekly.

Joseph Duggar's accuser detailed her shock claims against him in an interview with a detective, according to a newly surfaced arrest warrant affidavit

Kendra was released on bond last Friday 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 called Kendra collect from jail last Friday - roughly two hours after she herself bonded out - and revealed he was in solitary confinement, via People.

Now a source has indicated Joseph's family have not been to see him in jail, where his only visitor has been his attorney, according to Page Six.

While speaking to his wife on the phone last Friday, Joseph said: 'I've been spending a lot of time reading, uh, reading the Bible, they got me a Bible in here.'

He added that he was restricted to 'an 8-by-10 area' for '23 hours of the day' at the Washington County Detention Facility in Arkansas.

Joseph noted he was kept in a 'pretty small area, but I've been able to read a lot actually, and resting some, but I'm not sleeping great through the night.'

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 is pictured with his then girlfriend, now wife Kendra Caldwell on an episode of Counting On, which ran from 2015 to 2020

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 arrest warrant affidavit, 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.

Joseph is now facing now facing additional charges including four counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a minor and four counts of second-degree false imprisonment, as is Kendra, 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

Joseph and Kendra's new charges in Arkansas are reportedly not related to his case in the state of 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.'

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

Joseph 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.

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.
Former EastEnders actor Himesh Patel has landed a leading role in the reboot of The X Files.

The-35-year-old star, who first got his big break working on the BBC soap as a teenager, played Tamwar Masood in Albert Square.

However, he couldn't be any further from his roots as he has been cast in Ryan Coogler's reboot pilot of The X Files.

The project was picked up by US streaming giant Hulu last month.

Himesh will star alongside BAFTA-nominated actress Danielle Deadwyler, where they will play two 'vastly different' FBI agents.

A logline for the reboot, seen by Variety, reads: 'Two highly decorated but vastly different FBI agents (Deadwyler, Patel) form an unlikely bond when they are assigned to a long-shuttered division devoted to cases involving unexplained phenomena.'

Former EastEnders actor Himesh Patel has landed a leading role in the reboot of The X Files - 10 years after quitting the soap for good

Himesh will star alongside BAFTA-nominated actress Danielle Deadwyler, where they will play two 'vastly different' FBI agents

The publication also reports both stars will be playing entirely new characters, rather than iterations of Fox Mulder and Dr. Dana Scully.

David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson played the fan-favourite roles across 11 series.

Danielle, 43, has a raft of prestigious nominations, including for her work as Mamie Till-Mobley in the film Till.

Notably, she was up for the Best Actress in a Leading Role gong at the 2023 BAFTA Film and TV awards.

Himesh and Danielle has previously worked together, starring in miniseries Station Eleven in 2021.

His portrayal of town doctor and devoted family man Jeevan Chaudhary earned Himesh an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie in 2022.

He left EastEnders in 2016 when his character ran off with then girlfriend Nancy Carter.

Two years later, he earned worldwide fame by bagging the lead role in what became his breakthrough film Yesterday.

In 2024, Himesh said experiencing acne while working on EastEnders as a teenager 'felt like the worst thing in the world'.

Opening up to British GQ Hype, the actor lifted the lid on his stellar career so far, including the years it began on EastEnders.

He told the magazine: 'I've been doing this since I was 16, When you're a teenager and you have acne, it's the worst thing in the world.

'But then when you've got acne in front of millions of people every week in EastEnders, it's a whole other thing.

'It was rough. You just kind of feel defective because you're surrounded by actors. Everyone gets spots, but I just felt the pressure.'

Back in 2019, EastEnders fans were left gobsmacked after spotting Himesh Patel in Don't Look Up alongside Hollywood stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Meryl Streep.

Both stars will be playing new characters, rather than iterations of Fox Mulder and Dr. Dana Scully. David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson played the fan-favourite roles across 11 series

Netflix's disaster comedy movie sees two low-level astronomers - Dr. Randall Mindy (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Kate Dibiasky (Jennifer Lawrence) - go on a media tour to warn mankind of a comet that will destroy Earth.

In addition to DiCaprio and Lawrence, the film stars Meryl Streep, Jonah Hill, Cate Blanchett, Kid Cudi, Tyler Perry, Ariana Grande and Timothee Chalamet.

But EastEnders fans were left surprised after spotting a familiar face from Albert Square among the star-studded cast in the science fiction film.

Himesh had a small role as Phillip, a journalist and the boyfriend of Jennifer's character Kate, in the blockbuster movie.
Mick Jagger's ex-wife, Bianca Jagger, looked chic in black leather as she attended the Rheingold opera premiere during the Easter Opera Festival in Salzburg on Saturday.

The former Studio 54 fixture, 80, born Blanca Perez-Mora Macias, stepped out in a crisp white shirt layered under a black blazer.

She completed her look with a black tie, black trousers and a long black leather trench coat.

To accessorise, she wore a pair of black, shiny shoes, a golden brooch, black leather gloves, and tinted sunglasses.

The evening marked a highlight of the renowned festival, which has continued to attract prominent figures from across the worlds of art, music, and fashion.

Bianca was married to Mick from 1971 to 1978, and together they are parents to daughter Jade, 53.

Mick Jagger's ex-wife, Bianca Jagger, 80, looked chic in black leather as she attended the Rheingold opera premiere during the Easter Opera Festival in Salzburg on Saturday

The former Studio 54 fixture, born Blanca Perez-Mora Macias, stepped out in a crisp white shirt layered under a black blazer

Bianca is Mick's first and only legal wife after she met Mick in France and quickly got pregnant with their daughter Jade.

They wed in May 1971 when she was four months along. The ceremony was in Saint-Tropez.

Together, Bianca and Mick were the toast of NYC in the 1970s as they party hopped with Halston and Diana Ross.

In May 1978, she filed for divorce on the grounds of his adultery with model Jerry Hall, Bianca later said, 'My marriage ended on my wedding day.'

Their daughter Jade previously admitted that having famous parents was a 'hindrance' as she often receives 'awful' comments from people.

The jewellery designer said: 'I mean it is a hindrance, the other day I was googling something and I found an awful, tragic piece about me saying that 'she just can do whatever she wants' and it's very demoralising after you've worked all your life to try and achieve something.'

Jade did admit that she admired her parents for their successful careers, as it has given her something to 'look up to' and strive to achieve in her own life.

She explained: 'But also, obviously, seeing what my family have done always makes you look up to something higher that is almost unachievable.

'I try to bring myself down from thinking that's my goal, because I think that can leave you with heartache, because I'm certainly not going to be jumping around on stage in the pouring rain. I have my limits!'

Mick is now in a relationship with fiancee Melanie Hamrick, but last year she revealed they are in no hurry to marry.

Giving an unprecedented look into her relationship with the rock star, the former ballerina, 37, also said they will move to London permanently next year so they can enrol their eight-year-old son, Deveraux, in school.

Melanie confirmed she has been engaged to Mick for three years in an interview with Paris Match when asked how long she has been wearing her engagement ring.

And talking of marriage, she said: 'Maybe one day, maybe not. We are so happy in our current life that I would be too afraid to change anything. I don't know what to call it, maybe simply happiness.'

The secret to their happiness, she claimed, was supporting each other and being there for each other.

Bianca was married to Mick from 1971 to 1978, and together they are parents to daughter Jade, 53 (pictured at their wedding)

Melanie and Mick met in Tokyo in February 2014 when the Stones were on tour.

At the time, the rock star was in a long-term relationship with fashion designer L'Wren Scott, who died by suicide in March that year.

She says it wasn't love at first sight, as she quipped: 'Maybe a spark, but nothing incredible like: 'I'll make you lose your mind, and we'll travel the world!' We didn't even exchange phone numbers.'

Melanie recalled that Mick was in a relationship at the time, so they only spoke again five months after that, thanks to a mutual acquaintance who gave him her number.

The rocker sent her a text message asking whether she'd like to have coffee together, which led to them meeting again in Zurich.

Melanie recalled an early memory from childhood, saying: 'My mum would also sometimes hum "I can't get no satisfaction" when I asked for an ice cream I hadn't earned. I would reply, "stop mum, it's so boring".'

Her penchant for older men preceded her relationship with the famous rock star. When she was 19, she started dating Cuban dancer Jose Manuel Carreno, who was 38 at the time.

Melanie insisted she doesn't care what people say or think about her 44-year age gap with Mick because she's happy, healthy, and not hurting anyone.
Katherine Ryan and Catherine Tyldesley looked in good spirits as they led the stars at the launch of Bluey The Ride at Alton Towers on Saturday.

Comedian Katherine, 42, was all smiles as she enjoyed the ride with her three-year-old daughter Fenna. She was also joined by her son Fred, four, and Holland, five months, and her partner Bobby Kootstra.

Coronation Street star Catherine, 42, wrapped up in a kahki coat as she enjoyed one of the rides with her three-year-old daughter Iris.

The soap actress was also joined by her husband Tom Pitfield and their 11-year-old son James.

Also in attendance was Amy Childs who opted for a white trench coat and a matching zip-up jumper as she was joined by her eldest daughter Polly, nine.

Lydia Bright brought along her six-year-old daughter Loretta Rose while fellow TOWIE star Georgia Kousoulou was joined by her son Brody, four.

Katherine Ryan enjoyed the ride with her three-year-old daughter Fenna at the launch of Bluey The Ride at Alton Towers on Saturday

Coronation Street star Catherine, 42, wrapped up in a kahki coat as she enjoyed one of the rides with her three-year-old daughter Iris

Rounding out the guests was The Traitors series two winner Leanne Quigley who was joined by her fiancee Sophie Jones and their twins Hudson and Harley.

The outing comes after Katherine poked fun at her 'fertility addiction' as she enjoyed a family holiday with her four children earlier this month.

The comedian shared a hilarious Instagram clip of her son Fred, Fenna and her new baby Holland all piled onto a double buggy as she wheeled it through the resort.

Katherine, who is also mother to daughter Violet, 16, shared a tongue-in-cheek caption joking that her large brood was 'an advert for condoms.'

Praising the double buggy she'd brought on the holiday, Katherine captioned the post: '@bugaboouk enabling my fertility addiction.'

Sharing another clip of her children she added: 'Truly all-star performance from the donkey this holiday. We [heart emoji] @bugaboouk #notanad #butsortofanadforcondoms.'

Katherine welcomed her baby daughter, her third with her husband Bobby Kootstra, in October, but star recently broke her years-long silence on the father of her 16-year-old daughter.

The comic, who has never disclosed the identity of Violet's father, tore into him recently as she admitted she no longer feels the need to bite her tongue since Violet is old enough to 'see for herself'.

'I've been careful never to s**g him off just because I don't think it's the right thing to do,' Katherine said on the Juicy Scoop With Heather McDonald podcast.

The soap actress was also joined by her husband Tom Pitfield and their 11-year-old son James

Katherine was also joined by her son Fred, four, and Holland, five months, and her partner Bobby Kootstra

Lydia Bright brought along her six-year-old daughter Loretta Rose while fellow TOWIE star Georgia Kousoulou was joined by her son Brody, four

Also in attendance was Amy Childs who opted for a white trench coat and a matching zip-up jumper as she was joined by her eldest daughter Polly, nine

Chris Robshaw and his wife Camilla Kerslake attended with their sons Wilding and Hunter

Rounding out the guests was The Traitors series two winner Leanne Quigley who was joined by her fiancee Sophie Jones and their twins Hudson and Harley

'And I really protected him while my daughter was young. I would never say anything bad about him.

'But now she's 16, she can see for herself that unfortunately, he's not a bad person, but he's never made any sacrifices, never paid anything for her, just kind of texts her, which I think is breadcrumbing.

'Like, "Hey, love you. How are you?" Which is better than no contact. But he hasn't been the type of dad that you would want for your daughter.'

When asked directly if he is involved in Violet's life, she replied, 'Not really.'

Katherine has previously only discussed co-parenting Violet in carefully measured terms. In her 2019 Netflix special Glitter Room, she said: 'He's my child's dad, and for that reason I shall never say a bad word about him.'

But speaking on the podcast, the mum of four did not hold back her true feelings about Violet's father - and even joked she would excel at his level of low-effort parenting.

'I think I would be a great dad. Like, a non-contact parent. Because it's so easy,' she said.

The Duchess star, who also has three younger children with her husband and fellow Canadian, Bobby Kootstra, 43, added: 'All you have to do with a teenage girl is drive to the mother's house, send her a text, and go, "Do you want to come get a Starbucks with me?"

'It's all they have to do. "If not, I'll go get you a Starbucks. I'll drop it off. You come to the car, I'll give it to you, say, "Hey, how are you? I love you. Here's your Starbucks, bye." No pressure.'

She continued: 'I've heard so many dads go, "Well, she's using me for rides. I don't get anything back." The flow goes one way - parent to child. There's nothing they [children] can do wrong. Just make yourself available, make some type of sacrifice.

'Unfortunately, my daughter doesn't have the dad that I would want her to have.'

She married businessman Bobby, her Canadian high school sweetheart, after they reconnected in 2018 while she was filming an episode of the BBC ancestry series Who Do You Think You Are? in her home town of Sarnia, Ontario.

The night before the ride unveiling, celeb guests at Alton Towers Resort were treated to a Bluey drone show - the largest ever seen in the U.K - nearby to the CBeebies Hotel, which now offers Bluey-themed rooms.

The new attraction - Bluey the Ride: Here Come the Grannies! - is based on a fan-favourite episode from the award-winning Aussie cartoon, where Bluey and Bingo play dress-up as the mischievous Grannies Janet and Rita.

Over 55 tonnes of steel was used to make the ride, which also encompasses Bluey's family home and includes playground elements filled with nods to favourite moments from the series - including games of Keepy Uppy, fairy rings to dance in and a Rug Island-inspired play space.

Howard Ebison, Vice President of Alton Towers Resort said: 'Bluey the Ride: Here Come the Grannies! is all about celebrating energy, play and those everyday moments families love about the show.

'Alongside even more bespoke Bluey-themed hotel rooms, we're delighted that fans can now enjoy the new attraction and immerse themselves in the mayhem of the Grannies.'

For more information, visit Alton Towers' website
Melvyn Downes has blasted police as he shared a video showing him being stopped and searched by officers - after it happened a second time.

The SAS: Who Dares Wins star and former Sergeant Major, 60, took to Instagram on Friday night where he told his followers about the 'humiliating' ordeal.

He explained how a number of years ago he went to buy his wife a gift in a Boots pharmacy using a 50 note.

However, Melvyn, who served 24 years in the British Army, said it was suspected to be counterfeit and police began a search on him.

Melvyn told fans: 'A few years ago I got completely humiliated by 5 police officers in London because I had a legitimate 50 note on me trying to buy my wife something.

'I was totally humiliated getting searched in front of a shop full of people but once the police saw a military I.D they stopped immediately & the police Sgt actually admitted they knew from the start it was a legitimate 50 note the police need to target with intelligence & not just appearance'

Melvyn Downes has blasted police as he shared a video showing him being stopped and searched by officers - after it happened a second time

In the video shared alongside the caption, officers from City of London can be seen in their uniform, wearing their red and white checkered hats

The married father-of-three continued by saying how he had planned to 'never' mention the exchange until he was recently stopped again.

Melvyn said: 'I respect & back the military & law but definitely need to conduct correct training & tactics in my opinion.'

In the video shared alongside the caption, officers from City of London can be seen in their uniform, wearing their red and white checkered hats.

One officer appears to be searching Melvyn as he tells the camera: 'Here I am getting searched by the police. They think I've got fake money on me.

'Done nothing wrong. Just letting you know. This is part of the UK.'

Daily Mail has approached City of London police for comment.

Melvyn joined SAS: Who Dares Wins in 2021, becoming the show's first mixed-race officer.

Last year he revealed the brutal truth about being Britain's first black SAS soldier in a column for Daily Mail.

Recalling one incident of discrimination, he said: 'One night a couple of weeks in I was lying on my bunk and listening to conversations going on around me.

Five blokes from a regiment down south had their backs turned to me as they looked at a map and speculated about the following days route. I padded across to join them. Hi, guys. They turned to stare at me  five unfriendly pairs of eyes suddenly trained on me. Could I look at that please? I asked, gesturing at the map.

Melvyn joined SAS: Who Dares Wins in 2021, becoming the show's first mixed-race officer

'There were a couple of seconds of silence, then one of them, a big man with a gringo moustache and cropped black hair, just said, c**n, a vile racial slur, then turned his head away.

'The others sniggered.

'Anger surged into every part of my body. I couldnt let this go. I imagined the satisfaction of feeling my knuckles smash into the big blokes jaw. That would show them. I felt my hand balling into a fist. I went to take a step forward.

'And then I caught myself and stopped. If I got into a scrap, whatever the outcome, that would be the end of my chances of passing selection. Id be booted off straight away. I forced myself to return to my bunk, where I lay, as they carried on giggling and casting mocking glances in my direction.'
Kim Kardashian was accused by fans of overdoing it on the filter and photoshopping after she shared a batch of images from a family vacation in Japan this week.

The Kardashians star's carousel of photos included a snap of her and sister Khloe posing in front of a toy machine in figure-hugging white and black ensembles and looking a little unreal.

Khloe must have won the prize as she clutched an oversized stuffed toy in her arms, but her seemingly digitally altered face was what caused the most buzz among social media followers.

Fingers pointed to Kardashian's apparent handiwork with the filters and editing apps as the true culprit.

The mother-of-four - who was also joined by boyfriend F1 racing driver Lewis Hamilton during her Tokyo rendezvous - is widely believed to rely on these tools to achieve a managed, flawless aesthetic in her posts, even though they've led to frequent outbursts from the public who denounce her excessive photo editing.

One fan took to Instagram to gripe at the SKIMS founder, 'We saw you at the Oscar party. We know you don't look anywhere close to this. Not does your sister.'

Kim Kardashian was accused by fans overdoing the filters and photoshopping as she shared a snap of her and sister Khloe from their Japan trip this week - with Khloe's seemingly digitally altered face attracting the most groans

Fingers pointed to Kim Kardashian's apparent handiwork with the filters and editing apps as the true culprit (Khloe in 2013)

Reddit users were more to the point with one writing, 'Facetuned to hell and back,' in reference to the popular photo and video editing application found on mobile devices.

Another followed up with, 'All the botox, filler etc and still the need to facetune!'

A third chimed in, 'Khloes mouth/lips look HUGE lol.'

'Her nose is not that small and her lips are huge she looks cartoon like,' echoed a fan.

'Honestly she looks a little Michael Jackson in the nose area here,' another ventured to say, referencing the late King of Pops shrinking nose.

One fed-up Reddit user concluded, 'Any photos they post on their social media - it's safe to assume it's been photoshopped like hell.'

Another Kardashian follower noticed the sisters stood almost head-to-head, which was another red flag. 'Super filtered. Plus Khloe is 5'10" and Kim is around 5'2", proportions are wrecked,' the person complained.

Kardashian may pay attention to criticism regarding her photo editing, calling it 'so dumb' in a 2022 post, but it apparently hasn't made her stop doing it.

The reality star posed with her son Saint and niece True as they checked out the toy machines in an arcade

Kardashian and her kids had the pleasure of taking a lesson from samurai artist Tetsuro Shimaguchi during their vacation

The SKIMS founder took a cue from her boyfriend British F1 race car driver Lewis Hamilton as she went go-kart racing with her brood

The All's Fair star made room for some retail therapy

Khloe was joined on the Tokyo trip by her two kids True, seven, and Tatum, three

Criticism aside, the All's Fair star had what looked like a memorable time during her Tokyo trip, especially as main squeeze Hamilton was also there.

Kardashian brought along three of her children, Saint, 10, Chicago, eight, and Psalm, six, and all had a blast spending time at the arcade and a museum.

They went go-kart racing together and had the pleasure of taking a lesson from samurai artist Tetsuro Shimaguchi.

Khloe was joined by her daughter True, seven, and son Tatum, three, whom she has with former partner Tristan Thompson.

Meanwhile, Kardashian is said to be 'very into' the British F1 race car driver. Her trip to Tokyo wasn't just a coincidence.

Hamilton is also in Tokyo to take part in the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix which kicks off on Sunday.

'He's just an easy-going guy with great energy,' a source told People. 'Her family likes him and Kim's very into him. They are both busy with their careers, but see each other as much as possible.'

The source stated that Kardashian and Hamilton have 'more than just a casual connection, adding, 'It takes a lot to capture Kim's interest and she's definitely intrigued.'

Kardashian's visit to Tokyo wasn't just a family vacation - Hamilton is also in Tokyo to take part in the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix which kicks off on Sunday

Hamilton took a lesson with samurai artist Tetsuro Shimaguchi too

Kardashian and Hamilton were romantically linked in early 2026 with romance rumors heating up during the Super Bowl and now in Tokyo (he is pictured on March 15 in Shanghai, China)

Earlier this month, Hamilton gushed over Kardashian after she appeared at the 2026 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.

He dropped a heart-eye emoji in the comments alongside a series of photographs shared by the reality TV star following the annual bash held after the Oscars.

The images showed the law school grad wearing a glittering gold Gucci gown paired with matching eight-inch heels along with ice-blue contact lenses and her hair styled in a long bob.

Hamilton's response prompted one fan to write, 'It's official, guys,' while another hailed, 'THE SCREAM I JUST LET OUT.' A third joked that the racing hunk was 'in love.'
Martin Short was spotted getting dinner in Santa Monica on Friday night, weeks after his daughter's death.

The 76-year-old actor  whose daughter Katherine died by suicide in February sought comfort in close friend JJ Abrams, who accompanied him on the outing.

He looked solemn while dressed in a dark suit jacket and light blue button-up shirt.

The Hollywood veteran was clean shaven as he was spotted out for the first time since the devastating loss of one of his three children.

In addition to Katherine, Short and late wife Nancy Dolman also adopted sons Oliver, 39, and Henry, 36.

Katherine was 42-years-old when she was discovered at her Hollywood Hills home with a self-inflicted gunshot wound in late February.

Martin Short was spotted getting dinner in Santa Monica on Friday night, weeks after his daughter's death

The 76-year-old actor's daughter Katherine died by suicide in late February; pictured in 2011

Following her death, a representative for Short issued a statement: 'It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short.

'The Short family is devastated by this loss, and asks for privacy at this time. Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.'

In the wake of her passing, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) confirmed that Katherine had 'not been heard from in 24 hours' before her friend called police.

She was last seen publicly with her dad while celebrating her 40th birthday at Grand Master Recorders in December 2023.

Katherine was a licensed clinical social worker with a masters degree from the University of Southern California.

Short and Dolman were married for 30 years before she died of ovarian cancer in 2010.

Speaking about his wife in a 2019 AARP interview, he described their marriage as a 'triumph.'

'She died in 2010, but I still communicate with her all the time,' the Father of the Bride star said. 'Its Hey, Nan, you know? How would she react to this decision or that, especially regarding our three kids.'

Short sought comfort in close friend JJ Abrams, who accompanied him on the outing

Short and his daughter pictured in 2008

Short also said that he has never been one of those people who think death means means 'the end.'

'I believe that when people die, they zoom into the people that love them. This idea that it just ends, and dont speak of them  thats wrong,' he explained.

Thats based on denial that were all going to die. So to me, shes still here.'

In his 2014 memoir I Must Say: My Life As a Humble Comedy Legend, he said Dolman's death is 'by far the most awful thing I've been through.'

And as he supported his children through the grief of losing their mother, Short drew from his own experiences.

Speaking to his youngest child, son Henry, the night before his wife died, he told him: 'This will make you stronger. This will make you more determined.'
Southwest Airlines is facing backlash after a policy change left plus-size passengers being forced to buy a second seat on the spot - or miss their flight altogether.

The airline was once known for one of the most accommodating policies in the industry. Overweight flyers could to buy a second seat in advance and claim a refund later - or get a free extra seat at the gate.

That policy was axed in January when the airline switched from its longtime open seating system to assigned seating.

Overweight flyers now say they are being judged by Southwest staff at the airport based on their appearance. Under the new 'fat tax', they must buy an extra seat at the gate if staff decide they are too big to fit into a single one.

Passenger Kari McCaw said she experienced the new system firsthand when she was stopped at the airport while heading to a conference in Las Vegas.

Staff told her she had to buy a second seat, or wouldn't be able to fly. In the viral video on March 10, she said she felt profiled at the gate because of her size, despite never having to purchase two seats when she flew before.

'You just made this arbitrary look at my body,' McCaw said.

'I don't have any hips, so I sit in seats just fine all the time. I'm all front and back, so I do use a seatbelt extender, but if you took my hip circumference, I fit in the normal airplane, 16, 17 inch seat or whatever, just fine.'

Another popular body positive creator, Stella Kittrell, said the policy made her anxious about flying and filmed her experience while attempting to board the plane - which she was able to do without buying a second seat

Passenger Kari McCaw experienced this firsthand last month when she was stopped at the ticket counter while on her way to a conference in Las Vegas with coworkers

Under the new rules, refunds for a second seat are only guaranteed if the flight has an empty seat, and passengers who don't book ahead may be required by an agent to buy another ticket on the spot

Southwest Airlines rolled out the policy change earlier this year. It requires passengers who cannot fit between armrests to purchase an additional seat in advance - or risk being charged at the airport.

Under the new rules, a refund for the second seat is only guaranteed if the flight departs with at least one empty seat.

Passengers who don't book ahead can also be required to buy another ticket on the spot, depending on an agent's discretion.

'Customers who encroach upon the neighboring seat(s) must purchase the number of seats needed. The armrest is considered the definitive boundary between seats,' the airline's policy states.

The vague wording - and how it's enforced - has sparked backlash, with some travelers accusing the airline on social media of judging passengers based on appearance.

Popular TikTok creator Samrya, who dubbed the policy a 'fat tax,' shared her criticism in a now-viral video.

'They do not care about plus-sized travelers,' she said in a March 12 post.

'On their website, they talk about if you encroach on the person next to you, you need to buy an extra seat. But when you're at the airport, they just eyeing people.

Popular TikTok creator Samrya, who dubbed the policy a 'fat tax,' shared her criticism in a now-viral video

The vague wording of the policy - and how it's enforced - has sparked backlash, with some travelers accusing the airline on social media of judging passengers based on appearance

'There is no criteria that they are using to determine who was to pay for an extra seat. They are literally just discriminating. It's at the discretion and fat phobia of whoever is working that day.'

Another popular body positive creator, Stella Kittrell, said the policy made her anxious about flying.

Filming the entire experience, she said she chose her 'skinniest outfit' for the airport and felt 'on the edge' of a mental breakdown before boarding.

She wasn't stopped by an agent and later showed herself on the plane, where she ultimately fit comfortably in her seat.

But not everyone has been as fortunate.

Jessica Skinner was rushing to catch a flight from Tampa International Airport to Austin for a girls' trip when she says an agent stopped her at the ticket counter and insisted she was too large to fit in her seat.

The delay caused her to miss the bag check deadline, forcing her to rebook her flight, she said in a viral video posted on March 6.

Skinner, who said she had lost 200 pounds and didn't need an extra seat, ended up borrowing money from family to cover the cost of a same-day ticket.

Kenny Slack, flying from Houston to Kansas City, said in a March 11 video that he was singled out by an agent because he had previously used the customer-of-size policy when he was 100 pounds heavier

Southwest was an outlier before they rolled back their policy, as most other airlines either require or recommend buying a second seat, without guaranteeing a refund

Other passengers report similar experiences. Kenny Slack, flying from Houston to Kansas City, said in a March 11 video that he was singled out by an agent because he had previously used the customer-of-size policy when he was 100 pounds heavier.

Some travelers also say they were required to pay for a second seat on a connecting flight or return leg, even if they hadn't been flagged on their initial flight.

Alaska Airlines offers refunds for additional seats purchased by plus-size passengers, but only if there is an open seat on the flight. Most other airlines either require or recommend buying a second seat, without guaranteeing a refund.

Southwest Airlines did not immediately respond to the Daily Mail's request for comment.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The Parliament of the United Kingdom has raised concern over reports of harassment, torture and arbitrary arrests targeting individuals opposed to Zimbabwe's proposed Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill.The amendment seeks, among other provisions, to extend the term of office for President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Parliament by two years without holding a referendum.The concerns were outlined by Jenny Chapman in response to questions posed to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office by David Alton regarding the political situation in Zimbabwe.Alton had asked what representations the UK had made following reports that individuals opposing the proposed extension of presidential terms to 2030 were being targeted with violence and intimidation.Chapman said the UK embassy in Harare was closely monitoring developments."Our embassy in Harare continues to closely monitor reports of harassment of individuals and groups expressing opposition to proposed changes to the Constitution," she said."Officials remain in contact with the government of Zimbabwe, civil society organisations and other stakeholders as part of our ongoing engagement on these matters."While emphasising that constitutional amendments are a sovereign matter for Zimbabwe, Chapman stressed the importance of democratic freedoms."Freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association are fundamental components of any functioning democracy," she said, adding that political parties, civil society organisations and journalists should be able to operate without intimidation.She also underscored the need for transparency and inclusivity in the legislative process, warning against the erosion of political space.Zimbabwe has in recent weeks witnessed increased tension around the proposed amendments, with several opposition figures and civic groups reportedly facing crackdowns.Lovemore Madhuku and members of his organisation were allegedly subjected to torture during a private meeting discussing the amendments. Meanwhile, Tendai Biti, a senior opposition figure and convener of the Constitution Defenders Forum, was recently arrested alongside other members of the group.Several meetings organised by civic organisations, including the Public Policy Research Institute of Zimbabwe and the National Democratic Working Group, were reportedly blocked or disrupted by security agents in Bulawayo.In contrast, members of the ruling ZANU PF have continued to hold awareness campaigns in support of the amendments without interference, raising concerns among observers about an uneven political playing field.The developments have intensified scrutiny of Zimbabwe's political environment, with international stakeholders calling for the protection of civil liberties as the country debates changes to its Constitution.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Traditional leader Chief Mphini has been arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission over allegations linked to the illegal sale of communal land in Matebeleland South.The arrest, which was confirmed by ZACC Commissioner Kindness Paradza, follows reports that the chief allegedly sold land designated for grazing purposes in Ward 21 of Bulilima District."We will be issuing details soon but yes, we have arrested the Chief," Paradza said, without disclosing further information on the charges.Sources familiar with the matter indicated that more than 80 individuals have already been settled on the land in question. The developments have sparked concern among local villagers, who claim that a significant number of beneficiaries are not from the district or even the province.Grazing land in communal areas is typically reserved for shared livestock use, making its alleged conversion into residential plots a sensitive issue with potential implications for livelihoods and community cohesion.Authorities are expected to release further details as investigations progress.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Authorities have granted permission for the exhumation of the remains of Peter Jack Masedza, widely known as Johane Masowe, bringing closure to a decades-long dispute between his family and the church he founded.The late religious leader, who established the Gospel of God Church International, was buried in 1973 at a site in Rusape that later became a major shrine for his followers.In a formal notice dated March 25, 2026, legal representatives of his sons, Magaga Masedza and Rueben Masedza, advised that the exhumation will take place on April 2 at the Gandanzara Shrine in Makoni District.The brothers have long argued for the right to rebury their father at a location accessible to the family, while the church has maintained that the original burial site was chosen by Masowe himself and has since become sacred to thousands of congregants.Law firm Mushangwe and Company Legal Practitioners confirmed that all administrative requirements had been fulfilled and that a burial order had been issued."Authority was granted from the relevant authorities to exhume and rebury the remains," the firm said.The legal basis for the move stems from a High Court ruling (Case No. HCH1769/23), which affirmed the family's right to seek exhumation  a decision later upheld by the Supreme Court (Case No. SCI 12/25).Correspondence from Provincial Registrar J Munamati confirmed that the district registrar had been authorised to issue the burial order, with no objection from authorities provided all legal and public health requirements are met.The Supreme Court of Zimbabwe previously clarified that while the judiciary could affirm the family's right to pursue exhumation, the final authority rests with government administrative bodies.In her ruling, Justice Susan Mavangira emphasised that no burial site  including those regarded as shrines  is exempt from the provisions of the Cemeteries Act."The applicants have a right to seek the exhumation of the remains of the deceased. Whether they succeed in that quest is not for this court to decide but for the appropriate administrative authorities," she said.The court also dismissed arguments by the church that the matter had already been settled in a 2003 case, ruling that the earlier judgment dealt only with visitation rights, not exhumation.With legal hurdles now cleared, the planned exhumation marks the culmination of a long-running and emotionally charged dispute over the final resting place of one of Zimbabwe's most influential religious figures.As the date approaches, tensions remain high at the shrine, reflecting the deep divide between the Masedza family and church followers over the legacy and burial of Johane Masowe.
News / National

by Staff reporter

A self-proclaimed prophet affiliated with the Johane Masowe sect, Simon Mpofu, has appeared in court facing serious allegations involving a 15-year-old girl from Nkayi.Mpofu (30), who is based in Gababi Village, appeared before Provincial Magistrate Abednico Ndebele, where he was formally charged in connection with the alleged incident.According to court submissions, the minor  a Form Two student  was invited by a neighbour on March 1 to visit Mpofu, who was reportedly conducting prayer sessions and healing services at his homestead.In her statement to police, the teenager said she was called into a room by the accused during the gathering. She alleged that upon entering, Mpofu splashed an unknown substance on her face, causing dizziness and loss of consciousness.The State alleges that the accused then assaulted the minor. The girl further told authorities that she was warned not to disclose the incident and was threatened with spiritual consequences if she spoke out.A witness who had accompanied the minor said the girl emerged from the room visibly distressed and reported the incident shortly afterwards.The matter was reported to the police by the victim's family, leading to Mpofu's arrest. Prosecutors told the court that the minor was referred to Nkayi District Hospital for medical examination, and a report will be presented as evidence during trial.Mpofu has been remanded in custody and is expected to return to court on April 2 as investigations continue.
Europe is now an irrelevance within the NATO so-called alliance with the United States. The reason for this hegemonic split is directly correlated with the EUs protectionist economic activities, its woke Soviet architecture, its open borders policy, and its ultimate weakness in its slow inaction relating to military affairs. The main focus, of course, is that the EU as a pseudo-communist entity poses a direct threat to any alliance. Why would America want to join hands with a Marxist adversary?

In this respect, the same applies to the UK, which has been infiltrated and corrupted by Soviet Marxists. The insidious creep of the communist Labour Party, led by a robotic, weak, and slow Keir Starmer, is now an irrelevance as well, along with its beloved EU Soviet bloc.

The incompatible nature of America under its current form with its former allies denotes a supreme insecurity of a shaky NATO watched with glee from Russia and China. This is about strength and movement  and Trump moves fast, zig-zagging, avoiding prediction from his enemies.

What took decades of geopolitical diplomacy unravels in one social media post by Trump. There is power in moving with urgency. There is power in decisive action. There is power in the cold hard truth.

Either European nations rethink their positions within their EU prison or NATO will continue to crumble. Either the UK finds new leadership and a new government and purges the woke Marxist soviets completely or the US will continue to ignore it.

The choice is the choice.
Boao Moments 2026: 100 days in, the Hainan FTP is just getting started

17:52, March 27, 2026 By Michael Kurtagh ( People's Daily Online

Cai Qiang, secretary-general of the Hainan Provincial Government and the province's official spokesperson, speaks at the Boao Forum for Asia 2026 Annual Conference, in Boao, south China's Hainan Province. (People's Daily Online/Li Ze)

The press conference did not take place in a conference room. That, in itself, felt like a statement.

On the afternoon of March 26, officials, journalists and cameras gathered not under fluorescent lights but on the grass outside during the Boao for Asia 2026 Annual Conference, with a warm Hainan breeze coming off the water. 46 media organizations, 120 reporters. The setting was deliberate: open air, open island, open for business. Three months after Hainan launched full-island special customs operations on Dec. 18, 2025, the province was marking its first 100 days and it wanted the world to notice.

Cai Qiang, secretary-general of the Hainan Provincial Government and the province's official spokesperson, opened the proceedings with a headline figure that set the tone for everything that followed: foreign trade imports and exports had surpassed 80 billion yuan (around $11.58 billion) in the first 100 days, up 32.9 percent year on year.

The numbers behind the milestone

The data Cai presented painted a picture of a port policy moving from paper to pavement. Zero-tariff goods now cover 6,637 product categories, 74 percent of all taxable items, up from 21 percent before island-wide special customs operations and already above RCEP baseline levels. In the first 100 days, 11,773 business entities qualified for zero-tariff status, and 7,503 new foreign trade enterprises registered, a year-on-year increase of 65.7 percent.

The multi-function free trade account, or EF Account, processed 137.6 billion yuan in transactions during the same period, four times the volume recorded in the same period a year earlier. Since the policy was first introduced, 990 EF accounts have been opened, with total transaction volume exceeding 450 billion yuan and fund transfers reaching businesses in 99 countries and regions.

Passenger and freight flows told the same story. Some 861,000 inbound and outbound travelers crossed Hainan's border during the 100 days, up 36.3 percent, including 217,000 visa-free arrivals, a 54.2 percent jump. Hainan can now be entered visa-free by nationals of 86 countries.

Media and attendees at the "Hainan Free Trade Port: 100 Days into Special Customs Operations Press Conference" held at the Boao Forum for Asia 2026 Annual Conference, in Boao, south China's Hainan Province. (People's Daily Online/Li Ze)

Standing on the grass, feeling the shift

There is something fitting about holding a press conference outdoors. Standing on the lawn with officials at podiums and cameras pointed toward an open Hainan sky, the setting itself seemed to capture the mood: this is a place that feels like it is opening up in real time.

What comes through clearly, both in the data and in the atmosphere around the event, is that the policy framework underpinning the Hainan FTP is no longer just a framework. It is producing results that businesses and travelers can actually feel.

The corporate commitments are concrete. Siemens Energy has established its first gas turbine assembly base in China in Hainan's Danzhou. Singapore's Fullerton Hospital has opened as the first wholly foreign-owned hospital in the country. Switzerland's Swatch Group has registered a regional supply chain and logistics hub. French pharmaceutical group Mayoly is building its China GSP distribution center here. These are operational decisions by companies that assessed the environment and chose Hainan.

For visitors, the changes are just as tangible. The Spring Festival holiday saw 12.32 million tourists on the island, spending 18.37 billion yuan, up 14.6 and 16.2 percent respectively. The duty-free shops are drawing visitors from Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Italy and beyond. Hainan is becoming, in practice, the international tourism and consumption destination it has long set out to be.

The road ahead

The 15th Five-Year Plan for Hainan, passed by the provincial legislature in January and formally issued in February, sets the longer horizon. The goal is a free trade port fully compatible with high international standards, serving as a strategic node between China's domestic market and the global economy. The plan lays out an ambitious industrial architecture: to consolidate and upgrade the four pillar industries (tourism, modern services, high-tech industries, tropical efficient agriculture)five major industrial directions it aims to strengthen, including advanced seed technologies, marine industries, aerospace and low-altitude aviation, green and low-carbon industries, and digital and data-driven industries; four emerging future industries for strategic investment: biomanufacturing, hydrogen energy, braincomputer interface technologies and embodied artificial intelligence.

One hundred days is a modest start against that timeline. But the underlying numbers point consistently in one direction, and the policy environment that businesses have been waiting for is now in place. The island is open. The work is underway.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Wu Chengliang)
News / National

by Staff reporter

Operations at Mpilo Central Hospital have been severely disrupted following a prolonged power outage that began on Thursday, raising concerns over patient safety and access to critical healthcare services.Ward 2 councillor Adrian Moyo said the blackout was caused by a fault at a nearby substation operated by ZESA Holdings."The hospital is in darkness, compromising activities," Moyo said, adding that essential medical services have been significantly affected.He cited a case where a resident reportedly failed to receive timely emergency treatment after bringing his injured brother to the hospital."The nurses and doctors said they could not assist him in the darkness. He spent nearly four hours before being attended to," Moyo said.Medical staff are understood to have indicated that most of the hospital's equipment requires electricity to function, leaving them unable to carry out critical procedures during the outage.Concerns have also been raised over the hospital's backup power system. While a generator is reportedly in place, its failure to operate during the outage has drawn criticism."They are not giving us a straight answer as to why the generator is not working," Moyo said.The situation has placed additional strain on patients, many of whom are now being forced to seek treatment at private facilities, which are often unaffordable."Mpilo Hospital is a key referral centre for Bulawayo and the Matabeleland provinces, but due to this disaster, access to affordable healthcare has been severely compromised," Moyo added.Acting chief executive officer Solwayo Ngwenya said he had just returned from Harare and was not immediately aware of the situation."I cannot say anything, I was away. You can inquire with the public relations department," he said.Meanwhile, the hospital's public relations office attributed the outage to alleged vandalism of the substation by members of the community, shifting responsibility away from the institution.Efforts to obtain a comment from Shepherd Dadi were unsuccessful, although indications are that repair work on the faulty substation was underway as of midday yesterday.The blackout has exposed vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure at one of Zimbabwe's largest referral hospitals, sparking calls for urgent intervention to restore power and safeguard patient care.
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.

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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.
Louth Fine Gael Councillor John Reilly, who says he is also a small farmer in Faughart, and who previously worked in the oil industry, has passionately called on the Government to urgently overhaul the VAT and tax policies surrounding Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) biofuel.

Cllr Reilly emphasised that HVO is a proven, low-emission, drop-in replacement for diesel and is capable he said, of reducing greenhouse gases by up to 90%, according to several independent industry assessments.

The Dundalk-Carlingford councillor shared that Louth County Council is already leading the way by switching to HVO biofuel for its operations. This early adoption he said, highlights the pressing need for the Government to realign its tax policies with Irelands environmental goals.

As a small farmer, this is the busiest and most fuel-dependent time of the year, Cllr Reilly told the Dundalk Democrat. Ploughing, sowing, and preparing the land, demand long hours and significant fuel. Having spent years in the oil sector, I know the current fuel tax system  and right now, it penalizes farmers who choose cleaner, greener fuel.

Cllr Reilly said that under current VAT rules, farmers using HVO face a hefty 23% VAT, while traditional green diesel is taxed at just 13.5%.

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Its illogical that the cleanest fuel is taxed the most. Farmers are urged to reduce emissions, but when they try, theyre hit with higher costs, Cllr Reilly pointed out.

He highlighted that while sectors like haulage, logistics, local authorities, and emergency services are quickly adopting HVO, Irish farmers are being left behind due to outdated tax policies.

With Ireland facing a looming fuel supply challenge, its critical that duties and VAT are reviewed immediately, he urged.

Farmers are already battling rising costs, and yet, for choosing a fuel that can cut emissions by 90%, they face the highest VAT rates.

Cllr Reilly called on the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Agriculture to take action by:

- Lowering the VAT rate on HVO for farmers.

- Introducing incentives to help farmers switch to cleaner fuels.

- Ensuring farmers arent penalized financially for reducing emissions.

He added, If the Government truly wants to lead on climate action in agriculture, it cannot continue to treat the cleanest fuels as luxury products. This policy must change, now, he insisted.
Pictured above: Making a presentation of a cheque for 1,300 to Olive Joyce of Alzheimer Society of Ireland were Provincial Grand Master of Armagh, R.W. Brother Gilbert T. Irvine; Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Armagh, Conor Kenny; with Lodge members, Robert Bothwell, David Curran Ken Ramsey and Eugene McCooey. Photo: Arthur Kinahan

Last Saturday saw the Freemasons from The Masonic Lodge 384 Dundalk, make a presentation of a cheque for 1,300 to the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.

Each year, the Freemasons in Dundalk install a new Master, with the Master deciding on which charity a donation will be made to. The decision to make the Alzheimer Society the beneficiary was made by last year's Master of the Lodge, David Connor.

Secretary of the Dundalk lodge, John Kerr, told the Dundalk Democrat that the annual event is marked with a dinner, with St Vincent de Paul to be the beneficiary of this year's charity collection.

We're basically a charity collection organisation, John explained. I'm a member for maybe the last 18 years. There's three lodges in Dundalk, of which, a total of about 100 members.

It's like a social gathering of like minded people. We have fundamental values of brotherly love, charity, we are totally non-denominational. We are non political. Anybody from any background can join.

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We've been in Dundalk since 1802, so it goes back quite a number of years.

The Masonic Hall at 23 Jocelyn Street in Dundalk, has become more known in recent years, due to it being opened as a historical site as part of the historical walking tours of Dundalk.

Talks in the town by the Freemasons as part of this has led to some new members joining.

Explaining a little more about Freemasons and what they do, John said that, there's no secrets. It's just a group of men that gather to fundraise essentially.

Freemasonry in Ireland dates well back well before 1800. It's broken up into four provinces, very much along the religious dioceses. We are part of the province of Armagh, of which there are 35 lodges. We're one of the smaller ones.

There's quite a number of members spread throughout Ireland. They all come under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge in Dublin on Molesworth Street. All our laws and constitution comes from Molesworth Street.

The organisation is open to men over the age of 25, with John explaining that, you have to believe that there is a superior being, in God or whatever your religious beliefs are.

It's pretty much a multi-denominational organisation. There's no requirements on being part of one. Nobody asks any questions, nobody is quizzed.

We're strictly forbidden from having a political or religious connotations. We swear allegiance to our flag and our president, whoever that is at the time.

Explaining their activities and the benefits it gives to be part of the organisation, John said that, our lodge meets every month, most lodges meet every month and then we take a summer recess.

As men get older it's good to have a social background. You can go to meetings at lodges anywhere around the country. Men as they get older tend to go to more meetings. It's a good thing for man to be sociable.

A lot of men can be introverted. This gives them a chance to meet other men, have a bit of fun, a few jokes and be part of an organisation.

We all like to be part of some organisation. That's what I get out of it. There's outside charities, then we also help each other, if brethren are in need.

If they run into a problem with their family, they need education for their kids or medical issues, we support them, confidentially. That happens to in the organisation, there's a lot of that goes on but nobody talks about it, it's all done with confidentiality.

Along with helping each other, the Freemasons try to give back to the local community as much as the can. Last year there was a cheque of 3,000 that went to the women's refuge, John added, referring to the donation they made to Woman's Aid Dundalk.

We try to do that every year, just to give back to the community something of ourselves.

John also adds that they are always looking for new members. For anyone interested in joining or looking for more information, John invites them to send a letter to the Dundalk Masonic Hall, at 23 Jocelyn Street, Dundalk, Co Louth.
The An Post Irish Book Awards, one of Irelands most distinguished and popular literary events, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year with the release of a curated list featuring 60 of the best books from category winners over the past two decades.

Among the standout contributors to the An Post Irish Book Awards 20th anniversary celebrations is Louth author Erika McGann. Erika McGann grew up in Drogheda, County Louth, and now lives in Dublin. She is the author of many books including The Demon Notebook (winner of the Waverton Good Read Childrens Award), the Cass and the Bubble Street Gang series and Tabitha Plimtock and the Edge of the World.

Her picture books include the Where Are You, Puffling? stories (illustrated by Gerry Daly) and Standing On One Leg Is Hard and What is a Peachick? (illustrated by Clive McFarland), as well as the 2025 IBA winning Run Home Little Fox (co-authored with Tom McCaughren, illustrated by Shannon Bergin).

Selected through the votes from leading booksellers nationwide, the list comprises 20 Fiction, 20 Non-Fiction and 20 Childrens titles drawn from An Post Irish Book Awards winners since the ceremony first began in 2006.

Books by a wide range of celebrated authors including Sean Ronayne, Emilie Pine, Joseph OConnor, Emma Donoghue, Peter Donnelly and Catherine Ryan Howard feature on the list, which has been carefully curated to reflect the breadth and impact of Irish writing over the past 20 years. The full list of 60 titles can be found at anpostirishbookawards.ie

The public is now invited to vote for their favourite titles from the Top 60 list. Voting will open on Monday, 23rd March and close at 6pm on Monday, 13th April. The final Top 20 Favourite Irish Books of the past 20 years will then be revealed on Sunday, 19th April.

Everyone who votes will be entered into a prize draw, with a range of prizes on offer, including 100 in National Book Tokens, a selection of books from the list, and tickets to the An Post Irish Book Awards 2026 ceremony.

Bookshops across Ireland will also support the campaign with special in-store displays celebrating the 60 selected titles.

Alastair Giles, CEO of the Irish Book Awards, says: Over the past 20 years, the An Post Irish Book Awards has celebrated the depth and diversity of Irish writing. This curated list of 60 books offers a snapshot of some of the most memorable and influential titles recognised by the awards since 2006, reflecting the exceptional talent that has shaped Irish literature over the past two decades. Were delighted to invite readers across the country to vote for the books that have meant the most to them, and we look forward to revealing the Top 20.

David McRedmond, CEO at An Post, says: An Posts commitment to the Irish Book Awards is steadfast. To celebrate 20 years of the awards we want to showcase the extraordinary breadth of talent in Irish writing which is truly world-class. The top-60 books over the period of the awards have delighted and inspired readers, and this opportunity to revisit them is the best way to celebrate Irish writing.

Since its launch in 2006, the An Post Irish Book Awards has promoted Irish writing to the widest possible readership. Each year it brings together a vibrant community of readers, authors, booksellers, publishers and librarians to recognise the very best of Irish writing.

The awards feature a diverse mix of exceptional writing from new and established writers across 18 categories, including Novel of the Year, Childrens, History, Crime Fiction, Popular Fiction, Non-fiction, Sports, Lifestyle, Short Story, Irish Language, Poetry, Newcomer, Teen and Young Adult, Irish Published and Biography.

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Hundreds of books are submitted for consideration each year and, over the past two decades, an array of new and established domestic and international authors have graced the Irish Book Awards stage.

In addition to category winners, a special honour is presented at the event. The Bob Hughes Lifetime Achievement Award recognises the contribution of distinguished Irish writers and poets. Previous recipients include Martin Waddell, Anne Enright, Sebastian Barry, Colm Toibin, Thomas Kinsella, Eavan Boland, John Montague, J.P. Donleavy, Paul Durcan, John Banville, Maeve Binchy, John McGahern, Edna OBrien, William Trevor and Seamus Heaney.
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.

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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
President Catherine Connolly has attended an event marking the 75th anniversary of a veterans homeless charity.

The Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (Oglaigh Naisiunta na hEireann), known as ONE, marked the anniversary with a ceremony in Cathal Brugha Barracks in Rathmines, Dublin, on Saturday.

ONE provides a number of services, particularly for homeless veterans and those that need mental health support.

The charity has homes for homeless veterans in Athlone, Cobh, Dublin and Letterkenny which provide 51 single bedrooms.

The 75th Anniversary of ONE coincides with the commencement of phase two of its Veteran Home Expansion Plan with the addition of 17 single en-suite bedrooms across three new homes in Cork, Limerick and Newbridge.

Ms Connolly said: Since 1951, the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel has played a vital role assisting veterans of our Defence Forces, providing essential professional services, including mental health and homeless services.

Both of these issues  homelessness and mental healthcare  require urgent attention.

We must constantly raise awareness across our society to ensure that the motto of the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel  no veteran left behind  becomes the lived reality for those who served in our Defence Forces.

Chief executive officer of ONE Cormac Kirwan said: Homelessness and mental health challenges have now become part of our common language but in doing so, they may have unfortunately lost some of their true meaning.

The blunt reality is that it is about being without shelter, or compassion, or care, or hope.

The new facilities will directly enable ONE to provide homeless veterans with a safe, secure and supportive space, warm meals, camaraderie, care and hope, for as long as it is needed.

The ceremony included a veterans guard of honour to welcome the President and an address by her.

She said one of the driving forces behind the establishment of the charity 75 years ago had been a housing crisis.

Ms Connolly said: It is now 75 years later and we are suffering yet another housing crisis, 17,112 people, including 5,319 children residing in emergency accommodation in January of this year. The figure has probably risen.
News / National

by Staff reporter

A married man from Karoi was allegedly murdered and buried in a shallow grave after travelling to visit his girlfriend in Gutu, police have confirmed.The victim, Abraham Mupagore of Chikuti Village, died following a violent altercation with Takura Mabhugu at a homestead in Chiguhune on Sunday.Zimbabwe Republic Police Masvingo provincial spokesperson Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident, describing it as a murder case now under active investigation.According to police, Mupagore had travelled approximately 430 kilometres to visit his girlfriend, Modester Fushai, a storekeeper at Chiguhune Business Centre. The two reportedly spent the night together at the Maruvamba homestead in Chimombe Village.On Sunday, the pair attended a service at the Zion Apostolic Church, where Mupagore is said to have preached before they returned home.Authorities allege that Mabhugu, who was also romantically involved with Fushai and operated a shop at the same business centre, arrived at the homestead after learning she was with another man.Fushai reportedly introduced Mupagore as her new partner, triggering a dispute that escalated into a fistfight. During the altercation, she fled the scene.Police say Mabhugu, realising he was losing the fight, allegedly armed himself with a shovel and fatally assaulted Mupagore. He is then believed to have dragged the body to a nearby maize field, where he dug a shallow grave and buried it in an attempt to conceal the crime.The incident came to light the following day when Fushai returned and noticed blood stains at the homestead, along with the victim's missing belongings.On Wednesday, a neighbour, Peter Tigere, became suspicious after noticing unusual tracks leading into a maize field. He discovered freshly disturbed soil, prompting him to alert local authorities.Police later exhumed the body and transported it to Gutu Mission Hospital for a post-mortem examination.Mabhugu remains at large, and a manhunt has been launched. Police have urged members of the public with information on his whereabouts to report to the nearest station.The case has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the tragic consequences of domestic disputes that escalate into violence.
A new, free festival celebrating culture, community and diversity, which will run this May bank holiday weekend, has been launched by the Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Fergal Dennehy.

The Cork Mela will take place on Sunday, May 3, in Fitzgerald Park, from 1pm to 5pm. A Mela is an Indian religious festival or fair, or a gathering of people.

Several local artists who will contribute to the Cork Mela attended the launch, among them Tania Zor from Anahvac Mexican Dance Ireland (AMDIE), Paulo Farinha from Capoeira Cork, Ciara Murray, Cork Community Centre, and 96FMs Ken Perrott, who will host the festivals World Stage.

Mr Dennehy said the festival promises to be a wonderful celebration of the incredible cultural diversity that enriches our city.

Powerful reminder

It is a powerful reminder of how much we gain when we embrace traditions and talents from across the globe, bringing all of our communities together in a spirit of joy, unity, and mutual understanding, he said.

I encourage all our citizens to attend, enjoy the spectacular performances, and celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures that makes Cork such a wonderful place to live, work, and visit.

Joining Mr Dennehy at the launch this week was Nisha Tandon, founder and CEO of ArtsEkta, festival organisers.

She said the Cork Mela would offer a new cultural festival for the city, inviting everyone to experience the sounds, tastes and stories of cultures from around the world.

We have joined forces with more than 20 local groups representing many different cultures to produce an afternoon of exciting live performances, creative workshops and delicious global flavours, she said.

This first ever Cork Mela will celebrate the creativity, resilience and imagination of the many cultures and communities in Cork.

The festival is supported by Rethink Ireland and Cork City Council.

The Cork Mela runs from 1pm to 5pm on Sunday, May 3, in Fitzgerald Park, and admission is free.

For further information about the festival, go to https://artsekta.org.uk/cork-mela.
A number of issues were raised by councillors at this weeks meeting of Cork County Councils Carrigaline Municipal District committee.

Among them was a motion placed by Sinn Fein councillor Eoghan Fahy, requesting that the committee write to minister for education Hildegarde Naughton requesting specific progress updates on Owenabue Educate Together National School.

After six years in temporary accommodation, and with clearly defined capacity limits from June 2028 onwards, the current lack of certainty presents serious challenges for forward planning, enrolment, staffing, and the provision of much-needed autism places in the Carrigaline area, read his motion.

Questions he wants answered include what is the Department of Educations current plan for the school and what is the realistic timeframe for delivery of the permanent school building.

Support

Mr Fahy further wants to know how does the department intend to support the delivery of the five approved autism classes in the absence of a permanent building.

He also asked what contingency arrangements are envisaged when the schools existing accommodation can no longer meet demand, including the operational and financial implications of continuing to operate a split site.

Finally, and perhaps most crucially, he asked if the Department of Education believed the whole issue would finally be resolved by September 2028.

Responding to Mr Fahys queries, municipal district officer Denise Kidney said they would query the issues raised by Mr Fahy in writing to the minister for education and youth, Hildegarde Naughton.

Once an update is provided this will be shared with all elected members, she said.

Other issues raised

Another issue raised at the meeting was a request from councillor Audrey Buckley for an update on the current status of the proposed reinstatement works for the Myrtleville slipway, including details of any funding that has been identified or secured for the project.

Pointing out the issue had been raised more than a year ago, Ms Buckley asked if there is an indicative timeline for when the works are to proceed.

Ms Kidney said that a business case for the project is in the process of being prepared.

Once we have an update this will be provided, she said.

Councillor Jack White sought an update on the filter lane by Janeville in Carrigaline, and if timeline for changes to the lane might be implemented.

The filter lane has been discussed as dangerous for a number of years now, he said.

Ms Kidney said that Section 38 drawings, relating to traffic calming and minor road improvements, are currently being progressed, and once these have been completed will be advertised before any works commence on the ground.
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 the Sidetrax nightclub on March 26, 2001.

An inquest in 2003 found that 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 straight away. They didn't know that was happening, says Adrian's brother Alan.

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.

When gardai arrived minutes later, they saw that 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.

They are also calling for a new inquest, arguing that 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.

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 that excessive force at Sidetrax, located on Grafton St between Oliver Plunkett St 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.
A cannabis-smoker facing sentencing for his seventh conviction for drugs told his probation officer he was reducing his drug use and that instead of smoking four joints a day, he was now only smoking three.

Anthony OConnor of Saoirse, 7 Glenfields Park, Ballyvolane, also took the opportunity while talking to the probation officer to say he believed cannabis should be legalised.

Judge Mary Dorgan said the 34-year-olds probation report made matters difficult to deal with at Cork District Court. Defence solicitor Stephen Cotter said of the defendants belief that cannabis should be legalised, that he now resiles from that opinion.

OConnor also spoke up to tell the judge he was now attending Narcotics Anonymous meetings. Judge Dorgan told him that a person with convictions for having cannabis for their own use could be jailed on the third count.

The judge said that while some people were of the view that cannabis was harmless and should be legalised, there was evidence that its use could cause psychosis. Mr Cotter said the defendant was reaching the view that he should knock the pot on the head.

Judge Dorgan told OConnor, who was convicted of having 60 worth of cannabis for his own use at Banduff Rd, Mayfield, on June 10, 2025, the probation service concluded he was at moderate risk of offending.

It is kind of iffy as to which way you will go, she said.

The case was finalised with a 15-month probation bond.
The family of an 88-year-old Cork man who was punched to death by another patient in hospital said the killer will have his sentence reduced due to diminished responsibility but said that they were left to serve a life sentence of their own that would never be reduced.

At the sentencing hearing for Dylan Magee, of 30 Churchfield Green, Cork, the court heard a powerful victim impact statement from the daughter of Matthew Healy.

Magee had been found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility for killing Mr Healy on January 22, 2023, in Room 2 of St Josephs Ward at Mercy University Hospital.

Claire Healy spoke on behalf of her family: On the morning of Sunday, January 22, 2022, I lay in bed still reeling from the loss of my mother, who had passed only 20 days earlier. Our Dad being admitted to the Mercy Hospital the week after her funeral added further to our distress. I made several attempts over the course of a week to get an update on his condition. I never received a call back and was never able to speak to anyone who could give me any information. A week after his admission, I eventually received an update that he was doing well and would likely be discharged within the next few days.

I tried to visit him that Saturday  the day before he was fatally attacked  but was told that despite no longer being in an isolation ward, visitors were still not allowed. I regret every day that I did not challenge this baseless visiting restriction more firmly. Minutes before receiving the call that shattered me to my core, I had been mentally preparing to bring Dad home and look after him until he regained his strength. Despite grieving for his recently deceased wife, Dad was looking forward to returning to his own bed and his own routines. But he never came home to us again.

Hearing that Dad had died after being told he was doing well-was like a sucker punch in itself. When I heard that he had been attacked by another patient, I was convinced I must be trapped in a nightmare that I would eventually wake from. But I will never wake up from that nightmare the moment I heard the details of this horrific and unprovoked attack and asked myself whether it could possibly be real.

I will never get over the fact that the hug I gave my Dad when I left shortly after my mother's funeral turned out to be my last goodbye. I will always wonder whether, had I been allowed to visit him the day before he was killed, I might have raised concerns that our Dad was in an unacceptably dangerous environment.

My brother was burdened with the horrendous ordeal of having to formally identify Dad's beaten body in the morgue. I was spared that trauma, but it also meant that I never got to say goodbye, even after his passing. Despite the great efforts of the funeral home, I was advised that it would be too distressing for me to see him.

"So, the only goodbye I could say because of the severity of his injuries was to a closed coffin. The pathologist's declaration that our Dad died from traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, complicated by aspiration of blood and cardiac arrest, conjures images that will haunt me forever. That is a true life sentence  one we can never escape from or have reduced due to the culprit's apparent diminished capacity.

In the days and weeks after Dad's death, friends and neighbours reached out to express their grief. We repeatedly heard that he was a true gentleman kind, humble, and unassuming, with a gentle soul and a warm, sincere presence. Always smiling and pleasant, he had a caring manner that made people feel at ease and remember him with deep affection. Even total strangers, who were so deeply impacted by this appalling attack, remarked that he looked like a wonderful man with a beautiful heart. These observations barely skim the surface of what our Dad was like.

Despite suffering devastating grief earlier in his life when he lost a young daughter, our Dad did his best to put on a bright front, with his charming smile and rosy cheeks. He worked tirelessly all his life and raised three well-educated children who never wanted for anything. We were always met at the door with heartfelt welcome and delighted in visits from his grandkids. He treated everyone with respect and deserved the same in return. He always thought of others before himself. I have little doubt that our poor Dad was lying awake all night before he was attacked, absolutely petrified about what was going on in his room at the Mercy Hospital, but too polite to say anything for fear of offending the perpetrator or not wanting to inconvenience the staff. It is heartbreaking and impossible to understand that his life was ended in this way.

At 88 years of age, he deserved to slip away from this world as gently and kindly as the man he was surrounded by his family, hearing their voices, and knowing he was loved. Not lying in bed terrified, then choking on his own blood after being beaten to death by a man shouting that our Dad had eaten his children.

Matthew Healy: 'At 88 years of age, he deserved to slip away from this world as gently and kindly as the man he was surrounded by his family, hearing their voices, and knowing he was loved.'

Losing both parents within 20 days of each other is completely unfathomable under normal circumstances. In addition to being robbed of the chance to properly grieve our mother, learning of this horrendous act of violence hit us like a tsunami. Words can't express how traumatising it has been to discover that the attack was carried out by someone who went on a drug binge, suffered delirium from the withdrawal, and then pleaded diminished responsibility.

In addition to everything else, his actions also robbed us of our anonymity and, with it, the ability to grieve in peace. I will never forget the incessant clicking of camera shutters as we walked behind our Dad's coffin, or the shock of having media cameras pushed into our car windows as we drove to the cemetery. No one should have to endure invasive media seeking sensationalist headlines and spreading inaccurate information during the worst time of their life.

Even after the funeral, we still have not had the opportunity for peace. The protracted legal process has left us in limbo for over three years. As if we had not already endured enough heartache, we've had to await updates on bail applications, pending psychological assessments of the offender, and then the trauma of hearing the extensive list of injuries our Dad suffered. And all of this in pursuit of a verdict of manslaughter due to diminished capacity.

I consider such a verdict acceptable only for genuinely ill individuals, not for those suffering delirium due to self-induced drug withdrawal. We are the product of our choices, and I will never accept excuses suggesting the perpetrator was not responsible for his actions. His own life choices led to him punching our Dad to death. Being rewarded with a lesser sentence due to self-induced diminished capacity is tremendously frustrating and infuriating. It is in no way acceptable to us that an offender can be punished less severely for actions directly resulting from their own choices.

My view of the world has changed completely. I used to be positive and optimistic, but I now live with fears that the worst will happen. Although it isn't really irrational, is it, when one of the most awful things imaginable has already happened to someone you love? Hearing about the most horrendous crimes no longer shocks me not in a world where a wonderful elderly man can be beaten to death in his sleep in an unprovoked attack while lying in a hospital bed.

Some days, the pain of all we have been through feels unbearable. But like our parents, we are strong. Once sentencing is over, I will try to focus on the happy memories of our Dad. I will try to stop questioning my decision not to see him one last time before the coffin was closed, stop imagining the fear and shock he must have felt, and stop picturing him being beaten to death and choking on his own blood.

Only now, more than three years later, can we even begin to properly grieve for our beloved parents. This court applying the absolute maximum sentence permitted by law will help us come to terms with this and feel that some justice is being served. No member of the Healy family should ever have to fear crossing paths with the perpetrator again. We should not be forced to live with the knowledge that he could be released in a few years, returning to his own family and walking freely among the public. Nobody should be at risk of his actions the next time he diminishes his responsibility.

Our family has been destroyed. His actions must carry the most severe consequences. There were no meaningful consequences last time. If he had not received suspended sentences for his previous crimes, he would have been in prison on January 22nd, 2023, and not in a hospital room with my Dad. He deserves no pity and no leniency. He extended none to our wonderful Dad.

Ms Justice Siobhan Lankford expressed her sympathies to the Healy family and said there was a lot to consider in the case.

Dylan Magee will be sentenced at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Cork on April 17.
The case against a 43-year-old man accused of assault causing harm in an incident where he was allegedly swinging a bar stool in a city centre pub was adjourned peremptorily against the state for directions from the DPP.

Defence solicitor Killian McCarthy said the accused man, John Daly of 22 Manor Road, Manor Farm, Lehenaghbeg, Cork, was complaining of delay in a case which dates back to an alleged incident in December 2022.

Sergeant John Dineen said the garda file in the case was en route to the DPP. Judge Mary Dorgan adjourned the case until April 22 for DPP directions. The peremptory nature of the adjournment means that the case may be struck out if DPP directions are not available next month.

The defendant is accused of assaulting a woman causing her harm at a pub in Cork city, allegedly swinging a stool in another direction when it flew from his hands striking the injured party in the head.

He faces a charge which states that back on December 3 2022 at Clancys Bar, Princes Street, Cork, he assaulted a woman causing her harm, contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

Mr Daly spoke up previously to say, That is not what happened. I was being assaulted inside the bar.
Austria is the latest country to prepare a social media ban for its children, but it's going even further than others by including anyone under 14. In a press release, the Austrian government said it has introduced a comprehensive catalogue of measures meant to shield minors from the harms of social media. According to the press release, an official bill will be introduced by the end of June.

Andreas Babler, a vice chancellor and leader of the Social Democratic Party of Austria, said the government's efforts would include the new age restriction, improved media literacy and clear rules for social media platforms. Austrian lawmakers didn't detail what the upcoming rules would be, but the country is likely to follow in the footsteps of many others who have or are pursuing similar bans. While Australia was the first to implement a social media ban for anyone under 16, other European countries like Spain and the UK are also looking into comparable restrictions.

More recently, Indonesia approved new regulations that would prevent anyone under 16 from using social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube and Roblox. Indonesia's social media ban just went into effect, but the country only specified that the law's implementation would be carried out gradually until all platforms are in compliance, according to AP.
Tiger Woods has been charged with driving under the influence after a rollover crash on Jupiter Island in Florida, with local authorities saying he showed signs of impairment, but no alcohol was detected on a breath test.

The Martin County Sheriff's Office said deputies were called shortly before 2 p.m. Friday to a crash on Beach Road, a narrow two-lane residential street on Jupiter Island near Woods' home.

Investigators said Woods was driving a Land Rover that overturned while trying to pass a truck hauling a trailer. The vehicle struck the trailer, lost control, and came to rest on its side after sliding along the road, according to People.

Officials said Woods was arrested on suspicion of DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. A breathalyzer test registered 0.000, and deputies said they did not believe alcohol was involved. Authorities said they suspected impairment related to medication or drugs, though no substances were found in the vehicle at the scene.

Sheriff John Budensiek told reporters that Woods appeared impaired at the crash site but was cooperative with deputies. He said Woods declined to undergo a urinalysis after the arrest. The sheriff added that Woods would remain in custody for at least eight hours before being released from the county jail, The Guardian reported.

No injuries were reported to Woods or the driver of the truck, according to law enforcement. Martin County Fire Rescue responded to the scene but did not transport anyone from the crash site, local reports said. Authorities noted that the outcome could have been more serious because of the tight roadway and the presence of other vehicles.

The rollover crash comes years after Woods was seriously hurt in a separate single-vehicle rollover accident near Los Angeles in 2021, which required multiple leg surgeries.

He was also arrested for DUI in Florida in 2017, later blaming a mix of prescription medications and entering a diversion program after pleading guilty to reckless driving. Officials in the latest case have not announced a court date, and representatives for Woods have not yet publicly commented on the new charges, as per ABC News.
News / National

by Staff reporter

KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi will serve another term after his contract was officially renewed, bringing an end to uncertainty over his leadership.The confirmation was made by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli on Saturday, following formal concurrence between provincial and national authorities."On the issue of the contract renewal of Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, it has been renewed," Ntuli said.He added that Fannie Masemola, the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, had formally communicated the decision, with the province endorsing the move.The announcement was made on the sidelines of a crime-fighting imbizo in KwaCaluza, aimed at strengthening community safety and tackling crime in the province.Mkhwanazi, known for his tough stance on crime, had previously indicated his willingness to serve another five-year term during testimony before a parliamentary ad hoc committee investigating alleged corruption and misconduct within SAPS.Ntuli had earlier raised concerns about delays in finalising the contract, which was due to expire at the end of March, warning that uncertainty could undermine stability in the province."Stability and security in any province give confidence to investors, support economic growth, and create opportunities for our people," Ntuli said.He noted that consultations regarding the renewal had already taken place in December 2024, with agreement reached between provincial and national leadership.Mkhwanazi's tenure has been marked by a high-profile push against crime, as well as internal accountability efforts within SAPS. His leadership gained national attention following a media briefing in July 2025, where he raised concerns about alleged corruption and political interference within the police service.During that briefing, he implicated several senior figures, including suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and suspended deputy national commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, triggering a broader investigation into institutional integrity within SAPS.Ntuli said the renewal would ensure continuity in efforts to combat crime, noting that recent data shows improvements in several crime categories across KwaZulu-Natal."The leadership provided by a police officer of integrity is very important for our province," he said.Meanwhile, National Commissioner Masemola is facing his own legal challenges. He has been summoned to appear before the Pretoria Magistrate's Court on April 21 in connection with a controversial R360 million procurement tender.The case relates to alleged irregularities in a contract linked to businessman Vusimusi Matlala and involves multiple senior police officers facing charges including fraud and money laundering.Despite the legal developments, authorities say Masemola will continue to cooperate with legal processes as investigations proceed.For KwaZulu-Natal, the renewal of Mkhwanazi's contract is expected to provide stability and reinforce ongoing efforts to strengthen law enforcement and public confidence in policing.
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Huge crowds of protesters rallied across the United States on Saturday against President Donald Trump, venting their fury over what they see as his authoritarian style of governing, his hardline immigration policies and the war with Iran.

Organizers said "at least 8 million people gathered today at more than 3,300 events across all 50 states," from big cities and small towns. US authorities provided no national crowd estimate.

It was the third time in less than a year that Americans have taken to the streets as part of a grassroots movement called "No Kings," the most vocal and visual conduit for opposition to Trump since he began his second term in January 2025.

In New York, America's most populous city, tens of thousands of demonstrators rallied, including Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro, a frequent Trump critic, who called the president "an existential threat to our freedoms and security."

Protests unfolded from Atlanta to San Diego, with Alaskans joining the mix later in the day.

"No country can govern without the consent of the people," 36-year-old military veteran Marc McCaughey told AFP in Atlanta, where thousands turned out.

"We're out here because we feel that the Constitution is under threat in a multitude of different ways. Things aren't normal. They aren't okay."

In the Michigan town of West Bloomfield, near Detroit, people braved below-freezing temperatures to protest.

And in the US capital Washington, thousands of marchers -- some carrying banners that blared "Trump Must Go Now!" and "Fight Fascism" -- flocked to the National Mall.

"He keeps lying and lying and lying and lying, and no one says anything. So it's a terrible situation we're in," 67-year-old retiree Robert Pavosevich told AFP.

Trump himself was in Florida for the weekend.

The anti-Trump mood has spilled beyond US borders, with rallies Saturday in European cities including Amsterdam, Madrid and Rome, where 20,000 people marched under a heavy police presence.

- 'Dragged us deeper into war' -

The first "No Kings" nationwide protest day came last June on Trump's 79th birthday and coincided with a military parade he organized in Washington. Several million people turned out, from New York to San Francisco.

The second such protest, in October, drew an estimated seven million protesters, according to organizers, who said Saturday's events saw one million more participants and 600 additional demonstrations.

Just as Trump is worshipped by many in his "Make America Great Again" movement, he is disliked with equal passion on the other side of America's wide political chasm.

Trump's approval rating has sunk below 40 percent and midterm elections loom in November, with his Republican Party at risk of losing control of both chambers of Congress.

Foes bemoan his penchant for ruling by executive decree, his use of the Justice Department to prosecute opponents, his apparent obsession with fossil fuels and climate change denial -- and his taste for flexing US military power after campaigning as a man of peace.

"Since the last time we marched, this administration has dragged us deeper into war," said Naveed Shah of Common Defense, a veterans' association connected to the "No Kings" movement.

"At home, we've watched citizens killed in the streets by militarized forces. We've seen families torn apart and immigrant communities targeted. All of it done in the name of one man trying to rule like a king."

- Springsteen in Minnesota -

While organizers said rallies were staged across the country, from major cities to suburbs and rural areas -- and even in the Alaskan town of Kotzebue, above the Arctic circle -- a key focus point was the northern state of Minnesota.

This winter, the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul became ground zero for the national debate over Trump's violent immigration crackdown.

Leftist US politician Bernie Sanders addressed the Minnesota rally, telling the crowd: "We will never accept a president who is a pathological liar, a kleptocrat and a narcissist who is undermining the Constitution of the United States and the rule of law every day."

Legendary rocker Bruce Springsteen, a fierce critic of the president, performed his song "Streets of Minneapolis" in St. Paul, the capital of the state, where tens of thousands gathered.

Springsteen wrote and recorded the protest ballad in just 24 hours in memory of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, two US citizens shot dead by federal agents during January protests against Trump's immigration crackdown.

"Their bravery, their sacrifice and their names will not be forgotten," Springsteen said before breaking into song.

bur/mlm-sst/jgc/msp
Pakistan's prime minister said he had a "detailed" call with Iran's president on Saturday, as foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey gathered in Islamabad for talks on the war in the Middle East.

The diplomats were due to attend talks Sunday and Monday "on a range of issues, including efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region", the Pakistan foreign ministry said.

Shehbaz Sharif's government has emerged as a key facilitator between Iran and the United States as their war drags on, serving as an intermediary for messages between the two sides.

Sharif said he had a "detailed telephone conversation with my brother President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran earlier today, lasting over one hour", as part of preparation for the talks Sunday and Monday.

The talks will be led by Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who announced late Saturday that Iran had allowed "20 more ships" under the Pakistani flag -- or two ships daily -- to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

"Dialogue, diplomacy, and such confidence-building measures are the only way forward," Dar said on X, tagging US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, envoy Steve Witkoff and Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Sharif said he had apprised Iran's president "of Pakistan's ongoing diplomatic outreach -- engaging the United States and brotherly Gulf and Islamic countries -- to facilitate dialogue and de-escalation."

Pezeshkian hailed Islamabad's efforts and "thanked Pakistan for its mediation efforts to stop the aggression against the Islamic republic," according to his office.

The pair have spoken previously in recent weeks about the conflict and Pakistan's commitment to bringing it to an end.

Islamabad has longstanding links with Tehran and close contacts in the Gulf, while Sharif and army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir have struck up a personal rapport with US President Donald Trump.

Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said earlier on Friday he expected a direct US-Iran meeting in Pakistan "very soon", without revealing his source.

While Tehran has refused to admit to holding official talks with Washington, Iran has passed a response to Trump's 15-point plan to end the war via Islamabad, according to an anonymous source cited by the Iranian Tasnim news agency.

burs-zz/ksb
Two sailboats carrying humanitarian aid to crisis-hit Cuba reached Havana on Saturday after disappearing during a longer-than-expected journey from Mexico that triggered a search-and-rescue operation.

The crew of nine -- who included American, French and German citizens and a four-year-old boy -- appeared in good health and spirits, smiling and giving thumbs-up as they moored in the capital under clear skies.

The vessels delivered the final shipments of Our America Convoy, an international humanitarian effort that has brought aid to support Cuba as a US oil blockade deepens the island's energy and economic crisis.

"We are very sorry to make people worried about us. We were never in any real danger," Adnaan Stumo, a 33-year-old American and coordinator of the sailing convoy, told reporters.

"It was not a very difficult journey. It's just a circuitous journey," Stumo said. The boy, he said, "is a strong, young sailor."

"We're so happy to bring a crew from so many different countries that are demonstrating solidarity and support for the Cuban people in the face of this criminal blockade," Stumo said.

The ships were greeted by scores of Cubans, including government officials, chanting "long live the revolution!" and "down with imperialism!"

"They scared us a little because we kept wondering, 'when will they get here?'" Gerardo Hernandez, a former Cuban spy who served time in US prison, told the crowd.

- 'Not worried at all' -

The Friend Ship and Tiger Moth, which set sail from southeast Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula on March 20, had been expected to arrive in Cuba on Tuesday or Wednesday.

But the Mexican Navy announced a search-and-rescue mission Thursday after losing communication with them, raising concerns about their fate.

After a tense wait, organizers of the convoy reported early Saturday that the Mexican Navy had finally located the boats and that the crews were safe.

The Navy said one of its aircraft had spotted the sailboats 80 nautical miles northwest of Havana. It then deployed a ship to support them.

Stumo said the crews agreed to take a longer route north after facing strong winds from the east.

Contact was lost with the Mexican Navy because the boat's small satellite link "was on the fritz." They reestablished contact with the Mexican Navy plane.

"We were not worried at all," Stumo said, noting that arriving on schedule is never a sure thing on sailboats. "We are very thankful that the Mexican Navy came out and looked for us last night."

The sailboats brought medicine, food, hygiene products and other supplies.

- 'Cuba is next' -

The first shipments from the convoy arrived by plane from Europe and the United States last week.

A fishing boat that was converted into an aid vessel, which had also left Mexico last week, arrived in Cuba on Tuesday. It had been escorted by a Mexican Navy ship part of the way.

In total, the convoy brought more than 50 tonnes of medical supplies, food, water and solar panels to Cuba, with hospitals among the recipients.

Cuban exiles in Miami and other critics have slammed the convoy as benefiting the communist government more than ordinary people.

US President Donald Trump imposed a de facto oil blockade on Cuba in January after US forces seized Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, whose government had been Cuba's principal source of fuel.

Trump has also threatened tariffs on countries that ship oil to Cuba, whose aging electricity system has been hit by regular blackouts, including two nationwide outages last week.

He renewed his threats on Havana on Friday, even as the US-Israeli war against Iran entered its second month, saying "Cuba is next."

bur-lt/msp
News / National

by Daniel Nemukuyu

MDC-T spokesperson and Harare lawyer Mr Douglas Mwonzora has been implicated in a fake court documents scandal that has spilled into the High Court, 'The Herald' reported.The former Nyanga North legislator is being sued for US$30 000 by a client, Mr Winston Mano, who accuses him of lying that he initiated court proceedings on his behalf in a civil matter in 2006 when he did not.He allegedly drafted summons and had them stamped with a High Court date stamp through unlawful means.Mr Mwonzora allegedly appended a fake High Court number when the summons were never filed with the court.Mr Mano wanted Mwonzora to assist him in effecting transfer of ownership of a property he had bought into his name.Mr Mwonzora showed him summons with case number HC1060/06 as proof that he had instituted the claim.The scam was unearthed last year by Mr Mano's new lawyer, Musunga and Associates, who made a follow-up on the matter at the High Court.They discovered that HC1060/06 was a number officially allocated to a different case involving Standard Chartered and Trafan Enterprises and that the summons were never filed at the High Court as alleged.According to the summons issued against the lawyer this year, the client instructed him to institute civil proceedings in 2006 to compel Mr Gerald Kuipa to facilitate the transfer of ownership of a Borrowdale property he sold to Mr Mano.Mwonzora's conduct, according to the summons, prejudiced Mr Mano US$150 000, being the market value of the Borrowdale property.Mwonzora reportedly made an undertaking to pay US$30 000 to Mr Mano as damages for the prejudice suffered by plaintiff from his engagement.He proposed a payment plan through his law firm Mwonzora & Associates.In the payment plan, Mr Mwonzora proposed to settle the debt by paying US$5 000 monthly from August 2013, which he did not honour.Mwonzora and his law firm were cited as first and second defendants respectively in the summons.Mr Mano wants the two to pay the US$30 000 with 5% interest calculated from August last year to the date of payment in full.Mr Mano also wants the court to award him legal costs on a higher scale.Mwonzora and his law firm are yet to respond to the case.
In an era where fandom often plays out on screens, Adivi Sesh was recently part of a moment that reminded everyone what genuine admiration looks like in real life. The actor, currently busy with his upcoming film Dacoit, was surprised on set by a fan who travelled all the way from Japan just to meet him.



Rina, a long-time admirer, did not just show up for a casual meet-and-greet. She arrived fully immersed in Seshs cinematic world, dressed like his character Sunny, complete with a custom jacket bearing the name. Her attention to detail elevated the encounter into something far more personal than a typical fan interaction.



What makes this even more remarkable is that this was not her first visit. Rina has been following Seshs work since Baahubali, and this marked her third trip to India to see him. In an age of fleeting digital fandoms, her commitment stands out as something deeply sincere and refreshingly old-school.



When fandom becomes deeply personal



Rinas tribute went far beyond just cosplay. She styled her hair as a nod to Seshs debut film Karma and even wore red shoes inspired by one of his photoshoots. Each detail reflected not just admiration, but careful observation and emotional investment.



Adding to the warmth of the moment, she brought food for the actor, a gesture that struck a deeply human chord amidst the cinematic backdrop. It was not just about meeting a star, it was about expressing gratitude in the most personal way she knew.



Sesh, known for maintaining a grounded connection with his audience, responded with equal sincerity. The video he later shared captures a quiet, emotional exchange, one that has since resonated widely online. Fans across platforms have been quick to point out how rare it is to witness such unfiltered affection between an actor and a fan.



A source present during the interaction shared, It was an incredibly emotional moment on set. Rinas dedication and love for Sesh truly moved everyone present. The way she paid attention to every little detail from her outfit to her gestures was remarkable. What stood out even more was how gracious and warm Sesh was with her. There wasnt a dry eye around; it was a beautiful reminder of the bond actors share with their fans across borders.







A moment that amplifies Dacoits buzz



While the incident is heartwarming on its own, it also arrives at a time when anticipation around Dacoit is steadily building. Sesh, who has carved a niche for himself with content-driven cinema and intense performances, has cultivated a loyal fan base not just in India but internationally.



Moments like these underline the reach of Indian cinema today. A fan from Japan connecting so deeply with a Telugu actors work speaks volumes about how stories transcend language and geography. It is also a testament to Seshs growing global appeal, built on performances that balance relatability with intensity.



As the video continues to circulate, it has become more than just a viral clip. It serves as a reminder of why cinema matters. It creates connections that are emotional, enduring, and sometimes powerful enough to inspire a journey across continents.



With Dacoit on the horizon, this unexpected yet touching encounter has only added to the excitement surrounding the film. More importantly, it has given fans a glimpse of the human side of stardom, where admiration flows both ways.







Also Read: Aamir Khan Cheers for Zayn Marie Khan As She Joins Adivi Seshs Dacoit




As L2: Empuraan marks its first anniversary this Friday, composer Deepak Dev has chosen to revisit the films most debated element, its music. Taking to Instagram, he shared the original recorded version of the films title track, offering audiences a chance to hear it as it was conceived in the studio, untouched and fully realised.



A second listen, without the noise



The track, presented alongside a striking poster featuring Mohanlal, leans into the scale that defined the Lucifer sequel. Deepaks note accompanying the release strikes a tone of quiet reflection rather than defensiveness. "The music had its share of voices  some loud, some critical  but above all, there was a genuine wave of listeners who saw it, felt it, and kept it alive. On this 1st anniversary, Im sharing a track exactly as it was recorded for the film  now presented so you can experience every detail, every layer, in its full depth with the Macedonian orchestra. This is for those who truly listened. The complete OST will be released soon."





View this post on Instagram A post shared by Deepak Dev (@deepakdevofficial)



It is a gesture that feels both like a response and a reset. When Empuraan released, its background score in particular drew polarised reactions. For a film mounted on a grand, international canvas, expectations around its sonic identity were sky high. Deepaks compositions, rich with orchestral textures and thematic ambition, divided opinion. But if anything, the anniversary drop reframes the conversation, shifting focus from reception to intent.



Behind the noise, a directors faith



What makes this moment more telling is the creative equation between Deepak Dev and director Prithviraj Sukumaran. The composer has been a constant across all of Prithvirajs directorial ventures, from Lucifer to Bro Daddy and now Empuraan. That continuity speaks to a deep mutual trust, one that held steady even when criticism peaked.



Deepak had previously shared that he brought up the backlash to Prithviraj, only to be advised to tune it out and take a breather. The director, known for his meticulous approach and long-term vision, reportedly encouraged him to step away from the noise and focus on the bigger picture. It is a sentiment that aligns with Prithvirajs public admiration for Deepak, whom he considers among the finest composers in the country.





View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aashirvad Cinemas (@aashirvadcine)



That backing seems to have mattered. Instead of retreating, Deepak has chosen to re-engage, not by defending the work, but by presenting it again in its purest form. The mention of the Macedonian orchestra in his note also highlights the scale of production behind the score, an aspect that perhaps got overshadowed in the initial wave of reactions.



In closing his post, the composer acknowledged those who stood by the music despite the chatter. "My heartfelt thanks to everyone who gave love to the music of Empuraan. This journey continues because of you," he wrote, hinting at both gratitude and unfinished business.



As the Lucifer franchise continues to loom large in Malayalam cinema, questions about its future remain. A third instalment has been discussed in passing, but nothing concrete has been announced yet. Whether Deepak Dev will return for the next chapter is equally uncertain, though given his history with Prithviraj, it would hardly be a surprise.



For now, the anniversary release serves as a reminder that film music often lives multiple lives. Sometimes, all it takes is distance and a fresh listen for it to be rediscovered.









Also Read: Ikkis Movie Review: Dharmendras Swan Song


Actor and filmmaker Parthiban has addressed the controversy surrounding his recent remarks at an Ustaad Bhagat Singh event, where a reference to caste drew sharp criticism online. In a 10-minute video shared on his social media, the veteran Tamil cinema personality offered a detailed explanation of what transpired, describing the incident as an unintended slip rather than a reflection of personal belief.



It was a moment of anxiety, not identity



Speaking candidly, Parthiban said that while he has Telugu roots, he has never associated himself with caste pride. He recalled his upbringing, highlighting how his father encouraged him to speak Telugu at home but was equally insistent that he master Tamil diction when he entered the film industry. That duality, Parthiban suggested, shaped his identity as someone rooted in language and craft rather than social divisions.



Addressing the moment that sparked the backlash, Parthiban explained that he was already feeling uneasy at the event due to his lack of fluency in Telugu compared to Tamil. He even shared clips from the occasion, where he can be seen holding a piece of paper while preparing for his speech. According to him, just before he went on stage, someone beside him asked if he was a Naidu. That thought lingered, and in the midst of his nervousness, he mistakenly referred to himself as Naidu Abbayi instead of Telugu Abbayi.



Framing it as a slip born out of pressure, he reiterated that the comment did not stem from any sense of caste identity or pride. For Parthiban, the clarification seemed less about damage control and more about setting the record straight on his personal beliefs.





A personal stand against caste identity



Beyond addressing the immediate controversy, Parthiban used the video to underline his long-held stance against caste and religious divisions. He revealed that he is actively trying to obtain an official certificate that denotes no caste and no religion, a move that reflects his ideological position.



Sharing details of the process, he said his initial attempt was unsuccessful as authorities were preoccupied with election-related duties. Despite the setback, he maintained that he intends to pursue it further, framing it as a personal commitment rather than a symbolic gesture.



In an emotional moment, Parthiban admitted that the backlash over the past few days had affected him deeply. He remarked that even the loss of his father did not shake him as much as the intensity of the criticism he has faced following the remark. It was a striking admission, revealing the emotional toll that public scrutiny can take, especially when it intersects with sensitive social issues.



Closing the video, the actor summed up his worldview in a line that has since been widely shared: his caste, he said, is the human caste; his religion is humanity; and his language is cinema. The statement serves as both a personal philosophy and a response to the controversy, positioning him firmly against the very identity markers he was accused of invoking.



The incident and its aftermath once again highlight how public figures are held to intense scrutiny, particularly on subjects as deeply rooted and complex as caste. In Parthibans case, the clarification attempts to separate a momentary lapse from a broader belief system he insists he does not subscribe to.



Whether the explanation will settle the debate remains to be seen. But with his video, Parthiban has made one thing clear: he wants to be defined not by labels of birth, but by the work he creates and the values he stands for.





Also Read: Actor R Parthiban Apologizes for Caste Remarks at Ustaad Bhagat Singh Event






Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 27, 2026) - Regency Silver Corp. (TSXV: RSMX) (OTCQB: RSMXF) (FSE: ZJ90) ("Regency Silver" or the "Company") announces changes to its board of directors (the "Board").

Effective immediately, Mr. Raj Chowdry and Mr. Frank Cordova have been appointed to the Board. Mr. Chowdry was one of the founding directors of America Mineral Fields Inc. which changed its name to Adastra Minerals Inc. before its acquisition in 2006 by First Quantum Minerals Ltd. Mr. Cordova has a long history of public service in Mexico including as the former Secretary of Security for the State of Sinaloa.



Mr. Chowdhry was also the founding director, Chairman and CEO of;

International Thunderbird Gaming Inc. - Casino Gaming operations.

- Casino Gaming operations. Axion Communications Inc. - Internet operations.

- Internet operations. Sandfire Resources America Inc. - advancing the Black Butte Copper Project- Final Mine Operating Permit Granted prior to name change from Tintina Resources Inc.

- advancing the Black Butte Copper Project- Final Mine Operating Permit Granted prior to name change from Tintina Resources Inc. Valhalla Metals Inc. - name changed from Solidus Gold Inc. - Gold exploration.

name changed from Solidus Gold Inc. - Gold exploration. Camphor Ventures Inc. ("Camphor") - Diamond exploration & mining / production.

("Camphor") - Diamond exploration & mining / production. Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. ("Mountain Province") (Founding Director) - Diamond exploration & mining / production. Camphor and Mountain Province entered into a business combination in 2007 to unify their existing joint venture with De Beers Canada, leading to commencement of diamond production in Canada in 2016.

Mr. Chowdhry, a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) received a Bachelor of Commerce (B. Comm.) degree from The University of British Columbia ("UBC"), Canada and his designation as a Chartered Accountant (CA) from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of British Columbia, Canada. Mr. Chowdry will chair the audit committee.

Mr. Cordova has an extensive career in the Mexican government for over 22 years. He has acted as the Secretary of Security as well as the Secretary of Tourism for the State of Sinaloa. Mr. Cordova has been a director of several private, public, international and Mexican companies including Timmins Gold Corp., a Mexican gold producer. Frank received his doctorate in law from Arizona State University in 1992.

The Company would like to thank outgoing directors Michael G. Thomson and Patrick Elliott for their contributions to the Company.

"I would like to welcome Messrs. Chowdry and Cordova to the Board of Regency. We are glad to have such qualified and experienced directors join the Company at this stage of its development. We extend our thanks to Messrs. Thomson and Elliott for their contributions during their time with the Company. We wish them well in their future endeavours," said Bruce Bragagnolo, CEO and Director of the Company.

For further details about Regency Silver please visit the Company's website at www.Regency-Silver.com.

ABOUT REGENCY SILVER CORP.:

Regency Silver Corp. is a Canadian resource company exploring for high grade gold, copper, and silver in Mexico. Regency Silver is led by a team of experienced professionals with expertise in both exploration and production. Regency's flagship project is the high grade Dios Padre project in Sonora, Mexico where Regency has made a large, high grade, gold-copper-silver discovery which appears to be a large magmatic-hydrothermal system which widens at depth.

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/290323

Source: Regency Silver Corp.
A second grader's plushie is going to the Moon!

ORLANDO, FL / ACCESS Newswire / March 27, 2026 / Freelancer (ASX:FLN)(OTCQX:FLNCF), the world's largest freelancing and crowdsourcing marketplace, today congratulates Lucas Ye of Mountain View, California, whose design "Rise" has been chosen by the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission as their Zero Gravity Indicator.

The announcement was made by Artemis II commander Reid Wiseman and his fellow team members at Kennedy Space Center in Florida today, ahead of a launch window that opens on 1 April 2026. The crew personally participated in selecting their stowaway from a shortlist of 25 finalists.

"Rise" - a round white plush with a hat featuring the Earth and a galaxy-and-rockets brim - was inspired by the iconic Earthrise photograph taken during Apollo 8, a moment Koch noted mirrors the spirit of the Artemis II mission itself.

The design was selected from more than 2,600 entries submitted across more than 50 countries through the Moon Mascot: NASA Artemis II ZGI Design Challenge, a contest facilitated by Freelancer on behalf of NASA. Entries came from adults, K-12 classrooms, and individual students.

The five finalist designs were:

"Big Steps of Little Octopus," Anzhelika Iudakova, Finland

"Corey the Explorer," Daniela Colina, Peru

"Creation Mythos," Johanna Beck, McPherson, Kansas

"Lepus the Moon Rabbit," Oakville Trafalgar High School, Canada

"Rise," Lucas Ye, Mountain View, California (winner)

Wiseman also revealed that a micro SD card containing the names of everyone who registered for the challenge will be stored inside Rise for the flight.

Trisha Epp, Director of Innovation at Freelancer and head of its NASA partnership programs, said: "The judging panel had a really tough time with this one. You'd open a submission, and it'd be from a student in Finland, or a science storyteller in Germany, or a child in Texas who clearly spent weeks getting every detail right. Every entry brought something personal to it - you could tell how much this meant to people. It was a privilege to see that kind of passion and creativity come through."

"On behalf of everyone at Freelancer, congratulations to the winner - what an incredible achievement. Your design is literally going to space, which is not a sentence most people get to say. Freelancer is delighted to work alongside NASA on this and so many other projects where we're putting our platform - more than 87 million users strong - to work finding solutions to some of NASA's trickiest problems. The 'Moon Mascot' challenge is a beautiful example of what that looks like."

The Moon Mascot: NASA Artemis II ZGI Design Challenge is one of dozens of projects Freelancer has facilitated on behalf of NASA. In June 2025, Freelancer was one of 25 companies awarded the NASA Open Innovation Services 3 contract.

All businesses are now able to take advantage of the same crowdsourcing problem-solving platform that NASA has used to effectively, via the Moonshot Innovation Program: https://www.freelancer.com/innovation

For more information, contact:

Media Inquiries

Brent O'Halloran

Director of Communications

press@freelancer.com | +1 (650) 442 3334

SOURCE: Freelancer

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/%22rise%22-selected-as-nasa-artemis-ii-moon-mascot-1152819
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 27, 2026) - Naughty Ventures Corp. (CSE: BAD) (FSE: 5DE0) (OTC Pink: BADVF) ("Naughty Ventures" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, in connection with its 2025 Omnibus Incentive Plan, it has granted 2,400,000 Restricted Share Units ("RSUs") and 5,400,000 stock options ("Options") at an exercise price of $0.175 per common share, with a term of 5 years, to directors and officers of the Company.

The RSUs vest twelve months from the date of issue, subject to the continued eligibility of the holder.

All Options and RSUs are subject to the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange.

About Naughty Ventures

Naughty Ventures Corp. is a Canadian venture investment and mineral exploration company focused on early-stage mineral projects with significant discovery potential. Naughty Ventures is focused on acquiring, developing and strategically positioning mineral assets with strong value potential as well as investing in private and public companies with significant potential, exceptional management and/or high growth potential that may be strategically positioned in the global market. The Company is committed to identifying and advancing the world's next great mineral assets.

Naughty Ventures Corp. - BAD Come to Find the World's Next Mine.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

"Blair Naughty"

CEO and President

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/290326

Source: Naughty Ventures Corp.
San Francisco, California--(Newsfile Corp. - March 27, 2026) - Spin.AI is honored to announce that it has been recognized as a winner of five awards from Cyber Defense Magazine (CDM), the industry's leading electronic information security magazine, at the 14th Annual Global InfoSec Awards, presented during the RSAC Conference 2026.





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10373/290205_7c4f669a74b04b25_001full.jpg

Spin.AI has been named a winner in the following five categories:

Market Innovator - Data Recovery

Market Leader - SaaS/Cloud Security

Visionary - Browser Security

Visionary - Data Security Posture Management (DSPM)

Visionary - Secure SaaS Backups

The awards were formally presented to the Spin.AI team during the week of the RSA Conference, March 23-26, 2026, in San Francisco.

"Being recognized across five distinct categories by Cyber Defense Magazine is a meaningful validation of the work our team has put into addressing real security challenges facing organizations in today's SaaS-driven environment," said Dmitry Dontov, CEO of Spin.AI. "These awards reflect the collective dedication of everyone at Spin.AI to building solutions that help organizations protect their data, maintain resilience, and stay ahead of evolving threats. We are grateful to CDM and to the judging panel for this recognition."

"Each of these award categories represents a domain where our customers face real and growing risk," said Davit Asatryan, VP of Product at Spin.AI. "Being recognized in areas such as DSPM, Browser Security, and Secure SaaS Backups reflects the breadth of what we are building and our commitment to delivering capabilities that address the full spectrum of SaaS security. It is encouraging to see the industry acknowledge this approach."

"Building secure, reliable, and scalable SaaS security solutions requires continuous investment and a relentless focus on quality," said Sergiy Balynksy, VP of Engineering at Spin.AI. "This recognition across multiple categories is a testament to the engineering culture we have cultivated at Spin.AI

- one that prioritizes both innovation and operational excellence. We remain focused on continuing to raise the bar for what organizations can expect from SaaS security technology."

"Spin.AI embodies three major features we judges look for to become winners: understanding tomorrow's threats, today, providing a cost-effective solution, and innovating in unexpected ways that can help mitigate cyber risk and get one step ahead of the next breach," said Gary S. Miliefsky, Publisher of Cyber Defense Magazine.

The full list of Global InfoSec Award winners is available at www.cyberdefenseawards.com.

About Spin.AI

Spin.AI is an industry-recognized SaaS Security company serving organizations in the midmarket and enterprise space. With more than 1,500 customers worldwide, Spin.AI delivers a comprehensive platform designed to protect business-critical data across SaaS environments including Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Salesforce, Slack, and 50+ more. Spin.AI's solutions span SaaS data backup and recovery, ransomware protection, data loss prevention, browser security, and data security posture management (DSPM), enabling organizations to reduce risk, improve compliance posture, and maintain operational resilience. Learn more at www.spin.ai.

About the Global InfoSec Awards

This is Cyber Defense Magazine's 14th year of honoring InfoSec innovators from around the globe. Submissions are open to any startup, early stage, later stage, or public companies in the information security space with a unique and compelling value proposition. Learn more at www.cyberdefenseawards.com.

About the Judging

The judges are CISSP, FMDHS, and CEH certified security professionals who evaluated submissions based on independent review of company-submitted materials including data sheets, white papers, product literature, and other market variables. CDM maintains a flexible philosophy focused on identifying innovative solutions with new and unique technologies. CDM seeks innovative solutions in its pursuit of best-of-breed, next-generation InfoSec solutions.

About Cyber Defense Magazine

Cyber Defense Magazine is the premier source of cybersecurity news and information for InfoSec professionals in business and government. Managed and published by and for ethical, honest, passionate information security professionals, CDM's mission is to share cutting-edge knowledge, real-world stories, and awards on the best ideas, products, and services in the information technology industry. CDM delivers electronic magazines monthly online for free, and special editions exclusively for the RSAC Conferences. CDM is a proud member of the Cyber Defense Media Group. Learn more at www.cyberdefensemagazine.com. Visit www.cyberdefensetv.com and www.cyberdefenseradio.com for interviews with many of these winning company executives.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/290205

Source: Pressmaster DMCC
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 27, 2026) - Andrew Neale, CEO of CopAur Minerals Inc. (TSXV: CPAU) (the "Company") invites individual and institutional investors as well as advisors and analysts, to attend the Company's real-time, interactive presentation on the Emerging Growth Conference on April 2nd, 2026. This live, interactive online event will provide an update on developments at the Kinsley Mountain Gold Project.

CopAur Minerals will be presenting at 3:40 pm Eastern time for 10 minutes. Please register here to ensure you can attend the conference and receive any updates that are released.

https://goto.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1748971&tp_key=add80b0ab6&sti=copaf

If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available on EmergingGrowth.com and on the Emerging Growth YouTube Channel, http://www.YouTube.com/EmergingGrowthConference, with this link to be released after the event.

ImpactDeck Engagement: To further their marketing efforts, CopAur Minerals Inc. is pleased to announce that it has engaged the services of ImpactDeck, a leading investor relations firm led by James McFarland, based in Montreal, Quebec. ImpactDeck will assist CopAur Minerals Inc. in increasing its visibility within the investment community and enhancing engagement with key investors. In consideration of the services provided, CopAur Minerals Inc. will pay ImpactDeck a cash consideration of CDN$5,000 per month, starting April 1, 2026, for an initial six-month term ending on October 1, 2026, with the option to continue on a month-to-month basis thereafter. ImpactDeck does not directly or indirectly have an interest in the securities of the Company.

About CopAur: CopAur is a mine development company focused on projects within the emerging, mineral-rich gold mining regions of Nevada. The Company is backed by a dynamic and experienced team of resource professionals advancing its projects in Nevada with the flagship project being the Kinsley Mountain Gold Project, a Carlin-style gold project located in the Kinsley Mountains in Eastern Nevada, approximately 80 km SSW of West Wendover, NV.

ON BEHALF OF COPAUR MINERALS INC.

Andrew Neale, CEO

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 news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/290327

Source: CopAur Minerals Inc.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 27, 2026) - McLaren Resources Inc. (CSE: MCL) (FSE: 3ML) ("McLaren" / the "Company") announces final closing of a non-brokered private placement financing. McLaren has raised gross total proceeds of $662,500. The Company has issued an additional 1,600,000 Common Share Units (the "Unit"), in addition to the 11,650,000 Units previously reported on March 5, 2026. The Common Share Units are issued at a price of $0.05 per unit, with each Unit consisting of one common share in the capital of McLaren and one common share purchase warrant exercisable at a price of $0.10 per common share for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance.

In connection with the final closing of the financing, McLaren paid $5,600 in finder's fees to Ventum Financial Inc. and $800 to Stephen Avenue Securities Inc.

Gross proceeds from the financing will be used by McLaren for general working capital purposes including exploration work on the Company's properties which are located in the Timmins Gold Region of Northeastern Ontario, Canada.

ABOUT MCLAREN

McLaren is focused on exploration work on its gold properties in the Timmins Gold Region of Northeastern Ontario. McLaren owns a 100% interest in the past-producing 640 ha Blue Quartz Gold Mine property, plus the 1,770 ha McCool gold property and the 775 ha Kerrs gold property, which are located approximately 80 km east of Timmins city centre. The properties are proximal to the Destor-Porcupine Deformation Zone which is host to many of the gold deposits within the Abitibi Greenstone Belt.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of the press release. The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements". When used in this document, the words "anticipated", "expect", "estimated", "forecast", "planned", and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements or information. These statements are based on current expectations of management; however, they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this news release. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements. McLaren Resources Inc. does not undertake any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date hereof, except as required by securities laws.

This news release is not for distribution in the United States.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/290328

Source: McLaren Resources Inc.
News / Regional

by Staff Reporter

Registrar-General (RG)'s Office has been urged to scrap the mandatory $10 fee to search for lost identity documents.Losing 2013 elections MDC Gwanda South parliamentary candidate, Ekem Moyo said the fee is unnecessary as it affects the unemployed mostly.He said it is a right for every Zimbabwean to have such essential documents.Moyo argued that the $10 search fees for lost IDs discriminated against the poor and the old, and denied them their right to access identity documents as Zimbabweans.The MDC official said the search fees should be scrapped in light of the high unemployment rate, adding that he saw no reason why the RG's Office demanded the money."I went to the RG's Office to search for a lost ID belonging to my daughter and was told that I would not have recourse unless I paid the $10 to search for the important document. They insisted on the money being paid even after telling them the person who lost the documents is unemployed," Moyo said."It's understandable if the $10 was for processing a new ID, but to demand that money just for looking for the document does not make sense. I do not blame the workers because they are just following instructions, but MPs should look at such things since the $10 search fees are just too steep for many and deprive them of their right to having an identity document," he added.A visit to the RG's Office in Bulawayo proved that the government department does demand search fees citing statutory instrument 140 of 2009, section 11 of the National Registration Act chapter 10:17."If these fees cannot be scrapped, legislators should push for the social welfare department to assist people because it cannot be acceptable to have a situation where people do not have documents because they do not have money".
IRAEmpire has released a new and updated ranking for the best crypto Roth IRA Companies in the US.

NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / March 28, 2026 / Cryptocurrency has evolved from a speculative asset into a long-term investment consideration for many individuals planning their financial future. As digital assets gain wider acceptance, investors are increasingly looking for ways to include crypto within tax-advantaged retirement accounts rather than holding it in taxable portfolios.

One option that has gained significant attention is the Crypto Roth IRA. A Roth IRA allows investments to grow tax-free, with qualified withdrawals taken without additional taxes in retirement. For assets with long-term growth potential, this structure can be especially appealing. As a result, many investors see cryptocurrency as a natural fit for a Roth IRA strategy.

At the same time, choosing the right platform for a Crypto Roth IRA is critical. Not all platforms offer the same level of security, ease of use, asset availability, or transparency. Since retirement accounts are designed for long time horizons, factors such as custody, platform reliability, and customer reviews become even more important.

Check Out the No.1 Ranked Crypto Roth IRA Company Here.

What Is a Crypto Roth IRA?

A Crypto Roth IRA is a type of self-directed Roth IRA that allows investors to hold cryptocurrency as part of their retirement portfolio. Like Roth IRA from a traditional financial institution, it is funded with after-tax contributions, meaning qualified withdrawals in retirement can be taken tax-free. The key difference lies in the types of assets held within the account.

Instead of being limited to stocks, bonds, or mutual funds, a Crypto Roth IRA enables access to crypto assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. This expanded flexibility allows investors to diversify their retirement savings beyond traditional financial markets.

Check Out the Best Crypto Roth IRA Companies in the US

Cryptocurrency's potential for long-term growth is one reason it has attracted interest within Roth IRA structures. When gains occur inside a Roth IRA, they are not subject to capital gains taxes if withdrawal rules are met.

It is important to note that a Crypto Roth IRA must be administered through a qualified custodian and platform that supports digital assets. Investors do not personally hold private keys; instead, assets are stored securely with third-party institutional storage providers. Contribution limits, eligibility rules, and withdrawal requirements follow standard Roth IRA guidelines set by the IRS.

How We Evaluated the Best Crypto Roth IRA Platforms

Choosing the best Crypto Roth IRA platform requires a different approach than evaluating standard cryptocurrency services. Because a Roth IRA is intended for long-term retirement planning, the focus shifts from short-term features to stability, security, and reliability. This evaluation prioritizes factors that matter most for investors with long time horizons.

Security and custody were key considerations. Digital assets held inside a Roth IRA must be secured with third-party institutional storage providers using institutional-grade storage solutions. Platforms that work with established third-party providers and clearly explain how assets are secured provide greater confidence for retirement investors.

Proper IRA structure were also central to the evaluation. A Crypto Roth IRA must follow IRS guidelines, including contribution limits, reporting standards, and custodial requirements. Platforms that offer clear documentation and processes are better suited for retirement use.

Ease of use was another important factor. Managing a retirement account should not require advanced technical knowledge. Platforms with intuitive dashboards, clear account management tools, and straightforward processes were rated more favorably.

Additional considerations included supported cryptocurrencies, fees, and overall suitability for long-term investing. Platforms that encourage disciplined allocation and avoid unnecessary complexity tend to align better with retirement-focused strategies.

Using these criteria, iTrustCapital consistently stood out for its security-first approach, clarity, and long-term investor orientation.

Best Crypto Roth IRA Platforms Reviewed

As interest in Crypto Roth IRAs continues to grow, several platforms now offer access to digital assets within a retirement account structure. While these providers may appear similar on the surface, there are meaningful differences in how they approach security, account management, asset availability, and long-term usability.

Some platforms focus heavily on offering a wide range of digital assets, which can appeal to experienced investors but may introduce additional complexity. Others prioritize simplicity and ease of use, making them more suitable for individuals who want a clear, structured way to hold cryptocurrency as part of their retirement plan.

Another major point of differentiation is custody and compliance. Because Roth IRAs are retirement accounts, platforms must work with qualified custodians and follow strict operational standards. Providers that clearly outline how assets are stored, how accounts are administered, and how IRS requirements are met tend to offer greater peace of mind.

Fees also vary widely. Some platforms charge layered fees that can be difficult to understand over time, while others maintain straightforward pricing that aligns better with long-term investing.

Read the Full Best Crypto Roth IRA Companies List Here.

iTrustCapital Review - Best Crypto Roth IRA Overall

iTrustCapital stands out as the best Crypto Roth IRA platform for investors who want a secure, straightforward, and retirement-focused way to hold cryptocurrency. The platform is built specifically for long-term investing, making it well aligned with the goals and structure of a Roth IRA.

One of iTrustCapital's strongest advantages is its clear focus on its clients. The platform supports self-directed Roth IRAs and has the best client reviews in the industry.

Read iTrustCapital Reviews, Fees, and Services Analysis Here

Ease of use is another defining feature. iTrustCapital provides a clean dashboard where investors can view their Roth IRA balance, monitor asset allocation, and make adjustments with minimal friction. This simplicity is especially important for retirement accounts, which benefit from clarity and consistency rather than complexity.

Security also plays a central role in iTrustCapital's appeal. Digital assets are stored with third-party institutional storage providers using institutional-grade custody solutions, helping secure assets over long time horizons.

What Is iTrustCapital?

iTrustCapital is a fintech software platform for alternative assets that offers self-directed Crypto ROTH IRAs that support cryptocurrency. The platform is designed for long-term investors who want to include alternative assets in their retirement strategy while maintaining a simple and compliant account structure.

Its features, processes, and security practices align with the unique requirements of IRAs. Investors can open a self-directed Roth IRA and gain exposure to cryptocurrency without needing to manage wallets, private keys, or complex technical steps.

iTrustCapital supports a curated selection of well-established digital assets, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, which are commonly used by long-term investors seeking diversification.

Check if iTrustCapital is the Right Fit For You

How a Crypto Roth IRA Works on iTrustCapital

Opening and managing a Crypto Roth IRA on iTrustCapital is designed to be straightforward, even for investors who are new to self-directed retirement accounts. The process begins with creating a Roth IRA through the platform and completing the required identity verification and account documentation. This ensures the account is properly structured and compliant with IRS guidelines.

Once the Roth IRA is established, investors can fund the account through eligible contributions or by transferring assets from another Roth IRA. Because Roth IRAs are funded with after-tax dollars, qualified withdrawals in retirement can be taken tax-free, including any growth generated by cryptocurrency held within the account.

After funding, investors can allocate their Roth IRA balance to supported digital assets directly through the iTrustCapital dashboard. The platform provides a clear interface that allows users to view available assets, current pricing, and account balances in one place. All cryptocurrency held in the account is stored with third-party institutional storage providers, removing the need for investors to manage private keys or external storage solutions.

Ongoing account management is equally simple. Investors can review performance, adjust allocations over time, and maintain their retirement strategy without added technical complexity. This structure allows iTrustCapital users to focus on long-term planning while benefiting from the tax-free growth advantages of a Crypto Roth IRA.

Check Out the Best Crypto Roth IRA Providers in the USA

Cryptocurrencies Available in an iTrustCapital Roth IRA

iTrustCapital offers access to over 90 cryptocurrencies.

Well-known cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin,Ethereum, Solana, and XRP are available within an iTrustCapital Roth IRA. These assets are often considered foundational holdings in the crypto space due to their network adoption, longevity, and overall market presence.

In addition to cryptocurrencies, iTrustCapital also allows Roth IRA holders to diversify into other alternative assets, including physical precious metals. This flexibility enables investors to balance digital assets with more traditional stores of value within a single tax-advantaged account.

Overall, the asset availability within an iTrustCapital Roth IRA reflects the platform's focus on long-term planning, portfolio balance, and responsible participation in the cryptocurrency market.

Why iTrustCapital Is the Best Crypto Roth IRA

iTrustCapital stands out as the best Crypto Roth IRA platform because it aligns closely with the core principles of retirement investing: security, simplicity, and long-term planning.

One of the most compelling advantages of iTrustCapital is the tax-free growth potential offered through a Roth IRA. Cryptocurrency held within the account can grow without triggering capital gains taxes, provided withdrawal rules are met. For investors who believe in the long-term value of digital assets, this structure can be especially powerful.

Learn More About iTrustCapital

Security is another major differentiator. iTrustCapital works with third-party institutional storage providers to secure digital assets.This custody model removes the burden of managing private keys and adds a layer of security suitable for retirement accounts.

Ease of use further strengthens iTrustCapital's position. The platform provides a clear dashboard for managing contributions, monitoring allocations, and adjusting holdings over time.

Taken together, these features make iTrustCapital a strong choice for investors seeking a reliable, tax-advantaged way to include cryptocurrency in a Roth IRA.

iTrustCapital vs Other Crypto Roth IRA Providers

When comparing iTrustCapital with other Crypto Roth IRA providers, several key differences stand out, particularly in how platforms approach security, usability, and long-term retirement planning. While multiple providers offer access to digital assets inside a Roth IRA, not all are equally suited for investors focused on simplicity and compliance.

Some providers emphasize a broad selection of digital assets, which may appeal to experienced users but can add unnecessary complexity to a retirement account. iTrustCapital takes a more curated approach, offering well-established cryptocurrencies that align with long-term investment strategies.

Custody and account administration also vary across providers. iTrustCapital works with institutional-grade custodial partners and follows structured IRA processes.

Another area of differentiation is user experience. iTrustCapital's interface is designed to make Roth IRA management intuitive, allowing investors to view balances, adjust allocations, and monitor performance without navigating complex systems. This clarity supports more disciplined retirement planning.

Overall, iTrustCapital's balance of security, ease of use, and retirement-focused design sets it apart from many other Crypto Roth IRA providers.

Who Should Consider a Crypto Roth IRA with iTrustCapital?

A Crypto Roth IRA with iTrustCapital is best suited for investors who have a long-term outlook and are comfortable incorporating digital assets into their retirement strategy. Because Roth IRAs are designed for extended time horizons, this approach tends to appeal most to individuals planning years or decades ahead.

Younger investors may find a Crypto Roth IRA particularly attractive. With more time before retirement, there is greater potential to benefit from tax-free growth if cryptocurrency appreciates over the long term.

Long-term cryptocurrency believers who want to hold digital assets without ongoing tax reporting may also benefit. By keeping crypto inside a Roth IRA, investors can avoid capital gains taxes on qualified withdrawals, simplifying long-term planning.

Investors seeking diversification beyond traditional assets such as stocks and bonds may also consider a Crypto Roth IRA. Adding cryptocurrency to a retirement portfolio can provide exposure to a different asset class, potentially improving diversification.

iTrustCapital is especially well suited for investors who value simplicity and security. Those looking for a structured and compliant way to hold cryptocurrency inside a Roth IRA may find the platform aligns well with their retirement goals.

Read iTrustCapital Reviews, Products, Fees, and Features Analysis

Risks and Things to Consider Before Opening a Crypto Roth IRA

While a Crypto Roth IRA can offer meaningful tax advantages, it is important to understand the risks and limitations before opening an account. Cryptocurrency is known for price volatility, and significant value fluctuations can occur over short periods. Investors should be prepared for this volatility and ensure it aligns with their risk tolerance and long-term retirement plan.

Contribution limits are another important consideration. Roth IRAs are subject to annual contribution caps set by the IRS, as well as income eligibility requirements. These limits may restrict how much cryptocurrency exposure can be added each year, especially for higher-income investors.

Withdrawal rules also apply. Although qualified withdrawals from a Roth IRA are tax-free, early withdrawals may be subject to penalties and taxes if IRS requirements are not met. Because of this, a Crypto Roth IRA should generally be viewed as a long-term commitment rather than a flexible savings vehicle.

Fees and platform costs should be reviewed carefully. Even modest fees can compound over time in a retirement account. Investors should understand account fees, transaction costs, and any ongoing charges associated with their Crypto Roth IRA.

Finally, it is important to approach cryptocurrency as part of a diversified retirement strategy rather than a standalone solution. Balancing digital assets with other investments can help manage overall portfolio risk.

About IRAEmpire

IRAEmpire is a leading online resource dedicated to helping investors make smarter decisions about retirement planning, precious metals, and alternative investments. Built with a mission to simplify complex financial topics, IRAEmpire provides in-depth reviews, comparison guides, and educational content focused on Gold IRAs, Silver IRAs, and other self-directed retirement accounts.

iTrustCapital is a fintech software platform for alternative assets. iTrustCapital is not an exchange, funding portal, custodian, trust company, licensed broker, dealer, broker-dealer, investment advisor, investment manager, or adviser in the United States or elsewhere.

CONTACT:

Ryan Paulson

ryan@iraempire.com

SOURCE: IRAEmpire LLC

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/blockchain-and-cryptocurrency/best-crypto-roth-ira-company-in-the-us-announced-2026-update-1152845
Rome, Italy--(Newsfile Corp. - March 28, 2026) - Searchless.ai has launched as a new publication focused on exclusively covering the transition from traditional search engines to AI-powered discovery. Publishing five in-depth articles daily, the Journal provides data-driven intelligence for marketers, business operators, and technology professionals navigating a search landscape that is changing faster than any time in its 25-year history.

The publication's launch comes at a pivotal moment. Research shows 56% of Google desktop searches in Q4 2025 ended without the user clicking any result. Studies have found that click-through rates for the number-one organic position drop sharply when AI-generated answer panels appear. Meanwhile, leading AI assistants have surpassed hundreds of millions of weekly active users, establishing AI-powered discovery as a mainstream channel operating alongside, and increasingly instead of, traditional search.

Editorial Focus

Searchless.ai covers the emerging discipline of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and the broader shift from search-based to AI-mediated discovery. Daily coverage spans five editorial verticals:

News: Real-time coverage of AI engine updates, algorithm changes, and industry developments. Recent coverage includes advertising partnerships between AI platforms and brands, Google's March 2026 spam update targeting AI-generated content, and the pivot of AI assistants from instant checkout to broader product discovery.

Real-time coverage of AI engine updates, algorithm changes, and industry developments. Recent coverage includes advertising partnerships between AI platforms and brands, Google's March 2026 spam update targeting AI-generated content, and the pivot of AI assistants from instant checkout to broader product discovery. Analysis: Data-backed investigation of AI search trends, including research into the rapid surge in AI-assisted search traffic and its downstream effects on brand visibility and referral patterns.

Data-backed investigation of AI search trends, including research into the rapid surge in AI-assisted search traffic and its downstream effects on brand visibility and referral patterns. Tactical Guides: Implementation playbooks for GEO, including the publication's guides to robots.txt configuration for AI crawlers, e-commerce schema markup for AI shopping engines, and cross-platform GEO optimization.

Implementation playbooks for GEO, including the publication's guides to robots.txt configuration for AI crawlers, e-commerce schema markup for AI shopping engines, and cross-platform GEO optimization. Data & Research: Original research on AI citation patterns, zero-click trends, and visibility benchmarks across major AI discovery platforms.

Original research on AI citation patterns, zero-click trends, and visibility benchmarks across major AI discovery platforms. Industry Verticals: Sector-specific coverage of how AI discovery impacts e-commerce, travel, healthcare, legal, and SaaS.

Complementary AI Visibility Score Tool

Alongside the publication, Searchless.ai offers an AI Visibility Score tool at https://searchless.ai/audit. The tool queries five major AI discovery platforms simultaneously with brand-relevant prompts and produces a composite visibility score within 60 seconds.

The tool also performs a technical GEO audit covering AI crawler access configuration, llms.txt implementation, schema markup quality, content structure for AI extraction, and entity consistency. Businesses receive specific, actionable recommendations for improving their AI discoverability.

Why Now

The publication fills a clear gap in the marketing media landscape. While many established publications cover traditional SEO, few publications have focused primarily on the AI discovery channel, which is experiencing rapid growth as consumer habits shift away from keyword-based search.

"SEO publications cover how to rank on Google. We cover what happens when people stop using Google," said Alex RT, Editor-in-Chief of Searchless.ai. "The shift from search to AI discovery is the defining change in digital marketing this decade. It deserves dedicated, rigorous coverage."

Market Context

AI tools now account for 0.85% of all US desktop web activity, up from 0.15% in January 2024.

Industry analysts project organic search traffic could decline by as much as 25% by 2028 as AI-generated answers absorb click volume.

Research indicates that 79% of AI-generated citations come from top-10 search results, but 21% surface sources that never ranked on page one - creating new opportunities for brands to gain visibility.

The global SEO industry (valued at $100B+) is beginning a structural pivot toward AI visibility optimization.

About Searchless.ai

Searchless.ai is a daily intelligence publication covering the transition from traditional search to AI-powered discovery. Publishing original articles daily across news, analysis, tactical guides, data research, and industry verticals, the Journal provides in-depth coverage of Generative Engine Optimization and the AI discovery economy. Readers can check their brand's AI visibility free at https://searchless.ai/audit.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/290157

Source: BrandingBuzz.Agency
Odessa Film Studio to Hold Shareholders' Meeting on March 31

Odessa Film Studio (OJSC) will hold a shareholders' meeting on March 31, 2026, via remote participation. Shareholders will review the company's performance and future plans.

Odessa Film Studio is one of Ukraines oldest film production facilities, having played a significant role in the development of cinema since the Soviet era. Today, the company operates in content production and post-production, and also participates in cultural and creative projects.
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.
Mixed-breed dogs are often affectionately called designer dogs or 'mutts.' In recent years, they have grown in popularity. This rise can be attributed to several factors, not least their unique and often striking appearances. Often, they have very loving temperaments, making them wonderful companions.

Not to forget that they have the potential for hybrid vigor.' There are various theories that say that mixed breeding produces sturdier animals. They even have fewer genetic issues than purebreds. And this is a dream come true for modern pet owners.

Here are seven popular mixed dog breeds. We have explained them in detail, covering their origins, personalities, and care needs.

Labradoodle (Labrador Retriever + Poodle)

The Labradoodle is perhaps the most famous designer dog. Initially, it was developed as a hypoallergenic guide dog.

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They can have wavy, curly, or wire-haired coats (traits belonging to either of their parents). Their sizes can range from small to standard. You are also spoilt for choice when it comes to colors because of the sheer variety. They can be hypoallergenic (if they inherit the Poodle coat).

This intelligence, combined with their naturally social temperament, makes them quick learners in a variety of environments. They are also extremely energetic and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy.

Because of this active nature, they thrive in households that can match their energy levels. They are especially well-suited to active families, and even first-time owners often find them easy to handle.

Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever + Poodle)

These dogs are very similar to the Labradoodle. This one is a combination of two very intelligent breeds. On one side, you have the gentle, social Golden Retriever. On the other hand, there is the intelligent and non-shedding Poodle.

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The end result is a cutie with curly or wavy coats. In fact, they look like a teddy bear.' Apart from having a highly social response to human interaction, they are great with children. Also with the other pets. They are quite eager to please, like the Golden Retriever. So, youll have no major trouble with training straightforwardly.

They are also highly social and don't like being left alone for long hours. Regular grooming is essential due to their dense coat, and early socialization helps maintain their friendly, well-balanced temperament.

Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel + Poodle)

This is one of the oldest known mixed breeds that dates back to the 1960s. The Cockapoo is very popular because of its affectionate personality. It also has a very compact size.

These are mostly small to medium-sized. If you're looking for a hypoallergenic breed, youll love them since they do not shed much. Cockapoos are extremely cheerful and intelligent.

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Since they are tiny or medium, they fit well into smaller homes. If you are an apartment dweller, it will be perfect for you. Meanwhile, they are also a good choice for families and those looking for a loving companion. They are also known for their playful, almost puppy-like behavior, even into adulthood.

Puggle (Pug + Beagle)

The Puggle, as its name suggests, is a pug-beagle mix. It was developed in the 1980s. They are often described as more active than a Pug. It also has the genes that are passed down by the scent-driven Beagle.

This is a small to medium-sized dog. The face is wrinkled, similar to a Pug. However, the nose is much longer. It takes care of the respiratory issues that are common in Pugs. Also, they are often seen to have floppy ears.

By nature, they are fun-loving and curious. Their energy levels are pretty high, like the Beagle. They can be a bit stubborn during training due to their independent streak. Consistent routines and positive reinforcement work best, especially since their strong nose can easily distract them outdoors.

Pomsky (Pomeranian + Siberian Husky)

The Pomsky is a kind of mini-husky. It combines the best features of its parents. The end result of a Pomeranian and Husky is meant to be hilarious, and it doesnt disappoint. Since Huskies are striking, a mini version of them is equally attractive to look at.

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They typically keep the striking blue eyes and fluffy coat of their parents. Poms are walking 'clouds,' as you know. So, that makes for a stunning combination as well.

However, their temperament can vary widely depending on which parent they take after. They may inherit the Huskys vocal nature, so expect some dramatic talking at home.

Cavachon (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel + Bichon Frise)

The Cavachon is a designer dog. It was created with the aim of getting the ultimate lapdog. Obviously, two of the cutest lapdogs were brought together for this: the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the cheerful, fluffy Bichon.

They are small in size. Most of them possess a soft, wavy coat that is usually white (and there are various markings on it). They are usually considered low-shedding.

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The Cavachon is perfect for retirees, small home dwellers, and families seeking a gentle dog. They are also known for their calm and adaptable nature. While they enjoy playtime, they are equally content lounging beside you, making them ideal for relaxed, low-stress households.

Maltipoo (Maltese + Poodle)

The Maltipoo is a tiny designer breed. Well, both the parents are small (a Maltese and a toy poodle), so it didn't have much of a choice.

They have that fluffiness inherent in both of their parents. The Maltipoo is equipped with a coat that is usually white, cream, or apricot. Along with it, they are low-shedding. Maltipoos are highly trainable and love to play. But they are also perfectly happy cuddling on the couch.

They do well with steady human companionship and can develop separation anxiety if left alone too often. Gentle training and routine help them stay confident and emotionally secure.

Conclusion

We have listed some of the most popular mixed-breed dogs. Some were developed long ago, while others are relatively new. And many of these dogs are direct answers to our needs.

If you want the best of both worlds,' then these breeds are your best bet. They are small, fluffy, sweet, and mostly hypoallergenic. They are also very people-friendly and adjust easily, which makes them perfect for both new and experienced pet owners.
Library of Congress

This Native man demonstrated how he made arrows at the 1904 Worlds Fair in St. Louis. William Herman Rau took the photo.
Recently, I took a round-trip flight on Southwest Airlines from Reno to Atlanta, with a layover in Denver on both legs. I usually fly United Airlines, where its common to see cleaning crews board the aircraft as passengers disembark. That didnt happen on this flight. Southwest follows a different cleaning process, and in this case, it led to an hour-long delay.

The airlines approach has already drawn attention. A few weeks ago, Southwests cleaning policy made headlines after Chris Click, a flight attendant and union board member, said the airline proposed testing sanitation crews for premium seats in select markets, while leaving the rest of the cabin untouched.

Click went public with concerns that this was an insult to loyal customers, going so far as to compare it to the disparities on the Titanic.

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Southwest, for its part, clarified that these cleaning teams would supplement, not replace existing protocols. In a statement to Fox News Digital, the airline said, "Southwest Airlines flight attendants tidy every aircraft between every flight today."

On my flight to Atlanta, this system was a problem.

No cleaning crews boarded the plane

Flight attendants pick up trash, but cleaning crews don't usually board the plane (ReDunnLev via Getty Images)

As I left the plane, I noticed the flight attendants had already started stuffing trash into white plastic garbage bags. Per Southwest policy, they werent actually cleaning or sanitizing the cabin. I also noted that there wasnt a cleaning crew on the jet bridge waiting to come in behind them, and that a new group of passengers was waiting to board at the gate.

A mess caused a delay

My flight was delayed while we waited for a cleaning crew (Mak Studio via Getty Images)

I grabbed some breakfast at the lounge and returned to the gate shortly before my scheduled boarding time for my next flight. The flight attendant made the usual request for volunteers to gate check bags and asked groups 1 and 2 to line up in front of the digital signboards.

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Our boarding time came and went. I was in group 3, so I was still seated when the gate agent announced that it would be a few more minutes, because there was a spill on the plane that needed to be cleaned. I immediately suspected we were in for a wait, and I was right.

Southwest doesnt normally clean between flights

Groups 1 and 2 remained in line since the gate agent didn't tell them it was okay to sit down (Tamara Gane)

Southwest admitted that flight attendants only tidy up the cabin and pick up trash between flights. This isnt the same as a real cleaning, nor should that be a task we expect flight attendants to perform. When theres a mess, there may not be cleaning crews nearby to address it.

We waited over half an hour for two men in vests and backpacks to show up and make their way down the jet bridge. Meanwhile, boarding groups 1 and 2 were still on their feet because the gate agent hadnt told them it was okay to sit down.

The cleaning crew worked quickly, finishing in just 11 minutes, and boarding began almost immediately afterward. Our scheduled departure was 1:45 p.m., but we didnt take off until 2:44 p.m., arriving nearly an hour behind schedule.

It all comes down to this

Denver, Colorado, USA - 5 June 2025: Close up view of Boeing 737 Max 8 (registration N8772M) operated by Southwest Airlines at Denver (Ceri Breeze via Getty Images)

An hour delay is significant enough to impact a trip. If youve got a tight connection, it will almost certainly cause you to miss your next flight, and it can even throw a kink in lodging or ground transportation plans.

Advertisement Advertisement

Things happen, but passengers shouldnt endure hour-long delays because an airline doesnt have a solid cleaning plan.

In the past year, Southwest has rolled back longtime perks like its bags fly free policy and open seating in an effort to compete with major carriers such as United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. If it wants to keep pace, it might start with something more basic: consistently cleaning its planes.
Foreign Minister Tsahkna's comment on Russian disinformation

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

27.03.2026 | 17:05

On 24-25 March 2026, Russia carried out a large-scale aerial attack against Ukraine, during which approximately 1,000 Russian missiles and drones were launched within 24 hours, making it one of the most extensive attacks since the start of the full-scale war. Such attacks demonstrate that Russia continues to pursue its unchanged objectives - subjugating the whole of Ukraine and upending European security - and that its talk of peace is not sincere.

Ukraine has the right to self-defence and to respond to Russia's attacks, and the drone strikes against ports used by Russia to finance its war machine form part of this response. The drone incidents that have taken place in the Baltic States are a direct consequence of Russia's full-scale war of aggression. The drones that entered Estonian airspace originated from Russian airspace. Estonia has not opened its airspace to anyone for the purpose of carrying out attacks.

As long as Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine continues, we must be prepared for such incidents to recur in Europe in the future. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has conveyed all of the above to the Russian Embassy in Estonia.

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Contracts

Contracts for March 27, 2026

ARMY

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Plymouth, Minnesota, was awarded an $884,878,799 cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price, and fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for procurement of the 120mm Advanced Multi-Purpose M1147 High Explosive Multi-Purpose with Tracer Cartridge for the Army and future Foreign Military Sales customers. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of March 28, 2031. Army Contracting Command, Newark, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (W15QKN-26-D-0003).

J & J Maintenance Inc., doing business as CBRE Government & Defense Services, McLean, Virginia, was awarded an $80,288,548 firm-fixed-price contract for operations and maintenance services for the medical treatment facilities of Brooke Army Medical Center at Joint Base San Antonio Texas. Bids were solicited via the internet with seven received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of March 26, 2031. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District, is the contracting activity (W91278-26-D-A066).

Mistral Inc., Bethesda, Maryland, was awarded a $20,039,666 firm-fixed-price contract for procurement of Mistral Thor System and payloads for the Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Product Office. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of March 17, 2027. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-26-G-0026 W58RGZ-26-F-0226). (Awarded March 26, 2026).

Infinite Technologies Inc.,* El Dorado Hills, California, was awarded a $17,886,437 firm-fixed-price contract for direct information technology management support services to optimize CAFDEx capabilities and functional utilization for the Air National Guard's requirement and budget building process. The total cumulative face value of $17,886,437. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of March 27, 2026. National Guard Bureau-AQ-C is the contracting activity (W9133L-26-F-A021). (Awarded March 26, 2026).

NAVY

Fairbanks Morse LLC, Beloit, Wisconsin (P00008, N3220521D4106); and MAN Energy Solutions Middle East LLC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (P00007, N3220521D4105), are receiving modifications to previously awarded multiple-award, firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts to increase the shared contract ceiling amount. A five-year ordering period with a shared contract ceiling of $333,000,000 is currently on these contracts. With the execution of these proposed modifications, the shared contract ceiling would increase by $137,000,000 to a value of $470,000,000. These are hybrid contracts with firm-fixed-price, and time-and-material orders. These modifications will allow continuous procurement of parts and services from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for ships' diesel engines, and OEM authorized parts and service technicians in order to maintain the diesel engines aboard multiple classes of ships including Military Sealift Command's submarine tenders, hospital ships, dry cargo ammunition ships, fleet replenishment oilers, expeditionary mobile bases, expeditionary transfer docks, large, medium speed roll-on/roll-off ships and the Kocak class of roll-on/roll-off container ships. Work will be performed worldwide, with the period of performance ending May 20, 2026. No funding is being obligated via these modifications, as this is an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract, where funding is obligated at the order level. Funding for the fiscal year in which orders are placed will be utilized at that time. Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity.

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Rolling Meadows, Illinois, is awarded a $96,129,279 modification (P000026) to a previously awarded fixed-price incentive (firm-target) contract (N0001922C0042). This modification procures the necessary hardware and systems engineering technical support, analysis, and studies to install the Department of Navy (DON) Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasure (LAIRCM) system onto Department of War aircraft for DON and other customers. Hardware for this procurement includes the following weapon replaceable assemblies: 153 advanced threat warning sensors for the Navy; 13 control indicator unit replaceable replacements for the Navy, and 20 for the Air Force; 30 DON LAIRCM processor units for the Navy, and 17 for the Air Force; 52 guardian laser transmitter assemblies for the Navy; 20 high capacity cards for the Navy, and 29 for the Air Force; 29 smart connector assemblies for the Navy, and 18 for the Air Force; and 76 battery kits for the Navy, and 23 for the Air Force. Work will be performed in Rolling Meadows, Illinois (32%); Goleta, California (18%); Longmont, Colorado (10%); Apopka, Florida (8%); Blacksburg, Virginia (7%); Westminster, Colorado (6%); Verona, Wisconsin (4%); Ashburn, Virginia (4%); Carlsbad, California (3%); Lewisburg, Tennessee (3%); Salt Lake City, Utah (2%); Tipp City, Ohio (2%); and Amherst, New York (1%), and is expected to be completed in July 2028. Fiscal 2026 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $74,528,543; fiscal 2026 aircraft procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $6,336,620; fiscal 2026 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $40,000; fiscal 2025 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $9,532,674; fiscal 2025 aircraft procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $1,485,048; and Navy working capital funds in the amount of $4,206,394, will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

Lockheed Martin Corp., Syracuse, New York, is awarded a $20,000,000 cost-plus-incentive fee contract modification to a previously awarded delivery order (N00024-25-F-6260) under an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for engineering support related to submarine electronic warfare systems on new construction and in-service submarines. Work will be performed in Syracuse, New York, and is expected to be completed by February 2027. Fiscal 2026 research, development, test & evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $4,682,823 (66%); fiscal 2024 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $2,046,713 (29%); and fiscal 2025 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $400,000 (5%), will be obligated at the time of award, of which $2,046,713 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-25-D-6211).

AIR FORCE

Kira Information Solutions LLC, Colorado Springs, Colorado, was awarded a $48,849,499 firm-fixed-price contract for enhanced technical information management systems. This contract provides for a continuation of enhanced technical information management systems activities to include sustainment and maintenance of technical order records, accounts, printing and distribution of paper TOs, and managing, storing, distributing, and viewing electronic TOs. Work will be performed at Colorado Springs, Colorado, and is expected to be complete by March 22, 2031. This contract was a sole source acquisition. Fiscal 2026 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $5,172,223 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8770-26-C-B005).

Gravitics Inc., Marysville, Washington, was awarded a $30,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for an orbital carrier flight demonstration. This contract provides for the design, manufacture, integration, and flight demonstration of a minimum viable product delivery rocket of an orbital carrier to deploy an unclassified Mission Vehicle to its desired orbit. Work will be performed at Marysville, Washington and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2028. This contract was a sole source acquisition. Fiscal 2025 research and development funds in the amount of $6,600,000 are being obligated at the time of award. The Space Systems Command, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, is the contracting activity (FA880926CB001).

Deloitte Consulting LLP, Arlington, Virginia, has been awarded a $19,173,322 firm-fixed-price modification (P00018) to contract FA7014-25-F-0145 for technical support services. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $164,316,089 from $145,142,767. Work will be performed at Washington, D.C., and is expected to be completed April 24, 2030. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition, and two offers were received. No funds are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force District of Washington Contracting Directorate, Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Triman Industries Inc., Morristown, New Jersey, has been awarded a maximum $26,185,792 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, long-term contract for metering fuel pumps. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 3204 (a)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. This is a five-year contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is March 30, 2031. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2026 through 2031 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Weapons Support, Warren, Michigan (SPRDL1-26-D-0017).

Returns 'R' Us Inc.,* doing business as Pharma Logistics, Libertyville, Illinois, has been awarded a maximum $22,500,000 modification (P00005) exercising the first two-year, six-month option period of a two-year, six-month base contract (SPE2DX-23-D-0061) with one two-year, six-month option period for pharmaceutical reverse distribution services. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. The ordering period end date is Sept. 30, 2028. Using customers are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and other federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2026 through 2028 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Federal Prison Industries Inc.,** doing business as UNICOR, Washington, D.C., has been awarded a maximum $16,978,500 modification (P00011) exercising the third oneyear option period of a oneyear base contract (SPE1C123D0017) with three oneyear option periods for extreme cold/wet weather jackets. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. Location of performance is Kentucky, with a March 27, 2027, ordering period end date. Using military services are Army and Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2026 through 2027 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Lord Corp., Erie, Pennsylvania, has been awarded a maximum $15,657,546 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity contract for plain rod end bearings. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 3204 (a)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. This is a five-year contract with no option periods. Location of performance is Ohio, with a March 26, 2031, ordering period end date. Using military service is Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2026 through 2031 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Weapons Support, Richmond, Virginia (SPE4A6-26-D-0055).

AERO International, Alexandria, Virginia, has been awarded a maximum $10,757,238 firm-fixed-price delivery order (SPRTA1-26-F-0139) issued against a five-year basic ordering agreement (SPE4A1-24-G-0016) for KC-135 air pressure controllers. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 3204 (a)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. This is a two-year contract with no option periods. The performance completion date is March 30, 2028. Using military service is Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2026 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Weapons Support, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

*Small business

**Mandatory source

https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/4446442/

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OCCAR MUSIS Programme marks First Anniversary of In-Service Support

OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Cooperation en matiere d'Armement / Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation)

Mar 26 2026

Rome/Italy- 26 March 2026 -- The OCCAR MUSIS Programme held the In-Service review meeting at the Embassy of France in Rome to pass the first year of the In-Service Support (ISS) phase of the system.

This milestone follows the successful delivery of the CIL (Common Interoperability Layer) system in 2025 and reflects the effective transition into its operational phase. The meeting brought together key stakeholders involved in the programme, including institutional representatives, industrial partners, and operational users.

It was followed by a reception celebrating the delivery of the CIL system in 2025, providing an opportunity to acknowledge the collective efforts of all actors involved in its development.

Among the distinguished participants were Mr. Gerardo Spera, Director of Italian and Export Earth Observation Programs at Thales, and Mr. Alessandro Ocera, Senior Vice-President and Head of Commercial at Telespazio, alongside representatives of Airbus Defence and Space and of the operational community.

The reception provided an opportunity to acknowledge the collective efforts that led to the successful delivery of the CIL system and to underline the strong cooperation between all partners.

After one year of operations, the CIL system is fully deployed and delivering high levels of performance, meeting the expectations of its users.

Story by OCCAR

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Phone conversation between the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia

27 March, 2026

On March 27, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan had a phone call with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov.

The Ministers noted with satisfaction the positive developments in further normalisation process between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Ararat Mirzoyan and Jeyhun Bayramov also discussed regional issues and engagements within multilateral platforms.

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The Minister of Defence of the Republic of Armenia met with French Prime Minister

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia

27 March, 2026 18:50

The Minister of Defence of the Republic of Armenia Suren Papikyan met with French Prime Minister Sebastien Le Corneille in Paris.

Suren Papikyan conveyed the warm greetings of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to the French Prime Minister.

Minister Suren Papikyan presented to Prime Minister Sebastien Le Corneille the successful progress of previously reached agreements and thanked the French government for keeping cooperation in the spotlight.

Issues related to the development and deepening of Armenia-France cooperation in the defence sector were discussed.

The parties, particularly, emphasized the importance of the continuous strengthening of the bilateral strategic partnership and emphasized the need to expand cooperation in the defence sector.

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US Army tests medical readiness tracker for the first time in Africa during Justified Accord 2026

By 1st Lt. Tucker Chase March 27, 2026

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania -- U.S. Army military medical professionals tested the Medical Currency Application for Readiness Tracking 2.0, a digital, field-medicine tracker, for the first time in Africa during Justified Accord 2026 at Lugalo General Military Hospital and Msata Military Training Base, March 2-12.

Justified Accord is U.S. Africa Command's largest exercise in East Africa. This year's event connected U.S. military medical professionals, Tanzanian healthcare providers and Nebraska Air National Guard personnel through the Nebraska-Tanzania State Partnership Program.

Historically, military leaders have struggled to measure the readiness value of medical care. Providers would gain critical clinical experience during exercises, but the data only existed in spreadsheets, paper logs or individual memory. The inaugural medical readiness exercise represented an opportunity to use MCART 2.0 to quantify operational readiness.

"MCART began as an effort to create a self-reporting tool that would allow military medical personnel to document readiness-relevant clinical activity, particularly care delivered outside military treatment facilities," said U.S. Air Force Col. Justin Fox, professor of surgery at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.

The concept emerged approximately five years ago and was initially developed as a proof-of-concept application within the U.S. Air Force to address a persistent gap in capturing operational clinical experience.

Now, MCART 2.0 is a cloud-enabled, modular system. Providers log encounters, procedures, diagnoses and clinical hours through a mobile interface. The platform aggregates clinical data and adds calculated measures like work-relative value units, joint knowledge, skills and abilities metrics, then populates that data to a dashboard for senior leaders.

The system captures service-specific readiness requirements, such as U.S. Army individual critical task lists, and U.S. Air Force comprehensive medical readiness program activities, which creates a single joint operational picture.

In October 2025, the development team began coordinating with U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) to determine how to introduce and integrate the tool into military exercises in Africa.

Planners collaborated to incorporate specific situational reporting requirements and medical specialties into the system. This preparation resulted in a tailored tool that matched SETAF-AF's reporting workflows and JA26 MEDREX requirements.

"MCART 2.0 was integrated into the Justified Accord MEDREX as the standardized mechanism to capture clinical activity and readiness-relevant events," Fox said. "Entries are aggregated into near real-time dashboards to provide visibility to mission and command leadership."

Within the first days of the MEDREX, the dashboard began displaying patient encounter totals and procedure counts. For the first time, the database captured clinical data related to dermatology and bioenvironmental engineering.

"The system allows us to capture the work that our medical teams are doing in a way that translates directly into readiness," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Benjamin Pass, an international health specialist with Air Combat Command's Office of the Command Surgeon. "It provides leaders with visibility into the clinical activity taking place across the mission and helps demonstrate the value of these engagements."

The platform, developed in collaboration with USU, has supported more than 20 missions across U.S. Southern Command and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and its use has extended to U.S. Africa Command through JA26.

MCART 2.0 training has evolved from informal orientation to a structured onboarding approach. Training emphasizes short, practical sessions that guide users through account setup, logging encounters and understanding how their entries translate into mission and readiness metrics.

"The most significant improvements came from the hundreds of end users across the Army, Navy and Air Force who tested the application during operational missions and exercises," Fox said. "Their feedback was critical in improving usability and ensuring the platform met the practical needs of clinicians operating in real-world environments."

U.S. Air Forces Southern Command led early adoption, and the Navy first used the platform during Pacific Partnership in 2025. SETAF-AF's adoption during JA26 advances the Army's transformation initiative, applying an innovative medical readiness tool in Africa.

Ongoing efforts are underway to migrate MCART 2.0 into the Defense Health Agency's IT infrastructure to support long-term sustainment and enable it to function as an enterprise capability. As part of this effort, data will transition into the Military Health System Information Platform, allowing secure access for DHA and military department analytic teams to support program evaluation and provider readiness assessments.

For SETAF-AF, Africa serves as a battle lab where joint medical teams can validate tools defining readiness across the total force. By integrating digital tracking during the MEDREX, U.S. forces proved innovative training enables partner-led security.

About SETAF-AF

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.

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Foreign Comparative Testing Remains Promising Potential for Future Projects

By Tyler Barth March 27, 2026

PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. -- The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Armaments Center seeks not only to create new technologies for the warfighter, but also to leverage foreign technologies to get new capabilities into Soldiers' hands faster.

One highly beneficial method of doing this is through the Foreign Comparative Test (FCT). This program connects mature technologies from foreign industry to the Department of War's research and development centers and acquisition offices to find, assess and delivery cutting-edge technologies.

The Armaments Center International Office works to promote the FCT program by identifying potential international collaboration opportunities, supporting proposal development and requirements validation and ensuring proposals are compliant and fully supported by the project managers and directors that will manage them as part of their acquisition strategies. The office collaborates with the DEVCOM Science and Technology Advisory Committee, Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Agile Sustainment and Ammunition (PAE AS&E) and other relevant parties to promote collaboration and produce highly rated proposals.

These proposals are then submitted to the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering (OUSWRE) for consideration, with the intent of transitioning into a formal program of record and getting advanced technologies into warfighters' hands years faster, and for a fraction of the cost. This all avoids the costs and risks of having to restart testing, too, noted International Programs Manager Chirag Trivedi.

"By leveraging proven foreign solutions already in the production phase, we can effectively bypass lengthy and resource-intensive portions of the research, development, test and evaluation cycle," explained Trivedi.

Proposal requests are usually submitted between October and December of each year, with final selections being made in or around May. To be considered, technologies must bring novel approaches to the field, provide significant performance enhancements, and/or save deployment time and money. There are currently more than 40 active U.S. Army FCT projects with 16 partner nations, and the OUSWRE has funded these projects collectively for more than $40 million.

The Armament Center contributes a significant number of proposals every year - of the 12 approved in 2025, the Armaments Center submitted eight, and of the seven approved for 2026, the Armaments Center submitted four, two of which were collaborations with the PAE AS&E. Projects last between 12 and 30 months, with the U.S. military services responsible for testing and evaluation, and typically the OUSWRE provides between $600,000 and $1 million in funds, with a total per-project average of $857,000.

Three types of projects are utilized for FCTs. The comparative test pits multiple articles against each other and/or a set of military requirements, while the qualification test evaluates one item against military requirements. Prototype evaluation is performed to demonstrate how feasible a given technology is at overcoming technical risks while maintaining its military utility.

According to former International Cooperation Branch Chief Stacy Poto, the FCT program allows the Armaments Center to work with international partners who may have more advanced capabilities in certain areas. It also allows the center to fill gaps where there may be component shortages. All the while, the center and its allies gain considerable knowledge, network and build cooperative alliances with foreign experts.

Poto said she is often fascinated by the technological advancements other countries have made. The FCT program helps the Army maintain key relationships with those in possession of important technologies that could benefit to the Armaments Center, the warfighter, and the United States. Building good relationships for the future, while seeing "outside the box" approaches used in traditional U.S. technological programs, while building relationships that could be beneficial to the Army, is worth it.

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EU Statement in response to the report by the Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina

European External Action Service (EEAS)

27.03.2026

Vienna

Press and information team of the Delegation to UN and OSCE in Vienna

OSCE Permanent Council No. 1559

Vienna, 26 March 2026

EU Statement in response to the report by

the Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina



1. The European Union warmly welcomes Ambassador Holtzapple and thanks him for his first report. We commend the Mission for its continued work in Bosnia and Herzegovina in a challenging environment, including under continued budgetary constraints.

2. The EU is unequivocally committed to Bosnia and Herzegovina's EU perspective as a single, united and sovereign country. Sustained efforts by the political leadership in the country to strengthen democratic governance, the rule of law and institutional accountability, based on inclusive dialogue and respect for the constitutional and legal framework, remain essential. We value the Mission's role in exercising its early warning functions, promoting dialogue and supporting de-escalation, as well as its continued advocacy in support of the constitutional order, the functioning of State institutions and necessary reforms.

3. We highly value the Mission's contribution to electoral integrity by supporting election administration, voter education, the use of digital tools and IT systems, as well as capacity-building. We commend its support to the Central Election Commission in the conduct of early presidential elections in Republika Srpska, which contributed to restoring institutional functionality and upholding the constitutional order of BiH. With general elections scheduled in October 2026, we encourage the Mission to continue supporting transparent, inclusive and credible electoral processes. In this regard, we underline the importance of implementing relevant ODIHR recommendations and increasing voters' trust, including by the introduction of modern technologies that improve election integrity.

4. Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to undertake further constitutional and electoral reforms to ensure the equality and non-discrimination of all citizens, notably by implementing the Sejdic-Finci and related case law of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). The EU reiterates its call for an inclusive process of limited constitutional and electoral reforms, through genuine dialogue and in line with European standards to eliminate all forms of inequality and discrimination in the electoral process, in particular in light of the 2026 elections. The EU also recalls that several Constitutional Court decisions have yet to be fully enforced. No steps should be taken which would make the implementation of these rulings more challenging or further deepen divisions.

5. We stress the importance of the Mission's engagement in and across all three dimensions, such as its work to advance gender equality and participation of youth. We note the importance to further focus activities and ensure that resources are aligned with priority areas. In this context, we welcome the adoption of the 2026 Unified Budget. Sustained financial and institutional support remains essential to enable the Mission to continue delivering meaningful results.

6. In the First Dimension, we commend the Mission's comprehensive support in implementing OSCE politico-military commitments, including arms control and SALW, strengthening parliamentary oversight and improving co-operation among security institutions, police modernization, border security and management, and cybersecurity.

7. In the Second Dimension, we commend the Mission's support to anti-corruption efforts, including strengthening a network of specialized anti-corruption bodies and improving the implementation of audit recommendations. We also welcome its efforts to address climate and disaster risks, enhance transparency and public participation, and foster cross-entity co-operation on environmental challenges.

8. In the Third Dimension, we commend the Mission's continued work on fundamental freedoms, rule of law and democratic institutions. We note its engagement in addressing pressures on media freedom and civil society, including legislative initiatives affecting civic space. We further note that political developments, including those affecting state-level institutions and the constitutional framework, have contributed to institutional tensions and stalled reforms.

9. We highly value the Mission's continued engagement in inclusive, non-discriminatory and high-quality education. In this regard, we praise the Mission's tireless advocacy for quality education and inclusive curricula.

10. We commend the Mission's continued engagement in supporting reconciliation, social cohesion and trust across communities, including local-level initiatives. We welcome its work on monitoring war crimes proceedings and supporting transitional justice, as well as its efforts to address hate crimes. We urge all political actors in Bosnia and Herzegovina to refrain from and renounce provocative divisive rhetoric and actions, to end the glorification of convicted war criminals, as well as actively promote reconciliation.

11. We commend the Mission for serving as an impartial and reliable partner to the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and for its close co-operation and coordination with other relevant international stakeholders, including the EU Special Representative, the High Representative and EUFOR Althea.

13. The EU emphasises that the sovereignty, territorial integrity and constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina must be respected. The EU encourages all political actors to focus on progressing on the EU path, in particular by taking all relevant steps set out in the Commission's recommendation of 12 October 2022. Progress on the EU path remains the best guarantee of stability and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina and brings tangible benefits to its citizens.

14. In conclusion, we reaffirm our strong support for the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, we commend Ambassador Holtzapple and his team for their dedicated work and wish them lots of success for their further work.

Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, San Marino, and Ukraine align themselves with this statement.

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From observers to pace-setters, Global South pushes for better global governance at Boao forum

Xinhua) 09:16, March 28, 2026

BOAO, Hainan, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Amid rising global uncertainty and a shifting economic landscape, the Global South is emerging as a more active force in shaping global economic governance, as calls for greater solidarity and reform of the existing mechanisms grew at the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2026.

"The Global South is no longer a passive bystander. We are becoming the active architects of the new world order," said Sardor Umurzakov, advisor to the president of Uzbekistan on strategic development, during the BFA annual conference that concluded in south China's Hainan Province on Friday.

By contributing up to 80 percent of global growth, the Global South has already become the primary driver of the world economy, according to Umurzakov.

Speaking at a panel discussion, Umurzakov identified key challenges, including income inequality, limited access to technology, the consequences of climate change, and geopolitical turbulence.

He called on Global South countries to focus their efforts and cooperate on developing human and social capital, green transition, climate agenda, and security and stability.

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, former prime minister of Pakistan, has also emphasized the need for greater Global South cooperation to jointly address climate and energy security issues.

With the world facing multiple pressures from intensifying conflicts and rising unilateralism, multilateral mechanisms, including the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, are under severe strain, Abbasi said.

Many participants noted the persistent lack of voices of developing nations within the international architecture, stressing the need for reforms to ensure that the existing global governance mechanisms better reflect current realities.

"We need to reform and improve the international political, economic and financial order, to make the orders and the rules fairer and more accommodating to the developing world and Global South countries," said Xu Bu, former president of the China Institute of International Studies.

Sohail Khan, deputy secretary-general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), echoed the calls for inclusive reforms in world multilateral bodies so that the Global South can gain a stronger voice in setting global economic rules.

Khan spoke highly about the Global Governance Initiative proposed by China, which he said voiced support for multilateralism, equal governance, equitable voice, and equitable representation.

The China-proposed initiatives, including the Global Governance Initiative, are "a very positive sign" that China wants to work with the rest of the world to improve the current system, which will benefit the world, said Kishore Mahbubani, a renowned scholar at the National University of Singapore.

Beyond reforms, speakers at the Boao forum suggested making full use of existing mechanisms, such as BRICS and the SCO. They also pointed to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a vital platform for fostering regional cooperation and development.

Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces, president of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly, said the Global South has demonstrated robust dynamism across cooperation platforms such as the New Development Bank and the BRI.

She particularly praised the BRI as "a very compelling case," which has delivered tangible benefits in more than 150 countries. It is not a physical corridor, but a corridor "of trust, of friendship, and of new forms of plurilateralism," she said.

(Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun)
Cashless policies used to feel like a convenience. You tap, pay, and then go. But as more businesses add card surcharges on top of already rising prices, convenience starts feeling like a trap. Frustration settles in even more when theres no alternative, just a higher total and a shrug from the person behind the counter. A recent Reddit post captured the rising frustrations perfectly, and it's causing a bigger conversation about legality and what customers should actually tolerate.

Image credit: Shutterstock

The story

In the original post, the Redditor described walking into a routine doctors appointment expecting to pay a standard $50 copay. Nothing unusual, until they pulled out cash and were told the office no longer accepts it, a policy that started during the pandemic and apparently stuck. But when the payment screen came up, the total wasnt $50, it was $51.50. A 3% credit card surcharge had been added automatically.

The OP pointed out what most people would immediately notice, if a business refuses cash, how can they justify charging extra for the only payment method they accept? The staff member blamed the payment system, but the OP wasnt buying it, noting that merchants typically control how those systems are configured.

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Rather than argue further, the OP declined to pay on the spot and opted to be billed instead, pointing out the irony that mailing invoices and processing checks would likely cost the business more than the $1.50 fee they were trying to collect. The core complaint was about the principle. If customers dont have a real choice, is it fair to charge them extra?

Reactions

One of the most common reactions was Were going to have to start carrying around checkbooks again. It sounds like a joke, but a lot of people arent laughing. Some customers are reverting to older payment methods just to avoid the new payment fees that keep popping up.

Another user shared, It did save me from a 3% fee on a $750 car repair recently, so I was pretty happy about that. A couple of dollars might be annoying, but when fees scale with larger purchases, they stop feeling minor and start feeling like a penalty for paying the wrong way.

Photo Credit: Canva Pro

One response said, Credit card processing fees are part of the cost of doing business. Either eat it or bake it in. I dont want to see it. Customers understand businesses have costs, but they dont like feeling as if those costs are itemized and selectively pushed onto them.

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And then theres the bigger-picture critique in morality, Innovation has been replaced we just raise the prices by hiding more and more behind an extra cost paywall. As time goes on, transactions are being layered with hard-to-avoid charges that definitely add up. We've also seen a bigger pushback happening against pay to use services, with lawmakers in places like New York even moving to ban companies from charging extra for features customers already technically own.

Can businesses refuse cash and charge card fees?

In the U.S., businesses are generally allowed to refuse cash unless state or local laws say otherwise. Some places (like New York City and parts of California) require businesses to accept cash to ensure accessibility for people without bank accounts. When it comes to credit card surcharges, those are legal in many states, but they do come with rules:

Businesses must clearly disclose the surcharge before payment

The surcharge is typically capped (usually around 3-4%)

It can only apply to credit cards, not debit cards

Businesses are typically required to provide a fee-free alternative payment method

Image credit: Shutterstock

Takeaway

This situation is part of a growing friction point between businesses trying to manage costs and customers who feel like theyre being nickel-and-dimed with no real choice. There's a much bigger shift in consumer behavior, and more people openly sharing the everyday purchases theyve had to give up as rising costs continue to change what people can realistically afford. The frustration comes more from the lack of transparency and flexibility. People dont like feeling forced to pay extra, especially for something as basic as completing a transaction.

If something feels off, you can report it to your states consumer protection office or even your credit card provider, since card networks have their own rules that merchants must follow. And if enough customers push back, businesses do notice because, at the end of the day, convenience fees only work if people are willing to tolerate them. The bottom line is that yes, some surcharges are legal, but only when businesses follow the rules and give you a real choice. If they dont, youre well within your rights to question it, refuse it, and take your business somewhere else.
European External Action Service (EEAS)

27.03.2026

Vienna

Press and information team of the Delegation to UN and OSCE in Vienna

OSCE Permanent Council No. 1558

Vienna, 19 March 2026

EU Statement in response to the Report by the Director of ODIHR, Maria Telalian

The European Union warmly welcomes the Director of ODIHR, Maria Telalian, back to the Permanent Council and thanks her for the presentation of the 2025 annual report. We commend ODIHR's outstanding work, despite budgetary and staffing constrains, and strongly support its mandate and autonomy.

The EU will continue to firmly support ODIHR's valuable work for the promotion and protection of democracy, the rule of law and human rights in the OSCE, and to call on participating States to respect and support its mandate and autonomy.

Russia's illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine is ongoing. It is causing much suffering, increased civilian casualties, and destruction, making ODIHR's contribution through the Ukraine Human Rights Monitoring Initiative much needed. The latest interim reports provided additional credible, impartial documentation of violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. We also thank ODIHR for providing technical and administrative assistance to the expert missions under the Moscow Mechanism. The EU is firmly committed to ensuring full accountability for all international crimes and human rights violations and abuses stemming from Russia's war of aggression.

We value that ODIHR continues to adapt to new realities, including to the increasing role of new technologies, and thus commend ODIHR's updated election observation methodology. We reiterate our continuous support to ODIHR's engagement in election observation across the OSCE region, as well as to its methodology, which is globally recognised, applies in the same manner to all countries, and is based on the principles of independence, impartiality and professionalism.

ODIHR's legal assistance is particularly needed in challenging times: to quote Director Telalian, it functions "as an early-warning and prevention tool". For 25 years, ODIHR has been supporting participating states strengthen their electoral laws to ensure the transparency and integrity of elections and bring countries' legal frameworks in line with OSCE commitments and other international standards.

We value ODIHR's monitoring of peaceful assemblies, which has resulted in 150 monitoring activities over the past 15 years, conducted in 36 participating States. In light of increasingly disproportionate and violent responses to protests worldwide, the EU protects and promotes the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.

We value the expert guidance that ODIHR has continued to offer to the participating States in order to support the implementation of shared commitments in the Human Dimension, including on ensuring inclusive and diverse societies by promoting tolerance and combating all forms of discrimination, preventing and combating hate crimes and promoting gender equality. The EU reiterates its commitment to equality and non-discrimination, to the entitlement of all persons to enjoy the full range of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and to the protection of those who are in disadvantaged, vulnerable and marginalised situations.

We thank ODIHR for assisting the Finnish Chairpersonship in organising the 2025 Warsaw Human Dimension Conference. In absence of the annual mandated Human Dimension Implementation Meeting, WHDC offered a unique platform to engage with civil society representatives and other participating States on issues pertaining to our commonly agreed OSCE commitments. We reiterate our call on all participating States to agree on the relevant decisions needed to hold the Human Dimension Implementation Meeting. We reiterate our full trust in Poland as the host country of ODIHR and its events and reject any suggestions to relocate the seat of ODIHR from Warsaw.

We welcome the Offices continued efforts to support human rights defenders and civil society. The EU actively supports, promotes and empowers a diverse and independent civil society. We strongly condemn any form of reprisals against human rights defenders (HRDs) and civil society organisations as well as all forms of transnational repression.

In the context of ongoing discussions on OSCE Unified Budget and anticipated budget reductions, we call on all participating States to ensure that ODIHR is adequately staffed and resourced in order to carry out its vital work in accordance with its mandate.
HRC61 - EU Statement - Urgent Debate called by Iran, China and Cuba

European External Action Service (EEAS)

27.03.2026

Geneva

Press and information team of the Delegation to the UN in Geneva

European Union

HRC61 Urgent Debate called by Iran, China and Cuba

27 March 2026

EU Statement

Mr President,

The EU deplores the loss of all civilian life and calls for an immediate end to any strikes against civilian infrastructure. 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.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of children's lives in Iran, including those killed in the strike against a school in Minab on 28 February. In line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the EU considers it essential to safeguard the rights to life, survival, and development of every child, and calls on all parties to take all measures to ensure children's rights are fully respected in armed conflict. Attacks directed against civilian objects constitute a violation of international humanitarian law and attacks on schools may amount to one of the six grave violations against children in situations of armed conflict. We call on all parties to take necessary measures to protect children, including ensuring that schools, hospitals, and other civilian facilities are not attacked. The EU will continue to pay particular attention to the protection of children affected by armed conflict and living in post-conflict situations.

The EU calls on the Iranian regime to cease the violence and repression against its own people. Human rights violations, especially in the recent months, have been appalling, with brutal repression of peaceful demonstration, arbitrary arrests and detention, and an alarming increase in executions. The EU calls for the respect of the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of the Iranian people, including the right to choose their own future.

Since 2011, the EU has taken targeted restrictive measures against individuals and entities responsible for serious human rights violations in Iran, including during the repression of the January 2026 protests. This approach will continue as long as necessary. The EU fully supports the work of the international Independent Fact-Finding Mission and of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights in Iran in their work to monitor and investigate all human rights violations.

Thank you.

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Commission scales up its humanitarian response in Lebanon to address urgent needs

European External Action Service (EEAS)

27.03.2026

Press and information team of the Delegation to LEBANON

This week, the European Commission scaled up its humanitarian response in Lebanon, delivering nearly 150 tonnes of life-saving supplies to support people displaced by the deteriorating situation in the country.

Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, said: "The situation in Lebanon is worsening by the day, affecting millions already in dire need. Through our EU Humanitarian Air Bridges, we are stepping up to reach the most vulnerable quickly. The EU will continue to deliver life-saving aid, together with our Member States and partners. We stand firmly with the people of Lebanon at this difficult time. This war must end."

To deliver the supplies, the Commission coordinated three EU Humanitarian Air Bridge flights, transporting medical, hygiene, and food items from the EU's own stocks, and several EU partners, including UN agencies (UNFPA, WHO, UNICEF), the International Committee of the Red Cross, the German Red Cross, International Health Partners and Medecins Sans Frontieres. In addition, the flights delivered donations from Belgium, Germany, Ireland and Italy, including more than 13,000 blankets. These donations took place under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, which Lebanon activated, as any country worldwide can do in times of crisis.

This support is part of the 100 million in humanitarian aid announced earlier this month and adds to a recent delivery of more than 75 tonnes of essential supplies.

The latest developments have forced more than 1 million people from their homes, further exacerbating already acute needs in the country. The Commission will continue to provide unwavering support to those in need in Lebanon and across the region.

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EU support brings urgent aid to families forced to flee their homes in Lebanon

European External Action Service (EEAS)

27.03.2026

Beirut, Lebanon

Press and information team of the Delegation to LEBANON

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, together with the European Union and the Governments of Ireland and Italy, welcomed today a humanitarian airbridge flight carrying urgently needed emergency relief items to support the growing number of forcibly displaced families across Lebanon.

"This fifth EU-funded humanitarian flight to Lebanon is part of our ongoing efforts to deliver essential supplies from the EU, its Member States and humanitarian partners to address urgent needs on the ground. The aid will support families displaced by the conflict and will be distributed to them through shelters and response centres. The European Union remains committed to responding quickly to urgent needs, with a focus on life-saving assistance and ensuring essential services continue for those most affected," said European Union Ambassador Sandra De Waele.

Since 2 March 2026, escalating hostilities across Lebanon have forced over one million people to flee their homes in southern Lebanon, parts of the Bekaa Valley, and the southern suburbs of Beirut, leaving behind belongings, livelihoods, and entire communities. Airstrikes, shelling, repeated evacuation warnings and ground operations have intensified in scale and reach, causing widespread displacement and destruction to residential buildings, healthcare facilities, roads, water networks, and public services. Many families, including Syrian refugees who make up around one fifth of Lebanon's population and are also fleeing areas under attack, are now in urgent need of safety and shelter, as the security situation rapidly deteriorates and humanitarian needs exponentially grow.

"These thermal blankets will be vital for the thousands of families taking shelter in public buildings, particularly those in cold and mountainous areas. Many are refugees that have been displaced repeatedly, losing not just their possessions, but the sense of stability that allows people to plan and hope for the future. "Ireland is pleased to be part of this joint EU humanitarian response, with Italy and the European Commission. It is an important contribution to the invaluable work of the UNHCR in Lebanon, which is working so tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of those displaced", said Ireland's Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond.

"Following a first humanitarian airlift delivered last week, this new airbridge operation reflects Italy's continued commitment to supporting the response at a time of acute and rapidly evolving needs. With these flights, Italy has delivered around 40 tons of relief items to support displaced families across the country. We have further allocated 10 million in response to the Lebanon Flash Appeal, with the objective of scaling up assistance to displaced populations in close coordination with UNHCR, humanitarian partners and Lebanese institutions, in line with national priorities", said Fabrizio Marcelli, Italian Ambassador to Lebanon.

The newly arrived supplies will be distributed to displaced families across Lebanon, including those in government-designated collective shelters and in host communities, in close coordination with the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) and the Disaster Risk Management Unit (DRM) to ensure full alignment with the national response mechanism.

"Thanks to the generous support of the European Union, Ireland, and Italy, we can get urgently needed aid straight to displaced families in Lebanon. Over 36,900 essential items - from kitchen sets to blankets and jerry cans - will help people who have been forced to flee cover some of their most basic needs during this extremely challenging time, and ensure we are prepared for further potential displacement," said Karolina Lindholm Billing, UNHCR Representative in Lebanon.

The Lebanon Flash Appeal calls for US $308.3 million to provide lifesaving assistance and protection to up to 1,000,000 people. In line with the Lebanon Flash Appeal and under this Emergency Appeal, UNHCR requires US $61 million to assist 600,000 affected persons for an initial period of three months.

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Minister Pevkur in Warsaw: Poland a Priority Partner for Estonia's Defence Industry

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Defence

27. March 2026 - 10:34

Estonian Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur met today in Warsaw with his Polish counterpart, Wadysaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, to discuss strengthening defence cooperation, the European security environment, and the development of the defence industry. During the visit, Estonian defence company Frankenburg Technologies and the Polish defence conglomerate PGZ signed a co-production agreement.

"Poland is one of our most important allies, with a clear understanding of the seriousness of the current security situation and the need to invest significantly more in defence. Together, we are setting an example by increasing defence expenditure and expect our allies to commit to meeting the 5% target," said Pevkur.

"I am pleased to see that our defence industry partnership is developing rapidly. Poland is clearly a priority partner for our companies. The strengths of Estonia's defence industry lie in robotics, cybersecurity, surveillance systems, situational awareness solutions and artificial intelligence applications. This means that Estonia does not compete with Poland's strong defence industry but rather complements it by providing significant added value," the minister added.

Estonian companies such as Milrem Robotics and Rantelon have also concluded cooperation agreements with PGZ. Cooperation with Poland supports the rapid expansion of Estonia's defence industry sector, which grew by approximately 45% last year alone.

Estonia also values highly the smooth cooperation with Poland in preparing the proposal for the Eastern Flank Watch project. At the same time, Poland's Eastern Shield border development project is underway, alongside the planning and construction of the Baltic Defence Zone by Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. These initiatives share a common goal: to render aggression against us unthinkable. They also provide opportunities for our defence industry to deliver modern solutions and apply lessons learned from Ukraine.

"Poland has been a steadfast and consistent supporter of Ukraine, and we will continue this support together and unwaveringly. Estonian instructors are currently in Poland training Ukrainian soldiers," Pevkur added. Estonia and Poland are jointly contributing to the Nordic-Baltic-Polish support mechanism Legio, launched under Norway's leadership, which includes both the provision of weapons and equipment and the training of Ukrainian troops.

Later today, the Minister is scheduled to visit the Nitro-Chem facility in Poland, accompanied by a delegation from the Estonian state-owned company Hexest Materials AS, in order to gain an overview of the production process of RDX-type military explosives. "We greatly value this opportunity, as Estonia is effectively building its ammunition industry from scratch. Establishing new explosives production capacities in Europe will help ensure security of supply for companies in Estonia and across the wider region," Pevkur said.

Poland has long-standing experience in the production of RDX explosives, and the core team of Hexest Materials includes experienced Polish specialists who have previously established similar facilities. The plant is expected to become operational in 2028.

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Six negative decisions on real estate transactions

Finnish Ministry of Defence

Ministry of Defence

Publication date 27.3.2026 12.00

Type:Press release

On 27 March 2026, Minister of Defence Antti Hakkanen denied six prospective buyers from outside the EU and EEA a permit to buy real estate in Finland.

The negative decisions concerned properties in Imatra, Savonlinna, Kittila, Raseborg, Parikkala and Sysma.

The applicants had different kinds of plans for the real estate, such as business, residential and recreational use. They are citizens or companies owned by citizens of Russia, Uzbekistan, China and Canada.

Because of the changes in the security environment, Finnish authorities must take sufficient measures to prevent different kinds of broad-spectrum threats. Buying real estate in Finland can be used to gain a foothold in the country or to undermine public authorities' ability to act.

"That is why we will not allow real estate acquisitions when we cannot rule out a threat to national security, homeland defence, border security and security of supply," said Minister of Defence Antti Hakkanen.

The decisions to deny the applicants a permit were based on the Act on Permit Requirements for Certain Real Estate Acquisitions (470/2019).

The decisions are not yet final.

Any requests by media for access to documents should be sent via email to the Registry of the Ministry of Defence at kirjaamo.plm(at)gov.fi.

Further information can be inquired by email from the Media and Communications Unit of the Ministry of Defence at tiedotus.plm(at)gov.fi.

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Government to provide additional NOK 115 billion to strengthen Long-term Defence Plan

Government of Norway

Press release | Date: 27/03/2026

The Norwegian Government will allocate an additional NOK 115 billion to the financial framework for the Long-term Defence Plan for the period up to 2036. NOK 31 billion of this will be provided by 2030. The Government is also proposing adjustments to the plan and is redefining some of the priorities.

'Since we presented the Long-term Defence Plan, the world has become more unstable and the security landscape more complex. We are now taking steps to adjust the plan to ensure more effective development of our defence capabilities in a more uncertain world. The cost of defence equipment has increased and the war in Ukraine has given us new insights. We are therefore allocating a significant increase in resources to the long-term plan, while also carefully weighing the priorities needed to rapidly strengthen Norway's defence capabilities,' said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre.

The Long-term Defence Plan 2025-2036 was presented by the Government and unanimously adopted by the Storting (Norwegian parliament) in 2024. The strategic direction and overall objectives set out in the 2024 plan remain unchanged. The Government is now proposing to allocate an additional NOK 115 billion for the period up to 2036, with NOK 31 billion of this to be provided by 2030. In addition, the planning period will be extended to 2040.

'We are strengthening Norway's defence capabilities. We will be starting the most concentrated investments in submarines and frigates earlier, and we are accelerating the development of the Finnmark Brigade. We are replenishing stockpiles in order to better enhance preparedness and resilience in the Armed Forces while Russia wages war in Ukraine. At the same time, we are maintaining a high level of activity and ensuring necessary monitoring in our region. The Government is proposing to provide an additional NOK 115 billion to the financial framework for the Norwegian Armed Forces for the period up to 2036. We are identifying what is most important and giving this priority, which will lead to delays and reductions in other areas set out in the plan. We are hoping the parties in the Storting will achieve broad political agreement on continuing to strengthen the Armed Forces in these turbulent times for global security,' said Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik.

'One of the key priorities in the Government's Plan for Norway is safeguarding the security of our country. The Government is committed to sound economic governance, and will implement the initiative to increase Norwegian defence capabilities within a responsible state budget,' said Mr Stre.

Priority areas

The Government is proposing that the increased funding is used to:

accelerate the development of the Finnmark Brigade, including both equipment and personnel, by two years;

increase investment in battle-decisive munitions and security of supply;

accelerate the phasing in of new submarines and procurement of the first two frigates;

upgrade critical defence infrastructure to be able to receive and support Allied forces in Norway;

support measures to increase production capacity for the Norwegian and European defence industry;

enhance capabilities for electronic warfare, short-range air defence, drone defence and autonomy.

Assessments provided by the Chief of Defence have been given particular consideration in the Government's work to further develop the Long-term Defence Plan.

'We are giving priority to certain key, major investments that will be essential to our defence capabilities in the long-term. At the same time, we are increasing the operating budget and upgrading the defence infrastructure already in place. This is to ensure that the Armed Forces can do what is required to protect the country in its day-to-day operations,' said Mr Sandvik.

An increasingly unstable security situation and escalating defence costs

There are a number of reasons why the Government has decided to adjust the Long-term Defence Plan and increase defence. Norway is contending with the most serious security situation since the Second World War, with war in both Europe and the Middle East.

'The outcome of the war in Ukraine will have an impact on European security for a long time to come. When the war ends, we must be prepared for Russia to further strengthen its military presence in our neighbourhood,' said Mr Stre.

The cost of weapons and defence equipment has escalated, and NATO has increased its requirements for member states. In addition, new technologies are rapidly evolving.

'The war in Ukraine has shown us how new technology is changing the way we conduct military operations. That is why we are investing more in new technology, electronic warfare, and space-based communication,' said Mr Sandvik.

The Government has increased Norway's defence budget significantly every year since 2021. In 2021, Norway spent NOK 65 billion on defence. The defence budget for 2026 is NOK 180 billion, or NOK 112 billion not counting support to Ukraine.

With the proposed increase in funding, defence spending is projected to reach 3.5 % of Norway's GDP by 2035, excluding support to Ukraine. This is in line with the new commitment agreed on at the 2025 NATO Summit to invest at least 3.5 % of GDP annually on defence expenditures.

'It costs a lot to invest in defence, but the costs of war are even higher. We are investing in defence and preparedness in order to increase deterrence and prevent war, but we are prepared to defend Norway and NATO,' said Mr Sandvik.

Strategic cooperation more vital

The Government gives priority to facilitating strategic cooperation with Norway's closest allies. Norway has already entered strategic defence agreements with the UK and Germany, and negotiations with France are under way. Norway is also working to establish the Nordic region as the most integrated defence region in Europe.

'Closer cooperation with our neighbouring countries strengthens our operational capability and our industrial capacity. It enhances our deterrence capabilities and strengthens our collective military power. More binding cooperation will also promote an increased Allied presence in areas that are important to us, particularly the Arctic,' said Mr Stre.

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Joint statement by the Ministers of Defence of the Baltic countries on drone incidents

Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Defence

27.03.2026

Defence policy

Information prepared by Press division

We, Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania, are taking resolute steps with prioritizing our air defence development. However, recent incidents fuelled by Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, demonstrate the importance to further strengthen multi-layered air defence.

This week several foreign unmanned aerial vehicles have crossed NATO airspace in the Baltic states and struck our soil/struck or terittory. Fortunately, no civilians were injured, and the damage to infrastructure was minimal. We commend the professionalism of Allies contributing to NATOs Air Policing Mission that helps to preserve the security of our airspace.

While the investigation is underway to determine all relevant details and circumstances, we remain steadfast in our support to Ukraine's defensive operations against Russia and Ukraine's legitimate right to self-defence.

These incidents highlight an urgent need to continue enhancing our preparedness and investing in defence capabilities. The Baltic states are investing at least 5% of GDP in defence. We prioritize procurement of air defence capabilities and development of drone and counter-drone systems, as well as acoustic sensors.

We commend the excellent information exchange among relevant parties. Our joint coordination continues at the highest level.

While NATO's mission Eastern Sentry has clearly demonstrated its value, NATO's efforts to strengthen air defence, including countering drones, must be accelerated. Allies must urgently reinforce the capabilities required for effective detection and interception. The current presence of NATO aircraft and air defence systems in the Baltic states must be maintained and further strengthened to counter all air threats, including unmanned aerial vehicles.

These incidents further underscore the relevance of our application for the EU funding available under the European Defence Projects of Common Interest initiative. We stress the need to significantly scale up and earmark EU defence funding in the long-term, including for strengthening its eastern border through initiatives such as Eastern Flank Watch and a European Drone Defence Initiative.

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Ministry of Defence of Latvia: russia carries out information operation against Baltics

Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Defence

27.03.2026

In Latvia

Information prepared by Press division

The Ministry of Defence reports that russia is currently carrying out a large-scale, coordinated information operation against Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, claiming that the Baltic States are allowing their territories to be used for Ukrainian attacks against russia.

The Ministry of Defence states that Latvia, as well as Lithuania and Estonia, are not involved in planning or executing Ukraine's counterattacks against russia. The Baltic States support Ukraine by supplying military equipment, humanitarian assistance, and financial aid, while emphasizing that Ukraine has the legitimate right to defend itself against russia's full-scale invasion. Through such statements, russia demonstrates its weakness and attempts to divert attention from the fact that it is unable to defend itself against successful Ukrainian counterattacks targeting russian infrastructure along the Baltic Sea coast.

The Ministry of Defence explains that the objective of russia's information operations against the Baltic States is to discredit NATO, divide society, reduce trust in state institutions, and weaken support for Ukraine. These efforts involve disinformation and the use of social media bots, targeting russian-speaking audiences and exploiting young people.

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The President met with Estonian President Alar Karis in Tartu

President of the Republic of Lithuania

March 27, 2026

On Friday, President Gitanas Nauseda met with President Alar Karis of Estonia in Tartu.

The presidents discussed bilateral relations, the situation in the region, and joint actions to support Ukraine, increase pressure on Russia, and counter other geopolitical threats.

The meeting addressed recent incidents in which military drones deviated from their course and crashed in three Baltic states. It was agreed that these incidents highlight the urgent need to strengthen air defense on NATO's eastern flank, accelerate the development of the Baltic Defense Line, and invest in systems designed to counter aerial threats.

The presidents also discussed the need for joint military exercises aimed at strengthening air defense capabilities.

It was agreed that war with the Iranian regime must not divert attention or resources away from Ukraine's fight against Russian aggression.

The President's Communication Group

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The President: Current changes require critical thinking, intellectual flexibility, and the ability to act in unpredictable conditions

President of the Republic of Lithuania

March 27, 2026

President Gitanas Nauseda visited the Baltic Defence College in Tartu, Estonia, on Friday.

Addressing the college's faculty and students and noting that the Baltic Defence College is an institution dedicated to developing operational and strategic thinking, the President reviewed the tectonic geopolitical changes currently taking place.

"The rules-based world order is under threat. Power politics is gaining momentum. We must better understand and be prepared to act appropriately in a rapidly changing security environment," the President said.

Referring to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, China's challenge to the existing world order, malicious hybrid actions against states and societies, the rise of terrorism, and the world's engagement in an intense struggle for technological supremacy, the President emphasized that none of these challenges can be resolved by relying solely on conventional models or traditional doctrine.

"These changes require critical thinking, intellectual flexibility, and the ability to act in the most dynamic and unpredictable conditions," the President said.

Gitanas Nauseda urged college students not to be afraid to question accepted knowledge or approved solutions, as tomorrow's battlefield requires leaders who think innovatively.

"National power is the power of the whole society. It is the sum of military, diplomatic, economic, and societal resilience measures. I encourage you to discuss with your lecturers the importance of a whole-of-state approach," said the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

The President thanked Brigadier General Alvydas Siuparis, Commandant of the Baltic Defence College, for his leadership in developing the institution and expanding its capabilities in professional military education. Siuparis is set to complete his service at the college in a few months.

The Baltic Defence College was established in 1999 and is jointly run by the three Baltic States. The position of commandant rotates every three years and is handed over to a representative from one of the states.

The President's Communication Group

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The Republic of Costa Rica considered on Friday the autonomy initiative presented by Morocco "the most appropriate, serious, credible, and realistic basis for reaching a political solution," asserting that "autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty could be the most feasible solution for resolving" the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara.

Morocco Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Friday 27 March 2026

This position was set forth in the Joint Declaration inked in Rabat following talks between Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates Mr. Nasser Bourita and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship of the Republic of Costa Rica Mr. Arnoldo Andre Tinoco, currently on a working visit to the Kingdom.

In this regard, Costa Rica emphasized its intention "to act on the basis of this position at political, diplomatic, economic, and consular levels."

In addition, the Republic of Costa Rica, which welcomed the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797 (2025), stressed that it "recognizes the importance the Kingdom of Morocco attaches to the issue of the Sahara," noting that it is "closely following the current positive momentum on this matter under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI."

In the same Joint Declaration, the two ministers reiterated their support for the United Nations Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for the Sahara, as well as for his efforts to advance the political process toward a definitive resolution of this regional dispute.

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A look at the Defence news 16 - 22 March

Netherlands Ministry of Defence

News item

27-03-2026 | 16:37

In light of the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East, it was decided that all Dutch military personnel and civilian experts deployed to NATO Mission Iraq are to return to the Netherlands.

Cold Response 2026: successful and informative

Last week, NATO successfully concluded Exercise Cold Response. The Royal Netherlands Navy was one of the major participants in the training exercise in the High North. During the exercise, the Dutch Amphibious Task Force achieved certification as a NATO Allied Response Force, an important milestone for the unit. The Netherlands Marine Corps' new way of operating was also tested during the exercise.

Minehunters "attacked" by drones, boats and aircraft in NATO exercise

During NATO's Exercise MCM Baltic, drones, boats and aircraft launched mock attacks on NATO vessels, the Dutch minehunter HNLMS Schiedam among them. The ships' crews fought off the "attackers", while also continuing minehunting duties. During the exercise, held in the Baltic Sea, NATO navy vessels were faced with an asymmetric threat, involving threats from the air and from under water. The purpose of the exercise, which concluded last week, was for NATO naval forces to operate in a multinational environment with the emphasis on minehunting.

King visits Dutch naval assets in the Caribbean

Last week, King WillemAlexander visited Savaneta Marine Barracks on Aruba and the Royal Netherlands Navy's guard ship in the Caribbean. The King's visit was part of a broader working visit to Curacao and Aruba.

Defence takes next step in uncrewed air systems

The Ministry of Defence is taking a new step in its participation in the American knowledge and innovation programme for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, an initiative to develop uncrewed air systems. Defence plans to sign a Letter of Acceptance to this end. Netherlands State Secretary for Defence Derk Boswijk informed the House of Representatives accordingly last week.

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Colombia: UN experts hail anti-mercenary law, warn of rising recruitment into armed conflicts

Press releases

Special Procedures

27 March 2026

BOGOTA -- The Working Group on mercenaries hailed the signing of a new law in Colombia by President Petro which ratifies the 1989 International Convention on Mercenaries. It also warned of the risks of rising recruitment of Colombians abroad to armed conflict and private security roles.

"The expedited review and full implementation of the new law to prevent illegal mercenary activities is an essential step towards protecting human rights and upholding international obligations," the experts said in a statement at the end of a visit to the country.

Colombia's decades-long armed conflict resulted in the growth of armed actors and private security companies (PSCs). While progress has been made in human rights reforms and reintegration of former combatants, challenges persist. Over 10,000 Colombians are recruited into armed conflicts worldwide, both through legal and irregular means. "There is a need for more precise data, and we must address the root causes of recruitment as this trend is likely to grow," the experts said.

Colombian nationals, mostly former military, are among those most in demand into security roles and armed conflicts. Significant economic incentives, lack of employment opportunities and heightened online recruitment have increased travel abroad for employment, including for active combat roles. Families of affected Colombians who have died or disappeared in the battlefield, struggle to obtain information particularly where predatory or deception recruitment has taken place.

"High numbers of unregulated PSCs, unlicensed weapons and high-level technologies, including drones and advanced surveillance tools, pose serious risks to human rights and security," the experts said.

They noted that legitimate employment in the military and security roles abroad are important sources of livelihood for Colombians, but warned that the use of mercenaries is prohibited under international law.

The Working Group recommended coordinated inter-agency actions, international cooperation, public awareness campaigns, and improved economic opportunities to prevent recruitment abroad.

"Effectively tackling mercenary recruitment is not just a national issue, it requires robust regional and global cooperation given its transnational nature," the experts said.

The Working Group will present its full report and recommendations to the UN Human Rights Council in September 2026.

*The experts:

Ms. Michelle Small (South Africa), Chairperson-Rapporteur; Mr. Ravindran Daniel (India); Ms. Joana de Deus Pereira (Portugual); Ms. Jovana Jezdimirovic Ranito (Serbia), and Mr. Andres Macias Tolosa (Colombia), Working Group on the use of mercenaries as a means of violating human rights and impeding the exercise of the rights of peoples to self-determination

The Working Groups are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council's independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures' experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organisation and serve in their individual capacity.

Country-specific observations and recommendations by the UN human rights mechanisms, including the special procedures, the treaty bodies and the Universal Periodic Review, can be found on the Universal Human Rights Index https://uhri.ohchr.org/en/

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Ministers of Defence of Poland and Estonia on security of the region and building drone capabilities

Poland - Ministry of National Defence

27.03.2026

- Today Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa has signed agreements of cooperation with Estonian firms, especially regarding the development of drone and anti-drone capabilities. Estonia is a leader in emerging technologies, IT, implementation and experience in this regard, and we want to benefit from that. We have our own plans, our own proposals. We are building the fourth layer of air defence. We also want to share our experience. We have been discussing joint exercises that will take place this year. That invitation has already been accepted by our Estonian partners. We are happy to exercise, train, increase capabilities together - said the Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of National Defence, W. Kosiniak-Kamysz.

The Deputy Prime Minister has met with Hanno Pevkur, the Minister of Defence of Estonia, in Warsaw on 27 March.

The topics of discussion between the Ministers of Defence of Poland and Estonia included: regional security, especially in the context of the activities of Russia and the war in Ukraine, cooperation within NATO and the eastern flank of the Alliance, hybrid threats, as well as military cooperation, including joint exercises and training and developing the interoperability of the Armed Forces of Poland and Estonia. The Ministers have also touched on the topics connected to cybersecurity, protecting critical infrastructure and the modernization and new technologies in the Armed Forces.

- We have confirmed the obligations between Poland and Estonia. Poland will fulfil all obligations that stem from the North Atlantic Treaty, especially Article 5. I would like to assure the Minister, as well as the whole nation of Estonia and all our friends of our friendship, cooperation and relationships. It is very important today, when faced with threats from the Russian Federation, Belarus, all those who threaten the security of Europe and global peace. This is the first, most important matter - said the Minister of National Defence, W. Kosiniak-Kamysz. - We have also received an invitation to the exercises in Estonia, which we accept. We want to sign an agreement on cooperation in the area of security soon. The last is from more than a decade ago. Everything has changed in Europe in that time. We must have a new agreement. We have given our subordinates two months - it is an ambitious plan, but we have the best people, they will be able to manage that. We have also discussed the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East. The Minister has recently been to Washington, D.C. We have exchanged views on the perspective of ending the war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East, so that is also an important element of our cooperation. Other areas include the exchanging information and cooperation of our intelligence services. I am also grateful for the cooperation of our defence industries, Europe must invest in its defence industry. This is an engine for the economy, but also for building security potential - the Minister of National Defence added. - Our relations have always been excellent and I am deeply convinced that what we have managed to achieve so far is a confirmation, a real confirmation of what we can do in the future. I value our relations, our cooperation in the European Union and NATO highly. (...). We also have joint initiatives, by which I mean these joint military exercises. We are also executing joint projects in Europe, like the Eastern Watch, Eastern Shield or Baltic Defence Line, and I hope that the European Commission sees value in those common initiatives, that we will receive the necessary funds - said Hanno Pevkur, the Minister of Defence of Estonia.

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PH, China resume bilateral talks on SCS

Philippine News Agency

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

March 27, 2026, 7:41 pm

MANILA -- The Philippines and China are set to resume and convene their bilateral talks on the South China Sea in Quangzhou, Fujian in China, on March 28, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed Friday.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Leo Herrera-Lim said the two sides are currently hammering out the agenda that would be included in the 11th Philippine-China Bilateral Consultative Mechanism (BCM), which is being held back-to-back with the 24th Philippines-China Foreign Ministry Consultations.

Herrera-Lim is leading the Philippine delegation to the BCM, while the Chinese side is led by his counterpart, Chinese Foreign Ministry Vice President Sun Weidong.

"We will mention several topics for cooperation, including momentum on the COC (Code of Conduct in the South China Sea)," he said in an interview.

In this edition of BCM, Herrera-Lim said the two sides would focus on exchanging views on developments in the vital waterway since the last meeting was convened in China early 2025.

Oil and gas exploration

Asked if the subject of a joint oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea would be part of the agenda, he said: "Masyadong complicated 'yong oil... Exploratory lang at best kung papayag sila na i-explore namin na mag-exchange ng views on potential values for cooperation (The subject of oil exploration is too complicated... It will be exploratory and it would be best if they would agree to exchange views on potential values for cooperation)."

In a separate statement, Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Analyn Ratonel said the latest meetings would serve as venues to "explore possible cooperation in non-sensitive areas."

The BCM, established in 2017, is intended to serve as a platform where the two sides could discuss issues related to the South China Sea in a frank and constructive manner.

The resumption also comes as Manila seeks to revitalize cooperation with Beijing against the backdrop of the ongoing Middle East conflict that had been causing massive interruptions to oil supply across the world.

Herrera-Lim said the Philippines, at present, is looking at whether the two nations could use the energy crisis as "opportunity to have platforms for cooperation" to sustain energy security in region.

The statement follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s recent remarks, saying the energy disruptions could serve as an "impetus" to revive the oil talks with China, which had been terminated in 2022 due to "constitutional limitations." (PNA)

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PH, France sign visiting forces pact

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

March 27, 2026, 10:45 am

MANILA -- Defense chiefs of the Philippines and France formally signed the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) between the two nations, the Department of National Defense (DND) announced on Friday.

DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and French Minister for the Armed Forces and Veterans Catherine Vautrin signed the pact during their bilateral meeting in Paris on Thursday (local time).

"Today, we signed the SOVFA between the Philippines and France only one year after his Excellency, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. authorized us to begin negotiations on this treaty and we signed it today on his expressed instructions to expedite matters given his realization of the importance of our two countries' relationships and with the Philippines and the rest of Europe," Teodoro said in his speech.

He said the agreement was signed in record time as the two nations "had years of trust and confidence in working and dealing with one another."

"And we have shared values, shared objectives, and shared visions for both our future generations and the current generations. So, this is a function of stewardship in several things, in enhancing both our individual and collective defense capabilities," he said.

Teodoro also called the SOVFA a manifestation of the need for cross-regional cooperation in security and defense.

"And it is a celebration of convergence. And by convergence, we do not necessarily mean combined operations of Philippine troops and French troops in one area. But both of us, perhaps even working separately in areas where we have capabilities and influence for a shared goal and purpose," he said.

Teodoro thanked the people of France, on behalf of all Filipinos, for the signing of the SOVFA, which he said is the "most expressive symbol of our sovereignties and the symbol of trust" aimed at working together to make the world a better place for future generations.

"And lastly, it is a recognition of the contributions of our people to each other's countries. And a commitment that we will work together to safeguard their safety and well-being wherever they may be, whether in France or in the Philippines or wherever where we can both help each other," he added.

A joint statement, meanwhile, said the two ministers discussed current regional security issues in the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East/ South-West Asia and Europe, underscoring the importance of multilateralism, rules-based international order, and calling for the peaceful resolution of disputes and the strengthening of supply chain resilience in the context of crisis.

Both sides expressed adherence to the spirit and provisions of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and its primacy, as well as the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea.

The Philippines also welcomed France's rapprochement towards ASEAN and the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus), pointing out the very valuable participation of French representatives in the expert working groups on humanitarian assistance and disaster response and maritime security.

Both sides welcomed the fruitful dynamic of interactions between France and the Philippines, guided by the December 2023 Letter of Intent on strengthening the bilateral defense relationship.

"Secretary Teodoro and Minister Vautrin acknowledged the positive development of the cooperation, demonstrated by the regular convening of the bilateral defense dialogues, visits by defense and armed forces delegations, regular educational exchanges, port visits and aerial stopovers, as well as naval and disaster response training activities," the DND said.

Teodoro and Vautrin reaffirmed their determination for a stronger long-term partnership and the common will to pursue the objectives of the December 2023 Letter of Intent, especially regarding the legal framework of the defense relationship. (PNA)

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PH Navy vessel avoids collision with Chinese warship in WPS

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

March 27, 2026, 9:24 am

MANILA -- The Philippine Navy ship BRP Benguet (LS-507) avoided a potential collision after a dangerous maneuver by a Chinese missile frigate while it was conducting a routine operation near Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on March 25.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines' Western Command (Wescom), in a statement Thursday night, said the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) missile frigate has the bow/pennant number 532.

"While conducting lawful operations, BRP Benguet encountered the PLAN vessel, which executed an unsafe and unprofessional maneuver by closing in and passing at a dangerously close distance," it said.

Wescom said such dangerous maneuvers are provocative and constitute a clear violation of the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.

"Despite this, the measured and decisive actions of LS-507 effectively prevented escalation while ensuring the safety of all personnel on board," it added.

Likewise, Wescom called on the PLAN to adhere to established international rules and norms to prevent incidents at sea.

It also added that it will continue to perform its lawful maritime operations with professionalism and resolve in exercising the country's sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the WPS. (PNA)

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War against Iran draining US Tomahawk missile stockpile, alarming Pentagon: Report

Iran Press TV

Friday, 27 March 2026 11:21 AM

US military has fired more than 850 Tomahawk cruise missiles in four weeks of its war against Iran, burning through the precision weapons at a rate that has alarmed Pentagon officials and prompted internal discussions about how to make more available, according to a report by The Washington Post, citing sources.

The heavy expenditure - a part of the so-called 'Operation Epic Fury', which began on February 28 with the assassination of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and some top-ranking commanders as well as ordinary civilians - has raised concerns about the strain on US weapons stockpiles, the report stated.

According to analysts, the US currently produces approximately 90 to 100 Tomahawk missiles annually, meaning that the number fired in the past four weeks exceeds the total output of the past five to eight years, triggering alarm bells.

Each Tomahawk missile costs between $2 million and $4 million, depending on the variant, with some estimates placing the cost as high as $3.5 million per unit.

At that rate, military experts say, the 850 missiles fired represent a cost of up to $3 billion, a fraction of the overall war bill, which is estimated to have exceeded $18 billion so far.

Replacing the expended missiles is expected to take years. Building a single Tomahawk requires between 18 and 24 months due to complex components, including solid rocket motors, advanced seekers, and terrain-matching sensors that rely on single-source suppliers.

The fragile supply chain and historically low production rates have left manufacturers struggling to scale up rapidly, according to reports, citing military experts.

In an effort to address these vulnerabilities, the Pentagon recently entered into a seven-year framework agreement with Raytheon, an RTX business, aimed at ramping up annual Tomahawk production to more than 1,000 units.

The agreement, announced in early February, came just weeks before the US and the Israeli regime launched an unprovoked aggression on Iran. Officials acknowledge that even with expanded capacity, replenishing stockpiles depleted at the current rate will take years.

Iranian armed forces have so far carried out 83 waves of Operation True Promise 4, using their advanced missiles and drones to inflict heavy blows on the enemy.

Israeli military infrastructure in the occupied territories, as well as US military bases scattered across the region, have been destroyed and made "uninhabitable," according to the New York Times and other US media outlets.

Importantly, US military had used Tomahawk missiles in its attack on an elementary school in southern Iran's Minab that killed more than 170 schoolchildren on February 28.

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'Miracle': Lebanon's Hezbollah conducts over 100 anti-Israel operations in one day

Iran Press TV

Friday, 27 March 2026 9:42 AM

The Hezbollah resistance movement has carried out 103 retaliatory operations against Israeli targets inside Lebanon and the occupied Palestinian territories within the past 24 hours.

According to statements released by Hezbollah, resistance fighters exploded bombs planted on the Deir Siryan path and the way connecting Tayyebah to Qantarah, targeting Israeli armored vehicles and causing casualties among the occupation forces.

They also fired missiles towards Galilee, triggering sirens in the Meskaf Aam settlement.

They further launched missile strikes on Israeli military bases of Eliyakim and Tifen east of Akka, as well as Zeiyo in Haifa.

Additionally, Hezbollah fighters targeted a Merkava tank close to Lebanon's border with the occupied lands and clashed with Israeli troops near Naqura.

They also conducted drone attacks on a gathering of Israeli forces in Naqura.

Hebrew media reported that the missile strikes were one of the harshest carried out by Hezbollah over the past few weeks.

They added that the Israeli military ad demanded additional reinforcements on the front of the battle with Hezbollah.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Israeli army announced that a regime's officer had been killed in clashes in southern Lebanon.

The Israeli regime intensified its attacks on Lebanon concurrent with the launch of its joint aggression with the US against Iran on February 28. Hezbollah, in response, has increased its operations against Israeli positions in the occupied territories, launching rockets and drones at military targets and settlements.

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.

Hezbollah creating 'miracle': Yemeni official

A senior member of Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement said that what Hezbollah is doing these days is "something like a miracle".

In a post on his Telegram channel, Nasruddin Amer hailed Hezbollah's anti-Israel operations as "amazing and unbelievable," stressing that the group's fighters have been "the men of faith, honesty, stability and military innovation throughout the history."

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Zelenskyy: Ukraine needs 700,000 tonnes of diesel and gasoline per month to supply entire country

Photo: President's Office / www.president.gov.ua

Ukraine requires 700,000 tonnes of diesel and gasoline per month to supply the entire country, including the military, with annual volumes amounting to 7.27.4 million tonnes, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

"As of today, the army is fully supplied. The army is our priority. We clearly understand the volumes. Total supplies of diesel and gasoline for the entire country, including the army, amount to about 700,000 tonnes per month. We roughly estimate annual volumes at 7.27.4 million tonnes," Zelenskyy said during a video call with journalists on Saturday.
Romania and Albania strengthen their military cooperation

Romania - Ministry of National Defence

Press release No. 59

27.03.2026

On March 26 and 27, The Chief of Defence Staff, General Gheorghita Vlad, had an official meeting with the Chief of General Staff of the Republic of Albania's Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, in Bucharest and Sibiu.

The talks agenda focused on strengthening bilateral military cooperation, with emphasis on joint training, participation in multinational exercises and development of military educational programs. The officials also analysed ways to enhance cooperation within allied structures and capitalize on joint operational experience, as well as opportunities for involvement in regional initiatives.

The visit included activities conducted within Headquarters Multinational Corps South-East and the training facilities in Romania.

The two Chiefs of Defence emphasized the important role of cooperation between Romania and Albania in increasing regional stability and strengthening cooperation within NATO. The dialogue reconfirmed the joint commitment to developing modern capabilities and to continuing active participation in allied missions and exercises.

The Press Office

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Senators Shaheen, Grassley, Wicker, Durbin, Tillis, Warren, Representatives Turner and Wagner Press Administration to Impose Sanctions on Milorad Dodik

Senate Foreign Relations Committee

March 27, 2026

WASHINGTON -- Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Representatives Mike Turner (R-OH) and Ann Wagner (R-MO) sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent calling on the Administration to impose sanctions on former Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik and his associates, given their ongoing actions to threaten the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The lawmakers warned that Mr. Dodik's continued secessionist rhetoric, coordination with foreign actors and efforts to undermine the Dayton Peace Agreement risk destabilizing the Western Balkans at a critical moment and urged the Administration to comply with new sanctions passed in the recent Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act. They also noted that the Administration's prior decision to remove sanctions on Mr. Dodik has emboldened his behavior and undermined U.S. credibility in the region.

"We write with concern regarding the actions, rhetoric and foreign influence operations of former president of the Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik and his associates which carry considerable implications for the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina," wrote the lawmakers. "On January 9, 2026, Mr. Dodik, along with current and former Republika Srpska government officials, organized and participated in the Commemoration Ceremony of Republika Srpska Day, despite decisions of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina regarding observance of that Day."

"It is clear that Mr. Dodik's recent actions merit sustained and close scrutiny," continued the lawmakers. "From organizing and participating in events deemed unconstitutional by Bosnia and Herzegovina's Constitutional Court to amplifying divisive rhetoric and advocating for Republika Srpska's withdrawal from the Dayton framework, his conduct directly threatens regional stability. His engagement with foreign entities to advance independence further underscores the urgency of a U.S. response."

"Mr. Dodik's ongoing actions, specifically those undertaken through the government of Republika Srpska which direct lobbyists to advance independence, qualify as sanctionable activity under Section 8335 of the NDAA, given that these actions 'threaten the peace, security, stability, or territorial integrity of any area or state in the Western Balkans,'" concluded the lawmakers. "We therefore call on your respective departments to make the respective determinations on the relevant persons, in accordance with the law."

Full text of the letter is available HERE and provided below.

Dear Secretary Bessent and Secretary Rubio,

We write with concern regarding the actions, rhetoric and foreign influence operations of former president of the Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik and his associates which carry considerable implications for the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Given Mr. Dodik's continued conduct aimed at undermining the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, we request that you impose sanctions on Mr. Dodik, and any relevant associates, pursuant to the Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act, passed into law overwhelmingly as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) (P.L. 119-60).

We have repeatedly expressed concern over Mr. Dodik's actions to undermine the foundational framework of the Dayton Peace Agreementthe United States-brokered peace accord that ended the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina and has guided U.S. foreign policy for more than three decades. Mr. Dodik has increasingly made secessionist demands aimed at enhancing Republika Srpska's autonomy and challenged the authority of state-level institutions, including judicial and military bodies, as well as sustained attacks on the Office of the High Representative.

Following the Trump Administration's October 29, 2025, decision to remove prior sanctions on Mr. Dodik and his associates, Mr. Dodik has continued secessionist rhetoric that undermines the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. While we recognize that the Trump Administration's decision to remove Mr. Dodik and his associates from financial and visa sanctions may have reflected an attempt to put Bosnia and Herzegovina on a path to greater political stability, Mr. Dodik's subsequent actions have made it clear that he has no interest in pursuing that path. Though Mr. Dodik no longer holds a formal position of authority in the Republika Srpska, he is still widely recognized as the leader of his party, SNSD, and has gone so far as to claim that he is still the rightful President of the Republika Srpska.

It is clear that Mr. Dodik's recent actions merit sustained and close scrutiny. For example:

On January 9, 2026, Mr. Dodik, along with current and former Republika Srpska government officials, organized and participated in the Commemoration Ceremony of Republika Srpska Day, despite decisions of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina regarding observance of that Day.

Following his delisting, Mr. Dodik has continued to use his public platform, particularly the social media platform "X" to advocate for policies that threaten the stability and territorial integrity of the Western Balkans. He has called for the right to self-determination for Republika Srpska, advocated for Republika Srpska to leave the Dayton Peace Agreement and has continued divisive rhetoric against Bosnia and Herzegovina's multi-ethnic character.

On February 5, 2026, during his first visit to the United States following his delisting, Mr. Dodik's public and private statements continued to express policy platforms that undermine U.S. policy in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ahead of his visit, he called Sarajevo the "enemy of Republika Srpska," claimed the right to self-determination and called for the expulsion of the High Representative.

A Canadian firm, Dickens & Madson (Canada), Inc., has been contracted by the Government of the Republika Srpskawhich Mr. Dodik still exercises significant influence overwith the explicitly stated goal to "secure the support of the United States and obtain independence from Bosnia and Herzegovina," which is in violation of the Dayton Peace Agreement.

On November 25, 2025, a Bosnian official who was recently delisted by the United States, Stasa Kosarac, sent the Office of the High Representative a Nazi-era paramilitary SS unite helmet and accused him of being 'the occupier' and claimed that he would soon "leave the country." This episode is part of a sustained pattern of behavior from Mr. Dodik and his associates who have criticized and undermined the authority of the Office of the High Representative.

Section 8335 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year FY2026 (P.L. 119-60; Title XII, Subtitle F) requires the imposition of sanctions on individuals who have "undertaken actions or policies that threaten the peace, security, stability, or territorial integrity of any areas of state in the Western Balkans." The law, which outlines specific criteria, requires the imposition of sanctions no later than 90 days following enactment, which is March 18, 2026.

Mr. Dodik's ongoing actions, specifically those undertaken through the government of Republika Srpska which direct lobbyists to advance independence, qualify as sanctionable activity under Section 8335 of the NDAA, given that these actions "threaten the peace, security, stability, or territorial integrity of any area or state in the Western Balkans." We therefore call on your respective departments to make the respective determinations on the relevant persons, in accordance with the law.

We also request that you review the evidence compiled that justified Mr. Dodik's previous designations under Executive Order 14033 to determine whether Mr. Dodik has seized to engage in acts of corruption under his patronage network.

The United States has played an important role in maintaining peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is in our national security interest to ensure that actors who seek to undermine over thirty years of hard-fought peace are held to account before greater instability ensues. We look forward to your response.

###

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U.S., Guyana launch medical mission LAMAT 2026

News | March 27, 2026

By Maj. Stephani Schafer Air Forces Southern Public Affairs

GEORGETOWN, Guyana -- U.S. and Guyanese officials gathered March 16, 2026, in Georgetown to officially launch the Guyana portion of the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) 2026 mission, marking another milestone in the nations' long-standing health partnership.

The two-week mission, scheduled for March 16-27, brings together U.S. Air Force medical professionals and Guyanese healthcare providers to deliver specialized care while strengthening regional health resilience across the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

The Honorable Dr. Frank Anthony, Minister of Health of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, spoke during the opening ceremony about the partnership and cooperation that have emerged from previous LAMAT missions in 2023 and 2025, along with his inputs on why these engagements are fruitful for the nation.

"These exchanges allow our professionals to learn from the team that is visiting and to extend the boundaries of where they can go in medicine. And I think for some of you visiting [from the U.S.], it gives you the opportunity to work in a different type of medical facility," Anthony said. "There are advantages for both sides, to having this type of mission."

LAMAT missions are part of a broader Health Security Cooperation initiative led by Air Forces Southern (AFSOUTH) that integrates U.S. military medical services with host nation providers. The effort supports immediate medical relief while fostering long-term cooperation and trust between the U.S. and partnering nations.

Over the next two weeks, a multi-disciplinary team of U.S. Air Force medical personnel will integrate with local providers in medical facilities across Georgetown, Linden, and West Demerara.

These locations were identified by the Guyana Ministry of Health and hospital directors based on local priorities and specialized needs that align with U.S. Air Force capabilities. Medical services include primary care, minor surgeries, dental procedures and ophthalmology care. Additionally, technical teams will focus on medical equipment repair to ensure hospital infrastructure remains sustainable long after the mission concludes, while medical administration teams collaborate to manage daily operations, staff, logistics and records management.

For participating Airmen, the mission also serves as a critical readiness opportunity.

LAMAT highlights the Air Force's Total Force concept, bringing together the unique skills of both Active Duty and Reserve Airmen. Operating in resource-constrained environments outside the continental United States, allows medical teams to sharpen their expeditionary skills. This real-world training also ensures that Airmen remain trained, equipped and ready to respond to any global contingency, from natural disasters to combat operations, anywhere, any time.

"LAMAT is about working side by side, sharing expertise, strengthening medical capacity and building the relationships that make our teams stronger together," said U.S. Air Force Col. Ted Liszeski, Mission Director for the Guyana LAMAT mission. "The mission is not about one nation assisting another, it's about collaboration; it's about learning from one another; and it's about strengthening readiness through partnership."

By working side-by-side at the bedside, U.S. and Guyanese medical professionals strengthen interoperability and their ability to work together seamlessly. This collaboration reinforces the U.S. commitment to being a trusted partner in the Caribbean and Lesser Antilles region, while supporting shared security and well-being of the hemisphere.

This commitment was underscored by Mr. John Crippen, Deputy Chief of Mission for the U.S. Embassy Guyana, who highlighted the importance of continuing to build the bilateral relationship.

"The robust health partnership between the us and Guyana has developed over decades," said Crippen. "The LAMAT 2026 mission reflects the United States' enduring partnership with Guyana and our shared commitment to improving healthcare outcomes for the Guyanese people."

As clinical operations begin, the focus remains on one team, working together to deliver lasting impact. All care provided by U.S. personnel is designed to complement, not replace, local services. Medical professionals will work together to ensure seamless continuity of care once the two-week mission concludes on March 27.

For more updates on the LAMAT 2026 mission, follow official social media channels using the hashtag #LAMAT26, or visit: https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/LAMAT2026.

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Trump Says US Raid on Venezuela Yielded Five-Fold Profit

Sputnik News

20260327

NEW YORK (Sputnik) - US President Donald Trump said that the operation in Venezuela proved financially beneficial for the United States.

"We had 100 million barrels of oil in the first week. We more than paid for the entire attack. In fact, we made probably four or five times more than the cost of that attack," Trump told the Fox News broadcaster on Thursday.

The United States is taking "hundreds of millions of barrels of oil from Venezuela," he said.

"And we are giving them a lot and we are keeping a lot," the US leader said.

In early January, the United States launched an attack on Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The presidential couple was flown to New York to face trial for their alleged involvement in "narco-terrorism" and posing a threat, including to the US.

On Thursday, the second court hearing took place in New York. According to a Sputnik correspondent, Maduro appeared noticeably thinner, he was dressed in a loose olive prison uniform in the courtroom, without handcuffs but wearing shackles.

 Sputnik

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Venezuelan Diplomats Arrive in Washington for Talks with US State Department

Sputnik News

20260327

MEXICO CITY (Sputnik) - Venezuelan diplomats are presently in Washington DC on a working visit, Vice Minister Oliver Blanco announced, after wrapping up initial talks with US State Department counterparts.

"We are in Washington representing Acting President Delcy Rodriguez and the Venezuelan people, at this new phase of bolstering bilateral ties between the United States and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela," Blanco said on X on Thursday.

The delegation has already met with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, US Senior Bureau Official for Western Hemisphere Affairs Michael Kozak and US Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs Caleb Orr to "explore opportunities for strengthening bilateral relations in the interests of both nations' peoples," Blanco said.

Further engagements with US officials will continue in the coming days, he added.

The Venezuelan delegation also features Felix Plasencia, charge d'affaires to the US, who echoed Blanco's remarks. He noted that Blanco's trip aims to reestablish Venezuela's diplomatic presence in Washington and address key concerns for Venezuelan citizens.

The visit unfolds amid a gradual restoration of contacts between Caracas and Washington. Previously, both sides expressed commitment to pursuing mutually beneficial cooperation.

 Sputnik

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio Remarks to Press

US Department of State

Remarks

Marco Rubio, Secretary of State

Le Bourget Airport

Paris, France

March 27, 2026

SECRETARY RUBIO: We had really good meetings. I mean, obviously it was an opportunity to talk to our allies in the G7 and outline the perspective of what we have going on with Iran. And we talked about a lot of things, but obviously the Iran operations. And we're very clear, as we've been from the very beginning - the objectives of this mission have been clear from the very first night the President announced it. We're going to destroy Iran's navy, destroy their air force. We are going to basically destroy their ability to make missiles and drones in their factories. And we're going to substantially - and I mean dramatically - reduce the number of missile launchers so that they cannot hide behind these things to build a nuclear weapon and threaten the world.

As the Department of War has consistently outlined, we are on or ahead of schedule in that operation and expect to conclude it at the appropriate time here, in a matter of weeks, not months, and the progress is going very well. Obviously, we have some work to do. We have to finish the job, and we are finishing that job.

I did describe to our allies, however, that immediately after this thing ends and our - we're done with our objectives, one of the immediate challenges we're going to face is an Iran that may decide that they want to set up a tolling system in the Strait of Hormuz. Not only is this illegal; it's unacceptable. It's dangerous to the world, and it's important that the world have a plan to confront it.

The United States is prepared to be a part of that plan. We don't have to lead that plan, but we - we're happy to be a part of it. But these countries have a lot at stake, not just the G7 countries, but countries in Asia and all over the world have a lot at stake and should contribute greatly to that effort to ensure that neither the Strait of Hormuz or, frankly, any international waterways should ever be something that's controlled or tolled by a nation-state or by a terroristic government like the one that exists in Iran today, and that's their radical clerical regime.

So there seemed to be a lot of buy-in to that concept. There's a lot of work happening right now. The UK has played a prominent role in bringing that together, but other countries as well, and there seemed to be a lot of acceptance of all that. And our allies and partners here, at least to me, seem to be appreciative of updates on our operation and an understanding of what lies ahead over the next few weeks. Okay?

QUESTION: Sir, those couple of weeks - how seriously is the United States considering deploying ground troops? And in those couple of weeks, will you - what exactly will you be doing?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, I won't discuss military tactics. I don't think anyone in our system is going to talk to you about what we have planned and what we intend to do, and there's obvious reasons for it. But to the extent it has to do with, like, military tactics and plans, I would refer you to the Department of War, and the Department of War is probably going to tell you they can't tell you anything. So other than to say that we have objectives - I've told you what those objective are - and we are very confident that we are on the verge of achieving them very, very soon.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, on the Strait of Hormuz.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, did you think that any of the - any of the G7 were upset or off-put at all by the President's comments and the - and is there 

SECRETARY RUBIO: They never act that way in front of me. Maybe they say that to you guys or maybe they say that in other interviews or when they go on the press, but not in front of me they don't. I never get that. On the contrary, these meetings are oftentimes about thanking America for the role we played in trying to bring peace in Sudan, the recognition that the President played a key role in ending what was happening in Gaza, a recognition of the role we've played in stabilizing Syria, a recognition - despite what they may have said in the press - that what we did in Venezuela was good for the world and good for our region in the Western Hemisphere, a recognition of the role we played in setting up, along with others like Canada, the Gang Suppression Force in Haiti. So - and appreciation for the mediating role we've tried to play in this war between Russia and Ukraine.

So I don't know. I mean, you guys ask me these questions, like if I go into these meetings and these people are angry. No one there screams or raises their voices or says anything negative. And if they did, I would remind them that - I don't need to, but I would remind them of the role America has played over the last year has been a very productive role and very helpful to them.

And I would just say this - and I said this yesterday; I'll say it again now. Iran is - not the Iranian people. The Iranian people are phenomenal people. They deserve way better than what they have, which is a radical, Shia clerical regime that has basically taken that country's wealth and used it not to build roads and bridges, not to build health care systems or universities, not to build a better, more prosperous country. They've used the wealth of that country to sponsor terrorism, build rockets, build drones, build missiles, build sea mines. That's what they've done with it, and tried to kill people all over the world. And this has to be dealt with.

That country was a threat for 47 years, okay? That regime has been trying to kill - and has been killing - Americans all over the world for 47 years. We have a President that was not going to allow that to continue unfettered. So when we are done - Iran was already weak. When we are done with them here over the next couple of weeks, they will be weaker than they've been in recent history. And they will not be able to hide behind those weapons to break out and get a nuclear weapon, which would be crazy. For these people to ever get nuclear weapons would be crazy. Look what they're willing to do with the weapons they have now. They hit embassies; they target hotels; they try to kill civilians; they lash out at all their neighbors. Imagine if these radical lunatics had a nuclear weapon to threaten the world with.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, on Russia-Ukraine. You tweeted out that you conveyed the President's commitment to a ceasefire and negotiated settlement. Is ceasefire back on the table now?

SECRETARY RUBIO: In where?

QUESTION: Russia-Ukraine.

SECRETARY RUBIO: Oh, Russia-Ukraine. Yeah, we always want to see - we want to see the end of that war. I don't know why that's been a question. The last meetings we had on it were last Saturday in Miami, where Steve and Jared met with the Ukrainian side. There are no meetings scheduled as of now. Obviously that war goes on and it continues, and it's a very unfortunate war. The loss of life there is tremendous. The Russian side in particular is losing - I think they're losing now more soldiers than they're recruiting. But it's a - we - we're ready. We're ready to play whatever constructive role we can to bring that war to an end. But obviously there are a lot of other things going on in the world as well.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, on Russia-Ukraine, there were reports that the U.S. was going to divert some weapons for Ukraine in the PURL system to help make up for the munitions expended in the Middle East. Is that accurate and is that a message you communicated to allies?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, it hasn't happened yet. Nothing yet has been diverted, but it could. I mean, frankly, it's not diverted. These are not diverted weapons. These are our weapons; these are sales. These are military sales through PURL paid for by NATO. And so the question at some point is if we have a need - let me be clear, if the United States has a military need, whether it is to replenish our stocks or that fulfills some mission in the national interest of the United States, we're always going to come first when it comes to our stuff. That's true of every country in the world, unless they're a country that doesn't want to survive.

So I don't have anything to announce. It's not like I can tell you that that's happening right now. But it could happen, and it could have always happened. If we need something for America and it's American, we're going to keep it for America first. But as of now, that has not happened. So far PURL has been unaffected by this operation.

QUESTION: Have you seen an increase in Russia's support for Iran in this war? And why was now an appropriate time for sanctioned Russian lawmakers to come to the U.S.? Why?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, that was scheduled previously. Not all of them were able to come. Only four I think we authorized to come. We still think - let's separate two issues here. Russia's still a powerful country with nuclear weapons and it is important for nuclear powers to have some engagement at the governmental level, just like we do at the diplomatic level. I don't think that was a major concession in any way, shape, or form.

What was the first part of your question?

QUESTION: Has there been an increase in Russia's support to Iran?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Look, I'm not going to - let me put it to you this way. There is nothing Russia is doing for Iran that is in any way impeding or affecting our operation or the effectiveness of it. That's the best way that I could put it.

QUESTION: Secretary, did the U.S. tell Zelenskyy that security guarantees depend on withdrawing from Donbas?

SECRETARY RUBIO: That's a lie. And I saw him say that, and it's unfortunate he would say that, because he knows that's not true and that's not what he was told. What he was told is the obvious: Security guarantees are not going to kick in until there's an end to the war, because otherwise you're in - you're getting yourself involved in the war. Okay, what is a security guarantee? It's troops that are willing to step in and secure. If you put that in place now, that means you're injecting yourself in the war. What he was told very clearly - and he should have understood it - is that the security guarantees come only after there is an end to the war. But that was not attached to unless he gives up territory. I don't know why he says these things; they're just not true.

QUESTION: What is the U.S. position on Donbas?

SECRETARY RUBIO: We told the Ukrainian side what the Russians are insisting on. We're not advocating for it; we've explained it to them. It's their choice to make. It's not for us to make for them. We've never told them they have to take it or leave it. The role we have played is to try to figure out what both sides want and see if we can bridge the middle ground. The decision ultimately is up to Ukraine. If they don't want to make - if they don't want to make certain decisions or certain concessions, then the war keeps going. Same with the Russian side: If they don't want to make certain concessions to the Ukrainian side, then the war keeps going.

We're going to continue to try to facilitate what is possible. If it's not possible, then the war will continue, sadly.

QUESTION: Secretary, on troops being sent to the Middle East 

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary 

SECRETARY RUBIO: What do you have set up? Are you a court reporter?

QUESTION: (Laughter.) It's a standing desk.

SECRETARY RUBIO: Oh, okay. Go ahead.

QUESTION: The troops being sent 

SECRETARY RUBIO: How come the rest of you don't have that? (Laughter.) Go ahead.

QUESTION: The troops being sent to the Middle East, sir. What role could they serve, other than preparing the way for a potential ground invasion? And while you speak about several weeks, are you concerned that this could embroil the U.S. in the kind of prolonged contract - conflict, excuse me, that President Trump came to office promising to avoid?

SECRETARY RUBIO: This is not going to be a prolonged conflict. The objectives I've outlined to you. Again, I repeat them, because I see these reports of, like, the U.S. is not clear on what objectives are. We've been as clear as you can possibly be from the very first night of what the objectives of this mission are. We're going to destroy their factories that make missiles and rockets and drones; we're going to destroy their navy; we're going to destroy their air force; and we are going to significantly destroy their missile launchers so they can never hide behind these things to get a nuclear weapon. We can achieve - we are achieving all those objectives. We are ahead of schedule on most of them, and we can achieve them without any ground troops - without any.

Now, in terms of why there's deployments, number one, the President has to be prepared for multiple contingencies, which I'm not going to discuss in the media. And again, I refer you to the Department of War who will probably tell you the exact same thing. But we can achieve all of our objectives without ground troops, but we are always going to be prepared to give the President maximum optionality and maximum opportunity to adjust to contingencies, should they emerge.

QUESTION: Can I ask you 

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, on Cuba, two questions. So for decades you have been a proponent of regime change, but now there seems to be a sense that perhaps President Trump would be happy with a win which would only entail an economic deal. So 

SECRETARY RUBIO: So where do you - where - you said there's a sense. Where do you get that sense from?

QUESTION: There is a lot of - well, there is a lot of reporting that leads me to my second question.

SECRETARY RUBIO: No, there's a lot of fake - all right, any - any - no, no, no, no, no. Any reporting on Cuba that you didn't get from me or the President is a liar.

QUESTION: Okay, okay. Well, is - okay.

SECRETARY RUBIO: Because they're the only people working on it. Okay.

QUESTION: Do you still want regime change or 

SECRETARY RUBIO: I'm just warning you guys, all these sources that are pitching you on Cuba don't know jack. Okay? They're not in the mix.

QUESTION: Okay.

SECRETARY RUBIO: I promise you, they don't know what the hell is happening.

QUESTION: Do you still want regime change or 

SECRETARY RUBIO: Yes.

QUESTION:  would you be okay with an economic deal, or no?

SECRETARY RUBIO: What do you mean an economic deal? Look, Cuba's economy needs to change, and their economy can't change unless their system of government changes. It's that simple. Who's going to invest billions of dollars in a communist country? Who's going to invest billions of dollars in a communist country run by incompetent communists, which is even worse than communists. The only thing worse than a communist is an incompetent communist. And so their system of government has to change because they will never be able to develop economically without those changes. Economic change is important. Giving people economic and political freedom is important, but they come hand in hand. They come together.

QUESTION: Is there a deal for you 

SECRETARY RUBIO: I don't know why there's any confusion on that.

QUESTION: Is there a deal where - for you where the Castro family remains in place and that's it?

SECRETARY RUBIO: It's not about the Castro family. It's about a system of government and a regime that doesn't work. Guys, a couple things on Cuba. I didn't come all the way to France to talk about Cuba, but let's talk about Cuba. It's perfect. I'm happy to do it because we actually talked about it in the G7, so it's actually 

QUESTION: We cannot not ask this.

SECRETARY RUBIO: No, no, of course not. Plus we talked about it in the G7, okay? Everybody talks about these blackouts. Cuba has been having blackouts all of last year, all the year before. There isn't a naval blockade surrounding Cuba. The reason why Cuba doesn't have oil and fuel is because they want it for free. And people don't give away oil and fuel for free on a regular basis, unless it was the Soviet Union subsidizing them or Maduro subsidizing them. They just don't do it. They may get a shipment here or there, or now and then someone - but not enough to sustain their country, okay? So the reason why they're having - that's why they don't have fuel. And the reason why they're having blackouts is because they have equipment from the 1950s and '60s that they never maintained or kept up, okay?

But ultimately, the reason why Cuba's a disaster is because their economic system doesn't work. It's a nonsensical system, and the people of Cuba are suffering because of the decisions - because of the unwillingness of the people who govern that country to make the changes that need to be made so they can join the 21st century. It is sad that the only place - Cubans can only be successful if they leave the country. That's a very sad thing. You see Cubans go all over the world and find success, except in Cuba, and that has to change. And for that to change, you need to change the people in charge, you need to change the system that runs the country, and you need to change the economic model that it's following. That's the only way forward if Cuba wants a better future. We've expressed that clearly and repeatedly over many years, and maybe now there's an opportunity to do it. We'll see.

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, going back to Iran, is it your understanding that they'll convey their response to the 15-point plan today? And are you looking for anything in particular?

SECRETARY RUBIO: We haven't gotten it yet. We haven't gotten it yet. Look, we've got messages. We've had an exchange of messages and indications from the Iranian system, whatever's left of it, about a willingness to talk about certain things. We're waiting for further clarification about who are we - who is it that we need to be talking to, what will we be talking about, and when will we be talking. I don't have any news for you on that yet. It could happen at any moment. It could happen today; it could happen tomorrow. We're not predicting it, and we're going to continue with our operations.

QUESTION: What will signal that they're still serious, if Iran will (inaudible) 

SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, I mean, a signal is that they call you and say these are the people that speak on our behalf now, this is what they're allowed to talk about, and this is when we're prepared to meet to talk further. That would be a signal. But in the meantime, we continue with our operation, a very successful operation. Every single day, Iran gets weaker and weaker. The Department of War is doing a tremendous job of weakening that regime and its ability to lash out against its neighbors and threaten the world.

QUESTION: Can I ask you what the 

QUESTION: Are you happy with the European response to what you - what was presented today in terms of the patrolling?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, we had a good - I mean, yeah, I'm happy about there seemed to be agreement in that room that we need to be ready to do something. I mean, I think 

QUESTION: But is it okay - is it okay with you guys if they don't come in and do anything until after you - until after the U.S. operations?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, we don't - no, no, no, hold on. We're not asking for anybody's help on this war. The President has been clear. We're not asking for anybody to join the war. We're not asking for anyone to get involved in the war. We're not asking for anyone to get involved in this operation. We're not asking for that. We're not asking any country. We don't need it. We're doing it. We're doing the job and we're ahead of schedule, so that's not what we're talking about. We're talking about this.

There are some in the Iranian regime that are going around saying that they want to make the Strait of Hormuz tolling thing - they want to make it permanent. That's unacceptable. The whole world should be outraged by it. We're impacted by it a little bit, but the rest of the world is impacted by it a lot more, including many of the countries represented today here at the G7.

And so if those countries are deeply impacted by it, all we've said is you guys need to do something about it. We'll help you, but you guys are going to need to be ready to do something about, because when this conflict and when this operation ends, if the Iranians decide, well, now we control the Straits of Hormuz and you can only go through here if you pay us and if we allow you to, that's - not only is it illegal under international law and maritime law, it's unacceptable. And that can't be allowed to exist.

And so what we've said is that the countries that are most impacted by that should be willing to do something about it, and we'll help them. And that's what I said today and I had a good reception for that message.

QUESTION: Did you hear - did you hear about the foreign minister, the Iranian foreign minister, what he said at the UN Human Rights Commission this morning, accusing the U.S. and Israel of genocide essentially?

SECRETARY RUBIO: The Iranian 

QUESTION: Yes.

SECRETARY RUBIO: Oh, okay. Well, he's an expert in genocide. They're experts in that because they sponsor terrorism all over the world, and they've killed thousands and thousands of people. Look at the Middle East. Look at the Middle East, guys. Every problem in the Middle East tracks back to Iran. Hizballah - Iran. Shia militias that are destroying and threatening Iraq - Iran. Hamas - Iran. The Houthis - Iran. The - Assad when he was in Syria - Iran. The only time - the way - I mean, everywhere you turn, they're behind all of it. They are a destabilizing, dangerous, evil force that had to be dealt with, that have to be weakened.

QUESTION: Could I ask you about the West Bank? What's your level of concern about violence by settlers against Palestinians?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, we're concerned about that and we've expressed it, and I think there is concern in the Israeli Government about it as well. I'm sure you've seen the reports of some of these individuals who've also attacked security forces, Israeli security forces, in the process. So we're concerned about that, and obviously the President has expressed very clearly that he is against any sort of a change in the status quo in the West Bank. Obviously there's a lot going on in the world right now, but that is a topic we follow very closely.

QUESTION: Will there be repercussions if these attacks continue against the Palestinians 

SECRETARY RUBIO: Yeah, I don't - we've expressed our concern about it, and obviously I think the Israelis themselves have expressed concern. And so you've seen that some of these groups and individuals - maybe they're settlers, maybe they're just street thugs, but they've attacked security forces - Israelis as well. So I think you'll see the government there do something about it.

QUESTION: Sir, oil was one of the topics came up today, about Chernobyl power plant repair fund. Has the U.S. committed any funding?

SECRETARY RUBIO: We have not as of yet. It didn't come up directly in today's conversations, but I know it's been a topic that's been talked about. We haven't made a decision on what we can contribute to that yet.

QUESTION: Have we - on the temporary oil sanctions relief for Russian oil, I'm just wondering if those will truly be temporary, and what's the plan and timeframe on reimposing them?

SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, right now I think they expire April 9th or 10 - it's only about the oil that's in the water. So we don't have - that's not a permanent policy of the United States. Obviously we'll make adjustments if necessary given global conditions, but ultimately we don't - the President has not indicated his desire to permanently lift any of these sanctions. This has to do mostly with oil that's already out in the water and was either going to go to - for example, to China at a discount. Now it's just - the only - that oil is going to be sold one way or the other. The only difference is are more countries eligible to buy it to take a little bit of the strain off the global concern about what's happening in this operation.

QUESTION: And then on the Strait of Hormuz again, I mean, I know it's - there's been discussions of a potential multinational coalition after the conflict ends. I'm just wondering if any of the G7 countries you spoke to today gave any sort of early commitments that they would want their militaries to 

SECRETARY RUBIO: I think they all gave a commitment that there would - that they understood the necessity for it potentially and that there would be a need to participate in something like that. I think some of the confusion over the first couple weeks - maybe in the media, maybe in other forums - is this idea that somehow we were asking for that to start immediately. I think we've always viewed it as a post-conflict necessity.

Look, I don't care what Iran says. The first few tankers that go through the straits after this operation is over, they're going to want an escort from somebody or they're not going to be able to get insurance. So the world better step up. But we have a second problem, and that is: What if Iran decides, if whoever's in charge over there, whether this ayatollah is alive or a new ayatollah or whatever it is - what if they decide hey, we like this tolling, we're going to start charging everyone to come through here or we're going to blow you up? The world better step up and do something about it. And so - especially the countries that most depend on the straits - rich countries, powerful countries, capable countries.

So we'll be there to help. We're willing to be a part of that coalition. But we've encouraged others to sort of put it together, and many today signified not only that they understood that message and agreed with it, but they were working hard to make that happen.

All right, it's getting cold. We're out. Let's go.

QUESTION: Thank you, Mr. Secretary.

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UN Human Rights Council 61: UK Explanation of Vote on the draft resolution on the Occupied Palestinian Territory

Speech

UK Explanation of Vote on the draft resolution on the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Delivered by UK Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Eleanor Sanders

Published 27 March 2026

Location: Geneva

Delivered on: 27 March 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

Thank you, Mr President,

We wish to make an explanation of vote on draft resolution L.35.

The UK fully recognises that the human rights situation in Gaza and the West Bank remains dire. Civilians continue to suffer at an unacceptable scale.

The deregistration and closure of international NGOs risks cutting off life-saving assistance. The work of UNRWA to ensure that Palestinians have access to education and healthcare must be protected. Humanitarian assistance must be able to enter safely, rapidly and at scale.

The UK remains firmly committed to accountability for violations and abuses of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, wherever they occur. We welcome language condemning the targeting of civilians, including on 7 October 2023. However, we regret that the resolution does not call for accountability for all victims. All victims and their families deserve justice.

The UK thanks the OIC for presenting this resolution under agenda item 2, which is an appropriate framework for addressing country situations in a consistent and non-selective manner. We have engaged constructively on this text, and we appreciate the cooperative approach to negotiations taken by the OIC and the delegation of the State of Palestine.

We are grateful that some of our comments were incorporated. However, the UK continues to have concerns about how the draft resolution reflects the advisory opinions and provisional measures of the International Court of Justice. The UK fully respects the independence and authority of the ICJ and takes its advisory opinions seriously; with the rigour and consideration they deserve. We therefore believe it is essential that references to the ICJ accurately reflect the Court's findings. We are unable to support language that goes beyond what the Court itself has determined or implies legal conclusions that are proper for judicial determination.

For these reasons, the UK will call a vote and abstain.

We will continue to work with partners to improve the human rights situation, ease humanitarian suffering and support a credible political horizon for the Palestinian people and to ensure a secure Israel. Phase II of the 20 Point Plan must be implemented quickly to help lay the foundations for this.

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UN Human Rights Council 61: UK Statement for the resolution on South Sudan

Speech

UK Statement for the resolution on advancing human rights in South Sudan. Delivered by UK Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Eleanor Sanders

Published 27 March 2026

Location: Geneva

Delivered on: 27 March 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

Thank you, Mr President.

I am honoured to present, on behalf of a core group of Albania, Ireland, Norway and the UK, this draft resolution on Advancing Human Rights in South Sudan. This resolution seeks to extend the mandate of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan for a further year.

We present this against a deeply troubling backdrop in South Sudan, with evidence of renewed largescale conflict and ever more accounts of serious human rights violations and abuses, including violations against and abductions of children, widespread conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detention, forced recruitment, aerial bombardments and attacks against civilians.

Latest developments are a sobering reminder that reporting, monitoring, evidence preservation, and transitional justice remain vital tools for holding perpetrators to account. The Commission continues to play a critical role in all these areas.

Let me also use this opportunity to praise the efforts of others working tirelessly to improve the human rights situation in South Sudan. At this juncture we would like to pay tribute to the late Nicholas Haysom, a distinguished diplomat who served as the Secretary-General's Special Representative for South Sudan since 2021.

Mr President,

May I express my gratitude to Ambassador Deng of South Sudan, for the constructive discussions we have had on this text.

I also note the cooperation between the Commission and the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity, and welcome the continued access granted to the Commission's team in Juba.

Further, I thank and applaud numerous colleagues from across the Africa region, for helping strengthen the resolution by reflecting the latest regional efforts to resolve the conflict.

Mr President,

In the midst of a tragedy such as the one we are seeing unfold in South Sudan, prioritisation of human rights is essential - whether through the protection of civilians as provided by UNMISS, the capacity-building offered by the Office of the High Commissioner, or the independent investigative and accountability function of the Commission.

We must ensure that these efforts are complementary. And we must all continue to strive for a return to the Peace Agreement. That is central to delivering a future that the people of South Sudan deserve.

We therefore urge the Council to adopt this draft resolution and to vote in favour of the text, should a vote be called.

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Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

Department of Public Information . News and Media Division . New York

27 March 2026

The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's briefing by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General.

** Strait of Hormuz

Good afternoon. As I mentioned to you by email, we have an update on the SG's efforts around the Strait of Hormuz.

I can tell you that as the conflict in the Middle East unfolds and threatens to intensify, disruptions in the maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz risk creating a ripple effect impacting humanitarian needs and agricultural production in the coming months. While the Secretary-General is committed to making every effort to achieve a comprehensive and durable settlement of the conflict, immediate action is essential to mitigate these consequences.

To address these challenges, the Secretary-General has established a dedicated Task Force, led by Under-Secretary-General Jorge Moreira da Silva, the Executive Director of UNOPS, the UN Office of Project Services. This Task Force will also include representatives from the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and the International Chamber of Commerce.

Additional entities may be invited to participate as needed. The primary focus of this Task Force is to develop and propose technical mechanisms specifically designed to meet humanitarian needs in the Strait of Hormuz.

Drawing inspiration from relevant UN initiatives, including the UN Verification, Inspection and Monitoring Mechanism for Yemen, the Black Sea Grain Initiative, and the existing UN2720 Mechanism for Gaza, this new mechanism for the Strait of Hormuz aims to facilitate fertilizer trade, including the movement of related raw materials. The mechanism's operationalization will be done in close consultation with relevant Member States, with full respect for national sovereignty and established international legal frameworks.

If successful, it would also create confidence among Member States on the diplomatic approach to the conflict and constitute a valuable step towards a wider political settlement.

As part of his broader peacemaking mandate, the Secretary-General's Personal Envoy, Jean Arnault, will lead the political engagement with relevant Member States, supported by members of the Task Force.

And we shared this announcement with you electronically right now.

** Security Council

The Security Council this morning held closed consultations concerning the ongoing attacks on civilian infrastructure in Iran, including educational and health facilities. Our Assistant Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Khaled Khiari, briefed, as well as Gemma Connell, on behalf of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

** Lebanon

Turning to Lebanon, I want to reiterate our deep concern about the escalating rhetoric, the escalating hostilities between Israel and Hizbullah.

The territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon must be respected. The Lebanese Government's authority to have the monopoly on the use of force and the use of arms throughout its territory must also be respected.

Hizbullah must stop launching attacks into Israel.

And Israel must stop its military operations and strikes in Lebanon, which are hitting civilians the hardest.

As the Secretary-General has said, the Gaza model must not be replicated in Lebanon.

More than 1 million people are on the move in the country; that is one in five people in Lebanon.

According to UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), on average, 19,000 children are displaced every single day.

Israeli civilians on the southern side of the Blue Line have also been impacted.

There is simply no military solution to this conflict.

We urge all sides to avail themselves of diplomatic channels available to them and to recommit to the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701, which is the agreed road map toward a permanent ceasefire and a long-term solution.

Yesterday, our peacekeepers from UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) reported over 200 rockets and artillery shells fired from the area of operations towards Israel. The mission detected 1,325 trajectories from the south to the north of the Blue Line. That is the highest number since 2 March.

Peacekeepers recorded a high volume of artillery exchanges in the area of operations and observed 16 air strikes, including in Sector East and in Sector West.

Amid the exchanges of fire yesterday, a bullet also shattered a window in the UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura.

An artillery shell impacting the vicinity of a UN position, Al Qantarah in Sector West, also caused damage to buildings on the base. No injuries, thankfully, were reported.

Once again, we reiterate that all sides must abide by their obligations to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and respect for the inviolability of UN personnel and premises.

For their part, our humanitarian colleagues are continuing to scale up assistance in the country, in close coordination with the Government of Lebanon.

** Occupied Palestinian Territory

Turning to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, our colleagues at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) report that yesterday, two people were killed in the West Bank  one by Israeli settlers near Bethlehem, and the other by Israeli forces in Qalandia Camp, near Jerusalem. Since the onset of the regional escalation last month, over 150 settler attacks have resulted in casualties or property damage in about 90 Palestinian communities, which is more than six attacks every day.

Since January, such settler attacks and access restrictions have displaced nearly 1,700 Palestinians. Less than three months into 2026, this number has already surpassed the total for the year 2025. OCHA tells us that since 2023, 38 Palestinian communities have been emptied of their populations. Humanitarian organizations are assisting those who have been displaced.

In the Gaza Strip, the humanitarian response is continuing despite persistent access restrictions, supply chain& disruptions and continued strikes.

Yesterday, we and our partners offered services to 47 Palestinians who returned from Egypt through the Rafah Crossing. WHO (World Health Organization) and its partners supported the medical evacuation of 17 patients from Gaza. They exited with 30 of their caregivers. UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) delivered more than 13,000 primary healthcare consultations across 38 service points.

And our colleagues at UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) collected close to 2,000 cubic metres of solid waste and removed over 750 metric tons of debris.

In addition, our colleagues at UNOPS brought fuel into Gaza to power critical services, which is needed because the electricity grid has been down for almost 30 months now.

Kitchens supported by the World Food Programme (WFP) served about 1.5 million meals. The FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) distributed animal feed and cash to livestock herders to reduce reliance on food assistance, and they collected additional fodder from the Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem crossing to replenish their stocks. UNICEF also assisted in the delivery of 3,500 cubic metres of drinking water via trucks.

Meanwhile, OCHA also coordinated aid to displaced families whose tents were flooded by the recent rainstorms. Damage caused by rainfall impacted some 3,000 people, and UNICEF tells us that rains also disrupted water services.

** Myanmar

Quick update from Myanmar, which we haven't talked about in a while. It's been a year since the earthquake hit that country. The World Food Programme warns that communities struggling to rebuild are now being hit by the effects of the conflict in the Middle East.

Rising fuel prices are pushing up the cost of moving food and agricultural goods, placing additional strain on households already struggling to afford basic staples.

This crisis is also hitting Myanmar's farmers as they prepare for monsoon crops. With fertilizer demand expected to rise over the next three months, fuel shortages and rising input costs are threatening to push production expenses to double last year's levels.

WFP says this is expected to hit hardest in conflict and earthquake-impacted areas, such as Chin, Kachin, Kayah, Rakhine, Sagaing and Shan states.

It is expected to worsen food insecurity in a country where 12.4 million human beings  nearly one quarter of the population  are already facing acute hunger.

WFP needs $150 million in funding this year to assist 1.5 million people across the country with life-saving assistance and resilience support. Without sufficient funding, our colleagues say they will be forced to prioritize the most urgent needs, potentially scaling back on recovery efforts that help earthquake survivors rebuild livelihoods and reduce long-term dependence on aid.

** Earth Hour

Tomorrow, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. New York time, what do we have? Earth Hour, and this year, as Earth Hour marks its twentieth year, the Secretary-General is inviting all to join the millions who are turning off non-essential lights. In a message that we will issue tomorrow, he will note that Earth Hour began as a simple gesture. It is now a global signal: people everywhere are calling for climate action.

But it should be more than a shot in the dark, the Secretary-General will emphasize. Let it be a spark for change, a demand for faster emission cuts, a rapid and just transition from fossil fuels to renewables, and real support for communities already facing the worst impacts.

** Questions and Answers

Spokesman : Edith?

Question : Thank you, Steph. First, a follow-up on the announcement of the Secretary-General's appointment of this task force to propose some kind of a mechanism; does he envision something similar to what was established during the Black Sea Grain Initiative, where ships would be registered and there would be some kind of inspections? And secondly, when you say that the task force will operate "in close connection with Member States", can we assume that would include Iran, Israel and the United States, the three key players?

Spokesman : All right. Well, first of all, what the Secretary-General is announcing today is this Task Force. The operationalization is going to move forward. As mentioned, it is based on the past experiences we have, not only in the Black Sea but also the verification inspection for Yemen, the registration mechanism that UNOPS, I believe, runs in Gaza. So, we have a lot of experience on kind of these types of mechanisms in conflict zones. What exactly it will look like remains to be seen, because discussions will just start. I can tell you that over the last couple of days, the Secretary-General has been on the phone with the Foreign Minister of Iran. I think, he'll probably speak to the PR (Permanent Representative) again today. He just spoke to Mike Waltz. He spoke to the Foreign Minister of Egypt. He spoke to the Foreign Minister of Pakistan and also spoke to the Permanent Representative of Bahrain, and more calls will be taking place.

Question : And no contact with the Israeli Government in any way?

Spokesman : As more calls are had, I will share what information I can. Amelie and then Pam.

Question : Thanks, Steph. A follow-up on that. I understand you said you're going to look into previous experiences. But for example, for the Black Sea Grain Initiative, because there were accusations of the ships being militarized and used in the war. But we are not in the same context here. I mean, the ships carrying oil or fertilizer are not accused of participating in any kind of war. So how would you address that?

Spokesman : Listen, I think what needs to be clear, this is not about the shipments of oil, right? Commercial oil traffic. This is really focusing on how to alleviate the ongoing impact of this war. And I think you had the FAO representative here. We've had others talk about the immediate impact on people who have no connection to this conflict  the most vulnerable in the most vulnerable countries. At the same time, the Secretary-General will continue to encourage the negotiations that we are seeing being reported on to see an end to this conflict. So, we're able to do two things at the same time. And again, the task force will now be in touch with all the relevant Member States to see how this can be operationalized. Pam?

Question : Thank you, Steph. A little more on this mechanism. Do you foresee UN Security Council resolution on this?

Spokesman : I think we're... [cross talk]

Correspondent : Not there yet.

Spokesman : We are not there yet. Obviously, it will be important to have the full backing of the Member States. And I... and this is why the Secretary-General is involved in consultations right now.

Question : And if I understand it, this is a nose in the tent, so that, I mean, it's a partial movement...

Spokesman : What's a nose in the tent?

Correspondent : Of the camel, you know, it's an old adage.

Spokesman : Can you try to find some French thing?

Correspondent : Okay, this is a...

Spokesman : I'm not very good with camel and tents.

Correspondent : This is, yeah. I guess. This is...

Spokesman : A toe in the water?

Correspondent : No, it's, yeah, a toe in the water to a diplomatic solution to opening the Strait that is starting with some fertilizer, and then it might be a UN mechanism.

Spokesman : I mean, the immediate focus is on getting, as I said, to meet humanitarian needs, focused on fertilizer and agricultural products, right? And as we said, you know, if this is successful, and we very much hope it will be, and we hope that all Member States involved will support this, especially for the sake of people  like I mentioned, in Myanmar who are already being impacted, and we know what conditions they already live in  that this could also be a confidence building measure and can help the overall settlement of this conflict.

Question : And the final one on this, is just is there any country, like there was Turkiye for an operational thing that would be from the region? [cross talk]

Spokesman : I think all of that will be looked at.

Correspondent : Okay. Thank you.

Spokesman : Nabil, and then we'll come back.

Question : Thank you. So, how important is it for Iran to be engaged and on board for this initiative to be successful?

Spokesman : I mean, if you look at your geography, I would say pretty critical.

Question : And so, I think you mean by calls with the Iranian Foreign Minister and the PR here, that this was coordinated between the Secretary-General and Iran? Was this coordinated?

Spokesman : This is an initiative of the Secretary-General and within the remit of the good offices of a Secretary-General. And as part of that initiative, he's, of course, consulting with relevant Member States.

Question : And maybe last question. What is Hormuz Strait for the UN from a legal point of view? An Iranian territory? Is international? [cross talk]

Spokesman : From a legal point of view, it is international waters, and we need to see freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Correspondent : So, I'm a bit fuzzy on...

Spokesman : Fuzzy?

Question : Is this... yeah. So, the mechanism is already in place, like the idea of the mechanism is figured out, or is it an initiative and then they're trying to figure out how to make it operational. [cross talk]

Spokesman : No, we will work with relevant Member States, within the recognizing their sovereignty, international law on how to operationalize this.

Question : And who can basically secure the safe passages of ships and all? Because, you know, there are some initiatives in the Security Council that deal with this. [cross talk]

Spokesman : I understand. Yep. I mean, this is really focused on the humanitarian end, and we hope that all Member States can at least agree that we need to mitigate the impacts of this conflict on the most vulnerable, throughout the world. I think as SG said to you Wednesday about the planting season, you know, it's fertilizer. If we can't plant in the next few months, it will have a ripple effect on hunger down the line.

Question : And is the SG hoping, you know, some country would step up and take, sort of maybe the lead like just like the example of Turkiye with the Black Sea Initiative, or more of like a...

Spokesman : I think, there will be a lot of discussions going on. Pan?

Question : Thank you, Steph. There are reports that a nuclear facility in Iran was attacked this morning, a heavy water reactor.

Spokesman : Sorry. Say again?

Question : Heavy water reactor was struck by strikes this morning. So, is the SG concerned that the strike may create radiation risk to Iran that put whole region... [cross talk]

Spokesman : I think everyone should be concerned of strikes near or at any nuclear facilities. Yes, Edie?

Question : Another follow-up. Is there any timetable for this task force to come up with recommendations?

Spokesman : Well, I mean, they've already done. I mean, there's already some work done, but that's internally. The critical bit now is going to be work with those Member States involved.

Question : And on the briefings to the Security Council this morning, is there any chance of getting any details on what the briefer said?

Spokesman : We will try, but I think, yes, we will try to see what we can get you. Okay. Any more questions? Yes, go ahead.

Question : Just to confirm: So, is it correct to understand that crude oil is not currently within the scope of this market?

Spokesman : That is very correct to say. Okay. Enjoy your Friday.

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UNHCR calls for urgent support in Lebanon as humanitarian catastrophe looms

UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

Briefing notes

This is a summary of what was said by Karolina Lindholm Billing, UNHCR Representative in Lebanon - to whom quoted text may be attributed - at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

27 March 2026

Nearly a month into a rapidly escalating conflict, Lebanon is facing a deepening humanitarian crisis. Since 2 March, following intense Israeli strikes and widespread evacuation orders, more than 1 million people - one in five residents - have been forced to flee their homes. Displacement now stretches from the south and the Bekaa to Beirut and the north, and numbers continue to rise.

Even in displacement, people no longer feel safe. Last week, Israeli strikes hit central Beirut, including the densely populated neighbourhoods of Zokak Blat and Bashoura, where many people had sought safety. One strike landed just a block away from a school sheltering displaced families, one I had visited with the Governor of Beirut only days earlier. Families live in constant fear, and the psychological toll, particularly on children, will last far beyond the current conflict.

Access to safety is also becoming increasingly difficult. The destruction of key bridges in the south has cut off entire districts, isolating over 150,000 people and severely limiting humanitarian access.

Many of the families that we at UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, meet daily are displaced for the second or third time. Several have returned to the same school where they found shelter in 2024.

Today, more than 136,000 displaced people are staying in 660 collective shelters, most of them schools, filled far beyond capacity. Overcrowding, shared classrooms and limited access to sanitation and other basic services significantly increase protection risks, including exposure to exploitation and gender-based violence.

Older people and those with disabilities are particularly affected, struggling to sleep on classroom floors or use facilities designated for children. Stress and trauma intensify in these cramped, substandard conditions.

Beyond immediate shelter needs, there is a clear, urgent requirement for increased protection and community support.

During a recent visit to one of the largest shelters in Saida, hosting over 1,000 people, I saw how collaboration can help restore dignity and agency among the displaced. Central and local authorities, UNHCR, NGOs and volunteers were working alongside displaced families to organize recreational and learning activities for the 400 children staying there. Displaced men and women were also engaged in cooking and other meaningful activities, while UNHCR and its NGO partners provided counselling and dedicated protection support.

The risk of a humanitarian catastrophe is real. But by supporting the government-led emergency response outlined in the Lebanon Flash Appeal, further risks - including violence, exploitation and rising tensions - can be mitigated.

UNHCR continues to lead the protection and shelter sectors together with the Ministry of Social Affairs and NGO partners, and has delivered over 198,000 essential relief items, while working to improve privacy and dignity within shelters. So far, UNHCR and partners have supported more than 27,000 people with protection services, including psychosocial support, recreational activities, counselling and targeted assistance for the most vulnerable. With adequate funding for our initial appeal of more than $60 million, we can scale up these programmes within the inter-agency response.

This support goes beyond the immediate emergency by strengthening national protection and social systems that the government has been working to reform. By responding to urgent needs today, we simultaneously invest in their long-term sustainability and resilience.

However, needs are rising faster than resources. Without expanded shelter, overcrowding will worsen. Without strengthened protection, risks for children, women and vulnerable groups will increase. If aid does not reach people quickly, distress will turn into tension.

Lebanon was already facing multiple crises, and this massive displacement is adding immense pressure on families and services. Civilians must be protected at all times. Again and again, people tell me the same thing: they simply want to go home. Our duty is to help them until they can do so safely.

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A grain gallery at one of the ports in Odesa region was damaged as a result of a drone strike, Deputy Prime Minister for the Restoration of Ukraine and Minister for Communities and Territories Development Oleksiy Kuleba said.

"Civilian infrastructure has been damaged. The enemy cynically struck a maternity hospital, residential neighborhoods, and port infrastructure. At one of the ports, a grain gallery was damaged by a drone strike," he wrote on Telegram on Saturday.

All emergency and municipal services are working at the sites. Operational response headquarters have been deployed to assist the population, Kuleba said.

As reported, Russia carried out strikes on Odesa region overnight into Saturday. Two people were killed and more than ten were injured. A child was among the wounded.
An average of 19,000 children displaced daily as escalating violence uproots 20 per cent of Lebanon's population in three weeks

UNICEF

Remarks

This is a summary of what was said by UNICEF Representative in Lebanon, Marcoluigi Corsi - to whom quoted text may be attributed - at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva

27 March 2026

BEIRUT, 27 March 2026 - "In just three weeks, more than 370,000 children have been forced out of their homes in Lebanon, an average of at least 19,000 girls and boys displaced every single day. To grasp the scale, this is the equivalent of hundreds of school buses filled with children fleeing for their lives every 24 hours.

"In less than a single month, roughly 20 per cent of Lebanon's population has been displaced. The speed and scale are staggering. Across the country, more than one million people are now uprootedmany for the second, third, or even fourth time. This is a sudden, chaotic mass displacement, tearing families apart and hollowing out entire communities, with consequences that will reverberate long after the violence subsides.

"The mental and emotional exhaustion weighing on the children of Lebanon is devastating. Before having a single moment to heal from the trauma of the last escalation just 15 months ago, they are being violently uprooted all over again. This relentless cycle of bombardment and displacement is severely compounding their psychological scars, embedding deep-seated fear and threatening profound, long-term emotional harm.

"In a shelter in Beirut, I met 11-year-old Zeinab, who had escaped with her family from the southern suburbs of Beirut to the same school they took refuge in 18 months ago. She told me she never imagined that she would live these days again, sleeping with many people around her and listening to the sound of shelling and bombing almost every night. She just wishes to go back home and go back to school, go back to her normal life.

"Today, over 135,000 internally displaced persons are seeking refuge in over 660 collective shelters, many of them children. The living conditions are increasingly strained. Many displaced households are sheltering in informal, overcrowded, and unsafe settings, including unfinished buildings, public spaces, and vehicles. Lebanon's economic crisis and weakened infrastructure were already limiting the country's ability to respond to basic needs; today, that infrastructure is buckling under the pressure.

"The essential services that children rely on for their survival and futures are being severely disrupted. In areas like Bekaa and Baalbek, bombardments have destroyed vital water reservoirs and pumping stations, cutting off tens of thousands of individuals from safe water. Furthermore, with an estimated 435 public schools now functioning as shelters, the education of over 115,000 students has been abruptly halted.

"The human cost of this escalation is shocking. To date, at least 121 children have been killed, and 395 have been injured. Those who survive the bombardment are waking up to a dire humanitarian reality. We are seeing families fleeing with only the clothes on their backs, forced to move multiple times within days as repeated displacement orders are issued.

"Meanwhile, essential civilian infrastructure - including hospitals, schools, bridges and water and sanitation systems - upon which children depend to carry on with their lives have been consistently attacked, damaged, or destroyed.

"UNICEF is on the ground, working around the clock alongside our partners and national systems to support children on the move, in shelters, and in hard-to-reach areas. In just the past few weeks, our Rapid Response Mechanism has reached over 167,000 displaced people with essential non-food items and winterization kits.

"We have delivered more than 140 tons of essential medical supplies to hospitals and activated 40 Primary Healthcare Satellite Units to ensure children and families in shelters have access to care. We are delivering emergency water and sanitation support to nearly 190 shelters, and we are working to protect children's futures by supporting the Ministry of Education in establishing online learning access and planning Temporary Learning Spaces.

"However, humanitarian assistance alone cannot solve this crisis. Our emergency response capacity is severely weakened by repeated attacks on paramedics and health workers, and thousands of families remain cut off in hard-to-reach areas due to safety concerns and lack of transport.

"Children are paying the highest price for this conflict. We urgently call for unimpeded humanitarian access to all those in need. We call for an immediate end to attacks on civilian infrastructureincluding schools, hospitals, and water systems. Above all, the 370,000 displaced children desperately need an immediate ceasefire. They need to stop running and start living as children should."

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Today's top news: Occupied Palestinian Territory

UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Occupied Palestinian Territory

Settler violence displaces more Palestinians in 2026 than in all of 2025

Violence across the West Bank continues to claim lives and deepen people's needs.

Yesterday, two people were killed - one by Israeli settlers near Bethlehem and another by Israeli forces in Qalandia Camp, near Jerusalem. Since the onset of the regional escalation last month, over 150 settler attacks have resulted in casualties or property damage in about 90 communities, which is more than six attacks every day.

Since January, such settler attacks and access restrictions have displaced nearly 1,700 Palestinians. Less than three months into 2026, this number has already surpassed the total for the whole of 2025. OCHA says that since 2023, 38 Palestinian communities have been emptied of their populations. Humanitarian organizations are assisting those affected with shelter, as well as psychosocial and other support.

Yesterday, following the eviction of 15 Palestinian families from their homes in Batn al Hawa area of Silwan neighbourhood - in East Jerusalem - the UN and partners called on Israeli authorities to stop and reverse forced evictions and settlement expansion. The statement was released by the Humanitarian Country Team, comprising of heads of UN entities and more than 200 NGOs.

In the Gaza Strip, the humanitarian response continues at scale despite persistent access restrictions, supply chain disruptions and continued strikes.

Yesterday, the UN and partners offered services to 47 Palestinians who returned from Egypt through the Rafah Crossing. The World Health Organization and its partners supported the medical evacuation of 17 patients requiring care not available locally - they exited Gaza with 30 caregivers. UNRWA delivered more than 13,000 primary healthcare consultations across 38 service points. And UNDP collected close to 2,000 cubic metres of solid waste and removed over 750 tons of debris.

In addition, the UN Office for Project Services brought fuel into Gaza to power critical services, with the electricity grid down for almost 30 months. Kitchens supported by the World Food Programme served about 1.5 million meals. The Food and Agriculture Organization distributed animal feed and cash to livestock herders to reduce reliance on food assistance, and collected additional fodder from Kerem Shalom to replenish stocks. UNICEF supported truck delivery of 3,500 cubic metres of drinking water.

Meanwhile, OCHA coordinated aid to displaced families whose tents were flooded by heavy rain. Some 3,000 people were affected, and the rains also disrupted water services, according to UNICEF.

Posted on 27 March 2026

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PLA Southern Theater Command urges Philippines to strictly control operations of its maritime and air troops, immediately cease provocative, risky acts

Global Times

By PLA Southern Theater Command Published: Mar 28, 2026 12:25 AM

Senior Captain Zhai Shichen, spokesperson for the PLA Southern Theater Command stated, on March 25, PLANS 532 was conducting a routine patrol in the waters under China's jurisdiction near Zhubi Jiao of China's Nansha Qundao. Upon detecting a Philippine Navy ship, PLANS 532 initiated radio communications to remind the Philippine ship. Ignoring repeated radio reminders from the Chinese side, the Philippine ship 507, navigating on the port side of PLANS 532, adjusted its course to the starboard side before making a deliberate turn to the same direction, dangerously approaching PLANS 532 and disrupting its navigation. PLANS 532 then took professional and standardized moves, successfully avoiding an accident.

The operation of the Philippine Navy ship was unsafe and unprofessional, which could have easily led to a maritime accident. Worse still, the Philippine side made a false accusation, claiming that the Chinese ship made a "dangerous approach". We sternly urge the Philippine side to strictly control operations of its maritime and air troops, immediately cease all provocative and risky acts, as well as its smear campaigns and propaganda. The troops of the Southern Theater Command remain on high alert at all times and will resolutely defend China's territorial sovereignty, security, and peace and stability in the South China Sea.

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Houthi Entry Into Iran War Raises Specter Of Twin Chokepoint Crisis

By Kian Sharifi March 28, 2026

Yemen's Houthi rebels on March 28 fired their first missiles at Israel since the Iran war began, but analysts warn the more consequential threat is not the projectiles aimed at Israeli territory -- it is what the group could do to global energy markets.

Hours later, the rebels announced their second launch, describing it as "a barrage of cruise missiles and drones targeting several vital and military sites" in Israel. Details were not immediately available.

A US-designated terrorist organization, the Houthis' involvement risks prolonging a war that has already drawn in US forces, Gulf Arab states, and Israel across multiple fronts.

Their entry into the conflict, ending nearly a month of restraint since the war began, raised immediate fears of a simultaneous disruption to two of the world's most critical shipping lanes. Iran has already effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz; the Houthis have now signaled they could move against the Bab al-Mandab Strait, through which roughly 10 percent of the world's seaborne oil passes.

But analysts say the attacks may have been less about Israel than about Riyadh. Michael Horowitz, an independent defense analyst based in Israel, noted that the Houthi military spokesman laid out specific conditions that would trigger full entry into the war, among them any countries actively participating in the US-Israeli war against Iran.

"This, in my opinion, is an indirect message to the Gulf and particularly Saudi Arabia, warning them against joining the war against Iran, or letting US forces use more of their bases," Horowitz told RFE/RL.

The month-long delay in Houthi involvement, Horowitz said, likely reflected the group's own calculations rather than Iranian direction. The Houthis may have been reluctant to jeopardize ongoing diplomatic efforts with Saudi Arabia that could yield economic incentives, he said, while Israeli strikes last year on civilian and economic targets in Houthi-controlled areas had already worsened conditions on the ground.

Energy Pain

Danny Citrinowicz, a security analyst at the Tel Aviv-based Institute for National Security Studies, said the broader threat lay in Iran's economic campaign against the United States.

"While Houthi strikes against Israel should not be dismissed, from Iran's perspective, as part of a broader economic campaign against the United States, the central issue lies in their demonstrated ability to threaten critical energy transit routes at both maritime chokepoints," he wrote on X.

Horowitz outlined three scenarios for full Houthi entry into the conflict: a resumption of their Red Sea blockade similar to operations during the Gaza war; strikes on Saudi energy facilities on the Red Sea, including the port of Yanbu -- an overland alternative that carries Saudi crude from the Persian Gulf coast to the Red Sea, bypassing Hormuz entirely; and potential strikes against the US aircraft carrier group in the Arabian Sea, though Horowitz said he doubted such efforts could succeed.

Energy markets research firm HFI Research put a number on the potential damage. A Houthi move on the Bab al-Mandab would put an additional 4 million barrels per day of Saudi crude exports at risk. "It won't be as bad as the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz thanks to the Suez Canal," the firm wrote, "but the market won't care."

Citrinowicz said the trajectory pointed in one direction. "With each passing day of the conflict, particularly in light of its expanding scope against Iran, the likelihood of this scenario materializing continues to grow. It is increasingly not a question of if, but when."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/houthis-attack-israel-iran-war- energy-crisis/33718713.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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Russo-Ukraine War - 27 March 2026 - Day 1493

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 Recent outages affecting Telegram across Russia highlight the increasing role of digital infrastructure within Russian security policy. Telegram is a widely used encrypted messaging platform that allows users to send messages, media, and documents securely across mobile and desktop devices. Russian officials have acknowledged that disruptions to Telegram's mobile internet services are intentional. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that such measures are introduced to ensure public safety and may remain in place while security concerns persist.

Authorities have partly justified the restrictions by pointing to risks associated with the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. According to officials, encrypted messaging platforms and mobile networks can potentially be used to coordinate sabotage or drone attacks. Temporary shutdowns and network throttling are being framed as precautionary measures intended to disrupt hostile communications and protect civilian infrastructure.

The outages have also produced practical economic consequences. Mobile internet disruptions in cities such as Moscow have affected payment systems, navigation services, and transport applications that rely on constant connectivity. Businesses dependent on digital services have reported financial losses during shutdowns, highlighting the wider societal impact of restrictions on mobile networks.

However, observers place the outages within a broader pattern of state regulation of the online information environment. Telegram has become a major channel for journalists, military bloggers, and political commentators to circulate information rapidly outside traditional media structures. As a result, restricting access to the platform may slow the spread of unofficial narratives and criticism of government policy.

The French Ministere des Armees et des Anciens combattants reported that territorial gains remain stable.

It also reported that, over the previous 24 hours, the FAFR have targeted the oblasts of Lviv [A], Ivano-Frankivsk [B], Vinnytsia [B], Vinnytsia [C], Zhytomyr [D], Kyiv [E], Chernihiv [F], Sumy [G], Poltava [H], Kharkiv [I], Donetsk [J], Dnipropetrovsk [K], Zaporizhzhia [L], Kherson [M], Mykolaiv [N], and Odesa [O]. The FAFR have targeted residential areas in very large majority, as well as a few energy and transportation facilities. In total, 147 drones (including 80 Geran-2 drones) have targeted Ukraine. The Ukrainian ground-to-air defense has claimed the interception of 121 drones, for an interception rate of 82%. The Russian ground-to-air defense has claimed the interception of 150 drones.

Over the previous 24 hours, the FAU have struck energy infrastructure in the Belgorod oblast [P], hypersonic missile launchers in Crimea [Q], as well as energy port infrastructure in the Leningrad oblast in the Gulf of Finland (the port of Primorsk, about 50 kilometers away, had already been targeted in the night of March 22 to 23).

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, 163 combat encounters have taken place since the beginning of this day.

The Russian enemy made 44 aviation strikes - dropped 159 controlled air bombs. In addition, Russian forces used 3,835 kamikaze drones and carried out 2658 shelling of settlements and positions of Ukrainian troops.

The Defense Forces repelled four Russian assaults in the Northern Slobozhansky and Kursky directions today. In addition, the Russian enemy carried out 77 shelling of positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements, including five of the reactive systems of assault-fire.

In the South-Slobozhansky direction, the Russian enemy attacked the positions of Ukrainian units three times towards the settlements of Zybine, Mala Vovcha, and Ohrimivka.

In the Kupyansky direction, Russian troops attacked six times towards the settlements of Petropavlivka, Kurilivka, Podoli, Novoosinove, Pietsna.

In the Lyman direction since the beginning of the day, the Russian enemy has attacked the positions of Ukrainian defenders eight times in the direction of settlements Novosergiyivka, Stavki, Drobisheve, Lyman and in the area of the Medium.

In the Slovenian direction, the Russian opponent tried to advance near Platonivka six times and in the direction of Rai-Oleksandrivka and Riznikivka. One fight is going on.

In the direction of kramators komu, the Russian enemy made three offensive actions towards markovogo and chervonogo.

In the Konstantinivka direction, the Russian occupiers 34 times stormed the positions of Ukrainian defenders towards Konstantinovka, Ivanopilya, Illinivka, Stepanivka, Novopavlivka and in the areas of settlements of Pleschievka, Rusin Yar, Yablunivka, Sofiyivka. Four clashes are underway.

Since the beginning of the day, the Defense Forces repelled 34 Russian offensive actions in the Pokrovsky direction in the areas of Nikanorivka, Mirnograd, Rodinske, Pokrovsk, Grishyne, Kotline, Udaachne, Muravka, Novomikolaivka and in the direction of settlements of Kucheriv Yar, Bilitske, New Shahove, Novopidgorodne, Novopavlivka. One battle is going on.

According to preliminary estimates, 82 Russian occupants were eliminated and 21 wounded in this direction; four vehicles units, radio-electronic combat station, a cannon, six vehicles were damaged, a cannon and 13 enemy shelters were damaged. Destroyed or suppressed 146 BPLA of different types.

In the Oleksandrivsky direction, the Russian occupiers tried to improve their position three times, attacking towards the settlements of Oleksandrograd, Verbove, Kalinovsk. Air strikes were suffered by Pokrovsky and Levadne.

In the direction of Gulyaipils komu, there were 14 attacks towards the settlements of Varvarivka, Staroukrainka, Zelene, Zaliznychne and in the area of Mirnoy. The Russian enemy caused air strikes in the areas of settlements Tsvitkove, Novoselivka, Dolinka, Shiroke, Kopani, Upper Tersa.

In the orihivs komu direction of active offensive actions of the Russian opponent is not recorded. The enemy caused air strikes on orikhovu and preobrazhenci.

In the Pridniprovsk direction, one battle with the Russian opponent in the area of the Antonivsky Bridge took place.

In other directions, there have been no significant changes in the environment.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that from 21 to 27 March 2026, in response to terrorist attacks launched by Ukraine against civilian facilities in Russia, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation delivered one massive and five group strikes, as a result of which losses were inflicted on Ukrainian defence industry enterprises, fuel and power, transport, and airfield infrastructure used by the AFU, remote-controlled surface vehicle workshops, attack long-range UAV production, storage, and launch preparation sites as well as temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries.

As a result of resolute actions, units of the Sever Group of Forces took Potapovka (Sumy region), Peschanoye, and Shevyakovka (Kharkov region) under control.

Losses were inflicted on manpower and hardware of four mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade, one assault brigade, one airmobile brigade, one air assault brigade of the AFU, one territorial defence brigade, and one national guard brigade.

Over the week, in the area of responsibility of the Sever Group of Forces, the AFU losses amounted to more than 1,620 troops, 11 armoured fighting vehicles, 88 motor vehicles, 15 field artillery guns, seven electronic warfare and counter-fire stations as well as 49 ammunition and materiel depots.

Over the past week, units of the Zapad Group of Forces improved the tactical situation. Losses were inflicted on manpower and hardware of three mechanised brigades, one assault brigade of the AFU, two territorial defence brigades, and one national guard brigade.

In this direction, the AFU losses amounted to more than 1,280 troops, five tanks, 31 armoured fighting vehicles, 164 motor vehicles, 11 field artillery guns, three electronic warfare stations as well as 17 ammunition and materiel depots.

As a result of resolute offensive actions, units of the Yuzhnaya Group of Forces liberated Nikiforovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

Losses were inflicted on formations of four mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade, one assault brigade, one mountain assault brigade, one airmobile brigade of the AFU, and one marine brigade.

Over the week, in the area of responsibility of the Yuzhnaya Group of Forces, the AFU losses amounted to more than 1,210 troops and 21 armoured fighting vehicles. Moreover, 96 motor vehicles, 22 field artillery guns, 11 electronic warfare and counter-fire stations, 31 ammunition, POL, and materiel depots were destroyed.

Units of the Tsentr Group of Forces improved the tactical situation and took more advantageous positions. Losses were inflicted on manpower and hardware of three mechanised brigades, one airmobile brigade, one infantry brigade, one air assault brigade, two assault regiments of the AFU, one marine brigade, one territorial defence brigade, and two national guard brigades.

In total, in this direction, the AFU losses amounted to more than 2,395 troops, 63 armoured fighting vehicles, 97 motor vehicles, 21 field artillery guns, 10 electronic warfare and counter-fire stations. Three ammunition depots were wiped out.

Over the past week, units of the Vostok Group of Forces advanced into the depth of the enemy's defences. Losses were inflicted on manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades, two air assault brigades, one assault brigade, three assault regiments of the AFU, one marine brigade, and one national guard brigade.

In the area of responsibility of the Vostok Group of Forces, the AFU losses amounted to more than 2,065 troops, 16 armoured fighting vehicles, 53 motor vehicles, and 12 artillery guns. Five ammunition and materiel depots were destroyed.

Over the past week, units of the Dnepr Group of Forces improved the tactical situation. Losses were inflicted on formations of three mechanised brigades, one mountain assault brigade of the AFU, and one territorial defence brigade.

In total, in this direction, the AFU losses amounted to up to 310 troops, 45 motor vehicles, four field artillery guns, 20 electronic warfare stations, 16 ammunition, POL, and materiel depots.

Air defence units shot down 47 guided aerial bombs, three U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles, four Neptune long-range missiles, and 3,138 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.

In total, since the beginning of the special military operation the enemy has lost: 671 aircraft, 284 helicopters, 128,363 unmanned aerial vehicles, 652 anti-aircraft missile systems, 28,525 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,693 MLRS combat vehicles, 34,113 field artillery guns and mortars, 57,938 units of support military vehicles

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Russo-Ukraine War - 28 March 2026 - Day 1494

Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

"To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal]

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, 222 combat clashes have taken place since the beginning of this day.

Ukrainian defenders inflict constant fire damage on the Russian enemy, destroying personnel and exhausting its combat potential. Active actions are being carried out in certain directions.

The Russian enemy carried out 75 air strikes - dropped 227 guided bombs. In addition, Russian troops used 5,173 kamikaze drones to destroy them and carried out 2,909 attacks on settlements and positions of Ukrainian troops.

In the North-Slobozhansky and Kursk directions, the Russian enemy carried out 75 attacks on the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements today, two of them using MLRS.

In the South-Slobozhansk direction, the Russian enemy attacked the positions of Ukrainian units five times in the areas of Starytsia, Prylipka, Vovchansk, Vovchanskiye Khutory and Chuhunivka

In the Kupyansk direction, Russian forces attacked eight times in the areas of Pishchane, Petropavlivka, Kruglyakivka and towards Novoplatonivka, Kurylivka.

In the Lymansk direction, Ukrainian soldiers repelled five Russian assaults towards Drobysheve, Stavki and in the area of the settlement of Novoselivka.

In the Slavyansk direction, the Russian enemy tried to advance four times in the areas of Zakitne, Riznykivka, Platonovka and towards Rai-Oleksandrivka.

In the Kramatorsk direction, according to updated information, the Russian aggressor tried three times to improve his position, attacking towards Nikiforovka and in the area of Predtechyny.

In the Kostyantynivka direction, the Russian invaders today stormed the positions of Ukrainian defenders 26 times in the areas of the settlements of Kostyantynivka, Pleshchiivka, Novopavlivka, Kleban-Byk, Ivano-Pillya, Yablunivka and towards Illinivka, Sofiivka, Berestok, Kucherovoy Yar.

In the Pokrovsky direction, the Russian enemy carried out 51 attacks. The Russian invaders tried to advance in the areas of the settlements of Bilytske, Rodynske, Myrnograd, Pokrovsk, Kotlyne, Udachne, Novomykolaivka, Novopidhorodne, Molodetske, Novye Shakhove, Chervonyi Lyman, Novopavlivka, Dachne and towards Hryshynye, Shevchenko, and Filia. One assault operation is ongoing

According to preliminary estimates, today in this direction 129 Russian invaders were eliminated and 45 were wounded; 12 units of automotive equipment and two UAV control points were destroyed; 7 shelters, a UAV control point, three tanks, a cannon and two vehicles were damaged. 191 UAVs of various types were destroyed or suppressed.

In the Oleksandrivka direction, the Russian invaders attacked the areas of the settlements of Oleksandrivka, Ivanivka, Zeleny Hai, Andriivka-Klevtsove, Sichneve 19 times and towards Sosnivka, Verbovye, Zlagody. One attack is ongoing.

In the Hulyaipil direction, 32 Russian attacks were recorded in the areas of the settlements of Hulyaipole, Varvarivka, Olenokostyantynivka, Myrne and towards Dobropillya, Zaliznychny, Girky, Hulyaipilsky, Tsvitkovy. One assault action is ongoing.

In the Orikhivka direction, Russian forces attacked in the area of Malaya Tokmachka, Novodanylivka, Malye Shcherbaky and Stepovye.

In the Prydniprovsky direction, the Russian enemy carried out two assault actions towards the Antonivskyi bridge.

There have been no significant changes in the situation in other areas.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation.

The Sever Group of Forces improved the situation along the front line. Manpower and hardware of the AFU mechanised brigade and one territorial defence brigade have been hit near Miropolye, Malaya Korchakovka, and Kondratovka (Sumy region).

In Kharkov region, units of one mechanised brigade of the AFU and one territorial defence brigade have been hit near Izbitskoye, Bely Kolodez, Pokalyanoye, and Verkhnyaya Pisarevka (Kharkov region).

The AFU losses amounted to more than 195 troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, four motor vehicles, two artillery guns, and two electronic warfare stations. Four ammunition depots and 10 materiel depots were neutralised.

As a result of active and decisive actions, units of the Zapad Group of Forces liberated Brusovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

In addition, strikes were delivered at manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades, one assault brigade of the AFU, and one territorial defence brigade near Yatskovka, Stary Karavan, Svyatogorsk, Krasny Liman (Donetsk People's Republic), Borovaya, and Shiykovka (Kharkov region).

The enemy losses amounted to up to 160 troops, one U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carrier, three armoured fighting vehicles, 21 motor vehicles, and one artillery gun. Three ammunition depots were neutralised.

The Yuzhnaya Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Russian troops hit formations of three mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade, one assault brigade, one airmobile brigade, and one mountain assault brigade of the AFU near Izhevka, Kurtovka, Alekseyevo-Druzhkovka, Konstantinovka, Krivaya Luka, Nikolayevka, Artem and Ilyinovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 130 troops, one tank, one U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carrier, two armoured fighting vehicles, 12 motor vehicles, and one field artillery gun. Two ammunition and five materiel depots were eliminated.

The Tsentr Group of Forces improved the situation along the front line. The Group's units inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades, one assault brigade, one assault regiment of the AFU, one marine brigade, and two national guard brigades close to Sergeyevka, Novopavlovka, Grishino, Belitskoye, Priyut, Torskoye (Donetsk People's Republic) and Novopodgorodnoye (Dnepropetrovsk region).

The AFU lost more than 335 troops, seven armoured fighting vehicles, 22 motor vehicles, and four field artillery guns, including one U.S.-made 155-mm Paladin self-propelled artillery system.

The Vostok Group of Forces continued advancing to the depth of the enemy's defences. The Group hit one mechanised brigade, one assault brigade, one air assault brigade, and two assault regiments of the AFU near Boykovo, Kopani, Vozdvizhevka, Dolinka, Novoselovka, Lyubitskoye, and Komsomolskoye (Zaporozhye region).

The enemy lost more than 265 troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, six motor vehicles, one MLRS vehicle, and two field artillery guns.

Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of one mechanised brigade and one mountain assault brigade of the AFU close to Kamyshevakha, Preobrazhenka, Orekhov, and Zaporozhets (Zaporozhye region).

More than 55 troops, 14 motor vehicles, five electronic warfare stations, one U.S.-made AN/TPQ-36 counter-fire radar station, three materiel depots, and one ammunition depot were neutralised.

Operational-tactical aviation, attack drones, missile troops and artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have inflicted damage on the Ukrainian transport infrastructure used in the interests of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the training and launch sites of long-range unmanned aerial vehicles as well as temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries in 148 areas.

Air defence systems shot down eight guided aerial bombs, four Flamingo long-range cruise missiles, and 385 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.

The Black Sea Fleet destroyed an uncrewed surface ship and an autonomous submerged vehicle of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 671 aircraft, 284 helicopters, 128,748 unmanned aerial vehicles, 652 anti-aircraft missile systems, 28,544 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,694 MLRS combat vehicles, 34,134 field artillery guns and mortars, and 58,017 units of support military vehicles have been neutralised.

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USA: UN experts welcome Minnesota truth-seeking entity and urge nation-wide investigations

Press releases

Special Procedures

27 March 2026

GENEVA -- UN human rights experts* today welcomed the establishment of a process to document and report serious human rights violations allegedly committed in Minnesota by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents during Operation Metro Surge and Operation PARRIS. They called for action from authorities in other relevant jurisdictions.

"Victims must know the full truth about the violations, receive comprehensive reparation and be protected from further violence or retaliation," the experts said.

Between December 2025 and February 2026, ICE and CBP officers allegedly shot at close range and killed two U.S. citizens who were defending the rights of migrants, used excessive force against individuals believed to be undocumented and targeted peaceful protesters, human rights defenders and bystanders. The operations reportedly relied on racial profiling and lacked judicial warrants. False accusations of "domestic terrorism" were also made.

"In any democracy rooted in the rule of law, such violations must never be ignored or left unaddressed," the experts said.

On 25 March, the Governor of Minnesota signed an Executive Order establishing the Minnesota Truth Council. The Council aims to provide a safe forum for victims and community members to share their stories, and will operate under the principles of independence, impartiality, transparency and victim-centered inquiry. Its findings and recommendations will be distinct from and without prejudice to any ongoing or future legal proceedings.

"We commend the authorities in Minnesota for acting swiftly to establish a process to document, record and report on the violations. The initiative will help reveal the harm inflicted and the circumstances and responsibilities that led to it. It will be critical to provide redress to victims and healing to the community, " the experts said.

The experts stressed that the United States of America - across federal, state, and local levels - has a binding duty under international law to document and conduct prompt, effective and independent investigations into grave human rights violations committed by its agents, in compliance with the Minnesota Protocol on the Investigation of Potentially Unlawful Death and international standards applicable to truth-seeking processes, with a view to holding those responsible to account and ensuring non-recurrence.

"Minnesota's initiative is a decisive step forward in that direction."

"We encourage authorities in all relevant jurisdictions to conduct investigations on any violation of this nature. We are ready to provide technical assistance where needed," the experts said. "We also urge federal authorities to cooperate with criminal investigations by providing access to crime scene evidence and other relevant information."

"Documenting, seeking the truth and ensuring accountability for serious human rights violations is not optional," the experts said. "It is a legal obligation and a prerequisite for justice and guarantees of non-repetition."

The experts have been in contact with the authorities.

*The experts:

 Bernard Duhaime, Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence

 Morris Tidball-Binz, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions

 Gina Romero, Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association

 Reem Alsalem, Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences

 Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of opinion and expression

 Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders

 Ben Saul, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism

Special Rapporteurs/Independent Experts/Working Groups are independent human rights experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council. Together, these experts are referred to as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. While the UN Human Rights office acts as the secretariat for Special Procedures, the experts serve in their individual capacity and are independent from any government or organisation, including OHCHR and the UN. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the UN or OHCHR.

Country-specific observations and recommendations by the UN human rights mechanisms, including the special procedures, the treaty bodies and the Universal Periodic Review, can be found on the Universal Human Rights Index https://uhri.ohchr.org/en/

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First Australian-built Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles roll off assembly line

The Hon Pat Conroy MP

Minister for Defence Industry

Minister for Pacific Island Affairs

27 March 2026

The Albanese Government is delivering on its commitment to deliver capabilities to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) at pace with the first batch of Australian-built Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles (CRV) already rolling off the assembly line.

The first seven Boxers built at Rheinmetall Defence Australia's facility at Redbank in Queensland have now been completed, marking a major milestone for our sovereign defence industry. A total of 211 Boxers will be built for the ADF under the partnership with Rheinmetall Defence Australia (RDA) that is boosting domestic supply chains and creating high-skilled jobs nationwide. This includes the 25 Boxer CRVs built in Germany and already in service with the Australian Army.

The partnership with RDA also underscores growing defence industry collaboration between Australia and Germany to deliver critical capabilities for both of our militaries. More than 50 Australian companies have been contracted to support RDA in delivering the new fleet of Boxers, providing work for more than 500 people around the country.

In addition to these Boxers, RDA will also produce more than 100 Australian-made Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier vehicles for the German Army, in a contract worth more than $1 billion to the Australian economy.

The Boxer is one of the world's most advanced armoured vehicles - designed to keep soldiers safe in the toughest conditions. The new vehicles will provide superior protection, firepower and mobility, supporting new long-range strike capabilities that are protected and enabled by a credible, amphibious-capable combined arms land system.

Boxer CRV variants include reconnaissance, command and control, joint fires and surveillance, repair, and recovery. The reconnaissance variant features a turret fitted with a 30mm automatic cannon and an anti-tank guided missile system.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:

"This announcement reflects the Albanese Government's commitment to a future made in Australia that is providing superior protection and firepower to our ADF personnel but also supporting industry and creating jobs around the country.

"We proudly welcome the first seven Australian-built Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles, a world-class capability forged with Australian expertise and Australian steel to protect our soldiers on operations.

"Rheinmetall Defence Australia, their industry partners and a highly skilled Aussie workforce have partnered to deliver this home-grown capability for our ADF. But this partnership with Rheinmetall also shows how closely Germany and Australia are working together on critical military capabilities."

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Minister Anand meets with Germany's Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs at G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting

Global Affairs Canada

Readout

March 27, 2026 - Vaux-de-Cernay, France - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today met with Johann Wadephul, Germany's Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, at the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Vaux-de-Cernay, France.

As this year marks the 75th anniversary of Canada-Germany diplomatic relations, the two ministers reaffirmed their commitment to continuing to deepen their strategic and multi-faceted collaboration, including on global security, energy, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, trade and investment and research and innovation.

The ministers discussed how they can advance collaboration on geopolitical challenges in the Middle East, Ukraine and Sudan. They also exchanged perspectives on how they can work together and with like-minded partners to strengthen collective security and global stability.

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Minister Anand meets with Indian counterpart at G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting

Global Affairs Canada

Readout

March 27, 2026 - Vaux-de-Cernay, France - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, yesterday met with Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of India, while attending the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Vaux-de-Cernay, France.

Minister Anand expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to Prime Minister Mark Carney during his recent visit to India and the two ministers reaffirmed their commitment to continuing to implement the New Roadmap for Canada-India Relations. Minister Anand also reiterated Canada's objective of concluding a comprehensive and commercially meaningful agreement this year, that will benefit both Canadian and Indian businesses.

The ministers welcomed upcoming high-level engagements between the two countries to further deepen bilateral ties, including the ongoing public safety dialogue.

The ministers exchanged views on global and regional developments, including the Middle East conflict and its impact on global energy markets, energy security and supply chains.They underscored the importance of diplomacy to advance peace.

The ministers agreed to remain in close contact as the two countries advance an ambitious agenda in support of bilateral, regional and global stability.

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Photo: President's Office / www.president.gov.ua

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of the United Arab Emirates Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi.

"Thank you for the meeting and readiness to work together. We agreed on cooperation in the field of security and defense. The teams are finalizing the details," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram on Saturday.

Zelenskyy said that Ukraine is "open to joint work that, in a strategic perspective, will certainly strengthen our peoples and the protection of life in our countries."

"That is why it is important to use the capabilities of both countries to strengthen defense, including investments, joint production and appropriate modernization of defense systems of critical and social infrastructure," the press service of the President of Ukraine said.

The leaders spoke about the security situation in the UAE and in the region, Iranian strikes, and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which directly affects the global oil market.

"Ukrainians have developed an appropriate protection system that delivers a significant interception rate against enemy drones and missiles. This systematic approach and integration of experience is exactly what we are offering to our partners," the President of Ukraine said.

As reported, the day before, Zelenskyy visited Saudi Arabia, where a document on defense cooperation was signed.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on March 27, 2026

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: March 27, 2026 20:27

CGTN: Yesterday, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Culture and Tourism, together with Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Tourism, issued a joint communique on the China-Brazil Cultural Year 2026. Can you share more information and your comment on this?

Lin Jian: China and Brazil are a community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet. Celebrating the China-Brazil Cultural Year 2026 is an important common understanding between the two presidents as part of the effort to strengthen the building of the China-Brazil community with a shared future, and it is another major cultural and people-to-people exchange program following the successful series of cultural events marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil in 2024. A wide range of activities will be organized by both countries in the fields of performing arts, visual arts, music, and intangible cultural heritage. For more details, I'd refer you to the cultural authorities of the two countries.

Through marking the cultural year, China stands ready to enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges with Brazil to enhance mutual understanding, build closer bond, and unleash the dynamism of the China-Brazil community with a shared future.

Global Times: At a press conference on Friday, Japan's defense minister said maintaining discipline is crucial within the Self-Defense Forces, which are a powerful organization, and it was deeply regrettable that a Self-Defense Forces officer, who should be complying with the law and maintaining discipline, had been arrested for breaking into the Chinese embassy. Meanwhile, there have been reports from the Japanese media that the person had no intention to hurt others. Do you have any updates on the incident?

Lin Jian: There are now more details about the incident. The perpetrator is a lieutenant of Japan's Self-Defense Forces. He chose a time when the embassy staff were commuting to work, scaled the wall, broke into the embassy in clear violation of the law, carrying a 31cm sharp knife, and hid in the bush for a long time. We have to ask, who is he waiting for in hiding, and what did he intend to do? The Japanese side has not given any explanation about this by far.

When this incident was first known to the public, Japanese far-right forces tried to deny that the perpetrator is an SDF officer, but now the facts are crystal clear. It is far from sufficient that the Japanese side only expressed regret to the Chinese side. We once again urge the Japanese side to have a thorough investigation into the incident as soon as possible and fully account for it.

China News Service: On March 26, a British think tank and the China Development Institute in Shenzhen jointly issued the Global Financial Centres Index 39. Hong Kong's overall rating increased further, maintaining third place globally and first place in Asia Pacific. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment?

Lin Jian: We noted the report. It represents yet another vote of confidence from the international community in Hong Kong's unique status and strengths and in the prospects of One Country, Two Systems.

Hong Kong is now at a new stage where it is set to thrive. Its status as a center in international finance, shipping, and trade has been consolidated. Hong Kong remains the world's freest economy, ranks third in the world competitiveness ranking, and has leapt markedly to fourth globally and to first in Asia in the world talent ranking. In 2025, initial public offerings on the Hong Kong stock exchange increased two-fold year on year, beating all the other capital markets in the world. This year marks the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan. The Hong Kong SAR government is set to dovetail with the 15th Five-Year Plan, boost new quality productive forces based on local conditions, and accelerate high-quality development in economy and finance.

We believe that with the institutional safeguards of the One Country, Two Systems policy, the unique advantage of affinity to the motherland and connection to the world, and high-quality development underpinned by high-level security, Hong Kong will enjoy a brighter future.

AFP: Yesterday U.S. officials said that the chipmaker SMIC has been sending chip-making tools to Iran's military. Does the foreign ministry have a comment on this?

Lin Jian: I'm not aware of what you mentioned. I would just like to say that lately we have seen certain media outlets churning out dubious news, which all turned out to be false upon verification.

CCTV: We've learned that recently, a Chinese postdoctoral scholar took own life a day after being subjected to hostile questioning by U.S. law enforcement personnel. What's the Foreign Ministry's comment?

Lin Jian: China is deeply saddened by the heartbreaking death and has protested to the U.S. China's diplomatic missions swiftly got in touch with the researcher's family and actively assisted them in handling relevant matters.

For some time now, the U.S. has overstretched the concept of national security for political manipulation and groundlessly interrogated and harassed Chinese scholars and students. These moves infringe on Chinese citizens' legitimate and lawful rights and interests, poison the atmosphere of people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and the U.S., and create a serious chilling effect. China calls on the U.S. to carry out a full investigation, give the family of the victim and the Chinese side a responsible explanation, stop any discriminatory law enforcement targeting Chinese scholars and students in the U.S., and stop imposing wrongful convictions. China will continue to take what is necessary to firmly defend Chinese citizens' legitimate and lawful rights and interests.

Folha de S.Paulo: Yesterday Brazilian President Lula during a visit to a factory in Brazil, where he referred to household spending on pets in Brazil, said that in China "they probably do not have this problem." The comment drew attention. Does the Chinese side have any comment on President Lula's remarks? How was the statement viewed?

Lin Jian: We have noted that President Lula stressed during the event that China is Brazil's best partner and he's confident that the partnership is thriving. I just shared with you some information about the 2026 China-Brazil Year of Culture. It will surely be a great opportunity for Brazilian journalist friends to conduct better news coverage in China to deepen mutual understanding and promote the friendship between our two peoples. I hope you will play a more active role in this cause.

AFP: The U.S. also said yesterday that China has been detaining Panama-flagged container ships. It said it was doing this to punish Panama after it canceled CK Hutchison's contract to operate ports on the Panama Canal. Can you confirm this is happening and do you have a response?

Lin Jian: China's position on issues related to the Panama Canal ports is clear. The U.S.'s repeated wrongful allegations only reveal its attempt to take control of the canal. For your specific question, I'd refer you to competent authorities.

Beijing Youth Daily: It's reported that Balendra Shah was sworn in as Nepal's new prime minister today. What's China's comment?

Lin Jian: China expresses congratulations on that. As a traditional friend and neighbor, China always supports Nepal in safeguarding independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and in realizing solidarity, stability, development and prosperity. China stands ready to work with the new Nepalese government to carry forward the traditional friendship, deepen practical cooperation, and advance the strategic partnership of cooperation featuring ever-lasting friendship for development and prosperity.

AFP: The FBI has said that a man suspected of planting an explosive device at a military base in Florida earlier this month has fled to China. And I wondered if you had a comment on this? If I may just add a second question, I just wondered if you have any further information on Donald Trump's expected visit to China? Is it going to take place on May 14 and 15?

Lin Jian: On your first question, I'm not aware of what you mentioned. On your second question, China and the U.S. remain in communication on President Trump's visit to China.

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Trump threatens "Cuba is next" following U.S. attacks on Venezuela, Iran

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 09:19, March 28, 2026

WASHINGTON, March 27 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday threatened "Cuba is next" following U.S. attacks on Venezuela and Iran.

"Cuba is next, by the way, but pretend I didn't say that please. Pretend I didn't say that. Please, please, please media, please disregard that statement. Thank you very much. Cuba's next." Trump said at the Future Investment Initiative conference in Miami, Florida.

The remarks came after the U.S. military raided Venezuela and forcibly seized the oil-rich South American country's president Nicolas Maduro on Jan. 3 and launched the ongoing massive joint attacks with Israel on Iran on Feb. 28.

Cuba has been facing a severe economic and energy crisis due to decades of U.S. sanctions. The United Nations says fuel shortage is pushing the country into a humanitarian crisis.

Earlier this month, Trump threatened that Cuba is going to "fall pretty soon," but his administration will focus on Iran "right now."

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Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Sends Reply Message to President of PRC

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, March 28 (KCNA) -- The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un sent a reply message to Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and president of the People's Republic of China, on March 27.

The message said:

Esteemed Comrade Xi Jinping,

I express deep thanks to you for sending a warm congratulatory message to me on my reelection as president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea at the First Session of the 15th Supreme People's Assembly.

Through the congratulatory message, I could feel the invariable support and emotion of friendship of you and the Chinese party and government to me and our Party and government.

I am pleased to note that the traditional DPRK-China relations are being put on a new high stage in keeping with the aspiration and desire of the two parties and the peoples of the two countries according to the important agreement reached at the meeting with you in September last year.

Steadfast is the stand of our Party and government to continue to develop in depth the DPRK-China relations of friendship and cooperation with socialism as the core.

Being convinced that the Chinese people will make fresh progress in the course of comprehensively building a modern socialist state under the leadership of the Communist Party of China with you as its core, I wish you good health and bigger success in your responsible work. -0-

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Joint Statement of Boris Pistorius and Richard Marles

Germany - Federal Ministry of Defence

Mar 26, 2026

In Canberra, Australia, Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius and Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Richard Marles issued a joint statement on the international security situation. They focused particularly on the conflicts and tensions in Ukraine, the Middle East and the South China Sea. Both sides reaffirmed that conflicts should be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law. The ministers also agreed on the need to address geostrategic challenges through enhanced defense cooperation between the two countries.

Joint Statement

The Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, the Honourable Richard Marles MP, welcomed the Federal Minister of Defence of Germany, Mr Boris Pistorius, to Canberra for his first official visit to Australia. Ministers acknowledged the deteriorating international security environment. They reiterated unequivocal condemnation of Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, and reaffirmed steadfast commitment to supporting Ukraine. Underscoring the importance of an Indo-Pacific where freedom of navigation and overflight is respected and upheld, Ministers shared concerns about increasing tensions and the intensification of destabilising and dangerous activities in the South China Sea that endanger lives and risk escalation. They reiterated that disputes should be settled peacefully in accordance with international law, and reaffirmed the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award as final and binding on the parties. They underscored the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and reaffirmed their shared opposition to any unilateral action to change the status quo. Against the backdrop of expanding conflict and escalating humanitarian impacts in the Middle East, Australia and Germany called on all parties to uphold international law and protect civilian life. Ministers condemned unequivocally Iran's dangerous escalations, particularly in and around the Strait of Hormuz, its attacks against merchant vessels, and threats of further attacks that have transformed this critical shipping lane into a theatre of coercion and conflict. Ministers recognised that these significant geostrategic challenges underscored the importance of strengthening defence cooperation between our countries. They further acknowledged the need to contribute to military activities that uphold international security and deter threats to our shared strategic interests. Ministers committed to exploring opportunities to enhance how our militaries exercise and cooperate, including considering mechanisms to facilitate the movement of defence personnel and equipment through our respective countries and remove unnecessary barriers to operational collaboration. As such, Ministers agreed to initiate discussions on establishing a Status of Forces Agreement. Acknowledging our shared security interests are no longer bound by geography, Ministers also agreed to explore opportunities for greater cooperation in the space domain. Affirming the importance of the trusted defence industrial collaboration between our countries, Ministers undertook to explore how to streamline information sharing and bolster industry partnerships. This will deliver both Australia and Germany greater supply chain resilience and economic opportunity. Ministers affirmed the strength of our countries' shared interests, built upon a commitment to international security and prosperity achieved through respect for the international rules based order. They undertook to work with their Foreign Minister counterparts towards futures dialogues to harness the strategic opportunities presented by our alignment of principles and priorities.

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For security in a tense global situation: G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting near Paris

Germany Federal Foreign Office

26.03.2026 - Article

Wars in Ukraine and the Middle East are dominating the discussions at the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting near Paris. Read on to find out more.

The Foreign Ministers of the G7 countries Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States are meeting under the French Presidency at the Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay near Paris on Thursday and Friday. Amid an increasingly fragile global security situation and the economic risks that this entails, the G7 stands for taking joint responsibility and seeking solutions with determination. It is precisely in such a situation that the G7 is indispensable: as a community of strong democracies, as a forum for open dialogue in a spirit of trust and as an economic motor in times of global crises.

Together for freedom and security

The meeting is focusing on two issues that will play a major role with regard to peace, stability and prosperity in the years to come, namely Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and the war in the Middle East. In addition, the Ministers will address current crises such as in the Sudan, the situation in the Indo-Pacific and global security issues.

Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine remains the G7's absolute priority under the French Presidency as Ukraine's security is our security at the end of the day. This applies to Europe and the North Atlantic. The Ministers will hold intensive discussions on how to achieve a just and lasting peace and how support for Ukraine can be further strengthened and safeguarded in the long term. This involves continuing to increase pressure on Russia. Together with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, the G7 intends to send a clear signal once again that it stands firmly by Ukraine's side. The threat posed by Russia is the greatest challenge to security and prosperity in Europe.

Foreign Minister Wadephul stated the following prior to the meeting:

We are facing huge security and economic challenges, challenges that directly affect us in particular as the G7 - the world's largest industrial nations. We need this global cooperation for security, freedom and prosperity. All of us are already feeling the economic impact of the Iranian regime's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz in our own countries - with long-term impacts on the global economy that are very difficult to predict. This demonstrates once again how closely intertwined security and prosperity are. Our goal is clear, and I share my British and French counterparts' assessment here. We want to prevent further destabilisation, safeguard our economic freedom and develop prospects for an end to the hostilities and for the day after. The second key issue is our joint support for Ukraine, which we must not allow to crumble now. This would be a strategic mistake with respect to Euro-Atlantic security. Putin must know that anyone who reduces cities in Ukraine to rubble and terrorises the civilian population cannot expect any leniency. Ukraine must be able to rely on the G7.

In focus: the humanitarian system and the Chernobyl Shelter

In times of major humanitarian crises and uncertainties, another key focus of the discussions is the future structure of the humanitarian system and reform efforts with regard to UN peacekeeping missions.

Moreover, repairs to the Chernobyl reactor's shelter are on the agenda. The facility has not been fully operational since a drone strike in 2025. Without comprehensive repairs, the shelter's long-term stability and protective functions - and thus the safe containment of the reactor - are in jeopardy. The G7 will discuss this project together with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Ukraine. Germany played a key role in mobilising funds during its own G7 Presidency in 2022. The focus today is on assuming responsibility, together with France and our partners, for the long-term safety of the site - also with a view to the 40th anniversary of the nuclear reactor disaster in April 2026.

Joint response to the war in the Middle East

Iran's role and the situation in the Middle East will feature prominently in the discussions. The Ministers will hone in on efforts to secure maritime routes and shipping, including in the Strait of Hormuz and adjacent maritime routes. They will also touch on the stability of energy markets and the security of supply chains, as well as on support for the countries unjustifiably attacked by Iran or by Iranian proxies. The G7 Foreign Ministers recently reaffirmed this in a Joint Statement, underlining their unwavering support for the security, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the affected partners.

We are already feeling the economic impact of the war in Europe and around the world. The Strait of Hormuz must be made navigable again as soon as possible so that urgently needed supplies of energy and goods can relieve the strain on global markets. The UN is already warning of dramatic shortages, for example with respect to global food security, should this fail to happen. It is absolutely clear that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons and further destabilise the region. We are committed to this together with our partners.

Other regional priorities: The Sudan, Haiti and the Indo-Pacific

Those who seek to assume responsibility for international security cannot just focus on crises on their own doorstep. While the Sudan, Haiti and the Indo-Pacific may seem far away, their stability has a direct impact on Europe - from migration and food security to trade routes.

The G7 is an informal forum that also involves other partners. In addition to the member states - Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union as an observer - key global partners have also been invited to the meeting near Paris. The Foreign Ministers of Brazil, India, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Ukraine will attend the meeting, as will the President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

Info

The G7 (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States; the European Commission has observer status) has, for decades, provided a framework for informal and open dialogue on current global challenges. France has held the annually rotating Presidency since 1 January 2026.

Since the start of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, the G7 has once again clearly demonstrated its particular value as a key coordination mechanism for sanctions and long-term support for Kyiv. At the same time, the crises in the Middle East, Africa and the Indo-Pacific have highlighted just how closely geopolitical and geo-economic issues are intertwined today.

Germany is committed to ensuring that the G7 remains an important instrument for achieving concrete progress towards a more just world - from support for Ukraine and the reform of the multilateral system to the security of our supply chains.

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DAC clears proposals worth Rs 2.38 lakh crore to augment defence capabilities

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 27 MAR 2026 5:15PM by PIB Delhi

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh on March 27, 2026, granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for various proposals worth an estimated cost of about Rs 2.38 lakh crore. For the Indian Army, approval was accorded for the Air Defence Tracked System, Armoured Piercing Tank Ammunition, High Capacity Radio Relay, Dhanush Gun System and Runway Independent Aerial Surveillance System.

The Air Defence Tracked System will provide real time Air Defence Control and Reporting capability, while the High Capacity Radio Relay will provide reliable and fail proof communication. The Dhanush Gun System will enhance the artillery's capabilities to engage targets at longer ranges in all terrains with enhanced lethality and accuracy. The Runway Independent Aerial Surveillance System will provide surveillance capabilities to the Army units, with the Armoured Piercing Tank Ammunition enhancing the lethality of Anti-Tank ammunition.

For the Indian Air Force, proposals were cleared for the procurement of Medium Transport Aircraft, S-400 Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile System, Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft and overhaul of Su-30 Aero engine Aggregates. The induction of Medium Transport Aircraft by replacing the transport fleet of AN32 and IL76 will meet the strategic, tactical and operational airlift requirements of the Services.

The S-400 system will counter enemy long-range air vectors targeting vital areas, while the Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft will enable undertaking Offensive Counter and Coordinated Air Operations, also providing stealth Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance activities. The overhaul of Su-30 aero engine and its aggregates will increase the service life of the aircraft and fulfil the operational requirement of the Air Force.

For the Indian Coast Guard, AoN was accorded for Heavy Duty Air Cushion Vehicles. These vehicles will be used for multipurpose maritime coastal operational roles, including high-speed coastal patrolling, reconnaissance, search and rescue operations, rendering assistance to ships and carrying personnel and stores including logistics.

In the Financial Year 2025-26, AoN for 55 proposals amounting to Rs 6.73 lakh crore has been accorded by the DAC. Moreover, capital procurement contracts have been signed for 503 proposals amounting to Rs 2.28 lakh crore in the current fiscal year. Both the quantum of AoN given and capital contracts signed, so far, have been the highest in any given Financial Year.

***

VK/Savvy

(Release ID: 2246125)

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PERSONNEL FROM 16 FRIENDLY FOREIGN COUNTRIES COMPLETE HARBOUR TRAINING AS INDIAN NAVY STRENGTHENS REGIONAL MARITIME COOPERATION THROUGH 'IOS SAGAR' INITIATIVE

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 27 MAR 2026 5:03PM by PIB Delhi

Indian Navy's IOS SAGAR initiative achieved a significant milestone in advancing regional maritime cooperation with the successful completion of an intensive Harbour Training Phase at the Southern Naval Command, Kochi. The initiative reinforces India's commitment to collaborative security and capacity building in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

In an evolving maritime environment, the IOR faces a range of shared challenges, including maritime security threats, piracy, illegal fishing, trafficking, natural disasters, and the growing need for safe and secure sea lines of communication. Addressing these complexities requires enhanced interoperability, shared operational understanding, and coordinated responses among regional navies.

Over a period of two weeks, the multinational crew underwent an intensive and comprehensive training capsule across the premier professional schools of the Indian Navy. The training programme was designed to build foundational and advanced competencies across a broad spectrum of naval operations. It included seamanship, navigation, communication procedures, safety of life at sea, firefighting, and damage control drills, along with specialised modules such as Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations and advanced bridgemanship.

A key highlight of the training was the extensive use of state-of-the-art simulators and modern training infrastructure, enabling realistic, scenario-based learning. These advanced facilities provided participants with hands-on exposure to complex maritime situations, enhancing decision-making and operational readiness in a controlled environment. The integration of theoretical instruction with practical application ensured a holistic learning experience aligned with contemporary maritime challenges.

Training under the aegis of Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST) further enabled international crew to familiarise themselves with Indian Navy procedures and best practices. The Indian Naval Workup Team conducted focused sea training modules aimed at fostering seamless coordination and operational synergy among participating nations.

The IOS SAGAR initiative exemplifies the spirit of 'One Ocean, One Mission' with participants demonstrating exceptional professionalism, teamwork, and camaraderie. The interactions also facilitated meaningful exchanges of Best Practices, strengthening mutual trust and enhancing interoperability among partner navies.

Following the successful completion of the harbour phase, IOS SAGAR will now transition into the operational deployment phase, which will include joint activities at sea and port engagements across the region.

The initiative reaffirms the Indian Navy's role as a preferred maritime training partner and underscores its commitment to strengthening regional cooperation under the broader vision of MAHASAGAR. Through such collaborative endeavours, the Indian Navy continues to build enduring partnerships and contribute to a secure, stable, and prosperous maritime domain in the IOR.

****

VM/SPS

(Release ID: 2246111)

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MoD inks Rs 858 crore contracts for Tunguska Air Defence Missile System & Inspection (Depot Level) of P8I Aircraft

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 27 MAR 2026 3:28PM by PIB Delhi

The Ministry of Defence has signed contracts, worth a total of Rs 858 crore, for the procurement of Tunguska Air Defence Missile System and Inspection (Depot Level) of P8I Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft. The contracts were inked at Kartavya Bhawan-2, New Delhi on March 27, 2026.

Tunguska Air Defence Missile System

The contract for the procurement of Tunguska Air Defence Missile Systems, valued at Rs 445 crore, for the Indian Army, was signed with JSC Rosoboronexport, Russia in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh. These cutting-edge missiles will enhance India's multilayered air defence capabilities against aerial threats including aircraft drones and cruise missiles. The agreement will further strengthen the Indo-Russian strategic defence partnership.

Inspection of P8I Aircraft

The contract for the Inspection (Depot Level) of P8I Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft for Indian Navy under Buy Indian category with 100% Indigenous Content, valued at Rs 413 crore, was signed with Boeing India Defense Private Ltd, a wholly owned Indian subsidiary of Boeing, in the presence of senior officials of the Ministry of Defence. This contract will ensure Depot level maintenance of P8I fleet at in-country MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facility, which is in line with Government of India's commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India.

****

VK/Savvy

(Release ID: 2246008)

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Korea attends 35-country military talks on Strait of Hormuz

KOREA.net

Mar 27, 2026

By Kim Hyelin

High-ranking military officials from 35 countries including Korea on March 26 held a videoconference led by France on restoring navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Jin Yong-sung, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) in Seoul, took part in the meeting.

The meeting was chaired by French Armed Forces Chief Fabien Mandon.

In a news release distributed immediately after the meeting, the French Ministry of Defense said the videoconference sought "to organize the resumption of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz after hostilities cease," ruling out offensive military intervention. The meeting, it added, was "purely defensive in nature and unrelated to ongoing military operations in the region."

The statement said the meeting gathered global stances on maritime navigation safety in the strategically important region.

Domestic media reported that the JCS did not decide on specific military support at the meeting. Seoul will also carefully review government-level responses in close consultation with relevant ministries, while closely monitoring the movements of the international community in the strait.

If another meeting is held, the JCS will make a separate decision on whether to attend after considering the overall circumstances.

The multilateral videoconference came amid efforts to seek a joint international response to the strait's blockade triggered by the armed conflict of the U.S. and Israel against Iran.

Most allies of the U.S. in Europe and Asia declined the request of U.S. President Donald Trump to send warships to reopen the strait.

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House Armed Services Committe Democrats Call for Public Hearing on Iran War

House Armed Services Committee - Democrats

March 27, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- House Armed Services Committee (HASC) Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-Wash.) led a letter Friday signed by all HASC Democrats and sent to Chairman Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) asking that a public hearing be immediately convened and the Department of Defense be brought in to testify on President Trump's war against Iran.

In the letter, Smith and the HASC Democrats wrote, "We believe the military action against Iran necessitates that the Department of Defense immediately testify, in an open setting, before the House Armed Services Committee.

"We are deeply troubled by the lack of transparency from the Trump Administration and the Department of Defense and its failure to keep the Congress and the American people informed. We remain concerned by the ever-shifting strategic and operational objectives of the conflict and lack of clarity regarding the possible use of U.S. ground forces in the region. This conflict has already resulted in the deaths of 13 U.S. service members and an additional 290 wounded. It has also resulted in the deaths of over a thousand civilians and had sweeping impacts on the domestic and global economy as well as the stability of the Middle East. Additionally, our questions remain unanswered about the costs incurred, including daily operations, lost and damaged equipment, munitions expenditures, and reports that the administration plans to ask Congress for a $200 billion supplemental.

"There is no question that the Iranian regime is guilty of horrific crimes against its own people, conducts destabilization activities throughout the region, and should not be permitted to develop a nuclear weapon. Given the complexity and gravity of this conflict, it is imperative that it receive its own hearing, separate and apart from the committee's posture hearing with the Commander of U.S. Central Command as well as the budget hearing with the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Those hearings will not allow the time and attention this issue requires.

"We appreciate your ongoing bipartisan work on behalf of this committee and your attention to this request as we work to enable the committee's ability to carry out its oversight responsibilities."

A pdf copy of the signed letter can be found here.

###

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Photo: Unsplash

Diana Davityan, spokesperson for Rustem Umerov, Secretary of Ukraines National Security and Defense Council, has denied claims of an alleged Iranian strike on a warehouse in Dubai (UAE) containing Ukrainian drones and 21 Ukrainian nationals.

"This information does not correspond to reality. It is fake," Davityan told Interfax-Ukraine on Saturday.

In turn, the spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Heorhiy Tykhy, in response to journalists questions, denied information about an alleged attack on a warehouse in Dubai, where 21 Ukrainians were. "This is a lie, we officially deny this information. The Iranian regime often conducts such disinformation operations, and in this it is no different from the Russians," he said.

Earlier, Irans Fars news agency reported that Iran had supposedly carried out a strike on a warehouse in Dubai storing Ukrainian drones. According to the Iranian outlet, 21 Ukrainians were allegedly present at the site during the attack.
Control of Hormuz Strait "legal right" of Iran: FM

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 16:46, March 27, 2026

TEHRAN, March 27 (Xinhua) -- As a coastal state, it is Iran's legal right to prevent vessels belonging to or affiliated with the United States, Israel and their allies from passing through the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Thursday.

Araghchi made the remarks when exchanging views with United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the security and humanitarian consequences of the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran in a phone conversation, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday.

Araghchi briefed Guterres on the latest developments of the conflict and the "crimes" perpetrated by the United States and Israel, underlining Iran's firm determination to continue the "legitimate" defense of its national security and sovereignty as well as territorial integrity.

He condemned the "brutal" U.S. and Israeli attacks on civilian targets, including schools, hospitals, cultural and historical buildings, public places and residential areas, highlighting the UN's responsibility to pursue the "flagrant violations" of the UN Charter and international law, including human rights and international humanitarian law, committed by the "aggressors."

Araghchi criticized the positions and unilateral requests of some parties for Iran to exercise self-restraint and stop the war, emphasizing, "This obvious fact should not be overlooked that it was the United States that, together with Israel, launched the military aggression against Iran and imposed the war on the region and the world by repeating its betrayal of diplomacy and compromising all regional states' security and interests."

He said the insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz is a direct result of the "law-breaking and aggression" of the United States and Israel, describing as a legal right of Iran, a coastal state, preventing the passage of vessels belonging to or affiliated with the United States and Israel and their allies.

Araghchi said that while aware of their responsibilities to ensure the security and safety of navigation in the waterway, Iran's relevant authorities have taken necessary measures.

Araghchi also called on the United Nations to protect international peace and security by condemning the aggressors and holding them accountable.

Guterres, for his part, underlined the UN principled position on the need to respect the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries, expressing deep concern over the regional conflict.

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Iran serious about resolute defense of its sovereignty against ongoing aggression, FM tells Lavrov

Iran Press TV

Friday, 27 March 2026 11:07 PM

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserts that Iran remains serious about the resolute defense of its national sovereignty amid continued unprovoked American-Israeli aggression.

The top diplomat made the remarks during a telephone conversation with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Friday.

"The principled views of the Islamic Republic in affirmation of defense of Iran's national rights and interests are completely clear," Araghchi stated.

He noted the continuation of the unlawful aggression against various sites, including civilian centers such as schools, hospitals, historical and cultural sites, and residential areas.

The Iranian foreign minister, meanwhile, addressed the situation currently governing the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has closed to the adversaries and those aiding them in the aggression, calling insecurity affecting the strategic waterway the direct results of Washington's and Tel Aviv's atrocities.

"Preventing the passage of vessels belonging to the aggressors and their allies is Iran's legal right as a coastal state," he said.

"The competent authorities of the Islamic Republic, fully aware of their responsibilities for ensuring the security and safety of navigation in this waterway, have taken the necessary measures to defend Iran's sovereignty and national security, and to prevent the aggressors from exploiting this waterway to carry out hostile actions against Iran," Araghchi added.

He, however, clarified that passage of vessels belonging to other countries through the Strait of Hormuz would continue to take place in coordination with the relevant authorities.

Russia reiterates support for regional stability

For his part, Lavrov reiterated Moscow's condemnation of the aggression and stressed the need to respect the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter as far as regional and international security and stability was concerned.

He expressed his country's readiness to continue consultations aimed at reducing tensions and restoring security and stability in the region.

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Yemen declares readiness for direct military intervention unless US, Israel halt aggression

Iran Press TV

Friday, 27 March 2026 10:03 PM

The Yemeni Armed Forces have warned that they are prepared for direct military intervention if American-Israeli aggression against Iran and the Axis of Resistance continues to escalate.

"We confirm that our hands are on the trigger for direct military intervention," spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree said in a statement on Friday.

The statement came nearly a month into the launch of the United States' and the Israeli regime's latest bout of unprovoked aggression targeting the Islamic Republic, which has run in tandem with escalation of their attacks on regional resistance groups.

According to Saree, in addition to continuation of the escalation, other factors potentially prompting an intervention by the Yemeni servicemen would include other parties' participation in the ongoing aggression, and the use of the Red Sea to carry out hostile operations against the Islamic Republic or any other Muslim country. "We will not allow that," he asserted.

The official said the forces' position stems from "religious and moral responsibility" amid a broader campaign targeting not only the Islamic Republic, but also the Resistance Axis and the wider Muslim world.

The aggression is aimed at realization of the Israeli regime's so-called "Greater Israel" scheme, the official said, pointing to Tel Aviv's ambitions to expand the territories under its occupation to include wider areas across West Asia.

The statement described Yemen's position as part of the "legitimate right" of regional peoples to confront the Zionist scheme and those trying to carry it out, namely Tel Aviv and Washington.

The servicemen, Saree added, are also motivated by the notion of continued cooperation among the regional countries in the face of such manipulative plots as well as their desire to inflict a "major defeat" upon the aggressors.

Over all, the Yemeni Armed Forces seek to act in line with Sana'a's principled alignment with the broader global Muslim nation, and, would, accordingly, confront any American-Israeli aggression targeting any single Muslim people.

The spokesman, meanwhile, issued a series of demands from the aggressors.

He called on them to respond to diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the aggression, describing the atrocities as "unjust, oppressive, and unjustified" attacks "that harms global and regional stability and security and harms the global economy."

The statement further demanded implementation of the ceasefire agreement between the Israeli regime and the Gaza Strip's Hamas resistance movement. The deal was signed last October in line with a plan devised by the US, which Washington claims is aimed at ending Tel Aviv's war of genocide on Gaza.

The statement also cautioned against any move to increase pressure on Yemen itself by tightening the blockade on the Arab Peninsula nation.

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True Promise 4: Iran and resistance axis ops. against US-Israeli assets on Mar. 27

Iran Press TV

Friday, 27 March 2026 7:53 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 Friday, March 26, 2027, 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 83 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 27:

Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC):

The wave 83th of Operation True Promise 4, dedicated to the warm-blooded people of the country's southern strip in the northern Persian Gulf, was carried out under the sacred code "Ya Aba Abdillah Al-Hussein (peace be upon him)" against targets of the American-Zionist enemy.

These targets included the "Ashdod" oil storage and depots, the deployment location of the child-killing Zionist army in the "Modi'in" settlement, the US military intelligence exchange center in the region, the US military bases in Al-Dhafra and Al-Udeid, the maintenance and repair hangars for transport aircraft and drones at Ali Al-Salem base, fuel depots for jets and fighters of the American terrorist forces, and the maintenance and repair hangar for the "Patriot" system at Sheikh Isa base.

The operation was executed with complete success, using long-range and medium-range systems, solid and liquid fuel, precision-guided, multi-warhead missiles, and suicide and loitering drones.

The 84th wave of Operation True Promise 4 was carried out jointly by the IRGC aerospace and naval divisions under the blessed code "O Best of Providers" and dedicated to the martyrs of the IRIB organization and all the hard-working personnel of this media organization," destroying the enemy's anti-missile defense systems and the location of the fuel supply fleet and aerial support at the Al-Kharj base with a barrage of missile and drone fire.

The IRGC Intelligence wing in western Ilam province announced the identification and arrest of 51 American-Zionist mercenaries and spies.

Iranian Army:

The first drone-carrying flotilla of the strategic army navy, composed of surface and subsurface floating units carrying various combat, reconnaissance, and strike drones, was unveiled.

The support base and transportation center of the Israeli occupation army in "Tel Aviv" was attacked with a barrage of drones.

A cruise missile fired from a US-Israeli aircraft was shot down by the Army Air Defense Force systems in the northwest of the country.

Hezbollah:

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 fighters of the Islamic Resistance targeted the "Kiryat Shmona" settlement with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles in the border town of Naqoura with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a newly established helicopter pad in "Baydar al-Faqani" in the town of Taybeh 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 vicinity of the "Malkiya" settlement twice with artillery shells.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the Israeli artillery positions in the "Eilon" settlement with a swarm of attack drones.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles in the town of Al-Qantara with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the "Shtula" settlement with a swarm of attack drones.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles in the city of Khiam with artillery shells.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles at the "Al-Malikiyah" site with a rocket barrage.

In support of our steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and in support of their brave and honorable resistance, and in defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the town of Debel with a swarm of attack drones.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles 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 gathering of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles in the "Shomera" settlement with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted infrastructure belonging to the Israeli military in the "Katsrin" settlement in the occupied Syrian Golan with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the Israeli artillery positions in "Odem" in the occupied Syrian Golan with a swarm of attack drones.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the artillery batteries of the Israeli military in Ma'ilya, west of the "Ma'alot Tarshiha" settlement, with a swarm of attack drones.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted gatherings of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles in the square of the town of Al-Qantara and its surroundings with rocket barrages and artillery shells.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles at the "Metulla" site with a rocket barrage.

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 with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the industrial zone in the "Rosh Pinna" settlement with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted infrastructure belonging to the Israeli military in the occupied city of Safad with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the vicinity of the town of Al-Qawzah with a guided missile.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the enemy's artillery positions in the "Kabri" settlement with a swarm of attack drones.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles at the "Misgav Am" site with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles at Khallat al-Ain in the town of Al-Qantara with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles at Khallat al-Ain in the town of Al-Qantara for the second time with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and after monitoring the advance of an Israeli force at Khillet Al-Jawhar, east of the town of Beit Lif, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted it with a guided missile.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles near the cemetery of the town of Al-Qantara with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles at the pond of the town of Dibil with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters confronted an Israeli force infiltrating the Taybeh-Al-Qantara road in southern Lebanon.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, Islamic Resistance fighters detonated explosive devices against Israeli military vehicles in the town of Deir Seryan in southern Lebanon.

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, 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 for the second time with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a Merkava tank on the southwestern outskirts of the town of Al-Bayyadah with a guided missile.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, after monitoring a force from the Israeli army that infiltrated a house on the outskirts of the town of Al-Bayada, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted it with a guided missile.

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 "Margaliot" settlement 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 "Metulla" settlement with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters ambushed an Israeli force as it attempted to advance from the outskirts of the town of Al-Bayyada towards the town of Chama. Upon its arrival at the western outskirts of the town, Hezbollah fighters engaged the force with light and medium weapons.

Targeted a Merkava tank belonging to the Israeli army in the town of Deir Seryan in southern Lebanon with a guided missile.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters clashed with a force from the Israeli army using light and medium weapons from point-blank range in the town of Al-Bayyada, achieving direct hits.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a Merkava tank in the town of Al-Bayada with an attack drone.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters clashed again with an Israeli regime force in the towns of Al-Bayyadah and Chamaa at point-blank range with light and medium weapons, achieving direct hits.

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 occupied northern 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 "Beit Hillel" barracks with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted concentrations of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles in the vicinity of the town of Al-Bayyada in waves with rocket barrages and artillery shells.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Gadot" site north of Tabariya Lake with a swarm of attack drones.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted gatherings of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles in the town of Al-Qantara - in the vicinity of the cemetery with a rocket barrage, in Khallat Al-Ain with a rocket barrage, in the town square with a rocket barrage, in the vicinity of the cemetery with a rocket barrage, near the reservoir with artillery shells, at Wadi Al-Araish with a rocket barrage, in the town square with artillery shells, in the town square with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted four more "Merkava" tanks in the town of Al-Qantara with attack drones.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted two more "Merkava" tanks and an armored personnel carrier in the Wadi Al-Oyoun area in the town of Dibil with attack drones, achieving direct hits.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted gatherings of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles at the "Al-Malikiya" site, and at the "Misgav Am" site with rocket barrages.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the town of Al-Bayada with an attack drone.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers east of the "Sasa" settlement with an attack drone.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the Israeli military's artillery positions in "Givat HaEm," east of the "Kiryat Shmona" settlement, with a swarm of attack drones.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in the framework of the warning issued by the Islamic Resistance to a number of settlements in occupied northern Palestine, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Kiryat Shmona" settlement for the third time.

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 "Shlomi" settlement with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles at the "Al-Malikiyah" site with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Tefen" base east of the occupied city of Akka, the air defense system in the "Ma'alot Tarshiha" settlement, and infrastructure belonging to the Israeli army in the "Karmiel" settlement with a rocket barrage of qualitative missiles.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a "Merkava" tank in the town of Al-Bayada with a guided missile.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters engaged a warplane in the skies of Beirut with a surface-to-air missile.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted another "Merkava" tank in the town of Al-Bayada with a guided missile.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters engaged a warplane in the skies of Beirut with a surface-to-air missile.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted two more "Merkava" tanks in the town of Al-Bayyada with two attack drones.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Meron" base for air surveillance and operations management in northern occupied Palestine with a swarm of attack drones.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the town of Al-Bayyada with an attack drone.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted another "Merkava" tank in the town of Al-Bayyada with a guided missile.

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 the north of occupied Palestine, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Kiryat Shmona" settlement for the fourth time.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles in the Al-Malikiya site for the third time with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles in Beidar Al-Faqani in the town of Taybeh with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the town of Deir Siryan with a swarm of attack drones.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles of the Israeli army in Khallat Al-Ain in the town of Al-Qantara with a rocket barrage.

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Iran: Israeli assassination of Iranian diplomats in Lebanon testament to 'organized terrorism'

Iran Press TV

Friday, 27 March 2026 7:08 PM

The Iranian Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned the "heinous" Israeli assassination of Iranian diplomats in Lebanon, describing it as "a clear example of organized terrorism."

On March 8, Israel carried out a targeted strike against a hotel in Beirut, killing four Iranian diplomats.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said the "terrorist" act was part of Israel's ongoing hostile and criminal behavior against the Iranian people.

The statement noted that the crime reveals the "malicious" nature of the occupying Israeli regime and described the assassination of Iranian diplomats as "a clear manifestation of organized terrorism."

It also denounced the attack as a "blatant" violation of the fundamental principles of international law.

Iran will utilize all available legal and international mechanisms to pursue justice for this crime and hold the "brutal Zionist regime" accountable, added the ministry.

The statement further reaffirmed Iran's commitment to continuing the martyrs' mission of safeguarding Iran's security and national interests.

The Israeli regime intensified its attacks on Lebanon following the fresh round of aerial aggression launched by Tel Aviv and the United States against Iran on February 28. The aggression against Iran resulted in the martyrdom of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

In response, Iran swiftly retaliated against the unprovoked strikes by launching barrages of missiles and drone attacks on Israeli-occupied territories as well as on US bases and interests in the region.

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'Beyond eye for eye': IRGC urges evacuation of US, Israeli-linked sites after steel plant strike

Iran Press TV

Friday, 27 March 2026 5:22 PM

A senior commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has issued a stark warning that Tehran's retaliation will be beyond a simple proportional response, urging workers at industrial sites linked to the US and the Israeli regime to evacuate immediately to save their lives.

The warning follows separate aerial attacks launched by the United States and the Israeli regime on Friday, which targeted industrial areas in several Iranian cities. Two major Iranian steel companies were hit in the strikes.

Brigadier General Seyyed Majid Mousavi, commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force, delivered the stern message, emphasizing that the aggressors have once again crossed a dangerous line.

"You tested us once before; the world saw again that you yourselves started playing with fire and attacking infrastructure," Mousavi said.

Promising a severe response, he added: "This time, the equation will no longer be an eye for an eye; just wait!"

In a direct and urgent advisory, the aerospace commander warned, "Employees of industrial companies linked to the Americans and the Zionist regime must immediately leave their workplaces so their lives are not endangered!"

Separately, the public relations of the IRGC issued a statement, warning "all employees of industrial companies in the region with American shareholders, as well as heavy industries allied with the Zionist regime in the region, to immediately leave their workplaces so their lives are not put at risk."

Residents living within a 1-kilometer radius of such industries must evacuate their residences until the attack takes place, the statement added.

The warnings come on the heels of Friday's unprovoked strikes on Isfahan's Mobarakeh Steel Company and the Khouzestan Steel Company, located in central and southwestern Iran, respectively.

At the Mobarakeh facility in Isfahan provinceIran's largest producer of steel and ironthe attack struck parts of the electricity plant while employees were actively working on site.

Meanwhile, the Khouzestan Steel Company, another critical industrial hub, also sustained facility damage from a joint US-Israeli aerial strike.

Valiollah Hayati, deputy governor general of Khuzestan, reported that 16 individuals suffered minor injuries in the bombing. All victims were treated at a local medical center and have since been discharged.

Furthermore, the US-Israeli coalition launched attacks against civilian nuclear plants in Yazd and Arak.

The IRGC warning comes as earlier this month, Iran targeted a US-linked gas field in Qatar in response to an earlier US-Israeli strike against South Pars Gas Field in Bushehr.

These recent bombings are the continuation of a large-scale aggression launched by the US and Israel against the Islamic Republic.

The aggression follows the February 28 assassination of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, along with several senior military commanders and civilians.

US-Israeli extensive aerial strikes have targeted both military and civilian locations across Iran, causing significant casualties and widespread destruction to the nation's infrastructure.

Iranian armed forces have in response targeted US and Israeli asstests across the region in 84 wave of strikes as part of Operation True Promise 4.

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Two Iranian steel producers targeted in US-Israel attacks, casualties reported

Iran Press TV

Friday, 27 March 2026 5:05 PM

The United States and the Israeli regime have carried out separate attacks on two main Iranian steel companies in the central and southwestern provinces of Isfahan and Khuzestan.

In the continuation of their crimes, the US and Israel attacked parts of the electricity facility of Isfahan's Mobarakeh Steel Company in the city of Mobarakeh in Isfahan on Friday.

Deputy governor general of Isfahan Akbar Salehi said one person has been killed and two others injured in the attack.

He added that the attack took place when the company was not closed and its employees were working.

He noted that relief and technical teams have been immediately dispatched to the site to investigate the incident and take all the necessary measures.

The Mobarakeh Steel Company has an important position in Iran as it is the largest company in the country and the region producing steel.

In another attack on one of Iran's most important industrial units, Khouzestan Steel Company was targeted by a US-Israel aerial strike on Friday, which caused damage to parts of its facilities.

Deputy governor general of Khuzestan Valiollah Hayati told reporters that 16 individuals were slightly injured in the attack, who were discharged from a medical center after being treated.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade said expert teams are present at the sites of the two bombed companies to thoroughly investigate the incidents.

He added that an official report would be published soon about the damage inflicted on both firms and plans to reconstruct them.

Based on international regulations and conventions, he emphasized, non-military industrial facilities must be secured from any threat or attack and the strikes against the Iranian companies are not acceptable.

The US and the Israeli regime launched a large-scale unprovoked military campaign against Iran following the assassination of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, along with several senior military commanders and civilians on February 28.

The attacks have involved extensive aerial strikes on both military and civilian locations across Iran, causing significant casualties and widespread damage to infrastructure.

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Russia's Medvedev: Ground invasion of Iran would be America's new Vietnam

Iran Press TV

Friday, 27 March 2026 4:53 PM

The deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council has warned the US that the fate of any ground invasion of Iran would be a crushing defeat, adding that such a move would entrap Washington in a quagmire similar to the Vietnam War.

Dmitry Medvedev described US actions in Iran as "a major strategic mistake," stressing that the US regime will pay the price for it.

Amid reports of US preparations for a ground attack on Iran, Medvedev stated that such an operation would have difficult consequences for Washington, noting that Tehran has repeatedly expressed its readiness to confront such a move.

His remarks come amid reports that the US-Israeli coalition is planning to occupy Kharg Island in a bid to force Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz to their vessels.

Medvedev emphasized that a ground incursion could have the same consequences for the United States as the Vietnam War, where America was defeated.

"Getting involved in such ground operations too far from US territory would bring almost the same consequences as Vietnam [war], when Washington sent its forces to a foreign country thousands of miles away, and for ten years, failed to find a dignified solution to exit the conflict," he said.

The former Russian president also warned that any potential US ground invasion of Iran would have "deadly" consequences for the region.

On Thursday, the commander of the Iranian Army Ground Force, Brigadier General Ali Jahanshahi warned the enemy against any ground incursion, saying it will be "more dangerous and costly" for them.

"The Iranian Army forces are standing firm and steadfast on the frontlines of defense and they will incapacitate the enemy," he added.

The illegal US-Israeli aggression on Iran began on February 28 with airstrikes that assassinated senior Iranian officials and commanders.

The Iranian armed forces have responded by launching almost daily missile and drone operations targeting positions in the Israeli occupied territories, as well as US military bases and assets across the region.

They have also blocked the strategic Strait of Hormuz to oil and gas tankers affiliated with the adversaries and those cooperating with them.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Medvedev said that the United States has convinced the Persian Gulf Arab states that it is acting only to defend itself and Israel during its conflict with Iran.

He warned that "the biggest war in the Middle East is still ahead," and that the region could become a center of instability for centuries.

After the US-Israeli aggression against Iran, the Russian officials noted that several Persian Gulf Arab countries would seek to "establish their own nuclear shields."

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US cannot protect its troops on Iranian soil: Qalibaf

Iran Press TV

Friday, 27 March 2026 3:43 PM

Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf has questioned the United States' ability to protect its troops on Iranian soil, given its incapability of safeguarding its forces at its regional bases.

In a post on X, Qalibaf wrote on Sunday, "How can the US which can't even protect its soldiers at its bases in the region, and instead leaves them stashed away in hotels and parks, protect them on our soil?"

The New York Times revealed in a report on Friday that sustained Iranian strikes on US military bases across the region had forced American troops to disperse and operate from "improvised" locations in the neighboring countries.

Approximately 40,000 US troops were stationed across West Asia before the United States and Israel launched their joint aggression on the Islamic Republic on February 28.

Thousands have since been redeployed, some as far as Europe, while others remain in the region but no longer operate from established bases.

Multiple reports suggest that US forces have established a presence at civilian sites across the region, including in airports and hotels in the capitals of Lebanon and Syria.

On Thursday, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned hotels in Persian Gulf Arab countries against accepting US military personnel fleeing their bases and using civilian sites as cover.

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) also issued a warning, saying that its forces are obligated to eliminate US and Israeli "terrorist forces" wherever they are found for indiscriminately killing Iranian civilians and targeting key figures.

Reuters news agency reported last week that President Donald Trump is considering deploying thousands of additional forces to the region.

Since the war began on February 28, Iranian ballistic missiles and drones have repeatedly hit US facilities in the Persian Gulf countries and the Israeli-occupied territories.

Meanwhile, US troops are reporting overwhelming stress and disillusionment, with many considering leaving the military, according to a report by HuffPost.

A veteran mentor revealed to the US publication on Wednesday that soldiers told her they "do not want to die for Israel," referring to the unprovoked war Trump unleashed on Iran under pressure from the regime's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.

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Vance chided Netanyahu in call over 'overly optimistic' Iran war predictions: Report

Iran Press TV

Friday, 27 March 2026 2:33 PM

A tense phone call this week between US vice president JD Vance and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has laid bare growing friction between Washington and Tel Aviv over an unplanned war that has proved disastrous for both allies.

According to a report published by Axios, a US-based news website closely aligned with the Israeli military apparatus, Vance used the call to chastise Netanyahu for his "overly optimistic" assessments regarding the likelihood of "regime change" in Iran.

"Before the war, Bibi (Netanyahu) really sold it to the president as being easy, as regime change being a lot likelier than it was," a US official was quoted as saying by the media outlet. "And the VP (Vance) was clear-eyed about some of those statements."

The tense exchange underscores the delicate dynamics within the beleaguered Trump administration as it navigates both its partnership with Israel and bids to end the war that has failed to achieve any of its objectives.

Vance, who had previously projected himself as an opponent of open-ended foreign wars, reportedly was not in favour of the latest military aggression against the Islamic Republic but had to support it once Donald Trump and Netanyahu made the decision.

Vance has reportedly held multiple calls with Netanyahu, met with Persian Gulf allies of Washington, and been involved in indirect communications with some mediators in an attempt to persuade Tehran to give up its retaliatory military operations.

In a cabinet meeting on Thursday, Trump introduced him as a potential negotiator, replacing Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who were the strong proponents of war against Iran.

Axios, however, said that the vice president's scepticism of Israel's prewar strategy and his push for a negotiated end to the war have made him a target of Israeli war hawks.

Meanwhile, as Press TV reported on Wednesday, Iran has responded negatively to an American proposal conveyed through Pakistan and aimed at ending the ongoing war, insisting that it will only occur on Tehran's own terms and timeline.

The official with knowledge of the details of the proposal said Iran will not allow Trump to dictate the timing of the war's end and will end the war when it decides to do so and when its own conditions are met, emphasising Tehran's resolve to continue its defense and inflict "heavy blows" on the enemy until its demands are fulfilled.

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.

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In the Znob-Novhorodske community of Shostka district, Sumy region, a 20-year-old woman was killed and her 6-year-old sister sustained a serious injury as a result of Russian shelling.

According to the Office of the Prosecutor General, on March 28, 2026, at approximately 12:00 p.m., the enemy, based on preliminary information, fired artillery at a residential home in the Znob-Novhorodske community of Shostka district.

"As a result of the attack, a 20-year-old woman was killed. Her 6-year-old sister sustained severe injuries," the statement posted on Telegram on Saturday read.

Prosecutors, working in coordination with other law enforcement agencies, are documenting the aftermath of the strike.

Under the procedural guidance of the Shostka District Prosecutors Office, a pre-trial investigation is being conducted into the commission of a war crime that resulted in the death of a civilian (Part 2, Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).
Iranian Army drones strike major Israeli military logistics site

Iran Press TV

Friday, 27 March 2026 2:24 PM

Iran's Army says it has targeted sensitive and strategic locations in Israel's Tel Aviv with suicide drones, almost four weeks after a US-Israeli military coalition began an unprovoked war of aggression against the Islamic Republic.

In a statement on Friday, the Army said it has carried out drone strikes against a facility identified as Unit 6900, described as a key support and logistics hub of the Israeli military, and a site for the gathering of the regime's military forces in Ben Gurion Airport since last night.

It added that the latest wave of drone attacks aimed to inflict damage on the specialized forces of the Israeli regime and disrupt its logistical facilities.

According to the statement, Israel's Unit 6900 is tasked with transportation and supply of equipment for tanker aircraft and transfer of equipment to military bases.

Threatening the enemy's logistical lines with drone strikes will have a direct impact on rapid, safe and high-volume transportation and the Israeli regime's power to conduct aggressive operations, added the statement.

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 officials and military commanders, as well as hundreds of civilians.

Iran has also carried out extensive retaliatory attacks on Israel and US with missiles and drones successfully hitting targets in the Israeli-occupied territories as well as US military assets in regional countries.

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'Appeasing bullies only wets their appetite': Tehran denounces Canada for new anti-Iran sanctions

Iran Press TV

Friday, 27 March 2026 1:08 PM

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman has slammed Canada after it imposed new sanctions against the Islamic Republic amid the US-Israeli aggression, warning that their "bullying" will ultimately affect Ottawa.

"Appeasing the bullies and aggressors by pressuring the victim will hardly keep you spared from (the consequences of) their lawlessness & bullying," Esmaeil Baqaei said in a post on X on Friday.

"Appeasing bullies and fascists does not stop them; it only whets their appetite," he warned.

On Thursday, the Canadian Foreign Ministry announced sanctions on five Iranian individuals and four entities based on unfounded allegations.

Canada claimed that the sanctioned individuals and entities were involved in "directed activities" that it claimed undermined international peace, security, and stability.

The sanctions come as the US and Israel started the new round of aerial aggression on Iran on February 28, some eight months after they carried out unprovoked attacks on the country.

The attacks led to the martyrdom of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

Iran began to swiftly retaliate against the strikes by launching barrages of missiles and drone attacks on the Israeli-occupied territories as well as on US bases and interests in regional countries.

Canada has failed to slam the unprovoked aggression that has killed hundreds of Iranian civilians, including more than 200 children.

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IRGC busts Mossad-linked terrorist team in western Iran

Iran Press TV

Friday, 27 March 2026 12:50 PM

The intelligence organization of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has arrested a three-member team affiliated with the Israeli spy agency Mossad in the western Iranian province of Kermanshah.

The IRGC intelligence service in Kermanshah said in a statement on Friday that the terrorists have been directly working with Mossad officers.

The terrorists, led by the Mossad officers, sought to cause insecurity in the streets and carry out acts of sabotage against military individuals and in sensitive places, the statement noted.

It said a large number of weapons, a considerable amount of pellets, gunpowder and fuses for making bombs were confiscated from their hideout.

In a statement on Thursday, Iran's Intelligence Ministry said 14 mercenaries recruited by the US and Israeli regime were detained across the provinces Kermanshah, Alborz, Fars, and Kerman.

In Kermanshah, an operational cell of a terrorist faction was dismantled after its three members, plus their ringleader, were identified and arrested, the ministry said.

A large number of handmade explosive devices, a considerable amount of gunpowder and fuses for making bombs, a handgun and three Starlink satellite internet terminals were seized from their hideout.

According to the ministry, the operational cell was directed by a Germany-based individual to carry out terrorist activities, including attacking important state and media centers, in the province.

The announcements come following proved Mossad role in the January foreign-backded riots in Iran and also their efforts to ignite insecurity inside Iran concurrent with their joint aggression against the Islamic Republic.

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Senior Iranian official warns IAEA's Grossi over 'biased, destructive' remarks

Iran Press TV

Friday, 27 March 2026 11:15 AM

A senior Iranian diplomat has slammed International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi, warning that his recent "biased and destructive" remarks on Iran's peaceful nuclear program make the situation worse.

Grossi has recently said that the US-Israeli aggression alone could end Iran's peaceful nuclear program, adding that only a catastrophic nuclear war could destroy the country's capabilities "in an unfathomable way, which we hope, of course, will never be the case."

Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi described the remarks as unprofessional and destructive.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran strongly objects to these biased and passive remarks by the Director General of the Agency and issues a serious warning regarding them," he said in a post on his X account.

"Mr. Grossi has so far done nothing useful regarding Iran; on the contrary, from time to time, with his destructive comments, he only makes the situation worse," he added.

The Iranian diplomat also wondered whether Grossi is the head of an international organization or "a media analyst".

Grossi has so far failed to condemn US-Israeli attacks on Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities, including the two recent strikes on the site of Bushehr nuclear power plant, Gharibabadi said.

"Instead of issuing serious warnings about the consequences of war on Iran's safeguarded nuclear program or any use of destructive and illegal weapons, he is pointing out ways to destroy Iran's legitimate and legal nuclear activities."

According to the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, a projectile struck the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant 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 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 that such actions pose a significant and long-term threat to public health.

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.

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IRGC urges regional residents to evacuate areas hosting US-Israeli troops

Iran Press TV

Friday, 27 March 2026 9:13 AM

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has issued a statement addressing people across West Asia, saying it is obligated to eliminate US and Israeli "terrorist forces" wherever they are found for indiscriminately killing Iranian civilians and targeting key figures.

The statement, released on Friday, urged residents to immediately leave areas where American forces are stationed to avoid harm, stating that the US and Israeli militaries are hiding behind civilians and using noncombatants as human shields.

"The cowardly American-Zionist forces, who lack the courage and ability to defend their own military bases, out of fear of the fire of the warriors of Islam, are attempting to use civilian locations and innocent people as human shields," the statement said.

"Since we are obliged to eliminate the terrorist forces of America and the usurping regime wherever we find them, as they recklessly engage in the killing of Iranian civilians and the assassination of key figures, we advise that you urgently leave the locations of American forces so that no harm comes to you."

The Iranian warning comes shortly after a report by The New York Times revealed that US military across West Asia is facing mounting strain after sustained Iranian strikes rendered key American bases increasingly uninhabitable, forcing troops to disperse and operate from "improvised" locations across the region.

According to the newspaper, the shift has effectively transformed parts of the US-Israeli terrorist war campaign into a remote operation, with personnel working away from traditional command centers.

Prior to the outbreak of war, approximately 40,000 US troops were stationed across West Asia. Thousands have since been redeployed, some as far as Europe, while others remain in the region but no longer operate from established bases.

According to media reports, US forces have established a presence at civilian sites across the region, including a logistics base near Beirut's old airport and advisory operations at Damascus' Republic Palace, the Four Seasons, and Sheraton hotels.

US Marines were reportedly moved this week to Djibouti International Airport via Istanbul and Sofia.

On Thursday, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned hotels in Persian Gulf Arab countries against accepting US military personnel fleeing their bases and using civilian sites as cover.

"From the outset of this war, US soldiers fled military bases in the GCC (Persian Gulf Cooperation Council) to hide in hotels and offices. They use GCC citizens as human shields," Araghchi wrote on the social media platform X.

He compared the situation to hotels in the United States, which he said deny bookings to officers who may endanger customers, and urged Persian Gulf hotels to adopt the same practice.

Iran has struck 104 American and regional bases, according to a rough analysis of geolocated strikes by Fabian Hinz, an open-source analyst.

American satellite firms have delayed the release of imagery by at least 14 days, making it hard to assess the damage, British daily the Telegraph reported.

Of all the bases, Ali Al Salem in Kuwait has suffered most hits - a total of 23 - according to Hinz. Camp Arifjan and Camp Buehring follow, with 17 and six geolocated strikes respectively.

Satellite imagery from these three bases, the Telegraph wrote, shows damage to hangars, communications infrastructure, satellite equipment, fuel stores, and - following a strike on Ali Al Salem on Wednesday - a large warehouse.

Iran has hit bases in the UAE 17 times, Bahrain 16 times, Iraq seven times, Qatar six times, Saudi Arabia six times and Jordan twice, according to Hinz's "conservative" assessment as of Wednesday.

A study by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies estimated that attacks in the first days of the war caused at least $800 million of damage, with hits on an American THAAD (Terminal high altitude area defense) radar in Jordan and other infrastructure elsewhere in the region.

In Saudi Arabia, at the Prince Sultan Air Base, satellite imagery shows a hangar with a pitched roof reduced to rubble, the Telegraph reported.

In Qatar, at Al Udeid Air Base - the largest American base in the Middle East - imagery shows the destruction of multiple antennae and satellite arrays.

In the UAE, at Al Dhafra Air Base, a large hole has been ploughed through a building apparently used to house troops, with a large blast radius of dust.

Iranian sources said the attack was carried out by a Khorramshahr-4 missile, the most advanced in Iran's arsenal.

On Monday, CENTCOM which is responsible for American forces in West Asia put out an urgent call for contractors to deliver transportable hardened bunkers to Jordan.

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has targeted radar and air defense facilities in an attempt to "blind" Washington.

Iran has struck four sites hosting components for the American-made THAAD system, which tracks and intercepts incoming missiles, Hinz said.

An early-warning radar in Qatar and other radar installations across the region were also hit. "That may have made it harder to intercept Iranian missiles," the British paper said.

More Iranian launches are penetrating US and Israeli air defenses which face acute shortages of interceptor missiles, according to a study published on Wednesday by the Royal United Services Institute think tank.

Kuwait is the country in the region that has been hit most, with 50 confirmed impacts, according to Hinz.

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Iranian air defenses intercept Tomahawk missile, down US-Israeli reconnaissance drone

Iran Press TV

Friday, 27 March 2026 8:53 AM

Iranian air defense forces intercepted an incoming Tomahawk cruise missile and shot down a US-Israeli reconnaissance drone in Western Iran, say officials, as the number of downed hostile drones has surpassed 130.

Kazem Kazemi, the governor of Bijar in Kordestan Province, announced the interception and destruction of the cruise missile near the Gol Tappeh road in his county on Friday morning.

"The air defense systems of the western region of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army identified and destroyed this missile before it reached its target," Kazemi said.

Emphasizing the readiness of the armed forces, Kazemi added, "The interception operation was carried out with high precision and speed, and the region's defense systems reacted to the threat in the shortest possible time."

In a separate but concurrent development, the Public Relations department of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) in Qazvin Province reported the successful downing of a hostile unmanned aerial vehicle on Friday.

"At dawn today, an American-Zionist reconnaissance drone that had entered the airspace of Qazvin province was destroyed and shot down by the nationwide air defense fire of the devoted forces of the Hazrat Saheb al-Amr (AS) IRGC in the Avaj region," the statement read.

With these latest interceptions, the number of hostile drones destroyed by the Iranian Armed Forces' integrated air defense network since the beginning of the ongoing US-Israeli war of aggression has surpassed 130.

Beyond unmanned aircraft, Iranian air defenses have also struck several intruding fighter jets. On Wednesday, the IRGC announced that it successfully targeted another invading US warplane in Iranian airspace.

The targeted F-18 fighter jet is the fourth US warplane Iran has successfully struck since February 28, when the US and the Israeli regime launched their war of aggression against Iran.

Iran also managed to target the US military's advanced F-35 stealth fighter jet earlier in the war.

A recent report has disclosed that the F-35 struck by Iranian air defense units took significant damage and will not be able to resume operations anytime soon. According to the US public radio station NPR, the warplane sustained serious damage, and the pilot suffered shrapnel wounds.

Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for United States Central Command, had earlier told CNN that the fifth-generation jet was "flying a combat mission over Iran" when it was forced to make an emergency landing at an undisclosed US air base in West Asia.

This acknowledgment marks the first time the US has admitted that Iranian air defenses managed to hit one of its fighter jets since the start of the unprovoked war of aggression.

On Saturday, an unnamed military source told Tasnim news agency that Iran utilized a domestically-developed air defense system to hit the US F-35 stealth fighter jet.

The continued high-level performance of Iranian air defenses comes in stark contrast to, and despite, the US military's repeated claims to have destroyed the force.

The United States and Israel initiated an unprovoked military aggression against Iran following the assassination of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, along with several high-ranking military commanders and civilians, on February 28.

Both military installations and civilian facilities have been attacked throughout Iran, leading to considerable loss of life and widespread damage to infrastructure.

In response, Iranian armed forces have carried out over 80 waves of retaliatory missile and drone strikes against US interests across West Asia and Israeli positions in the occupied territories.

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Iran urges UN to condemn aggressors, hold them accountable for war crimes

Iran Press TV

Friday, 27 March 2026 7:08 AM

The Iranian foreign minister has called on the United Nations to condemn the US and the Israeli regime for waging an illegal war on the Islamic Republic and hold the regimes accountable for their crimes.

Abbas Araghchi made the remarks in a phone conversation on Thursday with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as the sides discussed the latest developments and the atrocities that the invading coalition is committing against Iran.

Araghchi urged the UN to take serious action and adopt decisive and clear positions towards honoring its inherent duty to protect international peace and security by denouncing the aggressors and bringing them to account.

Referring to the brutal US-Israeli attacks on civilian sites, including schools, hospitals, cultural and historical monuments, public places and residential areas, the top Iranian diplomat reminded the UN of its responsibility to pursue the flagrant violation of the UN Charter and international law, including human rights law and international humanitarian law.

He further criticized those who are calling for Tehran to show restraint or end the war.

"The fact should not be ignored that it was the United States and the Zionist regime, which launched the military aggression against Iran and imposed the war on the region and the world, betraying diplomacy once again and endangering security and interests of all regional countries," he said.

The criminal US-Israeli aggression on Iran began on February 28 with airstrikes that assassinated senior Iranian officials and commanders.

The Iranian armed forces have responded by launching almost daily missile and drone operations targeting locations in the Israelioccupied territories as well as US military bases and assets across the region.

They have also blocked the Strait of Hormuz to oil and gas tankers affiliated with the adversaries and those cooperating with them.

Araghchi said that insecurity in the strategic waterway, lying between the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, is the direct result of the American-Zionist aggression against Iran.

"Transit prohibition for vessels belonging or linked to the enemies and their allies is the legal right of Iran as a coastal country. Related authorities of the Islamic Republic have taken necessary measures to provide maritime security and safety in the waterway."

He also emphasized Iran's resolve to continue the legitimate defense of its national security and sovereignty, as well as territorial integrity.

Guterres, for his part, stressed the UN's principled position on the need for respecting countries' national sovereignty and territorial integrity, expressing concerns about the continuation of the war and killings in the region.

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Rubio Says US Expects To End Iran Campaign In 'Weeks, Not Months,' Can Achieve Goals Without Ground Troops

By Alex Raufoglu March 27, 2026

PARIS -- The United States expects to wrap up its military operation in Iran within "weeks, not months" and believes it is possible to achieve its goals without ground troops, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on March 27.

Rubio, speaking in the French capital after a meeting with the other Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers, also said Iran may seek to set up a toll system for passage through the Strait of Hormuz as the US-Israeli war approached its fifth week.

"We are on or ahead of schedule...and expect to conclude it...in a matter of weeks, not months," he said of the military campaign.

"We're going to destroy their navy...their air force...their ability to make missiles and drones... and dramatically reduce missile launchers," Rubio said, adding: "We can achieve all of our objectives without any ground troops...this is not going to be a prolonged conflict."

Referring to US troops dispatched to the region, he said the deployments were meant "to give the president maximum optionality and maximum opportunity to adjust the contingencies, should they emerge."

Rubio's remarks came as Iran warned of new attacks across the Middle East and urged civilians to avoid areas near US forces, a day after US President Donald Trump extended a deadline for Tehran to open the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil-and-gas transport route from the Persian Gulf to global markets, until April 6.

In a statement, the G7 foreign ministers and the European Union's top diplomat called for an immediate halt to attacks against civilian infrastructure in the US-Israeli war with Iran.

"There can be no justification for the deliberate targeting of civilians in situations of armed conflict as well as attacks on diplomatic facilities," they said. The G7 comprises the United States, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan.

Iran made no move to open the Strait of Hormuz. In a statement on March 27, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) said it would keep the waterway closed and any potential attempts at transit involving the Unites States, Israel, or their allies would face "harsh measures."

Following the IRGC's warning, media reported that three vessels of various nationalities were turned back from the Strait of Hormuz on March 27.

The Strait of Hormuz accounts for around one-fifth of global oil shipments and the effective closure of it by Iranian forces has become a central issue of the conflict, which started with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.

Rubio said that Iran may decide to set up a toll system for the strait, calling that "unacceptable" and stressing that European and Asian countries that benefit from trade through the waterway should help ensure free passage when the conflict is over.

"We're not asking anybody to join the war," Rubio said, adding that "countries that are most impacted [by closure of the strait]...need to be ready to do something about it."

A day earlier, Trump for a second time postponed threatened attacks on Iranian power plants if it does not reopen the key waterway, citing what he said was a request from Tehran. He set a new deadline of 8 p.m. Eastern time on April 6.

Last weekend, Trump said the United States would "obliterate" Iran's power plants if Tehran keeps blocking the Strait of Hormuz after 48 hours. He later extended the deadline until March 27, then extended it another 10 days.

On March 27, Trump said Iran is "on the run" and that talks with Tehran were still ongoing.

"We're negotiating now, and it would be great if we could do something, but they have to open it up," Trump told a Saudi-backed investment forum in Miami, referring to the Strait of Hormuz.

US Special envoy Steve Witkoff said the Trump administration is "hopeful" that "there will be meetings this week."

"We have a 15-point deal on the table that the Iranians have had for a bit of time. We expect an answer from them, and it would solve it all," he said at the Miami investment forum.

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.

The US plan reportedly repeated Washington's demands for Iran to dismantle its nuclear facilities, limit its missile capabilities, and end its support for regional proxy forces.

Rubio said on March 27 that the United States had not yet received a response from Iran, and suggested contacts had been indirect.

"We've had an exchange of messages and indications from the Iranian system, whatever's left of it, about a willingness to talk about certain things," he said. "We're waiting for further clarification about...who is it that we will be talking to, what will we be talking about, and when will we be talking."

Informally, Tehran has responded sharply to the 15-point plan, saying the US conditions were excessive and that it will end the war when it chooses and if its conditions are met, insisting on its right to freely develop its ballistic missile program.

Trump said on March 26 that he believed Iran 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 suggested that ships from "non-hostile" nations would have clear passage through the Strait of Hormuz. However, even if some vessels are allowed through, the overall uncertainty has made it difficult to secure insurance, effectively preventing ships from using the waterway.

With the war showing few signs of easing after almost four full weeks, the fighting has continued to cause casualties and damage across the Middle East.

In a social media post on March 27, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran would exact a "HEAVY price for Israeli crimes," after what he said were strikes on "2 of Iran's largest steel factories, a power plant, and civilian nuclear sites among other infrastructure."

The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran said the Chondab heavy-water reactor and a production facility in Ardakan for yellowcake, which is used to manufacture nuclear fuel elements, were targeted.

The Israeli military confirmed the attack on the Arfakan site in Yazd province. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said no increase in off-site radiation levels was reported.

Following air strikes on various parts of Iran over the previous 24 hours, the authorities of Iran's Qom Province on March 27 reported at least three attacks on residential buildings in the Pardisan neighborhood of Qom city.

Morteza Heydari, a spokesman for the Qom governorate, told the IRGC-affiliated Tasnim news agency that 18 people had been killed and 10 injured following the reports.

Separately, two Israeli soldiers -- both aged 21 -- were killed in Lebanon, according to a statement released by the Israeli military late on March 26.

The deaths brought the number of Israeli troops killed in the recently launched ground operations in southern Lebanon to four, according to military figures.

Israeli media reported one of the soldiers was killed in a rocket attack by Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group based in Lebanon that's deemed a terrorist organization by Israel and the United States. The second soldier was killed in an exchange of fire with fighters from the Shi'ite group, local media reported.

Citing information provided by the Iranian Red Crescent, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has reported more than 1,900 people have been killed since the beginning of the war, adding that at least 20,000 more have been injured. RFE/RL cannot independently verify the figures.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Radio Farda, Reuters, and AFP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-us-israel-war- strait-of-hormuz-middle-east/33718093.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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Three Islands That Could Be Key In Keeping The Strait Of Hormuz Open

By Kian Sharifi and Hannah Kaviani March 27, 2026

US President Donald Trump has warned of possible further action against Kharg Island, a key oil terminal of Iran and a major cog in the country's economic machine.

But three other Iranian islands in the Persian Gulf could be just as strategic in efforts to pressure Tehran into reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global oil and gas supplies.

The tiny islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb sit near the mouth of the 39-kilometer-wide waterway, giving them strategic value. The islands are controlled by Tehran but long claimed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

US media outlet Axios reported on March 26 that the Pentagon is preparing a range of military options for a potential "final blow" against Iran. They include seizing Abu Musa and the two other islands.

The capture of other Iranian islands, including Qeshm, Larak, and Kharg, are also on the table, according to Axios. The country has over 400 islands along its southern coast.

RFE/RL requested comment on the Axios report from the White House, which forwarded a March 21 statement by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

In the statement, Leavitt said: "It's the job of the Pentagon to make preparations in order to give the Commander-in-Chief maximum optionality. It does not mean the President has made a decision, and as the President said in the Oval Office recently, he is not planning to send ground troops anywhere at this time."

Meanwhile, Iran's speaker of parliament Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf wrote on X on March 25 that Tehran's intelligence had indications that "Iran's enemies, with the support of a country in the region, are preparing an operation to occupy one of Iran's islands."

His comment was seen as a reference to Abu Musa and Iran's claims that the UAE could help the United States take it.

Internationally recognized as part of Iran, the islands are also claimed by the UAE. Tehran gained control of the territories just a day before the creation in 1971 of the UAE, which was until then was an informal British protectorate.

The largest of the islands, Abu Musa, is home to around 2,000 people. The two smaller islands are mostly uninhabited and home to naval and military facilities.

Pressure Tactic

Global oil and gas prices have soared since Iran effectively closed the narrow passage -- which accounts for about one-fifth of the world's oil and gas transit -- since the war began on February 28.

The United States could seize control of the islands to break Iran's chokehold on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz in hopes it will help push oil prices back down.

Seizing the three strategic islands could also give Washington a bargaining chip in any negotiation with Iran to end the war, experts say.

"The likelihood that they intend to occupy these islands is very high," Mohammad Farsi, a former Iranian military officer who was stationed on Kharg Island in the northern Persian Gulf before the Islamic Revolution in 1979, told RFE/RL's Radio Farda.

The deployment of two American expeditionary units, with thousands of Marines and supporting ships and aircraft, has added to speculation that Trump could at some point order the invasion of the islands.

Would It Actually Work?

Farsi said he was skeptical that seizing Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb would achieve its stated goal of keeping the strait open for oil tankers.

"The threat from Iran doesn't require ships or vessels," he said. "Iran can strike from a distance with drones and missiles."

As long as Iran's missile and drone infrastructure on the mainland remains intact, Farsi said, no island garrison or naval escort force can reliably guarantee safe passage through the strait.

H.A. Hellyer, a senior associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies, says Iran's leadership views the Strait of Hormuz as a leverage point: "a pressure mechanism affecting global energy markets and international opinion."

Thus, control over the three islands for the United States would be "geographic and strategic."

"These islands sit near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints. Control over them has implications for shipping lanes, energy flows, and potential military positioning in any scenario involving reopening or securing the strait," he said, adding he wasn't advocating for the United States to make such a move.

"In the end, these islands are not peripheral. They sit at the intersection of territorial dispute, maritime security, energy markets, and evolving Gulf alliances. Any move involving them would reshape the strategic landscape around Hormuz."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-persian-gulf- islands-us-seizure/33718108.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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Iran Recruits 12-Year-Olds As 'Combatants Defending The Homeland'

By Ray Furlong and RFE/RL's Radio Farda March 27, 2026

Iran has announced that children as young as 12 can sign up under a new program "for combatants defending the homeland," with applicants directed to mosques and "registration booths" on central squares.

The recruitment scheme was reported by multiple Iranian media outlets and announced by an official from the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), which is designated as a terrorist group by the United States, on March 26.

Rahim Nadali, IRGC deputy director for culture in Tehran, said in a TV announcement it was a response to popular demand for ways to help fighters who are "standing up to global aggression," referring to US and Israeli air strikes.

This claim could not be independently verified by RFE/RL, which is not permitted to operate in Iran.

"We launched a plan that we call For Iran, which is a registration plan for combatants defending the homeland," Nadali said. "We set the minimum age at twelve and above."

Official Iranian media reported that duties for recruits would include taking part in patrols and "checkpoint tours."

This could put children in danger. US and Israeli air strikes have hit checkpoints belonging to the Basij militia, a branch of the IRGC used for the brutal repression of dissent in Iran.

A Basij recruitment poster featured in Iranian media reports about the For Iran program showed children, who appear to be in the project's target age range, standing amid Iranian flags while burning missiles fall from the sky.

'An Increase In Numbers'

It was not clear if the recruitment drive was an effort to rally support, a response to a shortage of personnel, or a combination of these and other motives.

A prominent Iranian children's rights campaigner told RFE/RL's Radio Farda that child recruitment in the country was not "a new phenomenon" but this time it's on a larger scale.

"The Basij has consistently recruited children and adolescents. Regarding the checkpoints currently being discussed, the topic has become more media-prominent due to an increase in numbers," London-based Hamid Farahani said.

"Unfortunately, many parents may actually agree [with this recruitment]," he added. "If parents see their children being drawn in, they should try to dissuade them."

Iran has a track record of recruiting children for security and even combat roles, most notably using child soldiers during the 1980s war with Iraq. Stories of children sacrificing their lives to destroy Iraqi tanks were taught in Iranian schools as a means of indoctrination.

In 2017, Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported that Iran was recruiting Afghan children to fight in Syria. It said the children, aged as young as 14, served in an all-Afghan unit supported by Iran that served alongside forces loyal to the then president, Bashar al-Assad, in the country's civil war. HRW presented photos of tombstones of eight children who died on various Syrian battlefields.

More recently, Iran was accused of using minors to help the suppression of the mass nationwide Women, Life, Freedom protests in 2022, in which hundreds of people were killed by security forces.

Photos shared on social media showed children dressed in what appeared to be Basij uniforms and riot gear. An Iranian charity, the Imam Ali Society, said the children were from poor families and given "a few bags of food" for their work.

Other duties listed in the current recruitment scheme include "distributing items needed by fighters and taking care of homes damaged by enemy attacks," official media said.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/33718169.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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Patients, staff of damaged maternity hospital in Odesa transferred to other facilities

A maternity hospital in Odesa damaged as a result of Russian shelling has temporarily suspended admissions; patients, newborns, and staff have been transferred to other specialized institutions, the city council reported on Telegram on Saturday.

In addition to the maternity hospital, other nearby medical facilities in the Prymorsky district were also affected by the overnight Russian attack on Odesa.

"In the consultative and diagnostic center and its branch  a day hospital, as well as a childrens clinic and a family medicine outpatient clinic, more than 60 windows were shattered by the blast wave, and internal doors were damaged," the statement said.

These medical institutions continue to provide care to the public.

The enemy attacked Odesa region overnight into Saturday with 60 strike drones. Two people were killed and more than ten were injured, including a child. Civilian infrastructure was damaged, with strikes hitting a maternity hospital, residential neighborhoods, and port infrastructure. At one of the ports, a grain gallery was damaged by a drone strike.
Iran War Will Reshape Dynamics Ahead Of Trump-Xi Summit, Says Former US Official

By Reid Standish March 27, 2026

A long-awaited meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping will take place in Beijing on May 14-15 after Trump said Washington asked to delay the summit originally planned for April due to the war with Iran.

The summit in Beijing comes after the two leaders met in South Korea in October 2025 and and follows successive US military action in Venezuela in January and the war with Iran, which began with US-Israeli strikes in late February. While the Trump-Xi meeting is set to focus on lingering trade and economic disputes between Beijing and Washington, the American moves against two Chinese partners add a new geopolitical backdrop.

For a better understanding of how the war in Iran will affect the upcoming summit, RFE/RL spoke with Dennis Wilder, a former top US official focused on China.

Wilder is now a senior fellow at Georgetown University. He previously served as director for China on the National Security Council and as senior director for East Asian affairs under President George W. Bush. He also served as senior editor of the President's Daily Brief to former President Barack Obama and as the CIA's deputy assistant director for East Asia and the Pacific.



RFE/RL: US President Donald Trump said he will meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing on May 14-15. This comes after delaying a previous summit that was slated for April due to the war in Iran. How does having the war going on change these dynamics for the diplomacy leading up to this summit?

Dennis Wilder: Both sides realized that the delay was necessary. The optics of the president leaving in the middle of a war -- going to Beijing, being feted, and having a million people greeting him in the square -- when there could have been a disaster would have been terrible optics.

While the war is going on, a similar dynamic exists for the Chinese. My impression from Chinese interlocutors is they were relieved Trump decided against going because, for them, we're pummeling their friend in Iran. That's not a great look for Xi Jinping, either.

But both sides really want this meeting, and both sides really want the pause in the trade war to become permanent.

In terms of the war in Iran, what has struck me talking to Chinese interlocutors -- and, frankly, surprised me -- is their myopic view of what's been happening. Instead of seeing Venezuela as an American attempt to deal with a regional problem in President Nicolas Maduro, they saw it as us taking Venezuela away from them.

They also see the pressure on Panama [Editor's note: Panama's Supreme Court ruled in January that license terms granted to a Hong Kong-based company to operate two strategic ports at either end of the Panama canal violate the country's constitution] as the United States pressuring to take away their influence in the Western Hemisphere.

In Iran, they see this as us going after a Chinese partner, and now they see the pressure on Cuba in a similar way. From their point of view, there's a lot of paranoia right now.

Of course, the US National Security Strategy puts a greater emphasis on the Western Hemisphere, and there are some Americans who say that it's really about China. But most of us don't actually think that way; it's a secondary issue. Still, it will be in Xi Jinping's mind; he's going to be trying to assess what the United States is doing.

Is Trump actually on a very clever strategy to get China out of the Western Hemisphere and limit its international influence? I think that's going to be the new wrinkle in this summit that I hadn't considered before.

RFE/RL: How might some of these new dynamics be carried over to the summit? Before Venezuela and Iran, the thinking was that this would be very trade-heavy and focused on supply chains, critical minerals, and issues like that. But this adds a whole new geopolitical shadow over it. Could all of this drown out the trade talks?

Wilder: Trump is still looking for a big, beautiful deal with the Chinese.

I equate the trade war to two heavyweight boxers who got in the ring last year and punched each other out. Both of them got hurt, but neither of them got knocked down. By the end of the year, Trump decided he had done enough punching and it was time to kind of call the fight. I think the Chinese feel the same way.

On the trade front, I don't think this will have a big influence. There's already a 500-plane Boeing deal that's just sitting there waiting for the final signature in Beijing. The deal is totally cut. There's also US soybeans exports to China and maybe more investment in the United States. That is something US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is reportedly considering.

On the Chinese side, Trump has already done some of the things they want, such as the decision on Nvidia's H200s[Editor's note: The H200 is a supercharged chip designed specifically to accelerate generative AI training that faced US export restrictions to China until they were partially eased in 2026].

Then there's the interesting question of Taiwan. What is Trump ready to give? Maybe a little in terms of linguistics on Taiwan, moving from saying Washington is opposed to not supporting Taiwanese independence? I think he's ready if he's got the right deal. But again, this is causing great consternation in his administration and on Capitol Hill because, while he sees it as simple semantics, people in Taiwan don't see it that way and it will have an impact.

If US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is there, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will try to probe him about US strategic priorities right now. Cuba will be a big question. Is the United States going to move on Cuba? China has huge intelligence collection sites in Cuba, and they're really the main supporter of Cuba these days, with the Russians basically pulling out. I don't know if they'll ask it directly, but indirectly they're going to want to know: Is that the next shoe that's going to drop?

RFE/RL: You've been a part of a lot of these meetings in the past between previous American and Chinese leaders and you know what goes on in both the leadup and aftermath. The White House said it's planning to also welcome Xi to the United States later this year. It's unclear when, but can you provide some insights on what might be happening on the US policy side between this upcoming summit and the next one?

Wilder: The Trump administration does this differently from the administrations I served. But the Trump way of doing this is really to put somebody in charge, an envoy -- in this case, the envoy is definitely Bessent -- and so the important discussions are happening between him and [Chinese Vice Premier] He Lifeng.

I would expect that between the two summits they will have a series of discussions about the economic issues. The thing that I understand has disappointed the Chinese is that Rubio has not shown much interest in discussions with them, but he's someone that carries the hat of the national-security adviser and secretary of state, so on geostrategic issues, they'd like to engage him.

So far, he doesn't seem to want to engage the Chinese at this point, and that's going to be a problem for them if he continues to stand back. That sends a message to Beijing in and of itself. He's so associated with the Cuban question, and they will wonder whether he's standing back because he has plans and doesn't want to talk to the Chinese about them.

In past administrations, you'd have the State Department, Pentagon, and everybody discussing deliverables and sending proposals to the White House, and then people like me at the White House putting those together in a package of options and presenting them to the president. Instead, for this administration, it's all happening in the Oval Office. That makes the president his own action office, and that's what makes it all more unpredictable.

RFE/RL: Does this unpredictability, coupled with military action in Iran, offer negotiating benefits for the United States?

Wilder: This does give Trump a bit of an edge because he can call an audible on Air Force One going to China.

You'll remember that the decision on Nvidia happened in Busan, South Korea, right before Trump and Xi met [in October 2025] where [Nvidia CEO] Jensen Huang gets the ear of the president, and he makes a decision on the ground to ease export curbs.

There is no true policy process and therefore, without a policy process, Trump has great freedom and latitude. As one Chinese interlocutor said to me, we have the most predictable leader in the world engaging with the most unpredictable leader in the world, and it is a bizarre sort of relationship. Trump seems on the surface to get along with Xi. What Xi thinks of Trump, I wouldn't even hazard to guess.

RFE/RL: What about the flip side of this? Are there benefits from this approach and war with Iran that the Chinese might be seeing and feeling they're in a better position now?

Wilder: In my very recent discussions with Chinese interlocutors, they note the fact that we're having to move equipment because we don't have enough of it. That we're using up drones. We're using up missiles -- THAAD missiles, Patriot missiles -- at an alarming rate, and they know exactly how many our defense industries can produce a year.

They're counting the numbers, and they're saying, 'You're not going to have anything left in East Asia in reserve,' so they see it as a very real benefit to them. They also -- and this is in contrast to what I've said earlier -- they also see the emphasis on the Western Hemisphere as turning attention away from East Asia.

I think from the Chinese point of view, there is good news in this, that the United States will be potentially bogged down in the Middle East. Some of them are already using a Vietnam analogy and calling it a quagmire, but that's also a hope to many on the Chinese side rather than necessarily a reality.

So yes, they definitely see some real benefits if everything plays out the way they'd like to.

The interview below has been edited for length and clarity.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/china-iran-war- trump-xi-summit-venezuela-cuba-dennis-wilder/33717993.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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Iranian, Russian Foreign Ministers Discuss Middle East Crisis

Sputnik News

20260327

TEHRAN (Sputnik) - Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a telephone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to discuss the situation in the Middle East, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

"During the telephone conversation, Araghchi and Lavrov discussed and exchanged views on the development of the situation in the region, as well as the consequences of the ongoing military aggression of the United States and the Zionist regime against Iran," the ministry said in a statement.

Araghchi told Lavrov that the Strait of Hormuz is open to ships from countries not associated with US and Israeli aggression against Iran, the statement added.

 Sputnik

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Iran Mobilizing Over 1 Million Troops Amid Escalation  Reports

Sputnik News

20260327

Iran has mobilized more than one million personnel for potential ground combat, while also seeing a surge in volunteers seeking to join the Basij militia, the IRGC, and the army, Tasnim reported, citing an informed source.

The report said Iranian youth have increasingly requested to join the fight amid the ongoing US-Israeli aggression against Iran.

Earlier on March 26, The Wall Street Journal reported that the Pentagon is considering deploying up to 10,000 additional US ground troops to the Middle East.

 Sputnik

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Joint Statement of G7 Foreign Ministers on Iran

Press release

A joint statement of G7 Foreign Ministers following the G7 Foreign Ministerial Meeting in Vaux-de-Cernay

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and The Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP

Published 27 March 2026

We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, met under France's G7 Presidency, at Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay, France from March 26 to 27, 2026.

We discussed the situation in Iran and the region.

We underscored the importance of minimising the impact of the conflict on regional partners and civilian populations, critical infrastructure - and the need to coordinate humanitarian aid efforts.

We call upon an immediate cessation of attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructures. There can be no justification for the deliberate targeting of civilians in situations of armed conflict as well as attacks on diplomatic facilities.

We focused on the value of diverse partnerships, coordination, and supporting initiatives, including to mitigate global economic shocks such as disruptions to economic, energy, fertiliser and commercial supply chains, which have direct impacts on our citizens.

We reiterated the absolute necessity to permanently restore safe and toll free freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, consistent with UNSC Resolution 2817 and the Law of the Sea.

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Ukraine, Canada, Sweden, and the United Kingdom jointly filed a counter-memorial against the Iran

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

27 March 2026 16:44

Today, 27 March 2026, Ukraine, Canada, Sweden, and the United Kingdom jointly filed a counter-memorial against the Islamic Republic of Iran in the ongoing case before the International Court of Justice in relation to an appeal concerning the jurisdiction of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) under Article 84 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention).

The submission of this counter-memorial is a significant step toward ensuring justice for the victims of the PS752 tragedy and their families, and underscores the strong commitment of Ukraine, Canada, Sweden, and the United Kingdom to hold Iran accountable for its grave violations of international law.

On 17 March 2025, the ICAO Council confirmed its jurisdiction to consider the dispute concerning Iran's violations of the Chicago Convention in connection with the downing of Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 over Tehran on 8 January 2020 by military personnel of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

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UN sets up task force regarding Strait of Hormuz amid Mideast hostilities

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 09:37, March 28, 2026

UNITED NATIONS, March 27 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has established a task force to develop and propose technical mechanisms specifically designed to meet humanitarian needs in the Strait of Hormuz, his spokesperson said Friday.

"As the conflict in the Middle East unfolds and threatens to intensify, disruptions in maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz risk creating ripple effects impacting humanitarian needs and agricultural production in the coming months," spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told a daily briefing.

He said that while Guterres is committed to making every effort to achieve a comprehensive and durable settlement of the conflict, the secretary-general determined that immediate action is essential to address maritime challenges and established a task force to find a way to protect shipping.

"This new mechanism for the Strait of Hormuz aims to facilitate fertilizer trade, including the movement of related raw materials," Dujarric said. "The mechanism's operationalization will be done in close consultation with relevant (UN) Member States with full respect for national sovereignty and established international legal frameworks."

The United Nations said Friday the World Health Organization reported that aid shipments are getting "back on track" from Dubai, one of its key relief hubs.

Dujarric said there was growing alarm over intensifying fighting between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, warning that "the Gaza model must not be replicated in Lebanon."

The spokesman said that more than 1 million people, about one-fifth of Lebanon's population, have been displaced since hostilities escalated. The UN Children's Fund reported that an average of 19,000 children are being displaced daily.

The safety of UN peacekeepers has also deteriorated. On Thursday, the UN Interim Force in Lebanon recorded 1,325 trajectories crossing the Blue Line, from the south to the north, the highest number in weeks.

"Hezbollah must stop launching attacks into Israel. And Israel must stop its military operations and strikes in Lebanon, which are hitting civilians the hardest," Dujarric said.

In the Occupied Palestinian Territories, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said two people were killed in the West Bank, one by Israeli settlers near Bethlehem, and the other by Israeli forces in Qalandia Camp, near Jerusalem.

OCHA said that since the onset of the regional escalation last month, more than 150 settler attacks have resulted in casualties or property damage in about 90 communities.

The office said that since January, such settler attacks and access restrictions have displaced nearly 1,700 Palestinians. Less than three months into 2026, this number has already surpassed the total for 2025. Since 2023, 38 Palestinian communities have been emptied of their populations.

In the Gaza Strip, OCHA said the relief response continues at scale despite persistent access restrictions, supply chain disruptions and continued strikes.

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Israeli opposition leader highlights chief of staff's warning of collapsing army

Iran Press TV

Friday, 27 March 2026 11:21 AM

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid says that over the past 13 years of his presence in the regime's security institutions, he remembers no warnings more severe than the recent one by Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir about the occupation's collapsing military.

Lapid made the remarks in an X post on Friday, a day after Israel's Channel 13 quoted Zamir as telling a high-level meeting that the Israeli army faces ten red flags and is on the verge of collapse.

He also noted that reserve forces are completely worn out while regular troops are collapsing, with the army grappling with a severe shortage of troops.

The cabinet of Israeli prime pinister Benjamin Netanyahu has sent the military without a clear strategy and adequate resources to a multi-front war, Lapid added.

Netanyahu could no longer claim that he did not know the dire situation, as the warning was issued by the cabinet-appointed chief of staff, he added.

Zamir had warned that reserve forces, in particular, cannot sustain their current level of service under existing arrangements.

Over the past month, Israel, along with the United States, has been waging an illegal aggression against Iran. The onslaught has sparked Iran's retaliatory operations against locations in the occupied lands, inflicting heavy losses on the usurping regime.

Israel launched the criminal assault months after a 12-day onslaught on Iran and a genocidal war on the Gaza Strip.

Israel is also fighting with Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement, which has intensified its operations against positions inside the occupied territories.

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Joint Statement of G7 Foreign Ministers on Iran

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

March 27, 2026

We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, met under France's G7 Presidency, at Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay, France from March 26 to 27, 2026.

We discussed the situation in Iran and the region.

We underscored the importance of minimizing the impact of the conflict on regional partners and civilian populations, critical infrastructure - and the need to coordinate humanitarian aid efforts.

We call upon an immediate cessation of attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure. There can be no justification for the deliberate targeting of civilians in situations of armed conflict as well as attacks on diplomatic facilities.

We focused on the value of diverse partnerships, coordination, and supporting initiatives, including to mitigate global economic shocks such as disruptions to economic, energy, fertilizer and commercial supply chains, which have direct impacts on our citizens.

We reiterated the absolute necessity to permanently restore safe and toll free freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, consistent with UNSC Resolution 2817 and the Law of the Sea.



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G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Paris

(Overview of the "Session 3: Cross-cutting Threats and Sovereignty")

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

March 27, 2026

On March 27, commencing at 9:25 a.m. (5:25 p.m. on March 27, Japan time), for approximately 80 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting the Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay in the Yvelines Department of France, to attend the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, participated in the session on "Cross-cutting Threats and Sovereignty." The overview is as follows (the session was attended by the Foreign Ministers of the G7, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and the Foreign Ministers of the invited countries, South Korea, India, Ukraine, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia):

In this session, the G7 foreign ministers, together with the invited countries, engaged in discussions on various issues and responses concerning cross-cutting threats, including maritime and port security, critical minerals supply chains, and counter-narcotics measures. The participating countries reiterated their commitment to strengthening cooperation among the G7 and like-minded countries in addressing cross-cutting threats such as maritime and port security and critical minerals supply chains. Regarding maritime security, Minister MOTEGI emphasized the importance of the security of sea lanes and port infrastructure, referring to Iran's effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz and recent attacks on energy and port infrastructure of neighboring countries, as well as their impact on the international economy. Furthermore, in order to ensure freedom and safety of navigation, Minister MOTEGI introduced Japan's initiatives in the region under the "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)," including capacity-building assistance, and mentioned that Japan would further expand these initiatives. Regarding critical minerals supply chains, referring to Japan's position on China's export restriction measures, Minister MOTEGI re-emphasized the importance of securing stable supply of critical minerals, including rare earths, through the cooperation among the G7 and like-minded countries, and stated the significance of further efforts to diversify supply sources and to develop markets with a level playing field.

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G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Paris

(Overview of the "Session 4: Support for Ukraine")

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

March 27, 2026

On March 27, commencing at 11:15 a.m. (7:15 p.m. on March 27, Japan time), for approximately 60 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting the Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay in the Yvelines Department of France, to attend the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, participated in the session on "Support for Ukraine." The overview is as follows (the session was attended by the Foreign Ministers of the G7, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and the Ukrainian Foreign Minister.):

In this session, the G7 foreign ministers, together with H.E. Andrii SYBIHA, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, discussed the situation in Ukraine and responses related to support for Ukraine. The G7 reaffirmed their solidarity with Ukraine and confirmed their commitment to work closely together for a just and lasting peace of Ukraine. Minister MOTEGI emphasized that unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force must not be tolerated. Minister MOTEGI also briefed on the current status of Japan's support for Ukraine including recovery and reconstruction assistance, and stated that Japan would continue its efforts to strengthen Ukraine's social and economic resilience through public-private recovery and reconstruction support. He also stated that it is necessary to maintain pressure on Russia by continuing sanctions against Russia.

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Ukrainian Red Cross Society worked overnight to address aftermath of Russian drone attack in Odesa

Photo: Red Cross Society

The Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) worked overnight alongside State Emergency Service (SES) rescuers to mitigate the consequences of a Russian drone strike in Odesa.

"Volunteers carried out door-to-door checks in damaged buildings and surrounding areas to identify victims," the URCS reported on Facebook on Saturday.

URCS volunteers provided first aid to 10 injured individuals. Two wounded people were transported to the hospital by volunteers. In addition, more than 10 people experiencing acute stress reactions received initial psychological support.

As reported, the enemy attacked Odesa region overnight into Saturday with 60 strike drones. Two people were killed, more than ten were injured. Civilian and port infrastructure, a maternity hospital, and residential neighborhoods were damaged.
G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Paris

(Overview of the "Session 5: Situation in Iran and the Surrounding Region")

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

March 27, 2026

On March 27, commencing at 1:00 p.m. (9:00 p.m. on March 27, Japan time) for approximately 70 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting the Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay in the Yvelines Department of France, to attend the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, participated in the session on "Situation in Iran and the Surrounding Region" (in the form of a working lunch). The overview is as follows (the session was attended by the Foreign Ministers of the G7 and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy):

In this session, the G7 members had a candid exchange of views on the current situation in Iran and its impact on the region. They confirmed that they would communicate closely and coordinate their responses toward an early de-escalation of the situation. Regarding Iran, the G7 members exchanged views on the current situation, and the United States briefed on the latest developments and the prospect going forward. Minister MOTEGI emphasized, particularly regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, that ensuring the safety of navigation of all vessels in the Strait is an urgent priority. He further emphasized that, in order to mitigate the impact on the global economy, it is extremely important to ensure a stable supply of energy and to stabilize crude oil prices, and that Japan is actively engaged in international efforts, such as encouraging other countries to participaten in the Joint statement on the Strait of Hormuz, and working on bilateral engagement with Iran in which Japan is urging that the safe navigation of vessels of all countries be ensured. In addition, Minister MOTEGI introduced Japan's efforts, including Japan's leading decision on the release of oil stockpiles, at a scale second only to that of the United States and stated that Japan would continue to take all possible measures.

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G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Paris

(Overview of the"Session 6: Peace and Security")

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

March 27, 2026

On March 27, commencing at 2:25 p.m. (10:25 p.m. on March 27, Japan time) for approximately 60 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting the Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay in the Yvelines Department of France, to attend the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, participated in the session on "Peace and Security." The overview is as follows (the session was attended by the Foreign Ministers of the G7 and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy):

In this session, the G7 members had a candid exchange of views on regional situations that have a significant impact on the peace and security of the international community, including the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Africa. They reaffirmed the importance of closely communicating and cooperating as the G7 in an increasingly severe security environment. Regarding the situation in the Indo-Pacific, Minister MOTEGI explained Japan's position on recent developments concerning China, including Japan-China relations. Also, regarding North Korea, Minister MOTEGI emphasized the importance of the complete denuclearization of North Korea, and stated that it is necessary to strengthen making efforts to address cryptocurrency thefts and North Korean IT worker activities, which fund its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Minister MOTEGI once again asked for understanding and cooperation from the other G7 members for the immediate resolution of the abductions issue.

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Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's interview with France Televisions public television broadcaster, Moscow, March 26, 2026

26 March 2026 22:45

441-26-03-2026



Question (retranslated from French): Before we discuss the state of affairs in Ukraine, let us take a look at the developments in the Middle East. The United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran 20 days ago. You have firmly stood by the Islamic Republic of Iran which is your ally. Why are you doing this?

Sergey Lavrov: Our primary focus was on upholding the international law, not so much on defending Iran which is more than our ally but is our strategic partner, as set out in the relevant intergovernmental agreement. I do not think that the French, who have historically declared their commitment to international law, fail to see what is happening. In fact, there's no need to see it, because we are witnessing it daily in real time.

We can't really go along with US President Donald Trump saying he doesn't need international law and is guided by his own morality and his own mind. Russia has repeatedly tried to get a message across to the Americans about the advantages of establishing a dialogue to address issues in the Persian Gulf and the Middle East at large. Each time the United States and its allies intervene, the situation there gets worse. Iraq, Syria, and Libya have been destroyed (it's unclear when Libya will be pieced together).

The same is now happening with the Islamic Republic of Iran. For the second time in a row, the aggression against this country has begun at the height of negotiations. Everyone is talking about this. This inevitably raises questions regarding the US negotiators who ran the point on this political and diplomatic process. When senior members of the US administration speak with bravado and pride about the cold-blooded killing of Iran's Supreme Leader and other members of the country's leadership, one can hardly see this as anything other than cynical behaviour.

We advocate ensuring the interests of Iran and all countries in the region, including our close strategic partners from the Gulf Cooperation Council, who are also affected by the aggression unleashed by the United States and Israel. More recently, our Arab friends have been saying two wars were underway. One is the war waged by the United States and Israel against Iran, in which they are not involved in any way. The second is what they describe as Iran's unprovoked attacks on various sites in the Arab monarchies of the Gulf. I find it difficult to accept this logic, because the underlying cause - the US-Israeli aggression - holds the key to settlement. It is no coincidence that yesterday, on March 25, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called first and foremost on the United States and Israel to stop the war, and only then expressed hope that Iran would refrain from attacking facilities in the Arab states.

Question (retranslated from French): I have heard those remarks. However, US intelligence claims you are helping the Iranians identify US bases as targets. Is that true? How far will Russia go in supporting Iran? Is your country supplying weapons to Iran? Do you confirm armaments transfers?

Sergey Lavrov: You are a remarkably capable journalist, because your first question was whether it's true that we are helping Iran, and then, without waiting for me to answer your question, you went ahead and asked me how far this support would go.

President Vladimir Putin and his Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov have commented on the issue of Russia supplying intelligence to Iran which media is blowing out of proportion. They stated that Russia indeed has close relations with Iran. We have an agreement on military-technical cooperation. We have supplied certain types of military equipment to Iran, but we cannot agree with accusations that we are providing Iran with intelligence.

You mentioned intelligence regarding the location of US military bases. Everyone in the region knows their coordinates. This is not classified information. This information is readily available. I am not surprised to see Iran target them.

We have noted that when it became clear that war preparations were underway, our GCC partners strongly urged the United States not to start this reckless venture once again. They made it clear that they would not provide their airspace or allow US military bases on their territory to be used for attacking Iran. However, anyone with even cursory knowledge of war making understands that the US bases in the region were used for gathering and transmitting intelligence, including satellite data. The fact that these bases are coming under occasional attacks stems from the reckless venture that had been launched without any rationale. The Americans have evacuated most of their personnel from these bases for a reason. This also goes to show that they knew what was about to unfold. By launching this aggression, they have set up their Arab allies.

Question (retranslated from French): Mr Minister, from an economic viewpoint, is this war beneficial for Russia? Are you now able to sell more oil to Asian countries? This trade brings billions of dollars to the Russian budget. Will this help you to cope with the deficit and fund the special military operation in Ukraine?

Sergey Lavrov: We never do anything in order to take something away from others. We are never happy to see wars unleashed by other people or countries lead to global market gyrations that drive up prices for energy and other commodities exported by the Russian Federation. We will always, regardless of circumstances, trade and maintain economic relations with everyone who is interested in trading with us.

We see the United States' interest which they have stated openly. There are official documents and official statements indicating that they seek to dominate global energy markets.

Venezuela is a stark example. The claim was that the drug traffickers' regime must be taken down. The bottom line is that the United States is taking control of Venezuela's oil industry.

The same is now happening with Iran. The US President Donald Trump has, in effect, stated quite plainly that he wants, in conjunction with Iran, to control the Strait of Hormuz and all hydrocarbon shipments going through it.

No one condemned explosions at Nord Stream pipeline perpetrated by Ukrainian saboteurs with the apparent support of Western intelligence services. Neither France nor Germany denounced them; Germany, in particular. I think it's a disgrace for a country of its standing to swallow this act of sabotage and terrorism directed against its fundamental interests. The United States is now saying it wants to take over Nord Stream as well.

Sanctions have been imposed on Russian companies Lukoil and Rosneft. Their entire foreign-based business is now subject to attempted corporate raiding. So, it is not us who are using our actions in the international arena in an attempt to derive unlawful gain.

To reiterate, we will always honour our obligations under any economic circumstances. We will always maintain relations with our partners who are guided by the same principles, unlike the European Union, which decided to up and tear up all contractual and other arrangements with the Russian Federation because it wished to do so. This was the choice made by Paris and Berlin, and, of course, by your friends in the Baltic republics and in Poland, too, which I cannot fail to mention.

Question (retranslated from French): When the war started, US President Donald Trump said he wanted to lift sanctions on Russian oil. Has he done anything in this regard?

Sergey Lavrov: This is a very engaging subject. Just like the sanctions imposed by the EU and its individual member states - Britain included, of course - the US sanctions are outright illegitimate. Complying with them is out of the question.

We cannot understand or support the position adopted by the countries that are forced to be part of these entirely unlawful restrictions. Representatives of the United States, such as the Secretary of the Treasury or the Secretary of Energy, state that they have graciously allowed the Russian Federation to sell its oil that was already at sea, in tankers, suggesting that Russia may benefit from this indulgence for a month. In reality, tankers that are already at sea and heading to their destinations continue moving exactly as they did before.

We cannot even discuss the lifting of unlawful sanctions. For us and our honest and reliable partners they simply do not exist.

Question (translated from French): You said the US and Israel are violating international law in Iran. Can we ask the same question to you, saying that Russia is violating international law in Ukraine?

Sergey Lavrov: I'm not the one who raised the issue of the US and Israel violating international law in Iran. This is a hard fact that no one denies - including the leadership of the French Republic and a number of other EU countries. And it is perfectly clear to everyone on other continents as well.

I would emphasise that there was a negotiating process underway in both June 2025 and February 2026. And the strikes - without a declaration of war, without any justification - took place in the midst of those negotiations, right before the next scheduled round. This, of course, is treachery. I repeat that it raises questions for many regarding the role played by American negotiators.

You mentioned Ukraine and international law. In this regard, I will have to take up more of your time than I did with the previous questions.

When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991 (if you recall that period), Ukraine declared its independence on the basis of a special Declaration stating that the country would be a sovereign, independent, non-nuclear, neutral state that would not join or seek to join any military-political blocs.

That declaration also stated that Ukraine, as an independent state, would ensure legitimate human rights, including the rights of ethnic minorities and, as was proclaimed, their linguistic and religious rights.

We recognised the independence of that Ukraine - not the one led by Nazi nationalist regime that our Western colleagues brought to power in the February 2014 coup. As guarantors, France, Germany and Poland signed the agreements between then-President Viktor Yanukovich and the opposition, which envisaged and provided for the creation of a government of national unity and the holding of new early elections. The next morning, when the opposition trampled over the signatures of France, Germany and Poland, neither Paris, Berlin nor Warsaw so much as raised their voices or demanded that the opposition honour its commitments.

When we asked our French and German colleagues about this, they told us that democracy sometimes takes completely unexpected turns. Then the Kiev regime's aggression against its own citizens began: over 40 people were burned alive in Odessa; the centre of Lugansk, and many other cities and towns were bombed. War began.

On the initiative of then-French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the Normandy process was launched, involving Russian President Vladimir Putin and then-Ukrainian President Petr Poroshenko, and culminating in the signing of the Minsk agreements in February 2015. These agreements, I would note, were approved by the UN Security Council. Some time later - quite recently - after both Francois Hollande and Angela Merkel had already left office, they, along with former Ukrainian President Poroshenko, admitted that they had never intended to comply with these agreements - in flagrant disregard of the UN Security Council resolution. They wanted to buy time to "pump" more weapons into the Ukrainian Nazi regime.

Its Nazi character was reflected, to say the least, in the series of laws that began to be passed long before the special military operation - banning the Russian language across the board: in education (in both schools and universities), in culture, in books, and in the media. A law banning the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church was also passed.

You asked what the difference is between the situation in Iran and Ukraine. The difference is that the Islamic Republic of Iran has not violated any international obligations, including those relating to the Iranian nuclear programme. In 2015, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action was signed. It was approved by the UN Security Council. The United States undermined the JCPOA when, in 2017, during President Donald Trump's first term, they withdrew - violating all their commitments. Iran violated nothing. Ukraine, along with its Western patrons, violated everything that could possibly be violated.

And when, in December 2021, we proposed concluding agreements with the US and NATO on security guarantees that would ensure a balanced approach to security and stability, based on a balance of interests between Russia, Ukraine and the West, we were told that it was none of our business and that Ukraine would join NATO. So to suggest that we didn't warn anyone, or that France, Germany and Ukraine's other patrons didn't know they were steering matters towards a crisis, is, in my view, not entirely accurate. And I have no doubt that serious French political scientists and politicians understand perfectly well what happened and what caused the current crisis.

Question (retranslated from French): We have heard Russia's position. It has been articulated for four years now. We understand that it differs from the stance of France, Poland, Germany, and other European nations, which believe that the "intervention" or "invasion" of Ukraine constitutes a violation of international law. For over four years, war has raged. On February 24 of this year, you stated that not all objectives had yet been achieved. We would like to understand what your goals are. For instance, on Tuesday, you committed one of the worst acts of aggression by launching a massive drone attack on cities, deliberately targeting schools and hospitals. Hundreds of civilians perished. What are your objectives? Civilians? How far are you prepared to go to secure victory over Ukraine?

Sergey Lavrov: You remarked that our position differs from that of France, Germany, and Poland. I was not presenting a position but stating facts - facts that our Western colleagues adamantly refuse to acknowledge. These facts cannot be denied, for they were forged by the actions of our French, German, Polish, and other neighbours, who now categorically refuse to admit that they guaranteed a settlement twelve years ago, only to be ignored, spat upon, and their diplomatic efforts trampled - while they remained silent and swallowed the insult. A year later, in February 2015, the same Germany and France endorsed and approved in the UN Security Council what they termed their guarantees of the Minsk agreements, only to later confess they had no intention of fulfilling them.

Thus, I am not speaking of Russia's position as distinct from the West's, but of facts that France, Germany, and many of your NATO and EU partners are ashamed to acknowledge. No rational politician in Europe can fail to grasp the betrayal inherent in these actions.

As for the objectives we seek, they have been articulated by President Vladimir Putin. We have reiterated them repeatedly. They are defined by the causes of this crisis. First, we were assured at political levels that Ukraine would not be admitted into the alliance and that NATO would not expand. Then, when these assurances and agreements - reached within the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe - were violated, we were told they were political commitments, not legal ones. In other words, they lied to us when they signed these political declarations at the OSCE's highest level.

The second issue we and our compatriots - Russians and Russian-speakers in Ukraine - have faced is the wholesale eradication of their rights, met with total silence from so-called beacons of freedom and democracy like France and other EU members. Can you imagine a country banning a language, let alone an official UN language, in every conceivable sphere? In Ukraine, using Russian can result in administrative or even criminal penalties. We recently discussed Iran, where Hebrew is not banned. In Israel, no language - neither Arabic nor any other - is prohibited. Yet Ukraine stands alone in enforcing such practices.

Now, the West promises Ukraine "security guarantees." President of France Emmanuel Macron has spoken on this topic with such fervent conviction, claiming these "guarantees" - including the deployment of "stabilisation forces" from unspecified international structures - are part of the solution. In reality, this would amount to outright occupation.

Even if we abstract from the specific forms of these security guarantees - who are they for? For a Nazi regime. Neither France, nor Germany, nor anyone else in the West is currently telling Ukraine: "We are helping you. Restore the Russian language, as enshrined in your Constitution, and cease persecuting the Ukrainian Orthodox Church." Has anyone said this? This is not a bargaining chip. It is an integral part of dialogue with any normal country (I hope France is a normal country). So when you claim you will guarantee the security of Vladimir Zelensky and his junta - this is not liberty, equality, or fraternity. It is something else entirely.

And finally - you mentioned civilian casualties. I suppose this is what interests you most? You listed a series of facilities which, according to your sources, were targeted. These were civilian sites, with civilian casualties. We have repeatedly stated - through the words of President Vladimir Putin and the leadership of the Russian Ministry of Defence - that we never direct strikes at purely civilian targets. Every target selected, in one way or another, supports the operational activities of the Ukrainian armed forces on the front lines. The Ukrainian armed forces, incidentally, never shy away from attacking exclusively civilian sites.

Our representative, Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Foreign Ministry for Crimes of the Kiev Regime Rodion Miroshnik, is currently staying in Geneva. He has brought with him concrete evidence - voluminous documentation detailing the crimes of the Kiev regime and its violations of international humanitarian law.

As for accusations against us - we have never seen concrete proof. Only television reports or social media posts. Remember how, at the very outset of this crisis, attempts were made to accuse us based on imagery that journalists later revealed to be a decade-old photograph from Iraq?

My question to you is this: if you, as journalists, are genuinely concerned about upholding international humanitarian law, why not conduct a journalistic investigation? Many journalists undertake such investigations precisely because they distrust governments.

I travel annually to New York for the UN General Assembly sessions and hold news conferences there. I ask journalists: Why does no one pose one simple question? When your colleagues at the BBC, in April 2022, broadcast footage from a suburb of Kiev - the residential community of Bucha - where corpses with bound hands were neatly arranged, claiming these were atrocities committed by the Russian Armed Forces, we were accused of every imaginable sin, and new sanctions were imposed. Four years have passed since then. We still cannot obtain a list of the individuals whose bodies were shown by the BBC. Is this not a fair question from the country accused of these "atrocities"? Nothing has been proven. We appealed to the UN Secretary-General and the UN Human Rights Council. Their responses were bashfully evasive - they claim they cannot address this. Why? If Antonio Guterres and his team - who have effectively privatised the UN Secretariat on behalf of the West - cannot handle it, why don't journalists step in? Journalists who display such zeal on other occasions that one can only admire them further.

Bucha. If you will, this is my challenge to you. Yours is a reputable, major media company. When you ask why Russia is killing everyone - perhaps you ought to present at least some evidence. We disseminate evidence of the Ukrainian regime's atrocities, including today, once again, at the UN platform in Geneva. I call upon the journalistic community to also demonstrate some balance and responsibility.

Question (retranslated from French): You mentioned the BBC as an example. Our channel also reports on civilian casualties, and we have seen and filmed buildings destroyed by Russian drones.

I would like to ask about another issue. You had meetings with Ukrainian representatives and with members of the US President Trump administration. How are the peace negotiations progressing? Are you disappointed with Donald Trump's conduct and his ability to bring this war to an end?

Sergey Lavrov: You said that your company, like the BBC, shows destroyed buildings. My example was completely different: when the BBC team was reporting from a suburb of Kiev showing footage of bodies, no other journalistic team was noticed there. For four years now, we have sought to obtain the identities of those whose bodies were shown in that footage. One would expect such questions to be of interest to any journalist. I would encourage you to examine this matter at least. The events in Bucha have become widely known, yet the West is trying hard to forget them. And journalists who were always renowned for their meticulousness do not say a word.

As for the negotiations, President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly stated that Russia favours a resolution of the Ukrainian crisis created by the West. French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer have publicly expressed their intention to inflict a "strategic defeat" on Russia. "Not a step back." All recent NATO and EU meetings have reaffirmed continued support for the Ukrainian regime, including future security guarantees once this war the West unleashed against us using the hands of these Nazis is over.

The negotiation process has been shaped above all by the results of the summit between President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump held in Alaska in August 2025 - the summit to which we were invited. President Vladimir Putin accepted the invitation. In preparation for that meeting, US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff came to Moscow with a set of proposals on behalf of President Trump. President Vladimir Putin has said repeatedly that these proposals were carefully examined. They contained points that are of a compromise nature.

In the end, when we arrived in Alaska, President Putin told President Trump that Russia had examined these proposals and appreciated that they addressed the main task: the core roots of the conflict and the real situation on the ground after the people living in southeastern Ukraine had held referendums, reaffirming their wish to reunite with the Russian Federation. President Putin told President Trump that Russia agreed with the US proposals. There was a clear understanding.

Today, the "Anchorage spirit" is often referred to. Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump have always enjoyed a good relationship. They have respect for each other without agreeing on many points. However, they know how men and major political figures should talk to each other: in a candid and open dialogue, without shying away from problems and discrepancies. This is what the good "spirit" was about. Nevertheless, this is not so much about the "spirit" but about the clear understandings that were reached there. The Americans know about this. After Anchorage, all further progress in negotiations has been stalled by the EU and NATO leadership, especially Ursula von der Leyen and Mark Rutte, who worked hard to undermine these understandings and to steer the US administration away from the agreements that it had put forward and Russia had supported. The prolongation of the conflict is largely due to this subversive policy of the European Union and the North Atlantic Alliance leadership.

As you know, several rounds of negotiations have been held after Alaska, the most recent just before the US and Israel attacked Iran. Now, a pause followed. Despite this, we are aware of the contacts that took place between the Americans and the Ukrainians. We have been informed of this. We can see that the American side is making every effort to secure Kiev's consent to the understandings reached by the Russian and American presidents in Alaska. We believe this approach is the only correct one.

Question (retranslated from French): Before discussing relations with France and the European Union, I would like to ask: do you still trust Donald Trump? Do you consider him a good person and a reliable partner? My second question: Why doesn't President Vladimir Putin want to meet with President Vladimir Zelensky and negotiating directly with him?

Sergey Lavrov: When it comes to trust, we rely on concrete actions. There is plenty of rhetoric - Washington, Paris, Berlin, Brussels, and London all produce a great deal of it - but we place our confidence in tangible deeds.

Let me reiterate: we have just received information from our American colleagues, and we have every reason to believe it is true that they are working toward finalising the agreements reached in Alaska. This reflects the scope of their engagement with the Kiev regime. I see this as the only viable path forward. Admittedly, the Alaska agreements were not all-encompassing; a wide range of other issues will need to be addressed once Kiev agrees to accept the understandings reached in Anchorage.

Matters requiring particular attention include the previously mentioned issues concerning the Russian language and the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church. I do not believe we should expect any initiatives from Kiev in these areas. What is needed instead is to insist, on behalf of the European Union and NATO, on the restoration of the provisions of the Ukrainian Constitution that guarantee the rights of all national minorities, especially the Russian national minority and Russian-speaking residents of Ukraine, including their linguistic and religious rights.

The fact that the West and France, long known for their democratic traditions, remain completely silent on this matter suggests that the EU and NATO are intent on sustaining the Nazi regime in Kiev and laying the groundwork for another war against the Russian Federation.

We are not just hearing slogans about Russia supposedly "attacking" someone again by 2030, or even sooner. We are also witnessing unprecedented decisions to raise military spending to record levels. The great writer Anton Chekhov once wrote that if you place a gun on stage, it will inevitably fire. Today, the European Union is actively placing artillery and aircraft on the stage of European geopolitics. Even your President, Emmanuel Macron, has attempted to "place" a nuclear bomb on this European stage. He is now promoting a new strategic initiative, offering French nuclear forces as a nuclear umbrella and declaring plans to expand France's nuclear potential, without specifying the quantities. This suggests that he may not intend to engage in any future nuclear deterrence negotiations.

We could speak at length about the military preparations currently taking place in Europe. Opposition parties in both France and Germany are increasingly voicing concern that this will not end well. I believe responsible European politicians in power today should take these warnings seriously.

Meanwhile, Vladimir Zelensky himself states that Kiev does not intend to concede anything and is proposing only a ceasefire along the line of contact. He has said that he will never recognise referendum results where the residents of Novorossiya and Donbass chose to join Russia as legally valid, maintaining that the territory will remain Ukrainian and will ultimately be reclaimed. This has nothing to do with the understandings reached in Alaska

Second, Vladimir Zelensky says it is imperative to stop immediately at the line of contact. He is backed by French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. However, as I have noted, this effectively means supporting a freeze of the conflict - one in which the Kiev regime is currently losing - and providing guarantees for the regime to retain control over its remaining territory. This approach does not require a return to compliance with the UN Charter, which guarantees human rights, including linguistic and religious ones, nor does it obligate the regime to fulfil its commitments under international conventions.

It is Europe - not the broader West - that seeks to preserve the Nazi regime in Ukraine, right on our borders. And when NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte declares that Ukraine will join the Alliance, how are we expected to accept that as common sense? When neither French President Emmanuel Macron, nor German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, nor anyone else voices any objection to Rutte's statements, what are we supposed to think?

Question: (retranslated from French): You mentioned a delivery of a nuclear bomb from the European Union. We have never heard of this, and, fundamentally, no one in France has ever said that a nuclear bomb should be delivered to Ukraine.

You also mentioned France. A month earlier, you said that if President of France Emmanuel Macron were serious about engaging with President of Russia Vladimir Putin, he could have telephoned him. However, I feel compelled to ask: Does Vladimir Putin wish to speak with Emmanuel Macron? Do you want to restore dialogue with the Europeans, or do you view them as adversaries?

Sergey Lavrov: First, I never mentioned that France and Britain intend to provide Ukraine with either a "dirty bomb" or components of a nuclear charge. This information originated from our intelligence agencies and was published several weeks ago. We submitted formal demarches regarding this to Paris and London.

We are aware that the French, the British and all others categorically deny this fact. It's the only way for them to save face and avoid becoming gross violators of the non-proliferation regime. Nevertheless, we have no doubt that those in France and the UK who are privy to such information and involved in the matter are fully aware of the issue. However, I did not mention it in my answer. We have a saying that goes: He that commits a fault, thinks everyone speaks of it. Excuse me for using it, but I did not mention the episode to which you referred.

What I did mention was that President Emmanuel Macron had publicly revealed a decision to expand France's nuclear potential and offer it to European countries as an umbrella, perhaps to replace the American one. He also made a public statement that France would accumulate and increase its nuclear arsenal without disclosing its capacity to anyone.

When the Americans tell us that we should resume dialogue on strategic stability, nuclear deterrence and arms control, we believe that this becomes relevant at a certain stage. However, the conditions for such dialogue are not yet present, given that the Americans have completely undermined our partnership in the military sphere, in the strategic sphere. The doctrinal documents of the United States bear no evidence that it is ready to get back to the conditions that made it possible to sign treaties on strategic offensive weapons.

At present, the Americans are more inclined towards coercing the People's Republic of China into participating in those eventual talks. Our position is straightforward: the PRC makes its own judgment as to what serves its national interests. China has laid out its position, and we fully respect it. But China is not our ally, and we do not have any allied commitments. Meanwhile, the United States has such commitments with France (which is your country, and you might be interested in this) as well as with the UK. Therefore, speaking about the need to restore a nuclear deterrence and strategic stability dialogue while excluding France and the UK will lead to a blind alley. This is especially true now that President Emmanuel Macron has shown a keen interest in nuclear issues.

Question (retranslated from French): Mr Minister, do you consider France an adversary? Do you think Russia and France are adversaries?

Sergey Lavrov: Sorry, I didn't answer your question about contacts between President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of France Emmanuel Macron. There has not been a single instance where President Macron called the Kremlin and President Putin did not pick up the phone. Not once, not ever.

There have been many occasions when President Macron, during the special military operation, publicly stated from time to time that he would definitely call President Putin but later, not now.

If you want to get on the phone with your counterpart, with whom you have long-established relations, why announce it and not follow through? That can come across as either a threat or a gesture meant to attract attention. If you want to make a call, and you are a serious politician, just go ahead and place a call. Our President will always pick up the phone.

Moreover, our President always speaks with President Macron one-on-one. No one else is present in the office from which President Putin communicates with President Macron. Whereas in Paris (as seen on television and social media), President Macron speaks with President Putin in the presence of a large audience. No one is hiding it. There have even been leaks at times about what our presidents discussed. However, the principled position of President Putin is that he is always ready for dialogue.

As for your question of who the French and France are to us. An adversary? Well, certainly not an ally. I can tell you that straight away.

We were partners with France, as we were with the entire European Union. We even had a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, which formed the basis of our relations. This agreement was used to create an unprecedentedly extensive framework of relations. We were building four common spaces in the economy, culture, and security.

We had around two dozen (perhaps, even more) specialised sector-specific dialogues. We held two summits annually, too, at a time when no other country had two summits per year with the European Union. There were annual meetings of foreign ministers and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, under whose auspices a coordination mechanism was established to oversee the implementation of all agreements. All of this was cut off overnight by the European Union, and Russia was declared a country that must be dealt a "strategic defeat."

If someone threatens us with a "strategic defeat," who are they to us? A partner or an adversary? The decision is yours to make. I believe the facts extensively presented in the information space over the past four years are sufficient to understand the situation.

Question (retranslated from French): I understand you. You say you do not consider France an ally. Let me repeat the question: Is France your adversary? You are aware of our statements. Here in France, they say that Russia is the primary adversary in the information war, in the war for territories.

What would you say to the French authorities who claim that you are waging a hybrid war in France to destabilise the French system? Will you interfere in the presidential campaign scheduled for next year? How would you respond to this?

Sergey Lavrov: I have already stated that the European Union and France have, in essence, declared us an adversary - if not worse - when they asserted (and continue to assert) that Russia must suffer a "strategic defeat." President of France Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly stated that President Vladimir Putin is the main obstacle to peace. Such remarks of his exist, you may review them. I remember them well.

Regarding hybrid warfare - just yesterday, I read an interesting piece. I even have a note on this matter. In February of this year, a right-wing conservative activist was killed in France. This occurred in Lyon. He was murdered by a group of activists from an extreme left-wing youth organisation. In short, representatives of a youth movement that aligns politically and ideologically with the French mainstream, embodied by the current French leadership, killed a young right-wing conservative man.

The US Embassy in France and the US Department of State published a statement calling for the perpetrators to be held accountable and expressing concern that the rise of left-wing radicals in France and their violent actions threaten public safety. In response, your Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot erupted in anger and demanded that the United States cease interfering in France's internal affairs and national political discourse. He described this as unacceptable for any state.

That same month, in February of this year, the French Foreign Ministry issued several statements recalling the death of Alexey Navalny and explicitly stated that France holds the Russian authorities entirely responsible for his death, adding that Paris stands with all those in Russia courageously defending personal freedoms and the rule of law.

Earlier, the French Foreign Ministry published an official statement expressing concern over the "spiral of repression" in Russia, targeting all who criticise the authorities, and demanded that our country release them immediately.

You mentioned hybrid warfare in the information space. France expressed profound regret over the inclusion of the Reporters Without Borders NGO on the list of undesirable organisations in Russia. It was declared that this decision was "part of a campaign of repression waged by the Russian leadership against all critics of the authorities, with complete disregard for freedom of expression and the press."

This was stated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of a country that, for nearly a decade, has barred journalists from RT and Sputnik from attending briefings at the Elysee Palace. This first occurred ten years ago. They - RT and Sputnik - are simply denied accreditation. At the time, we asked our French friends (we genuinely believed we were friends) why your country, a beacon of freedom, prohibits journalists from obtaining accreditation at the Elysee Palace. Do you know what they told us? They replied that these are not journalists but propagandists. Their broadcasts are banned.

It is ironic that it was in Paris in 1990 that the OSCE Summit took place. The Paris Charter for a New Europe was adopted there. Among other commitments, it proclaimed that all OSCE members ensure complete and free access to information, whether generated abroad or within their own countries.

Since then, France has adopted numerous decisions that severely restrict access to information. I have provided you with one such example. Our television channels and media outlets are discriminated against, notably by being denied access to the Elysee Palace. This pertains to the question of hybrid wars.

Question (retranslated from French): We have five minutes left, Mr Minister. A quick question regarding the events of a few weeks ago. Our aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, was in the Baltic Sea when it was attacked by a drone. It has been suggested that a Russian drone approached our vessel. Could you confirm whether this was indeed a Russian drone?

Sergey Lavrov: We have consistently stated at the official level that we do not target civilian entities in Ukraine nor engage vessels in international waters belonging to states with which we are not officially at war.

Recently, there was similar noise in Estonia, reminiscent of the current discussion. A supposedly Russian drone was sighted, resulting in loud proclamations, only for the government to later acknowledge that the drone was Ukrainian.

It is fortunate that your aircraft carrier is in the Baltic Sea and not the Persian Gulf. Aircraft carriers have been deployed there too, although they have since departed. France, it appears, is also contemplating joining the coalition to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

I am uncertain of how this situation will unfold, but I hope that reason will ultimately prevail. Our Western colleagues should not persistently demand that Iran cease any retaliatory measures while neglecting to urge the United States and Israel to halt the war they initiated without any justification whatsoever.

However, speaking of incidents in the high seas, you somehow did not inquire about Bucha. I even prompted you to ask someone about the individuals displayed there.

Here is a very recent instance. Our tanker, the Arctic Metagaz, was struck in the Mediterranean Sea by a Ukrainian drone, an unmanned vessel. The tanker was carrying 140,000 tonnes of hydrocarbons. This is a potential environmental catastrophe. It is now adrift with a massive hole in its hull. The crew were in grave danger and were barely evacuated. Representatives from Libya assisted us in the evacuation. They are now attempting to address the security issues surrounding this significant cargo. Not a single European country is willing to discuss this matter anywhere. Your media outlets have not mentioned this incident involving the tanker - which, I reiterate, was struck by a Ukrainian unmanned vessel.

I understand that for you, the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is more important than our tanker.

Question (retranslated from French): Are you following our electoral campaign? Are there any candidates whom Russia wishes success and victory?

Sergey Lavrov: We wish all the best to those whom the French people choose to vote for.

Question (retranslated from French): At the summit involving Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, we all saw what you were wearing - the inscription "USSR." What signal were you trying to send? What message did you want to convey? Do you feel nostalgia for the Soviet Union?

Sergey Lavrov: I was born in the Soviet Union. What message does a Frenchman convey when he remembers and honours Marianne on the barricades?

Question (retranslated from French): That is history. But when you, as the Foreign Minister, wear a T-shirt with USSR, there is no doubt you are sending a message.

Sergey Lavrov: The Soviet Union is also history, just like the Russian Empire, just like the Great French Revolution.

I do not think you mean to say that you have the right to remember the French Revolution, but we must forget our own history. I believe that is not what you are implying. I think you understand what we are talking about.

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10th anniversary of the National Guard

In the Grand Hall of the State Kremlin Palace, the President addressed a gala event marking the 10th anniversary of the National Guard of Russia.

March 27, 2026

19:00

The Kremlin, Moscow

During the event, Vladimir Putin also presented a personal standard to Viktor Zolotov, Director of the Federal Service of National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation - Commander of the National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Comrades,

Today, we celebrate National Guard Day. I would like to extend my greetings to you and your colleagues, and to everyone who considers this day their professional holiday. This includes service and civilian personnel of the Russian National Guard, as well as distinguished veterans who served in the Troops of the Ministry of the Interior of the Soviet Union and Russia, in special units such as OMON and SOBR, in licensing and authorisation bodies, and in private security organisations.

Ten years ago, these and several other structures were brought together to form a new, independent, and powerful federal service. They provided it with a strong core team, while preserving their accumulated experience and traditions, and enabling the Russian National Guard to develop quickly and effectively in its formative years.

Over these years, the Russian National Guard has consistently strengthened its professional, operational, and combat capabilities, becoming a reliable and indispensable element of the national security system: protecting citizens, society, and the country as a whole.

I would like to particularly note the National Guard's significant contribution to combating terrorism, extremism, and crime in all its forms, including its most dangerous manifestations: organised crime and drug trafficking.

Every day, National Guard personnel patrol public spaces and help maintain order during major events, including sporting and cultural occasions, as well as large international forums.

Your responsibilities also include oversight of civilian weapons circulation, ensuring proper registration, control, and regular inspection.

You safeguard critical infrastructure, protect special cargo along key transport routes, and ensure uninterrupted functioning of facilities essential to governance, economic development, and a stable supply of energy to businesses, cities, and towns across our vast country.

As you know, today, additional efforts are required. Together with the Armed Forces, your colleagues from other relevant agencies, and regional and municipal authorities, you must swiftly and effectively respond to emerging threats. There are many such challenges, and you are well aware of them.

It is essential to do everything possible to minimise the impact of any criminal, sabotage, or hostile actions against Russia, and above all, to protect the lives and health of our citizens.

I am asking that you give this your utmost attention. Please also convey words of support and my special gratitude to the servicemen and commanders - I can see that some of them are present here today - who have taken part in the special military operation, for their faithful service to the Fatherland.

Our comrades are fighting for Russia: at this very moment, they are in position holding the line, confidently carrying out the difficult combat work. This is a righteous battle for our children and grandchildren to live peacefully, freely, and safely on their land. This is a fight for our people's sacred historical right to speak their native language, honour their ancestors who are true heroes, and keep the traditions and faith of their fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers.

I know that tens of thousands of National Guard personnel have been recognised for their participation in combat operations, for their heroism and personal courage. In total, over 380,000 of your comrades have received state and departmental awards over the past decade.

This speaks volumes about the personnel of the National Guard, about the strength, reliability, and dedication of those who choose this difficult, dangerous, yet noble path of service, so vital for the country and its people.

Dear comrades, comrade officers,

Today, on your professional holiday, Director of the Federal Service of National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation and Commander of the National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation Viktor Zolotov is being presented with a personal standard.

This is a particularly high honour. It symbolises the highest level of personal responsibility borne by a commander and military leader toward subordinates and toward the nation as a whole.

The personal standard, like the banner, flag, and emblem of the National Guard, will become another symbol of continuity and tradition within Russia's law enforcement forces. Their history, like that of many other state institutions, spans centuries. The Internal Guard battalions - this is what the precursors of today's National Guard were called - were formed on the eve of the Patriotic War of 1812. Soon afterwards, in 1816 - 210 years ago - they were joined into the Separate Internal Guard Corps as a centralised structure.

Of course, this Internal Guard and later local forces - or internal troops, as they were called - were primarily tasked with maintaining law and order in peacetime. However, during periods of external threat they stood alongside the Army and Navy in defence of the Fatherland, making a significant contribution to defeating the enemy. This was the case both in 1812 and during the Great Patriotic War.

Today, the National Guard also stands at the forefront of ensuring national security, relying on broad public support and unity. I am confident it will uphold and build upon the legacy of generations of brave defenders of our great, thousand-year-old Russia.

Happy holiday, dear friends. I wish you and your families all the very best.

Thank you.

(Ceremony of presenting the personal standard to the Director of the National Guard.)

Director of the Federal Service of National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation and Commander of the National Guard Troops Viktor Zolotov: Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief,

Colleagues, veterans and guests,

Today, I feel particular pride accepting this personal standard: a symbol of loyalty to official and military duty, as well as of my personal responsibility for leading the National Guard troops. This represents both a great trust and a profound honour.

The Russian National Guard is a federal executive body entrusted with protecting law and order, the state and society, and the rights and freedoms of our people. I would like to assure you that the National Guard troops stand firm in safeguarding the state and serving the people.

Thank you.

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Meeting with permanent members of the Security Council

The President held a briefing session with permanent members of the Security Council via videoconference.

March 27, 2026

15:05

The Kremlin, Moscow

Taking part in the meeting were Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko, State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Anton Vaino, Secretary of the Security Council Sergei Shoigu, Presidential Aide Nikolai Patrushev, Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Federal Security Service Director Alexander Bortnikov, and Foreign Intelligence Service Director Sergei Naryshkin.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, colleagues.

We regularly discuss Russia's policy in various spheres and assess the situation in various regions of the world and Russia's relations with the countries of these regions.

Today, I propose we hear the Foreign Minister's report on our activities on the European track.

It is clear that Russia's relations with European countries are going through a crisis, for which we are not to blame. References to the events in Ukraine do not provide sufficient grounds, because this crisis arose due to the actions of both the previous US administration and a number of leading European nations. They supported the coup in Ukraine, which subsequently triggered the entire chain of tragic events that continue to unfold there.

We will not talk about the reasons behind this. We will talk about our relations with European countries and the EU as a whole. Let me reiterate: we have never abandoned the idea of developing these relations or restoring them.

Let us listen to Mr Lavrov, who will offer relevant assessments and his considerations on what we should do next in the European direction.

Mr Lavrov, go ahead please.

<...>

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Russia's Relations With European Countries in Crisis, Not at Moscow's Fault - Putin

Sputnik News

20260327

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia's relations with European countries are in crisis, and through no fault of Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday.

"It is clear that Russia's relations with European countries are in crisis, and through no fault of ours," Putin said at a meeting with permanent members of the Russian Security Council.

The Ukrainian crisis was the fault of the previous US administration and several European countries, Putin said, adding that Russia has never refused to restore relations with Europe.

References to Ukrainian events in the situation of deteriorating relations between Russia and the West have no sufficient grounds, Putin added.

 Sputnik

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Syria: Statement by the Spokesperson on the report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the July 2025 violence in Sweida

European External Action Service (EEAS)

27.03.2026

EEAS Press Team

The report of the United Nations Commission of Inquiry, documenting serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law in Sweida in July 2025, is an important contribution to advance justice and the search for accountability in Syria.

The EU calls on all parties, including the Syrian transitional authorities, to swiftly and transparently implement the recommendations of the report.

All perpetrators must be held accountable, and justice delivered to the victims. Guarantees on non-recurrence of violations and measures to promote dialogue and trust are key for national reconciliation and for the success of the transition.

We welcome the access granted to the Commission of Inquiry by the Syrian transitional authorities enabling it to carry out investigations inside the country. We acknowledge the work of Syria's National Investigation Committee.

The EU commends the long-standing documentation and independent investigations by the Commission of Inquiry of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in Syria and today's decision by the Human Rights Council to renew its mandate.

The EU remains committed to supporting a peaceful and inclusive transition in Syria, upholding the human rights of all Syrians without discrimination of any kind. The EU continues urging all external actors without exception to fully respect Syria's unity, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

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UN Syria Commission releases report on July massacres and other grave violations committed in Suwayda and calls for expanded accountability measures

Press releases

Multiple Mechanisms

27 March 2026

GENEVA -- The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic today released a new report on the brutal violence that tore through Suwayda in July, leaving more than 1,700 people dead and forcing nearly 200,000 from their homes.

This report draws on 409 firsthand accounts from survivors and witnesses across affected communities, alongside extensive field visits to the hardest-hit areas. With access granted by the Syrian government, investigators found widespread devastationparticularly in Druze villages, where tens of thousands of homes, businesses, and places of worship were burned.

"The scale and brutality of the violence and violations documented in Suwayda is deeply distressing," said Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, Chair of the Commission. "Expanded efforts to pursue accountability for all perpetrators, regardless of affiliation or rank, are urgently needed to rebuild trust among the victim communities, alongside genuine dialogue to resolve root causes."

The Commission documented widespread executions, torture, gender-based violence and the burning of homes among other human rights violations it said may amount to war crimes and, should such elements be established through further investigation, crimes against humanity.

Initially triggered by inter-community tensions, the July escalation unfolded in three destructive waves of violencetwo targeting Druze civilians and one targeting Bedouin civilians.

In the first and deadliest wave, Government forces accompanied by tribal fighters committed widespread violations of international humanitarian and human rights law against Druze civilians between 14-16 July in western Suwayda and Suwayda city, including murder, torture, arbitrary detention, and pillage. Men identified as Druze were separated from women and children and executed. Others were shot in the streets or killed in their homes alongside family members.

The second wave began on 17 July after Government forces withdrew, following Israeli airstrikes on Suwayda and Damascus. Druze armed groups then attacked Bedouin civilians, committing serious violations of international humanitarian law including murder, torture, arbitrary detention, forced displacement and pillage, ultimately driving almost the entire Bedouin community from areas under their control.

The third and most destructive wave, carried out by tribal fighters who mobilized from late 17 to 19 July, again targeted Druze civilians, in retaliation. Nearly all homes, businesses, and religious sites in up to 35 Druze-majority or mixed villages were burned and looted, and civilians were killed or abducted. Some Government forces members removed their uniforms and joined the attacks.

Israel's military intervention, and earlier efforts to counter government functioning, centralization and sow division, not only killed and maimed people but also contributed to instability, fueling accusations of treason against Druze community leaders, and prompting further online incitement to hatred and retaliatory attacks against the entire community, and dividing it.

Each wave of violence was accompanied by sectarian insults directed at Druze and Bedouin civilians. The Commission identified clear patterns of targeting based on religious identity, ethnicity, age, and gender. Hospitals became overwhelmed, and bodies piled up as the violence intensified.

Across communities, there were strong calls for justice and renewed intercommunal relations. The Government pledged accountability, granted the Commission access to Suwayda, and launched a National Inquiry, which recently reported the detention of 23 security and army personnel. Limited information has been released regarding investigations into command responsibility.

"Serious violations carried out by government forces and Druze armed groups may amount to war crimes and require expanded prompt, effective and impartial investigations to provide justice and guarantees of non-recurrence," said Commissioner Fionnuala Ni Aolain. "The events also raise serious concerns that the attacks may have been part of a widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population of Suwayda across a subset of government force commanders - requiring further measures by the government to investigate these events as comprising crimes against humanity, including through international support as appropriate."

The Druze community suffered 1,190 men, 99 women, 22 boys, and 31 girls killed. The smaller local Bedouin community suffered 53 men, 9 women, 5 boys, and 3 girls killed. Most were civilians or individuals no longer participating in hostilities, though the Druze and Bedouin men killed also include members of armed groups or civilians directly participating in hostilities. At least 225 government personnel also died, many in Israeli airstrikes on 14-16 July in both Suwayda and Damascus, and additional tribal fatalities were reported. In total, the Commission received reports of more than 1,707 people killed.

In addition, many were abducted, kidnapped or unlawfully detained. While most have since been located and released, around one hundred Druze, twenty Bedouin, and thirty government personnel remain missing, as well as a Syrian Civil Defense volunteer who went missing when assisting evacuations. Initial reports of large numbers of missing women were not substantiated. Three Bedouin women and one girl and three Druze women are still unaccounted for.

The violence had a strong gendered dimension, with men and boys especially targeted. Both Druze and Bedouin communities also reported sexual violence against women and girls, including rape. Only a limited number of cases have been confirmed, and the full extent remains under investigation.

Suwayda governorate remains deeply divided, with political dialogue stalled. Lines of control have not shifted since 19 July, and clashes continue. Reports of intra-Druze violence and movement restrictions imposed by local Druze armed groups are under investigation.

Of nearly 200,000 people displaced in July, about 155,000mostly from burned Druze villagesremain unable to return. Nearly the entire Bedouin population also remains forcibly displaced, many still living in inadequate shelters eight months later. Other communities, including Christians and non-Bedouin Sunnis, report ongoing insecurity and fear of renewed violence.

"While the State is ultimately responsible for ensuring the rights of all are respected on Syrian territory, Druze armed groups also have obligations under international humanitarian law to hold their own ranks accountable for violations, to return the dead and account for the missing, and to ensure the rights of displaced persons to return and respect for their homes and property," said Commissioner Monia Ammar. "We call on all parties to redouble their efforts to meet their legal obligations, protect civilians, and resolve the crisis in Suwayda so that all civilians can return home and rebuild their communities."

The July events saw sharp increases in incitement to hatred and violence, amplified by misinformation. False and fabricated videos and claims, including heinous allegations of harm to fetuses and infants, circulated widely, including by Israeli government officials. No such account was substantiated, but they have deepened mistrust and complicated prospects for reconciliation.

The Commission's report calls for expanded efforts to ensure comprehensive accountability, concrete guarantees and action to prevent recurrence, strengthened confidence building and reconciliation efforts, and human rights compliant measures to counter incitement and hate speech, including online. It urges the international community to provide multilayered support to the government in implementing the Commission's recommendations, especially on the rule of law and accountability, and calls on external actors, including Israel, to halt actions that risk further destabilization and civilian harm.

Background: The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic composed of Commissioners Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, Fionnuala Ni Aolain and Monia Ammar, was established on 22 August 2011 by the UN Human Rights Council through resolution S-17/1. The mandate of the Commission is to investigate all alleged violations of international human rights law since March 2011 in the Syrian Arab Republic. The Human Rights Council also tasked the Commission with establishing the facts and circumstances that may amount to such violations and of the crimes perpetrated and, where possible, to identify those responsible with a view of ensuring that perpetrators of violations, including those that may constitute crimes against humanity, are held accountable. The Human Rights Council has repeatedly extended the Commission's mandate since then, most recently until 31 March 2026.

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UN Human Rights Council 61: UK Introductory Statement on the draft resolution on Syria

Speech

UK Introductory Statement on the draft resolution for supporting human rights in Syria. Delivered by UK Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Eleanor Sanders

Published 27 March 2026

Location: Geneva

Delivered on: 27 March 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

Thank you, Mr President,

I present the draft resolution "Supporting human rights in the Syrian Arab Republic."

For fourteen years, this Council stood with the Syrian people as they endured one of the most brutal chapters in modern history.

It was the Commission of Inquiry that ensured the world could not look away. Its independent investigations exposed the truth the regime tried so hard to bury.

Since the fall of the Assad regime, this Council has supported Syria as it enters a chapter we long hoped for, but which seemed distant before December 2024. As we have heard from the Syrian delegation, the new Syrian Government has made a deliberate choice: to confront the past, not conceal it; to embrace responsibility, not repeat denial.

This is reflected in the establishment of National Commissions on Transitional Justice and Missing Persons, and in unprecedented cooperation with OHCHR, Special Procedures, and the Commission of Inquiry  cooperation that was utterly unimaginable fifteen months ago.

Mr President,

Political transitions do not erase the entrenched legacies of atrocity and impunity.

The deeply alarming incidents of violence since December 2024 are a stark reminder of how fragile this moment remains  a reminder that the scars of division, mistrust, and impunity will not heal without unwavering resolve.

The Government's steps to launch investigations and initiate criminal proceedings are encouraging. As is their acknowledgement that UN assistance remains necessary  not as a substitute for Syrian leadership, but as a partner to ensure truth, justice, and accountability become permanent features of Syria's future.

The resolution recognises the fundamentally different situation in Syria today. It welcomes the access granted to UN mechanisms  access denied for over a decade. And it reaffirms that accountability for all violations and abuses is not optional; it is the foundation of a stable and rights-respecting Syria.

Above all, this resolution renews the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry  whose independence remains indispensable, and whose close cooperation with the Government marks a profound and unprecedented shift. We have sought to enhance this cooperation through the sharing of Commission's extensive experience and expertise to strengthen justice, prevent renewed violations, and drive sustained, measurable improvements in the human rights situation.

I thank all those who have engaged constructively on this resolution. In particular, I welcome once again the Syrian delegation's active and constructive participation and their support of the Core Groups efforts.

Mr President,

Last year this Council adopted this resolution by a landmark consensus. I urge this Council to once again show our unified support for Syria, and for a future radically different from their past.

Thank you.

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Syria: UN Commission documents grave violations in July 2025 escalation in Sweida

27 March 2026 - More than 1,700 people were killed and nearly 200,000 more displaced in the July 2025 massacres in Sweida, Syria, UN human rights investigators said on Friday in a report that called for greater action towards accountability.

The UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria documented widespread violations mainly against the Druze and Bedouin communities, including executions, torture, gender-based violence and the burning of homes.

These incidents, carried out by multiple actors, including Syrian government forces and Druze armed groups, may amount to war crimes or even crimes against humanity, pending further investigation, the Commission said.

Widespread devastation

The escalation in the southern governorate, also spelled Suwayda, occurred in the wake of the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024.

"The scale and brutality of the violence and violations documented in Suwayda is deeply distressing," said Commission Chair Paulo Sergio Pinheiro.

"Expanded efforts to pursue accountability for all perpetrators, regardless of affiliation or rank, are urgently needed to rebuild trust among the victim communities, alongside genuine dialogue to resolve root causes."

Overlapping waves of hostilities

The report draws on more than 400 firsthand accounts from survivors and witnesses.

The investigators were granted access by the Syrian authorities and conducted extensive field visits to the hardest-hit areas. They found widespread devastationparticularly in Druze villages, where tens of thousands of homes, businesses, and places of worship were burned.

The violence was initially triggered by inter-community tensions and unfolded in three wavestwo targeting Druze civilians and the other Bedouins.

"The entire period was also marked by elevated levels of hate speech and disinformation, which was disseminated largely through social media," the report said.

The first major wave of violence was the deadliest, with Government forces accompanied by tribal fighters committing widespread violations - including murder, torture, arbitrary detention and pillage - against Druze civilians in western Sweida and Sweida city between 14-16 July.

"Men identified as Druze were separated from women and children and executed. Others were shot in the streets or killed in their homes alongside family members," the Commission said.

The second wave began on 17 July after Government forces withdrew in the wake of Israeli airstrikes on Sweida and Syria's capital Damascus. Druze armed groups then attacked Bedouin civilians, engaging in murder, torture, arbitrary detention, forced displacement and pillage.

"Such attacks forced tens of thousands of Bedouins to leave the Druze-held areas of the governorate," the report said, ultimately driving almost the entire Bedouin community from areas under armed group control.

Retaliatory attacks

The third and most destructive wave was carried out by tribal fighters from across Syria who mobilized in the aftermath, from 17-19 July, and targeted Druze civilians in retaliation.

"There was widespread looting and systematic burning of nearly every home in 35 mixed or predominantly Druze villages by tribal fighters, along with killings and abductions of civilians who had not fled from the earlier government advance or who had returned to their villages on 17 July," the report said.

Businesses and religious sites were also burned and looted, while some Government force members "shed their uniforms" and joined the attacks.

The Commission noted that "Israel's military intervention, and earlier efforts to counter government functioning, centralization and sow division," not only caused death and injury "but also contributed to instability, fueling accusations of treason against Druze community leaders, and prompting further online incitement to hatred and retaliatory attacks against the entire community, and dividing it."

Call for accountability

In response to the violence, the Syrian authorities pledged accountability and launched a national inquiry. Recently, 23 security and army personnel were reportedly detained. Information regarding investigations into command responsibility has been limited.

"Serious violations carried out by government forces and Druze armed groups may amount to war crimes and require expanded prompt, effective and impartial investigations to provide justice and guarantees of nonrecurrence," said Commissioner Fionnuala Ni Aolain.

The report calls for expanded efforts to ensure accountability, action to prevent recurrence, and strengthened confidence building and reconciliation efforts, among other measures.

It urges the international community to support the Syrian authorities in implementing these recommendations, and for external actors, including Israel, to halt actions that risk further destabilization and civilian harm.

About the Commission

The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic was established by the UN Human Rights Council to investigate all alleged violations of international human rights law in the country since March 2011.

The panel consists of three members who are not UN staff and do not receive any payment for their work.

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Photo: https://www.facebook.com/rustemumerov.ua

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani have agreed to a mutually beneficial defense partnership for at least 10 years. A corresponding agreement was signed at the level of Chiefs of General Staff, the Ukrainian leader announced.

"I met with the Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in Doha. The Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, was also present at the meeting," he wrote on Telegram on Saturday.

"We discussed issues that could further strengthen the protection of life in both countries and agreed on a mutually beneficial partnership in the defense sector for at least 10 years. Following the meeting, our Chiefs of the General Staff signed an agreement, which provides for joint defense industry projects, the establishment of co-production facilities, and technological partnerships between companies," the president said.

The president provided an update on the security situation in Ukraine, the ongoing Russian attacks, and Russias close cooperation with the Iranian regime. "Strengthening air defense is a priority for us, and we count on support from our partners," Zelenskyy said.

"I thank His Highness for the warm reception, readiness to work together, and the concrete agreements reached," the president concluded.
Indictment alleges China party official interested in Taiwan legislative appointment

ROC Central News Agency

03/27/2026 10:58 PM

Taipei, March 27 (CNA) The indictment of China-born spouse Xu Chunying () revealed that an official from the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang in 2024 had inquired about the legislative prospects of Li Chen-hsiu () after Xu declined an at-large nomination by the Taiwan People's Party (TPP).

Xu, who chairs a Taiwanese new immigrants organization, was indicted by prosecutors Tuesday for violations of the Anti-Infiltration Act -- a 2020 law banning political activities funded or directed by hostile foreign forces like China -- and financial crimes.

The indictment detailed Xu's communications between June 2019 and October 2025 with Yang Wentao (), director of the Service Center for Cross-Strait Marriages and Families under China's Ministry of Civil Affairs, and Sun Xian (), deputy head of the Shanghai branch of the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang.

According to the indictment, one of Xu's illegal activities involved forwarding Sun the personal profile of Li, another Chinese spouse and naturalized Taiwanese citizen, on March 18, 2024.

At the time, Li ranked 15th on the TPP's at-large list and was expected to take office in two years under the party's rotation rule -- a seat she assumed in February.

On Nov. 3, 2024, Sun, in his message to Xu, said "There shouldn't be any issue with Li Chen-hsiu taking the baton now, right? We were just talking about her yesterday. Since I was not familiar (with the situation), I didn't say much."

It was unclear in the indictment what Sun meant by "taking the baton."

Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Deputy Minister and spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh () interpreted "taking the baton" to mean that Sun saw Li as filling the seat Xu would have taken, had Xu not turned down a spot on the Taiwan People's Party's (TPP) at-large list following controversies over her alleged links to China.

In another message from Sun to Xu on Aug. 21, 2025, Sun emphasized that Li must take office, despite any challenge to her eligibility, according to the indictment.

Sun said that even if Li is ultimately unable to assume the seat, the goal should be to force the MAC to declare her ineligible due to her nationality, adding that Mai Yu-chen () -- a naturalized citizen from Vietnam who resigned her TPP at-large seat in January under the party's rotation rule -- should then return to the position.

Together with Chung Chin-ming (), the head of a Taiwanese organization that promotes cross-strait marriages, Xu began frequently traveling to China under the pretext of providing services for Chinese spouses, prosecutors said.

On those trips, Xu met Yang and Sun, whom she began regularly reporting to on Taiwanese politics and elections, prosecutors added.

According to the indictment, Xu was frustrated with the Kuomintang (KMT) for not picking Chinese spouses for safe spots on their at-large legislator list, or shortening the time requirement for Chinese spouses to obtain citizenship.

In 2022, Xu noted in a report to Yang that Huang Shan-shan () was running for Taipei mayor as an independent, and, with Yang's support, began organizing other Chinese spouses to campaign for Huang, who ultimately lost the election.

In the run-up to the 2024 national elections, Sun asked Xu to stay in contact with Huang -- by then a member of the TPP, describing Huang as a "growth stock" with "opportunities down the road."

Meanwhile, when Xu learned that TPP presidential nominee Ko Wen-je () was interested in launching a group for China-born spouses that supported his candidacy, Xu reported it to Yang, and began rallying support for Ko, prosecutors said.

Separately, prosecutors alleged that Xu facilitated Sun's 10-day visit to Taiwan in October 2025 by using a shell company to invite him for "business exchanges."

In filing applications for Sun's entry permit, Xu concealed his political affiliation, claimed he had no government or party connections and submitted a falsified daily itinerary, actions for which prosecutors have charged her with document forgery.

Xu has been detained since Nov. 28, 2025, on suspicion of violating the Anti-Infiltration Act. On Thursday, the New Taipei District Court granted a prosecution request to extend her detention for another three months and to continue holding her incommunicado.

Through her legal counsel, Xu has rejected the charges under the Anti-Infiltration Act, saying she reportedly told her contacts that she refused to engage in or discuss politics in the chat logs seized by prosecutors, Liberty Times reported on Wednesday.

According to her defense, Xu said that her involvement with the TPP and her support for its candidates were aimed at serving the interests of fellow Chinese spouses and not politically motivated, according to the Chinese-language newspaper.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the TPP said that until a final court verdict is reached, the legal rights of every citizen must be protected.

"No individual should be subjected to 'trial by media' or face 'social death' before their case is even adjudicated," the statement read.

The TPP slammed the indictment, noting that while prosecutors identified Xu's campaign activities in 2022 and 2024 as illegal acts conducted "under the direction of infiltration sources," no concrete proof has been made public to support these assertions.

Ko was asked for a comment on the indictment against Xu at a press conference Thursday evening, held to respond to the Taipei District Court's ruling that sentenced him to 17 years in prison on corruption charges and other offenses earlier that day.

Ko responded by asking: "Are there more CCP (Chinese Communist Party) spies among China-born spouses, or among DPP (Democratic Progressive Party) staffers?" to which some of his supporters said "The DPP staffers!"

"The DPP are the real ... communists bandit!" Ko said.

(By Tsao Ya-yen, Chen Chun-hua, Lai Wen-chi and Shih Hsiu-chuan)

Enditem/AW



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PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2026.03.28

Issuing AuthorityPolitical Warfare Bureau

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

1.Date:

6 a.m. Mar. 27 (Fri.) to 6 a.m. Mar. 28 (Sat.) (UTC+8)

2.PLA activities:

13 sorties of PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN ships and 2 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 9 out of 13 sorties entered Taiwan's southwestern and eastern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities.

1150328_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

1150328_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan

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Norway Continues Medical Evacuation of Patients from Ukraine

Government of Norway

News story | Date: 27/03/2026

Norway is continuing its cooperation with the EU on the medical air transport of Ukrainian patients for treatment at hospitals in Norway and across Europe. Following a request from the EU, the Norwegian Government has decided to extend the offer of transport for patients until the end of 2027.

'Fighting on the front line in Ukraine is just as bloody now as when Russia's full-scale war began four years ago. Norway's efforts to evacuate the wounded are a cornerstone of Europe's Medevac support to Ukraine. Many countries have capacity for hospital treatment, but not suitable transport options. Norway's cooperation with the EU helps ensure that the capacity available in hospitals across Europe is used in a coordinated and effective way, thereby easing the burden on the Ukrainian healthcare system,' says Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

Central role

Norway plays a central role in the medical evacuation of patients from Ukraine. Since August 2022, Norway has been the only country to offer regular weekly flights to European countries to evacuate Ukrainian patients. Through nearly 200 flight operations, a total of 2,850 patients have been evacuated from Ukraine. Of these, 512 have received treatment at Norwegian hospitals.

The medical evacuation of Ukrainian patients is a cooperative effort involving several ministries, the regional health authorities, the Norwegian Directorate of Health, the Armed Forces, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), and the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB).

'I am proud of the efforts made by personnel from the Armed Forces over several years to help address the enormous challenges facing the Ukrainian healthcare system. The war is hitting Ukraine brutally, and every individual who can be evacuated and offered medical care means a great deal to that person and is important in the bigger picture. I am also pleased that, through this work, we have gained considerable experience and lessons in civil-military health cooperation, including in the treatment of war-wounded patients,' says Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik.

Learning from Ukraine

The European Commission has described the scheme as a central pillar in the work on medical evacuations of Ukrainian patients through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM).

'We are one of the countries that has received the highest number of patients from Ukraine through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. We have also entered into a health partnership with Ukraine to strengthen healthcare cooperation between our countries. This cooperation benefits both countries. We can learn a great deal from Ukraine in areas such as how to organise a health service during wartime,' says Minister of Health and Care Services Jan Christian Vestre.

Norway receives medevac patients following a specific assessment of treatment capacity at Norwegian hospitals and the individual patient's needs. Patients are first transported out of Ukraine by the Ukrainian authorities to a medical hub in Poland or directly to the plane. From there, they are evacuated onwardmainly by the SAS aircraft that the Armed Forces have a contingency agreement to useto hospitals around Europe for treatment.

The patients are of all age groups, and many are accompanied by relatives. War injuries and cancer make up the largest diagnostic groups, but there are also patients with other conditions. Norway's support for medical evacuation from Ukraine is mentioned in the security agreement signed by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in May 2024.

Civil-military cooperation

A long-term agreement between the Armed Forces and SAS makes it possible to convert an ordinary passenger aircraft into an air ambulance with stretcher and intensive care beds. SAS operates and flies the aircraft, while the Norwegian Armed Forces Medical Services are responsible for the medical and operational aspects. In this work, the private sector, civilian authorities and military authorities are working together in an important effort.

'We need even more civil-military cooperation, where agencies and ministries from many sectors work together to solve complex tasks. Such cooperation is also crucial for Norway to be able to deliver this important contribution to Europe's civilian support to Ukraine. Medevac is a good example of an area where this cooperation works very well,' says Minister of Justice and Public Security Astri Aas-Hansen.

Over several years, Norway has built up significant expertise in medical evacuation from several different countries. This valuable experience has contributed to stronger civil-military cooperation, which is now also benefiting NATO, where Norway is leading work on the development of medical evacuation.

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Our forces will intensify expertise exchange on air defence, says Minister of National Defence R. Kaunas in Kyiv

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence

2026-03-27

International cooperation | Security and defense policy

Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas is on a visit in Ukraine where he met with Minister of Defence of Ukraine Mykhailo Fedorov. R.Kaunas was thoroughly familiarized with functioning of Ukraine's air defence system and potential application of its elements in Lithuania. Ministers agreed to work on closer ties in developing joint Lithuania-Ukrainian weaponry production in both countries.

"Lithuania is and will remain one of the most loyal Ukraine's allies. It is time to take our brotherly connection and cooperation to a new level. We have agreed to intensify expertise exchange on air defence between the Lithuanian and Ukrainian militaries. We also work on a close collaboration in defence industry, especially in developing air defence capabilities. We seek better use of Ukraine's expertise and experience in Lithuania," said Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas.

Minister R. Kaunas and his Ukrainian counterpart discussed positions of the mobile fire teams ensuring defence of Ukraine's airspace. The Lithuanian delegation was able to observe the Ukrainian forces neutralize air threats and familiarize with the advanced technological solutions integrated amidst warfare.

"Ukraine is developing a comprehensive air defence model that integrates several types of capabilities. This approach is already giving results and building experience no one worldwide can match. Bilaterally beneficial partnerships and expertise of both countries can make the whole eastern flank stronger," said Minister of Defence of Ukraine Mykhailo Fedorov.

Ministers discussed potential defence industry projects in Lithuania that are currently a subject of intense negotiations.

Ministers also addressed the possibility to start a new project within the Brave1 innovation cluster to strengthen support to Ukraine's and Lithuania's defence start-ups. Air defence is named as one of the most promising areas of cooperation in these clusters.

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The Netherlands and Ukraine strengthen cooperation with a conference in Breda

Government of the Netherlands - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

News item | 27-03-2026 | 17:10

Tuesday marks the start of the annual Lviv Conference, an event organised by the Netherlands and Ukraine aimed at strengthening mutual cooperation and supporting Ukraine's EU accession process. This year's edition will take place in Breda, following last year's inaugural conference in Lviv. The conference will be opened by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tom Berendsen, and the Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Taras Kachka. A business forum will be held beforehand, in which the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, will participate.

Minister Berendsen: 'Countering Russian aggression goes hand in hand with our support for a democratic Ukraine governed by the rule of law. Working under difficult circumstances, Ukraine must continue to make progress with reforms on the path to EU membership. The Netherlands attaches great importance to the accession criteria, but Ukraine does not have to walk this path alone. That is why the Netherlands is more than willing to lend a helping hand.'

The conference aims to strengthen mutual cooperation and knowledge-sharing in order to support Ukraine in meeting the conditions for EU accession, known as the Copenhagen criteria. The Dutch delegation consists of representatives from six ministries. Discussions with their Ukrainian counterparts will cover topics such as the rule of law, good governance, energy, agriculture and social affairs.

Mayor of Breda Paul Depla: 'We're honoured to host this important conference in our city. Breda is twinned with Lviv, so we feel a close connection and are following the current situation in Ukraine with concern. Wherever possible we're offering emergency aid and support to the reconstruction process.'

A business forum will take place on Monday, prior to the conference. Dozens of Dutch and Ukrainian companies active in the energy, construction and agricultural sectors are taking part in this first edition of the Netherlands-Ukraine Business Forum. Minister Sjoerdsma will officially close the event.

Minister Sjoerdsma: 'The involvement of Dutch companies is essential for the reconstruction of Ukraine. They contribute to the country's recovery by sharing their knowledge and expertise with Ukrainian partners and by entering into new partnerships. This also offers business opportunities, both now and in the future. A win-win for the Netherlands and Ukraine.'

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G7 Weighs $575 Million Chernobyl Repair As France Insists Ukraine Not Overshadowed

By Alex Raufoglu March 27, 2026

VAUX-DE-CERNAY, France -- Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) are discussing a major effort to repair damage to the protective shelter at Ukraine's Chernobyl nuclear power plant, with costs estimated at around $575 million, a sign that Kyiv remains at the center of high-level talks despite competing global crises.

Speaking to RFE/RL on March 27, French Foreign Ministry spokesman Pascal Confavreux rejected concerns voiced by some countries that escalating tensions in the Middle East are diverting attention away from Ukraine.

"It could be a risk, but it's not a reality," he said.

Confavreux stressed Ukraine is a core focus of the ongoing G7 meeting, noting ministers are holding a dedicated session on support to Kyiv, with Ukraine's foreign minister set to join discussions.

"This G7 was created to allow leaders to discuss in trust the most important international issues," he said. "Among them, of course, there will be Iran and the Middle East -- but also Ukraine."

Nuclear Security Concerns

A central issue on the agenda is repairs to the massive protective dome covering the destroyed reactor at Chernobyl, which was struck by a drone in 2025.

Ukraine has said the impact was a Russian drone carrying a "high-explosive warhead." The Kremlin has denied the allegations, saying Kyiv made the claim to disrupt peace negotiations that were ongoing at the time.

In 1986, Chernobyl's No. 4 reactor exploded, creating the world's worst-ever nuclear disaster. The $2.5 billion dome was built in 2019 to prevent further radiation leaks and to enable the eventual dismantling of the reactor remains.

The damage to the dome, while physically limited, carries outsized financial and safety implications.

"This shows how significant the damage is and how dangerous it can be in terms of nuclear security," Confavreux said.

The cost estimate was announced by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and ministers are now discussing how to mobilize funding. Contributions from G7 partners, including the United States, are expected to be part of those talks.

"This will be discussed today [March 27]," Confavreux said when asked about potential US involvement.

As ministers continue their discussions, the scale of the Chernobyl repair effort has emerged as a stark illustration of the ongoing risks posed by the war in Ukraine, even far from active front lines.

For France, Confavreux said, the message from the G7 remains clear: Ukraine is not being sidelined.

"We are discussing Ukraine today," he said. "And we will continue to do so."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/g7-chernobyl-dome-repair- france-ukraine/33717924.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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Rubio Accuses Zelenskyy Of Lying About US Position On Bid To End Russia's War

By Alex Raufoglu March 27, 2026

PARIS -- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of lying when he suggested this week that the United States was conditioning security guarantees for Kyiv with the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the Donbas.

The dispute over Zelenskyy's comment could fuel tension between Washington and Kyiv at a time when US-brokered talks to end Russia's war against Ukraine are on hold and the US-Israeli war with Iran is drawing attention away from the worst conflict in Europe since 1945.

Ukraine wants strong US-backed security guarantees as part of any peace deal, to protect it from further Russian aggression. Russia wants Ukraine to withdraw from the parts of the Donbas, a swath of eastern Ukraine, that Moscow's forces have been unable to seize.

"The Americans are prepared to finalize these [security] guarantees at a high level once Ukraine is ready to withdraw from [the] Donbas," Zelenskyy told the Reuters news agency in an interview on March 25.

"That's a lie... that's not what he was told," Rubio said on March 27, responding to a question from an RFE/RL correspondent before he departed France following a meeting of Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers.

"I saw him say that, and it's unfortunate he would say that, because he knows that's not true," Rubio said, suggesting the US position was procedural rather than coercive.

"Security guarantees are not going to kick in until there's an end to a war... otherwise you're injecting yourself into the war," he said.

"We've told the Ukrainian side what the Russians are insisting on," Rubio added. "We're not advocating for it...it's their choice to make."

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.

Rubio reiterated that Washington remains committed to ending Russia's war against Ukraine but announced no new initiatives.

"We always want to see the end of that war.... We're ready to play whatever constructive role we can," he said.

In addition to occupying Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, 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.

In his remarks on March 27, Rubio also suggested that no assistance to Ukraine has yet been diverted due to the US-Israeli war with Iran.

"Nothing yet has been diverted, but it could," Rubio said.

"If we need something for America and it's American, we're going to keep it for America first," he said.

Rubio said there had not yet been any change in Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), a NATO initiative in which European countries purchase weapons for Ukraine from the United States.

(With reporting by AFP and Reuters)

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/rubio-zelenskyy-lie- donbas-war-russia-ukraine/33718272.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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US Tells Allies That Ukraine-Bound Arms Could be Sent to Middle East

Sputnik News

20260327

The US has warned that weapons deliveries to Ukraine could be halted as the Pentagon shifts its focus to the Iran war.

The State Department reportedly told European NATO allies that munitions deliveries  especially Patriot surface-to-air missiles  could face disruptions.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio raised the issue at the G7 foreign ministers meeting on March 27.

NATO members have already voiced concerns that the US could reroute weapons they had bought and paid for to replenish its stockpiles amid the Iran war.

The Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL)  under which US allies buy arms from the US for Ukrainemay also face disruption, despite some having "received assurances" from Washington.

 Sputnik

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Ukraine Loses Over 2,395 Soldiers to Russian Forces in Past Week - MoD

Sputnik News

20260327

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Ukraine lost over 2,395 soldiers in combat against Russia's Battlegroup Tsentr over the past week, in addition to losses in manpower and equipment on other fronts, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Friday.

"The losses of the Ukrainian armed forces amounted to over 2,395 military personnel, 63 armored combat vehicles, 97 vehicles, 21 field artillery guns, 10 electronic warfare and counter-battery warfare stations. Three ammunition depots were destroyed," the ministry said in a statement.

This is in addition to over 1,620 Ukrainian soldiers eliminated over the past day by Russia's Battlegroup Sever, over 2,065 by Battlegroup Vostok, over 1,280 by Battlegroup Zapad, over 1,210 by Battlegroup Yug, and up to 310 by Battlegroup Dnepr, the ministry said.

The Russian forces carried out one massive and five group strikes on facilities connected to the Ukrainian army in Ukraine in the past week, the ministry added.

 Sputnik

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UK commits 100 million air defence package for Ukraine to protect cities and critical infrastructure

Press release

The UK will urgently commit an additional 100 million for air defence support to Ukraine, helping to defend the country from Russia's relentless attacks.

From: Ministry of Defence, Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street, The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP and The Rt Hon John Healey MP

Published 27 March 2026

New funding brings the total in air defence commitments made over the last two months by the UK to protect Ukraine to 600 million.

Follows the Prime Minister's announcement that British military will be able to board shadow fleet vessels in UK waters - stepping up pressure on Putin.

Announcement made by the Prime Minister at the Joint Expeditionary Force leaders' meeting in Finland, as President Zelenskyy addresses the summit.

The UK will urgently commit an additional 100 million for air defence support to Ukraine, helping to defend the country from Russia's relentless attacks.

The funding will be rapidly deployed to strengthen Ukraine's air defences, ensuring frontline forces and key national infrastructure are better protected from aerial bombardment.

This latest package means the UK has committed 600 million over the last two months in air defence support to Ukraine, reaffirming the Government's determination to save lives and strengthen Ukraine's resilience.

The UK package comes as Joint Expeditionary Force leaders met in Helsinki today to discuss how partners can go further and faster on supporting Ukraine.

It also follows President Zelenskyy's visit to London last week, where the Prime Minister heard first hand about the courage and determination Ukraine's Armed Forces continue to demonstrate as they push back Russian forces.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

As Putin continues his abhorrent attacks across Ukraine, my message is simple - there will be no let up in the UK's support. Putin's needless full-scale invasion has hurt households up and down the UK by increasing the cost of living and undermining European security. To ensure that never happens again, and protect people at home from the real threat that Russia poses, I am determined to do everything we can to support a sovereign and free Ukraine for generations to come. This vital air defence package will do just that, protecting millions of people in Ukraine from Russia's barbaric strikes on cities and homes, as their armed forces courageously defend their nation and our values on the front line.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

Ukraine continues to bravely defend against Putin's brutal attacks, and I am proud of how the UK is stepping up support to Ukraine to achieve peace on their terms. This will provide Ukraine with vital air defence to protect civilians, cities and critical infrastructure from Russia's relentless attacks. The axis of aggression between Russia and Iran makes it increasingly important that we build on Ukrainian expertise and innovation, supported by British industry, and ensure that Ukrainian fighters see benefits from that as they continue to push back Putin's illegal invasion. I pay tribute to the huge courage and ingenuity of the Ukrainian people - military and civilians alike - and I am determined to make 2026 the year this war ends.

This package of support shows how the UK is ready to defend allies and interests and follows on from the Prime Minister's announcement that the British military will now be able to board shadow fleet vessels transiting UK waters - stepping up pressure on Putin.

The new funding builds on the UK's 500 million air defence package announced in February at the Ukraine Defence Contact Group at NATO headquarters in Brussels.

That package included 150 million for NATO's Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative, enabling the rapid delivery of air defence interceptors, alongside more than 1,000 Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs) manufactured in Belfast.

It also supported a 390 million deal to boost collaboration between UK and Ukrainian industry.

In addition, the UK is delivering a further 1,200 air defence missiles and 200,000 rounds of artillery ammunition through the Air Defence Consortium.

The UK continues to play a leading role in international support, co-chairing the Ukraine Defence Contact Group alongside Germany and working closely with allies across NATO and beyond.

Even as the global security picture becomes more complex, the UK is clear: standing up to Russian aggression remains essential to European and global security.

This announcement sits within the UK's wider 3 billion annual military support to Ukraine, ensuring sustained backing for Ukraine's defence for as long as it takes.

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